Quality of handling and holding yard environment, and beef cattle temperament: 1. Relationships with flight speed and fear of humans

Numerous tests have been used to measure beef cattle temperament, but limited research has addressed the relationship between such tests and whether temperament can be modified. One-hundred-and-forty-four steers were given one of three human handling and yarding experiences on six occasions during a 12-month grazing period post-weaning (backgrounding): Good handling/yarding, Poor handling/yarding and Minimal handling/yarding. At the end of this phase the cattle were lot-fed for 78 days, with no handling/yarding treatments imposed, before being transported for commercial slaughter. Temperament was assessed at the start of the experiment, during backgrounding and lot-feeding by flight speed (FS) and a fear of humans test, which measured the proximity to a stimulus person (zone average; ZA), the closest approach to the person (CA) and the amount the cattle moved around the test arena (total transitions; TT). During backgrounding, FS decreased for all treatments and at the end of backgrounding there was no difference between them. The rate of decline, however, was greatest in the Good group, smallest in the Minimal group with the Poor intermediate. In contrast, ZA was affected by treatment, with a greater reduction for the Good group than the others (P = 0.012). During lot-feeding, treatment did not affect FS, but all groups showed a decrease in ZA, with the greatest change in the Poor group, the least in the Good and the Minimal intermediate (P = 0.052). CA was positively correlated with ZA (r = 0.18 to 0.66) and negatively with TT (r = −0.180 to −0.659). FS was consistently correlated with TT only (r = 0.17 to 0.49). These findings suggest that FS and TT measure a similar characteristic, as do ZA and CA, but that these characteristics are different from one another, indicating that temperament is not a unitary trait, but has different facets. FS and TT measure one facet that we suggest is general agitation, whilst ZA and CA measure fear of people. Thus, the cattle became less agitated during backgrounding, but the effect was not permanently influenced by the quantity and quality of handling/yarding. However, Good handling/yarding reduced fearfulness of people. Fear of people was also reduced during lot-feeding, probably as a consequence of frequent exposure to humans in a situation that was neutral or positive for the cattle.     

Interleukin 1 beta −511 C/T gene polymorphism and susceptibility to febrile seizures: a meta-analysis

One previous meta-analysis found no evidence that interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) −511 gene polymorphism was associated with febrile seizures (FS) by pooling a limited number of studies. However, it is necessary for the meta-analysis to reevaluate the relationship with more recent findings. Electronic databases were systematically searched for studies published before June 2011. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by means of a genetic model free approach. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 9.0. A total of eight studies, 728 FS cases and 1,223 controls, met the selection criteria. The results show a significant association between IL-1β −511 C/T gene polymorphism and FS (recessive genetic model TT vs. CC + CT: OR = 1.361, 95% CI: 1.065–1.738, P = 0.014). Subgroup analyses show a significant association in Asia (OR = 1.394, 95% CI: 1.005–1.935, P = 0.047), but not in Europe (OR = 1.387, 95% CI: 0.750–2.565, P = 0.298). IL-1β −511 C/T gene polymorphism may play a role in susceptibility to FS, especially in Asia. Geographic differences may be a critical factor in the risk of FS.     

Switch to checkpoint inhibition after targeted therapy at time of progression or during ongoing response: A retrospective single‐centre experience in patients with BRAF‐mutated melanoma

BRAF + MEK inhibition is preferentially applied as first‐line therapy in BRAF V600‐mutated melanoma patients with unfavourable prognostic features, due to the ability of targeted therapy (TT) to induce rapid symptom control, decrease tumour burden and normalize lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. In addition, short‐term TT transiently increases tumour antigen presentation and tumour influx of T cells. Therefore, it might be favourable to switch TT to checkpoint inhibition (CPI) before progression (PD). We retrospectively analysed melanoma patients treated first line with TT (TT1) and who subsequently switched to CPI during response to TT (sDR group) or at progression upon TT (sPD group). We identified 74 patients (n = 37 sDR group and n = 37 sPD group). ORR to CPI was 27.0% in the sDR group versus 24.3% in the sPD group (p = .790). Median was PFS 2.5 months versus 1.2 months (p = .145), and median OS was 30.6 versus 14.1 months (p = .007). After adjusting for baseline differences and known prognostic factors, hazard ratios (HRs) favouring sDR were 0.89 for PFS upon CPI (p = .956) and 0.48 for OS (p = .055). Thus, patients switching to CPI during ongoing clinical benefit from TT do not have an inferior outcome. Due to baseline imbalances and small patient population, a favourable trend for the sDR group can be hypothesized only.     

