Superovulation of Holstein heifers by a single subcutaneous injection of FSH dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone

This study was undertaken to determine whether a single injection of porcine FSH (pFSH) would induce a superovulatory response in cattle. Holstein heifers were given a single injection of pFSH (30 mg, s.c.) dissolved in saline (Group 1, n = 5); 50% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; Group 2, n = 5); or 25% PVP (Group 3, n = 4). Group-4 heifers (n = 5) were given multiple intramuscular injections of pFSH every 12 h for 3 d at decreasing doses, for a total of 30 mg. All animals received a single injection of 750 microg PGF2 alpha 48 h after the initiation of pFSH treatment. Animals exhibiting estrus were artificially inseminated twice throughout estrus. Ova and embryos were recovered nonsurgically. Ovaries were examined by transrectal ultrasonography or by palpation per rectum on Day 7 or 8 of estrus. Plasma concentrations of pFSH, bovine FSH progesterone, estradiol-17 beta and inhibin were determined by specific radioimmunoassays. The number of corpora lutea (CL) and the numbers of total and transferable embryos which were detected and recovered in Groups 2 and 3 were equivalent to the numbers detected and recovered in Group 4. In Group 1, however, only 1 of 5 animals ovulated even a single oocyte. The present study demonstrated that only a single injection of pFSH dissolved in PVP was capable of inducing a superovulatory response by maintaining a high plasma FSH concentration to allow for the recovery of a sufficient number of embryos for transplantation.

Coaxial-slot antenna for interstitial microwave thermal therapy and its application to clinical trial

The authors have been studying thin coaxial-slot antennas for interstitial microwave thermal therapy. In this paper, firstly, the structure of the coaxial-slot antenna is briefly reviewed. Secondly, the procedure for temperature calculation around the antennas and the calculation model based on the CT images of the patient are described. Thirdly, the blood flow rate of the tissue concerned during the treatment is estimated from the temperature transition during the treatment. Finally, the temperature distribution in and around the tumor is calculated based on the estimated blood flow rate and some conditions for the actual treatment.

Influence on human sleep patterns of lowering and delaying the minimum core body temperature by slow changes in the thermal environment

STUDY OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that appropriate changes in thermal environment would enhance the quality of sleep.

DESIGN/SETTING

Controlled laboratory study.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthy young men (n = 7, mean age 26 years).

INTERVENTIONS

Nocturnal sleep structures in semi-nude subjects were compared between a condition where an ambient temperature (Ta) of 29.5 degree C was maintained throughout the night (constant Ta), and a second condition (dynamic Ta) where Ta changed slowly within the thermoneutral range (from 27.5 C to 29.5 degree C).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Statistically significant (P < 0.05) results included a lower and a later occurrence of minimum core body temperature (Tc), and a longer duration of slow-wave (stages 3+4) sleep in dynamic versus constant T. However, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, the total durations of light (stages 1+2) and rapid eye movement sleep, and the latencies to sleep onset, slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep did not differ between conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Lowering the minimum and delaying the nadir of nocturnal Tc increases slow-wave sleep (probably by an increase of dry heat loss); use of this tactic might improve the overall quality of sleep.

In-crystal and surface charge transport of electric-field-induced carriers in organic single-crystal semiconductors

Gate-voltage dependence of carrier mobility is measured in high-performance field-effect transistors of rubrene single crystals by simultaneous detection of the longitudinal conductivity sigma(square) and Hall coefficient R(H). The Hall mobility mu(H) (identical with sigma(square)R(H)) reaches nearly 10 cm(2)/V s when relatively low-density carriers (<10(11) cm(-2)) distribute into the crystal. mu(H) rapidly decreases with higher-density carriers as they are essentially confined to the surface and are subjected to randomness of the amorphous gate insulators. The mechanism to realize high carrier mobility in the organic transistor devices involves intrinsic-semiconductor character of the high-purity organic crystals and diffusive bandlike carrier transport in the bulk.

Lack of Bcl11b tumor suppressor results in vulnerability to DNA replication stress and damages

Bcl11b/Rit1 is involved in T-cell development and undergoes chromosomal rearrangements in human T-cell leukemias. Thymocytes of Bcl11b(-/-) newborn mice exhibit apoptosis at a certain developmental stage when thymocytes re-enter into the cell-cycle. Here, we show that Bcl11b-knockdown T-cell lines, when exposed to growth stimuli, exhibited apoptosis at the S phase with concomitant decreases in a cell-cycle inhibitor, p27 and an antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-xL, owing to transcriptional repression. This repression was a likely consequence of the impairment of Sirt1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase associating with Bcl11b. Activation of the apoptotic process cleaved the mediator protein, Claspin, and inhibited phosphorylation of cell-cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) that plays a central role in sensing and responding to incomplete replication. Bcl11b(-/-) thymocytes also failed to phosphorylate Chk1 when UV irradiated. These results implicate Bcl11b in the remedy for DNA replication stress and maintenance of genomic integrity.

