Somatization Symptoms in a Primary Care Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Somatic symptoms that are not attributable to organic pathology are common in general practice settings however, data in most parts of Africa including southern Nigeria are still scarce. The aim of our study was to examine such somatic symptoms reported by patients attending a primary care facility at a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria as well as to motivate future research in this area. Method: The study was conducted at the General Out Patient Clinic (GOPC) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). It was a cross sectional study in which data were obtained from the case notes of 115 patients that presented in the clinic with somatic complaints which could not be attributed to organic pathology by their physicians. Results: While 46 of the patients were males, 69 were females. Their mean age was 37.7 (SD = 11.9). Internal heat, crawling sensation, body pains and palpitations were the most prevalent symptoms reported by the patients. When the symptoms were sorted into various groups, the “subjective abnormal bodily sensation” was the most prevalent and far outnumbered the “pseudo neurological symptoms”. Conclusion: A number of patients attending the GOPC of the UCTH seek consultations for medically unexplained somatic symptom. The most prevalent of these symptoms are internal heat and crawling sensations both of which are not stated in the criteria recognized by the International Classification of Diseases—version 10 (ICD-10) for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.

Single‑cell sequencing reveals the reproductive variations between primiparous and multiparous Hu ewes

Background In the modern sheep production systems,the reproductive performance of ewes determines the economic profitability of farming.Revealing the genetic mechanisms underlying differences in the litter size is important for the selection and breeding of highly prolific ewes.Hu sheep,a high-quality Chinese sheep breed,is known for its high fecundity and is often used as a model to study prolificacy traits.In the current study,animals were divided into two groups according to their delivery rates in three consecutive lambing seasons(namely,the high and low reproductive groups with≥3 lambs and one lamb per season,n=3,respectively).The ewes were slaughtered within 12 h of estrus,and unilateral ovarian tissues were collected and analyzed by 10×Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing.Results A total of 5 types of somatic cells were identified and corresponding expression profiles were mapped in the ovaries of each group.Noticeably,the differences in the ovary somatic cell expression profiles between the high and low reproductive groups were mainly clustered in the granulosa cells.Furthermore,four granulosa cell subtypes were identified.GeneSwitches analysis revealed that the abundance of JPH1 expression and the reduction of LOC101112291 expression could lead to different evolutionary directions of the granulosa cells.Additionally,the expression levels of FTH1 and FTL in mural granulosa cells of the highly reproductive group were significantly higher.These genes inhibit necroptosis and ferroptosis of mural granulosa cells,which helps prevent follicular atresia.Conclusions This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the high fecundity of Hu sheep.The differences in gene expression profiles,particularly in the granulosa cells,suggest that these cells play a critical role in female prolificacy.The findings also highlight the importance of genes such as JPH1,LOC101112291,FTH1,and FTL in regulating granulosa cell function and follicular development.

Direct somatic embryogenesis and related gene expression networks in leaf explants of Hippeastrum ‘Bangkok Rose’

Hippeastrum, a highly diverse genus in the Amaryllidaceae family, is a valuable ornamental bulbous flowering plant. Somatic embryogenesis(SE) is an efficient method for mass production of Hippeastrum plantlets. Previous studies have been devoted to the in vitro propagation of Hippeastrum, but the SE and its regulatory networks are rarely reported. In this study, we established a direct SE method of Hippeastrum Bangkok Rose' using leaf bases as explants. MS supplemented with 1.00 mg·L^(-1)NAA +1.00 mg·L^(-1)KT + 0.25 mg·L^(-1)TDZ was the optimal medium for SE. Histological observations showed that the bipolar somatic embryo originated from the epidermal cell layer and underwent initiation,globular, scutellar and coleoptile stages. During SE, endogenous hormones of IAA, CTK, ABA, and SA were highly accumulated. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the genes encoding auxin biosynthesis/metabolic enzymes and efflux carriers were induced, while the auxin receptor of TIR1 and ARF transcriptional repressor of Aux/IAA were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, leading to suppression of auxin signaling. In contrast, cytokine signaling was promoted at the early stage of SE, as biosynthesis, transport, and signaling components were up-regulated.Various stress-related genes were up-regulated at the early or late stages of SE. Chromatin remodeling could also be dynamically regulated via distinct expression enzymes that control histone methylation and acetylation during SE. Moreover, key SE regulators, including WOXs and SERKs were highly expressed along with SE. Overall, the present study provides insights into the SE regulatory mechanisms of the Hippeastrum.

