[Modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic lateral neck dissection for treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a series of 31 cases].

Objective: To examine the feasibility of the modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic thyroidectomy for lateral neck dissection (LND) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The clinical data of 31 patients with PTC who underwent modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic LND in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Run Run Shaw Hospital, from January to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 males and 29 females, aged (32.6±8.3) years (range: 17 to 55 years). The maximum diameter of the primary thyroid lesion (M(IQR)) was 1.06 (1.16) cm (range: 0.53 to 2.44 cm), and the maximum diameter of the metastatic lymph node was (1.04±0.37) cm (range: 0.44 to 1.88 cm). Operation time, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes dissected, and postoperative complications were recorded. Outpatient follow-up was conducted until November 30, 2022. Results: All operations were successfully completed with the endoscopy approach without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was 160 (20) minutes (range: 100 to 215 minutes), and the postoperative hospital stay was 4 (2) days (range: 2 to 14 days). The number of lymph nodes obtained by dissection in the central and lateral compartment of the neck was 11 (12) (range: 0 to 37) and 34.7±14.8 (range: 15 to 69), respectively. Temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4 cases and all recovered within 1 month after the operation. One case suffered from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (continuing followed up to assess whether it is a temporary injury). The complication of LND included 1 case of chylous leakage that was recovered with conservative treatment, 1 case of Horner syndrome returned to normal 3 months after surgery. During follow-up, there was no residual tumor or recurrence. Conclusion: The modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic LND for PTC is feasible, with a thorough dissection and concealed incision.

[Preliminary analysis of pulse-step-sine test results in healthy population].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of pulse-step-sine (PSS) test in healthy people of different ages and to discuss its clinical value. Methods: From July 10, 2018 to December 9, 2020, a total of 78 healthy volunteers, including 40 males and 38 females, were enrolled and divided into youth group, middle age group and old age group. The I Portal NOTC rotational-chair system (NKI) was applied for PSS detection to analyze the clinical characteristics of gain, phase, asymmetry, and slope of step and sinusoidal components. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17.0 software. Results: In the same age group, there were no statistically significant differences in left and right step gain, slope gain and sine gain (All P values were greater than 0.05). Pairwise comparison between different age groups showed that there was no significant difference in the corresponding parameters between the youth group and the middle age group. Compared with young group, the old age group had a significantly lower step gain value in their left side (P<0.01) but not in the right side (P>0.05).The left and right slopes of the old age group were significantly lower than those of the young group and the middle group, and the differences were statistically significant (All P values<0.05). Conclusion: The PSS test can detect bilateral and unilateral horizontal semicircular canal function with good tolerance in different age groups, better than the traditional rotational chair examination to determine the well-compensated unilateral vestibular function. PSS test is a new vestibular detection method.

[Correlation analysis of 3D-FLAIR MRI characteristics of the inner ear and vestibular function in the patients with vestibular neuritis].

Objective: The characteristics of 3D-FLAIR MRI images of the inner ear of patients with vestibular neuritis were preliminarily studied to explore the possible pathogenesis of vestibular neuritis, and the correlation analysis was conducted in combination with vestibular function to provide a basis for accurate diagnosis of vestibular neuritis. Methods: A total of 36 patients with vestibular neuritis (VN) from December 2019 to October 2020 were collected from the Vertigo Department of Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University. There were 36 cases (18 females, 18 males) with unilateral acute vestibular neuritis, 17 cases of left ear and 19 cases of right ear. According to the results of 3D-FLAIR MRI in the inner ears, the patients were divided into the enhanced group and the non-enhanced group (the health side served as the normal control group). The results of vestibular function examination in the two groups were compared. SPSS19.0 software was used for statistical processing to analyze the relationship between the vestibular function and the characteristics of 3D-FLAIR imaging in the inner ears. Results: Abnormal enhancement of 3D-FLAIR was found in 31 cases (86.1%) of the 36 cases, including 14 cases of both vestibular nerve and vestibular terminal organ enhancement, eight cases of superior vestibular nerve enhancement alone, seven cases of vestibular terminal organ enhancement alone, and two cases of cochlear enhancement alone. Observation of abnormal reinforcement of vestibular nerve showed: twenty-one cases of superior vestibular nerve reinforcement, one case of superior and inferior vestibular nerve reinforcement. No abnormalities were found in 3D-FLAIR of inner ear in 5 cases. According to the analysis of vestibular function results, there were 19 cases (52.8%) with total vestibular involvement, sixteen cases (44.4%) with superior vestibular involvement alone, and one case (2.8%) with inferior vestibular involvement alone. Comparison of vestibular function between the five cases (non-enhancement group) and the 31 cases (enhanced group) in the 3D-FLAIR group of the inner ears showed that the CP values of caloric tests in the enhanced group were higher (60.81±3.49 vs 34.12±7.37), with statistically significant difference (t=-2.898, P<0.01). Conclusion: In patients with vestibular neuritis, 3D-FLAIR MRI scan of the inner ear provides visual imaging evidence for clinical practice, considering that the lesion site of vestibular neuritis is not only in the vestibular nerve, but also in the vestibular end organ. Patients with 3D-FLAIR enhanced in the inner ear may have more significant vestibular function damage.

[Gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a series of 41 cases].

Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 41 patients with PTC who underwent the gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from November 2020 to April 2021. There were 5 males and 36 females with the age of (35.0±8.7) years (range: 19 to 58 years). A horizontal incision with a length of 2.0 cm is made under the chin as an observation hole, a 10 mm Trocar and a self-developed retractor are inserted, and two 5 mm longitudinal incisions are made on the labial side in the vestibule of the oral cavity as an operation hole, each inserting a 5 mm Trocar, the operation direction is from the cranial side to the caudal side. The sensation of the lower lip and chin was measured on the first day and one month postoperative. The operation time, hospital stay, the number of lymph nodes dissected and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Surgical procedures in all cases were successfully completed under endoscopic approach without transfering to open surgery. The operation time was (99±34) minutes (range: 50 to 180 minutes) and the postoperative hospital stay was (3.4±2.2) days (range: 2 to 16 days). The maximum diameter of PTC was (7.6±5.8) mm (range: 2 to 30 mm), and the number of lymph nodes of the central compartment dissection was 6(5) (M(IQR)) (range: 1 to 25). The duration of follow-up is 1 month after operation, and the follow-up method is adopted in outpatient clinic. Postoperation complications included 2 cases of transient hypoparathyroidism, One case of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (continue to follow up to assess whether it is a temporary injury). Postoperative minor chyle leak, seroma, and local redness and swelling in 1 case each were cured after conservative treatment. 1 case of transient minor numbness of the lower lip was observed. No permanent hypoparathyroidism, postoperative bleeding and numbness of the chin was observed. Conclusion: The gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy is a feasible approach in selected PTC patients and has clinical application value.

[Frequency characteristics of horizontal semicircular canals damage and the ultrastructure analysis of crista ampullaris in patients with Meniere's disease].

Objective: To investigate the frequency characteristics and the pathological characteristics of the horizontal crista ampullaris in patients with Meniere's disease,and to analyse its structural basis. Methods: Between March, 2019 and November, 2019, seventy-two patients diagnosed as Meniere's disease (27 males and 45 females, aged from 13 to 74 years, with a course of disease ranging from 4 months to 32 years)in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital were included.Caloric test, sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test (SHA), video-head impulse test (v-HIT), Gadolinium-enhanced inner-ear 3D-FLAIR MRI and pure tone audiometry were conducted in the patients. The function of the horizontal semicircular canal in these patients were analysed as well as its relationship with the degree of endolymphatic hydrops,clinical stage and duration. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the ultrastructure of horizontal semicircular canal crista ampullaris from six patients with refractory Meniere's disease who underwent labyrinthectomy. The number of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells, the common pathophysiological changes of horizontal semicircular canal crista ampullaris were investigated in these patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0. Results: With the increase of detection frequency, the abnormal rate decreased gradually. The abnormal rate of caloric test was 69.4% (50/72), SHA 51.4% (37/72), V-HIT 36.1% (26/72), comparation of the positive rate among the three tests showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Neither caloric test nor SHA had correlation with the degree of hydrops(P>0.05), but v-HIT(r=0.434,P<0.01).There was correlation with clinical stage to SHA and v-HIT(r=0.338,0.462,P<0.01), except caloric test(P>0.05).No significant relation was found with caloric test, SHA, v-HIT and course of disease(P>0.05).Morphological observation found abnormal monolayer epithelialization of the horizontal semicircular canal crista ampullaris significantly decreased number of type Ⅱ hair cells compared with type Ⅰhair cells. Hair cells showed perinuclear vacuolization, cytoplasmic vacuoles, mitochondrial electron density increasement and loss of stereocilia. Conclusions: The horizontal semicircular canal damage in the patients with Meniere's disease has a frequency-dependent characteristic, mainly occurres in low frequency area. With progress of the disease, the high frequency area of ampulla will be impaired gradually, and it is related to the degree of endolymphatic hydrops and hearing level. Hair cell injury would be observed,the frequency characteristics may be more associated with the disorder of type Ⅱ hair cells.