The relationships between intake and net portal fluxes of energy metabolites in ruminants: A meta-analysis

In a research programme aiming at characterising the energy value of ruminant diets by the net portal energy fluxes in ruminants, the present work focused on the relationships between intakes of both dry matter (DMI) and digestible organic matter (DOMI) and the portal blood flow and the net portal fluxes of oxygen (O₂), volatile fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and lactate in sheep and growing cattle. Response equations were generated, expressed as a function of liveweight (LW), using meta-analysis on published that were compiled into the FLORA (FLux of nutrients through the Organs and tissues of Ruminant Animals) database and that investigated changes in intake at constant dietary metabolisable energy (ME) contents within experimental groups. The experimental groups in the selected data set were predominantly adult sheep (n = 17), with nine experimental groups on growing cattle and only one experimental group on lactating dairy cows. Intake range was larger in sheep than in growing cattle (0–35 g/d/kg LW versus 0–23 g/d/kg LW, respectively), and the types of diets fed also differed, with sheep predominantly being fed forage-rich diets (60% of experimental groups). Blood flow and portal O₂ consumption showed curvilinear relationships; however the response equations generated for nutrients were best described by linear relationships. With the exception of glucose net portal flux, 70–95% of variation was explained by the models generated. The magnitude of the response equations was largely different between species, and this may also include differences in diets and/or physiological state between the datasets. Both DMI and DOMI were good predictors of the influence of a change in intake level on net portal fluxes of energy metabolites. Subsequent work needs to focus on the influence of diet composition (i.e., dietary ME content).     

The effect of low energy electric shock on cortisol, β-endorphin, heart rate and behaviour of cattle

Electrical stimuli are used increasingly to confine cattle, whether through conventional electric fencing or the development of ‘virtual’ fencing systems. Two experiments were conducted to assess behavioural, heart rate and stress hormone responses of cattle to electrical stimuli typically used in such confinement applications. In the first experiment, 30 steers (18-months old; n = 10 per treatment) were held in a handling crush for 15 min after receiving one of the following treatments: nothing (control); delivery of three shocks at 2 s intervals (600 V, 250 mW); and restraint in a head bail for 3 min. Plasma cortisol and β-endorphin concentrations were measured at 0, 5, 10, 15 min, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. In a second experiment, heart rate and behaviour were measured in 17 heifers (18 months of age) subjected to one of the following treatments whilst held in a crush for 10 min: nothing (control; n = 5); delivery of three shocks at 2 s intervals (600 V, 250 mW; n = 6); and restraint in a head bail for 3 min (n = 6). Cortisol and β-endorphin concentrations did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Whilst animals were receiving the treatments, heart rate was lower when head restrained compared with shock or control treatments (P = 0.009) and did not differ between control and electric shock treatments (P = 0.35). Upon release from the crush, heart rate was higher in shock and head restrained treatments than the control treatment (P = 0.005). Animals receiving the electric shock treatment tossed their heads more frequently whilst in the crush than control animals (P = 0.012) but did not differ from the other treatments in the number of vocalisations, tail swishes, steps back and forward, head tilts and head turns. There was a significant effect of treatment on flight time (P = 0.005); animals receiving the electric shocks were faster to leave the crush than control animals (P = 0.005) and there was no difference between head restraint and shock treatment (P = 0.86). In 10 min following release from the crush, there was no treatment difference in the time to start feeding. This study suggests that the stress response of cattle to low energy electric shocks is minimal and is similar to that induced by restraint in a crush.     

