Oral anticoagulants status after acute ischemic stroke and prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the oral anticoagulants (OACs) use after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: This was a real-world follow-up research of AIS patients with AF admitted to 5 hospitals in northwestern China. We visited these individuals every 6 months to check the type, dosage of OACs, and to record IS recurrence, bleeding, and death events and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores until December 2022. When one of the following occurring first was endpoint: IS recurrence, death or study end. Patients were divided into continuous anticoagulation group and non-continuous anticoagulation group based on whether they continued to take OACs from the moment they were discharged until the endpoint. We further analyzed the association between anticoagulation persistence and outcomes. RESULTS: Among all 250 patients with OACs indication, 147 patients (58.8 %) received OACs at discharge. Only 37.9 % of patients (39/103) started OACs after discharge. Of the 147 patients treated with OACs, 21.8 % (32/147) discontinued anticoagulation after discharge. 239 of the 250 patients had completed the median 40-month follow-up with 91 patients in continuous anticoagulation group and 148 patients in non-continuous anticoagulation group. In the multivariate COX regression, non-continuous anticoagulation was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (mRS>2) in AIS patients with AF (1.452[1.011, 2.086], p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an upward trend in the use rate of OACs, but low OACs rates that meet guideline-based criteria and low anticoagulation persistence in AF patients after AIS in the northwestern China. Discontinuous anticoagulation was associated with an increased risk of poor prognosis in these patients.

[Effect of Biochar with Phosphorus Fertilizer on Soil Nutrients, Enzyme Activity, and Nutrient Uptake of Alfalfa].

Biochar is widely used in agricultural production practices as a soil conditioner that can be used both alone and jointly with chemical fertilizer. However, there are few studies on the effects of the combined application of biochar and phosphate fertilizer with different particle sizes on soil and plants. In this experiment, pot experiments were used to study the effects of biochar with different particle sizes on soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and Alfalfa nutrient absorption under two phosphorus levels (according to diameter, the biochar was divided into C1:>1 mm and C2:<0.01 mm). This study showed that the combined application of biochar and phosphorus significantly improved soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and Alfalfa nutrient absorption. Among them, the C2 treatment significantly increased the soil available phosphorus content and phosphatase activity (P<0.05), whereas the C1 treatment had a significant effect on ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, urease, and catalase activities (P<0.05). Moreover, the differences in nutrients and enzymes among biochar treatments with different particle sizes were affected by soil phosphorus levels. At the P0 level, there was no significant difference in ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen contents between the C1 and C2 treatments. At the P1 level, the contents of NH4+-N and NO3--N in the C1 treatment were 24.19% and 18.68% higher than those in the C2 treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the C1 and C2 treatments. Phosphorus addition significantly increased the N and P contents of Alfalfa above ground and in the ground (P<0.05), but there was no significant effect on the nutrient content of Alfalfa between different particle sizes of biochar. In conclusion, biochar and phosphate fertilizer can be used as an effective means of soil improvement. In addition, when using biochar for soil improvement, the impact of particle size on soil nutrients and soil enzymes should be considered.

Preparation, characterization, identification, and antioxidant properties of fermented acaí (Euterpe oleracea).

Fermentation technology was used to prepare the acaí (Euterpe oleracea) fermentation liquid. The optimal fermentation parameters included a strain ratio of Lactobacillus paracasei: Leuconostoc mesenteroides: Lactobacillus plantarum = 0.5:1:1.5, a fermentation time of 6 days, and a nitrogen source supplemental level of 2.5%. In optimal conditions, the ORAC value of the fermentation liquid reached the highest value of 273.28 ± 6.55 µmol/L Trolox, which was 55.85% higher than the raw liquid. In addition, the FRAP value of the acaí, as well as its scavenging ability of DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS free radicals, increased after fermentation. Furthermore, after fermentation treatment, the microstructure, basic physicochemical composition, amino acid composition, γ-aminobutyric acid, a variety of volatile components, and so on have changed. Therefore, fermentation treatment can significantly improve the nutritional value and flavor of the acaí. This provides a theoretical basis for the comprehensive utilization of acaí.