CHCHD2 decreases docetaxel sensitivity in breast cancer via activating MMP2.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to clarify the influences of CHCHD2 and MMP2 on docetaxel resistance in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Differential levels of CHCHD2 in breast cancer and para-tumor tissues were detected. The relationship between CHCHD2 and prognosis in breast cancer patients was analyzed. After generating Docetaxel-resistant breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7/DTX and SKBR3/DTX), the regulatory effects of CHCHD2 on proliferative and migratory potentials were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between CHCHD2 and MMP2 was tested by Western blot and Pearson correlation test. At last, the involvement of MMP2 in CHCHD2-regulated proliferation and migration in Docetaxel-resistant breast cancer cells was analyzed. RESULTS: CHCHD2 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues. It predicted high incidence of distant metastasis and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Proliferation inhibition rate was lower in MCF-7/DTX and SKBR3/DTX cells compared with their parental cells. After knockdown of CHCHD2 in MCF-7/DTX and SKBR3/DTX cells, their proliferative and migratory potentials were markedly reduced. MMP2 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues, and its level was positively regulated by CHCHD2. Overexpression of MMP2 could reverse the regulatory effects of CHCHD2 on proliferative and migratory potentials in MCF-7/DTX and SKBR3/DTX cells. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulated CHCHD2 in breast cancer is related to distant metastasis rate and poor prognosis. CHCHD2 and MMP2 are positively correlated to each other. CHCHD2 stimulates proliferative and migratory potentials in Docetaxel-resistant breast cancer cells by upregulating MMP2.

Effects of continuous low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide on inflammatory responses, milk production and milk quality in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammatory responses and milk production and quality in lactating dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows were assigned to two treatments in a cross-over experimental design. Cows were infused intravenously either with saline solution or with saline solution containing LPS from Escherichia coli O111:B4 at a dose of 0.01 µg LPS/kg body weight for approximately 6 hr each day during a seven-day trial. The clinical symptoms and milk production performance were observed. Milk samples were analysed for conventional components, fatty acids and amino acids. And jugular vein and mammary vein plasma samples were analysed for concentrations of cytokines and acute phase proteins. LPS infusion decreased feed intake and milk yield. An increase in body temperature was observed after LPS infusion. LPS infusion also increased plasma concentrations of interleukin-1ß, serum amyloid A, LPS-binding protein, C-reactive protein and haptoglobin. LPS infusion decreased the contents of some fatty acids, such as C17:1, C18:0, C18:1n9 (trans) and C18:2n6 (trans), and most amino acids except for methionine, threonine, histidine, cysteine, tyrosine and proline in the milk. The results indicated that a continued low dose infusion of LPS can induce an inflammatory response, decrease milk production and reduce milk quality.

