Plumping fluid added to storage medium increases twofold the functional life span of fowl spermatozoa in vitro at 4°C

1. The objective of this study was to examine whether addition of plumping fluid (PF) to Lake's solution (LS) for storage of fowl spermatozoa in vitro at 4°C can prolong survival and improve the quality of spermatozoa. 2. In experiment 1, aliquots of spermatozoa were stored in vitro in LS alone and LS containing 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% (v:v) PF for 0.5, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h at 4°C. After the end of each storage period, spermatozoa were evaluated for their viability, mobility and penetrability. Viability was determined using SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Mobility was assessed using an Accudenz assay. Penetrability was assessed using spermatozoa-inner perivitelline layer (IPL) interaction assay. 3. In experiment 2, aliquots of spermatozoa were stored in vitro in LS alone and LS containing 25% and 50% (v:v) PF for 0.5, 24, 48 and 72 h at 4°C, and then fertility of the spermatozoa was evaluated using intravaginal artificial insemination (AI) in hens. 4. Storage of spermatozoa in LS alone resulted in loss of viability, mobility, penetrability and fertility within 48 h. In contrast, no loss of viability and penetrability was observed for the spermatozoa stored for 48, 96, 72 and 48 h in LS containing 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% (v:v) PF, respectively. In particular, fertilising capacity was not lost for the spermatozoa stored in the presence of 25% or 50% PF in LS for 48 and 24 h, respectively. 5. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that in vitro exposure of fowl spermatozoa to PF during hypothermic storage in LS prolonged spermatozoa survival. A 25% (v:v) level of inclusion of PF in LS may be effective for the improvement of viability, penetrability and fertilising ability of the stored spermatozoa.

Relationship between abdominal fat content and avian uncoupling protein gene expression in skeletal muscle of Japanese quail Coturnix japonica

1. The genetic architecture of the avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) was investigated and the relationship between avUCP gene expression and the amount of abdominal fat of Japanese quail was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. 2. The Japanese quail avUCP gene consists of six exons and five introns. Sequences of nucleotides and amino acids were 94·6% and 86·0% identical to those of the chicken avUCP gene, and phylogenetic analysis showed that the Japanese quail avUCP gene consists of the same clusters as the chicken and turkey avUCP. 3. Expression of the avUCP gene was significantly higher in the Pectoralis major (1·28 ± 0·24) than in the Biceps femoris (0·63 ± 0·14). 4. A positive correlation coefficient between the avUCP gene expression in the Pectoralis major and Biceps femoris was observed (r = 0·79, P = 0·02), whereas a negative correlation coefficient was observed between the abdominal fat percentage (AFP) and gene expression in both the Pectoralis major (r = -0·82, P = 0·01) and Biceps femoris (r = -0·61, P = 0·11). 5. The avUCP gene was associated with the accumulation of abdominal fat in Japanese quail and it was concluded that modulation of avUCP gene expression could be utilised to control abdominal fat accumulation in poultry.

Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following electrical stimulation stress in patients with the generalized type of social anxiety disorder

INTRODUCTION

Social anxiety disorder is believed to be a stress-induced disease. Although it can be inferred from the symptoms during attacks that there exists some abnormality of autonomic nervous system in any of the stress systems in social anxiety disorder, little evidence has been reported. This study focused on comparing the reactivity of 2 stress systems, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with social anxiety disorder.

METHODS

32 patients with the generalized type of social anxiety disorder were compared with 80 age- and gender-matched controls. We collected saliva samples from patients and controls before and after electrical stimulation to measure the concentrations of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and salivary cortisol. Profile of Mood State (POMS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were also determined following stimulation.

RESULTS

SAA in patients displayed a significantly higher level at baseline and a significantly larger response to electrical stimulation as compared to controls, whereas no group differences were seen in any HRV. Neither within-subject nor group differences were seen in salivary cortisol levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that SAD patients displayed enhanced ANS (but not HPA axis) activity vs. healthy controls.

