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OBJECTIVE: miRNA-21 (miRNA-21) has recently been recognized to tumor suppressive in various types of cancers. However, the role of miRNA-21 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is still ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the regulation by miRNA-21 on the sensitivity of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) cells to Imatinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the expression of miRNA-21 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in GIST specimens by the realtime quantitative PCR assay (RT-qPCR). Then we explored the regulation by miRNA-21 on the Bcl-2 expression by the RT-qPCR assay, Western blotting assay and the luciferase assay in GIST-T1 cells. In addition, we examined the influence of miRNA-21 on the sensitivity to Imatinib of GIST-T1 cells with colony forming assay and apoptotic assay. RESULTS: Results indicated that miRNA-21 expression was suppressed in GIST tissues. And we identified putative miRNA-21 binding sites within the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the human Bcl-2 gene. Transient transfection of miRNA-21 mimics into human GIST GIST-T1 cell line significantly downregulated the Bcl-2 expression in both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the miRNA-21 mimics transfection markedly aggravated the Imatinib-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in GIST-T1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that miRNA-21 suppressed Bcl-2 expression in GIST cells and could function as a potent tumor suppressor in GIST. And the miRNA-21 promotion could sensitize GIST cells to Imatinib. It implies a potential role in the GIST treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total of 240 one-day-old Ross commercial broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments with different supplementation of Citrus depressa 0% (control), 0.2% and 0.4% group, respectively. Each treatment had three pens and each pen raised 20 chicks. Feed and water were provided ad libitum during the experimental period till 35 days old, and the ammonia concentrations from chicken litter were measured 29, 31 and 35 days old. Results showed that no significant difference was found on the average daily gain (54, 53, 52 and 54 g/d), average daily feed intake (70, 71, 72 and 70 g/d), feed efficiency (0.76, 0.74, 0.72 and 0.77) (P > 0.05). The ammonia concentrations of 0.2% group were reduced about 5% ~ 19% than other groups. In conclusion, the broiler fed with 0.2% Citrus depressa diet can reduce ammonia concentrations from chicken litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hand-held infrared thermal imaging sensor was used to measure the body temperature of deer. The measurement farm was located in Yunlin County. The eyes of 6 male deer and 3 female deer were measured. The distance between the surroundings and the infrared thermal imaging sensor is about 150 cm. There are 36 points measured. The average value is 38.54 ± 0.68°C. In addition, considering that the average length of the deer stall is about 300 cm, the temperature around the eyes of the doe's eyes is measured at a distance of about 300 cm for 3 deer from the infrared thermal imaging sensor. Total of 5 points are measured, and the average is 37.92 ± 1.40°C. The average rectal temperature of the doe was 38.1°C and the difference was 0.18°C. The temperature around the anus of 4 female deer was measured at 4 points. The average value was 37.85 ± 1.40°C, which was 0.25°C different from the average rectal temperature of 38.1°C. The results showed that the temperature around the eyes and the temperature around the anus are closer to the actual deer's anal temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to examine the effect of the seasonal changes in testosterone levels, scrotal circumference and semen traits in Formosan sika deer. Five sexually matured males were used for sample collection. Results showed that the testosterone levels of the serum in the Formosan Sika deer were higher from September to December (8.1 ± 8.0 ng/mL) than from January to August (1.9 ± 2.8 ng/mL). The scrotal circumference from September to December was also significantly higher than January to August (20.4 ± 1.0 vs. 16.5 ± 2.0 cm, P < 0.05). The semen volume, sperm motility score, sperm concentration, sperm viability and abnormal morphology of stag semen were 0.3 ± 0.2 mL, 4.0 ± 1.2, 17.6 ± 7.5 x 108 sperms/mL, 74.9 ± 20.3% and 12.9 ± 5.6%, respectively. In conclusion, Formosan sika deer testosterone levels and scrotal circumference were consistent with seasonal changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to evaluate feeding domestic forage in substitute for imported forage on antler growth period in Formosan sambar deer. Fourteen deer were used in the trial and divided into two groups according to the yield of antler, age of deer and the BCS. Imported Bermuda hay, alfalfa cube and concentrate A were used in the control group, and the experimental group was fed with domestic Pangola grass, com silage and concentrate B. The result showed that there was no significant difference in the yield of antler and chy matter intake between two groups and feeding cost were similar. However, due to the small scale of the trial, the cost of domestic forage is slightly higher than the market price; whereas the feeding management is applied in the larger scale commercial farm, the cost could be cut down more. In conclusion, the application of domestic forage on Formosan sam bar deer during the velvet antler growth period can potentially replace the