Identification of exonic nucleotide variants of the thyroid hormone responsive protein gene associated with carcass traits and Fatty Acid composition in korean cattle.

The thyroid hormone responsive protein (THRSP) gene is a functional gene that can be used to indicate the fatty acid compositions. This study investigates the relationships of exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the THRSP gene and fatty acid composition of muscle fat and marbling score in the 612 Korean cattle. The relationships between fatty acid composition and eight SNPs in the THRSP gene (g.78 G>A, g.173 C>T, g.184 C>T, g.190 C>A, g.194 C>T, g.277 C>G, g.283 T>G and g.290 T>G) were investigated, and according to the results, two SNPs (g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T) in exon 1 were associated with fatty acid composition. The GG and CC genotypes of g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T had higher unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p<0.05). In addition, the ht1*ht1 group (Val/Ala haplotype) in a linkage disequilibrium increased MUFAs and marbling scores for carcass traits (p<0.05). As a result, g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T had significantly relationships with UFAs and MUFAs. Two SNPs in the THRSP gene affected fatty acid composition, suggesting that GG and CC genotypes and the ht1*ht1 group (Val/Ala haplotype) can be markers to genetically improve the quality and flavor of beef.

Identification of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD) Gene Interactions in Korean Native Cattle Based on the Multifactor-dimensionality Reduction Method.

Fat quality is determined by the composition of fatty acids. Genetic relationships between this composition and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the stearoyl-CoA desaturase1 (SCD1) gene were examined using 513 Korean native cattle. Single and epistatic effects of 7 SNP genetic variations were investigated, and the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method was used to investigate gene interactions in terms of oleic acid (C18:1), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and marbling score (MS). The g.6850+77 A>G and g.14047 C>T SNP interactions were identified as the statistically optimal combination (C18:1, MUFAs and MS permutation p-values were 0.000, 0.000 and 0.001 respectively) of two-way gene interactions. The interaction effects of g.6850+77 A>G, g.10213 T>C and g.14047 C>T reflected the highest training-balanced accuracy (63.76%, 64.70% and 61.85% respectively) and was better than the individual effects for C18:1, MUFAs and MS. In addition, the superior genotype groups were AATTCC, AGTTCC, GGTCCC, AGTCCT, GGCCCT and AGCCTT. These results suggest that the selected SNP combination of the SCD1 gene and superior genotype groups can provide useful inferences for the improvement of the fatty acid composition in Korean native cattle.

7-Bromo-1-(4-chloro-phenyl-sulfan-yl)-2-phenyl-naphtho[2,1-b]furan.

In the title compound, C(24)H(14)BrClOS, the S-bound 4-chloro-phenyl ring is nearly perpendicular to the plane of the naphthofuran fragment [dihedral angle = 83.34 (3)°] and the phenyl ring in the 2-position is rotated out of the naphthofuran plane by a dihedral angle of 15.23 (5)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by aromatic π-π inter-actions between the furan and the central benzene rings of the neighbouring naphthofuran fragments, and between the outer benzene rings of the neighbouring naphthofuran fragments; the centroid-centroid distances within the stack are 3.879 (2) and 3.857 (2) Å. In addition, inter-molecular C-Cl⋯π inter-actions [3.505 (2) Å] between the Cl atom and the 2-phenyl ring are present.

Effects of spermatozoa during in vitro meiosis progression in the porcine germinal vesicle oocytes.

We have investigated the effect of co-culture with porcine spermatozoa on in vitro maturation of porcine germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes before fertilization. Most oocytes were arrested at the first prophase of meiosis when oocytes were cultured in TCM 199 alone, but the proportion of oocytes that reached metaphase II was significantly elevated by co-incubation with spermatozoa in vitro. The oocyte maturation effect was observed with intact and parts of spermatozoa (head and tail) collected from adult swine (regardless of source). However, gonocytes from the newborn porcine testis were not able to enhance in vitro maturation of porcine germinal vesicle oocytes. Interestingly, the oocyte maturation effect by spermatozoa was not decreased with heat treatment, but the maturation effect of oocyte treatment disappeared with exposure to detergent in sperm suspension. Porcine spermatozoa were also observed to stimulate meiosis of oocytes, which was maintained at meiotic arrest using dibutyryl cyclic AMP or forskolin. The study suggests that (i) membrane of porcine spermatozoa contains a substance(s) that can enhance in vitro maturation of oocytes prior to fertilization, (ii) the putative meiosis-enhancing substance(s) of spermatozoa from adult testes retains the oocyte maturation effect during transportation of spermatozoa through epididymis, and (iii) the putative meiosis-enhancing substance(s) is able to overcome the inhibitory effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP or forskolin by inducing germinal vesicle breakdown of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes maintained in meiotic arrest.

