A case of tick-borne Yezo virus infection: Concurrent detection in the patient and tick

A 76-year-old woman infected with Yezo virus (YEZV) developed liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia following a tick bite. Despite the severity of her elevated liver enzymes and reduced platelet counts, the patient's condition improved spontaneously without any specific treatment. To our knowledge, this represents the first documented case where the YEZV genome was detected simultaneously in a patient's serum and the tick (Ixodes persulcatus) that bit the patient. This dual detection not only supports the hypothesis that YEZV is a tick-borne pathogen but also underscores the importance of awareness and diagnostic readiness for emerging tick-borne diseases, particularly in regions where these ticks are prevalent.

Electroporation-mediated genome editing in vitrified/warmed porcine zygotes obtained in vitro

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated 9 (Cas9) system is the most efficient and widely used technology for genome editing in all sorts of organisms, including livestock animals. Here, we examined the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9-derived genome editing (GE) in vitrified porcine zygotes, where the flexible planning of experiments in time and space is expected. OCT4 and CD46 genes were targeted, and the Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP) were electroporated into zygotes at 2 h after warming. Vitrification or GE alone did not significantly reduce the developmental rates to the blastocyst stage. However, vitrification followed by GE significantly reduced blastocyst development. Sequencing analysis of the resultant blastocysts revealed efficient GE for both OCT4 (nonvitrified: 91.0%, vitrified: 95.1%) and CD46 (nonvitrified: 94.5%, vitrified: 93.2%), with no significant difference among them. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that GE-blastocysts lacked detectable proteins. They were smaller in size, and the cell numbers were significantly reduced compared with the control (p < 0.01). Finally, we demonstrated that double GE efficiently occurs (100%) when the OCT4-RNP and CD46-RNP are simultaneously introduced into zygotes after vitrification/warming. This is the first demonstration that vitrified porcine zygotes can be used in GE as efficiently as nonvitrified ones.

Vitrification of porcine immature oocytes and zygotes results in different levels of DNA damage which reflects developmental competence to the blastocyst stage

The present study investigated the effects of vitrification of porcine oocytes either at the immature Germinal Vesicle (GV) stage before in vitro maturation (GV-stage oocytes) or at the pronuclear stage after in vitro maturation and fertilization (zygotes) on DNA integrity in relevance with their subsequent embryo development. Vitrification at the GV stage but not at the pronuclear stage significantly increased the abundance of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the DNA measured by the relative fluorescence after γH2AX immunostaining. Treatment of GV-stage oocytes with cryoprotectant agents alone had no effect on DSB levels. When oocytes were vitrified at the GV stage and subjected to in vitro maturation and fertilization (Day 0) and embryo culture, significantly increased DSB levels were detected in subsequent cleavage-stage embryos which were associated with low cell numbers on Day 2, the upregulation of the RAD51 gene at the 4-8 cell stage (measured by RT-qPCR) and reduced developmental ability to the blastocyst stage when compared with the non-vitrified control. However, total cell numbers and percentages of apoptotic cells (measured by TUNEL) in resultant blastocysts were not different from those of the non-vitrified control. On the other hand, vitrification of zygotes had no effect on DSB levels and the expression of DNA-repair genes in resultant embryos, and their development did not differ from that of the non-vitrified control. These results indicate that during vitrification GV-stage oocytes are more susceptible to DNA damages than zygotes, which affects their subsequent development to the blastocyst stage.

Population structure of Vietnamese pigs using mitochondrial DNA

The D-loop region on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is frequently used for analyses of maternal lineages within domestic animal species. There are many native pig breeds in Vietnam, but their origins remain unclear. This study investigated maternal lineages using the D-loop region on mtDNA of 260 samples collected from native pigs in 20 provinces across Vietnam. The D-loop region of all samples was amplified and sequenced. We obtained 713 bp sequences of the D-loop region for each sample excluding the repeat region, and variants on this region were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. We detected 50 haplotypes from Vietnamese native pigs, with 27 novel haplotypes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed two haplotype groups: one for the MTSEA group, frequently found in domestic pigs in the mountainous areas of Cambodia and Laos; and the D2 group, found in pigs originating from Chinese pigs. No European haplotype was found. Haplotypes in northeast Vietnam comprised only haplotypes of the D2 group, whereas in areas from the northwest mountains to the south, we found haplotypes belonging to both the D2 and MTSEA groups. This study suggested that both origins contributed to maternal lineages of current populations of Vietnamese native pigs.

The Effects of an In Vitro Oocyte Maturation System and Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation during Embryo Culture on the Development of Porcine Cloned Embryos Derived from Native Vietnamese Ban Pigs

The aim of this study was to improve the production efficiency of Vietnamese native Ban pig embryos using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Fibroblast cells from Ban pigs were injected into the enucleated cytoplasts of crossbred gilts, and the reconstructed embryos were subsequently cultured. In the first experiment, cytoplasts were isolated from oocytes matured in either a defined porcine oocyte medium (POM) or in TCM199 medium supplemented with porcine follicular fluid. Both media were supplemented with gonadotropic hormones, either for the first 22 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) or for the entire 44 h of IVM. In the second experiment, the reconstructed SCNT embryos were cultured with or without 50 μM chlorogenic acid (CGA). Furthermore, this study examined parthenogenetic embryos. The IVM medium and duration of hormone treatment did not affect embryo development. CGA supplementation to the culture medium significantly increased blastocyst formation rates in parthenogenetic embryos but not in SCNT embryos. However, CGA supplementation significantly reduced the apoptotic index in blastocysts regardless of embryo source. In conclusion, the IVM method did not affect SCNT embryo production, while CGA supplementation during embryo culture improved the quality of SCNT embryos in indigenous pig breeds.

Vessel-Selective 4D-MRA Using Superselective Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin-Labeling with Keyhole and View-Sharing for Visualizing Intracranial Dural AVFs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An accurate assessment of the hemodynamics of an intracranial dural AVF is necessary for treatment planning. We aimed to investigate the utility of 4D-MRA based on superselective pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling with CENTRA-keyhole and view-sharing (4D-S-PACK) for the vessel-selective visualization of intracranial dural AVFs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the images of 21 patients (12 men and 9 women; mean age, 62.2 [SD,19.2] years) with intracranial dural AVFs, each of whom was imaged with DSA, 4D-S-PACK, and nonselective 4D-MRA based on pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling combined with CENTRA-keyhole and view-sharing (4D-PACK). The shunt location, venous drainage patterns, feeding artery identification, and Borden classification were evaluated by 2 observers using both MRA methods on separate occasions. Vessel selectivity was evaluated on 4D-S-PACK.

RESULTS

Shunt locations were correctly evaluated in all 21 patients by both observers on both MRA methods. With 4D-S-PACK, observers 1 and 2 detected 76 (80.0%, P < .001) and 73 (76.8%, P < .001) feeding arteries of the 95 feeding arteries identified on DSA but only 39 (41.1%) and 46 (48.4%) feeding arteries with nonselective 4D-PACK, respectively. Both observers correctly identified 10 of the 11 patients with cortical venous reflux confirmed by DSA with both 4D-S-PACK and 4D-PACK (sensitivity = 90.9%, specificity = 90.9% for each method), and they made accurate Borden classifications in 20 of the 21 patients (95.2%) on both MRA methods. Of the 84 vessel territories examined, vessel selectivity was graded 3 or 4 in 73 (91.2%) and 66 (88.0%) territories by observers 1 and 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

4D-S-PACK is useful for the identification of feeding arteries and accurate classifications of intracranial dural AVFs and can be a useful noninvasive clinical tool.

