Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten on Growth Performance, Cell Immunity and Serum Biochemical Indices of Weaned Piglets (Sus scrofa)

To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrolyzed wheat gluten （HWG） on growth performance, cell immunity and serum biochemical indices of weaned piglets, 160 crossed （Large White×andrace） and weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 10 piglets each. The piglets in each treatment were fed an experimental diet containing either 0 g kg-1 HWG （control group）, 30 g kg-1 HWG （3% HWG group）, 50 g kg-1 HWG （5% HWG group）, or 2.5 g kg-1 glycyl-L-glutamine （0.25% Gly-Gln group）. The results showed that the diarrhea rates in 3% HWG and 5% HWG groups were significantly lower than in control group from d 1 to 14 （P〈0.05）, while the average daily gain （ADG） in each of two groups was increased （P〉0.05）. When compared with control group, dietary supplementation with 3% HWG increased the ratio of CD4＋：CD8＋ and the ratio of serum albumin and globulin concentrations （A：G） on d 14 and 28, as well as the proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes （P〉0.05） on d 28. In addition, on d 14 and 28, the A：G ratio in 5% HWG group was significantly higher than in control group （P〈0.05）, while the ratio of CD4＋：CD8＋ increased slightly （P〉0.05）. Interestingly, 0.25% Gly-Gln group had higher proportion of CD3＋ （P〉0.05） and CD4＋ （P〈0.05） on d 14 than control group, but growth performances of 0.25% Gly-Gln group were negatively affected at all experiment stages. These results suggested that HWG might improve the growth performance of piglets by strengthening cell immunity and decreasing the occurrence of diarrhea during the prophase after weaning.

Epidemiological features and dynamic changes in blood biochemical indices for COVID-19 patients in Hebi

BACKGROUND Millions of people have died of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-Co V-2)infection,and retrospective studies of the disease in local regions are necessary.AIM To characterize the epidemiological features and dynamic changes in blood biochemical indices for SARS-Co V-2-infected patients in Hebi,a representative city with a large floating population in North China.METHODS From January 25 to February 10,2020,the clinical data of patients who tested positive for SARS-Co V-2 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in Hebi city(China)were evaluated at admission,and laboratory data for hematologic parameters,inflammatory indices,coagulation function indices,liver function indices,blood lipid indices,renal function indices,myocardial enzyme activities and five blood biochemical markers of immunity were evaluated at admission,upon hospitalization and before discharge.RESULTS Sixteen confirmed COVID-19 patients developed pneumonia but were cured after adequate treatment.Fever and fatigue were the common symptoms.The most common laboratory abnormalities of patients at admission were leukopenia,eosinopenia,decreased percentage of eosinophils,elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels,hypoalbuminemia,mildly increased aspartate transferase activity and levels of bilirubin,and increased levels ofβ2-microglobulin.Importantly,aggravated liver dysfunction was detected in most patients,which may be partially attributed to virus infection as well as medicinal treatment.CONCLUSION This study provides several potential diagnostic markers and dynamic biochemical indices of disease progression to better prevent,diagnose and treat COVID-19 infection.

Changes in Several Physiological and Biochemical Indices of Maize Seedling Roots Caused by Drought Stress

The changes in several physiological and biochemical indices of seedling roots of new maize variety Qingnong 8 were studied under the simulated drought condition with 18% PEG-6000 and water shortage. The results showed that under drought conditions, the contents of soluble protein and malonialdehy （MDA） and the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and peroxidase （POD） in roots of maize seedlings significantly increased, and the increasing amplitude reduced after water shortage for 96 h. The re-watering treatment results after 48 h water shortage showed that the SOD and POD activities and the MDA content could recover to normal level, and the soluble protein content was lower than normal content. This study showed that the maize seedlings of Qingnong 8 suffered drought injury could grow normally after re-watering treatment.

