[A study on the arthroscopic temporomandibular joint disc reduction on the outcome of orthodontic patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction].

Objective: To investigate the arthroscopic temporomandibular joint disc reduction on the outcome of orthodontic patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2021, forty treated orthodontic patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction (unilateral/bilateral) and no obvious articular cartilage absorption were selected from Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The patients were (17.5±3.8) years old (12-25 years old), including 8 males and 32 females. Twenty patients who had completed arthroscopic temporomandibular joint disc reduction were included in the control group, and twenty patients with untreated temporomandibular joint disc were included in the experimental group. Model measurement (including overjet, etc.), cephalometric analysis (including ANB angle, which was formed by subspinale, nasion and supramental, etc.) and temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging (including measurement of the condyle height of the displacement sides) were used to compare the difference of two groups. Objective grading system was used to evaluate the efficacy of orthodontic treatment. Results: The overjet of the experimental group and the control group after orthodontic treatment was (2.19±0.76) and (1.92±0.94) mm, respectively. Both two groups achieved ideal overjet with no statistical difference (t=1.02, P=0.314). The ANB angle difference before and after treatment in the control group (-1.97°±2.87°) was greater than that in the experimental group (0.09°±1.82°), and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.72, P=0.010). The variation of condyle height before and after treatment was (0.30±1.11) mm in the experimental group and (0.82±1.25) mm in the control group, with no statistical significance (t=1.80, P=0.076). The post-treatment objective grading system scores of the experimental group and the control group were 21.00 (16.00, 24.00) and 21.00 (17.00, 25.00), respectively, which had no statistical difference (U=0.24, P=0.808). Conclusions: In orthodontic patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction and no obvious articular cartilage absorption, whether displaced discs are repositioned after arthroscopic surgery has no significant effect on the orthodontic treatment outcome.

[Reference values for carotid artery intima-media thickness among community adult dwellers in Shenzhen City].

Objective: To establish reference values for carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) of adult dwellers in Shenzhen City. Methods: The study was conducted based on the Shenzhen heart failure epidemiological survey from 2021 to 2022. In this survey, residents aged 18 years and above in Shenzhen were selected by using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. General information, cardiovascular disease (CVD) related behavior and carotid ultrasound examination and etc. were collected from the participants. People with CVD factors, a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, carotid plaque or having no carotid ultrasound examination results were excluded. The parameter regression model based on fractional polynomial was used to establish the reference values of CIMT by age and sex. Results: A total of 2 163 healthy individuals were enrolled in the final analysis, including 576 males (26.6%) and 1 587 females (73.4%). The fractional polynomial regression of the CIMT mean and standard deviation was obtained. For men, the regression was meanCIMT=0.324 7+0.006 9×age and SDCIMT=0.076 9+0.001 2×age. For women, the regression was meanCIMT=0.354 9+0.005 4×age and SDCIMT=0.041 6+0.002 0×age. Conclusion: The age and sex reference values for CIMT of adult people in Shenzhen established in this study could provide the latest reference standards for early screening of subclinical CVD.

Effects of corn particle size on growth performance, gastrointestinal development, carcass indices and intestinal microbiota of broilers.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different corn particle sizes on growth performance, gastrointestinal development, carcass processing yields and intestinal microbiota of caged broilers. One-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 8 treatments with 10 replicates per treatment and 30 birds per replicate pen. The experiment lasted 37 d. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The results showed as follows: birds fed diets with the FG corn between d 1 and 13 and CG corn between d14 to 37 had increased body weight, daily gain, and feed intake (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets with CG corn between d 24 to 37 had a heavier relative weight of gizzard at d 38 (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets with FG corn from d 1 to 13 and the CG corn from d 14 to 37 had a higher carcass yield and a relative thigh weight at d 38 (P < 0.05). The intestinal microbiota was significantly affected by different corn particle sizes. The relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae was significantly decreased, whereas that of Peptostreptococcaceae was increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed with the CG corn between d1 to 37. The relative abundance of Acinetobacter was significantly increased in birds fed the FG corn between d1 to 37 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of FG corn in the starter phase and CG corn in the grower and finisher phases was beneficial to growth performance, gastrointestinal development and intestinal microbial structure of broilers reared in cages.

Effects of feeding solid-state fermented wheat bran on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens.

