Buffering agent-induced lactose content increases via growth hormone-mediated activation of gluconeogenesis in lactating goats

Dairy goats are often fed a high-concentrate (HC) diet to meet their lactation demands; however, long-term concentrate feeding is unhealthy and leads to milk yield and lactose content decreases. Therefore, we tested whether a buffering agent is able to increase the output of glucose in the liver and influence lactose synthesis. Eight lactating goats were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received a HC diet (Concentrate : Forage = 6:4, HG) and the other group received the same diet with a buffering agent added (0.2 % NaHCO(3), 0.1 % MgO, BG) over a 19-week experimental period. The total volatile fatty acids and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) declined in the rumen, which led the rumen pH to become stabile in the BG goats. The milk yield and lactose content increased. The alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, LPS and lactate contents in the plasma significantly decreased, whereas the prolactin and growth hormone levels increased. The hepatic vein glucose content increased. In addition, pyruvate carboxylase (PC), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) expression in the liver was significantly up-regulated. In the mammary glands, the levels of glucose transporter type 1, 8, 12 as well as of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 increased. Cumulative buffering agent treatment increased the blood concentrations of glucose via gluconeogenesis and promoted its synthesis in the liver. This treatment may contribute to the increase of the milk yield and lactose synthesis of lactating goats.

Effect of branched chain amino acids on perioperative temperature, glucose level and fat metabolism in patients with gastrointestinal tumors

This study aimed to investigate the effect of branched chain amino acids (BCCAs) on perioperative temperature, glucose and fat metabolism in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Fifty-six patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor surgery were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups of 28 patients each: an experimental and a control group. During surgery, the experimental group received 5.64mL·Kg-1·h-1(4KJ·Kg-1·h-1) of BCCAs intravenously, through an infusion pump, and the control group received an equal volume of NaCl 0.9%. Vital signs were continuously monitored during the operation. Nasopharynx temperature levels of glucose, insulin, free fatty acid and ketone bodies in the blood were determined 30 min before anesthesia (t 0), after anesthesia and before surgery (t 1), 30 min after the start of surgery (t 2), 2 h after start of surgery (t 3) and 1 h after the end of surgery (T4). Patients’ shivering intensity (Wrench grading) and pain degree [Visual analogue scale (VAS)]) were estimated 1 h after the endotracheal tube was removed. Nasopharynx temperature was decreased (p less than 0.05) in both groups after anesthesia induction, while 1 h after the tube was removed it was higher in the experimental group than the control group (p less than 0.05); compared with pre-surgery values, blood glucose levels were increased during surgery in both groups, but the experimental group had a lower increasing trend compared to the control group, though without statistical significance (p>0.05). Insulin levels were significantly different between the two groups at all time-points during surgery (p less than 0.05). However, the rising trend of the experimental group was more dramatic during the period from t 0 to t 3. One hour after surgery (t 4), the insulin levels varied, but still at higher levels than pre-surgery, with a significant difference (p less than 0.05); levels of free fatty acids had a downward trend in both groups, and levels in the experimental group continued to decline until 1 h after surgery. Patients who received branched chain amino acids had less temperature decrease during surgery. Moreover, blood glucose levels were not increased, which limits fat mobilization and leads to production of ketone bodies, reduces the shivering and its intensity after surgery.

[Experimental studies on correlation between nucleolus spindle-related protein 1 and the malignant progression and prognosis of human glioblastoma multiforme]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between nucleolus spindle-related protein 1 (NUSAP1) and malignant progression and prognosis of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods: RT-PCR and immunohistochemical technique were applied to analyze NUSAP1 expression level in GBM surgical specimens. Correlations between NUSAP1 expression and molecular classification and survival of patients with GBM were also investigated in TCGA database. The gene silencing technique was used to silence NUSAP1 expression in U87 cells, CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle changes, and in vivo tumorigenicity was evaluated after NUSAP1 silencing in tumor-bearing mice. Results: NUSAP1 expression level in GBM was higher than that in non-tumor brain tissue. Survival curve analysis showed that the survival time of GBM patients with high NUSAP1 expression decreased significantly (P<0.01). NUSAP1 expression was relatively lower in mesenchymal and neural molecular subtypes of GBM, when compared with the other two molecular subtypes. And it was closely related with specific genetic aberrations (such as PTEN loss and IDH1 mutation). Silencing NUSAP1 inhibited G2/M cell cycle progression of GBM cells, and inhibited cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Expression of NUSAP1 is closely related to progress and prognosis of GBM, and can be a biomarker reflecting GBM prognosis and act as a therapeutic target with potential clinical application value.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on stress reactions and cellular immune function of patients in perioperative period following radial resection for rectal carcinoma

