Boosting supercapacitive performance of pristine covalent organic frameworks via phenolic hydroxyl groups: A two-in-one strategy.

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are ideal electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices due to their unique structures and properties, and the accessibility and utilization efficiency of the redox-active sites within COFs are critical determinants of their pseudocapacitive performance. Via introducing meticulously designed phenolic hydroxyl (Ar-OH) groups with hydrogen-bond forming ability onto the imine COF skeletons, DHBD-Sb-COF exhibited improved hydrophilicity and crystallinity than the parent BD-Sb-COF, the redox-active sites (SbPh3 moieties) in COF electrodes could thus be highly accessed by aqueous electrolyte with a high active-site utilization of 93%. DHBD-Sb-COF//AC provided an excellent supercapacitive performance with an energy density of 78 Wh Kg-1 at the power density of 2553 W Kg-1 and super cycling stability, exceeding most of the previously reported pristine COF electrode-based supercapacitors. The "two-in-one" strategy of introducing hydroxyl groups onto imine COF skeletons to enhance both hydrophilicity and crystallinity provides a new avenue to improve the electrochemical performance of COF-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.

Enhance PD/A biofilm formation via a novel biochar/tourmaline modified-biocarriers to treat low-strength contaminated surface water: Initial adhesion and high-substrate microenvironment.

In this work, a novel polyurethane carrier modified with biochar and tourmaline/zeolite powder at ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 was developed to promote the formation of biofilms and the synergy of overall bacterial activity for Partial Denitrification/Anammox to treat low-nitrogen contaminated surface water. Based on the batch experiment, the modified biocarrier, BTP2 (biochar: tourmaline = 2: 1), exhibited the highest total nitrogen removal efficiency (83.63%) under influent total nitrogen of 15 mg/L and COD/NO3- of 3. The dense biofilm was formed in inner side of biocarrier owing to the increased surface roughness and various functional groups suggested by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared analysis. The EPS content increased from 200.15 to 220.26 mg/g VSS in BTP2 system. Besides, the rapid NH4+ capture and organics release of the modified carrier fueled the growth of anammox and denitrification bacteria, with the activity of 2.13 ± 0.52 mg N/gVSS/h and 6.70 ± 0.52 mg N/gVSS/h (BTP2). High-throughput sequencing unraveled the increased abundances of Candidatus_Competibacter (0.82%), Thauera (0.60%) and Candidatus_Brocadia (0.55%) which was responsible for the synergy of incomplete reduction of NO3- to NO2- and NH4+ oxidation. Overall, this study provided a valid and simple-control guide for biofilm formation towards rapid enrichment and great collaboration of Anammox and denitrification bacteria.

Rapid enrichment of AnAOB with a novel vermiculite/tourmaline modification technology for enhanced DEAMOX process.

The DEnitrifying AMmonium OXidation (DEAMOX) has been proven to be a promising process treating contaminated surface water containing ammonia and nitrate, while the enrichment of the slow-growing anammox bacteria (AnAOB) remains a challenge. In this study, a novel polyurethane-adhesion vermiculite/tourmaline (VTP) modified carrier was developed to achieve effective enrichment of AnAOB. The results demonstrated that the VTP-1 (vermiculite: tourmaline = 1:1) system exhibited the greatest performance with the total nitrogen removal efficiency reaching 87.6% and anammox contributing 63% to nitrogen removal. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the superior biofilm structure of the VTP-1 carrier, providing attachment for AnAOB. The addition of VTP-1 promoted the secretion of EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) by microorganisms, which increased to 85.34 mg/g VSS, contributing to the aggregation of anammox cells. The favorable substrate microenvironment created by NH4+ adsorption and NO2- supply via partial denitrification process facilitated the growth of AnAOB. The relative abundance of Candidatus Brocadia and Thauera increased from 0.04% to 0.3%-1.03% and 2.06% in the VTP-1 system, respectively. This study sheds new light on the anammox biofilm formation and provides a valid approach to initiate the DEAMOX process for low nitrogen polluted water treatment.

The biochar/Fe-modified biocarrier driven simultaneous NDFO and Feammox to remove nitrogen from eutrophic water.

