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The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of bovine Piroplasms infections in the Ras n area of North Korea. The survey was carried out by light microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears, PCR, and phylogenetic evolution analysis of 128 blood samples collected from the Ras n area. The results showed that the infection rates of the small and large parasites were about 2.5 and 1.5% on average, respectively, in all Theileria sergenti and Babesia ovata positive blood smears by microscopic examination of blood smears. The detection rate of T. sergenti Giemsa-stained smears was 43.75%, while that with PCR was 67.97%. The detection rate of B. ovata Giemsa-stained smears was 49.21%, while that with PCR was 71.88%. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of DNA showed 98.84% homology between the 18S rRNA gene sequences of T. sergenti isolates from North Korean and that of Yanbian state from China, indicating the closest genetic relationship between both of them. Moreover, 100% homology was shown between the 18S rRNA gene sequence of B. ovata isolates from North Korea and the published sequence AY081192 of GenBank, indicating the closest genetic relationship between both of them. This survey confirmed that Ras n is the endemic area of T. sergenti and B. ovata in North Korea.

A study presents a new, practical hydroperfluoroalkylation technique of alkenes and alkynes with perfluroalkyl chlorides in the presence of sodium dithionite. Furthermore, perfluoroalkanesulfinates and sulfonyl chlorides can be prepared directly from available perfluoroalkyl chlorides. The solvent dimethyl sulfoxide plays a unique role in these reactions. Experimental methodology, findings and conclusions are discussed.

At present, the relationship between miRNAs and GH has been reported. However, the effect of miR-1468 on growth hormone (GH) is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of miR-1468 on GH in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle in this study. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blot, Targetscan and RNAhybrid analysis software and Dual-Luciferase reporter gene system was used to analyze the regulation mechanism between miR-1468 and GH. The results showed that the GH mRNA and protein level in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle could be significantly decreased by adding miR-1468 mimics (P<0.01), while these were significantly increased by adding miR-1468 inhibitor (P<0.05). The results of bioinformatics analysis and double luciferase reporter gene system validation showed that miR-1468 targeted 3'UTR of cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1). miR-1468 mimics could significantly inhibit the CREB1 mRNA and protein level (P<0.01), whereas miR-1468 inhibitor could significantly increase the CREB1 mRNA and protein level (P<0.01). This study demonstrated that miR-1468 could regulate GH in pituitary cells by regulating the expression of CREB1 gene. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of growth and development of animals regulated by miRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neospora caninum is the etiologic agent of bovine neosporosis, which affects the reproductive performance of cattle worldwide. The transmembrane protein, NcSRS2, and dense-granule protein, NcGRA7, were identified as protective antigens based on their ability to induce significant protective immune responses in murine neosporosis models. In the current study, NcSRS2 and NcGRA7 genes were spliced by overlap-extension PCR in a recombinant adenovirus termed Ad5-NcSRS2-NcGRA 7, expressing the NcSRS2-NcGRA7 gene, and the efficacy was evaluated in mice. The results showed that the titer of the recombinant adenovirus was 109TCID50/ml. Three weeks post-boost immunization (w.p.b.i.), the IgG antibody titer in sera was as high as 1:4,096. IFN-y and IL-4 levels were significantly different from the control group (P< 0.01). This research established a solid foundation for the development of a recombinant adenovirus vaccine against bovine N. caninum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phanerozoic orogenic gold mineralization at craton margins is related to the metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle by crustal material. Slab subduction transfers Au from the crust to the metasomatized mantle and oxidizes the latter to facilitate the mobilization of Au into mantle melts. The role of volatiles in the mobilization of Au in the mantle is unclear because of the absence of direct geochemical evidence relating the mantle source of Au to Au mineralization in the overlying crust. This study uses lithium isotopes from a large suite of lamprophyres to characterize the mantle beneath the eastern North China Craton, which hosts giant Mesozoic gold deposits. Our results indicate a strong genetic link between carbonate metasomatism in the mantle and Au mineralization in the overlying crust. Although pre-enrichment of Au in the mantle is critical for forming giant Au provinces, the oxidation of the lithospheric mantle controls the mobilization of Au.

Novel Gram-positive (Gram+) antibacterial compounds consisting of a DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC) inhibitor covalently connected to a topoisomerase/gyrase inhibitor are described. Specifically, 3-substituted 6-(3-ethyl-4-methylanilino)uracils (EMAUs) in which the 3-substituent is a fluoroquinolone moiety (FQ) connected by various linkers were synthesized. The resulting "AU-FQ" hybrid compounds were significantly more potent than the parent EMAU compounds as inhibitors of pol IIIC and were up to 64-fold more potent as antibacterials in vitro against Gram+ bacteria. The hybrids inhibited the FQ targets, topoisomerase IV and gyrase, with potencies similar to norfloxacin but 10-fold lower than newer agents, for example, ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin. Representative hybrids protected mice from lethal Staphylococcus aureus infection after intravenous dosing, and one compound showed protective effect against several antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant Gram+ infections in mice. The AU-FQ hybrids are a promising new family of antibacterials for treatment of antibiotic-resistant Gram+ infections.