The study aimed to assess the effects and the further mechanism of action of dexmedetomidine with regard to stress reactions and cellular immune function of patients during the perioperative period following radical resection for rectal carcinoma. A total of 36 patients with rectal carcinoma were selected for radical resection under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups, namely an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group (dexmedetomidine group) 1 μg/ kg/bw dexmedetomidine was injected intravenously 10 min prior to the induction of general anesthesia, and then infusion was carried out at a rate of 0.2 μg·kg-1·h-1 for 30 min prior to the end of surgery. With regard to the control group, the same amount of normal saline (NS) was infused with the same method as the experimental group. Controlled intravenous analgesia was conducted following surgery to all of the patients. Regarding the effect of dexmedetomidine on the reaction of stress, a decrease of VAS scores was noted in the experimental group following extubation compared with the control group (P less than 0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in the consumption of morphine in the first 24 h was observed that was accompanied by a decrease of plasma cortisol levels at 6 and 24 h following surgery compared with the control group. The levels of IFN-γ/IL-10 in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group (P less than 0.05). The percentages of CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells in the experimental group were increased compared with those of the control group (P less than 0.05). By infusing dexmedetomidine continuously, stress reactions during the perioperative period were significantly decreased, whereas the analgesic effects of opioid were increased.

[Current situation and prospect of diagnosis and treatment of tuberous sclerosis related renal angiomyolipoma]

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant disease involving multiple organs and multiple systems. The main manifestation is renal angiomyolipoma in the kidney. It is the most common cause of death in adults, because of its high incidence, rapid growth and bleeding. The incidence of this disease is low and the cognition is not enough, so the diagnosis and treatment are lack of standardization. Recently, the expert consensus of the diagnosis and treatment of tuberous sclerosis related renal angiomyolipoma has been established in China. This content fills the gap in this field in China. With the development of precision medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases are also progressing.

[Quantitative measurement of citric acid in urine using tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry]

Objective: To find a suitable method for the determination of citric acid in the urine of patients with stones, in order to provide a new method and basis for the prevention and treatment of stone. Methods: Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the citric acid in urine directly. And the accuracy, stability, repeatability and other indicators of the results were detected. Results: The results showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of citric acid in urine. y=50.31x+ 0.002 6 (R(2)=0.994 21). The results were stable, reproducible [intra-day (Coefficient of Variance) CV ≈1% and inter-day CV<10%], and the accuracy of which was comparable with that of the enzyme method (n=20, R=0.97). Conclusion: Using the method of this study to detect the content of citric acid in urine has the advantages of simple operation, good repeatability, accurate results, and low price. So it is worth to be popularized and applied in clinical practice.

[Surgery treatment of ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigation the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) syndrome.

METHODS

The clinical characters of 57 cases of ecotopic ACTH syndrome from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 2016 were collected and analyzed. The 57 cases included 32 males and 25 females. The age ranged from 11 to 68 years (average 32 years). ACTH levels significantly increased from 16.5 to 365.6 pmol/L, with average 77.6 pmol/L (normal range <10.1 pmol/L). The pituitary MRI did not found lesions. The CT showed that their bilateral adrenal glands diffused small nodular changes or nodular hyperplasia. The 57 cases were divided into 3 groups according to different treatment options. In the study, 25 ectopic ACTH syndrome cases (44%) were group A, without identified source of ectopic hormone, were treated with bilateral or unilateral adrenalectomy due to the severity of the disease and difficulty of operation. Group B was composed of 16 cases (28%) diagnosed as ectopic ACTH syndrome by finding ectopic ACTH tumors and surgical resection. Group C included 16 cases (28%) with nonsurgical therapy. Different treatment results and prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the study, 40 cases of the 57 had been followed up for 6 months to 10 years. In group A, of the 25 cases with bilateral or unilateral adrenalectomy, 4 died of diabetes and severe pulmonary infection, 18 survived, and 3 were lost to the follow-up, and the survival rate was 81% (18/22). In group B, of the 16 cases with radical tumor resection, 5 died of tumor recurrence 0.5-6.0 years after operation, 3 survived, and 8 were lost to the follow-up, and the survival rate was 37.5% (3/8). In group C, of the 16 non-operation patients, 4 with radiotherapy and chemotherapy died of metastases, diabetes or pulmonary infection, 6 with chemotherapy died of pulmonary infection within 1 year and the others were lost to the follow-up, and the survival rate was 0.