Novelty techniques of Fe(III) reduction coupled to anaerobic ammonium oxidation (i.e. Feammox) and nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation (i.e. NDFO) provide new insights into autotrophic nitrogen removal from eutrophic waters. Given that Feammox and NDFO can theoretically complete the simultaneous NH+ 4-N and NO- 3-N removal via Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle, this study introduces iron powder to the surface of the biocarrier as a solid-phase source of Fe, and biochar was used as an electron shuttle to mix with the iron powder to improve the bioavailability of iron. Batch experiments was carried out for 70 days using simulated eutrophic water as the medium to investigate the effects of the modified biocarrier for enhanced nitrogen removal. The results showed that BC1 (Fe:BC=1:1) with the highest relative Fe content exhibited the highest nitrogen removal efficiency of 66.74%. XPS and XRD results showed both Fe(III) and Fe(II) compounds on the biocarrier surface, confirming the occurrence of Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle. The ex-situ activity test indicated that functional activity was positively correlated with the iron content of the biocarrier. The in-situ experiments with different substrates showed the occurrence of Feammox and NDFO. NDFO bacteria (Gallionellaceae), Feammox bacteria (Alicycliphilus), denitrifying and digesting bacteria were enriched, suggesting that the coupled nitrogen removal of NDFO and Feammox is the result of cooperation between different functional microorganisms. Thus, the Fe-modified biocarrier showed superior performance and application potential in catalyzing autotrophic nitrogen removal from eutrophic water by functional microorganisms.

Design strategies of covalent organic framework-based electrodes for supercapacitor application.

Supercapacitors (SCs) have been recognized as a promising electrochemical energy storage (EES) device, thanks to their high-power density, long lifespan, fast charge-discharge capability, and eco-friendliness. The breakthrough of electrode materials that determine the electrochemical performance of SCs is urgently desired. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), an emerging and burgeoning class of crystalline porous polymeric materials, have been found to have huge potential for application in EES devices by virtue of their unique properties including atomically adjustable structures, robust and tunable skeletons, well-defined and open channels, high surface areas, etc. In this feature article, we aim at summarizing the design strategies of COF-based electrode materials for SCs based on the representative advances. The current challenges and future perspectives of COFs for SC application are highlighted as well.

Heritable and Nonheritable Rumen Bacteria Are Associated with Different Characters of Lactation Performance of Dairy Cows.

Recent studies have reported that some rumen microbes are heritable. However, it is necessary to clarify the functions and specific contributions of the heritable rumen microbes to cattle phenotypes (microbiability) in comparison with those that are nonheritable. This study aimed to identify the distribution and predicted functions of heritable and nonheritable bacterial taxa at species level in the rumen of dairy cows and their respective contributions to energy-corrected milk yield, protein content and yield, and fat content and yield in milk. Thirty-two heritable and 674 nonheritable bacterial taxa were identified at species level, and the functional analysis revealed that predicted microbial functions for both groups were mainly enriched for energy, amino acid, and ribonucleotide metabolism. The mean microbiability (to reflect a single taxon's contribution) of heritable bacteria was found to range from 0.16% to 0.33% for the different milk traits, whereas the range for nonheritable bacteria was 0.03% to 0.06%. These findings suggest a strong contribution by host genetics in shaping the rumen microbiota, which contribute significantly to milk production traits. Therefore, there is an opportunity to further improve milk production traits through attention to host genetics and the interaction with the rumen microbiota. IMPORTANCE Rumen bacteria produce volatile fatty acids which exert a far-reaching influence on hepatic metabolism, mammary gland metabolism, and animal production. In the current study, 32 heritable and 674 nonheritable bacterial taxa at species level were identified, and shown to have different microbiability (overall community contribution) and mean microbiability (the average of a single taxon's contribution) for lactation performance. The predicted functions of heritable and nonheritable bacterial taxa also differed, suggesting that targeted nutritional and genetic breeding approaches could be used to manipulate them to improve dairy cow performance.

Cage-Confinement Induced Emission Enhancement.

As a proof-of-concept study, Imi-cage and Phos-cage organic molecular cages (OMCs) containing the triphenylphosphine (TPP) moiety, a nonclassic AIE luminogen (AIEgen), have been designed to demonstrate the cage-confinement induced emission enhancement (CCIEE). Thanks to the confinement effect of OMCs, the rigid Imi-cage exhibits much higher photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (ΦPL) than the open-shell Semicage and small molecule TPP in both solution and amorphous solid states. The emission of Phos-cage could be further enhanced in crystalline solid state with a remarkably high ΦPL of 97.6% (vs 3.47% of crystalline TPP) benefiting from AIE enabled by the highly ordered molecular packing. The novel strategy of CCIEE via confining an AIEgen into an OMC to achieve a significant emission enhancement will shed light on the development of solid-state highly fluorescent materials. The fluorescent nature of Imi-cage was further exploited for the ultrahighly sensitive detection of the explosive picric acid.