Relationship of bone health to yearlong physical activity in older Japanese adults: cross-sectional data from the Nakanojo Study

INTRODUCTION

We determined associations between bone health and the quantity and quality of habitual physical activity in a cohort of 172 free-living Japanese aged 65-83 years (76 men, 96 women).

METHODS

The number of steps taken and the intensity of physical activity were measured every 4 s throughout each 24-h period for 1 year, using a specially adapted accelerometer that distinguished up to 11 levels of physical activity (expressed in metabolic equivalents, METs). At the end of the year, a quantitative ultrasonic technique assessed each participant's osteosonic index (OSI, reflecting bone stiffness in the calcaneus).

RESULTS

The data were significantly described by linear and exponential regression models which showed that in both sexes the OSI score increased with increasing daily physical activity, up to the observed maximum values of approximately 14,000 steps/day and 50 min/day at an intensity >3 METs. However, when data were categorized into quartiles of physical activity, OSI scores were not significantly greater in persons exceeding recommended minimum standards of habitual physical activity (corresponding to counts of around 6,900 and 6,800 steps/day and durations >3 METs of around 18 and 16 min/day in men and women, respectively). All who met such criteria (with the exception of a few women) had OSI scores above the threshold for a clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses predicted that men and especially women who engaged in <6,800 steps/day and <16 min/day of moderate-intensity physical activity were, respectively, 4.9-8.4 and 2.2-3.5 times more likely to sustain fractures than those participating in >8,200 steps/day and >25 min/day of activity >3 METs.

CONCLUSION

Causation cannot be inferred from a cross-sectional study. Nevertheless, we suggest that from the viewpoint of bone health, elderly people should be encouraged to engage in low- and moderate-intensity habitual physical activity, taking >7,000 steps/day with a duration >15 min/day at >3 METs.

94 PRODUCTION OF AN α1,3-GALACTOSYLTRANSFERASE GENE KNOCKOUT CALF USING A SINGLE TARGETING VECTOR AND REJUVENATED CELL LINES

Gene targeting in large animals has the potential to be useful in agriculture. In this study, we examined whether an �1,3-galactosyltransferase-gene knockout (null) calf could be produced using a single targeting vector for disruption of both alleles and a rejuvenation of cell line by production of cloned fetuses. A promoter-less positive selection vector (pGT-22) containing an IRES (internal ribosome entry site)-antibiotic resistance gene(neo) cassette and loxP sequences was used to disrupt the bovine �1,3-galactosyltransferase (�1,3-GT) gene. In gene-targeting (GT), Japanese Black fetal fibroblasts were transfected with pGT-22, and were selected with 0.4 mg mL-1 G418. G418-resistant cells were monitored by PCR and Southern blot analysis. After PCR selection, a portion of the PCR-positive colonies were infected with the adenovirus AxCANCre, which transiently expresses Cre recombinase in the infected cells, to excise the antibiotic-resistance gene cassette (IRES/lacZ-neo) from the targeted allele. The targeted cells in which homologous recombination occurred were used for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The cell cycle synchronization of donor cells in the early G1 phase and SCNT were performed according to the established procedure in our laboratory (Urakawa et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 714–728). As a result, in the first GT, one PCR-Southern blot-positive clone (0.26%, in 380 G418-resistant colony) was used for SCNT. Of 35 pulsed SCNT embryos, 4 (11.4%) developed to the blastocyst stage and 3 blastocysts were nonsurgically transferred to a recipient heifer; one fetus was recovered on Day 41. The cell line (�1,3-GT+/-) was established and was transfected with pGT-22 in the second GT. As a result, 8 PCR-Southern blot-positive clones (1.6%, in 508 G418-resistant colony) were recovered. The 2nd GT and the following SCNT were accomplished by the same methods used in the 1st GT and SCNT procedure. Of 36 pulsed SCNT embryos, 7 (19.4%) developed to the blastocyst stage and 3 blastocysts were nonsurgically transferred to a recipient heifer; one fetus was recovered on Day 41. The cell line (�1,3-GT-/-) was established, and was used for SCNT to obtain the �1,3-GT homozygous knockout offspring. Finally, 52 of 148 pulsed SCNT embryos (35.1%) developed to the blastocyst stage and 6 cloned embryos were transferred into 3 recipient heifers. A single knockout female offspring with normal morphology in all organs was born (Day 287) but died about one hour after birth. In this study, we established both heterozygous and homozygous �1,3-GT knockout cell lines from primary fetal fibroblasts and produced an �1,3-GT knockout offspring using a single targeting vector and rejuvenated cell lines.

