猪肌生成抑制素（MSTN）cDNA的克隆

从猪的肌生成抑制素（MSTN）编码序列中设计引物，以军牧一号猪肌细胞总PNA为模板，利用RT－PCR和嵌套PCR技术，扩增出MSTN cDNA片段。该片段全长1277bp，包含猪MSTN基因的全部编码序列。将所得片段与pMD18-T载体连接，转化到JM109大肠杆菌中，成功地筛选到阳性克隆，其质粒测序结果与文献报道的一致。经EcoR Ⅰ和Pst Ⅰ酶解分析，cDNA片段与pMD18-T载本之间既有正向插入的克隆，也有反向插入的克隆，所得到的MSTN cDNA可用于原核和真核表达载体的构建。     

西门塔尔牛肌肉生成抑制素基因编码序列的克隆与序列分析

本研究根据Genbank中牛肌肉生成抑制素基因序列设计引物，在设计的引物两端分别加上限制性内切酶BarnHI和EcoRI的识别位点序列。利用RT—PCR技术从西门塔尔牛肌肉组织的总RNA中扩增出MSTN基因的CDNA序列，扩增出1125bp片段，该片段与pMD18-T载体连接，转化JM109感受态细胞，所得阳性克隆进行酶切和PCR鉴定，并进行了测序分析，得到的克隆序列与设计的序列基本一致，表明成功地克隆了西门塔尔牛的肌肉生成抑制素基因的蛋白编码序列。     

秦川牛生长抑制素基因克隆及原核表达研究

 试验旨在通过基因工程方法获得重组肌肉生长抑制素蛋白。提取秦川牛的骨骼肌总RNA,根据基因库中海福特牛肌肉生长抑制素基因序列设计合成特异性引物,引物两端分别加上Bam HⅠ和Xho Ⅰ酶切位点及保护碱基,用RT-PCR方法扩增肌肉生长抑制素全长基因,并将其克隆到pMD18-T载体上,测序后经Bam HⅠ和Xho Ⅰ双酶切,将目的片段插入到PGEX-4T-1中,构建原核表达载体PGEX-4T-1-M,将重组表达质粒转化至Rosetta(DE3)中诱导表达。结果表明,扩增的秦川牛肌肉生长抑制素全长基因1 128 bp,克隆载体经过DNA序列测定,所得基因与GenBank上发表的一致;成功构建原核表达载体PGEX-4T-1-M,经IPTG诱导,表达出了GST-M融合蛋白,用GST标签抗体做Western blotting印记证明产物大约69 ku,与预期大小相符,并在Rosetta（DE3）菌中成功的进行融合蛋白表达。     

环形泰勒虫裂殖体表面蛋白基因高免疫原性区片段的克隆及其表达

根据环形泰勒虫TaA1272-1株裂殖体表面抗原(TaSP)基因的序列设计了1对引物，用PCR扩增出该基因长为393bp的高免疫原性区片段(SBxp)。将扩增产物连接到pGEM-T Easy载体上，转化入大肠埃希氏菌JM109中进行克隆。随后将重组质粒pGEM-SBxp和表达载体pGEX-4T-1分别以BamHⅠ、XhoⅠ酶切后，将酶切的目的片段SBxp亚克隆到原核表达载体中构建了重组表达载体pGEX-4T-1-SBxp，并将其转化到BL21宿主菌中。提取重组质粒经BamHⅠ、XhoⅠ酶切、PCR鉴定和测序确证后，阳性克隆用IPTG诱导表达。收集不同时间的菌液进行SDS-PAGE电泳和Western blotting检测。结果，SBxp基因在大肠埃希氏菌中成功表达，其表达产物为分子质量43ku的融合蛋白，该产物能被牛环形泰勒虫阳性血清所识别。     

鸡传染性贫血病毒VP1基因的克隆表达及抗原性分析

参考已发表的鸡传染性贫血病毒（CIAV）VP1基因序列，设计并合成了2对引物，经PCR扩增获得了2个基因片段。将PCR产物克隆至pGEM—T Easy载体中，成功构建了克隆载体pGEM—CIAVVP1A和pGEM—CIAVVP1B。将上述重组质粒和原核表达载体pMXB10分别用NdPⅠ＋EcoRⅠ、NdeⅠ十X^0I双酶切，并将纯化的2个基因亚克隆至pMXB10中，构建出原核表达载体pMXB10-VP1A和pMXB10-VPIB。在0．3mmol／L IPTG诱导下，目的基因在大肠杆菌ER2566中以分泌型得到了大量表达。Western—blot分析发现，表达蛋白具有CIAV抗原性。表达蛋白经纯化后作为包被抗原，用间接ELISA鉴定，与CIAV阳性血清均能发生特异性反应。2组蛋白免疫SPF鸡后，用全病毒ELISA试剂盒检测血清呈阳性，表明2组蛋白均可诱发机体产生抗CIAV的抗体。     