5-Iodo-7-methyl-3-methyl-sulfinyl-2-phenyl-1-benzofuran.

The title compound, C(16)H(13)IO(2)S, was prepared by the oxidation of 5-iodo-7-methyl-3-methyl-sulfanyl-2-phenyl-1-benzofuran with 3-chloro-peroxy-benzoic acid. The phenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 27.17 (9)° with the plane of the benzofuran fragment, with the O atom and the methyl group of the methyl-sulfinyl substituent lying on opposite sides of this plane. The crystal structure exhibits inter-molecular C-H⋯I inter-actions, and an I⋯O halogen bond of 3.107 (2) Šwith a nearly linear C-I⋯O angle of 173.73 (6)°.

Long-term Tolvaptan Treatment of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in Korea.

A 22-year-old male patient was diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). He received conservative treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Two years later, oral therapy, consisting of 60 mg tolvaptan per day, was initiated. Compared with height-adjusted total kidney volume, the rate of kidney growth reduced significantly from 7.33% to 0.66% annually, since commencement of the tolvaptan therapy. The liver enzyme profile and serum sodium level and osmolality were constantly within normal ranges. In Korea, this is the first reported case of a patient with ADPKD who received tolvaptan treatment for more than 1 year. This case demonstrates that long-term tolvaptan treatment appears to be safe, well tolerated, and effective for ADPKD.

Whole genome sequencing of Gyeongbuk Araucana, a newly developed blue-egg laying chicken breed, reveals its origin and genetic characteristics.

Chicken, Gallus gallus, is a valuable species both as a food source and as a model organism for scientific research. Here, we sequenced the genome of Gyeongbuk Araucana, a rare chicken breed with unique phenotypic characteristics including flight ability, large body size, and laying blue-shelled eggs, to identify its genomic features. We generated genomes of Gyeongbuk Araucana, Leghorn, and Korean Native Chicken at a total of 33.5, 35.82, and 33.23 coverage depth, respectively. Along with the genomes of 12 Chinese breeds, we identified genomic variants of 16.3 million SNVs and 2.3 million InDels in mapped regions. Additionally, through assembly of unmapped reads and selective sweep, we identified candidate genes that fall into heart, vasculature and muscle development and body growth categories, which provided insight into Gyeongbuk Araucana's phenotypic traits. Finally, genetic variation based on the transposable element insertion pattern was investigated to elucidate the features of transposable elements related to blue egg shell formation. This study presents results of the first genomic study on the Gyeongbuk Araucana breed; it has potential to serve as an invaluable resource for future research on the genomic characteristics of this chicken breed as well as others.

Molecular cloning of vitellogenin cDNA in rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) and effects of 2,2'4,4'5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) on its gene expression.

Many environmental chemicals are known to affect sex steroid production and vitellogenesis through agonistic or antagonistic pathways. To investigate the estrogenic effect of 2,2'4,4'5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) on reproductive function, we have constructed a cDNA library and cloned a 320 base sequence encoding a partial VTG mRNA of rockfish (rVTG), Sebastes schlegeli. We have examined the expression level of rVTG mRNA level by northern blot analysis and measured levels of plasma estradiol-17beta (E2) and testosterone (T) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Plasma concentrations of T in female and male injected with PCB 153 were not significantly different between two dosages of 0.16 mg/kg b.w. and 0.57 mg/kg b.w. However, plasma concentrations of E2 in female fish injected with PCB 153 at 0.16 mg/kg b.w. and 0.57 mg/kg b.w. increased after 12 h and 24 h. An rVTG mRNA transcript of approximately 4.0 kilo bases was extracted from hepatic tissue for northern blot analysis, and the effects of PCB 153 on rVTG mRNA expression in vivo with both male and female juvenile rockfish were examined. The level of rVTG mRNA expression increased only in female rockfish injected with both dose levels of PCB 153 after 48 h of exposure. The results of this study suggest that PCB 153 may produce VTG in female through a synergic effect with E2 resulting in indirect disruption.