Evaluation of chronic idiopathic tinnitus and its psychosocial triggers

BACKGROUND The tinnitus susceptibility patterns in relation to different psychological and life stressors are unknown in different cultures.AIM To determine the comorbid psychosocial factors and behaviors associated with tinnitus and the predictors for the increase in its severity.METHODS Participants were 230 adults(males=70;females=160;mean age=38.6±3.3).They underwent audiograms,speech discrimination and masking testing,and neuropsychiatric evaluation.Measures used for assessment included tinnitus handicap inventory,depression anxiety stress scale 21(DASS-21),perceived stress scale(PSS),and insomnia severity index(ISI).RESULTS Patients had mean duration of tinnitus of 11.5±2.5 mo.They had intact hearing perception at 250-8000 Hz and 95(41.3%)had aggravation of tinnitus loudness by masking noise.Decompensated tinnitus was reported in 77%(n=177).The majority had clinically significant insomnia(81.3%),somatic symptoms(75%)other than tinnitus and perceived moderate(46.1%)and high(44.3%)stress to tinnitus.The severe/extremely severe symptoms of depression,anxiety and stress were reported in 17.4%,35.7%and 44.3%,respectively.Patients with decompensated type had significantly higher scores for ISI(P=0.001)and DASS-21(depression=0.02,anxiety=0.01,stress=0.001)compared to those with compensated tinnitus.Psychiatric interviewing showed that 35.7%had non-specific anxiety disorder,17.4%had major depression,and 19.6%fulfilled the criteria of somatization disorder.Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent predictors for tinnitus severity were the duration of tinnitus[odd ratios(OR)=0.832,95%CI:0.640-1.158;P=0.001]and PSS(OR=0.835,95%CI:0.540-1.125;P=0.001)scores.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study in our culture to evaluate the causal relationship between psychological factors and tinnitus onset,severity and persistence.Tinnitus could be the earliest and dominant somatic symptom induced by life stressors and psychological vulnerabilities.Therefore,multidisciplinary consultation(psychologists,psychiatrists,and neurologists)is important to acknowledge among the audiologists and otolaryngologists who primarily consult patients.

Methylome and transcriptome data integration reveals potential roles of DNA methylation and candidate biomarkers of cow Streptococcus uberis subclinical mastitis

Background:Mastitis caused by different pathogens including Streptococcus uberis(S.uberis)is responsible for huge economic losses to the dairy industry.In order to investigate the potential genetic and epigenetic regulatory mecha‑nisms of subclinical mastitis due to S.uberis,the DNA methylome(whole genome DNA methylation sequencing)and transcriptome(RNA sequencing)of milk somatic cells from cows with naturally occurring S.uberis subclinical mastitis and healthy control cows(n=3/group)were studied.Results:Globally,the DNA methylation levels of CpG sites were low in the promoters and first exons but high in inner exons and introns.The DNA methylation levels at the promoter,first exon and first intron regions were nega‑tively correlated with the expression level of genes at a whole‑genome‑wide scale.In general,DNA methylation level was lower in S.uberis‑positive group(SUG)than in the control group(CTG).A total of 174,342 differentially methylated cytosines(DMCs)(FDR<0.05)were identified between SUG and CTG,including 132,237,7412 and 34,693 DMCs in the context of CpG,CHG and CHH(H=A or T or C),respectively.Besides,101,612 methylation haplotype blocks(MHBs)were identified,including 451 MHBs that were significantly different(dMHB)between the two groups.A total of 2130 differentially expressed(DE)genes(1378 with up‑regulated and 752 with down‑regulated expression)were found in SUG.Integration of methylome and transcriptome data with MethGET program revealed 1623 genes with signifi‑cant changes in their methylation levels and/or gene expression changes(MetGDE genes,MethGET P‑value<0.001).Functional enrichment of genes harboring≥15 DMCs,DE genes and MetGDE genes suggest significant involvement of DNA methylation changes in the regulation of the host immune response to S.uberis infection,especially cytokine activities.Furthermore,discriminant correlation analysis with DIABLO method identified 26 candidate biomarkers,including 6 DE genes,15 CpG‑DMCs and 5 dMHBs that discriminated between SUG and CTG.Conclusion:The integration of methylome and transcriptome of milk somatic cells suggests the possible involve‑ment of DNA methylation changes in the regulation of the host immune response to subclinical mastitis due to S.uberis.The presented genetic and epigenetic biomarkers could contribute to the design of management strategies of subclinical mastitis and breeding for mastitis resistance.