Bio-Effect of Rare Earths in RE-High Background Region I. Some Blood Biochemical Indices from Population Resided in Light REE District

The results of biochemical indices in human blood show that there are significant difference in the population mean of these indices between the LREE high region in South Jiangxi, China and the control. In comparison with the normal region, the contents of total serum protein(TSP), albumin(AL), β globulin (β G), glutamic pyruvic transitanase (GPT), serium triglycerides (STG) and immunoglobulin(IgA) are manifested as low, but high cholesterol (CHO) in the LREE high region. These deviations may be related to the REE concentration and composition in food chains, and also are sex dependent. Certain blood indices (such as TSP) of different age groups in the LREE high region indicate that the influence of REE on males is a one way irreversible process while females show a strong ability of restoration.

Effects of Coated Methionine on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indices and Nutrient Apparent Ileal Digestibility in Broilers

[ Objective] This trial was conducted to study the effects of different coated methionines on the growth performance, blood biochemical indices and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in broilers. [ Method ] A total of 3 780 Cobb 500 broilers aged 18 days were randomly arranged into 7 groups with 3 replicates per group and 180 broilers per replicate. Control group （A） received the basal diet supplemented with O. 16% DL-me- thionine, and trial groups received the basal diets supplemented with 0.32% （ B）, 0.29% （ C）, 0.26% （ D）, 0.22% （ E）, 0.19% （F） and 0.16% （G） of coated methionine, and broilers were fed to the age of 42 days. ＂[ Result] The final weight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake of groups B and C were higher than those of the control group （ P〈0.05）, and the mortality of group B was lower than that of the control group （ P 〈0.05）, but there was no significant difference in all above indices between the other groups and the control group （P 〉 0.05）. Plasma GSH-Px activity of trial groups （ except group G） was higher than that of the control group （ P 〈 0.05）, and SOD activity of groups B and C were higher than that of group G （P 〈0.05）, but there were no significant differences in other blood biochemical indices among all groups （P 〉0.05）. There were no significant differences in apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein between trial groups and the control group （ P 〉0.05 ）, and the apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids of trial groups was increased （P 〈0.05） or no change expect that the apparent ileal digestibility of many kinds of amino acids of group G was decreased compared with the control group （P〈0.05）. [ Concluslon~ The growth performance and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in broilers were increased with the rising supplementation of coated methionine, but the supplementation of 0.19% coated methionine can meet the needs of broilers, namely, coated methionine can be substituted for 60% DL-methionine in the diet, so DL-methio- nine can be saved up to 40%.

Effects of Additives of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Blood Biochemical Indices of Wenchang Chickens in Hainan

[Objective]The aim was to study on effects of additives of traditional Chinese medicines on biochemical indices of blood of Wenchang chickens in Hainan. [Method]About 180 female Wenchang chickens were divided into five groups at random with three repetitions for every group and twelve chickens for a repetition. Group 1 was control group and the chickens were fed with basic forages; the 2nd group was control group of antibiotics and the chickens were fed with basic forages and 600 mg /kg of aureomycin; group 3,4 and 5 contained 0. 1%,0. 2% and 0. 3% of the additives respectively,besides basic forages. Chickens at average weight were chosen six from every group on 35th and 56th days,respectively, to prepare serums for biochemical indices of bloods and analyze effects of additives on the indices. [Result]Serum cholinesterase activity and albu- min content were both improved by 0. 1%,0. 2% and 0. 3% of the additives （ P 〈0. 05） ; activity of alkaline phosphatase was enhanced,and serum cholesterol was lowered both by 0. 2% and 0. 3% of the additives （ P 〈0. 05） . [Conclusion]Additives of traditional Chinese medicines have an ac- tive effect on blood biochemical indices of Wenchang chickens.