[Simultaneous triple semicircular canal plugging and cochlear implantation in advanced Meniere's disease].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of combining simultaneous triple semicircular canal plugging (TSCP) and cochlear implantation (CI) to treat vertigo and hearing loss in advanced Meniere's disease(MD) patients, so as to provide an alternative surgical procedure for treating this disorder. Methods: Data from seven patients, who were referred to our hospital and diagnosed with unilateral MD strictly meeting the criteria issued by Chinese Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Committee (2006), from Jan. 2015 to Jan. 2016, were retrospectively analyzed in this work. Seven patients, in whom the standardized conservative treatment had been given for at least one year and frequent vertigo still occurred, underwent simultaneous TSCP and CI under general anesthesia via mastoid approach. Postoperative follow-up time was more than six months. Vertigo control and auditory function were measured. Pure tone audiometry, speech perception scores, caloric test, head impulse test (HIT), and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) were performed for evaluation of audiological and vestibular functions. Results: All patients had bilateral severe sensorineural hearing loss preoperatively. One side hearing loss was due to MD and another side was due to reasons including sudden sensorineural hearing loss, mumps and other unknown reason. The total control rate of vertigo in seven MD patients was 100.0% in the six-month follow-up, with complete control rate of 85.7% (6/7) and substantial control rate of 14.3% (1/7). Improved hearing threshold and speech perception scores were observed in all study participants. Postoperative average aided hearing threshold was 32.5 dBHL, the average monosyllabic word score was 42.6% and speech perception scores of sentences tested in quiet was 52.3%. Tinnitus improved in five cases, and no significant change in two patients. Post-operatively, all patients suffered from temporary vertigo and balance disorders. Vertigo was disappeared in all patients within 3-5 days, while, an average recovery time of balance disorders was 19.7 days. Six months after treatment, loss of semicircular canal function by caloric test was found in the operation side of all patients and no change in cVEMP or oVEMP test was noted. All patients had no facial paralysis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and other complications. Conclusions: A combined approach of TSCP and CI which could control vertigo effectively and improve hearing loss and tinnitus represents an effective and safe therapy for some advanced MD patients.

[Modified minimally invasive video-assisted lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a series of 130 cases].

Objective: To discuss the feasibility, safety and oncologic completeness of modified minimally invasive video-assisted lateral neck dissection (MIVALND) for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Data of 130 patients from Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University undergoing MIVALND from January 2013 to September 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 31 male and 99 female patients with the mean age of (39±11) years. The thyroidectomy and central compartment dissection were performed under a direct visual field or video-assisted (VA) approach, lateral neck dissection was performed via the VA approach. Serum thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibody levels were measured every 6 months after surgery. Ulrasonography was performed to assess the thyroid bed and lateral neck compartment every 6 months after surgery. The mean operation time for MIVALND, mean postoperative hospital stay, size of primary tumor, number of retrieved lymph nodes, complication rates, and postoperative serum thyroglobulin levels were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were followed up by outpatient review and until March 2016. Results: Beside 1 case was converted to open procedure, 129 (99.2%) patients successfully underwent MIVALND. The mean operative time was (74±17) min (ranging from 40 to 120 min) for MIVALND. The mean postoperative hospital stay was (4.9±2.1) days (range 2 to 14 days). The mean size of primary tumor was (1.3±0.7) cm (range 0.3 to 4.0 cm). The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 42±13 (range 15 to 79) in lateral compartment. Postoperative complications included 19 transient hypoparathyroidism, 7 transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and 3 permanent RLN palsy (tumor invasion and the RLN was resected en bloc with the tumor in 2 cases), 2 (1.5%) transient palsy of spinal accessory nerve, 1 (0.8%) transient palsy of marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, 1 (0.8%) seroma, and 4 (3.1%) minor chyle leak. The mean follow-up period was (19±10) months (ranged 6 to 36 months). The mean serum thyroglobulin level was 0.10 µg/L during follow-up. No evidence of local residual or recurrent disease was observed at postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: The modified MIVALND is a safe and feasible approach in selected papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

[Frequency and position characteristics of the vestibular dysfunction in vestibular neuritis patients].

Objective:To investigate frequency and position characteristics of the vestibular dysfunction in vestublar neuritis patients. Method:Colaric test (CT), head impulse test (HIT), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) were applied in 43 vestublar neuritis patients to assess their vestublar dysfunction. Superior vestublar nerve (S-VN), inferior vestibular nerve (I-VN), total vestibular nerve (T-VN) and each vestibular end organ incidence rate were calculated and statistically analyzed. Result:CT incidence rate (93.0%) was statistically higher than that of HIT (72.1%) (P<0.01). Total frequency incidence rate (72.1%) was statistically higher than that of low frequency (20.9%) (P<0.01). No high frequency only case was observed. The incidence rate of S-VN only, I-VN only and T-VN was 44.2%, 4.7% and 51.2% respectively. Among them, the incidence rate of I-VN was significantly lower than the others (P<0.01). The incidence rate of vestibular end organs was 17.4% (S-SCC), 44.2% (H-SCC), 20.9% (P-SCC), 39.5% (utricule) and 26.7% (saccule) respectively. The incidence rate of H-SCC was remarkably higher than the other semicircular canals (P<0.01). The difference between utricule and saccule was not statistically significant. Conclusion:The semicricular canal dysfunction in vestibular neuritis patients mainly involves total frequency of vestibular function, low frequency is more common than high frequency. Total vestibular nerve and single S-VN are mostly involved in vestibular neuritis.

