RNA sequencing analysis of the longissimus dorsi to identify candidate genes underlying the intramuscular fat content in Anqing Six-end-white pigs.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a significant marker for pork quality. The Anqing Six-end-white pig has the characteristics of high meat quality and IMF content. Owing to the influence of European commercial pigs and a late start in resource conservation, the IMF content within local populations varies between individuals. This study analyzed the longissimus dorsi transcriptome of purebred Anqing Six-end-white pigs with varying IMF content to recognize differentially expressed genes. We identified 1528 differentially expressed genes between the pigs with high (H) and low (L) IMF content. Based on these data, 1775 Gene Ontology terms were significantly enriched, including lipid metabolism, modification and storage, and regulation of lipid biosynthesis. Pathway analysis revealed 79 significantly enriched pathways, including the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis indicated that the L group had increased the expression of genes related to ribosome function. Additionally, the protein-protein interaction network analyses revealed that VEGFA, KDR, LEP, IRS1, IGF1R, FLT1 and FLT4 were promising candidate genes associated with the IMF content. Our study identified the candidate genes and pathways involved in IMF deposition and lipid metabolism and provides data for developing local pig germplasm resources.

Parental knowledge of prematurity and related issues.

INTRODUCTION: Current medical advances have increased the survival rate of the premature infant with its complications. Risk factors for prematurity include maternal diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking and alcohol intake. METHODS: A true/false questionnaire survey focusing on risk factors, outcomes/follow-up and costs was administered to adults attending a parenting-related public forum. One point was awarded per correct answer. Entire prematurity knowledge and section T-scores were calculated, (a pass mark was defined as at least 50 percent for each T-score). Missing answers and affected T-scores were considered invalid. RESULTS: There were 81 respondents: predominantly within 21-40 years of age, Chinese, female, public-housing dwellers, first-time parents-to-be and with graduate or higher-level qualifications. A pass in entire and prematurity knowledge T-scores was achieved in 69 percent (median 13 [range 3-21]) and 62 percent (median 12 [range 0-19]) respectively. A pass in section T-scores on risk factors, outcomes and costs was achieved in 62, 53 and 75 percent, respectively. Awareness of risks and outcomes did not correlate with awareness of costs. Logistic regression did not reveal any factors contributing to a pass or higher T-scores. CONCLUSION: Although the majority achieved a pass in all T-scores, general knowledge among this childbearing group was deemed inadequate by the median scores. As survival improves, awareness of prematurity and its risks has to be improved, with a target to reduce the incidence of prematurity and to support those infants who require resource-intensive follow-up.