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Dairy Cattle in the Northeast of China: Genetic Diversity of ITS Gene and Evaluation of Zoonotic Transmission Potential

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian species in humans. It has been found in a wide range of animals and is considered an important zoonotic pathogen. To date, little information is available on the role that cattle play in the epidemiology of human microsporidiosis caused by E. bieneusi in China. In this study, 133 fecal specimens from dairy cattle were collected in Heilongjiang Province, China. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified and genotyped by nested PCR analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene, with 30.1% positive. Nine ITS genotypes were identified: six known genotypes—O (n = 26), EbpA (n = 2), I (n = 2), J (n = 2), D (n = 1) and BEB4 (n = 1)—and three novel genotypes named as CC‐I to CC‐III (two each). Genotype O was identified in cattle for the first time. The observation of all the six known genotypes here reported previously in humans, and also the fact of all the three novel genotypes (CHN‐DC1 to CHN‐DC3) falling into zoonotic group 1, indicate the possibility of cattle in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans.     

Polymorphisms of <Emphasis Type="Italic">STAT5A</Emphasis> gene and their association with milk production traits in Holstein cows

The STAT5A gene was studied as a candidate gene for five milk production traits (milk yield at 305 days, protein percentage, fat percentage, lactose percentage and dry matter percentage) in Holstein cows. According to the sequence of bovine STAT5A gene, two pairs of primers (P1 and P2) were designed to detect polymorphisms of STAT5A gene in 401 Holstein cows by PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP. The results showed that the products amplified by primers P1 and P2 displayed polymorphisms. For P1, three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) were detected, and the frequency of AA/AG/GG was 0.252/0.486/0.262, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed a single nucleotide substitution A–G at 14217 bp (GenBank NC_007317) of bovine STAT5A gene while compared GG genotype with AA genotype. The differences of the least squares means for the four milk production traits (milk yield at 305 days, fat percentage, lactose percentage and dry matter percentage) between AA, AG and GG were not significant (P > 0.05). Least squares mean of protein percentage for AG or GG was significantly higher than that for AA (P < 0.05); the difference of the least squares mean for protein percentage was not significant between AG and GG (P > 0.05). For P2, three genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) were detected in Holstein cows, and the frequency of CC/CT/TT was 0.751/0.234/0.015, respectively. Sequencing revealed an insertion CCT at 17266 (NC_007317) of bovine STAT5A gene while compared CC genotype with TT genotype. The differences of the least squares means for the three milk production traits (protein percentage, lactose percentage and dry matter percentage) between CC, CT and TT were not significant (P > 0.05). Least squares mean of milk yield at 305 days for TT or CT was significantly higher than that for CC (P < 0.05); the difference of the least squares mean for milk yield at 305 days was not significant between TT and CT (P > 0.05). Least squares mean of fat percentage for CC or CT was significantly higher than that for TT (P < 0.05); the difference of the least squares mean for fat percentage was not significant between CC and CT (P > 0.05). The results preliminarily indicated that allele G of A14217G polymorphic site of STAT5A gene is a potential DNA marker for improving protein percentage in dairy cattle, 17266indelCCT polymorphic site of STAT5A gene is a potential DNA marker for improving milk yield at 305 days and fat percentage in dairy cattle.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Complement factor H</Emphasis> Y402H gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease susceptibility: a meta-analysis

The complement factor H (CFH) Y402H (T1277C) gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), but results were conflicting. To evaluate the role of the variant in CHD, we performed meta-analyses of all available data. Both electronic and manual searches were performed, all relevant studies were identified. ORs with 95% confidential intervals (CI) under codominant (CC versus TT, TC versus TT), dominant (CC + TC versus TT) and recessive (CC versus TT + TC) models were calculated. Publication bias was addressed. Ten studies including 11 cohorts comprising of 29,764 participants were included. No association between the CFH T1227C polymorphism and CHD could be found. (For overall analysis: dominant model, OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.97–1.11; recessive model, OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.97–1.11; for Caucasian subgroup: OR = 1.08 95%CI: 0.92–1.27; recessive model, OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.96–1.11). Two studies reported positive results in separate population (Caucasian study: recessive model, OR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.30–0.86; Asians study: dominant model, OR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.13–4.96). Current evidence do not support the association between the CFH T1277C polymorphism and CHD risk among common population. The association, which could be influenced by CHD onset age, CHD risk factors status and genetics backgrounds, might be significant in some population. More studies on different CHD onset ages and risk factor status should be encouraged.     