[The clinical value of vestibular autorotation test in the diagnosis of otogenic vertigo].

Objective:To explore the clinical value of vestibular autorotation test (VAT) in the treatment for otogenic vertigo patients. Method:One hundred and twenty-nine definite otogenic vertigo patients were included. All patients underwent the VAT and caloric test (CT). The results were analyzed statistically. Result:In VAT examination, 89 (69.0%) cases were abnormal. In CT examination, 56 (43.4%) cases were abnormal. In the contrast test of VAT and CT, VAT results were abnormal in 47 (36.4%) patients and CT results were abnormal in 14 (10.9%) patients. The number of patients whose both VAT and CT results were abnormal was 42 (32.6%). The total number of patients with various abnormal results was 103 (79.8%). According to statistical analysis, the abnormal result rate of VAT was higher than that of CT. The abnormal result rate of both VAT and CT was higher than that of each single test. There was statistic significance in the difference (χ²=1.670, P<0.05). Conclusion:For otogenic vertigo patients, their abnormal result rate of VAT is higher than that of CT. VAT and CT can be mutually complementary. The combination of VAT and CT can help to understand the function of semicircular canal in the general and provide reference for the treatment of otogenic vertigo diseases.

Association between the -607 C > A polymorphism in interleukin-18 gene promoter with gastrointestinal cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

The interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene -607 C/A polymorphism has been reported to be associated with gastrointestinal cancer, but there are conflicting results from previous studies on said topic. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis is to derive a more precise estimation of the association between the -607 C/A polymorphism in the IL-18 gene and gastrointestinal cancer risk. Literature searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were carried out in 2015. Five studies were assessed with a total of 1618 cases and 1155 healthy controls. When results from all eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, we found significant association between the IL-18 gene -607 C/A polymorphism and gastrointestinal cancer risk (CC vs AA: OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.72- 1.20; CC vs CA: OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.62-0.92; dominant model: OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.03-1.50; recessive model: OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 0.87-1.37). In the subgroup analysis, significant associations between the -607 C/A polymorphism and gastrointestinal cancer risk were found in esophageal cancer. However, this polymorphism did not appear to have any influence on gastric cancer and colorectal cancer susceptibility. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the -607 C/A polymorphism in the IL-18 gene may be associated with susceptibility to esophageal cancer. Further studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these conclusions.

CLOSED FEMORAL NAILING WITH THE TECHNIQUE OF USING A NEW FEMORAL DISTRACTOR: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

This study introduces the application of a new femoral distractor in the treatment of femoral fracture restoration with internal fixation of intramedullary nail. Sixty-three patients with femoral fracture from the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University underwent femoral facture restoration with the new femoral distractor in combination with internal fixation of an intramedullary nail from June 2011 to March 2014. There were 18 cases of proximal femur fractures, 44 cases of middle femoral shaft fractures and 1 case of distal femur fracture. Follow-up was on the 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 24th week after operation. All 63 patients successfully underwent the surgery and the steel needles used did not cause injury to the adjacent vessels or nerves. Five cases had to have steel needles reinserted, as they had failed in the distraction reduction due to being unsteadily fixed because of an improper position. Patients were followed up for 10~24 months (mean 16 months), and the total healing rate was 100%. Operative time was 93.5 minutes averagely. Average time of patients’ exposure to X-ray was 26.8 seconds. Bleeding volume was averagely 219.1 ml. There were no complications either during the operations or after them. All cases healed within 12 weeks (average 7.6 weeks). This study proves that, the new femoral distractor can help the closed reduction of fractures in treating femoral fractures with intramedullary nails to avoid the inconvenience of applying traction tables and the occurrence of potential complications.

N-terminal functional region of the invariant chain efficiently targets the binding of a CTL epitope to MHC class I molecules during cross-presentation.