B3GALT4 remodels the tumor microenvironment through GD2-mediated lipid raft formation and the c-met/AKT/mTOR/IRF-1 axis in neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase-4 (B3GALT4) plays a critical regulatory role in tumor biology. However, the role of B3GALT4 in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) of neuroblastoma (NB) remains unknown. METHODS: Public datasets and clinical NB samples were collected to evaluate the expression and clinical significance of GD2 and B3GALT4 in NB patients. CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell assays and experiments in tumor-bearing mouse models were conducted to investigate the function of B3GALT4. Flow cytometry, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and chemotaxis assays were conducted to ascertain the immunomodulatory mechanism of B3GALT4. The combined therapeutic effect of the lipid raft inhibitor MßCD and anti-GD2 mAb was validated in a murine model of NB. RESULTS: GD2 was overexpressed in NB tissues and high expression of GD2 was associated with poor prognosis in NB patients. B3GALT4 was downregulated in NB tissues, and low expression of B3GALT4 indicated poor prognosis in NB patients. Silencing B3GALT4 significantly enhanced tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the overexpression of B3GALT4 increased the recruitment of CD8+ T lymphocytes via the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Additionally, B3GALT4 regulated NB-cell GD2 expression and lipid raft formation. Mechanistically, B3GALT4 regulated the expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 via the c-Met signaling in the lipid rafts and the downstream AKT/mTOR/IRF-1 pathway. The lipid raft inhibitor, MßCD, attenuated B3GALT4 deficiency-induced tumor progression and immune evasion. Last, MßCD combined with anti-GD2 mAb treatment significantly enhanced the antitumor effect and the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of B3GALT4 promotes the secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL10 to recruit CD8+ T lymphocytes via the GD2-mediated lipid rafts and the c-Met/AKT/mTOR/IRF-1 pathway. Moreover, lipid raft inhibitors may enhance the efficacy of anti-GD2 immunotherapy for NB.

[Bibliometric analysis on key elements of clinical application of acupoint catgut embedding therapy in recent ten years].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of acupoint catgut embedding methods, tools, catgut types, and the treatment cycles in the clinical research in recent ten years both at home and abroad, so as to summarize its regularities and to provide technical references for further studies. METHODS: Articles about clinical researches on catgut embedding therapy published in recent ten years (from January 1, 2010 to December 31,2020) were retrieved from the databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and PubMed by using key words of "acupoint embedding" "acupoint catgut embedding" and "catgut implantation at acupoint". According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a new database was established for analyzing the data mentioned above. RESULTS: 1) A total of 1 196 articles were collected, including 15 English articles and 1 181 Chinese articles, presenting a fluctuating increasing trend in recent ten years. 2) The commonly used acupoint embedding methods included disposable catgut embedment needle method (399 times, 38.89%) and disposable syringe needle catgut embedding method (347 times, 33.82%), for which two or multiple methods were mentioned in the same one article. 3) The most frequently used top two tools for catgut embedding were the dispo-sable catgut embedment needle (463 times, 43.03%) and disposable syringe needle (406 times,37.73%), with a significant increase in the application of disposable syringe needle. The most commonly used size of tools included No. 7 (283 times, 39.86%), No. 9 (196 times, 27.61%) and No. 8 (109 times, 15.35%). 4) The most frequently implanted surgical suture was still the common catgut (671 times, 58.15%) despite of a reduction in clinical application year by year, and the types of the implanted suture materials were gradually enriched since 2018, such as the absorbable surgical suture, polyethylprolactide(PGLA), collagen protein thread, polydioxanone(PPDO), etc. The commonly used implanted catgut size was 3-0 (227 times, 30.15%), 2-0 (176 times, 23.37%), 4-0 (131 times, 17.40%), 0 (103 times, 13.68%), with the commonly used catgut length being 1 cm (332 times, 35.55%), 1.5 cm (103 times, 11.03%), 1-2 cm (92 times, 9.85%) and 2 cm (92 times, 9.85%). 5) The intervals of the catgut implantation were 7 days (313 times, 28.95%), 14 days (262 times, 24.24%), 10 days (174 times, 16.10%), and 15 days (162 times, 14.99%). CONCLUSION: In recent ten years, clinical research on acupoint catgut embedding is growing rapidly, and the embedding methods, tools, implanted sutures, and embedding intervals are various, which may provide certain technical references for the future researches and suggest an urgent need of formulation of the standardized and unified standards in this field.

