Background: Pregnancy is associated with important changes in gut microbiota composition. Dietary factors may affect the diversity, composition, and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. Among amino acids, ...Background: Pregnancy is associated with important changes in gut microbiota composition. Dietary factors may affect the diversity, composition, and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. Among amino acids, proline is known to play important roles in protein metabolism and structure, cell differentiation, conceptus growth and development, and gut microbiota re-equilibration in case of dysbiosis.Results: Dietary supplementation with 1% proline decreased(P < 0.05) the amounts of Klebsiella pneumoniae,Peptostreptococcus productus, Pseudomonas, and Veillonella spp. in distal colonic contents than that in the control group. The colonic contents of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Bifidobacterium sp., Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale, Clostridium leptum subgroup, Escherichia coli, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,Fusobacterium prausnitzii, and Prevotella increased(P < 0.05) on d 70 of pregnancy as compared with those on d 45 of pregnancy. The colonic concentrations of acetate, total straight-chain fatty acid, and total short-chain fatty acids(SCFA) in the proline-supplemented group were lower(P < 0.05), and butyrate level(P = 0.06) decreased as compared with the control group. Almost all of the SCFA displayed higher(P < 0.05) concentrations in proximal colonic contents on d 70 of pregnancy than those on d 45 of pregnancy. The concentrations of 1,7-heptyl diamine(P = 0.09) and phenylethylamine(P < 0.05) in proximal colonic contents were higher, while those of spermidine(P = 0.05) and total bioamine(P = 0.06) tended to be lower in the proline-supplemented group than those in the control group. The concentrations of spermidine, spermine, and total bioamine in colonic contents were higher(P < 0.05) on d 70 of pregnancy than those measured on d 45 of pregnancy. In contrast, the concentration of phenylethylamine was lower(P < 0.05) on d 70 than on d 45 of pregnancy.(Continued on next page)(Continued from previous page)Conclusion: These findings indicate that L-proline supplementation modifies both the colonic microbiota composition and the luminal concentrations of several bacterial metabolites. Furthermore, our data show that both the microbiota composition and the concentrations of bacterial metabolites are evolving in the course of pregnancy. These results are discussed in terms of possible implication in terms of luminal environment and consequences for gut physiology and health.展开更多
AIM: to establish a new animal model for the research of human rotavirus(HRV) infection, its pathogenesis and immunity and evaluation of potential vaccines.METHODS: 5-d, 30-d and 60-d-old Chinese mini-pigs, Guizhou an...AIM: to establish a new animal model for the research of human rotavirus(HRV) infection, its pathogenesis and immunity and evaluation of potential vaccines.METHODS: 5-d, 30-d and 60-d-old Chinese mini-pigs, Guizhou and bamma, were inoculated with a single oral dose of attenuated strain Wa, G1, G3 of HRV, and PbS(control), respectively, and fecal samples of pigs from 0 to 7 d post infection(DPI) were collected individually. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect HRV antigen in feces. the HRV was tested by real-time PCR(Rt-PCR). the sections of the intestinal tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe the morphologic variation by microscopy. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the HRV in intestinal tissue. HRV particles in cells of the ileum were observed by electron micrography.RESULTS: When inoculated with HRV, mini-pigs younger than 30 d developed diarrhea in an agedependent manner and shed HRV antigen of the sameinoculum, as demonstrated by Rt- PCR.Histopathological changes were observed in HRV inoculated mini-pigs including small intestinal cell tumefaction and necrosis. HRV that was distributed in the small intestine was restricted to the top part of the villi on the internal wall of the ileum, which was observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Virus particles were observed in Golgi like follicles in HRV-infected neonatal minipigs. Guizhou mini-pigs were more sensitive to HRV than bamma with respect to RV antigen shedding and clinical diarrhea.CONCLUSION: these results indicate that we have established a mini-pig model of HRV induced diarrhea. Our findings are useful for the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of HRV infection.