Cross-presentation (CP) is important for priming T cell responses to many viral, bacterial, and tumor antigens. Here, we designed two Ii mutants, based on evidence that the invariant chain (Ii, also named CD74) binds newly synthesized MHC class I molecules with the class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) region of Ii, which occupies the peptide-binding groove. Specifically, we designed (1) Ii-O257, which is a CLIP-substituted Ii chimer, in which OVA257-264 (SIINFEKL) was substituted for CLIP, and (2) Ii-, also named CT257, which is a C-terminal truncated form of Ii-O257 that contains the N-terminal flanking region of Ii. We immunized C57BL/6 mice with these recombinant proteins. Real-time PCR detected that mice immunized with either Ii-O257 or Ii-CT257 recombinant proteins exhibited increased IFN-γ mRNA expression (approximately 11-fold and 13-fold, respectively) and increased IL-2 mRNA expression (approximately 9-fold and 11-fold, respectively), compared to mice immunized with the OVA257-264 peptide. In vivo cytokine analysis showed that recombinant Ii proteins were highly efficient at activating T cells. Confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation showed that the 2 Ii-OVA257-264 chimers are associated intracellularly with H-2K(b) molecules. Thus, Ii-CT257 (amino acids 1-89) binds stably to MHC class I with high affinity, indicating that it is a minimal functional fragment of the Ii immune vector. In conclusion, the N-terminal functional region of the Ii fusion protein containing CTL epitopes might prove to be useful for developing peptide or DNA vaccines that use CP as the main mechanism for CD8(+) T cell stimulation.

Effect of strategic feed supplementation on productive and reproductive performance in yak cows.

A total of 2230 yak cows (5-13 years of age) in two populations with different milking systems were investigated. One population had a system of milking once a day (MOD), and the other population twice a day (MTD). The average milk yield of MOD cows was 0.7 +/- 0.2 kg/day within a milking period of 109 +/- 9 days. This compared with an average of 1.24 +/- 0.3 kg/day in 127 +/- 6 days in MTD yaks (p < 0.01). The cows showed a calving rate of 71% under the MOD system and 51.4% under the MTD system. Three farms with a total of 104 MTD cows between six and 12 years of age were used to provide three different feeding groups. The groups were fed with, or without oat hay or highland barley straw in amounts of 1-1.5 kg/head/day from December to April. The three farms were designated as Farm I, Farm II, and Farm III. Farm I had 41 cows with body weight of 230 +/- 67 kg each for grazing with no supplement (GNS). Farm II had 30 animals with body weight of 216 +/- 28 kg each for grazing + oat hay (GOH). Farm III had 33 animals body weight of 221 +/- 34 kg each for grazing + highland barely straw (GBS). The calving rates of the cows in GOH and GBS were 23 and 19% higher, respectively, than GNS cows (p < 0.01), and the highest rate reached 76.7% in GOH. The live weight loss of the cows in GNS was considerably higher (p < 0.01) than in the two other groups. Ten GOH cows and 12 GNS cows were used to collect milk samples for measuring the progesterone concentration using RIA kits provided by IAEA/FAO: Milk was sampled every five days from calving until 90 days postpartum. In the unsupplemented group, milk progesterone (P4) levels suggested that cows had started cyclic ovarian activity by 40 days postpartum, whereas only 25% had been observed in estrus. In the supplemented group, 80% of cows had started cyclic ovarian activity by the same time and 70% had been seen in estrus. Two types of cyclic activity in terms of progesterone changed were found. With Type I (normal), 50 and 80% of cows from GNS and GOH, respectively, had cyclic changes of P4 in milk at 40 days postpartum. With Type II, the P4 levels in the milk remained 0.89 ng/ml until 90 days postpartum. A total of 46 grazing cows between five and 13 years of age (body weight 214 +/- 68 kg) was used to collect blood samples to measure concentrations of nutrient of metabolites at two weeks pre-calving and at two weeks, two months and four months postcalving, respectively. The concentrations of nutrient metabolites [albumin, globulin, urea, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and inorganic phosphorus] suggested general underfeeding of energy and protein in the winter/late pregnancy period with some recovery in lactation. Energy constraints appeared again as the summer progressed. No dietary phosphate deficiency was found. BHB and albumin testing on serum yaks could be a useful tool to identify poor nutritional status during the winter and so illustrate the need for supplementation.