猪轮状病毒中国分离株JL94 VP7基因的克隆与序列分析

用MA104细胞培养增殖了轮状病毒地方分离株JL94,利用一对根据Genebank中已发表的轮状病毒VP7基因cDNA序列而设计并合成的引物，通过反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT—PCR)从JL94毒株扩增出VP7基因全长cDNA。将其插人pMD18-T载体中，构建了重组质粒pMD18-T—JL94／VP7，并对其进行了Hind Ⅲ，HindⅡ和BamH I的单、双酶切初步鉴定及其核苷酸序列测定，证明克隆的pMD18-T—JL94／VP7为轮状病毒的VP7基因。通过核苷酸序列比较，JL94／VP7与A群猪轮状病毒C134／VP7、OSU／VP7、ICB2185／VP7、YM／VP7核苷酸序列同源性分别为87％、99％、74％和83％。     

猪轮状病毒GD株VP6基因的克隆及序列分析

参考GenBank中发表的PRV OSU毒株VP6基因核苷酸序列ORF两端保守区序列,设计1对特异引物,以PRV GD株反转录cDNA为模板,通过PCR方法扩增出长约1.4 kb的基因片段,并克隆到pMD18-T载体中进行序列测定。测序结果表明:VP6基因全长1320 bp,含有一个1194bp的开放阅读框,编码397个氨基酸。与国内外已知的11个毒株VP6基因的核苷酸及其推导的氨基酸序列比较,同源性分别为76.5%-95.6%和88.7%-99.2%;核苷酸系统发育进化树结果表明,GD毒株与轮状病毒JL94,CN86,OSU毒株亲缘关系较近,为一个进化群。     

猪轮状病毒国内分离株JL94 VP7基因克隆与真核表达质粒的构建

用MA104细胞培养增殖了轮状病毒地方分离株JL94。利用一对根据Genebank中已发表的轮状病毒VP7基因cDNA序列而设计并合成的引物，通过逆转录－聚合酶链反应（RT－PCR）从JL94毒株扩增出VP7基因全长cDNA。将其插入pMD18-T载体中，构建了重组质粒pMD18-T-JL94/VP7,并对其进行了HindⅢ，HindⅢ和BamH I的单、双酶切初步鉴定及其核苷酸序列测定，证明pMD18-T-JL94/VP7的插入基因为轮状病毒的VP7基因。重新设计一个带有Kozak序列的上游引物，通过PCR扩增出带有Kozak序列的vp7基因并将其插入pMD18-T载体中构建了重组质粒pMD18-T-VP7,酶切鉴定其大小和方向后，与真核表达载体pcDNA3.1( )分别用HindⅢ和BamH I双酶切，胶回收纯化后连接。经酶切和核苷酸序列检测鉴定，成功地构建了真核表达质粒pcDNA-VP7。     

猪轮状病毒地方株JL94株VP4基因的克隆与序列分析

根据GenBank已发表的猪轮状病毒VP4基因保守序列,利用Oligo4.1软件设计一对引物扩增猪轮状病毒地方株JL94株VP4全基因序列;并将扩增产物与pMD-18T载体连接,经鉴定后将重组质粒进行测序并与国外分离株CRW-8株、BEN-307株进行核苷酸和氨基酸序列同源性比较分析.结果表明:JL94株和CRW-8株、BEN-307株VP4全基因片段核苷酸同源性和氨基酸同源性分别为96.98%和98.05%,说明JL94株与CRW-8株、BEN-307株属于同一VP4血清型.本研究为进一步研制诊断性抗原和病毒重组活载体疫苗奠定了基础.     

猪轮状病毒地方株JL94株VP6基因的克隆及其在大肠杆菌中的表达

以猪轮状病毒地方分离株JL94株病毒核酸为模板,通过RT-PCR扩增内衣壳蛋白基因VP6 cDNA,将其插入克隆载体质粒pMD18-T,并进行测序。从T载体上将VP6基因亚克隆到表达载体质粒pET-30a,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),IPTG诱导表达,并利用Ni^2 金属螯合亲合层析纯化融合蛋白。结果表明,VP6基因全长1356bp,并在大肠杆菌中获得了高效表达,表达量可占菌体蛋白的26．5％,在表达的蛋白中,除45ku主要蛋白外,还有几条分子量较小的蛋白表达出来,这些融合蛋白经纯化后均具有良好的反应特异性。     

