鸡肾型传染性支气管炎病毒的分离鉴定

从陕西省榆林市某蛋用种鸡场疑似肾型传染性支气管炎病鸡中分离到了1株肾型IBV(定名为YL—04)，并对分离病毒进行了血凝性、血凝抑制性、致病性、鸡胚矮小化、电镜特征等生物学特性鉴定及S1基因5’端的RT—PCR鉴定。结果表明，该分离株经10g／L胰酶处理后的各代病毒尿囊收集液均可凝集鸡红细胞；标准阳性血清可特异性地抑制其凝集性；可复制出与自然发病相同的病例；病毒传代物有明显的致鸡胚矮小化作用；透射电镜下可见有近似球形、直径100nm左右的冠状病毒粒子；用RT—PCR方法扩增到1条373bp的目的片段，其核苷酸序列与IBVCQ／01／2004株序列的同源性达98％。     

鸡肾型传染性支气管炎病毒的分离及其N基因片段的克隆和测序

通过形态学观察、动物回归试验、鸡胚接种试验、病毒干扰试验以及血凝试验分离鉴定了1株肾型鸡传染性支气管炎病毒(IBV)。在透射电子显微镜下，病毒粒子多呈球形，直径为80～120nm，有囊膜，表面有冠状突起。鸡胚连续盲传至第1～2代，开始出现死亡或出现侏儒胚；分离株可显著干扰NDV在鸡胚中的增殖；病毒尿囊液无凝血活性，但经5g／L胰蛋白酶处理后。能够凝集10mL/L的鸡红细胞。利用RT—PCR技术对分离株的N基因进行了扩增，经克隆、序列测定和分析比较，证实分离株为肾型IBV，命名为AH3—04株。     

鸡肾型传染性支气管炎病毒陕西地方株的分离与鉴定

对陕北(榆林)、关中(宝鸡市、扶风县)、陕南(洋县)等地鸡场疑似肾型传染性支气管炎病鸡，进行了病毒分离和鉴定。结果分离到4株IBV(定名为YL-04、BJ-04、FF-04、YX-04)，并对分离病毒进行了血凝性、血凝抑制性、致病性、鸡胚矮小化等生物学特性鉴定。结果发现，分离的4株病毒经1％胰酶处理后的各代病毒尿囊收集液均可凝集鸡红细胞；IBV标准阳性血清可特异性的抑制其凝集性；回归试验可复制出与自然发病相同的病例；病毒传代物有明显的致鸡胚矮小化作用。以上研究结果表明，我们分离到的是鸡传染性支气管炎病毒，临床表现为致肾脏病变的组织嗜性，证明以上地区鸡群发病与肾型传染性支气管炎病毒感染有关。     

鸡传染性支气管炎病毒中国地方分离株M基因的分子特征

本实验根据已经发表的鸡传染性支气管炎病毒（IBV）M基因序列设计并合成一对引物，利用RT－PCR扩增得到了IBM新疆分离株LX4株（HA价为2^7)M基因678bp的片段，将该片段克隆到PUC18载体上，通过对所得到的重组质粒进行酶切分析，PCR鉴定，证明得到了含有目的基因片段的阳性重组质粒。采用Sanger's双脱氧末端终止法对插入片段进行核苷酸序列测定，获得了IBV－LX4株M基因的核苷酸序列，利用DNASIS分析软件，将它与GENBANK中发表的15株国外参考毒株相比较，发现核苷酸的同源性（除D1466和DE072外）为85％－92％，氨基酸的同源性为83％－92％，与国内参考株（H52－GD）相比分别为90％和92％，确证我们得到的克隆片段为IBV－LX4株的M基因，且含有两个糖基化位点，9个高度保守的半胱氨酸，三个跨膜区域，与国外的报道一致。     

鸡传染性支气管炎病毒HN株5a5b及N基因的遗传变异分析

从河南省某鸡场中疑似鸡传染性支气管炎(IB)的雏鸡病料中分离到1株鸡传染性支气管炎病毒(IBV)，暂命名为HN，鉴定为IBV。从接种HN毒株的鸡胚尿囊液中提取单股RNA后应用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT—PCR)技术扩增得到包含IBV HN株5a、5b蛋白及N蛋白基因的约1600bp片段；将克隆测序的5a、5b及N基因分别与GenBank中11株国内外参考毒株相应基因进行序列比较与遗传变异分析，发现IBV HN株变异独特，明显不同于国内外参考毒株。     