Determination of Physiological and Biochemical Indices of Hailan Chickens at 20 Weeks of Age

[Objective]This study aimed to determine physiological and biochemical indices of Hailan chickens at 20 weeks of age.[Method]T,P,BT,CT,ESR,systolic pressure,diastolic pressure,RBC,HCT,MCV,RDW,HGB,MCH,MCHC,PLT,MPV,WBC,N,E,B,L,M,TP,Alb,AST,ALT,Glu and TG and CHO of 20 weeks-old male and female Hailan chickens were determined with various methods.[Result]According to the determined blood physiological and biochemical indices,RBC,HGB,Glu and ALB in male chickens were higher compared with female chickens,exhibiting extremely significant differences（P〈0.01）;B,M and TP in male chickens were significantly higher compared with female chickens（P〈0.05）;other physiological and biochemical indices exhibited no significant differences between males and females（P〉0.05）.[Conclusion]Physiological and biochemical indices of 20 weeks-old Hailan chickens varied between males and females,which were generally higher in male chickens than in female chickens.

Correlation analysis of TCM syndrome types with T lymphocytes and biochemical indices in patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer

Objective:To investigate the correlation between T lymphocytes and biochemical indices in patients with Primary liver cancer(PLC)associated with hepatitis B virus(HBV)and TCM syndrome differentiation.Methods:263 HBV-related PLC patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected.There were 127 cases of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome(48.3%),48 cases of spleen deficiency and dampness syndrome(18.3%),31 cases of liver and gallbladder dampness and heat syndrome(11.8%),35 cases of liver and blood stasis syndrome(13.3%),and 22 cases of liver and kidney Yin deficiency syndrome(8.4%).The general data,T cell subsets,oncology and virology indicators,oncology characteristics,biochemical indicators and other data were counted.Epidata and Excel were used to collect and summarize the data,and SPSS26.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:There was no significant difference in gender and age distribution among the five syndrome types(χ^(2)=5.462,F=1.979,ALL P>0.05).The differences among T lymphocyte count(χ^(2)=57.785,P<0.001),CD4(+)T cell count(χ^(2)=47.103,P<0.001)and CD8(+)T lymphocyte count(F=12.760,P<0.001)were statistically significant.The T lymphocyte count,CD4(+)T lymphocyte count and CD8(+)T lymphocyte explicit count in patients with liver and kidney Yin deficiency syndrome were significantly lower than those in the other four syndrome types.AFP(χ^(2)=89.986,P<0.001),CEA(χ^(2)=95.501,P<0.001),CA199(χ^(2)=30.044,P<0.001)of the five syndrome types increased successively from the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency to the syndrome of liver and kidney Yin deficiency,and the difference was statistically significant.There were statistically significant differences in the inner diameter of main portal vein,portal vein cancer thrombin and extrahepatic metastasis among the five syndrome types(ALL P<0.001).The main symptoms of portal vein cancer thrombin and extrahepatic metastasis were liver-gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome and liver-blood stasis syndrome.The differences among PLT(χ^(2)=39.234,P<0.001),Alb(χ^(2)=75.171,P<0.001),TBil(χ^(2)=51.140,P<0.001),AST(χ^(2)=55.881,P<0.001),PT(χ^(2)=21.515,P<0.001)were statistically significant.PLT and Alb decreased successively from the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency to the syndrome of liver and kidney Yin deficiency.PLT and Alb of the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency were significantly higher than those of the other four groups,and TBil and AST of the syndrome of liver and gallbladder dampness and heat were significantly higher than those of the other four groups.PT of liver and kidney Yin deficiency was significantly higher than that of the other four groups.The lymphocyte count,CD4(+) lymphocyte count and CD8(+) lymphocyte count were negatively correlated with AFP,PT and TBil(ALL P<0.05),and positively correlated with PLT(P<0.05).T lymphocyte count was positively correlated with AIb(P<0.05).Conclusion:This study found that patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome have better cellular immune function,liver function and prognosis.Patients with liver and kidney Yin deficiency have lower cellular immunity,worse liver function,and worse prognosis.Portal vein carcinoma embolus and extrahepatic metastasis were mainly characterized by dampness and heat of liver and gallbladder and blood stasis of liver.Patients with lower lymphocyte counts have poorer blood clotting,worse the liver reserve,and the higher the risk of further cancer.