猪轮状病毒OSU强毒株vp7基因的克隆及其抗原表位原核表达和免疫学活性分析

参照GenBank中所收录的猪轮状病毒OSU株序列设计了一对特异性引物,RT—PCR扩增出1062bp的vp7全长基因,与参考OSU序列的核苷酸同源性达99．8％,克隆到pMD18-T载体中,获得pMD18-T—vp7阳性质粒。以阳性质粒为模板,利用引入BamH Ⅰ和XhoⅠ酶切位点的引物进行PCR扩增得到含有vP7中和抗原表位区域639bp的基因片段,定向克隆到表达载体pGEX-6P—1中,经酶切PCR鉴定的阳性质粒转化大肠杆菌BL21（DE3）,经IPTG（终浓度为1．0mmol／mL）37℃诱导4h后,SDS—PAGE电泳显示表达了大小约50ku带GST标签的融合蛋白,薄层扫描显示蛋白表达融合量占菌体总蛋白的33．2％。Westernblot分析表明该VP7重组蛋白可与PRV阳性血清特异性反应。     

猪圆环病毒2型武威株ORF2基因序列分析及真核表达载体的构建

根据GenBank中猪2型圆环病毒（PCV2）的核酸序列，设计了1对引物，采用PCR方法从疑似断奶仔猪多系统衰竭综合征（PMWS）的死亡仔猪组织病料中扩增出了ORF2基因，将其克隆到pMD18-T载体上，筛选获得了重组质粒pMD18-T-ORF2。对此重组质粒进行序列测定分析，结果表明，克隆的ORF2基因与其他PCV-2的ORF2核苷酸序列同源性为92．0％～93．3％，推导氨基酸序列的同源性为82．9％～84．6％。重组质粒pMD18-T-ORF2经Xho Ⅰ和EcoR Ⅰ双酶切，将回收的ORF2基因转移入真核表达载体pIRES。成功构建了重组质粒pIRES-ORF2。     

猪传染性胃肠炎病毒TH-98株M基因的克隆及序列分析

本研究首次扩增出TGEV国内分离株TH-98株M基因(882bp)，将该片段克隆到pMD18-T载体上，经限制性内切酶鉴定M基因正确插入pMD18-T载体上，命名为pMD18-T-THM。序列测定和分析表明，该片段的核苷酸序列与国外发表的猪传染性胃肠炎病毒T014株、Purdue15株、TFI株、96-133株M基因同源性达到98％以上，氨基酸序列同源性高达97％以上，表明不同来源毒株M基因保守性较高。     

猪圆环病毒2型GD株ORF2基因的序列分析

根据GenBank中猪圆环病毒2型（PCV2）0RF2基因序列，设计一对引物，应用PCR从本室鉴定分离的PCV2 GD株的细胞培养物中扩增出ORF2基因（702bp）。将此基因片段克隆入pMD18-T载体，筛选获得重组质粒pMD—ORF2并对其测序，结果表明所克隆的ORF2基因与其他PCV2的0RF2基因核苷酸序列同源性在92．1％～99．9％之间，推导的氨基酸序列同源性在90．2％～99．5％之间。     

A群猪轮状病毒G5型OSU株VP7基因的克隆及其重组杆状病毒的鉴定

利用反转录－聚合酶链反应（RT－PCR）扩增出A群猪轮状病毒（PRV）G5型OSU株长度约为1．0kb的基因片段，将其克隆到pMD18-T载体上进行测序鉴定，证明为该PRV的VP7蛋白基因，与已发表的该PRV，VP7基因序列的同源性为99．8％，将该基因黏端克隆至表达载体PblusBAChis C质粒中，酶切及PCR鉴定表明获得了PRV－VP7蛋白基因与PblueBAChisC质粒的阳性重组子，纯化该重组质粒并与线性杆状病毒DNA分子Bac-N-Blue共转染昆虫细胞sf9,5d后收获重组病毒，通过对重组杆状病毒DNA分子的酶切及PCR鉴定，确定PRV－VP7基因已正确投入，将经3次蚀斑筛选纯化后的该重组杆状病毒接种于sf9细胞大量增殖后，获得了重组杆状病毒PRV－VP7蛋白的真核表达。     

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 -