猪链球菌2型江苏分离株溶血素基因检测及序列分析

根据猪链球菌2型（Streptococcus suis type 2）溶血素基因（sly）设计和合成了一对可扩增其完整阅读框的引物，对HA9801等6株猪链球菌2型江苏分离株，1株德国分离株SS2-D及猪链球菌C群参考株ATCC35246的核酸进行PCR扩增，结果显示HA9801等6株江苏分离株及德国株SS2呈阳性．ATCC35246呈阴性。HA9801株PCR产物纯化后测序．序列分析表明该DNA片段与猪链球菌2型1933株的sly基因同源性为99％。     

猪链球菌2型江苏分离株溶血素基因的检测及序列分析

根据猪链球菌2型(strep tococcus su is type 2)溶血素基因(sly)设计和合成了一对可扩增其完整阅读框的引物,对HA 9801等6株猪链球菌2型江苏分离株、1株德国分离株SS2-D及猪链球菌C群参考株ATCC 35246的核酸进行PCR扩增,结果显示HA 9801等6株江苏分离株及德国株SS2呈阳性,ATCC 35246呈阴性。HA 9801株PCR产物纯化后测序,序列分析结果表明该DNA片段与猪链球菌2型1933株的sly基因同源性为99%。     

二型圆环病毒ORF2基因的序列分析

通过PCR扩增，对两株分离到的2型猪圆环病毒的ORF2基因进行了扩增，将获得的PCR产物分别与T载体连接，获得了两个毒株的ORF2基因阳性克隆。序列分析表明，与其它中国分离株同源性高达99%，同处于一个基因簇，但和中国BF分离株同源性却只有92.3%。而荷兰分离的NL-PMWS-2株与中国分离株的同源性却在99%以上，表明中国流行的PCV-2和国外分离株有密切关系。     

牛瑟氏泰勒虫P33表面蛋白基因的克隆与序列分析

为分析吉林省流行的牛瑟氏泰勒虫基因序列，根据GenBank上发表的牛瑟氏泰勒虫P33表面蛋白基因序列设计合成一对引物，用PCR方法扩增出牛瑟氏泰勒虫的基因片段，并成功地将该基因纯化后克隆到pGEM-TEasy载体上，将经EcoRⅠ酶切鉴定和PCR鉴定为阳性的重组质粒进行测序。结果表明克隆的基因片段长度为868bp，编码283个氨基酸，有2个潜在的糖基化位点。核苷酸同源性分析表明，该基因片段与韩国株（AF521557）、日本株（AB016280）、俄罗斯株（AB016279）的核苷酸序列同源性分别为99．4％、88.0％、88．1％。     

猪链球菌2型安徽分离株毒力基因cps2J、mrp、epf、sly的检测及其序列分析

为了解19株猪链球菌2型(S.suis 2)安徽分离株的毒力基因型及毒力基因变异情况,通过PCR扩增S.suis 2毒力基因cps2J、mrp、epf和sly,对这4种毒力基因的扩增片段进行序列测定,并与国内外其他分离株的基因序列进行比较.结果显示,cps2J、mrp、epf和sly基因在19株S.suis 2中的检出率分别为100％、68.4％、68.4％、78.9％;19个受试菌株共分为7个毒力基因型,其中cps2J+/mrp+/epf+/sly+占57.9％,为优势基因型;S.suis 2安徽分离株4种毒力基因的检测序列之间及其与国内其他地区S.suis 2分离株的相应序列同源性均在99.1％以上,与国外S.suis 2分离株的相应序列同源性在87.8％～100％之间;19株cps2J+菌株中有1株菌cps2J基因序列有变异,13株mrp十菌株中有6株菌mrp基因序列发生变异,检测的epf和sly基因序列没有变异.表明cps2J +/mrp+ /epf+/sly+是S.suis 2安徽分离株优势毒力基因型,检测的S.suis 2安徽分离株cps2J、epf和sly基因部分序列较保守,mrp基因部分序列存在较大的变异.     

伪狂犬病病毒上海株gE和gI基因的克隆及序列分析

参考Genebank发表的伪犬病病毒（Pseudorabies Virus,PRV）的gI和gE基因序列，自行设计并合成了两对引物，对PRV上海株（PRV－SH）进行PCR扩增，产物经琼脂糖电泳分析，均呈现一条约960bp和1740bp的条带，将其克隆入pGEM-T-easy载体中，进行了序旬测定，将PRV－SH株的gI基因与Rice株gI基因比较发现,核苷酸的同源性为94.7%，氨基酸的同源性为91.3%，证实为gI基因，将PRV－SH gE基因序列与Ea株、Ruce株gE基因序列进行比较，结果显示，该序列与PRV Ea株、Rice株gE基因的同源性分别为98.5%、97.5%；的氨基酸序列与Ea株，Rice株和I型单纯疱疹病毒（HSV－1）17株gE的同源性分别为97.2%、94.8%和15.6%。     

羊传染性脓疱病毒内蒙古分离株VIR基因的克隆与序列分析

根据GenBank中已经发表的羊传染性脓疱病毒毒株StrainNZ2的VIR基因序列,设计合成1对引物。采用PCR技术对内蒙古分离株（OV/nm-05）的VIR基因进行特异性扩增,然后将其克隆到pEASY-T1载体中进行测序,得到该病毒的VIR基因序列。序列分析表明,OV/nm-05株与1710/03株的同源性最高,达98.0%;与513/04株的同源性最低,为95.4%。说明羊传染性脓疱病毒内蒙古分离株VIR基因与其他参考毒株之间差异不大,这为进一步从分子生物学角度了解VIR基因的结构和功能奠定了基础。     

2株猪圆环病毒ORF2基因的克隆测序

对分离到的2株猪圆环病毒PCV-2型的ORF2基因进行了扩增,将获得的PCR产物分别与T载体连接,获得了2个毒株的ORF2基因阳性克隆。序列分析表明,这2个分离株与其他中国分离株同源性高达99%以上,同处于一个基因簇,但和中国BF分离株同源性却只有92.3%。而荷兰分离的NL-PMWS-2株与中国分离株的同源性却在99%以上,表明中国流行的PCV-2和国外分离株有密切关系。     

番鸭呼肠孤病毒MW9710株S1基因片段的克隆及序列分析

参考GenBank番鸭呼肠孤病毒(muscovy duck reovirus,MDRV)S1基因序列设计合成一对引物,对番鸭呼肠孤病毒MW9710株S1基因进行RT-PCR扩增,并对PCR产物进行了克隆和测序.结果显示扩增产物为300bp,与预期的目的片段大小一致,经PCR、酶切反应鉴定后克隆到pGEM-Teasy载体中,核苷酸序列经BLAST软件分析表明:番鸭呼肠孤病毒MW9170株S1基因的目的片段与番鸭呼肠孤病毒法国89026株同源性为91.7%,与鸡关节炎病毒S2基因同源性为68.7%,结果提示番鸭呼肠孤病毒MW9710株与鸡关节炎病毒亲缘距离较远.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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 -