Whole-genome methylation analysis reveals epigenetic variation between wild-type and nontransgenic cloned,ASMT transgenic cloned dairy goats generated by the somatic cell nuclear transfer

Background:SCNT(somatic cell nuclear transfer)is of great significance to biological research and also to the livestock breeding.However,the survival rate of the SCNT cloned animals is relatively low compared to other transgenic methods.This indicates the potential epigenetic variations between them.DNA methylation is a key marker of mammalian epigenetics and its alterations will lead to phenotypic differences.In this study,ASMT(acetylserotonin-Omethyltransferase)ovarian overexpression transgenic goat was produced by using SCNT.To investigate whether there are epigenetic differences between cloned and WT(wild type)goats,WGBS(whole-genome bisulfite sequencing)was used to measure the whole-genome methylation of these animals.Results:It is observed that the different m Cp G sites are mainly present in the intergenic and intronic regions between cloned and WT animals,and their CG-type methylation sites are strongly correlated.DMR(differentially methylated region)lengths are located around 1000 bp,mainly distributed in the exonic,intergenic and intronic functional domains.A total of 56 and 36 DMGs(differentially methylated genes)were identified by GO and KEGG databases,respectively.Functional annotation showed that DMGs were enriched in biological-process,cellularcomponent,molecular-function and other signaling pathways.A total of 10 identical genes related to growth and development were identified in GO and KEGG databases.Conclusion:The differences in methylation genes among the tested animals have been identified.A total of 10 DMGs associated with growth and development were identified between cloned and WT animals.The results indicate that the differential patterns of DNA methylation between the cloned and WT goats are probably caused by the SCNT.These novel observations will help us to further identify the unveiled mechanisms of somatic cell cloning technology,particularly in goats.

Mutational separation and clinical outcomes of TP53 and CDH1 in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a deadly tumor with the fifth highest occurrence and highest global mortality rates.Owing to its heterogeneity,the underlying mechanism of GC remains unclear,and chemotherapy offers little benefit to individuals.AIM To investigate the clinical outcomes of TP53 and CDH1 mutations in GC.METHODS In this study,202 gastric adenocarcinoma tumor tissues and their corresponding normal tissues were collected.A total of 490 genes were identified using target capture.Through t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test,somatic mutations,microsatellite instability,and clinical statistics,including overall survival,were detected,compared,and calculated.RESULTS The mutation rates of 32 genes,including TP53,SPEN,FAT1,and CDH1 exceeded 10%.TP53 mutations had a slightly lower overall occurrence rate(33%).The TP53 mutation rate was significantly higher in advanced stages(stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ)than that in early stages(stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ)(P<0.05).In contrast,CDH1 mutations were significantly associated with diffuse GC.TP53 is related to poor prognosis of advanced-stage tumors;nevertheless,CDH1 corresponds to a diffuse type of cancer.TP53 is exclusively mutated in CDH1 and is primarily affected by two distinct GC mechanisms.CONCLUSION Different somatic mutation patterns in TP53 and CDH1 indicate two major mechanisms of GC.

Poultry genetic heritage cryopreservation and reconstruction:advancement and future challenges

Poultry genetics resources,including commercial selected lines,indigenous breeds,and experimental lines,are now being irreversibly lost at an alarming rate due to multiple reasons,which further threats the future livelihood and academic purpose.Collections of germplasm may reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of genetic diversity by guaranteeing that a pool of genetic variability is available to ensure the reintroduction and replenishment of the genetic stocks.The setting up of biobanks for poultry is challenging because the high sensitiveness of spermatozoa to freezing–thawing process,inability to cryopreserve the egg or embryo,coupled with the females being heterogametic sex.The progress in cryobiology and biotechnologies have made possible the extension of the range of germplasm for poultry species available in cryobanks,including semen,primordial germ cells,somatic cells and gonads.In this review,we introduce the state-of-the-art technologies for avian genetic resource conservation and breed reconstruction,and discuss the potential challenges for future study and further extending of these technologies to ongoing and future conservation efforts.