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Brain-dead donors are the main sources for organ transplantation, but many studies show that brain-death affects the organ's function after transplantation. This study was undertaken to investigate liv...BACKGROUND: Brain-dead donors are the main sources for organ transplantation, but many studies show that brain-death affects the organ's function after transplantation. This study was undertaken to investigate liver injury after brain-death in BA-Ma mini pigs and the protective effects of breviscapine on hepatic function and on PKC-alpha mRNA and its protein expression. METHODS: Fifteen BA-Ma mini pigs were equally divided into 3 groups at random: brain-dead (group B), breviscapine pretreated (group P), and control (group Q. The brain-dead model was established by increasing intracranial pressure in a modified, slow and intermittent way. At 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours after the initial brain-death, the levels of serum AST, ALT, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 were determined. The changes in hepatic tissues were assessed, and the expression of PKC-alpha and PKC-alpha mRNA was detected by immunohistochemistry and RTPCR, respectively. RESULTS: The levels of AST and ALT in groups B and P began to increase 12 hours after brain-death, while the values in group P were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in groups B and P at 3, 6, 12 and 18 hours were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). At 6, 12 and 24 hours, the expressions of PKC-a mRNA and PKC-a protein in group P were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). The degree of injury to hepatic cells in group P was milder than that in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Breviscapine inhibits the degree of PKC-alpha mRNA transcription and its protein translation, decreases the release of inflammatory factors, and thus alleviates hepatic injury during brain-death.展开更多
In medical laboratory animals, the pig is the closest species to human in evolution, except for primates. As an animal model, the pig is highly concerned by many scientists, including comparative biology, developmenta...In medical laboratory animals, the pig is the closest species to human in evolution, except for primates. As an animal model, the pig is highly concerned by many scientists, including comparative biology, developmental biology, medical genetics. Rodents as animal model for human hearing defects has are poor producibility and reliability, due to differences in anatomical structure, evolutionary rate and metabolic rate, but these happens to be the advantages of the pig model. In this paper, we will summarize the application of miniature pig in the study of human hereditary deafness.展开更多
Mini pig models are large mammals and their ears are more similar with human beings in structure and development than other animals.However,the study on porcine ears is still in the initial stage and there is no descr...Mini pig models are large mammals and their ears are more similar with human beings in structure and development than other animals.However,the study on porcine ears is still in the initial stage and there is no description of an ideal operation approach to endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements.In this article,we describe a pre-auricular surgical approach to access the middle and inner ear for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measures in mini pig models.Ten one-week old normal mini pigs were used in the study.The bulla of the temporal bone was accessed via a pre-auricular approach for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements.The condition of the animals during the first post—experiment 24 h was observed.One animal died during surgery.The preauricular approach improved protection and preservation of relevant nervous and vascular elements including the facial nerve and carotid artery.So,the pre-auricular approach can be used for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements with improved nerve and artery preservation mini pigs.展开更多
[ Objective] The research aimed to discuss the relationship between the polymorphism of PPARy.2 gene and the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs. [ Method] 24 Guangxi Bama min...[ Objective] The research aimed to discuss the relationship between the polymorphism of PPARy.2 gene and the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs. [ Method] 24 Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were fed with high-fat and high-sucrose diet, and partial sequences of exon 2 of PPARy-2 gene were amplified by using PCR method. In addition, the contents of fasting blood glucose and insulin (INS) in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were determined, and the glucose tolerance test (GTT) was also carried out. [ Result] There was one SNP site (19813A/G) Jn partial sequence of exon 2 of the cloned PPAFly-2 gene, and AA (7 pigs) and AG (17 pigs) genotype were detected. The contents of fasting insulin and 60-min blood glucose in GTT in AG-genotype Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were significantly higher than those of AA genotype ( P 〈0.05), while the incidence of T2DM in AG-genotype Guangxi Bama mini-pigs (71.4%) was obviously higher than that of AA gen- otype (5.9%). [ Conclusion] The polymorphism of 19813A/G in exon 2 of PPARy-2 gene was related with the susceptibility of T2DM in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs.展开更多