Solid-state fermentation has been used to improve the nutritive value of feed ingredients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance and apparent digestibility in broiler chickens. We measured the growth performance (ADFI, ADG, feed conversion, livability, and European performance efficiency factor) over 38 d in chicks fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) or CON plus wet FWB (25 g/kg [T1]; 50 g/kg [T2]); or T1 plus 3 g/kg (T3); or T2 plus 6 g/kg (T4) soybean oil). The same diets were used to determine nutrient availability in chicks aged 20 d. Regression equations for AME and AMEn were obtained using 20-day-old chicks fed either the corn-soybean meal basal diet only or basal diet partially substituted with 50, 150, or 300 g/kg DM FWB. Diets containing 25 or 50 g/kg wet FBW did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens, nor the apparent DM, energy, and nitrogen digestibility of the feeds, compared with the control diets (all P > 0.05). Further supplementation with oil did not improve the growth performance of broiler chickens compared with controls or chickens fed FBW. However, chickens fed diets containing soybean oil (T3 or T4) had lower (P = 0.005 and P = 0.040, respectively) apparent DM and energy digestibility than the control and FWB groups. The regression equations for AME and AMEn with the substitution of FWB produced values of 1,854.3 and 1,743.9 kcal/kg DM, respectively, and the equations were Y = 1854.3X + 52.7 (R2 = 0.971, n = 24, P < 0.001), and Y = 1743.9X + 44.6 (R2 = 0.978, n = 24, P < 0.001), respectively. Supplementation with wet FWB did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens. Therefore, FWB is a suitable feed component for broilers.

Effects of rearing system and narasin on growth performance, gastrointestinal development, and gut microbiota of broilers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 3 rearing systems (FL: flooring litter rearing, MC: multilayer cage rearing, PN: plastic net rearing) with or without supplemental narasin on growth performance, gastrointestine development and health of broilers. A total of 2,400 one-day-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers (1:1 ratio of males and females) were used in a completely randomized design utilizing a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, with 12 replicates per treatment. Each replicate for FL, MC, and PN consisted of 34 birds per floor pen, 30 birds per cage, and 36 birds per net pen, respectively, ensuring the same stocking density (12 birds/m2) across the 3 systems. Results showed that lower ADG (average daily gain), ADFI (average daily feed intake), and FCR (feed conversation ratio) observed in the MC group than those of the other 2 systems from 1 to 36 d of age (P < 0.05). Narasin inclusion in the diets decreased ADFI and FCR significantly (P < 0.05). Multilayer cage and PN rearing systems reduced the relative weight of the gizzard significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with FL, MC reduced the relative weight of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the ileal IL-1ß and IFN-γ in FL were higher than those in PN and MC (P < 0.05). Narasin decreased the ileal mRNA expression of TNF-α (P < 0.05). Different rearing systems changed the ileal microflora structure of broilers. The FL system increased the ileal microbial diversity of broilers and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria. Narasin combined with MC increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. In conclusion, birds reared in PN had a higher body weight. The MC birds had poorer intestinal development and health condition, higher abundance of Proteobacteria, but better FCR. The FL rearing appeared to be propitious for gastrointestinal development and health. Narasin inclusion in the diets improved FCR and changed the relative abundance Proteobacteria of broilers.

[Laboratory investigation for one gastroenteritis outbreak caused by Campylobacter jejuni].

Objective: To understand the etiological characteristics of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak. Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacteria cultures were performed for the samples, including stool samples from patients and cooks, environmental swabs, raw food material (chicken meat), collected during the outbreak. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, antibiotics susceptibility test and whole-genome sequencing were performed for the Campylobacter jejuni isolates. Results: Four stool samples from patients were positive for Campylobacter jejuni by real-time PCR, in which 1 Campylobacter jejuni strain was isolated from a case who had no antibiotic treatment. Twelve Campylobacter jejuni and 7 Campylobacter coli isolates were obtained from 4 raw chicken meat samples. The Campylobacter jejuni strain isolated from the case was resistant to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, florfenicol and tetracycline. The MLST analysis with the whole-genome sequences confirmed that the Campylobacter jejuni isolate from the case belonged to ST10075. Antimicrobial resistance genes cmeABCR, tetO/M and blaOXA-61 were found in the genome of the isolate from the patient by the whole-genome sequencing. No mutation in 23S rRNA was found and the C257T mutation in gyrA was identified in this isolate. Conclusion: Laboratory analysis indicated that Campylobacter jejuni infection might be the major cause of this gastroenteritis outbreak.