Altered microfilament dynamics contribute to the formation of diploid metaphase spindles in porcine oocytes which fail to reach the metaphase-II stage during in vitro maturation

Premature meiotic arrest during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes after germinal vesicle breakdown is associated with microfilament degradation. We aimed to clarify (1) if such arrest occurs at the metaphase-I (MI) stage or the oocyte progresses to a so-called diploid metaphase-II (MII) stage and (2) if microfilament degradation is the cause or result of the meiotic arrest. The number and morphology of chromosomes in oocytes showing premature meiotic arrest at 44 h IVM (38 monovalents) was similar to those cultured in the presence of the actin polymerization-inhibitor cytochalasin-B, but different from those of MI-stage (19 bivalents), and MII-stage oocytes (19 monovalents) at 33 and 44 h of IVM, respectively. Immunostaining revealed similar frequencies of microfilament degradation in prematurely arrested and cytochalasin-B-treated oocytes (58.7% and 57.2%, respectively), which were higher (P < 0.05) than those in MI- and MII-stage oocytes (10.6% and 6.8%, respectively). Induction of MI-arrest by nocodazole did not affect microfilament morphology. ATP and mRNA levels of microfilament-related genes in oocytes were similar among all groups. These results suggest that altered microfilament dynamics contribute to the formation of diploid metaphase spindles in oocytes, which fail to reach the MII stage. However, the cause of microfilament degeneration remains unclear.

Production of Agu piglets after transfer of embryos produced in vitro

The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility of in vitro embryo production and transfer technologies for producing piglets of Agu, an Okinawan indigenous pig breed. After collection of oocytes from surgically dissected ovaries, they were subjected to in vitro maturation. After in vitro maturation/fertilization, a total of 616 putative embryos were transferred into four commercial Western pig recipients, one of which became pregnant and farrowed a total of eight Agu piglets. These results demonstrate that in vitro embryo production using ovaries from Agu females is useful for breeding management and conservation of indigenous breeds.

Dibutyryl-cAMP and roscovitine differently affect premature meiotic resumption and embryo development of vitrified immature porcine oocytes

Vitrification and warming can trigger premature meiosis in immature porcine oocytes. Our aim was to compare the efficacies of two meiotic inhibitors, dibutyryl-cAMP and roscovitine for the meiosis synchronization during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. We first compared the efficacy of 1 mM dibutyryl-cAMP and 25 μM roscovitine on meiotic arrest during the first 22 h of IVM. Dibutyryl-cAMP could maintain the GV stage in 83.5% of oocytes; however, roscovitine was even more effective (96.6%), whereas only 17.4% of the oocytes remained at the GV stage without these additives. Temporal meiotic arrest for 22 h by roscovitine did not reduce the percentage of oocytes reaching the Metaphase II stage during subsequent IVM. However, after parthenogenetic stimulation or in vitro fertilization, subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage was compromised after roscovitine treatment, whereas dibutyryl-cAMP improved the percentage of blastocyst development. In conclusion, dibutyryl-cAMP could derogate but not completely prevent premature meiosis in vitrified oocytes, whereas roscovitine could more efficiently prevent it. However, for embryo production, the use of roscovitine was disadvantageous, whereas the use of dibutyryl-cAMP was beneficial.

Excess polyspermy reduces the ability of porcine oocytes to promote male pronuclear formation after in vitro fertilization

Male pronucleus (MPN) formation is a very important physiological event during fertilization, which affects in vitro production of transferrable embryos. The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between the number of penetrated sperm and the occurrence of failure of MPN formation in porcine oocytes. In vitro matured porcine oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen epididymal sperm. Two different frozen sperm lots were tested in this study, which were different in terms of polyspermy rates. The numbers and the status of penetrated sperm in oocytes were evaluated 10 h after insemination. Under high polyspermy condition, the polyspermy rate was 83.5% with an average mean of 3.5 sperms per penetrated oocyte, whereas the percentage of polyspermy was 65.5% with an average mean of 2.4 sperms per penetrated oocyte under moderate polyspermic condition. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the number of penetrated sperm and their MPN formation percentage both in the sperm lot of high polyspermy (R = −0.560, p < 0.05) and in the sperm lot of moderate polyspermy (R = −0.405, p < 0.05) which suggests that penetration of excessive spermatozoa disables the oocyte cytoplasm to promote MPN formation.

Silkworm recombinant bovine zona pellucida protein 4 (bZP4) as a potential female immunocontraceptive antigen; impaired sperm-oocyte interaction and ovarian dysfunction

Porcine zona pellucida proteins (ZPs) have been utilized as female immunocontraceptive antigens. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential use of silkworm recombinant bovine ZP4 as an alternative. When the protein was injected with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) - an immuno-stimulative agent - into two female goats, marked elevation of the anti-ZP4 titer was detected. Application of the purified specific IgG to a porcine in vitro fertilization system reduced the sperm penetration rate. In one goat, the cyclic profile of serum progesterone disappeared as the anti-ZP4 titer increased. Histological examination of the ovaries revealed degeneration of antral follicles with sparse infiltration of inflammatory cells in the theca, indicating that autoimmune oophoritis had been induced. Together, the present results suggest that recombinant ZP4 disturbs fertilization and exerts a pathogenic effect on follicle development in goats, thus indicating its potential as a female immunocontraceptive antigen.

Induction of short-term pseudopregnancy in gilts by the administration of estradiol benzoate or estradiol dipropionate to achieve ovulatory synchronization for embryo collection

A study was conducted to investigate whether ovulation in gilts could be synchronized for embryo collection by the administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) or estradiol dipropionate (EDP) to induce pseudopregnancy, followed by the treatment with prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α ) on 10 days after. Ten gilts each received a total of 20 mg of EB or EDP on Day 10 or EB on Day 10 and 14 to induce pseudopregnancy (Day 0 = onset of estrus). Donors received PGF_2α 10 or 15 days (as a control) after the first administration of estrogens and subsequently eCG and hCG, and were then inseminated artificially. The embryos were collected 7 days after the administration of hCG, and assessed for embryo yield and their developmental stages. All protocols resulted in good embryo yield (9.8-13.2 embryos in average), and the embryos showed average ability to develop to the expanded blastocyst stage (3.29-4.03 as developmental scores) without any significant differences among the protocols. These results suggest that the administration of PGF_2α 10 days after the treatment of gilts with EB or EDP would allow synchronization of ovulation and embryo collection, as well as shortening the period from estrus detection to embryo collection, thus improving embryo collection efficiency.