Background: The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and incre...Background: The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and increased nitrogen release into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and plasma metabolites of pigs of different genotypes. Methods: Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups (Chinese conventional diet with low protein/energy ratio or National Research Council diet with high protein/energy ratio; n = 24 per treatment) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Blood and muscle samples were collected at the end of the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. Results: We observed significant interactions (P 〈 0.05) between breed and diet for total fat percentage, intramuscular fat (IMF) content, protein content in biceps femoris (BF) muscle, and plasma urea nitrogen (UN) concentration in the nursery phase; for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), dry matter, IMF content in psoas major (PM) muscle, and plasma total protein and albumin concentrations in the growing phase; and for drip loss and plasma UN concentration in the finishing phase. Breed influenced (P 〈 0.05) growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, but not plasma metabolites. Throughout the trial, Landrace pigs showed significantly higher (P 〈 0.0_5) ADG, ADFI, dressing percentage, lean mass rate, and loin-eye area than did Bama mini-pigs, but significantly lower (P 〈 0.0.5) feed/gain ratio, fat percentage, backfat thickness, and IMF content. Dietary protein/energy ratio influenced the pH value, chemical composition of BF and PM muscles, and plasma activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and plasma concentration of UN. Conclusions: Compared with Landrace pigs, Bama mini-pigs showed slower growth and lower carcass performance, but had better meat quality. Moreover, unlike Landrace pigs, the dietary protein/energy ratio did not affect the growth performance of Bama mini-pigs. These results suggest that, in swine production, low dietary protein/energy ratio may be useful for reducing feed costs and minimizing the adverse effects of ammonia release into the environment.展开更多
Unbalanced brain serotonin(5-HT) levels have implications in various behavioral abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The biosynthesis of neuronal 5-HT is regulated by the rate-limiting enzyme, tryptophan hydr...Unbalanced brain serotonin(5-HT) levels have implications in various behavioral abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The biosynthesis of neuronal 5-HT is regulated by the rate-limiting enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase-2(TPH2). In the present study, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated(Cas) system was used to target the Tph2 gene in Bama mini pig fetal fibroblasts. It was found that CRISPR/Cas9 targeting efficiency could be as high as 61.5%, and the biallelic mutation efficiency reached at38.5%. The biallelic modified colonies were used as donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT) and 10 Tph2 targeted piglets were successfully generated. These Tph2 KO piglets were viable and appeared normal at the birth.However, their central 5-HT levels were dramatically reduced, and their survival and growth rates were impaired before weaning. These Tph2 KO pigs are valuable large-animal models for studies of 5-HT deficiency induced behavior abnomality.展开更多
The study examined the popularity, role and economic viability of mini-livestock keeping in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of mini-livestock farmers, ...The study examined the popularity, role and economic viability of mini-livestock keeping in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of mini-livestock farmers, identify the types of animals reared as mini-livestock in the area, ascertain the reasons for keeping mini-livestock by farmers, determine the benefit level of mini- livestock farmers, and identify the problems facing mini-livestock farmers in the study area. Using snowball sampling technique, 674 respondents were sampled with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. The results of the study indicated various types of mini-livestock reared in the study area, mainly snail farming or heliciculture (about 90%) and rearing of cane rat (84.27%); the most important reasons for keeping mini-livestock were income (99.6%), employment (99.26%) and food (94.96%). The result further indicated that protein consumption and improved income were the most important benefits to respondents. In spite of these benefits, the respondents faced some constraints, amongst which were lack of technical information (X=4.70), lacking of enough space for expansion (X=4.58), inadequate training (X=4.20), poor extension delivery services (X=4.20) and problems of feed availability (X=3.86). In spite of these constraints, the production of mini-livestock was found to be profitable in the study area. Based on the t'mdings, it was recommended, among others, that mini-livestock farmers in the study area should be trained on various aspects of the management of mini-livestock especially by organising workshops for them.展开更多
