Prevalence and influencing factors of anaemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Northwestern China.

OBJECTIVES: Anaemia during pregnancy is a significant public health problem that adversely impacts both the mother and foetus. However, the factors influencing maternal anaemia in deprived areas of Northwestern China have not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and potential influencing factors of anaemia among expectant mothers in rural areas of Northwestern China. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 586 expectant mothers was conducted to investigate the prevalence of anaemia, prenatal healthcare coverage, dietary diversity and nutrient supplementation intake. The study population was selected from the sample areas using a random sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire, and haemoglobin concentrations were measured by a capillary blood test. RESULTS: The results show that 34.8% of the study population were anaemic, with 13% having moderate-to-severe anaemia. The results of the regression analysis showed that diet was not significantly associated with haemoglobin concentrations or the prevalence of anaemia. However, regular prenatal healthcare attendance was found to be an important influencing factor for both haemoglobin concentration (ß = 3.67, P = 0.002) and the prevalence of anaemia (odds ratio = 0.59, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women receiving regular prenatal care were less likely to be anaemic; thus, it is essential to implement strategies to improve attendance at maternal public health services to reduce the prevalence of maternal anaemia.

[Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and factors influencing sequential combination of nucleos(t)ide analogues with pegylated interferon alpha for 48~96 weeks in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B].

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacy and factors influencing the sequential combination of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) with pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-α) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: 144 CHB cases with NAs treatment for more than 1 year, HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification < 3 000 IU/ml, treated with a sequential combination of Peg-IFN-α treatment for 48 to 96 weeks, and followed up were selected from the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between May 2018 and May 2020. Intention-to-treat analysis was used to measure the HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy. Univariate and multifactorial COX proportional hazard models were used to analyze the factors influencing HBsAg clearance following 96 weeks of prolonged PEG-IFN-α treatment. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive value of factors influencing HBsAg clearance. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the measurement data between groups. The count data was compared using the χ(2) test between groups. Results: 41 (28.47%) cases achieved HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy. The HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks was 40.28% (58/144) by intention-to-treat analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method computed that the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks was 68.90%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HBsAg quantification at baseline (OR = 0.090, 95%CI: 0.034-0.240, P < 0.001) and a 24-week drop in HBsAg level (OR = 7.788, 95%CI: 3.408-17.798, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of HBsAg clearance in CHB patients treated sequentially in combination with NAs and Peg-IFN-α for 48 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the baseline HBsAg quantification [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.911, 95% CI: 0.852-0.952)] and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (AUC = 0.881, 95%CI: 0.814-0.930) had equally good predictive value for 48-week HBsAg clearance, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two (Z = 0.638, P = 0.523). The value of the combination of baseline HBsAg quantification and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (AUC = 0.981, 95%CI: 0.941-0.997) was superior to that of single baseline HBsAg quantification (Z = 3.017, P = 0.003) and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (Z = 3.214, P = 0.001) in predicting HBsAg clearance rate at 48 weeks. Multivariate COX proportional hazards model analysis showed that HBsAg quantification at 48 weeks (HR = 0.364, 95%CI: 0.176-0.752, P = 0.006) was an independent predictor of HBsAg clearance with a prolonged course to 96 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment. Conclusion: The HBsAg clearance rate can be accurately predicted with baseline HBsAg quantification combined with a 24-week drop in HBsAg level in patients with CHB who are treated with a sequential combination of NAs and Peg-IFN-α therapy for 48 weeks. Prolonging the course of Peg-IFN-α treatment can enhance the HBsAg clearance rate's capability. An independent predictor of HBsAg clearance is HBsAg quantification at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy with a prolonged course of 96 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment.

