破伤风毒素C片段基因的克隆及在大肠杆菌中的高效表达

本研究对破伤风毒素C片段进行了基因克隆、重组表达、蛋白纯化和免疫原性分析。应用PCR技术直接从破伤风梭菌64008菌株基因组中扩增出大小为1356 bp的破伤风毒素C片段(TetC)基因,经DNA序列测定分析,扩增出的基因与GenBank上登录的序列AF154828的同源性达到99.2%。将此基因克隆至大肠杆菌融合表达载体pGEX-6P-1,构建成重组表达质粒pGEX-6P-1-TetC,并在大肠杆菌BL21中表达,重组蛋白的表达量占菌体总蛋白的21%。经SDS-PAGE蛋白电泳鉴定,表达产物为76 Ku左右的重组蛋白,经免疫印迹试验证实该重组蛋白是破伤风毒素C片段抗原。     

表达破伤风毒素C片段的重组鼠伤寒沙门菌的构建与鉴定

为构建表达破伤风毒素C片段基因的减毒鼠伤寒沙门菌，将编码破伤风毒素C片段的基因插入到asd^＋的组成型表达载体pYA3333，转化asd基因突变的E．coli X6212。获得重组质粒pYA3333-TetC，再将重组质粒通过电穿孔法转入宿主菌，构建成表达破伤风毒素C片段基因的平衡致死的鼠伤寒沙门菌X4550（pYA3333-TetC）。免疫印迹试验证实，该重组菌表达的蛋白与预期的目的蛋白一致。重组菌X4550（pYA3333-TetC）的稳定性试验表明，在体外培养100代后，随机挑选的重组菌落全部都能生长，重组菌X4550（pYA3333-TetC）的生长曲线测定表明，X4550（pYA3333-TetC）和X4550（pYA3333）的生长状态基本一致。动物试验证明，该重组菌是安全的，破伤风毒素攻击后能提供良好的保护作用。     

奶牛骨钙素基因的克隆与原核表达

以奶牛骨组织提取的RNA为模板，利用RT—PCR技术扩增出奶牛骨钙素全长cDNA，然后将扩增产物重组到PMD-18T载体中，测定了全基因的核苷酸序列。序列分析表明，奶牛骨钙素全长cDNA为303bp，编码100个氨基酸，与GenBank中的X53699的序列完全相同。通过加端PCR技术连接单链DNA片段人工定点同义突变，将奶牛骨钙素成熟蛋白基因中的大肠杆菌稀有密码子同义突变为大肠杆菌常用密码子并亚克隆至PET-32a表达载体．转化到宿主菌BL21（DE3）中，经IPTG诱导后，成功表达出奶牛骨钙素融合蛋白。     

多头带绦虫Tm7基因的表达及间接ELISA检测方法的建立

以多头带绦虫Tm7重组蛋白为抗原,建立动物多头蚴病早期诊断方法.本研究从羊脑多头蚴原头节提取总RNA,采用RT-PCR技术首次扩增出Tm7基因的全序列,该基因的开放阅读框为207 bp,编码68个氨基酸.将此基因克隆到pET-32a(+)载体,构建重组表达质粒pET-32a-Tm7,经转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)后IPTG诱导表达,用SDS-PAGE和Western blot检测表达产物.以纯化后的表达蛋白作为抗原,建立检测羊脑多头蚴病抗体的重组蛋白间接ELISA方法.研究结果表明,Tm7基因在大肠杆菌中成功表达,表达产物为约27 ku的融合表达蛋白,该蛋白能识别羊脑多头蚴病阳性血清.建立的间接ELISA方法,检测敏感性可达93.3％,特异性达94.1％,研究结果表明Tm7重组蛋白可作为脑多头蚴病的诊断抗原.     

