Determination of viable myocardium through delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging combined with 18F-FDG PET myocardial perfusion/metabolic imaging before CABG.

PURPOSE: Study aims to investigate the consistency of delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DE-CMR) and 18F-FDG PET myocardial imaging in evaluating myocardial viability before CABG. METHODS: The study analyzed data from 100 patients who were examined with DE-CMR, PET imaging, and echocardiography before and after CABG. All subjects were followed up for 6-12 month post- CABG. RESULTS: DE-CMR and PET imaging have high consistency (90.1%; Kappa value = 0.71, p < 0.01) in determining myocardial viability. The degree of delayed enhancement was negatively correlated with the improvement in myocardial contractile function in this segment after revascularization (P < 0.001). The ratio of scarred myocardial segments and total DE score was significantly lower in the improvement group than non-improvement group. Multivariate regression identified that hibernating myocardium (OR = 1.229, 95%CI: 1.053-1.433, p = 0.009) was influencing factor of LVEF improvement after CABG. CONCLUSION: Both imaging techniques are consistent in evaluating myocardial viability. Detecting the number of hibernating myocardium by PET is also important to predict the left heart function improvement after CABG.

Differential Abundance of Brain Mitochondrial Proteins in Yak and Cattle: A Proteomics-Based Study.

The plateau adaptability and stress resistance of yaks are widely known based on their capacity to survive under severe habitat conditions. However, a few studies on brain mitochondria have characterized these adaptations at the protein level. We identified and quantified the brain mitochondrial proteins using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and Proteomics. Western blotting was used to verify changes in the expression of target proteins. A total of 57 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified in the yak brain tissue. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed molecular functions of these DAPs including downregulated oxidoreductase activity but upregulated coenzyme binding. Significantly enriched biological processes were oxidation-reduction process (downregulated) and small molecule metabolic processes (upregulated). STRING protein interaction analysis indicated a complex interaction between dehydrogenase, transaminase, and ATP synthetase families. Reactome pathway analysis highlighted that the majority of DAPs participated in aerobic metabolic pathways such as metabolism, citric acid cycle, and respiratory electron transport. Immunoblotting confirmed that changes in FKBP4 and ATPAF2 expression were consistent with the results of mass spectrometry. We performed a high-throughput screening to identify DAPs in brain mitochondria between yak and cattle, which could explain the plateau adaptability of yaks.

Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals Changes in Polled Yak Long Non-coding RNAs in Skeletal Muscle Development.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied in recent years. Numerous lncRNAs have been identified in mice, rats, and humans, some of which play important roles in muscle formation and development. However, little is known about lncRNA regulators that affect muscle development in yak (Bos grunniens). LncRNA expression during skeletal muscle development in yak was analyzed by RNA sequencing at three development stages: 3 years (group A), 6 months (group M), and 90-day-old fetuses (group E). A total of 1180 lncRNAs were identified in the three development stages. Compared with group E, 154 were upregulated and 130 were downregulated in group A. Compared with group A, 31 were upregulated and 29 were downregulated in group M. Compared with group E, 147 were upregulated and 149 were downregulated in group M (padj < 0.001, |log2FC| > 1.2). In addition, functional annotation analysis based on gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto protocol encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) database showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were cis-trans target genes. The results showed that DElncRNAs were mainly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, and p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, RTL1, IGF2, MEF2C, Pax7, and other well-known muscle development regulators were included in a co-expression network of differentially expressed target genes and lncRNAs. These data will help to further clarify the function of lncRNAs in the different stages of skeletal muscle developmental in yak.

A Study of Genomic Prediction of 12 Important Traits in the Domesticated Yak (Bos grunniens).

The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of applying GP to important economic traits in the domesticated yak, thus providing theoretical support for its molecular breeding. A reference population was constructed consisting of 354 polled yaks, measuring four growth traits and eight hematological traits related to resistance to disease (involved in immune response and phagocytosis). The Illumina bovine HD 770k chip was used to obtain SNP information of all the individuals. With these genotypes and phenotypes, GBLUP, Bayes B and Bayes Cπ methods were used to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) and assess prediction capability. The correlation coefficient of the association of GEBV with estimated breeding value (EBV) was used as PA for each trait. The prediction accuracy varied from 0.043 to 0.281 for different traits. Each trait displayed similar PAs when using the three methods. Lymphocyte counts (LYM) exhibited the highest predictive accuracy (0.319) during all GP, while chest girth (CG) provided the lowest predictive accuracy (0.043). Our results showed moderate PA in most traits such as body length (0.212) and hematocrit (0.23). Those traits with lower PA could be improved by using SNP chips designed specifically for yak, a better optimized reference group structure, and more efficient statistical algorithms and tools.