CONCLUSION

Ectopic ACTH syndrome is difficult to treat. Adrenalectomy is effective for the management of ectopic ACTH syndrome, especially for those patients with severe Cushing's syndrome, but the primary tumor can not be located.

[MicroRNA differential expression profile in tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2-/- MEFs and normal cell line TSC2+/+ MEFs]

OBJECTIVE

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, but the molecular events contributing to TSC are not well understood. However, little is known about the role of microRNAs in TSC. To explore the microRNA differential expression profile between tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2^-/- MEFs and normal type cell line TSC2^+/+ MEFs, and to provide new clues to study the mechanism of microRNA function in tuberous sclerosis complex.

METHODS

TSC2^-/- MEFs and TSC2^+/+ MEFs cell lines were cultured in vitro, each with three samples chosen as the experimental group and the control group respectively. Total RNA was isolated using TRizol and purified with RNeasy mini kit according to manufacturer's instructions. RNA quality and quantity were measured by using nanodrop spectrophotometer and RNA integrity was determined by gel electrophoresis. Total RNAs were extracted by TRizol, followed by RNA quantification and quality control. MicroRNA profiles were analyzed by microarray and the threshold value used to screen up-regulated more than 2-fold change or down-regulated less than 0.5-fold change compared with controls. Real-time PCR was used to validate the reliability of microarray. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation.

RESULTS

Fourteen microRNAs, including miR-18a-5p, miR-376c-3p, miR-136-5p, miR-467c-5p, miR-467b-5p, miR-5104, miR-3098-3p, miR-30a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-18a-3p, miR-19b-1-5p, miR-19a-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-155-5p, were up-regulated, while twenty-six microRNAs, including miR-200b-3p, miR-450a-1-3p, miR-542-5p, miR-199b-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-466c-5p, miR-450a-5p, miR-450b-5p, miR-542-3p, miR-351-5p, miR-322-3p, miR-199a-3p, miR-335-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-351-3p, miR-155-3p, miR-497a-5p, miR-503-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-1843a-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-490-5p, miR-450a-2-3p, miR-322-5p, miR-214-3p, miR-450b-3p, were down-regulated in tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2^-/- MEFs compared with normal type cell line TSC2^+/+ MEFs (P<0.05). Real-time PCR confirmed the expressions of miR-136-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-10b-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-199a-5p consistent with the microarray data (P<0.05). Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-199a-5p significantly inhibited cell proliferation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

There are differences in the expression of miRNA between the tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2^-/- MEFs and normal cell line TSC2^+/+ MEFs. MiRNA-199a-5p plays an important role in tuberous sclerosis complex, which may be developed as an important molecular target for the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex.

[Quantitative measurement of oxalic acid in urine by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry]

Objective: To find a suitable method for the determination of oxalic acid in the urine of patients with stones, in order to provide a new method and basis for the prevention and treatment of stone. Methods: Liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze oxalic acid in urine directly.The accuracy, stability, repeatability and other indicators of the results were tested. Results: The results showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of oxalic acid in urine. y=58.524x-15.246 (R(2)=0.979 02). The results were stable, reproducible (the intra-day and inter-day coefficient of variation was less than 10% and 15%, respectively), and the accuracy was comparable with that of the enzyme method (N=20, R=0.93). Conclusion: Using the method of this study to detect the content of oxalic acid in urine has the advantages of simple operation, good repeatability, accurate results, and low price. It is worth to be popularized and applied in clinical practice.