Embryo production by intracytoplasmic injection of sperm retrieved from neonatal testicular tissue of Agu pigs after cryopreservation and grafting into nude mice

The Agu is the only indigenous pig breed in Japan but its population is very small. In order to estimate the efficacy of testicular xenografting for the conservation of Agu pigs, we investigated whether neonatal testicular fragments would acquire the capacity to produce sperm after they had been cryopreserved and grafted into nude mice. Although on day 180 (day 0 = xenografting), grafts showed a low proportion of seminiferous tubule cross-sections containing sperm (0.1 ± 0.1%, mean ± SEM for four mice), the proportion reached 36.9 ± 16.7% (n = 4 mice) by day 240. When single sperm obtained on day 240 was injected into individual porcine oocytes, 28.2% of the oocytes were found to contain one male and one female pronuclei with the second polar body. Moreover, the blastocyst formation rate after injection of the xenogeneic sperm was 28.4%, whereas that in the absence of sperm injection (attributable to parthenogenesis) was 13.3%. These findings suggest that more than half of the blastocysts resulted from fertilization. Thus, testicular xenografting could assist the conservation of Agu pigs by salvaging germ cells present in neonatal testes even after cryopreservation.

Vitrification of Porcine Oocytes and Zygotes in Microdrops on a Solid Metal Surface or Liquid Nitrogen

Oocyte cryopreservation is a potent approach to keep female germplasm safe from epidemic diseases. In the last decade, we developed simple, cheap, and robust vitrification protocols which enable quick cryopreservation of immature porcine oocytes and zygotes in large numbers. In this chapter, we describe vitrification procedures for porcine oocytes and zygotes where they are vitrified in 1-2 μL aliquots of a defined (protein-free) vitrification medium and dropped either on a metal surface pre-cooled from the bottom with liquid nitrogen (solid surface vitrification) or directly into liquid nitrogen. Vitrified microdrops can be stored in cryo-vials in liquid nitrogen. Low concentrations of permeating cryoprotectants during equilibration and proper temperatures during equilibration and warming are crucial for achieving high survival rates. The device used for cooling does not seem to affect system efficacy as vitrification of oocytes or zygotes either on Cryotop^® sheets or in microdrops were equally effective.

29 The effect of vitrification at the immature stage on DNA methylation in porcine oocytes and its relevance to subsequent embryo development

Oocyte vitrification is an important approach for invitro gene banking of female germplasm; however, in pigs, it hampers embryo development. In cattle, vitrification at the MII stage was reported to alter epigenetic status in oocytes and even in subsequently developing embryos (Chen et al. 2016 Theriogenology 86, 868-878). The present study investigated the effect of vitrification at the immature stage of porcine oocytes on DNA methylation status and its relevance to subsequent embryo development. Immature cumulus–oocyte complexes were vitrified in microdrops and warmed (vitrified group) or treated with cryoprotectant agents (17.5% ethylene glycol + 17.5% propylene glycol, CPA group) by our method (Appeltant et al. 2018 Cryobiology 85, 87-94). Then they were subjected to IVM, parthenogenetic activation (PA), and embryo culture. From each batch, a group of oocytes was processed without treatment (control group). Oocyte survival and polar body extrusion were recorded after IVM. Cleavage and blastocyst developmental rates were recorded on Day 2 and 6 of culture, respectively (Day 0=PA). In each replication, DNA methylation was assayed in representative oocytes at the MII stage after IVM and in embryos at the 2- to 4-cell stage on Day 2 by immunostaining with 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Relative fluorescent intensity of 5mC in the chromatin was compared among groups. The experiment was replicated 3 times. Data were analysed by ANOVA. After IVM, there was no significant difference among the control, CPA, and vitrified groups in terms of the percentage of live oocytes (99.3, 96.4, and 94.0%, respectively) or polar body extrusion (88.6, 86.9, and 79.6%, respectively). After PA of oocytes with a polar body, there was no difference between the control and CPA groups in the percentage of cleavage (84.1 and 80.7%, respectively) or blastocyst development of cleaved embryos (63.3 and 79.3%, respectively). However, in the vitrified group, cleavage and blastocyst development rates (46.6 and 33.5%, respectively) were reduced (P&lt;0.05) compared with the other groups. The 5mC fluorescence in the DNA of oocytes at the MII stage in the CPA and vitrified groups were similar and significantly lower than that in the control group (0.88±0.02, 0.87±0.001, and 1.0±0.02, respectively) but higher than that in the negative control processed without primary antibody (0.33±0.02). In the embryos at the 2- to 4-cell stage, 5mC fluorescence was not significantly different among the control, CPA, and vitrified groups (1.0±0.1, 0.99±0.1, and 0.96±0.1, respectively) but was significantly higher than that of the negative control (0.36±0.04). In conclusion, CPA treatment reduced DNA methylation levels in oocytes. However, it was restored during early embryo development and did not affect blastocyst development. The results suggest that reduced DNA methylation in vitrified oocytes is caused by CPA but it may not be responsible for their reduced ability to develop to blastocysts.

30 The importance of cumulus cells for the survival and timing of meiotic resumption of porcine oocytes vitrified at the immature stage

Previous research revealed that vitrification at the immature (the germinal vesicle, GV) stage triggers premature meiotic resumption in cumulus-enclosed porcine oocytes and causes a damage in gap junctions (Appeltant et al. 2017 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 29, 2419-2429). However, the correlation between the two phenomena was not investigated yet. The present research was conducted to clarify whether premature meiotic resumption is caused by gap junction disruption and to assess the importance of cumulus cells for the survival of porcine oocytes vitrified at the GV stage. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from 3- to 6-mm antral follicles of slaughtered gilts. Immediately after collection, approximately half of them were denuded mechanically (DOs). In each replicate, groups of COCs and DOs were processed without vitrification (control groups). Treatment groups of COCs and DOs were vitrified on Cryotop sheets in a combination of 17.5% propylene glycol and 17.5% ethylene glycol and warmed in 0.4M sucrose. The oocytes were then cultured for 22h in a chemically defined porcine oocyte medium (POM) supplemented with 10ngmL−1 epidermal growth factor, 10IUmL−1 equine chorionic gonadotrophin, 10IUmL−1 human chorionic gonadotrophin, and 1mM dibutyryl cAMP. After culture, COCs were denuded and oocyte survival was assessed by morphological evaluation of membrane integrity under a stereo microscope. Then, live oocytes were fixed and stained with 1% orcein and nuclear status was evaluated under a phase-contrast microscope. The experiment was replicated 5 times. Data were analysed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. After vitrification and culture, the survival rate in the COC group was higher (P&lt;0.05) than that of the DO group (160/191=84.7±3.4% vs. 153/237=65.0±6.2%, respectively) but reduced (P&lt;0.05) compared with those in the control COC and DO groups (138/143=96.6±1.0% and 152/153=99.3±0.6%, respectively). The majority of the control COCs and DOs were at the GV stage with similar percentages (95.6±2.2% and 94.0±2.2%, respectively). In contrast, the percentages of oocytes at the GV stage in the vitrified COC and DO groups were reduced (71.6±9.4% and 45.7±10.5%, respectively; P&lt;0.05) compared with the control groups, which were associated with increased frequencies of diakinesis and MI stages. Percentages of oocytes at the GV stage in the vitrified COC and DO groups were not significantly different (P=0.23). In conclusion, cumulus cells can prevent vitrification-related membrane damage of oocytes. Furthermore, vitrification induced premature meiosis both in the cumulus-enclosed and denuded oocytes even in the presence of the meiotic inhibitor, dibutyryl cAMP. Nevertheless, cumulus removal without vitrification did not induce premature meiosis in the oocytes. Therefore, disruption in communication with cumulus cells might not be the primary reason for premature meiosis in vitrified oocytes.

