羊朊蛋白基因的克隆和序列分析

分别从6只羊（3只藏绵羊和3只山羊）全血中提取基因组总DNA，用所设计引物以聚合酶链式反应扩增出细胞型朊蛋白（PrP^c）基因，并克隆到pMD 18-T载体。序列分析表明所克隆的羊PrP基因片段大小为771bp，包含了羊朊蛋白基因的完整编码区序列，为包含在单一外显子内的完整开放阅读框，其与国外报道的已知序列基本相同。所克隆的羊PrP基因含5个短而富含G-C的元件，可编码八肽Pro—His—Gly—Gly—Gly—Trp-Gly—Gln或九肽Pro—Gln／His—Gly—Gly—Gly-Gly—Trp—Gly—Gln。这些PrP基因序列相比较，其核苷酸序列和推导氨基酸序列同源性分别在99．0％～100．0％和98．1％～100．0％之间。共发现17个碱基替换，其中6个为同义码替换、11个为异义突变。异义突变中，除SY200301～SY200303的S240P和MY200301的M112T外，其余均位于PrP氨基酸125～228的C-端球形结构区，分别为MY200301的G129S突变、MY200302的T191R突变、MY200303的G127S突变及SY200302和SY200303的H143R和R211G。6个羊PrP基因均为密码子136、154和171的PrPARQ等位基因。     

牛朊蛋白(bPrPc)基因的克隆和序列分析

分别从9头牛(3头牦牛、3头荷斯坦牛和3头秦川黄牛)全血中提取基因组总DNA，用所设计引物以聚合酶链式反应扩增出细胞型朊蛋白(PrP^c)基因，并克隆到pMD18-T载体。序列分析表明所克隆的牛PrP。的片段大小为795bp，包含了牛朊蛋白基因的完整编码区序列，为含单一外显子的完整开放阅读框，与国内外报道的已知序列基本相同。本次所报道的牛PrP(bPrP^c)基因含6个短而富含G-C的元件，可编码八肽Pro-His-Gly-Gly-Gly-Trp-Gly-Gln／Arg或九肽Pro-Gin／His-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Trp／Arg-Gly-Gin。这些bPrPC基因序列相比较，其核苷酸和氨基酸同源性分别在99．0％～100．0％和99．2％～100．0％之间。在整个18个碱基替换中，多数替换是保守的，为同义突变，仅有5个替换引起氨基酸突变，分别为HN200302的W60R、HN200303的S154N、MN200301的A129V、NN200302的Q234R和NN200303的Q94R突变。发现牦牛朊粒基因在126(A-G)、234(G-A)和678(T-C)位的特征性核苷酸替换，但均为同义码替换。     

德州驴朊病毒基因克隆与序列分析

根据已报道正常哺乳动物朊蛋白(PrP)基因序列设计引物,采用PCR法扩增了德州驴的PrP基因,将其克隆到T-Vector。序列测定及分析表明所克隆的德州驴PrP基因片段为767 bp,该基因内无内含子,包含了驴PRNP完整编码区序列,编码256个氨基酸的前体蛋白,推测其分子量约34 ku。通过对德州驴朊病毒核苷酸和氨基酸序列与其他7种动物的比较,我们发现有3个区域变异较大,分别与种属屏障和潜伏期有关。经推测驴的PrP基因型是ARQ型,对羊痒病中度敏感,但是至今没有马属动物感染羊痒病的报道。这为TSE种间传播的突破提供了基础数据。     

绵羊朊蛋白PrP~C51-216蛋白酶K抵抗片段的克隆原核表达及纯化

根据绵羊朊蛋白基因(prion protein nucleic acid,PrNP)序列,截去PrNP部分N端信号肽(150 bp)和C端GPI锚定位点(123 bp)形成PrNPT-08,设计特异性引物,以绵羊全血提取DNA为模板,扩增PrNPT-08序列。与表达载体pET30a(+)连接,转化入BL21(DE3)感受态细胞。用IPTG诱导表达,其产物经SDS-PAGE电泳、纯化、Western blotting验证。结果表明,所插入的克隆片段含有498个核苷酸,共编码166个氨基酸,序列对比分析表明,与GenBank中绵羊朊蛋白基因序列同源性为99.6%,氨基酸序列同源性为98.8%。PrNP T-08基因在大肠杆菌得到高效表达,表达产物为相对分子量为27 kDa的融合蛋白,并能被PrP单克隆抗体AH6所识别。该蛋白成功表达为研究朊蛋白生理生化功能和结构转变提供了基础生物学材料,同时为朊蛋白疾病诊断中所需单克隆抗体的制备提供基本的试验材料。     