[Comparison on the efficacy and safety of different occlusion devices for the treatment of patients with patent foramen ovale]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Cardi-O-fix patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder and Amplatzer PFO occluder for the treatment of patients with PFO. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive patients (105 males and 141 females) with PFO were prospectively enrolled from May 30, 2013 to March 30, 2015 in our hospital. PFO interventional closure was applied according to the anatomical structure of the disease and patients' wishes.Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder was used in 180 cases (COF group), Amplatzer PFO occluder was used in the remaining 66 cases (Amp group). Post-procedure safety including recurrent stroke, transient ischemic attack, death, and complete closure rate, and efficacy including procedure related complications of different devices were compared during the 12 months follow-up. Results: (1) Rate of transient ischemic attack was similar between COF group and Amp group at 12 months after procedure(1.1%(2/180) vs. 1.5%(1/66), P=1.000). There was no recurrent stroke and death during the 12 months follow-up period.Complete closure rate was similar between COF group and Amp group at 12 months after the procedure(90.6%(163/180)vs. 86.4%(57/66), P=0.355). (2) Three cases(1.7%) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were observed in COF group during the 12 months follow-up period, 1 patient converted spontaneously to sinus rhythm and 2 patients received successful pharmacologic conversion and converted to sinus rhythm. One patient(1.5%)developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and was pharmacologically converted to sinus rhythm in the Amp group. There was no significant difference in rate of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation between the two groups(P=1.000). There was no complications such as occluder translocation, erosion, pericardial effusion and puncture site bleeding in the 2 groups during the 12 months follow-up. Conclusion: Efficacy and safety are similar for PFO treatment with Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder or Amplatzer PFO occluder in this patient cohort.

[Survival analysis of surgically treated renal cell carcinoma: an analysis of 10-year data from single center]

OBJECTIVE

To explore how clinical features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) relate to cancer patients' prognosis and survival.

METHODS

A total of 1 497 renal cell carcinoma patients received surgical treatments in Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College were admitted between January 2002 and December 2012. Telephone interviews and complimentary medical records review were carried out to acquire follow-up data, including post-surgery adjuvant therapy, disease progression and survival.

RESULTS

There were 1 326 of all 1 497 RCC cases successfully followed up, including 899 male and 427 female cases. The median age was 54(18) years (M(QR)). There were 1 049 T1 cases (79.11%), 139 T2 cases (10.48%), 125 T3 cases (9.43%), and 13 T4 cases (0.98%). As for types of surgery, there were 584 (44.04%) nephron-sparing surgery cases, and 742 (55.96%) radical nephrectomy cases. As for pathological subtypes, it included 1 153 (86.95%) clear cell renal cell carcinoma cases, and 173 (13.05%) non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma cases. Median length of follow-up was 43.6 months. During follow-up, 147 patients developed RCC related progression, with a median progression free survival of 18.2 months.Sixty-four patients died from RCC related progression, with a median cancer specific survival (CSS) of 27.7 months. RESULTS of data analysis showed that CSS rates of 1-, 5-, 10-year of T1 stage post-surgical RCC were 99.61%, 97.24%, 92.08%, respectively; CSS rates of 1-, 5-, 10-year of T2 stage were 98.51%, 92.01%, 85.08%, respectively; and CSS rates of 1-, 5-, 10-year of T3-4 stage were 92.40%, 77.99%, 42.56%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that signs of lung metastasis, signs of bone metastasis, tumor N stage, pathological subtype, microscopic sarcomatoid changing, and types of progression were major risk factors for RCC cancer specific survival (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is the primary choice of treatment in RCC. The survival is not same with different T stage. T stage affects the progression of renal cell carcinoma. N stage, lung and bone symptoms, pathological type, sarcomatoid changes and postoperative metastasis of renal cell carcinoma will affect the mortality of patients.

[Review of hot topics in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in 2016]

With the aging of the population, changes in diet and medical examination popular, the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China are increasing year by year. Over the past year, a large number of clinical and basic researchers focus on various perspectives of prostate cancer, which may provide new direction for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. In this paper, the near year important progress in the forefront of prostate cancer has been reviewed and summed up in two major aspects: diagnosis and treatment.