Correlation between primary family caregiver identity and maternal depression risk in poor rural China.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal and postpartum depression are important public health challenges because of their long-term adverse impacts on maternal and neonatal health. This study investigated the risk of maternal depression among pregnant and postpartum women in poor rural China, along with the correlation between primary family caregiver identity and maternal depression risk. METHODS: Pregnant women and new mothers were randomly selected from poor rural villages in the Qinba Mountains area in Shaanxi. Basic demographic information was collected regarding the women and their primary family caregivers. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to identify women at risk of depression, and the Perceived Social Support Scale was used to evaluate perceived family support. RESULTS: This study included 220 pregnant women and 473 new mothers. The mean proportions of women at risk of prenatal and postpartum depression were 19.5% and 18.6%, respectively. Regression analysis showed that identification of the baby's grandmother as the primary family caregiver was negatively correlated with maternal depression risk (ß=-0.979, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-1.946 to -0.012, P=0.047). However, the husband's involvement in that role was not significantly correlated with maternal depression risk (ß=-0.499, 95% CI=-1.579 to 0.581, P=0.363). Identification of the baby's grandmother as the primary family caregiver was positively correlated with family support score (ß=0.967, 95% CI=-0.062 to 1.996, P=0.065). CONCLUSION: Prenatal and postpartum depression are prevalent in poor rural China. The involvement of the baby's grandmother as the primary family caregiver may reduce maternal depression risk, but the husband's involvement in that role has no effect.

Association between household debt and depressive mood among Chinese residents.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the association of household debt and depressive mood among Chinese adults and to evaluate whether the association varies across types of debt. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary data analysis of a nationally representative survey. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of participants was drawn from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). In total, 5135 participants had their depressive mood measured in the CFPS starting from 2014 to 2016 and had participated in the biennial survey. We used logistic regression models to identify predictors of depressive mood with debts, sociodemographic factors, health status factors and health behaviors factors. Adjusted for all measured covariates, we conducted an independent analysis for the experience of housing loans from formal institutions (HLFI), other loans from formal institutions (OLFI), housing loans from relatives and friends (HLRF) and other loans from relatives and friends (OLRF). RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that household debt was a significant risk factor for depressive mood (1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.54), after controlling for potential confounders. Independent analysis revealed that HLFI was not a significant predictor, while HLRF (1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.48), OLFI (1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.87) and OLRF (1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.47) remained significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: OLFI, HLRF and OLRF were associated with depressive mood, while HLFI was not. To address the problem of individual depressive mood, its apparent association with household debt should be paid more attention.

MicroRNA-300 targets hypoxia inducible factor-3 alpha to inhibit tumorigenesis of human non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most deadly human cancers. MicroRNA-300 acts as both tumor promoter and suppressor in different types of cancer. Here, we try to identify the function of microRNA-300 in human NSCLC. We compared MicroRNA-300 levels between tumor tissues versus paired adjacent non-tumor lung tissues from NSCLC patients, and in NSCLC versus normal lung cell lines. Effects of microRNA-300 on cell proliferation, invasion and migration were examined in vitro, and on tumor growth in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. Potential mRNA targets of microRNA-300 were predicted and underlying mechanism was explored. MicroRNA-300 expression was lower in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of microRNA-300 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo. MicroRNA-300 could directly bind to the 3'-UTR of hypoxia inducible factor-3 alpha (HIF3α) mRNA, and inhibit both its mRNA and protein expressions. Restoring HIF3α expression could rescue the inhibitory effects of microRNA-300 on tumorigenesis of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. MicroRNA-300 is a tumor suppressor microRNA in NSCLC by downregulating HIF3α expression. Both microRNA-300 and HIF3α may serve as potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC treatment.

Modified Petticoat Technique with Pre-placement of a Distal Bare Stent Improves Early Aortic Remodeling after Complicated Acute Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of pre-placement of a distal bare stent as an adjunct to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the setting of complicated acute Stanford type B aortic dissection (cTBAD). METHODS: The records of all patients diagnosed with cTBAD at the institution between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed. Indications for the pre-placement of a distal bare stent included symptomatic malperfusion and/or radiological evidence of true lumen collapse. Computed tomography angiography was performed post-operatively to assess aortic remodeling. RESULTS: 148 patients were treated for cTBAD: 113 patients (76.4%) were treated with standard TEVAR and 35 (23.6%) were treated by combined proximal TEVAR with pre-placement of an adjunctive distal bare stent. Primary technical success was 95.9%. The 30 day mortality rate was 4.1% and was not different between groups. The 30 day morbidity included transient renal failure (10.1%), endoleak (7.4%), and paraplegia (2.7%), and was not different between groups. The mean follow up was 10 months (range 2-12 months). No late stent complications were observed; patients with an adjunctive bare stent had less distal re-dissection (0% vs. 15%; p = .01) and fewer endovascular re-interventions (5.7% vs. 20.4%; p = .04). At 1 year, patients treated with TEVAR and an adjunctive distal bare stent had increased true lumen volume (166 vs. 110 mL; p = .022), decreased false lumen volume (60 vs. 90 mL; p = .043), and increased complete false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic (76.5% vs. 29.5%; p < .001) and abdominal (20.6% vs. 3.8%; p = .002) segments. CONCLUSIONS: Combined pre-placement of a distal bare stent as an adjunct to proximal TEVAR to treat cTBAD restricts oversizing of the distal stent graft, reducing the potential for distal true lumen collapse and visceral malperfusion, and improving remodeling of the dissected thoracic aorta. Long-term follow up and prospective studies are needed to assess the overall effectiveness of this treatment strategy.

