桑树Ca~(2+)/H~+反向转运体基因MCAX-1的克隆及序列与表达分析

植物体内的Ca2+/H+反向转运体在Ca2+介导的营养和信号转导中发挥着重要作用。选择桑树幼叶cDNA文库中功能注释为Ca2+/H+反向转运体基因(CAX)的一条EST序列设计引物,通过cDNA末端快速扩增(RACE)与反转录PCR(RT-PCR)在桑品种育71-1的幼叶中克隆获得该基因的全长cDNA序列,命名为MCAX-1(GenBank登录号:JN716318)。序列分析显示:MCAX-1全长1 784 bp,包括197 bp的5'端非翻译序列和243 bp的3'端非翻译序列,含有一个1 344 bp的完整ORF,编码447个氨基酸残基,预测蛋白质分子质量为47.93 kD,等电点为5.67。构建的桑树和其它植物基于CAX蛋白氨基酸序列的系统进化树显示:桑树与盐地碱蓬(Suaeda salsa)、毛果杨(Populus trichocarpa)、蓖麻(Ricinus communis)等有较近的亲缘关系。半定量RT-PCR分析表明:MCAX-1在桑树幼芽、嫩叶、根和幼花中的表达量较高,在韧皮部、木质部和成熟果实中的表达量较低;MCAX-1在低温胁迫下的表达量减少,-1℃时几乎无表达,在干旱胁迫下的表达量随着胁迫时间延长逐渐达到最大值之后又迅速降低,在盐分胁迫初期的表达量无变化,但胁迫18 d时表达量明显降低。初步推测MCAX-1与桑树的抗逆性能有一定关联。     

大蒜芥Δ′-吡咯啉-5-羧酸合成酶基因(P5CS)的克隆及表达分析

Δ′-吡咯啉-5-羧酸合成酶(P5CS)是植物渗透胁迫下脯氨酸合成谷氨酸的关键酶。利用RACE结合RT-PCR技术克隆获得大蒜芥(Sisybrium altissimum)SaP5CS1基因全长cDNA序列,该基因全长1 907bp,其中开放阅读框为1 719bp,编码573个氨基酸,预测编码蛋白质的等电点为4.95,分子量为156.279kDa。同源分析显示,SaP5CS1与甘蓝型油菜(Brassica napus)和拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)的蛋白序列相似性分别为98%和96%。实时荧光定量PCR分析表明,在干旱逆境胁迫条件下,大蒜芥SaP5CS1基因在根和叶的相对表达量受胁迫的诱导均上调。SaP5CS1基因的克隆及序列分析将为其功能分析和分子育种奠定基础。     

四翅滨藜AcDREB2转录因子编码基因的克隆及其表达

脱水应答元件结合蛋白(DREB)在植物响应盐和干旱胁迫中发挥重要作用.为研究DREB在耐盐碱耐干旱的先锋植物四翅滨藜(Atriplex canescens)中的功能及其应用前景,本研究设计了一对简并引物,通过PCR扩增和RACE法克隆得到四翅滨藜DREB转录因子编码基因AcDREB2.该基因cDNA全长为867 bp,共编码242个氨基酸.序列BLAST比对与同源性分析结果表明,该基因与其他植物的DREB具有较高的同源性.利用RT-PCR方法进行表达模式分析发现,AcDREB2在四翅滨藜叶中高丰度表达,且其表达受NaCl和渗透胁迫处理的快速诱导,表明AcDREB2参与了四翅滨藜的抗逆响应.     

四翅滨藜AcDREB2转录因子编码基因的克隆及其表达

脱水应答元件结合蛋白(DREB)在植物响应盐和干旱胁迫中发挥重要作用。为研究DREB在耐盐碱耐干旱的先锋植物四翅滨藜(Atriplex canescens)中的功能及其应用前景,本研究设计了一对简并引物,通过PCR扩增和RACE法克隆得到四翅滨藜DREB转录因子编码基因AcDREB2。该基因cDNA全长为867 bp,共编码242个氨基酸。序列BLAST比对与同源性分析结果表明,该基因与其他植物的DREB具有较高的同源性。利用RT-PCR方法进行表达模式分析发现,AcDREB2在四翅滨藜叶中高丰度表达,且其表达受NaCl和渗透胁迫处理的快速诱导,表明AcDREB2参与了四翅滨藜的抗逆响应。     

西伯利亚白刺肌动蛋白基因的分离与特性分析

利用兼并PCR及RACE技术克隆了西伯利亚白刺的肌动蛋白基因(Nitraria sibirica Actin, NsAct),并对其基因结构和表达特性进行了分析。所克隆的NsAct cDNA全长序列为1 831 bp,包含1 134 bp的开放阅读框,编码377个氨基酸;基因组DNA全长序列为2 913 bp,包含5个外显子和4个内含子。系统进化分析结果显示,NsAct与其他植物的肌动蛋白基因具有较高的同源性,与芒果(无患子目)亲缘关系最为接近。基因表达特性分析的结果显示,该基因在根、茎、叶中的表达量基本一致;在干旱、盐、低温及外源脱落酸胁迫下,表达量无明显变化,这些结果验证了该基因作为分子内标的可靠性。     