Blue-white screening liquid can eliminate false positives in blue-white colony screening

Although blue-white screening based on α-complementation has been widely used in the screening of genetically modified bacteria, only a single blue-white screening is typically not enough to eliminate false positives. Sometimes, a secondary blue-white screening for the target colonies is required. In this study, two methods were used to investigate the feasibility of secondary blue-white screening for target colonies on lysogeny broth (LB)-ampicillin agar plates. The first method consisted of covering the target colonies grown on LB-ampicillin plate medium with a sterilized filter paper soaked in a solution of 60 μL 20 mg/mL X-gal and 8 μL 20% IPTG. The second method was that blue and white colonies were randomly selected from the blue-white screening plate medium and then re-streaked onto the blue-white screening medium. The colonies were then treated by two methods and incubated at 37°C for 12 h. The results showed that some of the white colonies treated by the two methods showed results similar to the colonies grown on the blue-white screening medium. These results indicate that the target colonies grown on blue-white screening medium can still be used to carry out a secondary blue-white screening. Thus, a blue-white screening liquid was successfully developed. Using the blue-white screening liquid, false positives can be eliminated directly based on the color of the target colonies. This will greatly improve the screening efficiency of positive clones and has important practical implications.

[Blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier damage of rats induced by lead acetate or nano-lead exposure]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the damage of blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) of rats induced by lead and nano-lead exposure in order to provide the basis for mechanism study of lead neurotoxicity.

METHODS

39 male rats were randomly divided into control group, lead acetate exposed group and nano-lead exposed group. Rats in lead acetate exposed group and nano-lead exposed group were given 20 mg/kg lead acetate or nano-lead by oral gavage and rats in control groups were given the same amount saline for 9 weeks.Morris maze was used to test the learning function, serum albumin and CSF albumin were determined by ELISA. Confocal laser scanning microscope was applied to detect ZO-1 and Occludin protein expression in choroid plexus, real time-PCR was used to test the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin mRNA expression. Pathological changes of choroid plexus cells were observed by the electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the escape latency of rats in lead acetate or nano-lead exposure group were longer and times of across platform were less. The levels of CSF albumin and the CSF albumin index in lead acetate or nano-lead exposed rats were obviously higher, and the fluorescence intensity of ZO-1, Occludin as well as mRNA expressions were lower than those in control group(P<0.05). Compared with lead acetate exposed group, the levels of CSF albumin and the CSF albumin index in nano-lead exposure group were higher. The fluorescence intensity and mRNA expressions of ZO-1, Occludin in nano-lead exposure group were than those in lead acetate group(P<0.05). Electron microscopy revealed that lead acetate or nano-lead exposure could induce shorter microvillus of choroid plexus epithelial cells, mitochondrion destruction and partial disconnection in intracellular junctions between two adjacent epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Lead acetate and nano-lead exposed can result in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier damage, which may involve in the process of lead induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, nano-lead exposure can induced in more worse damage in terms of blood-results in blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function.

Relationship between TLR4 and MCP2 expression levels and habitual abortion

Habitual abortion is associated with the altered expression of multiple genes. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and monocyte chemotactic protein 2 (MCP2 or CCL8) and habitual abortion. This was done by detecting and comparing their relative expression in peripheral blood and placental villi of patients and healthy fertile women. Based on our previous research, 85 subjects with habitual abortion (study group) and 40 healthy fertile women (control group), who were admitted to our hospital between June 2013 and December 2014, were enrolled in this study. After these subjects signed written informed consent, peripheral blood samples and villous tissues were collected, from which the total RNA was extracted. The expression of TLR4 and MCP2 was detected with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, using GAPDH as a reference control. The expression of TLR4 and MCP2 in the peripheral blood and villous tissues of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was also observed between the changes in expression levels of TLR4 and MCP2. In conclusion, TLR4 and MCP2 expression correlated with the occurrence of habitual abortion. Detecting expression changes in TLR4 and MCP2 in the peripheral blood is a feasible method for predicting the occurrence of abortion in women of child-bearing age.