[Interpretation for the group standards of the Isolation and Identification of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli].

Foodborne Campylobacter is recognized as the leading causes of the bacterial diarrheal illness in both developing and developed countries. C. jejuni and C. coli caused 95% of the human campylobacterisosis. Bacteria culture has been recognized as the "Gold standard" for the diagnosis of the Campylobacter infection. The National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention coordinated the experienced researchers from China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment and other local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to write up the standards for entitled Isolation and Identification of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli (T/CPMA 006-2019). The standard is drafted with principles of emphasizing the scientific, normative, applicability and feasible nature. This group standard recommended the procedures and steps for the isolation and identification of C. jejuni and C.coli from variant samples. The standard aims to improve the capacity for Campylobacter identification in China.

[Multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus for repair of multiple hand wounds].

Objective: To explore the effects of multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus for repair of multiple hand wounds. Methods: From November 2017 to December 2018, eight cases with eighteen hand wounds were hospitalized in our unit. Among them, wounds were distributed in the forefinger and middle finger in four cases, wounds were distributed in the middle finger and ring finger in two cases, wounds were distributed in the forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger in one case, and wounds were distributed in the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger in one case. The area of skin defect ranged from 1.5 cm×0.8 cm to 4.0 cm×3.0 cm. There were 4 males and 4 females, aged 34-62 years. Wounds of six cases were repaired by two free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from homolateral crus, and those of two cases were repaired by three free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from homolateral crus. Superficial peroneal artery and its accompanying vein of flap were anastomosed by end to end with digital artery and palmar or dorsal subcutaneous vein of recipient site during the operation. The area of flap ranged from 2.5 cm×1.2 cm to 5.0 cm×4.0 cm. No nerve was harvested during the operation, and donor site was sutured directly. The survival of the flaps and the healing of donor sites were recorded. During follow-up, the recovery of donor and recipient sites was observed. Results: All flaps survived well, donor site healed well. No vascular crisis occurred. Follow-up for 4 to 12 months showed that the appearance of flap was satisfactory with good color, texture, elasticity, and function. Protective sensation of recipient site was recovered. Five months after operation, flap of finger pulp in one case was swollen slightly with two-points discrimination of 10 mm, which received the thinning surgery. Obvious scar formation was not observed in donor site of crus. The appearance of the donor site was good without functional damage. Conclusions: The application of multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus to repair the multiple hand wounds has advantages of easy acquisition, easy operation, little effect on donor sites, and satisfactory clinical effects.

[Role and clinical significance of Th17/Treg balance in patients with severe exacerbation of hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Th17/Treg balance in immune mechanism in severe exacerbation of hepatitis B. METHODS: The clinical data of 41 patients with chronic hepatitis B were collected, and according to the conditions during hospitalization, these patients were divided into exacerbation group (19 patients) and improvement group (22 patients). On admission, at weeks 1 and 2 of treatment, and at the end of treatment, flow cytometry was used to measure the frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). The dynamic changes in the frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between clinical indices for hepatitis and cytokines was analyzed. The t-test was used for comparison between groups, a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison within one group across different time points, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: With disease progression, the exacerbation group showed an increase in the frequency of Th17 cells and a relatively low frequency of Treg cells; compared with the improvement group, the exacerbation group had a higher frequency of Th17 cells and a lower frequency of Treg cells. Th17/Treg ratio gradually increased with exacerbation and decreased with improvement in conditions; in the exacerbation group and the improvement group, Th17/Treg ratio was positively correlated with total bilirubin and negatively correlated with prothrombin activity. In the exacerbation group and the improvement group, Th17 cells were positively correlated with IL-17, and Treg cells were positively correlated with IL-10 and TGF-ß. CONCLUSION: Th17 and Treg cells play important roles in severe exacerbation of hepatitis B, and Th17/Treg ratio may be used as an immunobiological marker for the judgment of severity during severe exacerbation of hepatitis B.