Effects of dietary arginine levels on growth performance,body composition, serum biochemical indices and resistance ability against ammonia-nitrogen stress in juvenile yellow catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary arginine levels on growth performance, body composition, serum biochemical indices and resistance ability against ammonia-nitrogen stress in juvenile yellow catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets(42%protein and 9% lipid) were formulated to contain graded levels of arginine(2.44%, 2.64%, 2.81%, 3.01% and3.23% of diet), by supplementing L-Arginine HCI. Seven hundred juvenile yellow catfish with an initial average body weight of 1.13 ± 0.02 g were randomly divided into 5 groups with 4 replicates of 35 fish each and each group was fed one of the diets. After 56 d feeding, fish were exposed to 100 mg/L of ammonia-nitrogen for 72 h. The results showed that weight gain(WG) and specific growth rate(SGR) in2.64% and 2.81% groups were significantly higher than those in 3.23% group(P < 0.05). The feed conversation ratio(FCR) in 2,64%, 2,81% and 3.01% groups was significantly decreased when compared with3,23% group. The protein efficiency ratio(PER) in 2.64% group was significantly higher than that in 2.44%and 3.23% groups(P < 0.05). The condition factor(CF) of fish was significantly higher in 2.81% group than that in 2,44% group(P < 0.05). Dietary arginine levels had no significant effect on hepatosomatic index(HSI), viscerosomatic index(VSI), and whole-body dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, ash contents, as well as serum total protein(TP), triglyceride(TG), glucose(GLU), urea nitrogen(UN) contents and aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) activities(P> 0.05). After the fish were challenged to ammonia-nitrogen for 72 h, their cumulative mortality rate in 2.81% group was significantly lower than that in 2.44% group(P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary arginine level at 2.81%could optimize anti-ammonia-nitrogen stress ability of juvenile yellow catfish and a level of 3.23%arginine seemed to depress the growth performance of fish and decreased their tolerance to the ammonia-nitrogen stress under current study. A quadratic regression analysis based on WG indicated that the optimal dietary arginine requirement of juvenile yellow catfish was estimated to be 2.74% of the diet(6.45% of dietary protein) under current culture conditions.

Study on Growth,Serum Biochemical and Antioxidant Enzyme Indices of Juvenile Siganus guttatus Fed with Enteromorpha prolifra and Artificial Feed

In order to provide reference for using Sigartus guttatus to control overgrowth of Ertteromorpha prolifra, the growth, serum biochemical and antioxidant enzyme indices of juvenile S. guttatus respectively fed with E. prolifra and artificial feed were studied. One hundred and eighty individuals were cultivated for 90 days in six 2.5 m × 1.5 m × 1.5 m cages （30 ind. per cage） which mesh size were 0.5 mm. The experimental animals were divided into two dietary groups （ three cages for each group） that were fed with E. prolifra and artificial feed respectively. During the culture period, temperatures ranged from 23.0 to 26.5℃, pH was between 7.8 and 8.2, dissolved oxygen was more than 5.0 mg/L. The weight gain rate, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, hepato-somatic index of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra were significantly lowe than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈 0.05）. The total protein （TP）, urea nitrogen （UN） and alkaline phosphatase （AKP） of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. Prolifra were significantly higher than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈0.05）, while glutamic oxalacetie transaminase （AST/GOT） and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （ALT/GPT） of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra were significantly lower than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈 0.05 ）. SOD, GPX and anti-superoxide anion radical activity in liver, kidney, gill and muscle of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra were higher than that fed with artificial feed, and these antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney of juvenile S. gtatatus fed with E. prolifra was significantly higher than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈 0.05）, while CAT and hydroxyl radical-inhibiting activity in liver of juvenile S. guttatus fed with arti- ficial feed were significantly higher than that fed with E. prolifra （P 〈 0.05 ）. Juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra showed poor growth performance but better antioxidant defense system. S. guttatus is easily raised and has stronger ability of digestion and absorption of E. Prolifra. The technique that uses S. gtatatus to control E. prolifra deserves deeply study.