Improving Chicken Responses to Glycoconjugate Vaccination Against Campylobacter jejuni.

Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. Human infection typically occurs through the ingestion of contaminated poultry products. We previously demonstrated that an attenuated Escherichia coli live vaccine strain expressing the C. jejuni N-glycan on its surface reduced the Campylobacter load in more than 50% of vaccinated leghorn and broiler birds to undetectable levels (responder birds), whereas the remainder of the animals was still colonized (non-responders). To understand the underlying mechanism, we conducted three vaccination and challenge studies using 135 broiler birds and found a similar responder/non-responder effect. Subsequent genome-wide association studies (GWAS), analyses of bird sex and levels of vaccine-induced IgY responses did not correlate with the responder versus non-responder phenotype. In contrast, antibodies isolated from responder birds displayed a higher Campylobacter-opsonophagocytic activity when compared to antisera from non-responder birds. No differences in the N-glycome of the sera could be detected, although minor changes in IgY glycosylation warrant further investigation. As reported before, the composition of the microbiota, particularly levels of OTU classified as Clostridium spp., Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae are associated with the response. Transplantation of the cecal microbiota of responder birds into new birds in combination with vaccination resulted in further increases in vaccine-induced antigen-specific IgY responses when compared to birds that did not receive microbiota transplants. Our work suggests that the IgY effector function and microbiota contribute to the efficacy of the E. coli live vaccine, information that could form the basis for the development of improved vaccines targeted at the elimination of C. jejuni from poultry.

Investigating the genetic architecture of disease resilience in pigs by genome-wide association studies of complete blood count traits collected from a natural disease challenge model.

BACKGROUND: Genetic improvement for disease resilience is anticipated to be a practical method to improve efficiency and profitability of the pig industry, as resilient pigs maintain a relatively undepressed level of performance in the face of infection. However, multiple biological functions are known to be involved in disease resilience and this complexity means that the genetic architecture of disease resilience remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 465,910 autosomal SNPs for complete blood count (CBC) traits that are important in an animal's disease response. The aim was to identify the genetic control of disease resilience. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate single-step GWAS were performed on 15 CBC traits measured from the blood samples of 2743 crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows drawn at 2-weeks before, and at 2 and 6-weeks after exposure to a polymicrobial infectious challenge. Overall, at a genome-wise false discovery rate of 0.05, five genomic regions located on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 2, SSC4, SSC9, SSC10, and SSC12, were significantly associated with white blood cell traits in response to the polymicrobial challenge, and nine genomic regions on multiple chromosomes (SSC1, SSC4, SSC5, SSC6, SSC8, SSC9, SSC11, SSC12, SSC17) were significantly associated with red blood cell and platelet traits collected before and after exposure to the challenge. By functional enrichment analyses using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and literature review of previous CBC studies, candidate genes located nearby significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be involved in immune response, hematopoiesis, red blood cell morphology, and platelet aggregation. CONCLUSIONS: This study helps to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of CBC traits collected before and after exposure to a polymicrobial infectious challenge and provides a step forward to improve disease resilience.

Hepatitis E virus prevalence among blood donors in Dali, China.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped RNA virus causing hepatitis E worldwide. The increase in transfusion-transmitted cases of HEV infections from asymptomatic blood donors causing serious illnesses among immunosuppressed recipients has been reported in the past few years. China is one of the most prevalent regions of HEV; as a result, it is important to evaluate the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV. METHODS: A total of 1864 serum samples (including demographic characteristics) from blood donors were randomly collected from February to March 2018 in Dali city. Anti-HEV IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies and HEV antigen were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HEV RNA was detected by real-time PCR. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to examine the risk factors associated with HEV prevalence. RESULTS: Overall, the positive rates of anti-HEV IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies were 13.36% (249/1864), 1.13% (21/1864), and 1.82% (34/1864), respectively. However, none of the 1864 serum samples were HEV antigen positive or HEV RNA positive. Females (16.69%) had a significantly higher HEV seroprevalence than males (13.04%) (odds ratio [OR] 1.34 [95% CI, 1.02-1.75]). Bai (18.85%) donors had a significantly higher HEV seroprevalence than Han (12.21%) blood donors (odds ratio [OR], 1.65 [95% CI, 1.24-2.19] for Bai). CONCLUSIONS: HEV showed a seroprevalence among blood donors in Yunnan Province, some of which were even recent infections, indicating a threat to the safety of blood transfusions. Whether to formulate a strategy for HEV screening in blood centres needs further research.