386 EFFECTS OF TIME AND NUMBER OF INSEMINATIONS ON THE SEX RATIO OF EMBRYOS IN SUPERSTIMULATED HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

It is necessary to control the sex ratio (percentage of females) of pre-implantation embryos in the dairy industry. Several studies indicate that, in cattle, varying insemination time does not influence the embryo sex ratio (Rorie et al. 1999 Theriogenology 52, 1273–1280). However, it has been suggested that insemination early in estrus would result in more females, and late in estrus, more males, due to different timing of capacitation and survival of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract (Martinez et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 1264–1270). The objective of the present study was to examine whether the time of insemination affects the sex of 7-day embryos in superstimulated Holstein heifers. Donor heifers (14 to 18 months of age, n = 38) were given decreasing doses of FSH IM (total of 28 Armour units, Antrin R-10; Kawasaki-Mitaka, Kanagawa, Japan) twice daily for 4 days between Days 8 and 10 of the estrous cycle. Five (25 mg) and 3 (15 mg) mL of dinoprost (PGF; Veterinary Pronalgon; Pfizer Animal Health, Tokyo, Japan) were administered IM with the seventh and eighth FSH treatments, respectively. The heifers received 50 �g of fertirelin acetate IM (GnRH; Conceral; Schering-Plough Animal Health KK, Tokyo, Japan) 48 h after the first PGF treatment. Heifers were inseminated with 2 straws of frozen–thawed semen into the uterine body at 48 h (n = 18), 60 h (n = 10), or 60 + 72 h (n = 10; control) after the first PGF treatment. In this study, frozen–thawed semen from several bulls was used. Seven-day embryos were recovered by uterine flushing. Grade 1 embryos (IETS classification) were selected for male and female separation using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure. The data (mean � SEM) were compared with Fisher's protected least significant difference test following ANOVA. The mean number of ova/embryos recovered was 12.1 � 1.9 (48 h), 12.8 � 2.8 (60 h), and 11.0 � 1.6 (60 + 72 h). There were no significant differences in the percentages of unfertilized ova (48 h: 6.9 � 2.1%, 15/218; 60 h: 7.8 � 3.2%, 17/128; and 60 + 72 h: 10.0 � 3.6%, 11/111; P &gt; 0.05) and in grade 1 embryos (48 h: 61.2 � 4.9%, 124/218; 60 h: 64.9 � 7.9%, 65/128; and 60 + 72 h: 59.1 � 4.8%, 66/111; P &gt; 0.05) among groups. Furthermore, the female ratio of grade 1 embryos was not significantly different for the 3 insemination times (48 h: 50.0 � 5.8%, 56/124; 60 h: 48.4 � 5.0%, 33/65; and 60 + 72 h: 52.2 � 8.0%, 36/66; P &gt; 0.05). These results indicate that a single early insemination during estrus does not reduce the fertilization rate and embryo quality in superstimulated Holstein heifers. Also, the time of insemination did not appear to have any effect on the sex ratio of embryos from these heifers.

385 RELATIONSHIP AMONG ESTROUS BEHAVIOR, SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE, AND EMBRYO SEX RATIO IN SUPERSTIMULATED HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