Impact of Asarum Essential Oils on Physiological and Biochemical Indicators of Two Agricultural Pests

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of asarum essential oils on physiological and biochemical indices of two agricultural pests. [Method]Asarum essential oils were extracted by different methods,and their effects on physiological and biochemical indices related to the structure of body wall（ chitin and phenoloxidase）,the physiological and biochemical indices acting on the nervous system（ Acetylcholinesterase）,and the physiological and biochemical indices acting on the digestive system（ protease,amylase and lipase） of Ostrinia furnacalis and Mythimna seperata were studied. [Result]Asarum essential oils had no effect no chitin content of body wall under the experimental concentration,and had no inhibitory effect but activated effect on polyphenol oxidase activity. Asarum essential oils could act on the nervous system of insect,and had strong inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase activity of O. furnacalis larvae,with inhibition rates of 24. 86%- 38. 79%. Asarum essential oils showed a significant activated effect on pepsin activity in midgut,but the activated amplitude became smaller with the prolongation of treatment time. Asarum essential oils showed a significant inhibitory effect on activities of amylase and lipase,indicating that it could play an insecticidal effect by inhibiting activity of amylase and lipase,and it could act on digestive system of insect. [Conclusion]The study laid the foundation for further development of asarum as botanical pesticide.

Relationship of the preoperative NRS 2002 score,PG-SGA score,and serum indices with postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer

Objective To examine the utility of the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002(NRS 2002),Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment(PG-SGA)and serum factors for the preoperative evaluation of gastric cancer patients.Methods We examined 181 gastric cancer patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2015 to January 2018.Nutritional assessments were administered within 48 h of admission.The body mass index(BMI)and serum factors were measured,and information on preoperative nutritional support and postoperative complications was recorded.Results Both the NRS 2002 and PG-SGA had positive correlations with age(P<0.05),and negative correlations with albumin,prealbumin,transferrin,hemoglobin,BMI,and bodyweight(P<0.05).The NRS 2002 and PG-SGA scores were positively correlated with each other(r=0.683,P<0.01),but had poor consistency(κ=0.357,P<0.01).During the preoperative period,33.2%of patients received nutritional support,mainly enteral nutrition.The nutritional risk group(NRS 2002≥3)received more support than the group without nutritional risk(NRS 2002<3;P<0.05).Patients with nutritional risk or malnutrition who received preoperative nutritional support had fewer postoperative complications than unsupported patients.The overall rate of complications was 12.2%,and the rate of severe complications(gradeⅢor above)was 5.5%.The malnutrition and nutritional risk groups had higher rates of severe complications.Conclusions The combined application of the NRS 2002,PG-SGA,BMI,and serum nutritional indices was useful for the nutritional screening and assessment of preoperative gastric cancer patients.The NRS 2002 and PG-SGA provided guidance on the need for nutritional support during the preoperative period.

Blood Calcium as a Protective Factor against Traumatic Fracture

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the predictive value of blood calcium in the prognosis of traumatic fracture. Methods: A retrospective experimental design was employed, 112 cases (52 non-fracture and 60 traumatic fracture) were randomly selected. The type of fracture complies with WHO-recommended (2019) diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis combined with fracture. The blood pressure (BP) was measured by OMRON’s HEM-7136 model electronic blood pressure monitor. Blood calcium (Ca2+), and blood phosphorus (P) values were measured using Colorimetric Roche kits on a Roche/Hitachi fully automated biochemical analyzer. Data collection and analysis followed. Results: Higher levels of age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found in the traumatic fracture group compared to the control group, whereas weight, height, and blood phosphorus did not differ significantly (P adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood phosphorus, binary logistic regression analysis revealed that blood calcium was a protective factor against traumatic fracture (β = -26.85, OR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00 -0.02, P = 0.022). Conclusion: The findings suggest that high and low blood calcium levels may serve as useful indicators in predicting the prognosis of fractures resulting from trauma.