Transcriptome and DNA Methylation Analyses of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying with Longissimus dorsi Muscles at Different Stages of Development in the Polled Yak.

DNA methylation modifications are implicated in many biological processes. As the most common epigenetic mechanism DNA methylation also affects muscle growth and development. The majority of previous studies have focused on different varieties of yak, but little is known about the epigenetic regulation mechanisms in different age groups of animals. The development of muscles in the different stages of yak growth remains unclear. In this study, we selected the longissimus dorsi muscle tissue at three different growth stages of the yak, namely, 90-day-old fetuses (group E), six months old (group M), and three years old (group A). Using RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing and methyl-RAD whole-genome methylation sequencing technology, changes in gene expression levels and DNA methylation status throughout the genome were investigated during the stages of yak development. Each group was represented by three biological replicates. The intersections of expression patterns of 7694 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (padj < 0.01, |log2FC| > 1.2) at each of the three developmental periods. Time-series expression profile clustering analysis indicated that the DEGs were significantly arranged into eight clusters which could be divided into two classes (padj < 0.05), class I profiles that were downregulated and class II profiles that were upregulated. Based on this cluster analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that DEGs from class I profiles were significantly (padj < 0.05) enriched in 21 pathways, the most enriched pathway being the Axon guidance signaling pathway. DEGs from the class II profile were significantly enriched in 58 pathways, the pathway most strongly enriched being Metabolic pathway. After establishing the methylation profiles of the whole genomes, and using two groups of comparisons, the three combinations of groups (M-vs.-E, M-vs.-A, A-vs.-E) were found to have 1344, 822, and 420 genes, respectively, that were differentially methylated at CCGG sites and 2282, 3056, and 537 genes, respectively, at CCWGG sites. The two sets of data were integrated and the negative correlations between DEGs and differentially methylated promoters (DMPs) analyzed, which confirmed that TMEM8C, IGF2, CACNA1S and MUSTN1 were methylated in the promoter region and that expression of the modified genes was negatively correlated. Interestingly, these four genes, from what was mentioned above, perform vital roles in yak muscle growth and represent a reference for future genomic and epigenomic studies in muscle development, in addition to enabling marker-assisted selection of growth traits.

Analysis of Hematological Traits in Polled Yak by Genome-Wide Association Studies Using Individual SNPs and Haplotypes.

Yak (Bos grunniens) is an important domestic animal living in high-altitude plateaus. Due to inadequate disease prevention, each year, the yak industry suffers significant economic losses. The identification of causal genes that affect blood- and immunity-related cells could provide preliminary reference guidelines for the prevention of diseases in the population of yaks. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) utilizing a single-marker or haplotype method were employed to analyze 15 hematological traits in the genome of 315 unrelated yaks. Single-marker GWASs identified a total of 43 significant SNPs, including 35 suggestive and eight genome-wide significant SNPs, associated with nine traits. Haplotype analysis detected nine significant haplotype blocks, including two genome-wide and seven suggestive blocks, associated with seven traits. The study provides data on the genetic variability of hematological traits in the yak. Five essential genes (GPLD1, EDNRA,APOB, HIST1H1E, and HIST1H2BI) were identified, which affect the HCT, HGB, RBC, PDW, PLT, and RDWSD traits and can serve as candidate genes for regulating hematological traits. The results provide a valuable reference to be used in the analysis of blood properties and immune diseases in the yak.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Jialuo sheep (Ovis aries).

Jialuo sheep is one of the important production materials of herdsmen in the pastoral areas of northwestern Sichuan in China. We reported the complete mitogenome of Jialuo sheep for the first time. It is 16,617 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). In the evolutionary relationship, the mitogenome of Jialuo sheep is closer to Texel sheep. This report will help the further studies of sheep species classification and resource protection.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Bazhou yak (Bos Grunniens).