Gray matter anomalies in anterior cingulate cortex as a correlate of depressive symptoms in drug-naïve idiopathic restless legs syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are frequent in idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS). However, little is known, so far, about the neurological basis. The present study aimed to explore the neuroanatomical anomalies in depressed drug-naïve RLS patients using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. METHODS: We recruited 16 drug-naïve idiopathic RLS patients with depressive symptoms (RLS-D), 18 drug-naïve idiopathic RLS patients without depressive symptoms (RLS-ND), and 18 normal controls. All participants underwent structural MRI scans on a 3-T MR system. The differences in regional gray matter (GM) density were determined across groups by VBM8. Additional regression analysis was used to identify any associations between regional GM density and clinical symptoms. RESULTS: GM density of the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was significantly reduced in RLS-D patients when compared to RLS-ND patients or to the healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences of GM density either when the whole RLS group or the RLS-ND group was compared to healthy controls, respectively. Particularly, we found GM density of right ACC was negatively correlated with the severity and duration of depressive symptoms in RLS-D patients. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are associated with GM anomalies in ACC in patients with RLS. We propose that ACC is perhaps an important neuroimaging marker for facilitating treatment strategies in patients with RLS when assessing depressive symptoms.

Maternal energy and protein affect subsequent growth performance, carcass yield, and meat color in Chinese Yellow broilers.

This experiment was carried out to investigate effects of maternal ME and CP levels on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of broiler offspring. A total of 1,134 thirty-week-old Chinese Yellow broiler breeders was randomly assigned to 3 dietary ME levels (11.09, 11.51, and 11.92 MJ/kg) and 3 CP levels (15.5, 16.5, and 17.5%) in a 3×3 factorial arrangement. Each dietary treatment had 6 replicates with 21 hens per replicate. At 39 wk of age, 30 settable eggs per replicate were selected for hatching. All broiler offspring were fed the same diets. There were significant ME×CP interactions in egg CP and ether extract (EE) contents, BW at d 1, 22 to 42 d ADG, ADFI during 1 to 21 d and 43 to 63 d, shear force, plasma albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides contents of broiler offspring. Dietary ME at 11.92 MJ/kg increased average egg weight, egg EE content, and broiler 1-d-old BW compared with 11.09 MJ/kg group at 16.5%, 15.5%, and 17.5% CP levels, respectively (P<0.05). Maternal 11.51 and 11.92 MJ/kg of ME increased 1 to 21-d ADFI, and 11.51 MJ/kg of ME decreased lightness (L*) value of broiler offspring compared with 11.09 MJ/kg group at 17.5 and 16.5% CP levels, respectively (P<0.05). Broiler breeder dietary CP at 17.5% decreased egg EE content, increased average egg weight, egg CP content, BW at d 1, and 1 to 21-d ADFI of broiler offspring compared with 15.5% CP group at 11.92 MJ/kg of ME level (P<0.05). Maternal dietary 15.5% CP increased dressing percentage and decreased yellowness (b*) value of broiler offspring compared with 16.5% and 17.5% CP groups at 11.51 MJ/kg of ME level, respectively (P<0.05). Collectively, the results indicate that maternal diets composed of 11.51 to 11.92 MJ/kg of ME and 17.5% CP at 39 wk of age increased growth performance during 1 to 21 d in Chinese Yellow broiler, whereas 11.51 MJ/kg of ME and 15.5% CP improved carcass dressing percentage and meat color of their offspring.

Cloning and polymorphisms of the 3' untranslated region of malic enzyme gene in Chinese red cattle.

The objective of this study was to identify alternative transcripts and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'-untranslated region (3' UTR) of bovine malic enzyme (ME1) gene and to evaluate the extent to which polymorphisms were associated with meat quality and carcass traits in Chinese red cattle. Two transcripts, long transcript and short transcript that differ in the length of the 3' UTR were cloned. A single nucleotide polymorphism was detected in 3' UTR and a restriction site for endonuclease ME1-Dra I was also found. The result revealed that the ME1-Dra I genotypes had a significant effect on cooking loss, pH measured 24h post-mortem (pH(24h)) and eye muscle area (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the SNPs may be used as DNA markers to select for meat quality and carcass traits in Chinese red cattle.

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on serous and intestinal redox status and cytokines of neonatal piglets.