The Influence of Lairage Conditions for Finishing Pigs on Behavior,Biochemical Indicators and Meat Quality

A total of 60 crossbred(Large White×Landrace) pigs of halothane genotype NN(castrated males and females) were allotted to three treatments:3 h lairage with toys,3 h lairage and 0 h lairage in a randomized complete block design and used to evaluate the influence of lairage conditions on behavior, biochemical indicators and meat quality for finishing pigs at slaughter.Behavior of the pigs was scored subjectively during lairage.Blood samples were taken at exsanguination s to measure blood temperature, plasma Cortisol,ACTH,glucose,lactate,plasma enzymes and hematological indices.Post-mortem meat quality measurements included muscle colour value(MCV),electrical conductivity(EC),pH at 45 min and 24 h from Longissimus thoracis(LM) and Semimembranosus(SM) mucles and drip loss from LM. The results showed that 3 h lairage group with toys demonstrated significantly improved behavior than the group without toys at 3 sampling times.All the pigs showed increasing calmness as the time of lairage progressed.The omission of lairage increased plasma Cortisol,ACTH,glucose and lactate(P【0.05),and decreased plasma lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and creatine kinase(CK)(P【0.05).No biochemical index was influenced by the presence or absence of toys during lairage(P【0.05).Muscle colour value, electrical conductivity,pH at 45 min and 24 h from LM and SM and drip loss were not affected by any treatment(P【0.05).Pigs provided 3 h lairage,with or without toys,exhibited lower red blood cell(RBC), hemoglobin(HGB),and haematocrit(HCT) when compared to 0 h lairage.3 h lairage with or without toys resulted in higher white blood cell(WBC) and lymphocyte(W-SCC) levels than 0 h lairage.None of the hemocytic indices in pigs given lairage was affected by the presence or absence of toys.We conclude from this pilot study that in local commercial conditions,from the point of view of animal welfare and meat quality,lairage time of 3 h after short travel was beneficial.Pigs resting showed increased relief from stress and a recovery in immune competence.Holding pigs in lairage with toys for a few hours after arrival at the abattoir may be beneficial for the animal’s well-being.

The influences of SE infection on layers' production performance,egg quality and blood biochemical indicators

Background： Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis （SE）, as a major cause of foodborn illness, infects humans mainly through the egg. However, the symptom of laying hens usually is not typical and hard to diagnosis. In the present study, it is studied that the influences of SE infection on layers＇ performance, egg quality and blood biochemical indicators. It will help us to improve the strategy to control SE infection in commercial layers. One hundred layers at 20 wk of age were divided into 2 groups, 60 hens for experiment and others for control. The experiment group was fed with the dosage of 108 CFU SE per hen. The specific PCR was used to detect the deposition of SE. On the 8 d after SE infection, 10 hens from the control group and 30 hens from the experimenta group were slaughtered to detect the SE colonization. The production performance, egg quality and blood biochemical indices were also analyzed. Results： The results showed that the colonization rate of SE was highest in caecum contents （55.17%） and lowest in vagina （17.24%）. For the eggs the detection rate of SE was highest on the eggshell （80.00%） and lowest in yolk （18.81%）. SE infection had no significant influence on production performance and egg qualities （P 〉 0.05）. The difference of laying rate between the experimental and control groups was less than 0.30%, and both were approximately equal to 82.00%. The blood analysis showed that the aspartic aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） of experimental group was significantly higher than those of control group （P 〈 0.05）. For experimental and control groups AST values were 236.22 U/I and 211.84 U/I respectively, and ALT values were 32.19 U/I and 24.55 U/I. All of coefficients were less than 20%. The colonization of SE in organs increases the enzyme activities of AST and ALT in blood. Conclusions： SE in feed could invade the oviduct and infect the forming eggs. It significantly increased the concentration of ALT and AST in blood. However,SE infection was hard to be observed from the appearances of layer and egg. It might be a dangerous risk to human health.