It is desirable to control the sex of embryo transfer offspring in the dairy industry. The relationship between estrous behavior, superovulatory response, and embryo sex ratio after superovulation has not been investigated. The objective of the present study was to compare estrous behavior, superovulatory response, and sex ratio of embryos resulting from superstimulated donors in herds in which the female ratio was naturally high (&gt;50%, FR-H, n = 9) or low (d50%, FR-L, n = 7). Holstein heifers (14 to 18 months of age, n = 16) were given decreasing doses of FSH IM (total of 28 Armour units, Antrin R-10; Kawasaki-Mitaka, Kanagawa, Japan) twice daily for 4 days between Days 8 and 10 of the estrous cycle. Five (25 mg) and 3 (15 mg) mL of dinoprost (PGF; Veterinary Pronalgon; Pfizer Animal Health, Tokyo, Japan) were administered IM with the seventh and eighth FSH treatments, respectively. The length of estrus and numbers of standing mounts were determined by an electric heatmount sensor (HeatWatch; Comtec Co. Ltd., Miyazaki, Japan), which was attached to the tailhead of the animals. Heifers received 50 �g of GnRH IM (fertirelin acetate; Conceral; Schering-Plough Animal Health KK, Tokyo, Japan) 48 h after the first PGF treatment, and were inseminated with frozen–thawed semen into the uterine body 12 and 24 h later. Seven-day embryos were recovered nonsurgically and Grade 1 embryos (IETS classification) were selected for this study. Male and female embryos were identified using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure (Hirayama et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 887–896). The data (mean � SEM) were compared with Fisher&apos;s protected least significant difference test following ANOVA. Mean values for female sex ratio in FR-H and FR-L embryos were 72.2 � 4.6% (32/46) and 30.6 � 7.1% (23/68), respectively (P &lt; 0.01). The duration of estrus in the FR-H group (13 h 10 min � 3 h 51 min) was shorter than that of the FR-L group (24 h 51 min � 6 h 32 min; P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the numbers of standing mounts in the FR-H group (27.8 � 5.9) were less than in the FR-L group (75.0 � 18.5; P &lt; 0.05). Although the mean number of ova/embryos collected from FR-H heifers (8.4 � 1.0) was significantly less than from FR-L heifers (19.7 � 3.1; P &lt; 0.05), the percentage of Grade 1 embryos did not differ (63.7 � 8.2%, 46/76 vs. 54.5 � 8.3%, 68/138, respectively; P &gt; 0.05). In summary, superstimulated heifers from the FR-H herd had a shorter duration of estrus, a lower superovulatory response, and a higher proportion of female embryos than heifers from the FR-L herd. However, data do not demonstrate a cause and effect relationship.

121 CRYOPRESERVATION OF BOVINE BIOPSIED EMBRYOS UNDER A MAGNETIC FIELD

Although fresh biopsied embryos have almost the same ability to develop to term as fresh intact embryos, embryos that are cryopreserved after biopsy have lower developmental competence than non-biopsied cryopreserved embryos. Thus, an improved freezing protocol is needed for the cryopreservation of bovine biopsied embryos. Applying a magnetic field during the cryopreservation of porcine spermatozoa has been shown to improve the survival rate after thawing (Masuda et al. 1995 Jap. J. Swine Sci. 32, 203–205). Therefore, we investigated whether using a magnetic field would improve the survival of frozen bovine biopsied embryos. Seven-day embryos were recovered nonsurgically from superovulated Holstein heifers or cows. Grade 1 (IETS classification) embryos were selected for this study. Embryos were biopsied by taking a few cells with a stainless steel blade at room temperature. A 0.25-mL straw was filled in the following order: PBS containing 0.3 M sucrose, air, cryoprotective agent (PBS containing 4% ethylene glycol (Sigma-Aldrich Japan K.K., Tokyo, Japan), 4% propanediol (Sigma), and 4% BSA (Albumax 1�; GIBCO, Grand Island, NY, USA)) containing a biopsied embryo, air, and PBS containing 0.3 M sucrose as described (Aoyagi et al. 1996 Theriogenology 45, 165 abst). The biopsied embryos were frozen either in a methanol bath embryo freezer that induced 0.5 to 1.5 mTesla magnetic fields (ABI Co., Ltd., Abiko, Japan) (MF-embryos) or in a conventional methanol bath embryo freezer (Con-embryos) as a control. In experiment 1, 83 frozen MF-embryos and 81 frozen Con-embryos were thawed in air for 7 s, followed by thawing in 30�C water for 20 s, squeezed out of the straw into PBS + 5% fetal calf serum, and cultured in CR1aa + 5% calf serum for 24 h. Apoptosis of the embryos was detected using the TUNEL assay, and cell numbers of embryos were counted under a fluorescence microscope. In experiment 2, frozen MF- and Con-embryos were transferred nonsurgically to recipient females 6 to 8 days after estrus. Pregnancies were determined by ultrasonography on Day 60. Data were analyzed by chi-square analysis or Fisher&apos;s PLSD test following ANOVA. In experiment 1, after 24 h of culture, the survivability of MF-embryos (86.7%) was not significantly different from that of Con-embryos (79.0%). However, the average cell number of the MF-embryos cultured 24 h post-thawing (98.5 � 3.6) was significantly greater than that of the Con-embryos (85.9 � 4.1; P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the rate of apoptosis in the MF-embryos (12.2 � 1.1%) after 24 h of culture was significantly less than that of Con-embryos (25.6 � 1.4%; P &lt; 0.05). In experiment 2, the pregnancy rate of females that were implanted with MF-embryos (70.8%, 17/24) was higher than that of females implanted with Con-embryos (56.3%, 9/16), but the sample sizes were not large enough to tell whether the difference was significant (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the present results showed that cryopreservation of biopsied embryos under a magnetic field inhibited apoptosis post-thawing, and may have led to an increased pregnancy rate in recipient females.