Transcriptome‑wide mapping of milk somatic cells upon subclinical mastitis infection in dairy cattle

Background Subclinical intramammary infection(IMI)represents a significant problem in maintaining dairy cows’health.Disease severity and extent depend on the interaction between the causative agent,environment,and host.To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the host immune response,we used RNA-Seq for the milk somatic cells(SC)transcriptome profiling in healthy cows(n=9),and cows naturally affected by subclinical IMI from Proto-theca spp.(n=11)and Streptococcus agalactiae(S.agalactiae;n=11).Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discov-ery using Latent Components(DIABLO)was used to integrate transcriptomic data and host phenotypic traits related to milk composition,SC composition,and udder health to identify hub variables for subclinical IMI detection.Results A total of 1,682 and 2,427 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified when comparing Prototheca spp.and S.agalactiae to healthy animals,respectively.Pathogen-specific pathway analyses evidenced that Proto-theca’s infection upregulated antigen processing and lymphocyte proliferation pathways while S.agalactiae induced a reduction of energy-related pathways like the tricarboxylic acid cycle,and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.The integrative analysis of commonly shared DEGs between the two pathogens(n=681)referred to the core-mastitis response genes,and phenotypic data evidenced a strong covariation between those genes and the flow cytometry immune cells(r2=0.72),followed by the udder health(r2=0.64)and milk quality parameters(r2=0.64).Variables with r≥0.90 were used to build a network in which the top 20 hub variables were identified with the Cytoscape cyto-hubba plug-in.The genes in common between DIABLO and cytohubba(n=10)were submitted to a ROC analysis which showed they had excellent predictive performances in terms of discriminating healthy and mastitis-affected animals(sensitivity>0.89,specificity>0.81,accuracy>0.87,and precision>0.69).Among these genes,CIITA could play a key role in regulating the animals’response to subclinical IMI.Conclusions Despite some differences in the enriched pathways,the two mastitis-causing pathogens seemed to induce a shared host immune-transcriptomic response.The hub variables identified with the integrative approach might be included in screening and diagnostic tools for subclinical IMI detection.

Blood neutrophil extracellular traps:a novel target for the assessment of mammary health in transition dairy cows

Background:Mammary health is important for transition dairy cows and has been well recognized to exert decisive effects on animal welfare.However,the factors influencing mammary health are still unclear.Differential somatic cell count(DSCC)could reflect the mastitis risk since it is the percentage of neutrophils plus lymphocytes in total somatic cells and could be reflective of mammary health of dairy cows.This work aimed to investigate the assessment and prognosis of the health of transition cows based on blood neutrophil extracellular traps(NETs).Results:Eighty-four transition Holstein dairy cows were selected.The serum was sampled in all the animals at week 1 pre-and postpartum,and milk was sampled at week 1 postpartum.Based on the DSCC in milk at week 1,cows with lower(7.4%±4.07%,n=15)and higher(83.3%±1.21%,n=15)DSCCs were selected.High DSCC cows had higher levels of red blood cell counts(P<0.05),hemoglobin(P=0.07),and hematocrit(P=0.05),higher concentrations of serum oxidative variables[reactive oxygen species(P<0.05),malondialdehyde(P<0.05),protein carbonyl(P<0.05),and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine(P=0.07)],higher levels of serum and milk NETs(P<0.05)and blood-milk barrier indicators,including serumβ-casein(P=0.05)and milk immunoglobulin G2(P=0.09),than those of low DSCC cows.In addition,lower concentrations of serum nutrient metabolites(cholesterol and albumin)(P<0.05)and a lower level of serum deoxyribonuclease I(P=0.09)were observed in high DSCC cows than in low DSCC cows.Among the assessments performed using levels of the three prepartum serum parameters(NETs,deoxyribonuclease I andβ-casein),the area under the curve(0.973)of NETs was the highest.In addition,the sensitivity(1.00)and specificity(0.93)were observed for the discrimination of these cows using NETs levels with a critical value of 32.2 ng/mL(P<0.05).Conclusions:The formation of NETs in blood in transition dairy cows may damage the integrity of the blood-milk barrier and thereby increase the risk for mastitis in postpartum cows.