Relationship between brain activity and voiding patterns in healthy preterm neonates

INTRODUCTION

It remains controversial as to whether the brain affects voiding control in preterm newborns. Constant bladder volume has previously been thought to induce bladder voiding in neonates, with no influence from the brain. Lately, there has been distinct evidence for an existing connection between the central nervous system and bladder voiding in preterm infants, as the voiding reflex arouses neonatal children. Video electroencephalography (EEG) is useful for recording bioelectrical activity of the cerebral cortex and exploring its relationship with voiding patterns in preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the relationship between voiding patterns and brain activity in healthy preterm neonates by using video-EEG.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-seven healthy preterm neonates (16 females) with a mean postconceptional age (PCA) of 34.1 ± 1.8 weeks were divided according to PCA into three groups: Group I (31-33 weeks, n = 13); Group II (33-35 weeks, n = 14); and Group III (35-37 weeks, n = 20). Video-EEG data from eight cortical regions were recorded from 08:00-12:00, along with 4-hour free voiding patterns and status at voiding (awake/sleep).

RESULTS

In Group I, the voiding frequency (VF) was significantly higher and the voiding volume (VV) was significantly lower than in the other groups. There were no significant differences in bladder capacity (BC), bladder capacity/birth weight (BC/BW), postvoiding residual/bladder capacity (PVR/BC), or urinary flow rate (UFR) among the three groups. The Fp1-T3 and Fp2-T4 lead amplitudes significantly differed in Group I and Group II at 5 s before (pre-5), during, and after voiding (post-5). The Fp2-C4 total and theta band lead amplitudes significantly differed across all urination states among the groups. There were no significant differences in electroencephalography frequency among the groups in any urination state.

DISCUSSION

There were no significant differences in BC, BC/BW, PVR/BC, or UFR among the three groups, indicating slow bladder function development in preterm neonates. In this study, the EEG amplitude changed in certain pairs of electrodes. These changes might indicate the degree of bladder sensor maturation along with an increasing PCA. This study further suggests that the brain changes in preterm neonates during quiet sleep voiding prominently occur in the right prefrontal cortex and central region.

CONCLUSIONS

In preterm neonates, bladder voiding during quiet sleep was accompanied by cortical arousal that might have emanated from a lower center.

Tackling agricultural diffuse pollution: What might uptake of farmer-preferred measures deliver for emissions to water and air?

Mitigation of agricultural diffuse pollution poses a significant policy challenge across Europe and particularly in the UK. Existing combined regulatory and voluntary approaches applied in the UK continue to fail to deliver the necessary environmental outcomes for a variety of reasons including failure to achieve high adoption rates. It is therefore logical to identify specific on-farm mitigation measures towards which farmers express positive attitudes for higher future uptake rates. Accordingly, a farmer attitudinal survey was undertaken during phase one of the Demonstration Test Catchment programme in England to understand those measures towards which surveyed farmers are most receptive to increasing implementation in the future. A total of 29 on-farm measures were shortlisted by this baseline farm survey. This shortlist comprised many low cost or cost-neutral measures suggesting that costs continue to represent a principal selection criterion for many farmers. The 29 measures were mapped onto relevant major farm types and input, assuming 95% uptake, to a national scale multi-pollutant modelling framework to predict the technically feasible impact on annual agricultural emissions to water and air, relative to business as usual. Simulated median emission reductions, relative to current practise, for water management catchments across England and Wales, were estimated to be in the order sediment (20%)>ammonia (16%)>total phosphorus (15%) ≫ nitrate/methane (11%)>nitrous oxide (7%). The corresponding median annual total cost of the modelled scenario to farmers was £3 ha(-1)yr(-1), with a corresponding range of -£84 ha(-1)yr(-1) (i.e. a net saving) to £33 ha(-1)yr(-1). The results suggest that those mitigation measures which surveyed farmers are most inclined to implement in the future would improve the environmental performance of agriculture in England and Wales at minimum to low cost per hectare.