The study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, as well as serum and intestinal cytokines and antioxidant indicators of artificially reared neonatal piglets. Three diets, 1) control (a fish meal basal diet), 2) SDAP (containing 10% SDAP), and 3) autoclaved SDAP (auSDAP; containing 10% auSDAP), were fed to 36 weaned piglets (3 d old), which were randomly allotted to 3 groups. At 21 d of age, blood and intestinal mucosal samples were collected from all piglets after they were slaughtered. Compared with the control, both SDAP and auSDAP improved ADFI and duodenal villus height of piglets (P < 0.05), whereas SDAP increased ADG and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). Piglets fed SDAP and auSDAP had reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mucosa (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum MDA was decreased and mucosal catalase (CAT) activities were increased in piglets fed SDAP diet than those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). In the mucosa, both SDAP and auSDAP decreased tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, transforming growth factor ß, and soluble IL-2 receptor contents (P < 0.05). Mucosal IL-1ß was decreased in SDAP compared with auSDAP and control groups (P < 0.05). The SDAP and control groups had increased mucosal IL-2 compared with auSDAP group (P < 0.05). The cytokines in serum were not affected by SDAP and auSDAP. The results indicate that both SDAP and auSDAP improved the growth performance of neonatal piglets, whereas the SDAP had a greater effect. The benefits of SDAP probably resulted from the promotion of the intestinal development, which were accompanied by the increased antioxidant capacity and the decreased production of inflammatory factors in the intestinal mucosa.

Dietary supplementation with carnosine improves antioxidant capacity and meat quality of finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary carnosine (ß-alanyl-L-histidine) supplementation on antioxidant capacity and meat quality of pigs. 72 pigs approximately 60 kg were fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50 or 100 mg carnosine per kg diet for 8 weeks. Carnosine supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass traits of pigs. However, the addition of 100 mg carnosine per kg diet increased pH value of muscle at 45 min, 24 h and 48 h postmortem. It also decreased drip loss at 48 h postmortem and increased redness value of muscle at 45 min postmortem (p < 0.05). The addition of 100 mg carnosine per kg diet enhanced glycogen concentration and Ca-ATPase activity at 24 and 48 h postmortem, and reduced malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein complexes concentrations in muscle at 24 h postmortem (p < 0.05). The addition of 100 mg carnosine per kg diet increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in plasma, liver or muscle, as well as SOD and GSH-Px genes expression in muscle (p < 0.05). Taken together, these findings indicate that carnosine supplementation improves antioxidant capacity and meat quality of pigs.

Meat quality and carcass traits in relation to HGD-BstXI and HGD-HaeIII PCR-RFLP polymorphism in Chinese red cattle.

We investigated the effect of homogentisate 1, 2 dioxygenase (HGD) gene on meat quality and carcass traits in 287 Chinese red cattle. The PCR-SSCP method was used to identify polymorphism of the HGD gene in the exon 1 and intron 1. Two polymorphisms were detected in intron 1 and two restriction sites for endonuclease HGD-BstXI and HGD-HaeIII have also been found. The HGD-BstXI genotypes showed significant effects on cooking loss, drip loss, net meat weight, carcass weight, and eye muscle area (P<0.05). The HGD-HaeIII genotypes significant affected cooking loss, muscle fibre diameter, shear force, drip loss, and carcass yield ratio (P<0.05). Moreover, we found significant effects of diplotypes on cooking loss, muscle fibre diameter, shear force, drip loss, net meat weight, carcass weight, and eye muscle area (P<0.05).

Effects of dietary glycyl-glutamine on growth performance, small intestinal integrity, and immune responses of weaning piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dietary glycyl-glutamine (Gly-Gln) on postweaning growth, small intestinal morphology, and immune response of stressed or nonstressed piglets. Pigs (n = 144; initially 4.49 kg and 14 d of age) were randomly allocated to 24 pens (6 pigs/pen) in an environmentally controlled nursery and assigned to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (PBS vs. LPS) and Gly-Gln supplementation (0 vs. 0.15%) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 6 pens/treatment. The LPS was the stress-inducing agent, and it was injected on d 7 and 14 of the 21-d experiment. Inflammatory challenge with LPS reduced ADG (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce ADFI (P = 0.06) of piglets from d 7 to 21 of the experiment. Supplementation of Gly-Gln increased ADG and G:F from d 0 to 21 (P < 0.05). On d 21 (1 wk after the second LPS injection), there was an LPS challenge x diet Gly-Gln interaction for ADFI (P < 0.05), but it was difficult to ascertain whether Gly-Gln increased ADFI. A trend for an LPS challenge x diet Gly-Gln interaction was observed for ADG (P = 0.07). There were no differences in lymphocyte proliferation among treatments. The LPS challenge increased crypt depth (CD) of the duodenum and decreased the ratio of villus height (VH) to CD of the ileum (P < 0.05) on d 14 (1 wk after the first LPS injection), whereas dietary supplementation of Gly-Gln increased VH of the ileum and VH:CD of the duodenum (P < 0.05). The concentration of peripheral blood IL-1beta was increased by injection of LPS (P < 0.05) and was decreased by dietary Gly-Gln supplementation during the experimental period (P < 0.05); however, there was no interaction of LPS challenge x Gly-Gln addition for IL-1beta concentration. Concentrations of peripheral blood IL-2 tended to increase at d 14 (P = 0.09) and soluble IL-2 receptor tended to decrease at d 7 (P = 0.06) in piglets supplemented with Gly-Gln; therefore, the peripheral blood IL-2/soluble IL-2 receptor system tended to favor the secretion of IL-2 during the first 2 wk of the experiment. In conclusion, considerable suppression of growth and immune function occurred in early weaning piglets challenged with LPS, and such depression could be alleviated by dietary Gly-Gln supplementation independent of the LPS challenge.