Successful activation of rat T lymphocytes by sperm specific antigens in vitro

Autoimmune orchitis is a condition related to cellular immunity. A disease model involving transfer of T lymphocytes activated by known antigens would be useful for defining pathogenical molecules. Since no method for activating rat T cells using specific antigens is available, we started the study to develop the method. T cells were collected from draining lymph nodes of immunized rats, then co-cultured with syngeneic splenocytes as antigen-presenting cells (APC) in antigen-supplemented medium (= stimulation). The cells were then incubated in medium without antigens and APC (= resting). Repetitive stimulation and resting increased the number of the T cells more than 100-fold. The antigen-specific activation was demonstrated by cell proliferation assay and ELISA assay for interferon gamma. Flow cytometry revealed that > 95% of the cells expressed tumor necrosis factor alpha, a cytokine responsible for autoimmune orchitis. The present method will provide a new procedure to evaluate antigenicity of sperm molecules.

Piglet production by non-surgical transfer of vitrified embryos, transported to commercial swine farms and warmed on site

We investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns‐ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns‐ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1‐day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns‐ET using recipients with a 1‐day delay and vitrified embryos after one‐step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns‐ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns‐ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns‐ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms.

Optimization of in vitro embryo production and zygote vitrification for the indigenous Vietnamese Ban pig: The effects of different in vitro oocyte maturation systems

The Vietnamese Ban pig is a precious genetic resource that needs to be preserved. In vitro embryo production from in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes is an important tool for the utilization of cryopreserved porcine sperm. The aim of this study was to compare two media for the IVM of Ban pig oocytes. Immature oocytes were subjected to IVM either in a non-defined (TCM-199 + pig follicular fluid) or in a defined base medium (POM + epidermal growth factor). At the end of IVM, the oocytes were in vitro fertilized (IVF) with frozen Ban sperm. Ten hours after IVF, the oocytes were either subjected to orcein staining to check fertilization and maturation status or cultured in vitro for 7 days. There was no difference between the two IVM media in terms of percentages of oocyte maturation and blastocyst production. However, the percentage of male pronuclear formation after IVF and the total cell numbers in blastocysts were higher with the defined system. Zygotes obtained by the two IVM systems survived vitrification at similar rates. In conclusion, the two IVM systems were both effective for the production of Ban pig embryos; however, better embryo quality was achieved with the defined one.

Pluripotency-associated genes reposition during early embryonic developmental stages in pigs

We examined the allelic expression and positioning of two pluripotency‐associated genes, OCT4 and SOX2, and two housekeeping genes, ACTB and TUBA, in 4‐ and 8‐cell porcine embryos utilizing RNA and DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in single blastomeres. The proportion of blastomeres expressing SOX2 bi‐allelically increased from 45% at the 4‐cell stage to 60% at the 8‐cell stage. Moreover, in 8‐cell embryos, SOX2 was expressed bi‐allelically in significantly more blastomeres than was the case for OCT4, and this was associated with a tendency for SOX2 alleles to move toward the nuclear interior during 4‐ to 8‐cell transition. However, the radial location of OCT4 alleles did not change significantly during this transition. The locations of active and inactive alleles based on DNA and RNA FISH signals were also calculated. Inactive OCT4 alleles were located in very close proximity to the nuclear membrane, whereas active OCT4 alleles were more centrally disposed in the nucleus. Nevertheless, the nuclear location of active and inactive SOX2 alleles did not change in either 4‐ or 8‐cell blastomeres. Our RNA and DNA FISH data provide novel information on the allelic expression patterns and positioning of pluripotency‐associated genes, OCT4 and SOX2, during embryonic genome activation in pigs.

Selection based on morphological features of porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization: Timing of early cleavages and the effect of polyspermy

The aim of this study was to examine whether a morphological approach is efficient for selecting high‐quality porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) under high polyspermy conditions. Frozen‐thawed Meishan epididymal spermatozoa showing moderate and high polyspermy were subjected to IVF (1 × 10⁵ sperms/ml). Under conditions of moderate polyspermy, 4‐cell embryos selected at 48 hr after IVF (single selection) and 8‐cell embryos selected at 79 hr after IVF from the collected 4‐cell embryos (double selection) showed high developmental competence. Likewise, 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos produced by IVF under high polyspermy conditions also showed high competence for development to blastocysts. However, blastocysts derived from high polyspermy conditions had significantly fewer cells than those produced under moderate polyspermy conditions. Furthermore, the frequency of nuclear and chromosomal abnormalities in 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos produced under conditions of high polyspermy was significantly (p < .05) higher in comparison to moderate polyspermy conditions. These findings suggest that although high polyspermy affects the frequency of nuclear and chromosomal anomalies in porcine IVF embryos, subsequent selection based on morphological features of 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos even under high polyspermy conditions, could be an alternative option for selecting porcine IVF embryos with high development ability.

Insemination of recipient sows improves the survival to term of vitrified and warmed porcine expanded blastocysts transferred non-surgically

This study was performed to evaluate reproductive performance after non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of 10–15 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) that had been vitrified and warmed (V/W) using the micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method. The effect of asynchrony between the donor and recipient estrous cycle was investigated. Ns‐ET was conducted in recipients whose estrous cycle was asynchronous to that of donors by a delay of 2, 1, or 0 days. In the 2‐day and 1‐day groups, the similar farrowing rates (27.3% and 25.0%) and survival rates to term (13.9% and 15.7%) were obtained after Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs. None of the recipients in 0‐day group farrowed. Artificial insemination (AI) prior to Ns‐ET was then evaluated. Ten–15 V/W ExBs were transferred non‐surgically to 12 recipients whose estrous cycles were asynchronous to that of donors by a 2‐day delay. All of the recipients produced piglets, and all (100.0%) delivered piglets were derived from the transferred V/W ExBs. The survival rate of V/W ExBs to term was 25.2%. These results demonstrate that Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs using MVAC can facilitate piglet production, even if 10–15 embryos are transferred. Moreover, piglets were obtained stably when AI was performed prior to Ns‐ET.

Non-surgical transfer of vitrified porcine embryos using a catheter designed for a proximal site of the uterus

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of non‐surgical embryo transfer (ET) using a newly developed catheter, which enables transferring embryos into a proximal site of the uterus (mostly uterine body), and surgical ET of vitrified porcine embryos. In Experiment 1, the catheter was inserted into 12 gilts, with each half of the group allocated to skilled or novice operators. The time required for insertion into the uterus did not differ between skilled and novice operators (4 min 9 s and 4 min 6 s, respectively). In Experiment 2, 12 gilts were used as recipients for non‐surgical and surgical ET with vitrified embryos (n = 6, each). There was no significant difference in the rate of piglet production based on the number of transferred embryos between surgical and non‐surgical ET (25.8% vs. 15.4%, p = .098). The results suggest that non‐surgical ET catheter allowed for easy insertion and transfer of embryos without special training. Although the catheter is effective for deposition of embryos into the proximal site of uterus, the efficiency of piglet production is not enhanced compared with surgical ET. The ET method using this catheter, being labor‐saving and less‐invasive, may contribute to the improvement of ET in pigs.

Evaluation of genetic richness among Vietnamese native pig breeds using microsatellite markers

We have elucidated genetic relationships of Vietnamese native pigs (VNP) using preliminarily collected samples by a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. In order to confirm our previous results and compare with the results of a previous study using microsatellite (MS) markers, we aimed to characterize genetic diversity and population structure in wider varieties (24 breeds from 21 Provinces) of VNP across the country using 20 polymorphic MS markers recommended by ISAG/FAO (International Society for Animal Genetics/Food and Agriculture Organization) for diversity study. In this study, we collected 1,136 DNA samples of the VNPs and three exotic breeds. Our results revealed that the average number of alleles and allelic richness across the loci in VNPs were 10.0 and 7.6, which were higher than those of exotic breeds. Genomic components among VNPs were subjected to the sampling locations. Interestingly, Co Binh Thuan showed remarkable genetic feature compared to the other VNPs, because the habitation of Co Binh Thuan was relatively far from the other breeds. The results of this study provided useful information for exploitation, conservation, and development trends of the VNP breeds. More recently, African swine fever caused significant damage to most of the VNP populations. Therefore, our findings will help a reconstruction scheme of the VNP genetic resources.

AB0089 THE ANALYSIS FOR THE INHIBITION OF ANGIOGENESIS BY JAK INHIBITOR

Background:

Many blood vessels are generated in the hyperplastic synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lead to chronic tissue inflammation and joint destruction [1]. Janus kinase (JAK) family consisting of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) are chain receptors which phosphorylate signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and mediate inflammatory diseases including RA [2]. Nowadays, several JAK inhibitors such as Tofacitinib (TOF), Baricitinib (BAR) and Peficitinib (PEF) have been developed and demonstrated to have the inhibitory effects on inflammatory arthritis [3-5]. However, there were few reports concerning their effects on angiogenesis in vitro.

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of JAK inhibitors on angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) activated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods:

The cell line of HUVECs were used for this study. The activity of proliferation and tube formation were analyzed by counting assay and tube formation assay, respectively.

In counting assay, HUVECs (5 × 104cells/ml) were seeded onto 96-well cell culture plate with 20 ng/ml VEGF including various doses (0.1µM, 1µM, 5µM) of TOF, BAR or PEF. After 48 hours incubation at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2, cell proliferation of each groups was assessed using cell counting kit. In tube formation assay, HUVECs (5 × 104cells/ml) were treated with 20ng/ml VEGF including various dose (0.1µM, 1µM, 5µM) of TOF, BAR or PEF for 00 hours, then seeded onto 48-well plate applied with Matrigel. After 24 hours incubation on Matrigel, the capillary-like tube formation of each well was photographed using phase contrast microscopy. Tube formation were quantitated by measurement of the length of branch.

Results:

HUVECs were activated in proliferation and tube formation by VEGF treatment. And, the proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs activated by VEGF were suppressed by All of TOF, BAR and PEF. In particular, TOF and PEF could suppress them highly.

Conclusion:

This study showed the inhibitory effect of JAK inhibitors on proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs activated by VEGF. In particular, the angiogenesis of HUVECs activated by VEGF was highly suppressed by TOF and PEF. VEGF is reported to regulate the angiogenesis through multi JAK-STAT signaling pathways [6]. The inhibitory effects on angiogenesis of TOF, BAR and PEF might depend on the differences in their affinity for JAKs. VEGF has been shown to a have a central involvement in the angiogenic process in RA [7]. JAK inhibitors might suppress the angiogenesis in RA synovial tissues by inhibiting VEGF signaling.

References:

[1]Scott DL, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2010.

[2]Banerjee S, et al. JAK-STAT signaling as a target for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases: current and future prospects. Drugs. 2017.

[3]William D, et al. JAK inhibitors in dermatology: the promise of a new drug class. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2017.

[4]Dhillon S. Tofacitinib: A Review in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drugs. 2017.

[5]Markham A, et al. Peficitinib: First Global Approval. Drugs. 2019.

[6]Zhang HY, et al. Three important components in the regeneration of the cavernous nerve: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Asian journal of andrology. 2011.

[7]Paleolog EM. Angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis research. 2002.

Acknowledgments:

none

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0019 HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF SYNOVIAL TISSUE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH TNF INHIBITORS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hyperplasia of synovial tissues [1]. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA synovitis, and TNF inhibitors (TNFi) were reported to force the RA to go into remission or low disease activity and have brought revolutionary impacts on RA treatment [2]. TNFi have been shown to act on inflammatory cells and form the discoid fibrosis in the sublining layers [3,4]. However, the changes of synovial tissue and the cause of discoid fibrosis in RA patients treated with TNFi has not been determined in detail.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the histological changes and the types of cells around discoid fibrosis in RA synovium treated with TNFi.

Methods:

Synovial tissues were obtained from 30 patients with RA during joint surgeries. 6 patients were treated with TNFi (1 patient with golimumab, 3 patients with etanercept, 2 patients with infliximab). As a control, synovial tissues were obtained from 6 patients who were treated only with csDMARDs (6 patients with MTX). The frozen sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (HE). To detect the apoptosis, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed. The immunohistochemical characterization of the synovial cells was performed by using following antibodies: CD20 and CD3 for detecting B and T lymphocytes respectively, CD163 and CD86 for detecting M1 and M2 macrophage respectively.

Results:

In the sections stained with HE, the formation of discoid fibrosis and the other characteristic changes including hydropic degeneration, vacuolation, sclerosis of small vasculature, and the number of multilayered synovial cells was decreased in synovium from RA patients treated with TNFi. In the sections with TUNEL stain, apoptosis of lining cells around the discoid fibrosis was detected in RA synovium treated with TNFi (Figure 1a, 1b). In the sections with immunohistochemistry stain, CD86 expression increased in lining layer of RA synovium treated with TNFi. CD163 positive cells showed diffuse expression in RA synovium treated with TNFi. In contrast, CD20 and CD3 positive cells decreased around discoid fibrosis compared to control sections. These results showed indicated that the types of cells in lining and sublining layers were mainly macrophages and that the apoptosis of macrophages might form the discoid fibrosis in lining layers.

Conclusion:

This study showed the apoptosis of lining cells derived from macrophages resulted in the formation of the discoid fibrosis. These findings indicated TNFi might induce apoptosis of macrophage leading to the suppression of RA synovitis.

References:

[1] Scott Dl, et al. Progression of radiological changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1984.

[2]van der Heijde D,et al. Comparison of etanercept and methotrexate, alone and combined, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: two-year clinical and radiographic results from the TEMPO study, a double-blind, randomized trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2006.

[3] Hirohata S,et al. TNF inhibitors induce discoid fibrosis in the sublining layers of the synovium with degeneration of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2013.

[4] Yamanaka H,et al. Scoring evaluation for histopathological features of synovium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Rheumatol Int. 2010.

Acknowledgments :

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Early and noninvasive diagnosis using serological antigen biomarkers in chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis

Background: Chronic invasive form of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is characterized by the invasion of fungal organisms into the sinonasal mucosa in the background of diabetes mellitus and corticosteroid treatment. Although the histopathology has traditionally been used to make a proven diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, the dependence on tissue samples and the slow turnaround time hamper the early confirmation of such infections. Methodology: This is a retrospective case series conducted over 6 years. All patients with a chronic course and immunosuppressive background of FRS diagnosed by radiologic imaging and treated with endoscopic sinus surgery were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected through medical records, including basic characteristics, symptoms and signs, imaging findings, laboratory investigations, pathology, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Fifteen patients with chronic course and immunosuppressive background of FRS diagnosed by radiologic imaging were identified. High values of 1,3-b-D-glucan (BDG) assay were recognized in 5 patients, whereas the other 10 patients with negative findings in the BDG assay showed sinus mycetomas. All the 5 patients showing significant elevations of serum BDG showed positive findings in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but only 2 patients were positive in the histopathology. The findings of the BDG assay were consistent with those of the PCR method, which was superior in sensitivity to the histopathology. Conclusion: We first applied BDG assay as a diagnostic tool for chronic invasive FRS. The BDG assay may be useful to distinguish chronic invasive FRS, including its early stage, from noninvasive mycetoma, contributing to timely treatment.

Combined refinements to somatic cell nuclear transfer methods improve porcine embryo development

The discovery of how to utilize CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short, palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) systems for genome modification has accelerated development of the field of genome editing, especially in large animals such as pigs. The low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is now becoming a major obstacle in the production of genome-edited animals via cell-mediated approaches and improving efficacy of this technique is crucial. In this study, we propose a few simple modifications to a zona-free SCNT protocol that are effective to produce numerous high-quality blastocysts. To refine the SCNT protocol we modified the following steps/factors: 1) culture medium for SCNT embryos, 2) chemical treatment to prevent precocious activation of the manipulated/reconstructed oocytes and 3) donor cell serum starvation treatment. Although changes in each of these steps only resulted in small improvements, the combination of all modifications altogether significantly enhanced developmental competence of SCNT embryos. Our modified method yielded approximately three times greater blastocyst formation rates. Moreover, resulting blastocysts had roughly twice as many cells as compared to blastocysts produced by the conventional SCNT method. With these significant in vitro improvements, our refined SCNT method is potentially suited for use in the production of genome edited pigs.

Vitrification of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes at the germinal vesicle stage does not trigger apoptosis in oocytes and early embryos, but activates anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL gene expression beyond the 4-cell stage

The aim of the present study was to clarify whether or not our vitrification procedure at the germinal vesicle (GV)-stage triggers the apoptotic cascade in oocytes and subsequent embryos. Immature porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes were either vitrified and warmed (vitrified group) or subjected to cryoprotectant agents (CPA group) or cultured without any treatment (control). Oocytes of all treatment groups were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization, and embryo culture. Apoptosis was assayed in live oocytes at the end of IVM culture and in cleavage-stage embryos after in vitro fertilization (IVF). We detected similar frequencies of DNA fragmentation, levels of caspase activity, phosphatidylserine externalization, and mRNA levels for pro-apoptotic Bax and CASP3 genes in oocytes at the end of IVM and in early embryos among all groups. However, in the vitrified group, the anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL gene was upregulated in 4–8 cell embryos, which caused an 8-fold significant increase in the Bcl-XL/Bax mRNA ratio compared with the control and CPA groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, vitrification of porcine oocytes at the GV stage by our method did not trigger the apoptotic cascade in oocytes and subsequent embryos but triggered the upregulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL gene in embryos.

Characteristic features of porcine endogenous retroviruses in Vietnamese native pigs

We aimed to clarify the genomic characteristics of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in Vietnamese native pig (VnP) breeds. First, we investigated genetic polymorphisms in β- and γ-like PERVs, and we then measured the copy numbers of infectious γ-like PERVs (PERV-A, B, and C). We purified genomic DNA from 15 VnP breeds from 12 regions all over the country and three Western pig breeds as controls, and investigated genetic polymorphisms in all known PERVs, including the beta (β)1-4 and gamma (γ)1-5 groups. PERVs of β1, β2, β3, and γ4 were highly polymorphic with VnP-specific haplotypes. We did not identify genetic polymorphisms in β4, γ1, or γ2 PERVs. We then applied a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based method to estimate copy numbers of the gag, pol, and env genes of γ1 PERVs (defined as A, B, and C). VnP breeds showed significantly lower copy number of the PERV genes compared with the Western pig breeds (on average, 16.2 and 35.7 copies, respectively, p < .05). Two VnP breeds showed significantly higher copy number compared with the other VnPs (p < .05). Our results elucidated that VnPs have specific haplotypes and a low copy number of PERV genes.

27 Vitrification at the germinal vesicle stage does not trigger apoptosis in porcine oocytes and early embryos

Porcine immature oocytes can survive vitrification at high rates and retain their ability to undergo maturation and fertilization; however, the procedure reduces their competence for subsequent embryo development via unknown mechanisms (Somfai et al. 2014 Plos One 9, e97731). The aim of the present study was to clarify whether our vitrification procedure at the germinal vesicle stage triggers apoptosis in oocytes and subsequent developing embryos. Immature porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries were vitrified and warmed by our method (Appeltant et al. 2018 Cryobiology 85, 87-94) immediately after collection (vitrified group). The oocytes were equilibrated in 2% (vol/vol) ethylene glycol and 2% (vol/vol) propylene glycol for 13-15min. Then, they were vitrified by dropping them into liquid nitrogen in 2-μL microdrops of a medium composed of 17.5% ethylene glycol, 17.5% propylene glycol, 0.3M sucrose, and 50mgmL−1 polyvinylpyrrolidone. After warming, they were subjected to IVM, fertilization (IVF), and embryo culture using chemically defined media (Yoshioka et al. 2008 J. Reprod. Dev. 54, 208-213). From each collected batch, a group of oocytes was processed without vitrification (control group). Apoptosis was assayed in membrane-intact oocytes at the end of IVM and in cleavage-stage embryos on Day 2 after IVF (Day 0) by the CaspACE FITC-VAD-FMK In Situ Caspase Marker (Promega; Experiment 1), deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL; Experiment 2), and analysis of mRNA levels by RT-qPCR for the pro-apoptotic Bax and CASP3 genes (Experiment 3). Each experiment was replicated three times. Data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparisons test. The mean survival rate of vitrified oocytes was 89.2%. There was no significant difference between the control and vitrified groups in relative caspase levels in IVM oocytes and in 2- to 4-cell embryos after IVF; however, significantly increased caspase activity (P&lt;0.05) was detected in oocytes and embryos after treatment with 10 μM staurosporine (positive control). There was no significant difference between the control and vitrified groups in the proportion of TUNEL-positive oocytes (4.1 and 0.8%, respectively) and embryos (0 and 0%, respectively), whereas 96.6% of oocytes and 100% of cleavage stage embryos treated with 1000IUmL−1 deoxyribonuclease I (positive control) were proven to be TUNEL positive (P&lt;0.05). Similar mRNA levels for Bax and CASP3 genes were detected in oocytes at the end of IVM and subsequent developing 4- to 8-cell embryos between the control and vitrified groups. In conclusion, vitrification of porcine oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage by our method did not trigger apoptosis in oocytes and subsequent developing embryos. This work was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS).