Characterization and expression analysis of microRNAs in Qira black sheep and Hetian sheep ovaries using Solexa sequencing

The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of mammalian reproduction has been demonstrated previously. However, only a few studies have assessed the role of miRNAs in the reproduction processes of sheep. The elucidation of miRNA expression profiles in the ovaries of different sheep breeds representing fecundity extremes will be useful in understanding the roles of miRNAs in sheep reproduction. In this study, two small RNA libraries were constructed from ovary tissue taken from Qira black sheep and Hetian sheep during the estrous period and then sequenced using the Solexa sequencing method. We obtained 9,565,212 and 9,563,426 high-quality reads from Qira black sheep and Hetian sheep, respectively. In total, 531 miRNAs, including 98 putative miRNAs, were identified. Among the conserved miRNAs, 125 known miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in the Qira black sheep and Hetian sheep libraries, with 24 upregulated and 101 downregulated in the Hetian sheep compared to the Qira black sheep. Four differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR to validate the reliability of the Solexa sequencing results. These results provide a foundation for future research on the regulation of miRNAs in sheep fertility and enrich the sheep miRNA databases.

[Effect of inherent depression on chronic visceral hypersensitivity induced by colon acetate stimulation in neonatal rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of inherent depression on chronic visceral hypersensitivity. The differences of visceral sensitivity, colitis, and brain activation between Fawn-Hooded (FH/Wjd) and Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were identified after neonatal colon acetate stimulation.

METHODS

The specific pathogen free Fawn-Hooded (FH/Wjd) and Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were used to establish irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) model. The visceral sensitivity was measured by colorectal distension (CRD). The expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), mast cell (MC), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in colon and IDO in specific cerebral regions were detected through immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores showed that visceral sensitivity of acetate-enema groups was significantly higher than that of saline-enema groups (FH/Wjd:2.44 ± 0.04 vs.1.96 ± 0.07, P < 0.05; SD: 1.75 ± 0.13 vs.1.32 ± 0.05, P < 0.05). Furthermore, FH/Wjd rats of IBS group scored significantly higher than SD rats of IBS group (2.44 ± 0.04 vs.1.75 ± 0.13, P < 0.05). The MC amounts of both SD and FH/Wjd IBS group rats were significantly more than those of their control groups (FH/Wjd:43.24 ± 1.72 vs. 24.92 ± 1.38, P < 0.01. SD: 23.80 ± 1.28 vs. 14.24 ± 0.92, P < 0.01). Besides, the MC amounts of control and IBS group of FH/Wjd rats were significantly more than that of SD IBS group rats (P < 0.01). The IDO and 5-HT positive cells in colonic mucosa of IBS group of both SD and FH/Wjd rats were significantly more than those of their control groups, respectively(P < 0.01). The IDO, 5-HT positive cells in colonic mucosa of both control and IBS group of FH/Wjd rats were significantly more than those of both control and IBS group of SD rats (control:IDO,24.64 ± 2.22 vs. 15.52 ± 1.39;5-HT,21.32 ± 1.26 vs. 12.72 ± 1.12. IBS: IDO,44.92 ± 2.31 vs. 20.85 ± 1.72; 5-HT, 31.84 ± 1.57 vs. 19.65 ± 1.09.P <0.01). The expression of IDO in prelimbic cortex (PrL) areas of FH/Wjd IBS rats was significantly higher than that of IBS group of SD rats (49.60 ± 4.31 vs. 35.60 ± 2.42, P <0.01), and the expression of IDO in rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) areas of FH/Wjd IBS rats was significantly more than that of FH/Wjd control rats (45.44 ± 1.16 vs. 34.08 ± 2.76, P <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Inherent depressive FH/Wjd rats were more sensitive to neonatal colon acetate stimulation, presenting as visceral hypersensitivity which maybe associated with increased MC amounts and over-expression of 5-HT and IDO in colon, suggesting that depression disorder may aggravate functional disturbance of gastrointestinal tract by regulating the response to inflammatory stimulation.