206 EFFECTS OF A COMBINATION OF A PRID, PGF2α AND eCG, ON ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION AND PREGNANCY RATE FOLLOWING EMBRYO TRANSFER IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

Successful bovine embryo transfer requires synchronization of luteolysis, estrus and ovulation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of a PRID, PGF2� and eCG, on estrus synchronization and pregnancy rate in recipient heifers. A PRID� (ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was inserted into the vagina at random days of the estrous cycle for 7 (n = 35) or 9 (n = 43) days. Two days before removal of the PRID, the heifers were injected with PGF2� IM (2 mL Resipron�-C containing 0.25 mg mL-1 cloprostenol; ASKA). About half of the heifers in each group received 250 IU eCG IM (Serotropin�; ASKA) at the time of PRID removal. Blood was collected several times from the start of treatment for 7 (n = 9) or 9 (n = 9) days and on the day of embryo transfer by jugular venipuncture; plasma was immediately separated and stored at -20�C until assayed for plasma concentrations of estradiol-17α (E2) and progesterone (P4). The E2 and P4 determinations were performed by enzyme immunoassay after extraction by diethyl ether. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography on Day 30 (Day 0 = estrus). The rates of successful standing estrus (no. in estrus/PRID inserted), embryo transfer (no. transferred/estrus), and pregnancy (no. pregnancy/transferred) were compared between groups. Data were analyzed by chi-square analysis or Fisher&apos;s PLSD test following ANOVA. Injection of eCG at the time of PRID removal had no significant effect on the rates of successful standing estrus, embryo transfer, or pregnancy (P &gt; 0.05). The proportion of heifers treated for 9 days that exhibited standing estrus (93&percnt;, 40/43) was significantly higher than the proportion of heifers treated for 7 days that exhibited standing estrus (66&percnt;, 23/35, P &lt; 0.01). Of the heifers that were treated for 9 days, the proportion of heifers exhibiting standing estrus within 2 days after the end of treatment was significantly higher (93&percnt;, 37/40) than for heifers that were treated for 7 days (65&percnt;, 15/23; P &lt; 0.01). Pregnancy rates of heifers treated for 9 days (84&percnt;, 32/38) and 7 days (81&percnt;, 17/21) were not significantly different. The E2 : P4 ratio normally increases during follicle growth and CL regression. The plasma E2 : P4 ratio between the time of injection of PGF2&alpha; and the time of PRID removal was significantly higher for heifers that were treated for 9 days than it was for heifers that were treated for 7 days (P &lt; 0.01). These results suggest that a combination of PRID treatment for 9 days and injection of PGF2&alpha; 2 days before PRID removal successfully synchronized estrus in recipient heifers and led to high pregnancy rates following embryo transfer.

Comparison between human-telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA and alpha-fetoprotein mRNA as a predictive value for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in living donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE

In this study we compared the potential roles of preoperative human-telomerase reverse transcriptase (h-TERT) mRNA versus alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA expression in the peripheral blood as a tool to predict prognosis and tumor recurrence after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined 14 patients with unresectable HCC who underwent LDLT. Six patients displayed stage IVA HCC that deviated from the Milan criteria, while the rest of the patients fell within the limitations of the Milan criteria. We analyzed the relationship between preoperative h-TERT mRNA or AFP mRNA expression in the peripheral blood and survival without recurrence.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the survival curves without recurrence of those patients who did versus did not meet the Milan criteria. There was also no significant difference between the survival curves without recurrence among patients with positive versus negative AFP mRNA expression. However, there was a significant difference (P = .005) between the survival curves without recurrence of those patients with positive preoperative h-TERT mRNA expression versus those who either had an initially negative preoperative h-TERT mRNA or who converted from positive to negative after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

h-TERT mRNA seemed to prove more valuable than AFP mRNA not only to assess preoperative treatment modalities and postoperative patient surveillance, but also to evaluate prospective LDLT patients with HCC. Moreover, use of h-TERT mRNA could potentially expand the indications for transplantation to patients outside the Milan criteria.

Yearlong Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Japanese Adults: The Nakanojo Study

We hypothesized that the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) would be poorer in physically inactive older adults. This was tested in a sample of 73 male and 108 female free-living healthy Japanese participants, age 65–85 years. We measured accelerometer step counts and their metabolic equivalents (METs) throughout each 24-hr period for 1 year. At the end of the year, HRQOL was assessed. Physical activity was grouped into quartiles. HRQOL was poorer in the lowest quartiles of participants with respect to both step count and duration of activity >3 METs; however, our sample showed no better HRQOL in those participants exceeding minimum standards of daily physical activity, corresponding to counts of around 5,500 and 4,500 steps/day and durations of around 13 and 14 min/day in men and women, respectively. Causation cannot be demonstrated from this cross-sectional study, but nevertheless we suggest that elderly individuals should be encouraged to meet such standards of habitual physical activity.