基金jointly supported by grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(31572421 and 31270044)National Key R&D Program(2017YFD0500503)“Western Light”key program for Talent Cultivation from Chinese Academy of Sciences,and Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorship for Senior International Scientists(F.Blachier,2013T2S0014)
文摘Background: Pregnancy is associated with important changes in gut microbiota composition. Dietary factors may affect the diversity, composition, and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. Among amino acids, proline is known to play important roles in protein metabolism and structure, cell differentiation, conceptus growth and development, and gut microbiota re-equilibration in case of dysbiosis.Results: Dietary supplementation with 1% proline decreased(P < 0.05) the amounts of Klebsiella pneumoniae,Peptostreptococcus productus, Pseudomonas, and Veillonella spp. in distal colonic contents than that in the control group. The colonic contents of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Bifidobacterium sp., Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale, Clostridium leptum subgroup, Escherichia coli, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,Fusobacterium prausnitzii, and Prevotella increased(P < 0.05) on d 70 of pregnancy as compared with those on d 45 of pregnancy. The colonic concentrations of acetate, total straight-chain fatty acid, and total short-chain fatty acids(SCFA) in the proline-supplemented group were lower(P < 0.05), and butyrate level(P = 0.06) decreased as compared with the control group. Almost all of the SCFA displayed higher(P < 0.05) concentrations in proximal colonic contents on d 70 of pregnancy than those on d 45 of pregnancy. The concentrations of 1,7-heptyl diamine(P = 0.09) and phenylethylamine(P < 0.05) in proximal colonic contents were higher, while those of spermidine(P = 0.05) and total bioamine(P = 0.06) tended to be lower in the proline-supplemented group than those in the control group. The concentrations of spermidine, spermine, and total bioamine in colonic contents were higher(P < 0.05) on d 70 of pregnancy than those measured on d 45 of pregnancy. In contrast, the concentration of phenylethylamine was lower(P < 0.05) on d 70 than on d 45 of pregnancy.(Continued on next page)(Continued from previous page)Conclusion: These findings indicate that L-proline supplementation modifies both the colonic microbiota composition and the luminal concentrations of several bacterial metabolites. Furthermore, our data show that both the microbiota composition and the concentrations of bacterial metabolites are evolving in the course of pregnancy. These results are discussed in terms of possible implication in terms of luminal environment and consequences for gut physiology and health.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30400402 and No.30571708
文摘AIM: to establish a new animal model for the research of human rotavirus(HRV) infection, its pathogenesis and immunity and evaluation of potential vaccines.METHODS: 5-d, 30-d and 60-d-old Chinese mini-pigs, Guizhou and bamma, were inoculated with a single oral dose of attenuated strain Wa, G1, G3 of HRV, and PbS(control), respectively, and fecal samples of pigs from 0 to 7 d post infection(DPI) were collected individually. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect HRV antigen in feces. the HRV was tested by real-time PCR(Rt-PCR). the sections of the intestinal tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe the morphologic variation by microscopy. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the HRV in intestinal tissue. HRV particles in cells of the ileum were observed by electron micrography.RESULTS: When inoculated with HRV, mini-pigs younger than 30 d developed diarrhea in an agedependent manner and shed HRV antigen of the sameinoculum, as demonstrated by Rt- PCR.Histopathological changes were observed in HRV inoculated mini-pigs including small intestinal cell tumefaction and necrosis. HRV that was distributed in the small intestine was restricted to the top part of the villi on the internal wall of the ileum, which was observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Virus particles were observed in Golgi like follicles in HRV-infected neonatal minipigs. Guizhou mini-pigs were more sensitive to HRV than bamma with respect to RV antigen shedding and clinical diarrhea.CONCLUSION: these results indicate that we have established a mini-pig model of HRV induced diarrhea. Our findings are useful for the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of HRV infection.