imported forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 320 one-day-old Arbor Acres commercial broilers were assigned to four treatments with different ratios of Napiergrass, those ruTangements were supplementation of Napiergrass respectively 0% (control, A group), 1.5% (B group), 3.0% (C group) and 4.5% (D group). Feed and water were provided ad libitum during the experimental period from 1 to 35 days of age. The results showed that no significant difference was found on the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed efficiency (FE) of broilers at 7 days of age. The D group had significantly lower ADG (39.64 g) and FE (0.55) than other groups (ADG of A, B, C respectively 43.70 g, 44.09 g, 42.95 g) (FE respectively 0.62, 0.60, 0.61) (P < 0.05) at 21 days of age. The A group (16.25%) had significant higher mmtality rate than other groups (B, C, D respectively 0%, 3.75%, 7.50%) (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Formosan sambar (Rusa unicolor swinhoei) is mainly for antler velvet production in Taiwan. Although only bucks produce antler velvet, the reproductive performance of hind is the key issue in farming efficiency. This study aimed to determine the reproductive characteristics of Formosan sam bar hinds in Taiwan. A total of 246 fawning records druing 2007 and 2019 from 43 farmed hinds at deer farm in southern Taiwan were collected. The earliest age at first fawn born alive was 23-month-old with 34.6 months of age in average with 57.5% male born alive. Fawning interval increased as parity increased. The most fettility hind produced 15 patities with 18 years oflife span. There was 0.96 ± 0.45 fawns born alive per hind annually since 18-month-age, which implied hind within herd was capable of producing almost one born alive fawn annually after reaching puberty. Furthetmore, 9,164 g antler velvet produced per male offspring of hind when productivity of male offspring was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deer Farmers Association R.O.C. encourages deer farmers to cultivate excellent deer species, enhance quality, and increase profits. The antler weight competition has been carried out for 14 years. Deer individuals are not allowed to breed from different deer breeds. The competition was limited to the on-site assessment; judges should present and photographed on the spot. Use the electronic scales that have been calibrated in the current year of the competition to be qualified or labelled on the spot. The weight of the antler's table obtained by weighing the electronic scale should also be photographed. The award-winning deer has only 551 heads and is raised in 14 counties and cities. The antler weight ranges from 145.6 to 485.3 tael units and its average is 229.7 ± 47.8 tael (8.61 ± 1.79 kg). The top 20 velvet weight averages were 248.2 and 317.4 tael in 2012 and 2019 respectively. The annual improvement of Taiwan's Samber antler weight was about 7.7 ( (317.4- 248.2 = 69.2) /7) tael. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to evaluate the effect of replacing imported Bermuda hay with domestic grass-legume mixture forage on the velvet antler production period of Formosan sambar deer. Ten male Formosan sambar deer were randomly divided into two groups according to the yield of velvet antler, age, and body condition score. Deer were fed with grass-legume mixture hay or Bermuda hay ad libitum, respectively. The concentrate was offered equally to forage dry matter intake. Velvet antler was weighed while harvesting. The results showed that the dry matter intake of the grass-legume mixture hay group wad significantly higher (Pᐸ0.05) than thet of the Bermuda hay group. Although there was no signicantl difference in the yield of velvet antler and body condition score, a trend of higher performance was found in the grass-legume mixture hay group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fertility of sperm is related to its structures such as the integrity of sperm membrane, acrosomal membrane, mitochondrial membrane, chromatin and the calcium reservation inside the cytoplasm. Flow cytometer can be used to determine cell structure and the composition of cytoplasm and could be a very useful equipment to determine the semen quality. The purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation system of sperm quality for establishing the database of selection standards for Formosan sambar deer. The semen of each stag was collected and stored at 4ºC and diluted to 0.5 Ø 106 /mL. After mixing with specific dyes, the semen was incubated at 37ºC for couple minutes before analyzing. The results showed that the sperm characteristics of stags: sperm membrane integrity (71.7 ± 15.3%), intact acrosome (59.7 ± 14.3%), depolarized mitochondria (5.2 ± 4.8%), calcium mean level (147.7 ± 16.2), high calcium level sperm (4.0 ± 8.8%), intact chromatin structure (94.9 ± 7.2%), oxidation degree (2.9 ± 2.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primers for eight microsatellites were developed; they successfully amplified DNA from 20 domesticated Formosan Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei). All loci were polymorphic, with 10-19 alleles per locus. The average observed heterozygosity across loci and samples was 0.310, ranging from 0 to 0.750 at each locus. All loci but one, CU18, deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to excessive homozygosity in these domesticated broodstocks, reflecting inbreeding. These microsatellite loci will be useful, not only for assessment of population structure and genetic variability, but also for conservation of wild deer populations in Taiwan.