Polymorphism of bovine Y-STR UMN0929 and its correlation with carcass traits in five Chinese beef cattle populations

The correlations between Y chromosome polymorphisms and the carcass traits were studied in five Chinese beef cattle populations by PCR, single strand conformation polymorphism and Y-STR sequence analysis. Nine alleles and their frequencies were identified on Y-STR UMN0929 region in Qinchuan (n = 116), Luxi (n = 112), Jinnan (n = 104) pure breeds, Simmental × Qinchuan crossbred (n = 80) and Angus × Qinchuan crossbred (n = 96). The most popular A-176 and B-178 alleles were presented in all 5 cattle populations in the range of 12% (Jinnan) to 66% (Simmental × Qinchuan). The allele I-194 presented Luxi and Angus × Qinchuan. In Qinchun cattle, G-190 and E-186 alleles had bigger effect on BPI (4.23 ± 0.32 and 4.22 ± 0.48 kg/cm, P < 0.01) and CW (325.40 ± 49.42 and 316.73 ± 45.29 kg, P < 0.01), respectively. In Luxi cattle, I-194 allele affected higher BPI (4.08 ± 0.35 kg/cm, P < 0.01) and CW (302.07 ± 17.55 kg, P < 0.01), respectively. In Jinnan cattle breed, H-192 had higher BPI (4.32 ± 0.50 kg/cm, P < 0.05) and CW (327.87 ± 59.37 kg, P < 0.05), respectively. In Simmental × Qinchuan cross breed, C-180 allele affected largely on BPI (5.16 ± 0.25 kg/cm, P < 0.05) and CW (393.16 ± 25.92 kg, P < 0.05). In Angus × Qinchuan cross breed, I-194 had higher BPI (4.43 ± 0.33 kg, P < 0.05) and CW (346.63 ± 29.77 kg, P < 0.05). Correlations between alleles and other carcass traits (net meat weight, top grade weight, slaughter rate, net meat rate, loin-eye muscle area, carcass length, meet tenderness and shear force) were also analyzed using mixed-effect model. Cattle Y-STR UMN0929 loci alleles and its correlation with carcass traits in beef cattle populations could be implemented into the cattle breeding program for choosing beef cattle with better carcass traits.     

Comparison of the effects of two different handling methods on the subsequent behaviour of Anglo-Arabian foals toward humans and handling

Tactile contact is often used to improve the human–foal relationship, in particular during sensitive periods such as weaning. However, the method used to provide the contact (forced or unforced) may affect subsequent reactions to humans. The aim of our study was to compare the effect of forced and unforced handling at weaning on horses’ behaviour towards humans and handling.A total of 23 Anglo-Arabian foals received individual human contact at weaning. Constrained-handled foals (forced human contact; FC, n = 8) were stroked while being restrained (i.e., held by the halter without being led) so that human contact was forced. Unconstrained-handled foals (unforced human contact; UC, n = 7) were stroked without any restraint and could thus avoid contact if they so wanted. Each individual was handled 5 min twice a day for 14 consecutive days. Control foals were not handled (no contact; NC, n = 8). Foals’ reactions towards a human (e.g. proximity and contact seeking), and their manageability (fitting of a halter) were then assessed. The animals from the different treatments were then mixed and tested again 4 months later. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to compare experimental groups.Only forced human contact reduced fear reactions toward humans (e.g. shorter latency to approach a passive human, P < 0.01; shorter latency to touch the foal, P < 0.05) in the short-term (immediately after the handling sessions) and increased foals’ manageability in a familiar environment (shorter latency to be placed a halter on and less defences displayed, P < 0.05). It had no effect in an unfamiliar environment. These effects did not last longer than 4 months.Forced human contact thus appears to be more efficient in improving human–horse relationships and subsequent handling than unforced human contact. However, the lack of effect on reactivity towards humans in an unfamiliar environment, and the lack of long-term effects suggest that this method needs to be improved to be more effective. Some of our results suggest that horses could perceive human contact (i.e., stroking) as positive, however further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.     