Development of SNP-Based Genomic Tools for the Canadian Bison Industry: Parentage Verification and Subspecies Composition.

Genomic technologies have been increasingly applied in livestock production due to their utility in production management and animal genetic improvement. The current project aimed to develop genomic resources for the Canadian bison industry, specifically a parentage verification tool and a subspecies composition tool. Both products stand to help with building and maintaining purebred and crossbred bison populations, and in turn bison conservation and production. The development of this genomic toolkit proceeded in two stages. In the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery and selection stage, raw sequence information from 41 bison samples was analyzed, and approximately 52.5 million candidate biallelic SNPs were discovered from 21 samples with high sequence quality. A set of 19,954 SNPs (2,928 for parentage verification and 17,026 for subspecies composition) were then selected for inclusion on an Axiom myDesign custom array. In the refinement and validation stage, 480 bison were genotyped using the custom SNP panel, and the resulting genotypes were analyzed to further filter SNPs and assess tool performance. In various tests using real and simulated genotypes, the two genomic tools showed excellent performance for their respective tasks. Final SNP sets consisting of 191 SNPs for parentage and 17,018 SNPs for subspecies composition are described. As the first SNP-based genomic toolkit designed for the Canadian bison industry, our results may provide a new opportunity in improving the competitiveness and profitability of the industry in a sustainable manner.

Profile and Management of Musculoskeletal Injuries Associated With the Lushan Earthquake in 2013.

On April 20, 2013, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province in southwest China. West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the largest and best hospital in Sichuan Province, is located in the city of Chengdu-about 100 km from the epicenter-and provided medical treatment to a total of 400 seismic patients. In this article, we retrospectively investigated 199 patients with musculoskeletal injuries who were treated in the Department of Orthopedics. Based on the seismic intensity distribution map, injury-occurring locations were divided into 5 grade-related areas: IX, VIII, VII, VI, and ≤V grade-area. The characteristics of seismic injuries were analyzed according to the geographic distribution of victims. We found that the constituent ratio of injury causes significantly differed in different earthquake areas according to the seismic intensity. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 408-410).

Genomic investigation of porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome (PFTS).

Porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome (PFTS) can be defined by anorexia, lethargy, progressive debilitation and compulsive behaviours that occur in seemingly healthy pigs within two to threeweeks of weaning in the absence of any known infectious, nutritional, management or environmental factors. A genetic component has been hypothesised for this syndrome. In the present study, 119 commercial pigs (80 cases and 39 controls) were genotyped with the porcine 80K single nucleotide polymorphism-chip and were analysed with logistic regression and two Fixation Index-based approaches. The analyses revealed several regions on chromosomes 1, 3, 6 and 11 with moderate divergence between cases and controls, particularly three haplotypes on SSC3 and 11. The gene-based analyses of the candidate regions revealed the presence of genes that have been reported to be associated with phenotypes like PFST including depression (PDE10A) and intestinal villous atrophy (CUL4A). It is important to increase the effort of collecting more samples to improve the power of these analyses.

Repair of articular cartilage and subchondral defects in rabbit knee joints with a polyvinyl alcohol/nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 biological composite material.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to prepare a new PVA/n-HA/PA66 composite to investigate the repair of articular cartilage and subchondral defects in rabbit knee joints. METHODS: A 5 × 5 × 5 mm-sized defect was created in the patellofemoral joints of 72 healthy adult New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were then randomly divided into three groups (n = 24): PVA/n-HA+PA66 group, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) group, and control (untreated) group. Cylindrical PVA/n-HA+PA66, 5 × 5 mm, comprised an upper PVA layer and a lower n-HA+PA66 layer. Macroscopic and histological evaluations were performed at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, postoperatively. Type II collagen was measured by immunohistochemical staining. The implant/cartilage and bone interfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: At 24 weeks postoperatively, the lower PVA/n-HA+PA66 layer became surrounded by cartilage, with no obvious degeneration. In the PVA group, an enlarged space was observed between the implant and the host tissue that had undergone degeneration. In the control group, the articular cartilage had become calcified. In the PVA/n-HA+PA66 group, positive type II collagen staining was observed between the composite and the surrounding cartilage and on the implant surface. In the PVA group, positive staining was slightly increased between the PVA and the surrounding cartilage, but reduced on the PVA surface. In the control group, reduced staining was observed throughout. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased bone tissue in the lower n-HA+PA66 layer that was in close approximation with the upper PVA layer of the composite. In the PVA group, the bone tissue around the material had receded, and in the control group, the defect was filled with bone tissue, while the superior aspect of the defect was filled with disordered, fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: The diphase biological composite material PVA/n-HA+PA66 exhibits good histocompatibility and offers a satisfactory substitute for articular cartilage and subchondral bone.