Yak is an ancient breed and Bazhou Yak is also one of China's unique yak breed resources. In the present study, its complete mitochondrial genome was assembled from Illumina sequencing data and we identified the complete mitochondrial genome of the Bazhou yak (Bos grunniens). The complete mitochondrial DNA is a circular molecule with 16,325 bp length consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The overall nucleotide composition is A (33.69%), T (27.30%), C (25.79%), and G (13.22%), respectively. The content of C + G is 39.01%. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genomes of 15 related species by MEGA7.0 showed that the genetic relationship of Bazhou yak is closer to Datong yak and polled yak.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Sibu yak (Bos grunniens).

Sibu yak is famous for its excellent breed in Tibet and has become a magic way for local herdsmen to get rich. The Sibu yak, however, has been identified as an endangered bovine species. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Sibu yak (Bos grunniens) was sequenced. The complete mitochondrial genome is a circular molecule with 16,324 bp in length, including 2 rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The entire nucleotide composition is A(33.70%), T(27.27%), C(25,81%), G(13.21%), respectively. Except that ND6 and 7 tRNAs （tRNA-Glu,tRNA-Pro,tRNA-Cys, tRNA-Tyr, tRNA-Ala, tRNA-Asn, and tRNA-Gln) are encoded on the light strand, the remaining genes are encoded on the heavy strand. As a valuable resource, we have compared it to related Bos species to understand the evolutionary history of Sibu yak.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Niangya yak (Bos grunniens).

In the present study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Niangya yak (Bos grunniens) and its phylogenetic inferences. The complete mitochondrial DNA is a circular molecule with 16,322 bp length consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a non-coding control region(D-loop). Both ND6 and 7 tRNAs (tRNA-Pro, tRNA-Glu, tRNA-Tyr, tRNA-Cys, tRNA-Asn, tRNA-Ala and tRNA-Gln) are encoded on the light strand, and the remaining genes are encoded on the heavy strand. The overall nucleotide composition is A(33.73%), T(27.28%), C(25.80%), G(13.19%) respectively. The content of C + G is 38.99%. Given that yak is indispensable for the Tibetan people, it is important to understand the genetic status of the population for further systematic genetics, evolutionary significance and protection of genetic resources. Therefore, to understand the evolutionary history of Niangya yak, the complete mitochondrial genome of Niangya yak was sequenced and compared with the mitochondrial genome of closely related Bos species.

[Comparison of ¹8F-FDG PET/CT and large-scale DWI for evaluation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma bone marrow infiltration].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic value of ¹8F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹8F-FDG PET/CT) and large-scale diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for evaluation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) bone marrow (BM) infiltration. METHODS: A total of 79 patients with pathologically diagnosed NHL underwent ¹8F-FDG PET/CT, large scale DWI and BM pathological examination. BM examination as the "gold standard", the performance (the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value) of ¹8F-FDG PET/CT and large scale DWI for evaluation of BM infiltration was compared and the risk of BM infiltration of different subtypes and sources of NHL was analyzed. RESULTS: 25 of 79 cases were diagnosed as BM infiltration by pathological examination with 57 BM sites. Abnormal high BM metabolisms were identified in 22 cases with 56 BM sites by ¹8F-FDG PET/CT and 25 cases with 58 BM sites by large-scale DWI. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of ¹8F-FDG PET/CT were 80.0%, 96.3%, 91.1%, 90.9%, 91.2%, respectively. And they were 84.0%, 92.6%, 89.9%, 84.0%, and 92.6% by large-scale DWI, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that there was no statistical difference in ¹8F-FDG PET/CT and large-scale DWI (P>0.05). The area under ROC curve for ¹8F-FDG PET/CT and large-scale DWI were 0.911 and 0.883 respectively. The incidences of BM infiltration in aggressive NHL patients by ¹8F-FDG PET/CT (21/69, 30.4%) and large-scale DWI (23/69, 33.3%) were higher than those (PET/CT: 10.0%; large-scale DWI: 20.0%; P>0.05) in indolent NHL patients. CONCLUSION: ¹8F-FDG PET/CT and large-scale DWI had important clinical value in diagnosing BM infiltration of NHL. A combination of ¹8F-FDG PET/CT, large-scale DWI and pathological examination could improve the positive rate of BM infiltration in NHL.