Angiotensin II Promotes Atherogenesis through upregulating the Expression of Connexin 43 in Dendritic Cells.

It is known, for a long time, that angiotensin II (Ang II) could contribute to atherogenesis (AS) and plaque vulnerability, however the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical for the development of both inflammation and atherogenesis. In the present study, we tried to investigate the influence of AngII on the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) in DCs, as well as the effect of AngII on AS. After mouse bone marrow—derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were treated by Ang II with or without Valsartan, the expression of Cx43 was quantified by Western Blots. The expression of Cx43 and CD40 (one marker of DCs) of DCs derived from AS plaques of ApoE—/— mice was detected by immunohistochemistry double staining. The morphology of atherosclerotic plaque was indicated by immunohistochemistry staining of smooth muscle cells. The expression of Cx43 (P < 0.05) was increased significantly in mouse BMDCs after treatment with AngII. In atherosclerotic plaques from ApoE—/— mice expressing high levels of endogenous AngII, upregulation of Cx43 (P < 0.01) and CD40 (P < 0.01) was observed. The upregulation and pro—atherogenesis effect of Cx43 could be blocked by the AngII type 1 receptor blocker Valsartan, both in vitro and in vivo. AngII may promote atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability by increasing the expression of Cx43 in DCs and inducing the maturation of DCs through the angiotensin II type 1 receptor.

Association between CC motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) polymorphisms and asthma risk: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Findings regarding the associations between the CC motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) -403G/A and -28C/G polymorphisms and asthma risk are controversial.We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether CCL5 polymorphisms are associated with asthma risk. METHODS: We searched the Pubmed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases for studies published before June 2013. The strength of associations was calculated using ORs with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Twenty case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. We did not observe a significant association between the CCL5 -403G/A polymorphism and asthma risk (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.93-1.30; P = .25). The CCL5 - 28C/G polymorphism, however, was associated with a significantly elevated asthma risk (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02-1.33; P = .02). Subgroup analyses found that the CCL5 -28C/G polymorphism was significantly associated with asthma risk in Asians (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33; P = .04) and children (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.63; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that the CCL5 -28C/G polymorphism is a risk factor for asthma.

Interferon-gamma +874A/T polymorphism is associated with asthma risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Results regarding the association between the interferon-y (lFN-y) +874A/T polymorphism and asthma risk are controversial and ambiguous. The aim of this study was to determine with greater precision the relationship between the IFN-gamma+874A/T polymorphism and asthma using a meta-analysis. METHODS: Published literature was retrieved from 5 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI] and Weipu). ORs with 95% Cls were used to assess the strength of association. RESULTS: Ten case-control studies involving 697 cases and 1049 controls were identified. In the overall analysis, a significant association between the +874A/T polymorphism and asthma susceptibility was found for AA vs AT + TT (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.37-2.62; P=.0001). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were found among whites (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04-1.93; P=.03) and Asians (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.49-4.25; P=.0006). The sensitivity analysis and cumulative meta-analysis further strengthened the validity of this association. No publication bias was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the IFN-gamma +874A/T polymorphism is a risk factor for asthma.