Biochemical indicators for neuronal regeneration during intrathecal triamcinolone application in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis （MS） is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system （CNS）. Essential charac- teristics are demyelination, inflammation and neurode- generation. This process affects the white and grey matter in the CNS. MS patients experience various progression subtypes in association with the cerebral or spinal, acute inflammatory or glial sclerotic lesions （Mtiller, 2009）. Most patients end up in a progressive, smouldering, chronic inflammatory process （MUller, 2009）. Current predominantly used 1.5 respectively 3 Tesla MRI with Gadolinium~ application visualize the various old and acute lesions. They serve as a biological marker in com- bination with standardised assessment of brain atrophy, black holes, etc. However, MRI with a stronger magnetic 7 Tesla field with better sensitivity gave hints on an on- going, acute inflammatory, smouldering process even with Gadolinium~ enhancing acute lesions in the brain and the spinal cord in progressive, so-called relapse free MS patients （Mtiller, 2009; Sinnecker et al., 2012）. Ad- ditionally, progress of MS is determined with subjective standardised clinical ratings （Sinnecker et al., 2012）. Both methods are used for the evaluation of the efficacy of relapse rate reducing drugs. These compounds, i.e., in- terferons, teriflunamide, glatiramer acetate, fingolimod, fumarate or monoclonal antibodies, preponderantly weaken the malfunction of the peripheral immune system in relapse remitting MS patients. These MS drugs share one common disadvantage. They do not stop progression or improve MS within a framework of a regenerative process. They do not enable reversal of symptoms, for in- stance functional deficits or spasticity （Mtiller, 2009）.

Determination of Physiological and Biochemical Indicators of Brown-Egg Dwarf Layers at Different Ages

[ Objective] To observe biological characteristics of brown-egg dwarf layers. [ Method ] Physiological and biochemical indicators of brown-egg dwarf layers were determined at the age of 20, 40 and 60 weeks, respectively. Fifty-four chickens were detected, nine roosters and nine hens at each age. [Result] As analyzed by ttest and multiple comparisons, during 20 -60 weeks old, the RBC, HGB, MPV, PDW, LYMPH%, TP and CHO showed an increasing trend. However, during this period, the HCT, MCV, RDW, WBC and LYMPH first decreased and then de- clined, while the MCH, MCHC, PLT, PCT, MID, MID%, GRAN, GRAN%, AST, ALB, TG, ALT and GLU changed contrarily. The chickens at different ages had significantly different physiological and biochemical indicators （P 〈 0.05）. The RBC, HCT, HGB, WBC, LYMPH and AST were significantly different between the roosters and hens during 20 -60 weeks old. [ Conclusion] In the brown-egg dwarf layers, the physiological and bi- ochemical indicators vary with aging, and their difference levels also change with aging.

Brassinosteroids Mediate Endogenous Phytohormone Metabolism to Alleviate High Temperature Injury at Panicle Initiation Stage in Rice

High temperatures cause physiological and biochemical changes and significantly affect young panicle development of rice(Oryza sativa L.).Brassinosteroids play important roles in enhancing crop stress resistance.In this study,we subjected rice cultivars Huanghuazhan(heat-resistant)and IR36(heat-sensitive)to high temperature(HT,40 oC)or normal temperature(NT,33 oC)for 7 d at the panicle initiation stage,in conjunction with application of 24-epibrassinolide[EBR,a synthetic brassinolide(BR)]or brassinazole(BRZ,a BR biosynthesis inhibitor)at the beginning of the treatments.HT exacerbated spikelet degeneration and inhibited young panicle growth,which were partially prevented by EBR application,while BRZ application aggravated the reduction in spikelet number.HT decreased the contents of BR,active cytokinins(aCTK),active gibberellins(aGA)and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA),but increased the content of abscisic acid(ABA)in young panicles.The activities of key enzymes involved in sucrose hydrolysis,glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in young panicles were decreased with the change of endogenous hormone levels under HT.In addition,the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde(MDA)were increased and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased in young panicles.Exogenous application of EBR induced the expression of phytohormone biosynthesis-related genes and down-regulated the expression of phytohormone catabolism-related genes to increase the contents of endogenous BR,aCTK,aGA and ABA,thus promoting the decomposition and utilization of sucrose in young panicles,enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase and peroxidase,and reducing the accumulation of H2O2 and MDA in young panicles,whereas application of BRZ had the opposite physiological effects.These results showed that brassinosteroids mediate endogenous phytohormone metabolism to alleviate HT injury at the panicle initiation stage in rice.

