Comparison of growth performance and rumen metabolic pathways in sheep and goats under the same feeding pattern.

Diet and species are important factors affecting the rumen microbiota, with roughage stimulating rumen development and concentrate feeds being broken down by the decomposition of Ruminal flora to provide the organism with a large amount of energy. This study aimed to explore the effects of host and dietary factors on rumen flora composition and diversity, as well as on host metabolism. The study reports the research conducted on 5-month-old male Small-tail Han sheep and 5-month-old male Boer goat, each with an average weight of 33.

Identification and functional study of GATA4 gene regulatory variants in atrial septal defects.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality from birth defects. In adult CHD patients with successful surgical repair, cardiac complications including heart failure develop at late stage, likely due to genetic causes. To date, many mutations in cardiac developmental genes have been associated with CHD.

Early and mid-term outcomes of total repair of tetralogy of Fallot through a right subaxillary thoracotomy.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility and early and mid-term outcomes of total repair of elective tetralogy of Fallot through a right subaxillary thoracotomy.

Methods: Between May 2010 and September 2015, a retrospective review of patients with elective tetralogy of Fallot undergoing primary repair through a right subaxillary thoracotomy was performed. This study included 47 patients [27 males, 20 females; the mean age of 1.

MiR-30a regulates the atrial fibrillation-induced myocardial fibrosis by targeting snail 1.

Objective: Our study aims at assessing the association between miR-30a along with its target gene snail 1 and atrial fibrillation (AF)-induced myocardial fibrosis.

Methods: Ang II was used to up-regulate cardiac fibroblasts fibrosis in vitro, and then the cardiac fibroblasts were divided into the mimics group (mimics miR-30a), inhibitors group (inhibitors miR-30a), NC group (transfected miR-30a, negative control) and blank control group (non-transfected cells). Two-group (sham operated group and rapid pacing group) AF rabbit models were constructed according to whether rapid pacing was presented in the subject.

Totally thoracoscopic surgical treatment for atrial septal defect: mid-term follow-up results in 45 consecutive patients.

Background: Totally thoracoscopic operation provides minimally invasive alternative for patients with atrial septal defect. In this study, we report the mid-term follow-up results of 45 patients with atrial septal defect who underwent totally thoracoscopic operation and discuss the feasibility and safety of this new technique.

Methods: From January 2010 to February 2012, 45 patients with atrial septal defect underwent totally thoracoscopic closure as an alternative to traditional median sternotomy surgery.