Yearlong physical activity and depressive symptoms in older Japanese adults: cross-sectional data from the Nakanojo study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between accelerometer measurements of physical activity and psychosocial variables in older people.

METHODS

Subjects were 184 Japanese aged 65-85 years. An accelerometer provided step count and physical activity intensity data throughout each 24-hour period for 1 year. At the end of the year, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function were assessed.

RESULTS

Controlling for age, the daily number of steps, and the daily duration of moderate-intensity physical activity showed significant negative correlations with depressive mood.

CONCLUSION

A depressive mood is associated with the quantity and quality of habitual physical activity.

69 RELATION OF SPATIAL GENE EXPRESSION PATTERNS IN BOVINE EMBRYOS RECONSTRUCTED WITH SOMATIC CELLS TO BLASTOCYST DEVELOPMENT

Recently, enhanced development to full term was obtained with embryos reconstructed with bovine early G1 cells rather than with G0 cells (Kasinathan et al. 2001 Nat. Biotechnol. 19, 1176-1178; Urakawa et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 714-728). However, the reason why donor somatic cells at the early G1 phase are better for embryo reconstruction is unclear. In this study, we investigated the relation of spatial gene expression patterns at the 4- to 8-cell stage to blastocyst development of embryos reconstructed with early G1 cells. Bovine fibroblasts stably transfected with �-act/luc+/IRES/EGFP were used for embryo reconstruction. M phase cells were prepared as described by Urakawa et al. (2004). Early G1 cells were obtained from cultured M phase cells soon after the M phase cells divided. Quiescent cells (cultured in 0.4% serum for 7 days) were used as G0 cells for a control. The cells were electrofused with enucleated bovine oocytes matured in vitro, and activated with a calcium ionophore and cycloheximide. The reconstructed embryos were cultured until 60 hours post fusion (hpf), and zonae pellucidae of 4- to 8-cell embryos were removed by pronase. To determine gene expression, the LUC+ activity (luminescence) in the embryo blastomeres was detected with an imaging photon counter (Hamamatsu Photonics, Hamamatsu City, Shikuoka Prefecture, Japan) for 10 min. The embryos were categorized as being positive, mosaic, or negative depending on whether all, some or no blastomeres were luminescent, respectively. The embryos were cultured in mSOF medium individually until 168 hpf to assess development to the blastocyst stage. Blastocyst development of reconstructed embryos without detection of luminescence was also examined. Experiments were repeated three times, and the data were analyzed with Fisher's PLSD test following ANOVA. At 60 hpf, 75% (74/99) of embryos reconstructed with early G1 cells and 55% (46/83) of embryos with G0 cells developed to 4- to 8-cell stage embryos. The difference is significant (P < 0.05). The percentages of positive, mosaic, and negative embryos with G1 cells were 49, 35 and 16%, and blastocyst rates were 30, 11, and 0%, respectively. With G0 cells, the percentages were 32, 56, and 12%, and the blastocyst rates were 15, 4, and 0%, respectively. More positive embryos were obtained with early G1 cells than with G0 cells (P < 0.05). Blastocyst rates of the positive embryos with early G1 cells were the same as with G0 cells (P > 0.05). Blastocyst development of positive embryos was higher than that of mosaic and negative embryos in early G1 and G0 groups (P < 0.05). Without detection of luminescence, the blastocyst rates from the reconstructed embryos were 43% (35/81) and 16% (20/125) with early G1 and G0 cells, respectively (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the higher developmental capacity of embryos reconstructed with early G1 cells might be related to the appropriate spatial gene expression at the 4- to 8-cell stage. A part of this study was supported by a grant from the Wakayama Prefecture Collaboration of Regional Entities for the Advancement of Technological Excellence of the JST.