Genome-wide association study identifies candidate genes for piglet splay leg syndrome in different populations.

BACKGROUND: Piglet splay leg syndrome (PSL) is one of the most frequent genetic defects, and can cause considerable economic loss in pig production. The present understanding of etiology and pathogenesis of PSL is poor. The current study focused on identifying loci associated with PSL through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed with the Illumina Porcine60 SNP Beadchip v2.0. The study was a case/control design with four pig populations (Duroc, Landrace, Yorkshire and one crossbred of Landrace × Yorkshire). RESULT: After quality control of the genotyping data, 185 animals (73 cases, 112 controls) and 43,495 SNPs were retained for further analysis. Principal components (PCs) identified from the genomic kinship matrix were included in the statistical model for correcting the effect of population structure. Seven chromosome-wide significant SNPs were identified on Sus scrofa chromosome 1 (SSC1), SSC2 (2 SNPs), SSC7, SSC15 (2 SNPs) and SSC16 after strict Bonferroni correction. Four genes (HOMER1 and JMY on SSC2, ITGA1 on SSC16, and RAB32 on SSC1) related to muscle development, glycogen metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics were identified as potential candidate genes for PSL. CONCLUSIONS: We identified seven chromosome-wide significant SNPs associated with PSL and four potential candidate genes for PSL. To our knowledge, this is the first pilot study aiming to identify the loci associated with PSL using GWAS. Further investigations and validations for those findings are encouraged.

Novel insights into host responses and reproductive pathophysiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome caused by PRRSV-2.

A large challenge experiment using North American porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV-2) provided new insights into the pathophysiology of reproductive PRRS. Deep phenotyping of dams and fetuses identified maternal and fetal predictors of PRRS severity and resilience. PRRSV infection resulted in dramatic decreases in all leukocyte subsets by 2days post inoculation. Apoptosis in the interface region was positively related to endometrial vasculitis, viral load in endometrium and fetal thymus, and odds of meconium staining. Viral load at the maternal-fetal interface was a strong predictor of viral load in fetal thymus and odds of fetal death. However, interferon-alpha suppression, a consequence of PRRSV infection, was protective against fetal death. Although the prevalence of fetal lesions was low, their presence in fetal organs and umbilical cord was strongly associated with fetal compromise. Fetal death and viral load clustered in litters suggesting inter-fetal transmission starting from a limited number of index fetuses. Factors associated with index fetal infection are unclear, but large fetuses appear at greater risk. Disease progression in fetuses was associated with an up-regulation of genes associated with inflammation, innate immunity, and cell death signaling, and down-regulation of genes associated with cell cycle and lymphocyte quality. A number of maternal transcriptomic responses were associated with PRRS resilience including higher basal gene expression correlated with platelet function, interferon and pro-inflammatory responses. Twenty-one genomic regions across 10 chromosomes were associated with important traits including fetal viral load, fetal death and viability suggesting that selection for reproductive PRRS resilience may be possible.

Sanders II-III calcaneal fractures fixed with locking plate in elderly patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of locking calcaneal plate in treating calcaneal fracture (Sanders II-III) in elderly patients. METHODS: From October 2012 to December 2013, 23 elderly patients suffering from calcaneal fracture (Sanders II-III) were treated and followed up. There were 15 males and 8 females with the mean age of 68.5 years (range: 65-79 years). According to Sander's classification, 16 cases (16 feet) were type II fractures and 7 cases (7 feet) were type III fractures. Anteroposterior, lateral and axial views of X-ray were taken to detect the calcaneum. CT scan was done to assess the amount of comminution and articular depression. Radiological assessment was performed using Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle. Functional outcome was assessed using the Maryland foot score. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 13.7 months on average (10-20 months). The mean time of bone union was 3.2 months (3-4 months). The mean time of complete weight bearing was 3.2 months (3.1-4.0 months). The soft tissue necrosis was found in 1 case. The mean Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle were 25.31° and 117.5°respectively. The overall excellent to good rate was 82.6%. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with locking calcaneal plate can obtain good functional outcome for Sanders II-III calcaneal fractures in elderly patients.