Flavonoid Synthesis and Metabolism During the Fruit Development in Hickory (Carya cathayensis).

Hickory (Carya cathayensis) kernel is rich in powerful bioactive flavonoids, which can remove excess free radicals in the human body and play an important role in regulating the physiological metabolism of the plant. This study investigated the changes of flavonoids in hickory exocarp and embryo during development. In this study, 72 DEGs involved in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in fruits were identified, and TT4, CCoAOMT1, UGT71D1, C4H, F3H, TT8, FLS1, and LDOX were identified as the core genes of flavonoid biosynthesis. A total of 144 flavonoid-related metabolites were detected by metabolite analysis. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis combined to construct the flavonoid biosynthesis regulatory pathway in the development stage of hickory fruit. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the exploration and regulation of functional genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis and metabolism in hickory and other plants and the breeding of new walnut varieties.

Closed Reduction for the Treatment of Grade IV Supination-External Rotation Fracture of the Ankle Joint: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the curative effect of closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of grade IV supination-external rotation fractures of the ankle joint. METHODS: Fifty-six patients treated with closed reduction and external fixation from February 2016 to March 2020 were included in this retrospective study, all with sprains. After receiving nerve block anesthesia, the patient underwent closed reduction under C-arm fluoroscopy, and the ankle joint was fixed in a dorsiflexion-inversion position with casting and splints after the end of the fracture met the reduction standard by fluoroscopy. One week and four weeks after the reduction treatment, oblique axial and coronal MR scans of the ankle joint were performed to determine the degree of injury and healing of the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis; anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the ankle joint (including the ankle acupoints) were regularly reviewed to observe the fracture alignment and healing. Combined with the images and physical examination, the patients were instructed to undergo ankle weight-bearing rehabilitation training when they met the clinical healing standard, and at the last follow-up, the Mazur ankle evaluation and grading system were used for evaluation. After the reduction, the images were evaluated according to the Leeds standard. The image healing of fracture was evaluated by callus growth criteria. RESULTS: The follow-up period of patients ranged from 11 to 58 months, with an average of 26.8 months. The clinical healing time was (8.51 ± 2.12) weeks. The excellent and good rating after reduction was 82.1%, and the excellent and good rating during clinical fracture healing was 73.2%, according to the Leeds imaging evaluation. According to the Mazur ankle evaluation and grading system, the excellent and good rating was 75.0%. Pairwise comparison of callus images at 4, 6 and 12 weeks showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), suggesting callus growth at different time periods. A total of 56 patients had anterior inferior tibial fibular ligament (AITFL) injuries (grade II-III), among which 11 patients had AITFL injuries combined with grade II injuries of the interosseous ligament (IOL) and 4 patients had AITFL injuries combined with grade III injuries of the IOL. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients with grade IV supination-external rotation fracture of the ankle joint had good prognosis after closed reduction and plaster combined with splint fixation. For patients with IOL injury who had poor prognosis, open reduction and internal fixation therapy is appropriate.

Rates and Anticoagulation Treatment of Known Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Real-World Study.

