牛分枝杆菌Ag85A基因在大肠埃希氏菌中的表达

以BamHⅠ和EcoRⅠ双酶切已构建的pGEM-T-85A和pET28a（＋），并将纯化的Ag85A基因亚克隆至pET28a（＋）中，构建出原核表达质粒pET28a-85A。将pET28a-85A转化至感受态E．coli BL21（DE3）中，经IPTG诱导和SDS-PAGE分析，可见约32ku的外源蛋白带。Western-blotting分析表明，该蛋白具有牛分枝杆菌的抗原性。     

牛分枝杆菌MPB70基因的克隆及其在大肠杆菌中的表达

本研究以牛分枝杆菌Vallee111染色体DNA为模板,以MPB70成熟蛋白基因特异性引物进行PCR扩增,获得约500bp的DNA片段.通过T-A克隆技术,将PCR产物克隆至pGEM-T Vector中,成功地构建出克隆载体pGEM-T-70.以BamH Ⅰ和EcoR Ⅰ双酶切pGEM-T-70和pET28a( ),并将纯化的MPB70基因亚克隆至pET28a( )中,构建出原核表达载体pET28a-70.将pET28a-70转化至感受态E.coli BL21(DE3)中,经IPTG诱导和SDS-PAGE分析,可见约25Ku外源蛋白带.Western blot分析发现,该蛋白具有牛分枝杆菌抗原性,从而为进一步研究MPB70的亚单位疫苗及DNA疫苗奠定基础.     

牛分枝杆菌mpb64和Ag85B融合基因在大肠埃希氏菌中的原核表达

以牛分枝杆菌Vallee株基因组DNA为模板,应用PCR扩增获得mpb64和Ag85B两个目的基因片段,采用重叠延伸剪接技术（SOE）剪接mpb64和Ag85B,得到融合基因mpb64-Ag85B;将融合基因片段先克隆于pMD 18-T载体,再亚克隆到表达载体pET32a（＋）中,得到重组质粒pET64-85.该重组质粒经核苷酸序列测定,显示其中的外源片段与期望的序列一致;其BL21（DE3）转化菌经IPTG诱导表达带有6个组氨酸标签的融合蛋白;用Ni2＋螯合层析方法纯化融合蛋白,Western-blotting分析结果显示,该融合蛋白能与抗牛分枝杆菌阳性血清发生反应.     

牛分枝杆菌Mb1761C蛋白的表达及其免疫原性初步研究

根据GenBank提供的M.bovis Mb1761c基因序列设计引物。以牛分枝杆菌DNA为模板,通过PCR方法扩增出牛分枝杆菌MB1761c基因片段,以BamHⅠ和EcoRⅠ双酶切PCR产物和pET28a（＋）后将纯化的Mb1761c基因克隆至pET28a（＋）中,构建出原核表达质粒,再转化到E．coli BL21（DE3）表达菌株中,IPTG诱导后,收集菌体进行SDS-PAGE,分析可见约29ku特异性蛋白条带,Western blot分析发现,该融合蛋白具有较强的免疫原性,从而为进一步研究其亚单位疫苗及DNA疫苗奠定了基础。     

牛分枝杆菌Ag85A基因的克隆及序列分析

以牛分枝杆菌Valleelll染色体DNA为模板，以Ag85A成熟蛋白基因特异性引物进行PCR扩增，获得了900bp的DNA片段。通过T-A克隆技术，将PCR产物克隆至pGEM-T载体。经鉴定，成功地构建出了克隆载体pGEM-T-85A。     

金黄色葡萄球菌纤连蛋白结合蛋白A基因的克隆及其原核表达

根据GenBank中纤连蛋白结合蛋白A基因（fnbA）序列设计了1对特异性引物，以金黄色葡萄球茵基因组DNA为模板，进行PCR扩增；结果获得了3600bp的DNA片段。将PCR产物克隆至pGEM T easy载体中，成功地构建了克隆质粒pGEM—fnbA。以HindⅢ和XhoⅠ双酶切pGEM-fnbA和pET28a（＋），将纯化的基因fnbA亚克隆至pET28a（＋）中，构建了原核表达质粒pET28a-fnbA，并将其转化至E．coli BL21（DE3）感受态细胞中，经1mmol／LIPTG诱导和SDSPAGE分析，在约165ku处出现了与预期目的蛋白一致的外源蛋白带。Western—blotting分析表明，该蛋白具有金黄色葡萄球菌的抗原性。     

禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种重组蛋白r22-ag85B的表达及纯化

为表达并纯化禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种主要抗原基因的串联重组蛋白r22-ag85B,期望研制出一种新型副结核病疫苗,以禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种参考株P18的基因组DNA为模板,扩增了22KD基因和ag85B基因。采用重叠延伸剪接PCR技术（SOE-PCR）获得了融合基因22-agS5B,将基因连接于表达载体pET32a（＋）,构建了重组质粒pET22-ag85B。将其转化到大肠杆菌感受态细胞BL21（DE3）中,以IPTG（终浓度1mmol／L）诱导后对表达产物进行Western blot检测。检测结果显示,成功表达并纯化了重组蛋白r22-ag85B,其分子质量约为65ku。Western blot检测表明此蛋白具有良好的免疫学活性。禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种22-ag85B重组蛋白的成功表达及纯化为副结核病疫苗的研究工作奠定了基础。     

牛分枝杆菌mpb51-63融合基因的克隆及其原核表达

为提高牛分枝杆菌(M.bovis)单一抗原的抗原性,本研究以重叠延伸拼接PCR技术将M.bovis mpb51与mpb63基因连接,并克隆至pMD18-T中,构建重组质粒pMD-51-63。以BamHⅠ和EcoRⅠ双酶切pMD-51-63和pET28a(+),将纯化的mpb51-63融合基因亚克隆至pET28a(+)中,获得了重组表达质粒pET-51-63。该重组质粒在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中经IPTG诱导和SDS-PAGE分析,表达约46 ku的外源融合蛋白,免疫印迹实验证实,该融合蛋白具有M.bovis的抗原反应性。为进一步研究mpb51-63融合基因及其表达产物作为牛结核病亚单位疫苗、核酸疫苗以及特异的诊断试剂奠定了基础。     

金黄色葡萄球菌FnBA活性基因的克隆及其原核表达

根据GenBank中纤连蛋白结合蛋白A基因(FnBA)序列设计了1对特异性引物,以金黄色葡萄球菌基因组DNA为模板,进行PCR扩增;结果获得了1 735 bp的DNA片段.将PCR产物克隆至pMD18-T载体中,成功地构建了克隆质粒pMD18-T-FnBA.以HindⅢ和BamH Ⅰ双酶切pMD18-T-FnBA和pET28a(+),将纯化的基因FnBA亚克隆至pET28a(+)中,构建了原核表达质粒pET28a-FnBA,并将其转化至E.coli BL21感受态细胞中,经1 mmol/L IPTG诱导和SDS-PAGE分析,在约85 000处出现了与预期目的蛋白一致的外源蛋白带.又经Western-blotting分析表明,该蛋白具有金黄色葡萄球菌的抗原性.     

金黄色葡萄球菌ClfA基因的克隆及在大肠杆菌中的表达

根据GenBank中ClfA基因序列设计特异性引物,以金黄色葡萄球菌基因组DNA为模板,进行PCR扩增,获得了约2 300 bp的DNA片段.将PCR产物克隆至pMD18-T载体中,构建了克隆质粒pMD18-ClfA.用BamHⅠ和EcoR Ⅰ双酶切pMD18-ClfA和pET28a(+),将纯化的基因ClfA亚克隆至pET28a(+),构建重组质粒pET28a-ClfA,并将其转化至大肠杆菌感受态BL21(DE3)中,经1 mmol/L IPTG诱导和SDS-PAGE分析,在87 000处出现了与目的蛋白一致的外源蛋白带,Western-blotting分析表明,该蛋白具有金黄色葡萄球菌的抗原性.     

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 -