鸭新城疫病毒和流感病毒多重RT-PCR鉴别诊断技术的建立和应用

对同样以引起鸭产蛋下降为主要特征的鸭流感病毒（AIV）分离株和鸭新城疫病毒（NDV）YH99V分离株，通过设计特异性引物和优化体系反应条件，建立了一种早期快速鉴别诊断鸭AIV和鸭NDV的单项RT—PCR方法和多重RT—PCR方法，AIV的扩增片段大小为483bp，NDV的扩增片段为310bp，电泳快速，易于区分。敏感性试验表明，该方法比HA敏感100倍以上；对AIV、YH99V、IBV、IBDV及正常鸡胚尿囊液的混合液检测显示，多重RT—PCR法具有很强的特异性。对鸭病毒性产蛋下降征侯群送检病料的检测证明，该方法能有效鉴别AIv和／或NDV单独感染或混合感染，阳性检出率明显高于HA方法。     

鸡传染性支气管炎病毒中国地方分离株S1基因5''端的变异

对自海南海省、广西省发生鸡传染性支气管炎（IB）鸡群分离的4株IBV分离株（HaN-1/95、HaN-2/95、GX-1/98、GX－2／98）的主要免疫原纤突蛋白S1基因经RT－PCR扩增其5'端的1．2kb的目的片段，将其插入载体pMD 18-Tk ,在大肠杆菌中实现目的的基因的克隆。对克隆的目的基因经限制性酶切分析及PCR鉴定后，以双脱氧链终止法测定其核苷酸序列，并与GenBank中的参考毒株（H120、SD－1／97和Holte）相应序列作比较，分析其同源性。结果表明，HaN-1/95、HaN-2/95、GX-1/98及SD－1／97与疫苗株H120的核苷酸序列同源性分别为99．5％、99．2％、97．9％和99．5％，其推导氨基酸序列同源性分别为99．1％、98．9％、96．9％和99．2％。GX－2／98与Holte株的核苷酸序列同源率为99．0％，其推导的氨基酸序列同源性为98．6％，而与其他中国分离株的核苷酸序列的同源性仅为70％左右，氨基酸序列的同源性仅为68％左右。     

二温式多重PCR同时检测鸡的6种呼吸道病病原方法的建立

设计了6对分别针对鸡传染性支气管炎病毒（IBV），禽流感病毒（AVI）、鸡毒素霉形体（MG）、鸡传染性喉气管炎病毒（ILTV）、新城疫病毒（NDV）和滑液霉形体（MS）的特异性引物，根据反转录滞酶链反应（RT－PCR）和多重PCR原则，优化建立了一次PCR反应同时检测6种禽呼吸道病原的二温式多重PCR。该方法可同时扩增出6条区段大小与设计相符符的特异性片段，即IBV 1720bp,AIV 1050bp,ILTV647bp,NDV310bp,MS207bp，对人工感染鸡临床样品检测结果证明，该方法可用于临床诊断。     

鸡传染性支气管炎病毒793/B RT-PCR检测方法的建立及应用

根据GenBank已发表的鸡传染性支气管炎病毒（Infectious bronchitis virus，IBV）793／BS1基因序列，设计1对引物，扩增891bp特异性核酸片段，建立了检测IBV793／B的RT—PCR方法。特异性试验结果表明，IBV793／B能扩增出891bp的核酸片段，而IBVM41H120H52毒株以及新城疫病毒（NDV）、禽流感病毒（AIV）、传染性法氏囊病病毒（IBDV）均无特异性条带出现。敏感性试验结果表明，该方法的最低检出量为10pg的模板。上述结果表明，本试验所建立的RT—PCR方法敏感性高、特异性强。利用建立的RT—PCR方法对从山东省分离的8株疑似鸡IBV793／B进行检测，结果7株为阳性。该方法的建立为IBV793／B的诊断及流行病学调查提供了可靠的方法。     

鸡肾型IBV JL株的分离和鉴定

研究通过电镜形态学观察、理化特性测定、致鸡胚矮小化试验、血凝试验、NDV毒株干扰试验、中和试验和致病力试验,分离、鉴定出1株鸡肾型传染性支气管炎病毒当地毒株(IBV JL株),为下一步进行鸡肾型传染性支气管炎疫苗制备的研究提供了毒种.     

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 -