堆形艾美耳球虫巨噬细胞移动抑制因子的克隆和表达

本研究扩增和克隆了堆形艾美耳球虫巨噬细胞移动抑制因子,并在大肠杆菌中表达出MIF重组蛋白。根据GenBank中的MIF mRNA序列,设计特异引物,采用PCR方法以堆形艾美耳球虫孢子化卵囊cDNA文库为模板扩增获得MIF基因,将MIF基因片段连接到原核表达载体pET-28a（＋）,构建重组表达质粒pET28a—MIF,并在大肠杆菌BL21（DE3）中诱导表达,对表达产物进行Western blot分析。结果从堆形艾美耳球虫孢子化卵囊cDNA文库中扩增出MIF基因片段,长度为709bp;经序列分析,扩增片段的核苷酸序列与GenBank中登录的MIF序列的同源性为99．5％;经SDS-PAGE检测表明重组质粒pET（28a）-MIF在大肠杆菌中以包涵体形式表达;Western blot分析证明堆形艾美耳球虫抗血清可与重组表达蛋白特异性结合。本研究结果为进一步研究该基因的功能奠定了基础。     

猪源D型产毒素多杀性巴氏杆菌toxA基因的克隆与表达

皮肤坏死毒素（Dermonecrotic toxin，DNT）是产毒素多杀性巴氏杆菌（Toxigenic Pasteurella multocida，T^＋Pm）的主要毒力因子和保护性抗原。以猪源D型T^＋Pm的基因组DNA为模板，用PCR方法扩增得到了编码DNT的toxA全基因编码序列，共4019bp。将其克隆到pMD18-T载体并测序，结果表明，toxA基因序列与GenBank已报道的5个toxA基因序列的同源性达99．8％以上。将该基因亚克隆到原核表达载体pGEX-KG的GST基因下游，转化BL21（DE3）大肠杆菌，经IPTG诱导表达，获得大小约173000的融合蛋白。Western blot结果表明，该融合蛋白具有良好的反应原性。动物试验表明，该重组蛋白可以诱导小鼠产生高水平的抗体，并可抵抗致死剂量的天然DNT毒素攻击。     

产气荚膜梭菌α—β融合基因的高效表达

用PCR从含产气荚膜俊菌α毒素基因的质粒pXETA1中扩增出α毒素基因，用NcoⅠ和BamHI双酶切该α毒素基因，回收0．95kb的α毒素基因片段，再用NcoⅠ和BamHI双酶切含产气荚膜梭菌β毒素基因质粒pXCPAB2，与 回收的α毒素基因片段连接，转化至受菌BL21（DE3）中。经NcoI,BamHI,NcoI酶反应鉴定和核苷酸序列分析证实，获得了理想重组质粒pXCPAB2，该重组质粒含有α-β融合基因。重组菌株BL21（DE）3（pXCPAB2)经IPTG诱导后，其表达产物经ELISA检测和SDSPAGE分析，结果表明重组菌株可以高效表达α-β融合基因，该融合蛋白占菌体总蛋白的22．14％。     

犬细小病毒VP2基因的原核表达及间接ELISA方法的建立

根据GenBank上发表的犬细小病毒（CPV）VP2蛋白基因序列，设计并合成1对引物，通过PCR扩增VP2基因全长。将其克隆到pET一30a载体中，构建了原核表达载体pET—VP2，转化大肠杆菌Rosetta，表达并纯化了重组蛋白，Western—blotting证明该重组蛋白具有免疫原性。利用重组蛋白为抗原，通过方阵试验确定了包被抗原的最佳包被量为15．8ng／孔，血清的最佳稀释倍数为1：100，建立了检测CPV血清抗体的间接ELISA方法。     

CPA-LTB融合基因的构建与表达

利用PCR技术，从A型产气英膜梭菌染色体和pEWD299中分别扩增出a毒素（CPA）基因和LTB基因，通过分离、纯化、内切酶酶切、连接和转化，构建了含CPA—LTB融合基因表达质粒的重组菌株BL21（DE3）（pCPA—LTB）。经酶切鉴定和核苷酸序列测定证实，构建的重组质粒pET—CPA含有CPA—LTB融合基因，其基因序列和阅读框架均正确。经EISA检测和SDS—PAGE分析，重组菌株表达的CPA—LTB融合蛋白能够被α、LT毒素抗体所识别。重组菌株BL21（DE3）（pCPA—LTB）经IPTG诱导后，融合蛋白CPA—LTB的表达量占菌体总蛋白相对含量的12.5％。     

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。     

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 -