指纹光谱特征揭示叶斑病时空动态发展以实现显症前诊断

植物病原菌不断危害农业生产和粮食安全。因此,病害发展早期的动态表征对病变监测和显症前诊断至关重要。高光谱成像(HSI)在跟踪病害初始侵染部位的动态进程以进行显症前诊断方面具有巨大潜力。然而,目前尚无相关文献提取出早期感染阶段活体叶片病变组织的指纹光谱特征(FSS),也没有探究HSI的检测机制。其中FSS是指能够表征特定植物病害的独特、有代表性的光谱特征。在本研究中,基于时序HSI数据分析,提取了接种Bipolaris sorokiniana的大麦叶片的FSS,以表征叶斑病症状发展,实现显症前诊断。还研究了叶斑病早期发展阶段叶片的光谱和生化响应。本文所提取的全波段FSS能够捕捉病变发展过程中褪绿组织和坏死组织的独特特征,从而原位可视化植物-病原菌像素级的早期互作动态进程。进一步,实现了接种后24 h叶斑病的显症前诊断,比传统的聚合酶链反应(PCR)测定或生化测定提前了12 h。为了揭示HSI显症前诊断的机制,还建立了叶片的平均光谱响应与其生化指标(叶绿素、类胡萝卜素、丙二醛、抗坏血酸和还原型谷胱甘肽)之间的定量关系,回归模型在预测集上的Rp2均高于0.84。总体结果表明,HSI反映了活体植物特性的变化,所提取的FSS可成功跟踪叶斑病发生发展的时空动态进程,实现显症前诊断。在其他植物病害上的试验表明,该方法在植物病害早期控制方面具有较大的推广潜力。

Effects of elevated CO_2 concentration on growth and water usage of tomato seedlings under different ammonium/nitrate ratios

Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is generally expected to enhance photosynthesis and growth of agricultural C3 vegetable crops, and therefore results in an increase in crop yield. However, little is known about the combined effect of elevated CO2 and N species on plant growth and development. Two growth-chamber experiments were conducted to determine the effects of NH4^＋/NO3^- ratio and elevated CO2 concentration on the physiological development and water use of tomato seedlings. Tomato was grown for 45 d in containers with nutrient solutions varying in NH4^＋/NO3^- ratios and CO2 concentrations in growth chambers. Results showed that plant height, stem thickness, total dry weight, dry weight of the leaves, stems and roots, G value （total plant dry weight/seedling days）, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, leaf-level and whole plant-level water use efficiency and cumulative water consumption of tomato seedlings were increased with increasing proportion of NO3- in nutrient solutions in the elevated CO2 treatment. Plant biomass, plant height, stem thickness and photosynthetic rate were 67%, 22%, 24% and 55% higher at elevated CO2 concentration than at ambient CO2 concentration, depending on the values of NH4^＋/NO3^- ratio. These results indicated that elevating CO2 concentration did not mitigate the adverse effects of 100% NH4^＋-N （in nutrient solution） on the tomato seedlings. At both CO2 levels, NH4^＋/NO3^- ratios of nutrient solutions strongly influenced almost every measure of plant performance, and nitrate-fed plants attained a greater biomass production, as compared to ammonium-fed plants. These phenomena seem to be related to the coordinated regulation of photosynthetic rate and cumulative water consumption of tomato seedlings.