INTRODUCTION: Known atrial fibrillation (AF) rate and appropriate prescription of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with AF in China are not as well known as in Western countries. METHODS: Known AF and unknown AF, rate and adequacy of OACs use of AIS patients with AF attending five hospitals from April 2018 to August 2019 in the northwest region of China were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were enrolled. Of these, 237 (AF-known group; 237/344, 68.9%) and 107 patients (AF-unknown group; 107/344, 31.1%) were diagnosed with AF before and after AIS during this hospitalization, respectively. In the AF-known group with echocardiography results (178 patients, including 103 female and 75 male patients), 154 of overall, 88 of female and 66 of male patients, respectively, were indicated to be taking OACs. However, the actual OACs proportion was much lower [overall (30.5%, 47/154); female (31.8%, 28/88) and male (28.8%, 19/66) patients] than indicated. Only one female patient met the guideline-based criteria for OACs. As for patients diagnosed with massive cerebral infraction (MCI; 43.0%, 148/344), the known AF rate was 65.5% (97/148). Among the MCI patients in the AF-known group with echocardiography results (61 patients), 50 patients had an OACs indication. However, only 22.0% (11/50) of these patients took OACs, and none met the guideline-based criteria for OACs. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a low known AF rate, low OACs use rate and low rate of meeting the guideline-based criteria for OACs in AIS patients with AF in the northwest region of China. These findings indicated the importance of AF as a public health problem in China.

Strain Conditions Monitoring on Corroded Prestressed Steel Strands in Beams Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors.

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, with excellent properties, have been widely adopted to monitor the mechanical parameters in civil engineering in recent years. On the other hand, the current study on fatigue performance of corroded prestressed steel strands is still limited, and this is mainly because the long-term strain conditions monitoring is difficult to conduct. Based on the aforementioned considerations, a total of six beam specimens were fabricated in this study. The loading mode of four points bending was adopted in the form of sinusoidal waves in the experiments. On basis of the experimental results, it can be concluded that the fatigue life of the beam decreases sharply with the increase of the corrosion rate of steel strands. Besides, with the increase of the maximum fatigue load, the fatigue life of the beam will decrease significantly. Furthermore, the existing fatigue damage of steel strand inside the beam before corrosion may further accelerate its fatigue failure. As a result, the fatigue life of the beam is reduced because of the stress concentration. Under the same external load, the strain increment and the residual strain of steel strands in the stages of loading and unloading after corrosion increase significantly compared with other stages, while the existing residual strain always shows an increasing trend at various static loading stages. Therefore, the corrosion of steel strand seriously affects not only its mechanical properties, but also its fatigue performance. Finally, the FBG sensors are capable of measuring the steel strand strain, as well as the long-term strain conditions.

[Observation on time-effect for the stimulating at Zusanli (ST 36) with minimally invasive embedding with PGLA in the healthy person].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the objectivity and time-effect of stimulating effect at acupoint with PGLA in the healthy person, and to provide a basis for the rational interval of minimally invasive embedding of PGLA. METHODS: Before embedding, 8 h, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th day after embedding, medical imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technique was used to collect local T2WI pressure-lowering and T2-Mapping 8 echoes sequence image of left Zusanli (ST 36) in 8 cases of healthy person. The T2-Mapping 8 echoes sequence image was generated by the relevant software to the T2-Mapping image and the local T2 value was measured. The characteristics of local T2WI pressure-fat image signal intensity and the change of T2 value at left Zusanli (ST 36) with minimally invasive embedding with PGLA were observed and analyzed. RESULTS: ①There was no abnormal signal on the T2WI pressure-fat image on the left Zusanli (ST 36) point before the embedding. The high-signal was seen on the local T2WI pressure-fat image at each time point after embedding, there was no significant difference in local signal intensity between 8 h, 3rd and 7th day after embedding. The local signal intensity decreased on the 10th day after embedding, and the local signal intensity decreased significantly on the 14th day after embedding.②The T2 value at each time point after embedding increased significantly compared with that before embedding (all P<0.01); there was no significant difference in T2 value among the 8 h, 3rd and 7th day after embedding (all P>0.05); there was no significant difference between the T2 value on the 7th and the 10th day after embedding (P>0.05)，the T2 value on the 14th day after embedding was significantly lower than that on the 7th day after embedding (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: It has a stimulating effect on the local acupoints with minimally invasive embedding with PGLA in the healthy person, and the stimulating effect has certain time-effect. The effective stimulation time is about 2 weeks. The rational interval period for the minimally invasive embedding with the PGLA of the same specification type should be about 2 weeks.

Phthalates in residential and agricultural soils from an electronic waste-polluted region in South China: distribution, compositional profile and sources.

Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling has proven to be a significant source of phthalate (PAE) contamination in the environment. A detailed investigation was conducted to understand the concentration, distribution, profile and possible source of PAEs in residential and agricultural soils from Guiyu, Shantou, China, the largest e-waste processing and recycling areas in the world. Sixteen PAEs were analysed in 46 surface soil samples from three different sampling areas in terms of individual and total concentrations, together with pH and soil organic matter. High concentrations of the total PAEs were found in residential area A (more than 20,000 ng g-1), revealing a clear urban pulse, whereas in residential area B and agricultural areas, concentrations were lower than 10,000 ng g-1. The dominant PAEs were bis (2-nbutoxyethyl) phthalate, bis (4-methyl-2-pentyl) phthalate and dicyclohexyl phthalate. These PAEs were high-molecular weight PAEs (alkyl chains ≥ 6 carbons) and mainly derived from polyvinyl chloride commonly used in electrical and electronic equipment, indicating a distinctive composition in relation to the e-waste area. Three individual and the total PAEs exhibited significant positive correlations with pH. Principal component analysis indicated that PAEs were mainly distributed in three groups according to the alkyl chain length and potential source. This study showed that the informal e-waste recycling has already introduced PAEs into surrounding areas as a pollutant which should draw more attention and regulatory control.

Phthalate exposure and high blood pressure in adults: a cross-sectional study in China.

Widespread phthalate exposure has been recently documented and is hypothesized to increase blood pressure (BP) in humans. However, current studies have provided inconclusive evidence for an association between phthalate exposure and BP. Human epidemiologic studies on the topic remain lacking. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association between serum phthalate concentrations and BP in a Chinese population. We measured several parameters of BP (systolic BP, diastolic BP, total cholesterol, and triglyceride) and the concentrations of 16 phthalates (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis (2-methoxyethyl) phthalate, bis (4-methyl-2-pentyl) phthalate, bis (2-ethoxyethyl) phthalate, diamyl phthalate, dihexyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis (2-nbutoxyethyl) phthalate (DBEP), dicyclohexyl phthalate, bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate) in the serum of 474 adults recruited from a primary health care clinic. The relationship between serum phthalate concentrations and BP parameters was assessed with multivariate linear regressions. DBP was the most ubiquitous and dominant contaminant in the study population. The systolic BP of subjects in the median-exposure DEHP group significantly increased by 2.96 mmHg (p < 0.05) relative to that of subjects in the low-exposure group. Significant positive dose-related associations of DMP and DBEP with the levels of total cholesterol in serum (p for trend < 0.05) were also found. These associations persisted even when considering exposure to multiple phthalates. Our results suggested that phthalate exposure might increase BP in adults. However, our findings warrant further studies in a larger and more general population.

[Mandibular condyle ectomy for the treatment of comminuted condylar fracture].

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and indication of condylectomy for treatment of comminuted fractures of the condyle above the neck. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with condylar fractures, treated between September 2007 and September 2011 were reviewed respectively. Among them, 30 underwent open reduction and internal fixation, 15 underwent conservative therapy, and 16 patients (18 sides) who had comminuted fractures of the condyle above the neck underwent condylectomy. All the patients were followed up for 5 to 48 months after treatment to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 16 patients with condylectomy, poor wound healing due to rejection of hemostatic gauze was noted in 1 patient, occlusal deviation occurred in 1 patient, mild mouth opening limitation happened in 1 patient, and anterior open bite was present in 1 patient. The other patients recovered well, without apparent discomfort, malocclusion and facial asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with finished maxillofacial growth, condylectomy is a feasible and effective way for management of comminuted fractures of the condyle above the neck. Postoperative occlusal deviation, open bite and limited mouth opening can be corrected with further expectant treatment.

[Peripheral ameloblastoma in mandibular gingiva: Report of one case].

The ameloblastoma mainly occurs in the mandible, rarely seen in the soft tissues. This paper reported 1 case of mandibular gingival peripheral ameloblastoma, and discussed its treatment based on literature review.