大熊猫IL-4基因的克隆与序列分析

应用RT-PCR技术从ConA诱导培养的大熊猫外周血淋巴细胞总RNA中扩增得到大熊猫IL-4基因,并将其克隆到PGEM-T载体中。经菌落PCR鉴定、序列测定及序列分析,结果表明,克隆得到的IL-4基因开放阅读框由396个核苷酸组成,编码一个由132个氨基酸组成的多肽,包括编码24个氨基酸的信号肽和108个氨基酸的成熟肽。与GenBank中已登录的大熊猫IL-4（DQ166512）的核苷酸序列同源性分别为99.5%和100%;与其他哺乳动物如犬、猫、人、猪、牛、羊、马、兔、鼠等的IL-4核苷酸同源性为50.7%（鼠）～87.7%（犬）;IL-4编码氨基酸同源性在35.7%（鼠）～78.8%（犬）;进化树构建结果表明,大熊猫与犬、猫遗传距离最近。     

中国奶牛PrP基因型分析

根据已报道奶牛朊蛋白(PrP)基因序列设计引物.采用PCR法扩增了28头黑白花奶牛的PrP基因.序列测定及分析结果表明,所克隆的奶牛PrP基因片段为677 bp.编码225个氨基酸的前体蛋白.对其136、154、171位点氨基酸多态性分析结果发现,对TSE中度易感的ARQ型占检测奶牛的82.9%,对TSE抗性的ARR型占7.1%,对TSE高度易感的VRQ型占10%.这说明中国奶牛的基因型对TSE中度易感,为防制TsE的发生提供基础数据.     

杂交牛(大额牛×云南黄牛)朊蛋白基因 的分子克隆及其序列分析

朊蛋白(prion protein,PRNP)基因编码朊蛋白,是引起疯牛病的主效基因。本研究利用PCR方法首次从杂交牛(大额牛×云南黄牛)基因组中扩增了PRNP基因,GenBank登录号为HQ875337。PCR产物直接双向测序表明,该序列包含杂交牛PRNP基因795 bp的开放阅读框(ORF),编码264个氨基酸前体蛋白。生物信息学分析结果发现,该蛋白包含1个信号肽、3个α螺旋、2个β折叠、6个八肽重复序列、1个疏水区域、1个二硫键和1个糖基磷脂酰肌醇锚定位点。与已报道的其他牛PRNP基因进行序列比对分析,核苷酸和氨基酸的同源性均在97%以上。     

绵羊PRND基因序列分析

Doppel是一种新发现的朊蛋白样糖蛋白,与PrP相类似,编码Dpl蛋白的基因称作PRND,鼠、人,以及其他哺乳动物的PRND位于PRNP下游16 kb的地方[1].Dpl与PrPC(cellular prion pro-tein)C端的三分之二具有25%的序列同源性;Dpl与PrP在二级结构和拓扑学上具有极大的相似性,均包含3个α螺旋和2个二硫键,但是在N端Dpl则缺乏存在于PrPC中八肽重复区域[2-4].     

中国奶牛PrP基因型分析

根据已报道奶牛朊蛋白(PrP)基因序列设计引物,采用PCR法扩增了28头黑白花奶牛的PrP基因。序列测定及分析结果表明,所克隆的奶牛PrP基因片段为677 bp,编码225个氨基酸的前体蛋白。对其136、154、171位点氨基酸多态性分析结果发现,对TSE中度易感的ARQ型占检测奶牛的82.9%,对TSE抗性的ARR型占7.1%,对TSE高度易感的VRQ型占10%。这说明中国奶牛的基因型对TSE中度易感,为防制TSE的发生提供基础数据。     

黑曲霉3928植酸酶phy基因的克隆及全序列分析

根据GenBank中已注册的黑曲霉基因序列设计了1对引物,通过PCR方法将黑曲霉phy A全基因进行扩增,获得了1条长约1.5 kb的特异性PCR产物,在PMD18 T载体中克隆了黑曲霉3928植酸酶phy A全基因,筛选到2个重组菌落(1#和2#),并进行了全序列测定。序列分析结果表明:2个重组质粒的测序结果完全一致;克隆的片段中含有完整的phy A基因序列,全长1 506 bp,其中含有一段长102 bp的内含子;phyA基因全序列编码467个氨基酸,信号肽位于基因的5′端,长度为19个氨基酸;碱基序列与GenBank中报道的AY513749的同源性为98.87%,编码的氨基酸序列的同源性为97.21%。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.