Tissue Culture of Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spreng.): An Updated Review on the Present Scenario and Future Prospects

The calla lily(Zantedeschia spreng.)is a bulbousflower native to the tropical regions of Africa.Calla lily has gained significant popularity in the international market owing to its intricate morphology and prolonged flowering duration.Despite such advantages,for two sub-groups of calla lily,known as group Zantedeschia and group Aestivae,there are challenges in terms of hybrid production due to the‘plastome-genome incompatibility’there-between.Tissue culture is a fundamental biotechnological tool used in gene editing research,with a focus on disease resistance andflower color in calla lily breeding programs.The present review provides a brief background on the history and development of the calla lily,as well as a comprehensive and critical summary of calla lily tissue culture research.The regeneration pathways for both group Zantedeschia and group Aestivae can be divided into de novo organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.Both groups are capable of obtaining replants through such means.However,only some species in group Aestivae have been reported to be successful in the somatic embryogenesis pathway.In the present review,special attention was paid to the influence of explant types,plant growth regulators,and culture conditions on both de novo organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis in calla lily tissue culture.Ultimately,future research prospects were determined based on integrated analysis of recent progress in calla lily tissue culture research.

Udder Health Status of First Parity Dairy Cows in Early-Lactation Based on Somatic Cell Count Categories

The main aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) in early-lactation of primiparous cows using milk recording cow composite somatic cell count (CSCC) categories (combining the first 2 milk recording results after calving). Another aim was to evaluate the milk urea (MU) content as a potential supplementary indicator to SCC or CSCC for the identification of IMI in primiparous cows after calving. This retrospective observational study was conducted on records of test-day of primiparous cows over a period of 6 years (January 2016 to December 2021. The SCC data for 158 Holstein Friesian primiparous cows, with their first milk recording 5 to 35 days after calving and their second milk recording 28 to 56 days in milk (DIM), were identified. Each primiparous cow was assigned a CSCC category (low-low, low-high, high-low or high-high) based on the CSCC at the first 2 milking recordings using the following cut-offs: ≤150,000 cells/ml (low), >150,000 cells/ml (high). The association between CSCC categories and MV content was analyzed using correlation models. At the first milk recording, a proportion of 63.29% was in the low SCC category, and the rest (36.71%) was in the high SCC category. At the second milk recording, a proportion of primiparous cows in CSCC categories was 59.49%, 3.80%, 27.85% and 8.86% in low-low, low-high, high-low and high-high, respectively. At the second milk recording, a proportion of 12.66% of primiparous cows was in the high CSCC category and a proportion of 87.34% of primiparous cows was in the low CSCC category, indicating a poor and a good udder health, respectively. The association of SCC with MU content in low and in high SCC categories at the first milk recording was positive and moderate (+0.49) and negative and strong (-0.97), respectively. The association of CSCC categories with MU contents at the second milk recording was inconclusive. We concluded that CSCC categories may be a useful tool for identifying success and problems regarding the udder health of primiparous cows in early lactation.

Delusional disorder with depression and history of early trauma: A case report

BACKGROUND The case report supports the recent findings regarding the correlation of posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and schizophrenia.The report accomplished the following objectives:(1)To present a case of an adult female manifesting with somatic type of delusion(foul body odor)and history of PTSD;(2)To discuss the biopsychosocial factors,psychodynamics and management of the patient;and(3)To differentiate delusional disorder from schizophrenia according to recent studies.Schizophrenia and delusional disorder have certain defining features that separate the two.However,at times it may be difficult to actually classify one from the other.A psychiatrist must be able to carefully examine and assess the history of the patient,helping them share early life experiences of past traumatic events.The early past traumatic experiences and life events greatly influence the predisposition of a patient to develop schizophrenia.However,people with schizophrenia were known to underreport their trauma experience.CASE SUMMARY This is a case of a young adult female diagnosed with delusional disorder with a history of PTSD and associated depression.The patient manifested with somatic type of delusion with a fixed false belief that a foul body odor was coming from her underarms.CONCLUSION Developing a therapeutic alliance is vital in achieving therapy goals through empathy,support and warmth between the patient and physician.History of PTSD predisposes patients with schizophrenia to develop depressive disorders as a comorbidity.

