Search

Objective: Transgenic hens hold a great promise to produce various valuable proteins. Through virus transduction into stage X embryo, the transgene expression under the control of constructed chicken ovalbumin promoters has been successfully achieved. However, a validation system that can evaluate differently developed ovalbumin promoters in in vitro, remains to be developed. Methods: In the present study, chicken oviduct epithelial cells (cOECs) were isolated from oviduct tissue and shortly cultured with keratinocyte complete medium supplemented with chicken serum. The isolated cells were characterized with immunofluorescence, western blot, and flow cytometry using oviduct-specific marker. Chicken mutated ovalbumin promoter (Mut-4.4-kb-pOV) was validated in these cells using luciferase reporter analysis. Results: The isolated cOECs revealed that the oviduct-specific marker, ovalbumin protein, was clearly detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and flow cytometry analysis revealed that approximately 79.40% of the cells contained this protein. Also, luciferase reporter analysis showed that the constructed Mut-4.4-kb-pOV exhibited 7.1-fold (p<0.001) higher activity in the cOECs. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrate the efficient isolation and characterization of cOECs and validate the activity of the constructed ovalbumin promoter in the cultured cOECs. The in vitro validation of the recombinant promoter activity in cOECs can facilitate the production of efficient transgenic chickens for potential use as bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms that are administered in an appropriate amount to provide health benefits to the host animal. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. salivarius DJ-sa-01 secreting the 3D8 single-chain variable fragment (3D8 scFv) on the growth performance, cytokine secretion, and intestinal microbial flora of chickens. The experiment was divided into the control group and L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv experimental group. Chicken was fed 109 colonyforming units (CFUs) of wild-type (WT) L. salivarius or 3D8 scFv-secreting L. salivarius daily for 35 days. The administration of L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv significantly improved the body weight of chickens compared with the administration of WT L. salivarius. A 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic analysis showed that Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in both experimental groups. At the genus level, Lactobacillus was more abundant (22.82%) in the L. salivarius/3D8 group compared with the WT L. salivarius group. The serum levels of cytokines, such as IL-8, TNF-a, IL-1ß, IFN-?, IL-4, and IGF1, were significantly reduced in the L. salivarius/3D8-treated chickens. In summary, our results suggest that L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv could be considered a feed additive for improving the growth performance, immune function, and disease resistance of poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very difficult to get the information about semen quality analysis in transgenic pigs because of limited numbers and research facilities. Therefore, in the present study, we analyzed the semen quality of transgenic boars generated for xenotransplantation research. Briefly, the semen samples were collected from 5 homozygous α1,3-Galactosyltransferase knock-out (GalT-/-) transgenic boars and immediately transported to the laboratory. These semen samples were decupled with DPBS and conducted to analyze semen parameters by a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. The boar semen were examined all 12 parameters such as total motility (TM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), and hyperactivated (HYP), etc. In results, among the 5 GalT-/- boars, three boars (#134, 144, and 170) showed normal range of semen parameters, but #199 and 171 boars showed abnormal ranges of semen parameters according to standard ranges of semen parameters. Unfortunately, #171 boar showed azoospermia symptom with rare sperm counts in the original semen. Conclusively, assessment of semen parameters by CASA system is useful to pre-screening of reproductively healthy boar prior to natural mating and artificial insemination for multiplication and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although piglets have been delivered by embryo transfer (ET) with in vitro produced (IVP) embryos and blastocysts, a success rate has still remained lower level. Unlike mouse, human, and bovine, it is difficult to a production of piglets by in vitro fertilization (IVF) because of an inappropriate in vitro culture (IVC) system in pig. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate whether minimized exposure time in IVC can improve the pregnancy and delivery rates of piglets. Immediately after IVM, the oocytes were denuded and co-incubated with freshly ejaculated boar semen for 3.5 to 4 hours at 38.5 ˚C under 5% CO2 in air. To avoid long-term exposure to in vitro state, we emitted IVC step after IVF. After that the presumptive zygotes were transferred into both oviducts of the surrogate on the same day or 1 day after the onset of estrus. Pregnancy was diagnosed on day 28 after ET and then was checked regularly every month by ultrasound examination. The 3 out of 4 surrogates were determined as pregnant (75%) and a total of 5 piglets (2 females and 3 males) were delivered at 118.3 ± 2.5 days of pregnancy period. In conclusion, a short-term exposure time may be an important factor in the production of IVP-derived piglets. It can be apply to the in vitro production system of transgenic pig by IVF, cloning, and pronuclear microinjection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical antipsychotics have replaced conventional antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia because they have less of a propensity to cause undesirable neurologic adverse events including extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and neurolep- tic malignant syndrome (NMS). However, atypical antipsychotics have been known to result in various metabolic complications such as impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes and even diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In addition, a number of NMS cases have been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, although the absolute incidence of neurologic side effects is currently sig- nificantly low. Here, we report a patient who simultaneously developed DKA, acute renal failure and NMS with rhabdomyolysis after olanzapine treatment. Olanzapine-induced metabolic complications and NMS were dramatically improved with cessation of the olanzapine treatment and initiation of supportive management including fluid therapy, hemodialysis, and intensive glycemic control using insulin. At short-term follow-up, insulin secretion was markedly recovered as evidenced by a restoration