Effects of TNF-α polymorphisms on asthma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have examined associations between TNF-α polymorphisms and asthma risk, but the results have been conflicting. METHODS: A search was performed of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Wanfang databases. Data were extracted and pooled ORs with 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies were included. A significant association between the TNFA-308A/G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility was observed for AA + AG vs GG (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.58; P < .001). This polymorphism was also significantly associated with asthma risk in whites (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.25-1.73; P < .001), atopic asthma risk (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.16-1.65; P < .001), pediatric asthma risk (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23-1.79; P < .001), and adult asthma risk (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.52; P < .001).There was also a significant association between the TNFA -857C/T polymorphism and asthma risk in the recessive model (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.43; P < .001). In the subgroup analyses, asthma risk was significantly increased in Asians (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07-1.41; P = .004) and atopic individuals (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.57; P < .001). No significant association was found for the TNFA-238A/G polymorphism. There were insufficient data to evaluate the associations between TNFA -1031T/C and -863C/A polymorphisms and asthma risk. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that TNFA -308A/G and -857C/T polymorphisms are risk factors for asthma.

Experimental analyses of the major parameters affecting the intensity of outbursts of coal and gas.

With an increase in mining depth and production, the intensity and frequency of outburst of coal and gas have a tendency to increase. Estimating the intensity of outbursts of coal and gas plays an important role because of its relation with the risk value. In this paper, we described the semiquantitative relations between major parameters and intensity of outburst based on physical experiments. The results showed increment of geostress simulated by horizontal load (from 1.4, 2.4, 3.2, to 3.4 MPa) or vertical load (from 2, 3, 3.6, to 4 MPa) improved the relative intensity rate (3.763-7.403% and 1.273-7.99%); the increment of porosity (from 1.57, 2.51, 3, to 3.6%) improved the relative intensity rate from 3.8 to 13.8%; the increment of gas pressure (from 0, 0.5, 0.65, 0.72, 1, to 1.5 Mpa) induced the relative intensity rate to decrease from 38.22 to 0%; the increment of water content (from 0, 2, 4, to 8%) caused the relative intensity rate to drop from 5.425 to 0.5%. Furthermore, sensitivity and range analysis evaluates coupled factors affecting the relative intensity. In addition, the distinction with initiation of outburst of coal and gas affected by these parameters is discussed by the relative threshold of gas content rate.

Efficacy and safety of bicyclol for treating patients with antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury.

BACKGROUND: Bicyclol was used for treating idiosyncratic acute drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in a phase II trial. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of bicyclol 25 and 50 mg thrice a day (TID) for treating acute DILI caused by anti-TB drugs in the light of the trial results.METHODS: We analysed clinical data of patients with TB drug-induced DILI in the trial database. The primary endpoint was reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after 4 weeks of treatment compared to baseline.RESULTS: Overall, 148 patients were included, with respectively 48, 52 and 48 patients included in the control (456 mg polyene phosphatidylcholine TID), high-dose (50 mg bicyclol TID) and low-dose (25 mg bicyclol TID) groups. ALT levels decreased by respectively â-"149.0 (IQR â-"299.3 to â-"98.3 (), â-"225.5 (IQR â-"309.3 to â-"181.8 ) and â-"242.5 (IQR â-"364.8 to â-"153.8) U/L in the control, high-dose and low-dose groups (P < 0.001). The ALT normalisation rates at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 were higher in the high- and low-dose groups, while adverse events and serious adverse events were similar across groups.CONCLUSIONS: Bicyclol (25 and 50 mg TID) is effective and safe in treating anti-TB DILI, and bicyclol 50 mg TID showed higher efficacy.

Determination and prediction of standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of wheat in broilers.

This experiment evaluated the standard ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in 8 different sources of wheat fed to broilers and established prediction equations based on the chemical properties of wheat. A total of five hundred forty 1-day-old broilers were tested in 2 stages (from d 10 to 13 and from d 25 to 28). On d 13, 324 broilers were randomly assigned to 9 diets (6 replicate cages, 6 broilers per cage); on d 28, 216 broilers were randomly assigned to 9 diets (6 replicate cages, 4 broilers per cage). The 9 experimental diets included 8 test diets and 1 nitrogen-free diet. Titanium dioxide was added as an exogenous indicator at 0.5% of the diet. In 8 wheat samples, the mean values of total amino acids (TAA), dispensable amino acids (DAA), and indispensable amino acids (IAA) were 12.16% (CV 13.70%), 7.97% (CV 15.49%), and 4.20% (CV 11.47%). On d 13, the lowest SID of AA was Lys (86.71%), and the highest was Pro (97.98%). On d 28, the lowest SID of AA was His (81.31%), and the highest was Pro (96.83%). There was an effect of wheat source on the SID of AA except for Trp (P < 0.05); the broiler age had an effect on the SID of AA except for Tyr (P < 0.05); the SID of most AA were higher at d 13 compared to d 28. At d 13, the SID of AA was correlated with CP, NDF, and ST (P < 0.05). At d 28, the SID of AA was correlated with EE, Ash, ADF, and NDF (P < 0.05). The R2 value of stepwise regression equations to predict the SID of AA at d 13 was highest for Leu (R2 = 0.972), lowest for Asp (R2 = 0.785); at d 28 was highest for Gly (R2 = 0.995), lowest for His (R2 = 0.678). In conclusion, this experiment showed that the chemical properties of wheat can be used to establish accurate equations for predicting the SID of AA. This made it more efficient to obtain the SID of AA for wheat.