[Aedes albopictus: cloning and identification of the acetylcholinesterase gene fragment from the mosquito].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate, clone and identify the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) fragment from the mosquito, Aedes albopictus, in relation to exploring mechanism of insectide resistance. METHODS: The genome DNA extracted from the mosquito was used for degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the two pairs of oligonucleotides encoding the highly conserved protein sequences were used as primers. The reaction products were cloned to T-vector and transfected into E. coli JM 109. The replicative form DNA of recombinant vector extracted from E. coli JM 109 through alkalilysis was identified by the methods of digestion with EcoR I and Sal I and PCR. RESULTS: The products of degenerate primers polymerase chain reaction were obtained and the identified clone belongs to the AChE fragment of the mosquito. CONCLUSION: The clone was identified as the AChE fragment of Aedes albopictus.

Isolation and complete nucleotide sequence of a Chinese Sindbis-like virus.

Infection with alphaviruses is common in the Chinese population. Here we report the isolation of a Sindbis-like virus from a pool of Anopheles mosquitoes collected in Xinjiang, China during an arbovirus survey. This virus, designated XJ-160, rapidly produced cytopathic effects on mosquito and hamster cells. In addition, it was lethal to neonatal mice if inoculated intracerebrally. Serologically, XJ-160 reacted with and was neutralized by an anti-Sindbis antibody. Anti-XJ-160 antibodies were found in several cohorts of Chinese subjects. The complete 11626-base nucleotide sequence of XJ-160 was determined. XJ-160 has diverged significantly from the prototype Sindbis virus, with an 18% difference in nucleotide sequence and an 8.6% difference in amino acids; there are 11 deletions and 2 insertions, involving 99 nucleotides in total. XJ-160 is most closely linked to Kyzylagach virus isolated in Azerbaijan. Both belong to the African/European genetic lineage of Sindbis virus, albeit more distantly related to other members.

Identification of a 14-3-3 protein from Lentinus edodes that interacts with CAP (adenylyl cyclase-associated protein), and conservation of this interaction in fission yeast.

We previously identified a gene encoding a CAP (adenylyl cyclase-associated protein) homologue from the edible Basidiomycete Lentinus edodes. To further discover the cellular functions of the CAP protein, we searched for CAP-interacting proteins using a yeast two-hybrid system. Among the candidates thus obtained, many clones encoded the C-terminal half of an L. edodes 14-3-3 homologue (designated cip3). Southern blot analysis indicated that L. edodes contains only one 14-3-3 gene. Overexpression of the L. edodes 14-3-3 protein in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad24 null cells complemented the loss of endogenous 14-3-3 protein functions in cell morphology and UV sensitivity, suggesting functional conservation of 14-3-3 proteins between L. edodes and S. pombe. The interaction between L. edodes CAP and 14-3-3 protein was restricted to the N-terminal domain of CAP and was confirmed by in vitro co-precipitation. Results from both the two-hybrid system and in vivo co-precipitation experiments showed the conservation of this interaction in S. pombe. The observation that a 14-3-3 protein interacts with the N-terminal portion of CAP but not with full-length CAP in L. edodes and S. pombe suggests that the C-terminal region of CAP may have a negative effect on the interaction between CAP and 14-3-3 proteins, and 14-3-3 proteins may play a role in regulation of CAP function.