Association of the colorectal cancer and <Emphasis Type="Italic">MDR1</Emphasis> gene polymorphism in an Iranian population

The human multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene product P-glycoprotein is highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells, where it constitutes a barrier against xenobiotics, bacterial toxins, drugs and other biologically active compounds, possibly carcinogens. In this study, an association of MDR1 gene polymorphism and the occurrence of colorectal cancer were evaluated. In this case-control-designed 118 unrelated colorectal cancer and 137 sex-and-ages matched healthy controls were enrolled. The C3435T MDR1 gene polymorphism was identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Significantly increased frequencies of the 3435T allele and the 3435TT were observed in patients with colorectal cancer compared with controls (P = 0.03; OR, 95% CI; 1.46 for 3435T allele and P = 0.003; OR, 95% CI; 2.2 for 3435TT genotype). In contrast, frequency of genotype TT was significantly higher in controls compared to colorectal cancer (P = 0.006; OR, 95% CI; 0.49 for TC genotype). In this study suggest that C3435T MDR1 polymorphism has an association with colorectal cancer. The results support that the presence of allele C results in decreased susceptibility to colorectal cancer.     

MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms and male infertility risk: a meta-analysis

Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms and risk of male infertility. However, the results from the published studies on the association between these two MTHFR polymorphisms and male infertility risk are conflicting. To derive a more precise estimation of association between the MTHFR polymorphisms and risk of male infertility, we performed a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case–control studies of MTHFR polymorphisms and male infertility risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. Overall, we found that both 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms were not significantly associated with male infertility risk. However, in stratified analysis by ethnicity, we found that the 677C>T polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of male infertility in Asian population (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05–2.37, P = 0.03; TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.05–1.86, P = 0.02; TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01–1.77, P = 0.04). Although some modest bias could not be eliminated, this meta-analysis suggested that the MTHFR 677T allele might be a low-penetrant risk factor for male infertility, especially in Asian population.     

First detection of Anaplasma ovis in sheep and Anaplasma platys-like variants from cattle in Menoufia governorate,Egypt

Tick-borne diseases are of global economic importance, especially due to the costs associated with disease treatment and productivity losses in livestock. In this study, 244 livestock animals (cattle N = 92, buffaloes N = 86 and sheep N = 66) from Menoufia, Egypt were tested for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Babesia species using PCR. Results revealed detection of A. ovis (9.1%) in sheep while Anaplasma spp. (14.1%), A. marginale (15.2%), B. bigemina (6.5%) and B. bovis (5.4%) in cattle. On the other hand, Anaplasma spp. (1.2%), A. marginale (1.2%) and B. bovis (1.2%), were detected in buffaloes. Significantly higher detection rates were observed in cattle for Anaplasma spp. (P = .020), A. marginale (P = .001) and B. bigemina (P = .022) than in buffaloes. Sequence analysis of Anaplasma spp. isolates from cattle, revealed A. platys-like strains. Phylogenetic analyses of the A. platys-like isolates revealed variation among the strains infecting cattle. The A. marginale buffalo isolate, on the other hand, showed some level of divergence from the cattle isolates. This study reports the first detection of A. ovis in sheep and A. platys-like strains in cattle in Menoufia and Egypt at large. The results of the current study provide valuable information on the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of tick-borne pathogens infecting livestock in Egypt.     