家兔Ⅰ型肽载体(PepTⅠ)基因的克隆与原核表达

用real-time PCR方法扩增家兔PepTⅠmRNA序列,通过原核表达体外获得家兔PepTⅠ蛋白,旨在制备多克隆抗体。试验通过RT-PCR方法成功扩增出2 001bp的家兔PepTI基因片段,设计特异性引物成功扩增出抗原表位相对集中的1 071bp大小的片段,构建重组表达质粒,获得融合蛋白。结果显示:家兔PepTⅠ基因片段成功的连接到pMD18-T载体上,重组克隆载体双酶切后回收目的片段分别连接到原核表达载体pET-32a、pET-28a,经转化提取质粒测序验证后表明,成功构建原核表达载体pET-32a-P、pET-28a-P,将重组质粒转化至感受态细胞BL21(DE3)后IPTG诱导,成功表达出PepTⅠ融合蛋白,目的蛋白相对分子质量大小约为44 000,与预期试验结果相符。结果表明:本试验成功扩增出家兔PepTⅠmRNA序列,并且通过原核表达获得家兔PepTI融合蛋白。     

牛肌肉生成抑制素基因真核表达载体的构建及其在COS-7细胞中的表达

将构建的牛pMD 18-T-MSTN克隆载体与真核表达载体pef-dhfr1a酶切,回收牛MSTN目的片段及pef-dhfr1a载体,构建了牛MSTN基因的真核表达质粒pef-dhfr1a-MSTN,然后转染COS-7细胞,将牛MSTN成熟蛋白编码序列在COS-7细胞中进行了表达.提取转染细胞的总RNA,采用RT-PCR和Western-blotting方法,分别从mRNA水平和蛋白质水平上检测到了牛MSTN基因在COS-7细胞中的表达产物,证明已经成功构建出该基因的真核表达载体.     

猪生成抑制素(MSTN) cDNA的克隆

从猪的肌生成抑制素(MSTN)编码序列中设计引物,以军牧一号猪肌细胞总RNA为模板,利用RT-PCR和嵌套PCR技术,扩增出MSTNcDNA片段.该片段全长1277bp,包含猪MSTN基因的全部编码序列.将所得片段与pMD18-T载体连接,转化到JM109大肠杆菌中,成功地筛选到阳性克隆,其质粒测序结果与文献报道的一致.经EcoRⅠ和PstⅠ酶解分析,cDNA片段与pMD18-T载体之间既有正向插入的克隆,也有反向插入的克隆,所得到的MSTNcDNA可用于原核和真核表达载体的构建.     

丝状支原体丝状亚种SC型脂蛋白Q的N末端定点突变及表达载体的构建

根据已发表的丝状支原体丝状亚种SC型（MmmSC）LppQ基因序列设计引物，从MmmSC HVRIx株中扩增出了LppQN末端基因，并将其分别克隆到pUC18和pUC19上，利用一步重叠延伸PCR突变方法将其66位的TGA突变为TGG，经克隆与序列测定证实突变成功后，将已突变的LppQN末端基因插入原核表达载体pET32a的多克隆位点，成功地构建了LppQN末端基因原核表达载体pET32a-LppQ，为其下一步体外表达奠定了基础。     

猪SLA-DRB基因的克隆及在大肠杆菌的表达

试验旨在通过基因工程方法获得重组猪SLA-DRB蛋白。根据基因库猪SLA-DRB基因序列设计合成特异性引物,引物两端分别加上BamHⅠ和XhoⅠ酶切位点及保护碱基;提取长白猪肠系淋巴结RNA,用RT-PCR的方法扩增猪SLA-DRB基因cDNA,并将其克隆到pMD18-T载体上,测序后经BamHⅠ和XhoⅠ双酶切后克隆到pET-32a( )中,构建原核表达载体pET-32a-DRB;将重组表达质粒转化至宿主菌Rosseta中,诱导表达。结果表明,成功扩增出猪SLA-DRB基因cD-NA,经DNA序列测定,所得基因与国外报道的序列99.9%相同;成功构建原核表达载体pET-32a-DRB;经IPTG诱导,表达出了6×His-DRB融合蛋白,对表达的蛋白用SDS-PAGE电泳分析,得到了约50kDa左右蛋白,与预期大小相符,表明猪SLA-DRB基因在大肠杆菌中成功的进行了表达。     

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 -