Meteorology and the physical activity of the elderly: the Nakanojo Study

Seasonal changes in ambient temperature and day length are thought to modify habitual physical activity. However, relationships between such environmental factors and the daily physical activity of older populations remain unclear. The present study thus examined associations between meteorological variables and the number of steps taken per day by elderly Japanese. Continuous pedometer counts over a 450-day period were collected from 41 healthy subjects (age 71+/-4 years), none of whom engaged in any specific occupational activity or exercise programs. An electronic physical activity monitor was attached to a belt worn on the left side of the body throughout the day. Daily values for mean ambient temperature, duration of bright sunshine, mean wind speed, mean relative humidity, and precipitation were obtained from local meteorological stations. The day length was calculated from times of sunrise and sunset. Based on the entire group of 41 subjects (ensemble average), a subject's step count per day decreased exponentially with increasing precipitation (r2=0.19, P<0.05). On days when precipitation was <1 mm, the step count increased with the mean ambient temperature over the range of -2 to 17 degrees C, but decreased over the range 17-29 degrees C. The daily step count also tended to increase with day length, but the regression coefficient of determination attributable to step count and mean ambient temperature (r2=0.32, P<0.05) exceeded that linking the step count and day length (r2=0.13, P<0.05). The influence of other meteorological factors was small (r2<or=0.03) and of little practical significance. On days when precipitation is <1 mm, physical activity is associated more strongly with ambient temperature than with day length, duration of bright sunshine, wind speed, or relative humidity. Our findings have practical implications for health promotion efforts designed to increase the physical activity of elderly people consistently in the face of seasonal variations in environmental conditions.

Effect of interferon on incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether IFN prevents the development of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

METHODOLOGY

103 patients with chronic hepatitis C received IFN and 30 control patients were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

In 33 patients (32.0%) who received IFN, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased to normal range and HCV RNA became negative (complete response: CR). In 7 patients (6.7%), ALT decreased to less than 50 IU/L or stayed within the normal range, but HCV RNA remained positive (biochemical response: BR). In 63 patients (61.1%) and 30 control patients, ALT did not change and HCV RNA remained positive (no response: NR). HCC developed in 5 (4.9%) of the 103 patients who received IFN and 7 (23.3%) of the control patients (p<0.01). In 5 patients who developed HCC, the response to IFN was NR and no HCC developed in patients with CR or BR. In addition, 5-year cumulative rate of development of HCC in 63 IFN NR patients and in control was 7.9% and 23.3% (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IFN decreased the development of HCC in not only patients with CR or BR but also patients with NR.

A new method using F-waves to measure muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV)

OBJECTIVE

First, to propose a new technique for measuring muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV). Second, to ascertain the validation of the new method that uses F-waves (F-MFCV) in healthy volunteers. Third, to examine the relationship between F-MFCV and motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) in the same subjects.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

F-waves reflecting single motor units were recorded with a multi-channel surface electrode array and weak electrical stimulation to the median or ulnar nerves in 21 healthy volunteers. F-MFCVs of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) were calculated from the F-wave peak latency in each channel. MFCV during minimal voluntary contraction (V-MFVC) was measured in the same muscles.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between F-MFCV and V-MFCV in the muscles tested The mean F-MFCV value was similar to recently reported MFCV values generated by minimal voluntary contraction. No significant differences were found between the APB and ADM F-MFCVs, whereas the MCV of the ulnar nerve was faster than that of the median nerve.

CONCLUSION

The MFCV in a single motor unit could be measured with a multi-channel surface electrode array by recording F-waves induced by weak stimulation. Since V-MFCV generated by minimal voluntary contraction is explained by the size principle, V-MFCV reflects small and slow conducting motor unit. There was no significant difference between F-MFCV and V-MFCV. It seemed that F-MFCV also reflected small motor unit. The reason for the lack of difference in the F-MFCVs of the ADM and APB is considered to be a relatively slow F-MFCV. Moreover, MCV reflected the speed of the fastest nerve fiber, whereas F-MFCV did not.

Four-electron shell structures and an interacting two-electron system in carbon-nanotube quantum dots

Low-temperature transport measurements have been carried out on single-wall carbon-nanotube quantum dots in a weakly coupled regime in magnetic fields. Four-electron shell filling was observed, and the magnetic field evolution of each Coulomb peak was investigated. Excitation spectroscopy measurements have revealed Zeeman splitting of single particle states for one electron in the shell, and demonstrated singlet and triplet states with direct observation of the exchange splitting at zero-magnetic field for two electrons in the shell, the simplest example of Hund's rule.