Molecular cytogenetic studies in strepsirrhine primates, Dermoptera and Scandentia.

Since the first chromosome painting study between human and strepsirrhine primates was performed in 1996, nearly 30 species in Strepsirrhini, Dermoptera and Scandentia have been analyzed by cross-species chromosome painting. Here, the contribution of chromosome painting data to our understanding of primate genome organization, chromosome evolution and the karyotype phylogenetic relationships within strepsirrhine primates, Dermoptera and Scandentia is reviewed. Twenty-six to 43 homologous chromosome segments have been revealed in different species with human chromosome-specific paint probes. Various landmark rearrangements characteristic for each different lineage have been identified, as cytogenetic signatures that potentially unite certain lineages within strepsirrhine primates, Dermoptera and Scandentia.

Comparative chromosome painting in Carnivora and Pholidota.

The order of Carnivora has been very well characterized with over 50 species analyzed by chromosome painting and with painting probe sets made for 9 Carnivora species. Representatives of almost all families have been studied with few exceptions (Otariidae, Odobenidae, Nandiniidae, Prionodontidae). The patterns of chromosome evolution in Carnivora are discussed here. Overall, many Carnivora species retained karyotypes that only slightly differ from the ancestral carnivore karyotype. However, there are at least 3 families in which the ancestral carnivore karyotype has been severely rearranged - Canidae, Ursidae and Mephitidae. Here we report chromosome painting of yet another Carnivora species with a highly rearranged karyotype, Genetta pardina. Recurrent rearrangements make it difficult to define the ancestral chromosomal arrangement in several instances. Only 2 species of pangolins (Pholidota), a sister order of Carnivora, have been studied by chromosome painting. Future use of whole-genome sequencing data is discussed in the context of solving the questions that are beyond resolution of conventional banding techniques and chromosome painting.

Chromosomal rearrangements and karyotype evolution in carnivores revealed by chromosome painting.

Chromosomal evolution in carnivores has been revisited extensively using cross-species chromosome painting. Painting probes derived from flow-sorted chromosomes of the domestic dog, which has one of the most rearranged karyotypes in mammals and the highest dipoid number (2n=78) in carnivores, are a powerful tool in detecting both evolutionary intra- and inter-chromosomal rearrangements. However, only a few comparative maps have been established between dog and other non-Canidae species. Here, we extended cross-species painting with dog probes to seven more species representing six carnivore families: Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), the stone marten (Martes foina), the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), Javan mongoose (Hepestes javanicas), the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The numbers and positions of intra-chromosomal rearrangements were found to differ among these carnivore species. A comparative map between human and stone marten, and a map among the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), stone marten and human were also established to facilitate outgroup comparison and to integrate comparative maps between stone marten and other carnivores with such maps between human and other species. These comparative maps give further insight into genome evolution and karyotype phylogenetic relationships among carnivores, and will facilitate the transfer of gene mapping data from human, domestic dog and cat to other species.

Karyotype analysis of mithun (Bos frontalis) and mithun bull x Brahman cow hybrids.