[Clinical analysis of 193 patients with thickening and nodular port wine stains].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between age, gender and thickening and nodules in port wine stains(PWS) patients. METHODS: The gender and age of 193 cases with port wine stains were compared between those with flat, those with thickening, those with thickening and nodules, in 0-19, 20-year age group. SAS6012 software package was used for Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There were 165 cases with flat (85.49%), 10 cases with thickening (5.18%), 18 cases with thickening and nodules (9.33%). Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated significant difference between 2 age groups(P<0.01).There was an increase incidence of thickening, and thickening and nodule formation in 0-19, 20-year age group(P<0.01), but there was no gender difference between thickening and nodules.The data were analyzed by SAS6.12 Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test. CONCLUSION: The incidence of thickening and nodule formation in PWS increase with age.

[Lip and cheek reconstruction with composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap].

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of functional reconstruction of the lip and cheek with composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap. METHODS: Composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap was used in 5 cases, the flap was folded for repair of oral mucosa and external skin, palmaris longus tendon and the remaining orbicularis muscles were sutured so that oral contour and function could be achieved. All the patients were followed up for at least 20 months. RESULTS: All 5 composite flaps survived well postoperatively. 6 months after reconstruction, the patients had good oral and facial contour; 10-12 months after surgery, the dynamic function of mouth opening and closing as well as mastication was recovered to normal. CONCLUSION: Composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap is reliable and thus recommended for functional reconstruction of the lip and cheek.

[Thyroid hormone level change in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery].

PURPOSE: To study the changes of thyroid hormone level in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery before and after operation, in order to provide some evidences for postoperative treatment and recovery. METHODS: 60 cases with oral and maxillofacial operations under general or local anesthesia were assayed by radioimmunoassay for hormone levels changes of T3 ,T4, r T3 and TSH in serum before operation and on the first, forth and seventh day after operation. SPSS10.0 software package was used for one way ANOVA. RESULTS: Compared to preoperative levels, T3, T4 and r T3 (P<0.01) as well as TSH (P<0.05) in patients receiving operations under general anesthesia on the first, forth and seventh day postoperatively decreased significantly, while the changes of thyroid hormone level in patients receiving operations under local anesthesia before and after operation were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Thyroid hormone level change in patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery may be related to the type of operation and anesthesia.

[Genetic differentiation of domestic goose breeds in China].

The 1 042 bp control region of mitochondrial DNA from 84 geese of 15 domestic goose breeds was sequenced and genetic differentiation was analysed. Results showed that the interpopulation nucleotide divergence was highest (3.805% -4.067%) between Yili and the other 14 breeds. The average nucleotide diversity variation within different domestic breeds was 0 - 0.116%. Excluding the Yili, the interpopulation nucleotide divergence between Huoyan and the remaining breeds, was 0.211% - 0.272%, which was significantly higher than that between any other two breeds (0 -0.094%). During the formation of domestic breeds in China,there is an association between the genetic differentiation of domestic geese and their geographic distribution. The divergence time of Huoyan breed was relatively earlier and genetic drift may have been the main factor to affect the genetic differentiation of the Huoyan breed (Nm = 0.02 -0.54). On the other hand, gene flow is the main reason for the lack of a clear differentiation among the remaining 13 Chinese domestic geese breeds (Nm = 12.0 - 65.33).

[Study of molecular genetics of the size of reproductive organs and litter size in the sow].

The mutations of ESR, PRLR and FSHR genes were investigated by SNP; 103 F2 sows were slaughtered and their reproductive organs were determined; the litter size of sow was recorded. The linkage between mutations of genes and size of reproductive organ, litter size was analyzed. The results revealed: these sows that could provide more piglets with bigger reproductive organs usually carried genotype like as genotype BB on the sites of ESR, FSHRB and the genotype AA on the sites of ESRB and PRLR, that is, the genotype of BB on the sites of ESR or FSHRB in sow was not only helpful to promote growth of reproductive organs, but also benefit to improve litter size; The size of productive organs and litter size of the sow with genotype AA on the sites of ESRB or PRLR were significantly higher than those of sow with genotype AB or BB.