Encoding mechanisms for sensory neurons studied with a multielectrode array in the cat dorsal root ganglion

Recent advances in microelectrode array technology now permit a direct examination of the way populations of sensory neurons encode information about a limb's position in space. To address this issue, we recorded nerve impulses from about 100 single units simultaneously in the L6 and L7 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the anesthetized cat. Movement sensors, placed near the hip, knee, ankle, and foot, recorded passive movements of the cat's limb while it was moved pseudo-randomly. The firing rate of the neurons was correlated with the position of the limb in various coordinate systems. The firing rates were less correlated to the position of the foot in Cartesian coordinates (x, y) than in joint angular coordinates (hip, knee, ankle), or in polar coordinates. A model was developed in which position and its derivatives are encoded linearly, followed by a nonlinear spike-generating process. Adding the nonlinear portion significantly increased the correlations in all coordinate systems, and the full models were able to accurately predict the firing rates of various types of sensory neurons. The observed residual variability is captured by a simple stochastic model. Our results suggest that compact encoding models for primary afferents recorded at the DRG are well represented in polar coordinates, as has previously been suggested for the cortical and spinal representation of movement. This study illustrates how sensory receptors encode a sense of limb position, and it provides a general framework for modeling sensory encoding by populations of neurons.

Movements generated by intraspinal microstimulation in the intermediate gray matter of the anesthetized, decerebrate, and spinal cat

The intermediate laminae of the lumbosacral spinal cord are suggested to contain a small number of specialized neuronal circuits that form the basic elements of movement construction ("movement primitives"). Our aim was to study the properties and state dependence of these hypothesized circuits in comparison with movements elicited by direct nerve or muscle stimulation. Microwires for intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) were implanted in intermediate laminae throughout the lumbosacral enlargement. Movement vectors evoked by ISMS were compared with those evoked by stimulation through muscle and nerve electrodes in cats that were anesthetized, then decerebrated, and finally spinalized. Similar movements could be evoked under anesthesia by ISMS and nerve and muscle stimulation, and these covered the full work space of the limb. ISMS-evoked movements were associated with the actions of nearby motoneuron pools. However, after decerebration and spinalization, ISMS-evoked movements were dominated by flexion, with few extensor movements. This indicates that the outputs of neuronal networks in the intermediate laminae depend significantly on descending input and on the state of the spinal cord. Frequently, the outputs also depended on stimulus intensity. These experiments suggest that interneuronal circuits in the intermediate and ventral regions of the spinal cord overlap and their function may be to process reflex and descending activity in a flexible manner for the activation of nearby motoneuron pools.

40 CHARACTERIZATION OF EARLY G1 CELLS AS NUCLEAR DONORS FOR SOMATIC CELL CLONING IN CATTLE

In somatic cell cloning, the cell cycle phase of the donor cells has critical impact on nuclear reprogramming and chromosomal normality of the reconstructed embryos. Recently, enhanced development to full term was obtained with embryos reconstructed with bovine fibroblasts soon after cell division (early G1 cells, Kasinathan P et al. 2001 Nat. Biotech. 19, 1176–1178; Urakawa M et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 714–728). In this study, to investigate the detailed cell cycle characteristics and gene expression of the early G1 cells as nuclear donors, we examined the cell proliferating and nuclear activity by detecting PCNA and Ki-67 in the cells, and the gene expression in the cells transfected with the luciferase gene. Bovine fibroblasts were transfected with chicken β-actin/firefly luciferase fusion gene (β-act/luc+), and stably transfected; cloned cells were used for cell analysis. We compared cell cycle characteristics for quiescent cells (0.4% serum for 7 days), cell doublets (early G1 cells) prepared by the “shake-off” method, and proliferating (30 to 40% confluency) cells. The presence of PCNA and Ki-67 and the incorporation of BrdU in the cells were determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The LUC+ signal (luminescence) in the cells was detected with an imaging photon counter for 10 consecutive min. Embryos reconstructed with these cells were cultured for 168 h for examination of blastocyst development. Experiments were repeated three times, and the data were analyzed with Fisher's PLSD test following ANOVA. Incorporation of BrdU was observed only in proliferating cells (24% of the cells). Neither PCNA nor Ki-67 signals were detected in the quiescent cells. PCNA was detected but Ki-67 was not detected in early G1 cells. Both PCNA and Ki-67 were detected in the proliferating cells. A strong LUC+ signal (6354 ± 673 pixels/cell) was detected in the proliferating cells, and weak signals were detected in the early G1 (2044 ± 303 pixels/cell, P < 0.05) and quiescent cells (617 ± 59 pixels/cell, P < 0.05). The rate of blastocyst development with early G1 cells was higher (45/133, 32%) than that with starved and proliferating cells (47/233, 21%, and 41/258, 14%, respectively, P < 0.05). These results indicate that early G1 cells were actively proliferating cells because of the positive PCNA signals, but their nuclei were silent because of the absence of Ki-67 signals and the weak LUC+ signals. These characteristics of the early G1 cells might enhance the development of the reconstructed embryos. This study was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for the 21st Century COE Program of the Japan MEXT, and by a grant from the Wakayama Prefecture Collaboration of Regional Entities for the Advancement of Technological Excellence of the JST.