We examined the cytogenetics of mithun (Bos frontalis), a domesticated version of the Asian gaur, and hybrids (F(1) generation) produced by artificial insemination of Brahman cows (Bos indicus) with mithun semen. Reproductive potential was also examined in the F(1) generation and a backcrossed heifer for utilization of heterosis. Metaphase chromosome spreads were examined by conventional staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization hybridized with the entire chromosome 1 of mithun as a specific probe. Chromosome 1 of mithun was found to be equivalent to Bos taurus chromosomes 2 and 28. The karyotype of the female mithun (N = 4) comprised 58 chromosomes, including 54 acrocentric and four large submetacentric chromosomes, without the four acrocentric chromosomes found in the domesticated species B. indicus. However, one of the four female mithuns with a normal mithun phenotype had an abnormal karyotype (2n = 59), indicating introgression from B. taurus or B. indicus. The F(1) karyotypes (N = 6, 3♂3♀) of the mithun bull × Brahman cow cross had 2n = 59, intermediate between their parents; they were consistent heterozygous carriers with a centric fusion involving rob(2;28), as expected. Two pronounced red signals were seen in the mithun karyotypes, three red signals in the mithun × Brahman hybrids, and four red signals in the Brahman cattle, in good agreement with centric fusion of bovine rob(2;28). The female backcross hybrid (N = 1) with 2n = 59 had a similar chromosome configuration to the F(1) karyotypes and had rob(2;28). Such female backcross hybrids normally reproduce; however, the F(1) bulls (N = 3) had not yet generated normal sperm at 24 months.

Sodium hydrosulfide prevents hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in broilers.

1. The aim of the study was to determine if H(2)S is involved in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in broilers, a condition frequently observed in a variety of cardiac and pulmonary diseases. 2. Two-week-old broilers were reared under normoxic conditions or exposed to normobaric hypoxia (6 h/day) with tissue levels of H(2)S adjusted by administering sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 10 µmol/kg body weight/day). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular mass, plasma and tissue H(2)S levels, the expression of cystathionine-ß-synthase (CSE) and vascular remodeling were determined at 35 d of age. 3. Exposure to hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension was characterized by elevated pulmonary pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodeling. This was accompanied by decreased expression of CSE and decreased concentrations of plasma and tissue H(2)S. 4. Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension was significantly reduced by administration of NaHS but this protective effect was largely abolished by D, L-propargylglycerine, an inhibitor of CSE. 5. The results indicate that H(2)S is involved in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Supplementing NaHS or H(2)S could be a strategy for reducing hypoxia-induced hypertension in broilers.

[Analysis of the factors contributing to endometriosis in China and UK].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences in the factors associated with endometriosis between Chinese and British patients. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in 387 patients with endometriosis and 199 non-endometriosis patients admitted to John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford, UK) and in 101 patients with endometriosis and 50 non-endometriosis patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. The clinical data including height, weight, body mass index, marital status, employment, menstruation, fertility, and operation reasons were collected via a standardized WERF EPHect questionnaire. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that body mass index, surgery for dysmenorrhea, history of pregnancy, counts of previous surgeries for endometriosis and status of employment were all significantly associated with endometriosis in the UK (P < 0.05), while a history of dysmenorrhea was significantly correlated with endometriosis in Chinese patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dysmenorrhea may be the most important common factor associated with endometriosis in China and the UK, but the other factors contributing to endometriosis may differ between these two countries.

Chromosome homologies between tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) and Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) facilitate tracing the evolutionary history of Damaliscus (Bovidae, Antilopinae, Alcelaphini).

Genome-wide homologies between the tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus, 2n = 36) and Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi, 2n = 46) have been established by cross-species painting with Chinese muntjac chromosome paints. Twenty-two autosomal painting probes detected 35 orthologous segments in the tsessebe. Hybridization results confirmed that: (i) D. lunatus carries the (9;14) reciprocal translocation that has been proposed to be a derived chromosomal landmark shared by all species of the Antilopinae; (ii) the karyotype of D. lunatus can be derived almost exclusively from the bovid ancestral karyotype through 12 Robertsonian translocations involving 24 ancestral acrocentric autosomes; (iii) in addition to the Rb fusions, pericentric heterochromatic amplification has shaped the morphology of several of the D. lunatus chromosomes. Integrated analysis of these and published cytogenetic data on pecorans has allowed us to accurately discern the karyotype history of Damaliscus (D. lunatus; D. pygargus, 2n = 38; D. hunteri, 2n = 44). The phylogenomic relationships of 3 species reflected by specific chromosomal rearrangements were consistent with published phylogenies based on morphology, suggesting that chromosomal rearrangements have played an important role in speciation within the Alcelaphini, and that karyotype characters are valuable phylogenetic markers in this group.