of serum C-peptide level, and the patient no longer required any hypoglycemic medications. Despite the dramatic increase in the use of atypical antipsychotics treatment, individualized treatments along with careful monitoring may be prudent for high risk or vulner- able patients in order to avoid the development of metabolic side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite-in-diamond (GiD) nanoparticles in which the secondary-electron-emission coefficient was larger than the MgO protective film were introduced to enhance the electrical and optical characteristics in alternating-current plasma displays. The GiD nanoparticles suspended stably in ethanol solvent were sprayed uniformly on an MgO film. Based on the results of field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis after continuous operation for approximately 300 h, the morphology of the GiD nanoparticles as well as the carbon element in the particles was preserved nicely, and their characteristics could ensure long lifetime without degradation in plasma environment. It is noted that the average firing voltages of the GiD panels are 135 and 80 V lower than those of the conventional one for gas mixtures of Ne + He (50%) + Xe (15%) and Ne + He (50%) + Xe (30%), respectively. It was revealed that the optimum coverage ratio of the GiD nanoparticles sprayed on the MgO film was 6%. The luminous efficiency of the GiD panel was improved up to ∼40% for relatively higher xenon contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemetrexed is a recognized active agent for the second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical benefits of pemetrexed and to identify patient characteristics that predict response to pemetrexed. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with histologically proven stage IIIB or IV NSCLC who were treated with pemetrexed after the failure of prior chemotherapy. The objective response rate for the 99 enrolled patients was 13.1% and 22 patients achieved stable disease (SD)—a disease control rate of 35.4%. Progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.32–2.28) and 7.6 months (95% CI, 6.23–8.97), respectively. The patients who achieved SD and pemetrexed-responders showed similar OSs (14.6 vs. 14.8 months, P = 0.55). However, a squamous cell carcinoma histology showed no significant OS difference between those that achieved disease control or progression (8.1 vs. 5.6 months, P = 0.07). Subgroup analysis of OS revealed that histology and response to first-line therapy predicted response to pemetrexed. Pemetrexed has comparable survival benefits in NSCLC patients that show objective response or stable disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of epidemiologic information on osteoporotic hip fractures hampers the development of preventive or curative measures against osteoporosis in South Korea. We conducted a population-based study to estimate the annual incidence of hip fractures. Also, we examined factors associated with post-fracture mortality among Korean elderly to evaluate the impact of osteoporosis on our society and to identify high-risk populations.Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database was used to identify the incidence of hip fractures, defined as patients having a claim record with a diagnosis of hip fracture and a hip fracture-related operation during 2003. The 6-month period prior to 2003 was set as a 'window period,' such that patients were defined as incident cases only if their first record of fracture was observed after the window period. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to investigate the relationship between survival time and baseline patient and provider characteristics available from the NHI data.Results: The age-standardized annual incidence rate of hip fractures requiring operation over 50 years of age was 146.38 per 100,000 women and 61.72 per 100,000 men, yielding a female to male ratio of 2.37. The 1-year mortality was 16.55%, which is 2.85 times higher than the mortality rate for the general population (5.8%) in this age group. The risk of post-fracture mortality at one year is significantly higher for males and for persons having lower socioeconomic status, living in places other than the capital city, not taking anti-osteoporosis pharmacologic therapy following fracture, or receiving fracture-associated operations from more advanced hospitals such as general or tertiary hospitals.Conclusion: This national epidemiological study will help raise awareness of osteoporotic hip fractures among the elderly population and hopefully motivate public health policy makers to develop effective national prevention strategies against osteoporosis to prevent hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports the rosacea being a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the central facial skin in a symmetrical pattern. Topics include granulomatous rosacea (GR) being the only variant of rosacea characterized by its unique histopathological findings; and exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), mast cell, and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) expression.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of 2,4-DNT, a representative explosive, was achieved by the synergic effect of molecular imprinting and host (cyclodextrin)–guest interaction in ultrathin layers of TiO2 and SiO2 gel; the detection limit using cSPI measurements reached nM concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted TiO2 nanofilms were prepared by spin coating, and the influence of template/matrix precursor ratio was examined. The imprinted films including 10 to 40 times matrix precursor. Ti(O-nBu)4, provided efficient and selective binding as compared to those of low matrix precursor ratios. The highest binding and selectivity were observed by a TiO2 film imprinted with 5 mM AzoCO2H and 100 mM Ti(O-nBu)4, with template selectivities of 1.6 and 2.1 against 2-AnCO2H-and 9-AnCO2H-imprinted films, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitro-aromatic compounds could be sensitively detected by employing cyclic voltammetric experiments in ultrathin TiO2 gel/cyclodextrin (CD) multilayered films that were prepared via the gas-phase surface sol-gel process. Among others, 2,4-DNT showed the highest voltammetric response for the γ-CD immobilized TiO2 film and its detection limit was estimated to be less than nM levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gas-phase surface sol-gel process was developed for facile preparation of ultrathin TiO2 gel/Cyt. c multilayered films. Positively charged Cyt. c protein was alternately assembled with TiO2 gel layer that was prepared by deposition of Ti(O-nBu)4 vapor and subsequent hydrolysis. The adsorbed Cyt. c molecule was covered with a 0.7-nm thick layer of TiO2 gel and the protein characteristics were preserved without denaturation in the multilayered film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]