Effect of medium milieu on sperm penetration and pronuclear formation of bovine oocytes matured in vitro.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the optimal concentration of osmolarity, calcium and bicarbonate for sperm penetration and formation of pronuclei (PN), and to investigate the time required for capacitation, penetration across the zona pellucida and formation of PN in bovine cumulus-free oocytes matured in vitro. Bovine follicular oocytes collected at slaughter were matured and fertilized in vitro. Bovine sperm penetrated the zona pellucida in medium containing 240 to 440 mOsm, whereas PN formation was observed in a narrow range of osmolarities, from 280 to 360 mOsm. Maximal penetration by spermatozoa and PN formation was obtained in the medium with 2.5 mM calcium. High rates of spermatozoa penetration were observed in the medium with 37 to 49 mM NaHCO3. However, PN were formed regardless of the concentration of NaHCO3. The times required for sperm capacitation and penetration through the zona pellucida were 260 and 50 min, respectively. The first development of PN was recorded at 120 min after sperm penetration. Therefore, our study suggests that fertilization ability of spermatozoa in vitro appears to be more stable in high concentrations of NaCI. Oocytes are more sensitive to osmotic stress than spermatozoa. Calcium is required for both sperm penetration and PN formation in cumulus-free oocytes, but bicarbonate may be needed mainly for the penetration of spermatozoa.

Effect on abortion of feeding Korean pine needles to pregnant Korean native cows.

We studied the frequency and timing of abortion and the serum levels of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone in Korean native cows fed pine needles during pregnancy. Fifteen pregnant cows were randomly assigned to groups of 5. The control group was fed a concentrate and rice straw, and the other 2 groups were fed, in addition, either 1.3 or 2.7 kg (dry weight) of Korean pine needles daily, starting at an average of 91 d of gestation and continuing until 245 d of gestation. The health status of the dams and the viability of the fetuses were ascertained by rectal palpation and ultrasound scanning during pregnancy. Simultaneously, blood samples were collected for analysis of serum 17beta-estradiol and progesterone. Two abortions in mid-pregnancy (at 126 and 150 d of gestation) occurred in the group ingesting the higher daily amount of pine needles. Premature parturition occurred at 259 d of gestation in this group and at 241 and 252 d of gestation in the group ingesting the lower daily amount of pine needles. The serum 17beta-estradiol concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 4 mo of gestation and the serum progesterone level significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 8 mo of gestation in the group ingesting more pine needles daily than in either of the other 2 groups. These results suggest that the ingestion of pine needles may play a role in abortion in Korean native cows by increasing the serum 17beta-estradiol concentration and decreasing the serum progesterone concentration.

Effects of Kaolinite (Macsumsuk) and Herb Mixtures on the Quality and Physicochemical Properties of Pork.