[Current treatment situation and progress on bone defect of collapsed tibial plateau fractures].

Characteristics of collapsed tibial plateau fracture determines that the joint surface must remain anatomical reduction,line of force in tibial must exist and internal fixation must be strong. However, while renewing articular surface smoothness, surgeons have a lot of problems in dealing with bone defect under the joint surface. Current materials used for bone defect treatment include three categories: autologous bone, allograft bone and bone substitutes. Some scholars think that autologous bone grafts have a number of drawbacks, such as increasing trauma, prolonged operation time, the limited source, bone area bleeding,continuous pain, local infection and anesthesia,but most scholars believe that the autologous cancellous bone graft is still the golden standard. Allograft bone has the ability of bone conduction, but the existence of immune responses, the possibility of a virus infection, and the limited source of the allograft cannot meet the clinical demands. Likewise, bone substitutes have the problem that osteogenesis does not match with degradation in rates. Clinical doctors can meet the demand of the patient's bone graft according to patient's own situation and economic conditions.

A genome-wide association study of fetal response to type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus challenge.

Control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is economically important for the swine industry worldwide. As current PRRS vaccines do not completely protect against heterologous challenge, alternative means of control, including enhanced genetic resilience, are needed. For reproductive PRRS, the genetic basis of fetal response to PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection is poorly understood. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were done here using data from 928 fetuses from pregnant gilts experimentally challenged with type 2 PRRSV. Fetuses were assessed for viral load in thymus (VLT), viral load in endometrium (VLE), fetal death (FD) and fetal viability (FV), and genotyped at a medium density. Collectively, 21 candidate genomic regions were found associated with these traits, seven of which overlap with previously reported QTLs for pig health and reproduction. A comparison with ongoing and related transcriptomic analyses of fetal response to PRRSV infection found differentially expressed genes within 18 candidate regions. Some of these genes have immune system functions, and have been reported to contribute to host response to PRRSV infection. The results provide new evidence about the genetic basis of fetal response to PRRSV challenge, and may ultimately lead to alternative control strategies to reduce the impact of reproductive PRRS.

In vitro stress effect on degradation and drug release behaviors of basic fibroblast growth factor--poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) microsphere.

OBJECTIVE: To study the degradation and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) release activity of bFGF - poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) microsphere (bFGF-PLGA MS) under stress in vitro, including the static pressure and shearing force-simulating mechanical environment of the joint cavity. METHOD: First, bFGF-PLGA MSs were created. Meanwhile, two self-made experimental instruments (static pressure and shearing force loading instruments) were initially explored to provide stress-simulating mechanical environment of the joint cavity. Then, bFGF-PLGA MSs were loaded into the two instruments respectively, to study microsphere degradation and drug release experiments. In the static pressure loading experiment, normal atmospheric pressure loading (approximately 0.1 MPa), 0.35 MPa, and 4.0 MPa pressure loading and shaking flask oscillation groups were designed to study bFGF-PLGA MS degradation and bFGF release. In the shearing force loading experiment, a pulsating pump was used to give the experimental group an output of 1,000 mL/min and the control group an output of 10 mL/min to carry out bFGF-PLGA MS degradation and drug release experiments. Changes of bFGF-PLGA MSs, including microsphere morphology, quality, weight-average molecular weight of polymer, and microsphere degradation and bFGF release, were analyzed respectively. RESULTS: In the static pressure loading experiment, bFGF-PLGA MSs at different pressure were stable initially. The trend of molecular weight change, quality loss, and bFGF release was consistent. Meanwhile, microsphere degradation and bFGF release rates in the 4.0 MPa pressure loading group were faster than those in the normal and 0.35 MPa pressure loading groups. It was the fastest in the shaking flask group, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.0001). In the shearing force loading experiment, there were no distinctive differences in the rates of microsphere degradation and bFGF release between experimental and control group. Meanwhile, microsphere degradation and bFGF release rates by shaking flask oscillation were obviously faster than those by shearing force only (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: There are significant effects on bFGF-PLGA MS degradation and bFGF release due to the interaction between extraction stress and time. Static pressure has a conspicuous influence on bFGF-PLGA MS degradation and release, especially at a pressure of 4.0 MPa. The shearing force has a slight effect on bFGF-PLGA MS degradation and drug release. On the contrary, shaking flask oscillation has a significantly distinctive effect.