The effect of TLR9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotides on the intestinal immune response of cobia (Rachycentron canadum).

Cytosine-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN) motifs of bacterial DNA are recognized through toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and are potent activators of innate immunity. However, the interaction between TLR9 and CpG ODN in aquatic species has not been well characterized. Hence, cobia TLR9 isoform B (RCTLR9B) was cloned and its expression and induction in intestine were investigated.

Alkylphenol polyethoxylate derivatives in groundwater and blood samples collected from pig herds in Taiwan.

Alkylphenol polyethoxylate (APEO) derivatives, such as nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO), nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO), nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP), have been detected in the surface water, sediment, food and groundwater of numerous countries. Because groundwater is the main source of water for pig herds, the aim of this study was to measure the concentrations of APEO derivatives in groundwater and blood samples that were collected from pig herds raised near the Wuluo River in Southern Taiwan. The mean concentrations of NP, OP, NP1EO and NP2EO in the groundwater supply for 10 pig herds were 0.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid detection of pigeon circovirus.

There are no effective antiviral treatments for pigeon circovirus (PiCV); thus, rapid diagnosis is critical for effective control of the disease caused by this virus. The recent development of a novel LAMP technique that amplifies nucleic acids rapidly with high specificity and sensitivity under isothermal conditions has overcome some of the deficiencies of nucleic-acid-based diagnostic tests. We established a LAMP method for rapid detection of PiCV using two pairs of primers that were designed from PiCV and compared its sensitivity and specificity with that of PCR.

Imprinted genes and satellite loci are differentially methylated in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer clones.

In mammals, genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming systems exist in primordial germ cells and zygotes. These reprogramming systems play crucial roles in regulating genome functions during critical stages of embryonic development, and they confer the stability of gene expression during mammalian development. The frequent unexpected loss of progeny from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an ongoing problem.

Genotypic change and phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 2 in Taiwanese pig herds.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome. Two major PCV2 genotypes, PCV2a and PCV2b, have been identified. To explore the prevalence of different subgroups of PCV2 in Taiwan, 37 PCV2 isolates collected during 2002-2011 were analyzed.

Shedding pattern and serological profile of porcine circovirus type 2 infection in cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived and farm-raised pigs.

Six 5-week-old porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-free, cesarean-derived, colostrums-deprived (CDCD) pigs were inoculated intranasally with 10(6) TCID(50) of PCV2. Four CDCD pigs were untreated cohabitants. Forty farm-raised pigs from two PCV2-contaminated herds were randomly selected for PCV2 trace investigations.

Serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility, and minimal inhibitory concentrations of Actionbacillus pleuropneumoniae isolated from slaughter pigs in Taiwan (2002-2007).

In total, 211 isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae were collected from pigs with hemorrhagic pneumonia at slaughterhouses during 2002-2007. Serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for each isolate of A.

Pathological and molecular studies on mycobacteriosis of milkfish Chanos chanos in Taiwan.

investigated in milkfish Chanos chanos, which had a cumulative mortality of up to 66.7% over the course of 1 yr. Gross reddish- or greyish-white nodules appeared on the peritoneal surface, spleen, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.