The current study was conducted to identify technology for the production of high quality pork, based on the meat consumption habits of consumers. Macsumsuk, a type of kaolinite (a clay mineral), and/or a mixture of herbs (Mori Folium, Sophorae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Citri Leiocarpae Exocarpium, and Pogostemi Herba) were added to the diets of fattening pigs. Sixty barrow pigs (4 kinds of treatment × 5 pigs/treatment × 3 replicates) were randomly assigned to either the Control (no additives), T1 (3% Macsumsuk), T2 (3% Herb mixtures), or T3 (3% Macsumsuk + 3% Herb mixtures) groups, and were fed the diets for 60 d. Dressed weights were in the order of T1 (93.40±4.68kg) > T2 (91.40±6.52kg) > Control (88.80±1.57kg) > T3 (86.80±2.01kg). Back-fat thickness of the Control animals (23.2±1.03) was significantly greater than that of the various treatment groups (p<0.01). Numeric values representing the carcass yield and quality grade were higher for all the treated groups than the Control group, thought the difference was not statistically significant. Crude fat content was significantly higher in the Control group (2.23±0.34%) than in the treated groups (p<0.05). The addition of both Macsumsuk and herb mixtures into the diets of the pigs significantly reduced cooking loss of the pork compared to the Control (p<0.05). No statistically significant changes were observed in the shear force (average 5.87±0.54 kg/cm(2)), water holding capacity (average 54.59±3.16%), or CIE values of the pork, whereas cholesterol levels significantly decreased (p<0.01) in those fed Macsumsuk and/or the herb mixtures. No significant changes in fatty acid composition, total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), or UFA/SFA ratios were observed by any of the treatments. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study suggest that the addition of Macsumsuk and/or herb mixtures into the diets of growing and fattening pigs improves the pork quality by reducing cooking loss, decreasing cholesterol content, and enhancing sensory characteristics.

Depiction of Nidi and Fibrovascular Zones of Osteoid Osteomas Using Gamma-Correction Tc-99m HDP Pinhole Bone Scan and Conventional Radiograph, and Correlation with CT, MRI, and PVC Phantom Imaging.

PURPOSE: For the precise imaging diagnosis of osteoid osteoma (OO), the identification of the nidus and fibrovascular zone (FVZ) is essential. However, the latter sign has received little attention because it is difficult to demonstrate. We applied the recently introduced gamma correction (GC) to depict the FVZ on pinhole bone scan (PBS), conventional radiography (CR), and computed tomography (CT). Non-gamma correction MRI was also analyzed for reference. METHODS: Ten patients with histologically proven diagnoses of OO were enrolled in this retrospective study. PBS, CR, and CT were processed by GC to demonstrate the nidi and FVZ as distinct yet integrating components of OO. PBS was performed using a 4-mm pinhole collimator 3 h after iv injection of 925 to 1,110 MBq (25 to 30 mCi) of Tc-99m HDP, and anteroposterior and mediolateral CR and transverse CT were taken according to the standard technique. MRI sequences included T1- and T2-weighted images. For gamma correction, we utilized the Photo Correction Wizard program of ACD Photo Editor v3.1. A team of three qualified nuclear physician-radiologists, two nuclear physicians, and one MRI specialist read bone scans, radiographs, and MRIs of OO according to each specialty, and orthopaedic aspects and histology were reviewed by one qualified orthopedic surgeon and two qualified pathologists, respectively. Each observer first read the images separately with basic information about the aim of the study given and then in concert. Interpretive disagreement was settled by discussion and consensus. RESULTS: On pinhole scan, nidi were presented as areas of intense tracer uptake in all cases, and, importantly after GC, a thin ring-like zone with lower tracer uptake became visible in seven out of ten cases. GCCR also revealed a thin lucent zone that circumscribed the nidi in six out of ten cases and GCCT in two of four cases. MRI, without GC, presented nidi with high signal in the center and a thin ring-like zone with low signal in the periphery in five out of six cases. Ring-like zones were 1-2 mm in thickness and circumscribed the nidus as an integrated part and, hence, were morphologically interpreted as FVZ. Histologically, the presence of a variously mineralized FVZ was confirmed in four cases, but individual locus-by-locus image-histology correlation could not be accompolished because specimens were fragmentary. In the FVZ, tracer uptake was lower than in nidi, presumably reflecting that bone metabolism in the two parts differs as in their histology. Statistically, no significant correlation existed between the duration of symptoms and imaging demonstrability of the FVZ (Spearman's test r = -0.057, p = 0.877), but parallelism existed in the demonstrability of the FVZ among GC PBS, CR, and CT, and non-correction MRI. CONCLUSIONS: GC was useful to enhance the resolution of PBS, CR, and CT in OO so that both the nidi and FVZ were separately imaged. The use of CG PBS and CR in combination is recommended for the specific diagnosis of OO with information about bone metabolism and anatomical characteristics. PBS and CR are economical and widely available.