星星草PtGAPDH基因的克隆与表达分析

本试验利用RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA ends)克隆技术从星星草中克隆得到抗盐碱相关基因甘油醛-3-磷酸脱氢酶(GAPDH)的cDNA全长序列,其GeneBank登录号为JX411954。PtGAPDH基因开放阅读框为1014 bp,编码337个氨基酸。该氨基酸序列与高羊茅、大麦、小麦、水稻等禾本科作物具有较高的序列相似性。系统进化分析表明,PtGAPDH基因编码蛋白与单子叶植物的GAPDH具有较近的亲缘关系。Northern杂交分析显示,在一定盐碱胁迫条件下,随着处理试剂Na₂CO₃溶液浓度的增加,PtGAPDH基因在盐碱胁迫下的叶片和根部表达量都显著升高;超过最大耐受量后,PtGAPDH基因表达丰度逐渐降低。PtGAPDH基因的表达模式代表了星星草在盐碱胁迫下其自身的生理生化变化对分子水平上的基因表达丰度产生的影响趋势。     

野生卵穗苔草泛素结合酶基因片段的克隆与序列分析

苔草(Carex L.)是我国极具研究开发潜力的乡土草坪草种质资源。采自内蒙古大青山的卵穗苔草(Carex duriuscula)具有较强的抗旱性和耐贫瘠力,是草坪草抗性育种的重要基因源之一。本研究从野生卵穗苔草干旱抑制性消减杂交的cDNA文库中测序获得一条长度为291 bp、编码50个氨基酸的cDNA基因片段,对该基因片段进行序列分析,确定其属于泛素结合酶(ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme,E2s)蛋白家族,命名为Cd-UBC2。该基因生物信息学分析结果表明:氨基酸组成中不含吡咯赖氨酸(Ply)和硒半胱氨酸(Sec),这与其他物种UBC蛋白成分非常接近。二级结构预测表明该蛋白主要由α螺旋和无规则卷曲组成,约占92%。从野生卵穗苔草中成功获得了泛素结合酶基因片段,为克隆野生卵穗苔草泛素结合酶基因全长及最终分离、克隆苔草抗性基因,草坪草遗传改良和新品种选育奠定了基础。     

桑树苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因克隆与序列分析

苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL,EC 4.3.1.5)是植物体内苯丙烷类代谢途径中的关键酶和限速酶,与植物的抗病性和植物体内黄酮类色素等多种次生物质的生物合成密切相关。利用同源克隆方法成功克隆了桑树苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因(pal)cDNA片段(GenBank登录号:FJ938356),该片段长1 105 bp,编码367个氨基酸,氨基酸序列的34-50区域为PAL的特征序列。桑树pal基因和其他植物pal基因的同源性分析表明其与甜樱桃的亲缘关系最近,同源性高达82%,与树莓的同源性达80%,与杨树和咖啡树也达到75%,由此也证实克隆的桑树cDNA片段为pal基因家族成员之一。     

碱茅6-磷酸海藻糖合成酶基因的克隆及其耐逆性分析

从碱茅酵母cDNA文库中经过NaCl、NaHCO₃筛选,均得到长为1153 bp碱茅6-磷酸海藻糖合成酶基因(PutTPS)片段。通过3'End cDNA amplification方法获得基因缺失的3'序列,该基因全长3358 bp,编码882个氨基酸。氨基酸序列比较结果表明,PutTPS氨基酸序列与水稻、拟南芥、玉米等多种高等植物的TPS蛋白的同源性高达60%90%。利用Northern blot技术,研究该基因的组织表达模式及NaCl、NaHCO₃胁迫处理下基因的表达模式变化;同时对转pYES₂- PutTPS基因酵母菌株进行盐、碱、氧化胁迫、渗透胁迫处理,观察其在逆境下的生存表现。结果表明,PutTPS具有组织表达特异性,其中在根和花中表达量最大;NaCl、NaHCO₃会诱导PutTPS 基因在根和叶中的上调表达;同时重组酵母菌株对盐碱、氧化、渗透胁迫及干旱等逆境的适应能力显著增强。以上研究结果表明,碱茅PutTPS基因与逆境之间具有一定的应答关系,并在植物适应环境逆境过程中起着重要的作用。     

结缕草ZjCCS基因的克隆与表达分析

为了解Cu/Zn超氧化物歧化酶分子伴侣基因(CCS)在结缕草逆境胁迫过程中的表达调控机制,以结缕草(Zoysia japonica)盐胁迫条件下的转录组数据为依据,结缕草cDNA为模板,通过RT-PCR法,克隆了924 bp长的结缕草ZjCCS基因的CDS序列。同源性分析显示该基因与谷子(Setaria italica)同源性最高,含有植物CCS蛋白所特有的3个保守结构域。利用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术研究该基因在非生物胁迫条件下在结缕草叶片中的表达情况,结果显示,在盐胁迫条件下,ZjCCS基因的表达量呈先上升后下降的趋势,4 h表达量最高,相对于盐胁迫,干旱和重金属胁迫对ZjCCS基因的表达量影响不大,推测ZjCCS基因可能在结缕草响应盐胁迫过程中发挥作用。     

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.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

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.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein     

Avian brood parasitism — a growing research area in behavioral ecology (part Ⅱ)

正We are pleased to publish the second special issue on avian brood parasitism and to be responsible guest editors for the two special issues of Chinese Birds (Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012 and Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013), entitled "Avian Brood Parasitism - A Growing Research Area in Behavioral Ecology". The first issue was published in December 2012. The goal of the two special issues is to publish accumulated knowledge and some of the recent developments in     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -