Effects of ESR1, FSHB and RBP4 genes on litter size in a Large White and a Landrace Herd

Abstract. The polymorphisms of ESR1, FSHB and RBP4 genes were detected by PCR-SSCP, PCR and PCR-RFLP in a Large White and a Landrace herd in Beijing, China and the influence of ESR1, FSHB and RBP4 on litter size traits was analyzed using three models. We found polymorphisms for the three genes in Large White besides for ESR1 and RBP4 genes in Landrace. The results showed that the most genotype effects are of ESR1 among these three genes.

A two-compartment exposure device for foliar uptake study

An airtight two-chamber exposure devise was designed for investigating foliar uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by plants. The upper and the bottom chambers of the device were air-tightly separated by an aluminum foil and the plant aerial tissues and roots were exposed in the two chambers, respectively. The device was tested using maize exposed to several PAH species. Positive correlations between air and aerial tissue concentrations of the exposed PAH species were revealed. PAHs spiking in the culture solution had no influence on the leaf concentrations.

Abl deregulates Cdk5 kinase activity and subcellular localization in Drosophila neurodegeneration

Although Abl functions in mature neurons, work to date has not addressed Abl's role on Cdk5 in neurodegeneration. We found that beta-amyloid (Abeta42) initiated Abl kinase activity and that blockade of Abl kinase rescued both Drosophila and mammalian neuronal cells from cell death. We also found activated Abl kinase to be necessary for the binding, activation, and translocalization of Cdk5 in Drosophila neuronal cells. Conversion of p35 into p25 was not observed in Abeta42-triggered Drosophila neurodegeneration, suggesting that Cdk5 activation and protein translocalization can be p25-independent. Our genetic studies also showed that abl mutations repressed Abeta42-induced Cdk5 activity and neurodegeneration in Drosophila eyes. Although Abeta42 induced conversion of p35 to p25 in mammalian cells, it did not sufficiently induce Cdk5 activation when c-Abl kinase activity was suppressed. Therefore, we propose that Abl and p35/p25 cooperate in promoting Cdk5-pY15, which deregulates Cdk5 activity and subcellular localization in Abeta42-triggered neurodegeneration.

Assays for enhanced activity of low efficacy partial agonists at the D(2) dopamine receptor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Low efficacy partial agonists at the D2 dopamine receptor may be useful for treating schizophrenia. In this report we describe a method for assessing the efficacy of these compounds based on stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Agonist efficacy was assessed from [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes of CHO cells expressing D2 dopamine receptors in buffers with and without Na+. Effects of Na+ on receptor/G protein coupling were assessed using agonist/[3H]spiperone competition binding assays.

KEY RESULTS

When [35S]GTPgammaS binding assays were performed in buffers containing Na+, some agonists (aripiprazole, AJ-76, UH-232) exhibited very low efficacy whereas other agonists exhibited measurable efficacy. When Na+ was substituted by N-methyl D-glucamine, the efficacy of all agonists increased (relative to that of dopamine) but particularly for aripiprazole, aplindore, AJ-76, (-)-3-PPP and UH-232. In ligand binding assays, substitution of Na+ by N-methyl D-glucamine increased receptor/G protein coupling for some agonists -. aplindore, dopamine and (-)-3-PPP - but for aripiprazole, AJ-76 and UH-232 there was little effect on receptor/G protein coupling.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Substitution of Na+ by NMDG increases sensitivity in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assays so that very low efficacy agonists were detected clearly. For some agonists the effect seems to be mediated via enhanced receptor/G protein coupling whereas for others the effect is mediated at another point in the G protein activation cycle. AJ-76, aripiprazole and UH-232 seem particularly sensitive to this change in assay conditions. This work provides a new method to discover these very low efficacy agonists.

A phase II study of R-CHOP in treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subgroups

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Background: Recent studies with genes expression profiling and tissue microarray have divided the diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into prognostically important subgroups with germinal center B cell like (GCB) and non-GCB. However, these results are based on the samples of patients who were received standard CHOP regimen. Combination with CHOP and Rituximab (R-CHOP) has been proved to improve the survival of patients with DLBCL. To evaluate the efficacy of R-CHOP in different subgroups of DLBCL, this phase II study has been conducted. Methods: Previously untreated patients with DLBCL were enrolled in this study. No upper age limit was specified. Patients received six cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab 375 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2, and prednisone 40 mg/m2 for 5 days) every 3 weeks. Immunohistochemical stains on paraffin-embedded tissues from diagnostic biopsies from these patients with antibodies against GCB cell (CD10 and Bcl-6) and activation (MUM1). These patients are divided into GCB and non-GCB groups according to the expression of antibodies against CD10, BCL-6 and MUM1. Results: A total of 64 patients were evaluated, 19 in GCB group and 45 in non-GCB group. Complete Remission (CR) rate was achieved 57.9% and 53.3%, in GCB group and in non-GCB group, respectively. (p = 0.737). A median follow-up of 2.2 years, the two-year failure free survival was no different between two groups (p = 0.566). Conclusions: In patients with GCB group or non-GCB group of DLBCL, addition of Rituximab in CHOP regimen, preliminary result was showed in similar response and survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Relationship between biological and self-reported measures of stress among informal caregivers of patients with prostate cancer

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Background: Informal caregivers of prostate cancer patients often experience chronic psychological stress that may adversely impact their physical and mental health, and their ability to care for their families and the patient. This study aims to determine the association between perceived and biological stress among informal caregivers of prostate cancer patients. Methods: A total of 24 informal caregivers of prostate cancer patients were recruited from both the Jesse Brown VA Center (Lakeside and Westside, Chicago) and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. Caregivers completed self-reported measures of stress, somatization, life events, burden, health status (SF-36) and mental health. Capillary blood spot samples from caregivers were used to examine two measures of biological stress, Epstein-Barr virus antibody titer and C-reactive protein. Results: Informal caregivers had a mean age of 63 years and were mostly female and spouses of patients with prostate cancer. Many had preexisting co-morbidities, including 45.8% with hypertension, 45.8% with arthritis, and 33.3% with diabetes. Nearly 30% had been hospitalized in the last 12 months. 33.3% of caregivers experienced at least one major life event in the last year and 62.5% had symptoms of somatization illness. Caregivers with symptoms of somatization illness had higher mean Epstein-Barr antibody titers as compared with those without symptoms (Mean EBV antibody titer: 198.3 versus 141.8, respectively (p < 0.05)). Caregiver-reported measures were not correlated with C-reactive protein levels. Caregivers with higher levels of strain perceived more stress in their lives (p < 0.05), but showed relatively high self-esteem (mean = 30.6, SD = 2.8, on a 7–35 scale). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that informal caregivers who report symptoms of somatization illness exhibit signs of relative suppression of the cell-mediated immune processes as a result of the reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus. Final analyses will be conducted that control for potential confounders and will further elucidate if caregiver stress is associated with suppression of the immune system.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Role of lateral alkyl chains in modulation of molecular structures on metal surfaces

We use low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, first-principles density-functional theory, and molecular mechanics calculations to analyze the adsorption and growth of quinacridone derivatives (QA) with alkyl chains of 4 and 16 carbon atoms on a Ag(110) substrate. Surprisingly, we find that the alkyl chains determine the orientation of the molecular overlayers. While the interaction of QA and the Ag substrate is primarily due to chemical bonding of oxygen to the silver substrate, determining the molecular orientation and preferred adsorption site, the intermolecular arrangement can be adjusted via the length of alkyl chains. We are thus able to fabricate uniform QA films with very well controlled physical properties.

Crystal structure of bis(bis(3-methoxysalicylaldehydato)copper(II)) hexakis(adamantylammonium) hexaperchlorate dihydrate, [{Cu(C8H7O3)2}2] · (C10H15NH3)6(ClO4)6 · 2H2O

C92H140Cl6Cu2N6O38, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 12.819(3) Å, b = 13.240(3) Å, c = 16.721(3) Å, α = 95.25(3)°, β = 103.27(3)°, ϒ = 106.01(3)°, V = 2618.5 Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.071, wRref(F2) = 0.220, T = 293 K.

Selective analysis of molecular states by functionalized scanning tunneling microscopy tips

Selective analysis of molecular states in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has so far been achieved in a few cases by tuning the bias range of the STM in high-resolution measurements. Correspondingly, perylene adsorbed in a close-packed monolayer on Ag(110) is imaged mainly through the pi states of the molecule. By contrast, functionalizing the STM tip with a perylene molecule leads to a mismatch between the energy levels of the STM tip and the molecule adsorbates and, instead, images only the metal states of the underlying silver surface. The observation opens a route for better energy selectivity in electron transport measurements through organic interfaces.

Impaired development of broiler chickens by stress mimicked by corticosterone exposure

The effects of corticosterone (CORT) administration on the development of muscular tissues of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) fed with diets differing in lipid content were investigated. The experimental chickens were given one of two experimental diets: high lipid diet (9.9% crude fat) or control diet, from 21 d of age. At 28 d of age, half of the chickens in each dietary treatment were exposed to CORT treatment, supplemented with 30 mg CORT/kg diet for 12 days, while the other half continued to consume the former diet. The zootechnical parameters were recorded at 21, 28, 35 and 39 d, and a blood sample was obtained from 8 birds of each group, respectively. The growth performance of broiler chickens was significantly depressed by CORT administration, but not by dietary treatment. Corticosterone treatment resulted in enhanced energy expenditure. The results indicate that the development of breast muscle was more susceptible to stress mimicked by CORT administration. The results suggest that corticosterone administration enhanced hepatic fatty acid synthesis and resulted in the redistribution of energy to abdominal store from peripheral tissues. Diet rich in lipid content was favorable to the central fat deposit in stressed broiler chickens.

Successful term pregnancy after selective embolization of a large postmolar uterine arteriovenous malformation

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are very uncommon disorders. Successful conservative treatment with subsequently conceived is rarely reported. We describe a 31-year-old woman with a complex and large postmolar AVM; she was successfully treated with transarterial selective embolization for a long history of repeated excessive vaginal bleeding and anemia. She resumed normal menstrual periods soon after treatment, and she subsequently conceived about 2 years later. A healthy male baby was delivered at 39 weeks of gestation via vaginal route. Selective embolization of a complex and large uterine AVM seems to be feasible for the treatment of uterine bleeding and preservation of reproductive capability.

Successful term pregnancy after selective embolization of a large postmolar uterine arteriovenous malformation

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are very uncommon disorders. Successful conservative treatment with subsequently conceived is rarely reported. We describe a 31-year-old woman with a complex and large postmolar AVM; she was successfully treated with transarterial selective embolization for a long history of repeated excessive vaginal bleeding and anemia. She resumed normal menstrual periods soon after treatment, and she subsequently conceived about 2 years later. A healthy male baby was delivered at 39 weeks of gestation via vaginal route. Selective embolization of a complex and large uterine AVM seems to be feasible for the treatment of uterine bleeding and preservation of reproductive capability.

Effects of internal and external scatter on the build-up characteristics of Monte Carlo calculated absorbed dose for electron irradiation

The effects of internal and external scatter on surface, build-up and depth dose characteristics simulated by Monte Carlo code EGSnrc for varying field size and SSD for a 10 MeV monoenergetic electron beam with and without an accelerator model are extensively studied in this paper. In particular, sub-millimetre surface PDD was investigated. The percentage depth doses affected significantly by the external scatter show a larger build-up dose. A forward shifted Dmax depth and a sharper fall-off region compared to PDDs with only internal scatter considered. The surface dose with both internal and external scatter shows a marked decrease at 110 cm SSD, and then slight further changes with the increasing SSD since few external scattered particles from accelerator model can reach the phantom for large SSDs. The sharp PDD increase for the 5 cm x 5 cm field compared to other fields seen when only internal scatter is considered is significantly less when external scatter is also present. The effect of external scatter on surface PDD is more pronounced for large fields than small fields (5 cm x 5 cm field).

Thermoregulation responses of broiler chickens to humidity at different ambient temperatures. I. One week of age

Three trials were conducted to investigate the effect of RH (35, 60, and 85%) on thermoregulation of 1-wk-old broiler chickens at different temperatures (35, 30, and 25 degrees C). The response to humidity in rectal temperature and plumage temperature at the back and breast within 24 h after exposure were recorded at 5 time points (1,4,8,16, and 24 h). Humidity affected the thermoregulation of 1-wk-old broiler chickens by redistributing heat within the body at high, low, and thermoneutral temperatures. The redistribution of heat resulted in decreased rectal temperature and increased peripheral temperature, which were, respectively, beneficial and unfavorable at high and low temperatures. These results suggested that feedback effects of surface temperature on core temperature also exist in poultry, as already observed in mammals, and could be induced not only by changed ambient temperature but also by the changes in humidity at high temperature. The disturbance of thermal equilibrium could not be established solely by changes in RT, but rather core and surface temperatures had to be considered. The daily rhythms in rectal and surface temperatures were affected by humidity.

Thermoregulation responses of broiler chickens to humidity at different ambient temperatures. II. Four weeks of age

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of RH (35, 60, and 85%) on thermoregulation of broiler chickens at high (35 degrees C) and mild (30 degrees C) temperatures at the age of 4 wk. The effects of humidity on rectal temperature (RT) and plumage temperature at back (PBAT) and skin temperature at breast (SBRT) were determined at 1, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after exposure. The RT, PBAT, and SBRT were all significantly increased by high temperature (35 degrees C). Humidity had a significant influence on RT at 35 degrees C but not at 30 degrees C. The peripheral temperatures (PBAT and SBRT) were significantly affected by humidity but responded differently at high (35 degrees C) compared with mild temperature (30 degrees C). In conclusion, high humidity above 60% impaired the heat transmission from body core to the periphery at 35 degrees C but facilitated it at 30 degrees C in 4-wk-old broiler chickens. The effect of humidity on nonevaporative heat loss was depended on air temperature, as nonevaporative heat loss was suppressed by high humidity (>60% RH) at high temperature but enhanced at the mild temperature. The effect of humidity on the relationship between peripheral and core temperature depends on ambient temperature as well as on the age of the broiler chicken. The disturbance of thermal balance could not be determined only by changes in RT or peripheral temperature at a single time point but could be determined by mean body temperature within a certain time frame.

‘Survival gene’ Bcl-xl potentiates DNA-raised antitumor immunity

T-cell priming is strongly affected by the longevity of antigen-bearing dendritic cells (DCs), which are typically short-lived in lymphoid tissues. 'Survival gene' Bcl-xl is critical for the lifespan of DCs in vivo. Here, we showed that in vivo coadministration of Bcl-xl under control of the DC-specific promoter (CD11c-Bcl-xl) and TRP2hsp70 DNA prolonged T-cell stimulation by DCs and augmented TRP2-specific-IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T-cell responses. Consistent with these findings, enhanced protection and significant therapeutic immunity to B16 melanoma was generated by this coimmunization strategy, which also augmented therapeutic immunity to GL-26 tumor. In this B16 melanoma model, results from animal experiments with depletion of immune cells indicate that CD8+ T cells and NK cells are important in the antitumor immunity induced by this coimmunization strategy. These observations suggest that 'survival gene' Bcl-xl potentiates the magnitude of antigen-specific-CD8+ T-cell responses and the efficacy of antitumor immunity induced by DNA vaccine, and is relevant for the design of in vivo targeted DC-based vaccine strategies to improve immunity against cancer.

Extrauterine müllerian adenosarcoma associated with endometriosis and rectal villotubular adenoma: report of a case and review of the literature

Extrauterine mullerian adenosarcoma is rare and is thought to arise from endometriotic deposits or pluripotent mesothelial and mesenchymal cells of the pelvic cavity. Concomitant colon-rectal neoplasm was reported but the relationship between extrauterine adenosarcoma and colon tumor was not studied. We describe an extrauterine adenosarcoma with a concomitant rectal tubulovillous adenoma. The patient had a long-term history of endometriosis and unopposed estrogen therapy. Immunohistochemical study was performed to investigate the origin and nature of the adenosarcoma. Immunostaining provided the evidence to distinguish between rectal tumor and adenosarcoma. Extrauterine adenosarcoma may arise from endometriosis, and hormone replacement therapy may have some role in the malignant transformation process. Adenosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a new pelvic tumor in a patient with a history of endometriosis.