The phenotypic characteristics and relational database for Vietnamese native pig populations

Although there are a number of Vietnamese native pig (VnP) populations, some are on the verge of extinction, and therefore adequate management and conservation are necessary. In this study, we conducted a field survey of VnP populations and analyzed interrelationships among their characteristics. We also established a relational database for management of field data on these populations. For data collection, we conducted interviews with farmers and visual inspection of 32 VnP populations in 22 provinces of Vietnam, as well as taking photographs of individual animals. Data on the characteristics of VnP populations were subjected to multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). For establishment of the database, normalization and table partitioning were performed to eliminate redundancy and ensure consistency of the collected data items. Passport data, characteristics data, and image data were collected from a total of 1,918 VnPs and entered as a normalized table. Upon MCA, most of the populations were not separated from each other, but the Mong Cai, O Lam, and Chu Prong populations were separated from the other populations. Thus, we have constructed a relational database from comprehensive information on the characteristics of VnP populations.

The effect of artificial insemination prior to transfer of a limited number of vitrified and warmed porcine embryos by open pulled straw (OPS) method on their survival ability for farrowing

Embryo transfer (ET) of 20 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) vitrified and warmed (VW) by open pulled straw (OPS) to a recipient allows stable piglet production. The efficiency of artificial insemination (AI) prior to ET of 10 VW ExBs for piglet production was investigated. For one trial, 10-15 VW ExBs from single donor were assigned, 10 were used for ET and the remains were assessed for their in vitro viability. In the non-AI/ET group, 10 were transferred to each of five recipients. As AI/ET group, 10 were transferred to each of five recipients after AI. In AI/non-ET group, only AI was performed to seven gilts. In the non-AI/ET group, the pregnancy rate was 40%, but none of them farrowed. In the AI/ET group, all recipients produced piglets. Four (80.0%) delivered piglets from transferred VW ExBs. The survival rate of VW ExBs to term was 20.0% (10/50). In the AI/non-ET group, six of the seven gilts farrowed. There was no difference in in vitro viability between the non-AI/ET and AI/ ET groups (62.5% and 68.3%, respectively). AI prior to ET can be an appropriate way to maintain pregnancy and assist the development of a low number of VW ExBs to term.

A statistical model for activation of Factor C by binding to LPS aggregates

Published data on Factor C activity at various LPS and Lipid A concentrations (Nakamura et al. in Eur J Biochem 176:89, 1988; Kobayashi et al. in J Biol Chem 37:25987, 2014) were rearranged to show that Factor C exhibited its maximum activity at a specific concentration of LPS. A statistical model was proposed for examining whether a single LPS molecule binding activates Factor C (monomeric activation) or dimerization of Factor C is necessary for the activation (dimeric activation). In the monomeric activation model the plots of the relative activity of Factor C against the molar ratio of LPS to Factor C were different from those in the published data. The plots in the dimeric activation model lie on a bell-shaped curve, whatever the Factor C concentration, matching the published data and indicating the appropriateness of that model. We suggest that Factor C is activated by multiple molecular interactions of Factor C with LPS aggregates on which it dimerises and that this explains why larger aggregates are less effective at activating Factor C than smaller ones.

Presence of chlorogenic acid during in vitro maturation protects porcine oocytes from the negative effects of heat stress

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is known to protect oocytes from oxidative stress. Here we investigated the effects of CGA on porcine oocyte maturation under heat stress and subsequent embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation. For in vitro maturation (IVM) at 41.0°C (hyperthermic condition), supplementation of the maturation medium with 50 μM CGA significantly improved the percentage of matured oocytes and reduced the rate of apoptosis relative to oocytes matured without CGA (p < .05). CGA treatment of oocytes during IVM under hyperthermia tended to increase (p < .1) percentage of blastocyst formation after parthenogenesis and significantly increased (p < .05) the total cell number per blastocyst relative to oocytes matured without CGA. For IVM at 38.5°C (isothermic condition), CGA significantly improved the rate of blastocyst development compared with oocytes matured without CGA (p < .05), but did not affect oocyte maturation, apoptosis rate or the number of cells per embryo. Omission of all antioxidants from the IVM medium significantly reduced the rate of oocyte maturation, but the rate was restored upon addition of CGA. These results demonstrate that CGA is a potent antioxidant that protects porcine oocytes from the negative effects of heat stress, thus reducing the frequency of apoptosis and improving the quality of embryos.

Biochemical and physiological flexibility accompanies reduced cellulose biosynthesis in Brachypodium cesa1 S830N

Here, we present a study into the mechanisms of primary cell wall cellulose formation in grasses, using the model cereal grass Brachypodium distachyon. The exon found adjacent to the BdCESA1 glycosyltransferase QXXRW motif was targeted using Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) and sequencing candidate amplicons in multiple parallel reactions (SCAMPRing) leading to the identification of the Bdcesa1 ^S830N allele. Plants carrying this missense mutation exhibited a significant reduction in crystalline cellulose content in tissues that rely on the primary cell wall for biomechanical support. However, Bdcesa1 ^S830N plants failed to exhibit the predicted reduction in plant height. In a mechanism unavailable to eudicotyledons, B. distachyon plants homozygous for the Bdcesa1 ^S830N allele appear to overcome the loss of internode expansion anatomically by increasing the number of nodes along the stem. Stem biomechanics were resultantly compromised in Bdcesa1 ^S830N . The Bdcesa1 ^S830N missense mutation did not interfere with BdCESA1 gene expression. However, molecular dynamic simulations of the CELLULOSE SYNTHASE A (CESA) structure with modelled membrane interactions illustrated that Bdcesa1 ^S830N exhibited structural changes in the translated gene product responsible for reduced cellulose biosynthesis. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that substituting S830N resulted in a stabilizing shift in the flexibility of the class specific region arm of the core catalytic domain of CESA, revealing the importance of this motion to protein function.

Differences between primary central nervous system lymphoma and glioblastoma: topographic analysis using voxel-based morphometry

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic feasibility of probabilistic analysis using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in differentiating primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from glioblastoma (GBM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 118 patients with GBM (57 males, 61 females; mean [± standard deviation] age, 56.9±19.3 years; median, 61 years) and 52 patients with PCNSL (37 males, 15 females; mean age, 62±13.3 years, median, 66 years) were studied retrospectively. Each patient underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI) using a 1.5 or 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. To assess preferential occurrence sites, images from CE-T1WI were co-registered and spatially normalised using the MNI152 T1 template. Subsequently, a region of interest (ROI) was placed in the centre of the enhancing tumour in normalised images with 1-mm isotropic resolution. The same ROI between normalised and T1 template images was set up using an ROI manager function in ImageJ software. A spherical volume of interest (VOI) with a radius of 10 mm was determined. A probability map was created by overlaying each image with the VOI. Each VOI was removed from T1 template images for VBM analysis. VBM analysis was performed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) 12 software under default settings.

RESULTS

VBM analysis showed significantly higher frequency in the splenium of the corpus callosum among PCNSL patients than among GBM patients (p<0.05; family-wise error correction).

