利用连锁不平衡进行QTL精细定位的策略

近几年,随着人类基因组计划的完成和大量DNA分子标记的出现,使得在分子水平上利用连锁不平衡进行QTL精细定位进入了一个新的阶段。应用于人类疾病基因定位领域中的方法逐渐地移植到畜禽的QTL定位中,同时结合畜禽的特点对精细定位进行了研究。本文主要介绍了基于连锁不平衡原理同源相向检测、传递不平衡检测和系谱传递不平衡检验等方法,并对这些方法进行了对比和展望。     

利用连锁不平衡进行畜禽QTL定位的研究进展

一般家养畜禽群体规模小、选择强度高，连锁不平衡（linkage disequilibrium , LD）现象普遍存在，尤其在杂种或新培育品种群体中更为突出。随着分子遗传学的发展，我们可以直接选择影响性状的基因或包含基因的染色体区域（QTL），可分型的遗传标记和QTL之间是否存在连锁不平衡是畜禽群体中QTL定位和应用的关键。目前，畜禽群体中用基因组范围内SNPs的连锁不平衡精细定位影响畜禽重要经济性状的QTL正受到广泛关注。作者从LD定位QTL的原理、畜禽群体中LD程度、利用LD进行QTL定位的试验设计及统计分析方法、LD在畜禽QTL精细定位中的应用等几个方面进行了综述。并进一步阐述了畜禽群体中利用LD进行标记辅助选择（MAS）的策略，对LD在畜禽QTL定位及标记辅助选择方面的应用进行了新的探讨。     

传递不平衡检测及其在QTL精细定位中的应用

在早期的QTL定位研究中,研究者所关注的主要是QTL检出效率的高低。随着QTL定位研究的不断深入,研究者们发现：即使是在QTL检出效率很高的情况下,其定位的精确性仍然可能很低。就目前的定位精度来看,虽然基本可以满足实施标记辅助选择的要求,但还远远不能满足分子克隆技术所能达到的操作程度。因此有必要寻找新的定位策略以达到QTL精细定位的目的。本文简要综述了QTL精细定位新策略-传递不平衡检测（TDT）的概念及发展、原理与方法及其在QTL精细定位中的应用。     

传递不平衡检测及其在QTL精细定位中的应用

在早期的QTL定位研究中,研究者所关注的主要是QTL检出效率的高低.随着QTL定位研究的不断深入,研究者们发现:即使是在QTL检出效率很高的情况下,其定位的精确性仍然可能很低.就目前的定位精度来看,虽然基本可以满足实施标记辅助选择的要求,但还远远不能满足分子克隆技术所能达到的操作程度.因此有必要寻找新的定位策略以达到QTL精细定位的目的.本文简要综述了QTL精细定位新策略一传递不平衡检测(TDT)的概念及发展、原理与方法及其在QTL精细定位中的应用.     

畜禽数量性状基因座位的精细定位

数量性状基因座位(QTL)的精细定位是实施QTL克隆及标记辅助选择(MAS)的重要基础。然而就目前畜禽QTL定位的结果来看,除了通过候选基因法识别的少数基因外,大多数QTL定位的精度仍无法满足实际应用的要求。为进一步提高QTL定位的精度,缩小QTL定位的置信区间,人们相继提出并发展了一系列新的QTL定位方法。本文在分析畜禽QTL定位的基本方法及影响畜禽QTL定位精度的主要因素基础上,对提高QTL定位精确性的策略和方法进行了相应的探讨。     

绒山羊QTL的研究进展

QTL称为数量性状基因座,主要用于家畜的辅助育种。可根据QTL定位和构建遗传连锁图谱,辅助分子标记技术,进而获得QTL的遗传动态性。笔者借鉴国内外学者近年来的研究成果,对QTL定位原理、QTL分子标记技术以及QTL定位方法进行概括和总结,展望了绒山羊主要性状的定位及其发展趋势,并提出其存在的问题,以期为畜牧业的生产实践提供参考依据。     

分子遗传标记在奶牛标记辅助选择中的应用

分子标记是目前研究比较多的一类遗传标记,遗传标记主要包括有形态学标记、细胞学标记、生化标记和分子标记等.前3种是基因表达的结果,是对基因差异的间接反映,易受环境和其他因素的影响.而分子标记直接从DNA分子水平上反映差异,不受环境、发育阶段、组织等的影响,稳定可靠,多态性好,因而在家畜育种中被广泛利用,特别是在标记辅助选择中.标记辅助选择利用分子标记与QTL之间的连锁不平衡,通过对分子标记的选择来实现对QTL的选择达到家畜育种目的.     

数量性状基因位点定位的常用试验设计方法

1　引言根据近交群体和远交群体数量性状基因位点(QTL)定位原理的讨论,可知其基础是遗传标记与QTL之间存在着连锁。数量性状基因位点定位的关键就是要有效地利用遗传标记与QTL之间产生的连锁不平衡,因而一个周密的试验设计将起到事半功倍的效果,以下就近交群体和远交群体的常用设计方法作一介绍。2　近交群体的常用设计方法为了在遗传标记和QTL之间产生连锁不平衡,人们必须利用杂交,通常采用二个近交系进行杂交。从理论上来说,这二个近交系的遗传标记和QTL都是纯合子,杂交所产生的F1代是双杂合子,F1代可以自交、分别与其中一个亲本回…     

畜禽QTL定位研究

畜禽多数经济性状受数量性位点(QTL)控制，深入研究QTL定位问题将使育种工作从表型选择深入到基因型选择。随着分子生物技术的发展，对QTL的定位研究也越来越深入和细致了。本文对检测数量性状座位的两种方法进行了讨论，并对进行数量性状座位定位研究的前提条件及目前畜禽QTL定位的研究进展作一概述。     

应用微卫星标记定位畜禽QTL的研究进展

本文论述了分子标记技术的发展历程,并阐述了微卫星标记的特点、QTL(quanti-tative trait loci)定位的理论依据与方法以及近10年来国内外学者在定位功能基因和QTL方面的一些主要研究进展情况,同时也指出了分子标记技术在QTL精细定位方面存在的问题,为以后的研究工作奠定了基础。     

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 -