Protocol: a highly sensitive RT-PCR method for detection and quantification of microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs with a critical role in development and environmental responses. Efficient and reliable detection of miRNAs is an essential step towards understanding their roles in specific cells and tissues. However, gel-based assays currently used to detect miRNAs are very limited in terms of throughput, sensitivity and specificity. Here we provide protocols for detection and quantification of miRNAs by RT-PCR. We describe an end-point and real-time looped RT-PCR procedure and demonstrate detection of miRNAs from as little as 20 pg of plant tissue total RNA and from total RNA isolated from as little as 0.1 μl of phloem sap. In addition, we have developed an alternative real-time PCR assay that can further improve specificity when detecting low abundant miRNAs. Using this assay, we have demonstrated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in the phloem sap and the surrounding vascular tissue. This method enables fast, sensitive and specific miRNA expression profiling and is suitable for facilitation of high-throughput detection and quantification of miRNA expression.     

The effect of streptomycin, oxytetracycline, tilmicosin and phenylbutazone on spermatogenesis in bulls

To determine whether declining semen quality associated with health problems may be due to certain antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatments, semen was collected 3 times per week for up to 42 d from 6 normal bulls after treatment with oxytetracycline, tilmicosin, dihydrostreptomycin, or phenylbutazone. No adverse effects on semen quality were observed.     

A Combination Chemotherapy Protocol (VELCAP-L) for Dogs with Lymphoma

Ninety-eight dogs with lymphoma treated with a 5-drug combination chemotherapy regimen (vincristine, L-asparaginase. cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone [VELCAP-L]) were evaluated for pretreatment characteristics predictive for response and remission duration. The complete remission rate was 69%, with a median remission duration of 55 weeks. Dogs with advanced stage of disease, constitutional signs, dogs that were older, and dogs that were dyspneic were less likely to achieve remission. Once in remission, small dogs and dogs without pretreatment thrombocytopenia were likely to have longer remission duration. Toxicoses were frequent, but rarely fatal, and no predictitive factors were found for a dog developing toxicoses. VELCAP-L is an effective treatment for dogs in stage I-III lymphoma, particularly in young, small animals.     

池塘草鱼种高产养殖试验研究

草鱼，是我国传统的养殖品种。西安北郊的草滩地区，自上世纪七十年代农垦系统在此建设西安市第一渔场、西安市第二渔场以来，带动了养殖草鱼的规模化发展。由于西安北郊地处渭河滩地，土壤严重盐碱化，农作物生长缓慢、产量低，有鉴于此，周边农村开始大规模挖塘抬田，草鱼养殖面积逐年扩大。从刚开始的割荒草、捞浮萍喂鱼，发展到上世纪九十年代的种草养鱼、再到后来的种草搭配颗粒饲料养鱼，     

探讨西藏荞麦育种

西藏荞麦种植的是农家品种，不能满足生产发展的要求，尽快培育出高产，品质较好、制粉品质好，抗逆性强等类型的荞麦新品种，是西藏荞麦育种的当务之急。     

玉米自交系丹9046和C8605-2的遗传相关及通径分析

丹9046和C8605-2是基础来源完全相同的两个优良玉米自交系,研究它们9个主要农艺性状与单株产量的遗传相关和通径的结果表明,丹9046和C8605-2具有较大的差异。     

犬的常见心理在警犬训练中的作用

犬的常见心理包括怀旧、好奇、复仇、恐惧和孤独等心理,把握好犬的这些心理特征,将会有利于警犬与人依恋性以及亲和关系的建立,有利于警犬衔取兴奋性的培养,可以增强警犬的凶猛性,能够更加有效地促进警犬对执勤环境的适应.