An Interconnection between Elevated SCC Levels in Milk around the First Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Rate in Dairy Cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the somatic cell count (SCC) levels measured at 28-test-day intervals or pregnancy rate at the first artificial insemination of Holstein Friesian cows. All necessary information was taken from test day and farm records. Levels of SCC in milk, 30 days before, and 30 days after the first artificial insemination (FAI) date were divided into 4 categories and their interconnection with pregnancy rate (PR) at FAI was evaluated by applying logistic models. A SCC threshold of 150.000 cells/ml of milk was used to differentiate uninfected udders and infected udders of Holstein Friesian cows. A level of SCC > 150.000 cells/ml in milk, and a level of SCC < 150.000 cells/ml before and after FAI respectively were considered udders with new infections. A level of SCC > 150.000 cells/ml in milk before FAI as well as after FAI, was considered chronically infected udders or subclinical intramammary infections (IMI). Data from 792 FAIs from farm and test day records over a 4-year period (2019-2022) were evaluated. The outcome of this study revealed that the risk for low PR at the first AI was increased in cows with infected udders (OR = 1.33, CI 0.99 - 1.78), compared with uninfected udders. Increased levels of SCC after FAI had a negative effect on PR, while before FAI was not affected. To achieve a good PR, mastitis control measures must be fully adopted to a large extent around the first AI.

Exposure to Hyaluronan and Radon-Containing Water during the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature underscores the significance of HA in maintaining tissue water balance, fostering cell proliferation, promoting rapid cell migration, influencing cell differentiation during organism development, and facilitating tissue regeneration. Notably, HA’s interactions with cell surface receptors contribute to the viscosity of synovial fluid, activate the immune system, and enhance cartilage elasticity. Beyond these established functions, HA has also been investigated for its potential involvement in determining and studying the hormetic effects of radon water, adding a novel dimension to its applications in dental research. A thorough exploration of existing studies reveals a nuanced understanding of how HA interventions impact the outcomes of dental procedures. The comprehensive scope of these investigations allows for a more accurate assessment of the potential effectiveness of specific interventions and provides valuable insights into post-procedural prognoses for individual patients. This synthesis of literature serves as the foundation for elucidating the intricate interplay between HA, radon exposure, and their relevance in modern dental practices.

体细胞核移植法获得转人乳铁蛋白基因克隆山羊妊娠的研究(英文)

[Objective] The aim of this study is to understand the effects of donor cell type,embryo stage,number and transfer position on the efficiency of goat transgenic clone.[Method] Using somatic cell nuclear transfer technology,the single goat fetal fibroblasts(GFF)and mammary gland epithelial cells(GMGE)harboring human lactoferrin(hLF)gene were transferred to the enucleated oocyte.Reconstructed karyoplast-cytoplast couplets were fused,activated,and cultured in vitro.Embryos at 2-8 cell stage were transferred into oviduct of synchronized recipients,and blastocysts were transferred into uterine horn.[Result] The pregnancy rate was similar between GFF and GMGE(oviduct transfer:26.47% vs.20.00%),and between oviduct transfer and uterine horn transfer(26.47% vs.25.00%)for GFF group;pregnancy rate in the group with the mean number of embryo transferred per recipient of 21.2 was significantly higher than in those the 5.93 group and 9.64 group(40.00% vs.26.67% and 21.43%).[Conclusion] These results indicate that pregnancy rate of goat transgenic clone couldn't be affected by donor cell type,embryo stage and transfer position but be done by the number of embryo transferred per recipient.In addition,the study also suggests the feasibility of making transgenic goat using GMGE as donor cells.

渗透调节物质及有机附加物对小麦体细胞胚发生影响的研究(英文)

[Objective] The study aimed to reveal the effect of osmosis-regulating substances and organic appendices on somatic embryogenesis in wheat. [Method] The suitable concentration combination of appendices was optimized by adding different concentrations of osmosis-regulating substances including mannitol, sorbitol and organic appendices such as Gln, CH and LH, into the somatic embryogenesis in wheat. [Result] The mannitol or sorbitol lower than 40 g/L was helpful for improving somatic embryogenesis; there was no significant difference in the induction rate of somatic embryogenesis when 300-500 mg/L Gln、CH or LH was respectively added into the induced medium, while somatic embryogenesis could be enhanced dramatically in the presence of 500 mg/L Gln together with 300 mg/L CH. [Conclusion] Somatic embryogenesis could be improved to some extent by different concentrations of osmosis-regulating substances and organic appendices, which laid foundation for establishing a more perfect system of somatic embryogenesis in wheat.