基金This study was supported by a grant from the Distinguished Innovation of Henan Province (0421002500).
文摘BACKGROUND: Brain-dead donors are the main sources for organ transplantation, but many studies show that brain-death affects the organ's function after transplantation. This study was undertaken to investigate liver injury after brain-death in BA-Ma mini pigs and the protective effects of breviscapine on hepatic function and on PKC-alpha mRNA and its protein expression. METHODS: Fifteen BA-Ma mini pigs were equally divided into 3 groups at random: brain-dead (group B), breviscapine pretreated (group P), and control (group Q. The brain-dead model was established by increasing intracranial pressure in a modified, slow and intermittent way. At 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours after the initial brain-death, the levels of serum AST, ALT, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 were determined. The changes in hepatic tissues were assessed, and the expression of PKC-alpha and PKC-alpha mRNA was detected by immunohistochemistry and RTPCR, respectively. RESULTS: The levels of AST and ALT in groups B and P began to increase 12 hours after brain-death, while the values in group P were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in groups B and P at 3, 6, 12 and 18 hours were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). At 6, 12 and 24 hours, the expressions of PKC-a mRNA and PKC-a protein in group P were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). The degree of injury to hepatic cells in group P was milder than that in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Breviscapine inhibits the degree of PKC-alpha mRNA transcription and its protein translation, decreases the release of inflammatory factors, and thus alleviates hepatic injury during brain-death.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(#2012CB967900),the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program)(#2011CBA01000)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(NSFC#81400472)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC #81271082)
文摘In medical laboratory animals, the pig is the closest species to human in evolution, except for primates. As an animal model, the pig is highly concerned by many scientists, including comparative biology, developmental biology, medical genetics. Rodents as animal model for human hearing defects has are poor producibility and reliability, due to differences in anatomical structure, evolutionary rate and metabolic rate, but these happens to be the advantages of the pig model. In this paper, we will summarize the application of miniature pig in the study of human hereditary deafness.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(2012CB967900. 2012CB967901)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(NSFC81400472)
文摘Mini pig models are large mammals and their ears are more similar with human beings in structure and development than other animals.However,the study on porcine ears is still in the initial stage and there is no description of an ideal operation approach to endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements.In this article,we describe a pre-auricular surgical approach to access the middle and inner ear for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measures in mini pig models.Ten one-week old normal mini pigs were used in the study.The bulla of the temporal bone was accessed via a pre-auricular approach for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements.The condition of the animals during the first post—experiment 24 h was observed.One animal died during surgery.The preauricular approach improved protection and preservation of relevant nervous and vascular elements including the facial nerve and carotid artery.So,the pre-auricular approach can be used for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements with improved nerve and artery preservation mini pigs.
基金funded by the Project of Guangxi Science and Technology Basic Condition Platform Construction (11-31-09)
文摘[ Objective] The research aimed to discuss the relationship between the polymorphism of PPARy.2 gene and the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs. [ Method] 24 Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were fed with high-fat and high-sucrose diet, and partial sequences of exon 2 of PPARy-2 gene were amplified by using PCR method. In addition, the contents of fasting blood glucose and insulin (INS) in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were determined, and the glucose tolerance test (GTT) was also carried out. [ Result] There was one SNP site (19813A/G) Jn partial sequence of exon 2 of the cloned PPAFly-2 gene, and AA (7 pigs) and AG (17 pigs) genotype were detected. The contents of fasting insulin and 60-min blood glucose in GTT in AG-genotype Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were significantly higher than those of AA genotype ( P 〈0.05), while the incidence of T2DM in AG-genotype Guangxi Bama mini-pigs (71.4%) was obviously higher than that of AA gen- otype (5.9%). [ Conclusion] The polymorphism of 19813A/G in exon 2 of PPARy-2 gene was related with the susceptibility of T2DM in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2012CB124704 and 2013CB127305)KC.Wong Education Foundation,Hong Kong