Fatty acid composition of beef is associated with exonic nucleotide variants of the gene encoding FASN

Genetic associations of fatty acid composition with exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding fatty acid synthase (FASN) were examined using 513 Korean cattle. All five individual SNPs of g.12870 T>C, g.13126 T>C, g.15532 C>A, g.16907 T>C and g.17924 G>A were associated with a variety of fatty acid compositions and further with marbling score (P < 0.05). Their genotypes of CC, TT, AA, TT, and GG were associated with increased monounsaturated fatty acids and with decreased saturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). The genotypes at all the SNPs also increased marbling score (P < 0.05). Further genetic associations with fatty acid composition suggested that homozygous genotype with the haplotype of ATG at g.15532, g.16907, and g.17924 in a linkage disequilibrium block increased monounsaturated fatty acids and marbling score (P < 0.05). We concluded that the five exonic SNPs of g.12870, g.13126, g.15532, g.16907, and g.17924 in the FASN gene could change fatty acid contents. Their genotypes of CC, TT, AA, TT, and GG and haplotype of ATG at g.15532, g.16907, and g.17924 were recommended for genetic improvement of beef quality.     

Ruminoreticulum bypass in goats and its possible effect on the efficacy of oxfendazole against resistant gastrointestinal parasites

Ruminoreticulum bypass was observed in 9–12-month old Angora goats using video-taped fluoroscopy. For experimental purposes, ruminoreticulum bypass was stimulated by yarding animals for 19–24 h before drenching, or by yarding and oral premedication with 2% cobalt sulphate solution. When bypass occurred, 50–100% of the drench was deposited in the abomasum. Ruminoreticulum bypass had no apparent effect on the faecal egg count reduction of benzimidazole resistant Ostertagia spp. following drenching with a standard dose of 5 mg/kg of oxfendazole, although the low frequency of bypass prevented any firm conclusions from being made. The importance of ruminoreticulum bypass to the efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics in goats may have been overemphasised.     

IL-1β (−511T/C) gene polymorphism not IL-1β (+3953T/C) and LT-α (+252A/G) gene variants confers susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis

Lymphotoxin-α (LT-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) are proinflammatory cytokines playing important roles in immunity against Leishmania infection and the outcome of the disease. As cytokine productions are under the genetic control, this study tried to find any probable relationship between these cytokine gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis in Iranian pediatric patients. Ninety-five pediatric patients involved with visceral leishmaniasis and 128 non-relative healthy people, from the same area as the patients, were genotyped for LT-α (+252A/G) and IL-1β (+3953T/C and −511T/C) gene polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). There was not found any significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies of LT-α (+252A/G) and IL-1β (+3953) among the study groups. However, the frequency of IL-1β −511TT genotype was higher in the controls (P = 0.0004) while the frequency of IL-1β −511CC genotype and C allele were higher in the patients (P = 0.008 and P = 0.00006, respectively). Furthermore, IL-1β CC (−511/+3953) haplotype was more frequent in VL patients compared with the controls (P = 0.0002) and the distribution of TT haplotype was higher in the controls compared with the patients (P = 0.003). In conclusion, based on the results, IL-1β −511C allele, CC genotype and CC (−511/+3953) haplotype could be considered as the susceptibility factors for visceral leishmaniasis while IL-1β −511TT genotype, T allele and TT haplotype (−511/+3953) might be counted as the influential factors for resistance to the disease.     

Comparative gene mapping in cattle,Indian muntjac,and Chinese muntjac by fluorescence in situ hybridization

The Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis) has a karyotype of 2n = 6 in the female and 2n = 7 in the male. The karyotypic evolution of Indian muntjac via extensive tandem fusions and several centric fusions are well documented by molecular cytogenetic studies mainly utilizing chromosome paints. To achieve higher resolution mapping, a set of 42 different genomic clones coding for 37 genes and the nucleolar organizer region were used to examine homologies between the cattle (2n = 60), human (2n = 46), Indian muntjac (2n = 6/7) and Chinese muntjac (2n = 46) karyotypes. These genomic clones were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Localization of genes on all three pairs of M. m. vaginalis chromosomes and on the acrocentric chromosomes of M. reevesi allowed not only the analysis of the evolution of syntenic regions within the muntjac genus but also allowed a broader comparison of synteny with more distantly related species, such as cattle and human, to shed more light onto the evolving genome organization. For convenience and to avoid confusion we added for each species a three letter abbreviation prior to the chromosomal band location discussed in this paper: BTA, Cattle chromosome; HSA, Human chromosome; MMV, M. m. vaginalis chromosome; MRE, M. reevesi chromosome.     