CONCLUSION

Topographic analysis using VBM provides useful information for differentiating PCNSL from GBM.

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR Imaging of Pediatric Intracranial Tumors: Correlation with Histology and Diagnostic Utility

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging, which simultaneously measures diffusion and perfusion parameters, is promising for brain tumor grading. However, intravoxel incoherent motion imaging has not been tested in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between intravoxel incoherent motion parameters and histology to assess the accuracy of intravoxel incoherent motion imaging for pediatric intracranial tumor grading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2013 and September 2015, 17 children (11 boys, 6 girls; 2 months to 15 years of age) with intracranial tumors were included in this retrospective study. Intravoxel incoherent motion parameters were fitted using 13 b-values for a biexponential model. The perfusion-free diffusion coefficient, pseudodiffusion coefficient, and perfusion fraction were measured in high- and low-grade tumors. These intravoxel incoherent motion parameters and the ADC were compared using the unpaired t test. The correlations between the intravoxel incoherent motion parameters and microvessel density or the MIB-1 index were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

The perfusion-free diffusion coefficient and ADC were lower in high-grade than in low-grade tumors (perfusion-free diffusion coefficient, 0.85 ± 0.40 versus 1.53 ± 0.21 × 10^-3 mm²/s, P < .001; ADC, 1.04 ± 0.33 versus 1.60 ± 0.21 × 10^-3 mm²/s, P < .001). The pseudodiffusion coefficient showed no difference between the groups. The perfusion fraction was higher in high-grade than in low-grade tumors (21.7 ± 8.2% versus 7.6 ± 4.3%, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis found that the combined perfusion-free diffusion coefficient and perfusion fraction had the best diagnostic performance for tumor differentiation (area under the curve = 0.986).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging reflects tumor histology and may be a helpful, noninvasive method for pediatric intracranial tumor grading.

Cryopreservation of immature oocytes of the indigeneous Vietnamese Ban Pig

We report the cryopreservation of oocytes from Ban miniature pigs which are endemic in Vietnam. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from antral follicles of 7-8 mo old female cyclic Ban pigs and vitrified in micro-drops. Oocyte morphology, lipid content, post-warming survival, nuclear maturation, and embryo development were compared to those of oocytes from commercially slaughtered Landrace × Large white hybrid pigs. The size of oocytes in the two breeds was similar. However, significantly lower amounts of intracellular lipid were detected in Ban oocytes. There was no difference (p > 0.05) between Ban and Landrace × Large white oocytes in percentages of post-warming survival (93.1 ± 3.4% vs. 70.7 ± 16.7%, respectively) and nuclear maturation after in vitro maturation (80.4 ± 5.1% vs. 90.0 ± 1.3% respectively). Similarly, cleavage (30.8 ± 7.8% vs. 10.3 ± 6.1%, respectively) and blastocyst development rates (9.4 ± 5.0% vs. 0.79 ± 0.79, respectively) were not different (p > 0.05) between vitrified Ban and Landrace × Large white oocytes after in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. In conclusion, high survival and maturation rates were achieved after vitrification of immature Ban oocytes and their cryo-tolerance was similar to that of Landrace × Large white oocytes, despite the difference in lipid content. We succeeded to generate reasonable rates of blastocysts from vitrified Ban oocytes by in vitro fertilization.

Developmental ability of oocytes retrieved from Meishan neonatal ovarian tissue grafted into nude mice

Ovarian xenografting makes it possible to obtain oocytes with fertilization ability from immature pigs of Western breeds. In this study, we applied these methods to the Meishan, an indigenous Chinese pig breed, and investigated the developmental competence of oocytes grown in their neonatal tissue after grafting into nude mice. First, mice harboring neonatal ovarian tissue were infused with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (62.5 U/ml) for 13 days starting at 10, 30, and 60 days after vaginal opening (D10‐, D30‐, and D60‐FSH groups, respectively). Development of antral follicles and their oocytes was most enhanced in the D60‐FSH group. For the next step, we examined the in vitro maturation ability of the oocytes recovered from host mice after infusion with FSH at a dose of 62.5 U/ml or 125 U/ml (FSH‐62.5 or ‐125 group) for 13 days starting at 60 days after vaginal opening. Many more oocytes with maturation ability were obtained from the FSH‐125 group. The FSH‐125 mature oocytes were fertilized in vitro, as shown by formation of male and female pronuclei, but did not reach the blastocyst stage. These results indicate that Meishan neonatal ovaries are able to produce oocytes with fertilization ability after being grafted into nude mice.

36 The effects of E-64 on the developmental competence of porcine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage

Previous studies reported the activation of the apoptotic cascade by vitrification in mature porcine oocytes (Vallorani et al. 2012 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 135, 68-74) and that the cathepsin B inhibitor E-64 improved developmental competence of bovine oocytes via an antiapoptotic effect (Balboula et al. 2013 Reproduction 146, 407-417). The present study was carried out to test whether E-64 affected the developmental competency of porcine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage. Cumulus-enclosed porcine oocytes were vitrified in microdrops and warmed by our method (Somfai et al. 2015 J. Reprod. Dev. 61, 571-579). Then, the oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) for 46h in a chemically defined porcine oocyte medium supplemented with 10ng mL−1 of epidermal growth factor, 10IU mL−1 of eCG, and 10IU mL−1 of hCG and during the first 22h of IVM with 1mM dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Then, cumulus-oocyte complexes were fertilized in vitro and presumptive zygotes were cultured in 50-µL drops of porcine zygote medium-3 for 7 days in 6-well dishes covered by paraffin oil in an atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 at 39°C. On Day 5 (Day 0=IVF), the porcine zygote medium-3 was supplemented with 10% (vol/vol) FCS. The effects of 1.0μM of E-64 supplementation during IVM of non-vitrified and vitrified cumulus-oocyte complexes were investigated in a 2×2 factorial design. Survival rates after IVM, cleavage rates on Day 2, blastocyst rates, and total cell numbers in blastocysts on Day 7 were compared among groups. The experiment was replicated 5 times. Results were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. The percentages of live oocytes were statistically similar when oocytes were matured in the absence or presence of E-64 both in non-vitrified (99.2% v. 99.6%, respectively) and vitrified (94.3% v. 90.8%, respectively) groups. Similarly, IVM without or with E-64 supplementation had no effect on subsequent cleavage and blastocyst development rates in non-vitrified (67.4% v. 71.2% and 38.7% v. 43.2%, respectively) and vitrified (46.8% v. 48.8% and 14.6% v. 22.8%, respectively) oocytes. Irrespective of E-64 treatment, all survival and developmental rates in the vitrified groups were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) compared with those of their non-vitrified counterparts except for the blastocyst development rate in the E-64-treated vitrified group, which did not differ significantly from those of the non-vitrified groups with or without E-64 treatment. There was no statistical difference in mean blastocyst cell numbers among the groups, ranging between 86.5±15.8 and 118±10.6. In conclusion, E-64 treatment had no effect on embryo production rates, which suggests that in our system, cathepsin-mediated apoptosis during IVM might not be the factor to limit embryo production using either fresh oocytes or those vitrified at the immature stage. This work was supported by JST/JICA SATREPS.