Endogenous LPS alters liver GH/IGF system gene expression and plasma lipoprotein lipase in goats

Endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects the ruminant health and animal performance. The main purposes of this study were to investigate the potential effects of GH/IGF system and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) concentration on resistance the circulating LPS concentration increased in liver with high concentrate diet treatment. Non-lactating goats were randomly allocated to two groups: a high-concentrate diet (HCD) or a low-concentrate diet (LCD) in cross over design and the blood collection at different time points after feeding at the end of the experiment. The average rumen pH was significantly reduced (P<0.05), but the duration with pH was not more than 120 min in the HCD group. The plasma LPL concentration was significantly raised (P<0.05). However, from 2 h onwards, LPS concentration was significantly reduced (P<0.01) in the HCD group compared with LCD group. In addition, the plasma IGF1 concentration and the hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) mRNA expression were markedly reduced (P<0.05). However, growth hormone (GH) secretion at 15, 30, and 45 min after feeding and growth hormone receptor (GHR) mRNA expression in the liver was significantly increased (P<0.05) in HCD group. The correlation analysis showed that the plasma LPL concentration was positively correlated with hepatic GHR mRNA expression (P<0.05). Conversely, the plasma LPS concentration was negatively correlated with LPL concentration (P<0.05). These findings reveal that alterations in GH/IGF system function in response to a high-concentrate diet are accompanied by corresponding changes in systemic LPL in non-lactating goats' liver in presence of endogenous LPS stress.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Liver in Response to Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) Induced by High-concentrate Diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate protein expression patterns of liver in response to subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) induced by high-concentrate diet. Sixteen healthy mid-lactating goats were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed either a high-forage (HF) diet or a high-concentrate (HC) diet. The HC diet was expected to induce SARA. After ensuring the occurrence of SARA, liver samples were collected. Proteome analysis with differential in gel electrophoresis technology revealed that, 15 proteins were significantly modulated in liver in a comparison between HF and HC-fed goats. These proteins were found mainly associated with metabolism and energy transfer after identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight. The results indicated that glucose, lipid and protein catabolism could be enhanced when SARA occurred. It prompted that glucose, lipid and amine acid in the liver mainly participated in oxidation and energy supply when SARA occurred, which possibly consumed more precursors involved in milk protein and milk fat synthesis. These results suggest new candidate proteins that may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that mediate liver adaptation to SARA.

The use of composite fingerprints to quantify sediment sources in a wildfire impacted landscape, Alberta, Canada

There is increasing global concern regarding the impacts of large scale land disturbance by wildfire on a wide range of water and related ecological services. This study explores the impact of the 2003 Lost Creek wildfire in the Crowsnest River basin, Alberta, Canada on regional scale sediment sources using a tracing approach. A composite geochemical fingerprinting procedure was used to apportion the sediment efflux among three key spatial sediment sources: 1) unburned (reference) 2) burned and 3) burned sub-basins that were subsequently salvage logged. Spatial sediment sources were characterized by collecting time-integrated suspended sediment samples using passive devices during the entire ice free periods in 2009 and 2010. The tracing procedure combines the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, principal component analysis and genetic-algorithm driven discriminant function analysis for source discrimination. Source apportionment was based on a numerical mass balance model deployed within a Monte Carlo framework incorporating both local optimization and global (genetic algorithm) optimization. The mean relative frequency-weighted average median inputs from the three spatial source units were estimated to be 17% (inter-quartile uncertainty range 0-32%) from the reference areas, 45% (inter-quartile uncertainty range 25-65%) from the burned areas and 38% (inter-quartile uncertainty range 14-59%) from the burned-salvage logged areas. High sediment inputs from burned and the burned-salvage logged areas, representing spatial source units 2 and 3, reflect the lasting effects of forest canopy and forest floor organic matter disturbance during the 2003 wildfire including increased runoff and sediment availability related to high terrestrial erosion, streamside mass wasting and river bank collapse. The results demonstrate the impact of wildfire and incremental pressures associated with salvage logging on catchment spatial sediment sources in higher elevation Montane regions where forest growth and vegetation recovery are relatively slow.

An effective method for extracting total RNA from Dioscorea opposita Thunb

Dioscorea opposita Thunb., included in the genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae, is an important herb with great edible and medicinal value. In this study, the total RNA from leaves of Lichuan Dioscorea opposita Thunb. was isolated by an improved Trizol method. The results showed that the RNA extracted by the improved Trizol method had good integrity, and the RNA could be used for down-stream molecular biology operations including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.