Acrosome reaction of fowl sperm: evidence for shedding of the acrosomal cap in intact form to release acrosomal enzyme

The aim of this study was to determine the site of enzyme release from the acrosome and the fate of the acrosomal cap during the process of acrosome reaction (AR) in fowl sperm. Gelatin substrate coverslips with halos were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to determine the site from which acrosomal proteolytic enzyme was released to form a halo around the acrosome of individual sperm. Aliquots of sperm treated with solubilized inner perivitelline layer (IPL) containing 5 mmol CaCl(2) were simultaneously subjected to fluorescent staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peanut agglutinin and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate AR of sperm and to examine the status of the acrosomal region, respectively. Inside the halos, a gelatin-free (proteolyzed gelatin) layer was found extending some distance around the acrosome of sperm. All of the sperm showing the formation of halos on gelatin had a single circular opening around their subacrosomal rod at the base of the acrosomal cap. Interaction of sperm with solubilized IPL in the presence of 5 mmol CaCl(2) resulted in 41.4 ± 1.8% of the sperm to undergo AR, as evaluated by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peanut agglutinin. Similarly, as observed using scanning electron microscopy, 38.2 ± 2.3% of the sperm treated with solubilized IPL plus 5 mmol CaCl(2) had exposed subacrosomal rod. In all sperm examined, no sign of disruption of the acrosomal membrane was found in the apical region of the acrosome. Rather, the acrosomal caps were found intact detached from the acrosomal region of the sperm, indicating that AR of fowl sperm resulted in the intact removal of the acrosomal cap. Based on these experimental observations, we suggest that the process of AR in fowl sperm is unique; the release of the acrosomal proteolytic enzyme may occur through a single circular opening formed at the base of the acrosomal cap and the acrosomal cap is detached in intact form from the posterior acrosomal region of the sperm.

Pediatric liver transplantation using reduced and hyper-reduced left lateral segment grafts: a 10-year single-center experience

Few studies have examined the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors associated with pediatric living living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using reduced and hyper-reduced left lateral segment grafts. We conducted a retrospective, single-center assessment of the outcomes of this procedure, as well as clinical factors that influenced graft and patient survival. Between September 2000 and December 2009, 49 patients (median age: 7 months, weight: 5.45 kg) underwent LDLT using reduced (partial left lateral segment; n = 5, monosegment; n = 26), or hyper-reduced (reduced monosegment grafts; n = 18) left lateral segment grafts. In all cases, the estimated graft-to-recipient body weight ratio of the left lateral segment was more than 4%, as assessed by preoperative computed tomography volumetry, and therefore further reduction was required. A hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in two patients (4.1%). Portal venous complications occurred in eight patients (16.3%). The overall patient survival rate at 1, 3 and 10 years after LDLT were 83.7%, 81.4% and 78.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that recipient age of less than 2 months and warm ischemic time of more than 40 min affected patient survival. Pediatric LDLT using reduced and hyper-reduced left lateral segment grafts appears to be a feasible option with acceptable graft survival and vascular complication rates.

The challenge of acute rejection in intestinal transplantation

Early diagnosis and treatment of acute cellular rejection (ACR) after intestinal transplantation (ITx) is challenging. We report the outcome of three patients: two presented mild ACR improved with steroids. One presented steroid-resistant severe rejection, improved after rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG), but unfortunately died for encephalitis caused by opportunistic infections.

Recommended screening and preventive practices for long-term survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation

Advances in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) technology and supportive care techniques have led to improvements in long-term survival after HCT. Emerging indications for transplantation, introduction of newer graft sources (eg, umbilical cord blood) and transplantation of older patients using less intense conditioning regimens have also contributed to an increase in the number of HCT survivors. These survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pre-, peri-, and posttransplant exposures and risk factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were published in 2006. An international group of transplantation experts was convened in 2011 to review contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practice of transplantation and international applicability of these guidelines. This review provides the updated recommendations for screening and preventive practices for pediatric and adult survivors of autologous and allogeneic HCT.

A lower starting dose of eltrombopag is efficacious in Japanese patients with previously treated chronic immune thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

Eltrombopag is an oral, non-peptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist that has shown efficacy and safety in chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, ethnic differences in eltrombopag exposure have been reported: area under the curve exposure to eltrombopag was 87% greater among ITP patients of East Asian descent than among ITP patients of non-East Asian ITP descent.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag by using, in Japanese ITP patients, lower starting (12.5 mg) and maximum (50 mg) doses of eltrombopag than the standard starting (50 mg) and maximum (75 mg) doses approved in the USA and Europe.

PATIENTS

We examined 23 Japanese patients with previously treated chronic ITP with a platelet count of < 30,000 μL(-1) in a multicenter study comprising a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase for 6-week evaluation (15 eltrombopag, and eight placebo) and an open-label phase for 6-month evaluation (23 eltrombopag).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The response rate (platelet count of ≥ 50,000 μL(-1) ) at week 6 of the 6-week double-blind phase was 60% in eltrombopag-treated patients and 0% in placebo-treated patients. Ten of 23 patients (43.5%) responded for ≥ 75% of predefined assessment visits during the 6-month open-label phase. Notably, 22% (5/23) of patients responded to 12.5 mg of eltrombopag, which was administered within the first 3 weeks of eltrombopag treatment. Bleeding decreased with eltrombopag treatment as compared with baseline. Eltrombopag was generally well tolerated; one patient experienced a transient ischemic attack on day 9. Eltrombopag (12.5-50 mg) is effective for the management of Japanese patients with chronic ITP (NCT00540423).