Serotonin type 3 receptor subunit gene polymorphisms associated with psychosomatic symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome:A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND Single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of the serotonin type 3 receptor subunit(HTR3)genes have been associated with psychosomatic symptoms,but it is not clear whether these associations exist in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).AIM To assess the association of HTR3 polymorphisms with depressive,anxiety,and somatization symptoms in individuals with IBS.METHODS In this retrospective study,623 participants with IBS were recruited from five specialty centers in Germany,Sweden,the United States,the United Kingdom,and Ireland.Depressive,anxiety,and somatization symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics were collected.Four functional SNPs—HTR3A c.-42C>T,HTR3B c.386A>C,HTR3C c.489C>A,and HTR3E c.*76G>A—were genotyped and analyzed using the dominant and recessive models.We also performed separate analyses for sex and IBS subtypes.SNP scores were calculated as the number of minor alleles of the SNPs above.The impact of HTR3C c.489C>A was tested by radioligand-binding and calcium influx assays.RESULTS Depressive and anxiety symptoms significantly worsened with increasing numbers of minor HTR3C c.489C>A alleles in the dominant model(F_(depressive)=7.475,P_(depressive)=0.006;F_(anxiety)=6.535,P_(anxiety)=0.011).A higher SNP score(range 0-6)was linked to a worsened depressive symptoms score(F=7.710,P-linear trend=0.006)in IBS.The potential relevance of the HTR3C SNP was corroborated,showing changes in the expression level of 5-HT3AC variant receptors.CONCLUSION We have provided the first evidence that HTR3C c.489C>A is involved in depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with IBS.The SNP score indicated that an increasing number of minor alleles is linked to the worsening of depressive symptoms in IBS.

Do patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and somatoform tendencies benefit from antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND The clinical presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) shows a large symptom variation also in different intensities among patients. As several studies have shown, there is a large overlap in the symptomatic spectrum between proven GERD and other disorders such as dyspepsia, functional heartburn and/or somatoform disorders.AIM To prospectively evaluate the GERD patients with and without somatoform disorders before and after laparoscopic antireflux surgery.METHODS In a tertiary referral center for foregut surgery over a period of 3 years patients with GERD, qualifying for the indication of laparoscopic antireflux surgery, were investigated prospectively regarding their symptomatic spectrum in order to identify GERD and associated somatoform disorders. Assessment of symptoms was performed by an instrument for the evaluation of somatoform disorders[Somatoform Symptom Index(SSI) > 17]. Quality of life was evaluated by Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index(GIQLI).RESULTS In 123 patients an indication for laparoscopic antireflux surgery was established and in 43 patients further medical therapy was suggested. The portion of somatoform tendencies in the total patient population was 20.48%(34 patients).Patients with a positive SSI had a preoperative GIQLI of 77(32-111). Patients with a normal SSI had a GIQLI of 105(29-140)(P < 0.0001). In patients with GERD the quality of life could be normalized from preoperative reduced values of GIQLI102(47-140) to postoperative values of 117(44-144). In patients with GERD and somatoform disorders, the GIQLI was improved from preoperative GIQLI 75(47-111) to postoperative 95(44-122)(P < 0.0043).CONCLUSION Patients with GERD and associated somatoform disorders have significantly worse levels of quality of life. The latter patients can also benefit from laparoscopic fundoplication, however they will not reach a normal level.

新疆地区防治奶牛隐性乳房炎措施探讨

乳房炎是由病原微生物侵入奶牛乳腺组织所引起的奶牛乳房炎症,是奶牛最常见且危害较大的疾病之一,其中,隐性乳房炎占乳房炎发病率的70%~80%以上。对于规模化奶牛场,定期测定牛乳中体细胞数已成为判断隐性乳房炎的有力手段。体细胞（somatic cell）是牛奶中的血液白细胞和脱落腺上皮细胞的总称,体细胞数（somatic cell counts,简称SCC）是指每毫升乳汁中体细胞的个数。