Association of thrombospondin 1 gene with schizophrenia in Korean population

Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), a multi-domain glycoprotein, is secreted from astrocytes and promotes synaptogenesis. Increasing evidence has suggested that not only various markers for synaptic pathology, but also astrocytes are affected in schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated whether coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) of the THBS1 gene were associated with schizophrenia and with the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia patients. We genotyped two cSNPs [rs2228261 (Asn470Asn) and rs2292305 (Thr523Ala)] using direct sequencing in 220 schizophrenia patients and 376 control subjects. In this study, rs2228261 revealed significant association with schizophrenia in both codominant (TT vs. CC, P = 0.009, OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.23–3.59) and recessive models (TT vs. CC/CT, P = 0.0012, OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.38–3.77). Also, rs2292305 was associated with schizophrenia in the recessive model (GG vs. AA/AG, P = 0.0052, OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.24–3.38). Additionally, in the analysis of the haplotype, the CA and TG haplotypes consisting of rs2228261 and rs2292305 were associated with schizophrenia in the dominant (P = 0.019, OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.10–2.90) and recessive models, respectively (P = 0.0086, OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.31–0.84). In further analysis according to the clinical symptoms, rs2292305 showed a weak association with the poor concentration symptoms of schizophrenia patients in the dominant model (AG/GG vs. AA, P = 0.024, OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.09–3.83). The results suggest that the THBS1 gene may contribute to the susceptibility of schizophrenia.     

Development and Comparative Evaluation of a Competitive ELISA with Rose Bengal Test and a Commercial Indirect ELISA for Serological Diagnosis of Brucellosis

The development of a competitive ELISA for the detection of brucella-specific antibodies in bovines is described. Anti-brucella guinea pig serum was used as a source of competing antibodies. Lipo-polysaccharide purified from inactivated B. abortus S19 culture was used as antigen for the development of the assay. Sera from cattle were used in the competitive ELISA, rose bengal test and a commercial indirect ELISA. The following cattle sera were tested: (i) known positive sera (n = 80) (ii) known negative sera (n = 100) and (iii) field sera (n = 1184). Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis and frequency distribution of the percentage of inhibition, 30% inhibition was considered the cut-off for positive and negative results. The sensitivity and specificity estimate on comparison with the commercial indirect ELISA was 94.87 and 92.12% respectively. The competitive ELISA described is a simple method for the routine screening of animal sera for detecting Brucella-specific antibodies.     

APE1 Asp148Glu gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Many studies have examined the association between the APE1 T1349G (Asp148Glu) gene polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in various populations, but their results have been inconsistent. To assess this relationship more precisely, a meta-analysis was performed. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI database was searched for case–control studies published up to June 2010. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Ultimately, ten studies, comprising 2,696 lung cancer cases and 3,948 controls were included. Overall, for the G allele carriers (TG + GG) versus homozygote TT, the pooled OR was 1.037 (95% CI = 0.928–1.159 P = 0.001 for heterogeneity), for GG versus TT the pooled OR was 0.997 (95% CI = 0.861–1.154 P = 0.005 for heterogeneity). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significantly risks were not found among Asians or Caucasians. However, in the subgroup analyses by smoking status, significantly risks were found among smokers not in non-smokers. This meta-analysis suggested that the APE1 T1349G (Asp148Glu) polymorphism was not associated with lung cancer risk among Asians or Caucasians. But, the APE1 G allele was an increased risk factor for developing lung cancer among smokers.