Virtual Active Touch: Perception of Virtual Gratings Wavelength through Pointing-Stick Interface

Tactile feedback enhances the usability and enjoyment of human-computer interfaces. Many feedback techniques have been devised to present tactile stimuli corresponding to a user's hand movements taking account of the concept of active touch. However, hand movements may not necessarily be required for achieving natural tactile feedback. Here, we propose a virtual-active-touch method that achieves haptic perception without actual/direct hand movements. In this method, a cursor manipulated by a force-input device is regarded as a virtual finger of the operator on the screen. Tactile feedback is provided to the operator in accordance with cursor movements. To validate the translation of virtual roughness gratings, we compare the virtual-active-touch interface with an interface that involves actual hand movements. By using the appropriate force-to-velocity gain for the pointing-stick interface, we show that the virtual-active-touch method presents the surface wavelengths of the gratings, which is a fundamental property for texture roughness, and that the gain significantly influences the textures experienced by the operators. Furthermore, we find that the perceived wavelengths of objects scaled and viewed on a small screen are skewed. We conclude that although some unique problems remain to be solved, we may be able to perceive the surface wavelengths solely with the intentions of active touch through virtual-active-touch interfaces.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Indonesian native chickens based on single nucleotide polymorphism markers

Indonesian native chickens are considered an important genetic resource, particularly with respect to their excellent traits for meat and egg production. However, few molecular genetic studies of these native chickens have been conducted. We analyzed the genetic diversity and differentiation of 4 populations of Indonesian native chickens: Black Kedu (BK), Kedu (KD), Kampung (LOC), and Arab (AR). Blood samples from 188 individuals were collected in central and western Java. Genomic DNA was genotyped using 98 autosomal SNP markers, of which 87 were found to be polymorphic. The proportion of polymorphic loci and the average heterozygosity of each population were in the range of 0.765 to 0.878 and 0.224 to 0.263, respectively. The 4 populations of Indonesian chickens appeared to be derived from 3 genetic populations (K = 3): maximum likelihood clustering showed that the BK variety and AR breed were each assigned to a distinct cluster, whereas the LOC ecotype and KD variety were admixed populations with similar proportions of membership. Principal components analysis revealed that eigenvector 1 separated BK and AR from the other 2 populations. Neighbor-joining trees constructed from pairwise distance matrix (F(ST)) estimates, for individuals and between populations, corroborated that the LOC ecotype and KD variety were related closely, whereas the BK variety and AR breed diverged at greater distances. These results also confirmed the usefulness of SNP markers for the study of genetic diversity.

Field and lab trials of PCE-based OSNR-aware dynamic restoration in multi-domain GMPLS-enabled translucent WSON

Dynamic lightpath restoration is a key issue in wavelength switched optical networks (WSON). On the other hand, the introduction of the path computation element (PCE) and the generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) architectures into WSON as control plane technologies is expected to bring more intelligence and to enable the dynamic computation and control of end-to-end lightpaths in a cost-efficient manner. In this paper, for the first time and through a lab trial with four domains and a field trial located in Japan and Spain, we experimentally present PCE-based optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR)-aware dynamic restoration in multi-domain GMPLS-enabled translucent WSON, assessing the overall feasibility of the proposed techniques and quantitatively evaluating the service disruption time and path computation latency during end-to-end lightpath restoration.

Effect of annealing on magnetic properties of Ni80Fe20 permalloy nanoparticles prepared by polyol method

Ni80Fe20 permalloy nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and homogeneous composition have been prepared by the polyol processing at 180 degrees C for 2 h and their particle sizes can be tunable in the size range of 20-440 nm by proper addition of K2PtCI4 agent. X-ray diffraction results show that the NiFe nanoparticles are of face centered cubic structure. The addition of K2PtCl4 does not affect the composition of NiFe NPs but decreases the particle size remarkably. Both saturation magnetization and coercivity of the as-prepared NiFe nanoparticles decrease with decreasing particle size. Annealed at 280 degrees C, however, the saturation magnetization of various sized NiFe nanoparticles increases drastically and approaches to the bulk for the -440 nm NiFe particles, and a maximum coercivity (-270 Oe) happens at a critical size of -50 nm. The magnetic property dependency of these NiFe nanoparticles on annealing has been discussed by considering the surface chemistry.