文摘Background: The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and increased nitrogen release into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and plasma metabolites of pigs of different genotypes. Methods: Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups (Chinese conventional diet with low protein/energy ratio or National Research Council diet with high protein/energy ratio; n = 24 per treatment) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Blood and muscle samples were collected at the end of the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. Results: We observed significant interactions (P 〈 0.05) between breed and diet for total fat percentage, intramuscular fat (IMF) content, protein content in biceps femoris (BF) muscle, and plasma urea nitrogen (UN) concentration in the nursery phase; for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), dry matter, IMF content in psoas major (PM) muscle, and plasma total protein and albumin concentrations in the growing phase; and for drip loss and plasma UN concentration in the finishing phase. Breed influenced (P 〈 0.05) growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, but not plasma metabolites. Throughout the trial, Landrace pigs showed significantly higher (P 〈 0.0_5) ADG, ADFI, dressing percentage, lean mass rate, and loin-eye area than did Bama mini-pigs, but significantly lower (P 〈 0.0.5) feed/gain ratio, fat percentage, backfat thickness, and IMF content. Dietary protein/energy ratio influenced the pH value, chemical composition of BF and PM muscles, and plasma activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and plasma concentration of UN. Conclusions: Compared with Landrace pigs, Bama mini-pigs showed slower growth and lower carcass performance, but had better meat quality. Moreover, unlike Landrace pigs, the dietary protein/energy ratio did not affect the growth performance of Bama mini-pigs. These results suggest that, in swine production, low dietary protein/energy ratio may be useful for reducing feed costs and minimizing the adverse effects of ammonia release into the environment.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81570402)a grant from the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation (BM2012116)+3 种基金grants from the Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhenthe Fund for High Level Medical Discipline Construction of Shenzhen (No.2016031638)the Shenzhen Foundation of Science and Technology (No.JCYJ20160229204849975 and GCZX2015043017281705)grant from the National Basic Research Program of China (2015CB559200)
文摘Unbalanced brain serotonin(5-HT) levels have implications in various behavioral abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The biosynthesis of neuronal 5-HT is regulated by the rate-limiting enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase-2(TPH2). In the present study, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated(Cas) system was used to target the Tph2 gene in Bama mini pig fetal fibroblasts. It was found that CRISPR/Cas9 targeting efficiency could be as high as 61.5%, and the biallelic mutation efficiency reached at38.5%. The biallelic modified colonies were used as donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT) and 10 Tph2 targeted piglets were successfully generated. These Tph2 KO piglets were viable and appeared normal at the birth.However, their central 5-HT levels were dramatically reduced, and their survival and growth rates were impaired before weaning. These Tph2 KO pigs are valuable large-animal models for studies of 5-HT deficiency induced behavior abnomality.
文摘The study examined the popularity, role and economic viability of mini-livestock keeping in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of mini-livestock farmers, identify the types of animals reared as mini-livestock in the area, ascertain the reasons for keeping mini-livestock by farmers, determine the benefit level of mini- livestock farmers, and identify the problems facing mini-livestock farmers in the study area. Using snowball sampling technique, 674 respondents were sampled with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. The results of the study indicated various types of mini-livestock reared in the study area, mainly snail farming or heliciculture (about 90%) and rearing of cane rat (84.27%); the most important reasons for keeping mini-livestock were income (99.6%), employment (99.26%) and food (94.96%). The result further indicated that protein consumption and improved income were the most important benefits to respondents. In spite of these benefits, the respondents faced some constraints, amongst which were lack of technical information (X=4.70), lacking of enough space for expansion (X=4.58), inadequate training (X=4.20), poor extension delivery services (X=4.20) and problems of feed availability (X=3.86). In spite of these constraints, the production of mini-livestock was found to be profitable in the study area. Based on the t'mdings, it was recommended, among others, that mini-livestock farmers in the study area should be trained on various aspects of the management of mini-livestock especially by organising workshops for them.