To improve reproductive performance in cattle, the accurate detection of estrus and optimization of insemination relative to ovulation are necessary. However, poor heat detection by farm staff leads ...to a decreased conception rate, thus inflicting economic damage to the beef and dairy industries. This study aimed to develop monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that can specifically bind to the bovine lactoferrin (bLF) protein, which we have previously demonstrated to be overexpressed in bovine cervical mucus during estrus. Female rats were intraperitoneally immunized with bLF protein as the antigen. Anti-bLF mAbs were then purified by affinity chromatography, and their binding affinity for the bLF antigen was examined using ELISA. We found a high binding affinity between mAbs and bLF. Finally, we developed a rapid bovine heat detection kit using the anti-bLF mAbs that we generated and tested on cervical mucus from 12 cows (estrous synchronization, n = 2; natural cycling, n = 10). We found that the kits accurately detected estrus. Overall, our fabricated heat detection kit based on rat anti-bLF mAbs could pave the way for the development of potent tools for heat detection devices for dairy cattle, thereby preventing economic loss.
Closely correlated expression patterns between ubiquitin specific peptidase
9X-linked (USP9X) and adherens junction formation factor (Afadin) in mouse
testis development suggests that Usp9x regulates ...the deubiquitination of Af-6
(also known as Afadin, AFDN), and subsequently, the cell adhesion dynamics
during gametogenesis. However, this relationship has not yet been tested in
other domestic animals. The study was examined the temporal and spatial
expression patterns of porcine USP9X and AFDN from the pre-pubertal to adult
stages using real time-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we detected
the transcripts of USP9X and AFDN in the testis of 1-, 6- and 12-months old
boar, respectively. USP9X and AFDN were found to have similar expressions
patterns, with basal expression after 1 month followed by a significant
up-regulation from 6 months (puberty) onwards. In addition, neither the AFDN or
USP9X proteins were detected in spermatogenic cells but they were expressed in
the leydig cells and sertoli cells. USP9X was detected around the basal lamina
during pre-puberty, and predominantly expressed in the leydig cells at puberty.
Finally, in adult testis, USP9X was increased at the sertoli cell-cell interface
and the sertoli cell-spermatid interface. In summary, closely correlated
expression patterns between USP9X and AFDN in boar testis supports the previous
findings in mice. Furthermore, the junction connections between the sertoli
cells may be regulated by the ubiquitination process mediated via USP9X.
Closely correlated expression patterns between ubiquitin specific peptidase 9X-linked (USP9X) and adherens junction formation factor (Afadin) in mouse testis development suggests that Usp9x regulates ...the deubiquitination of Af-6 (also known as Afadin, AFDN), and subsequently, the cell adhesion dynamics during gametogenesis. However, this relationship has not yet been tested in other domestic animals. The study was examined the temporal and spatial expression patterns of porcine USP9X and AFDN from the pre-pubertal to adult stages using real time-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we detected the transcripts of USP9X and AFDN in the testis of 1-, 6- and 12-months old boar, respectively. USP9X and AFDN were found to have similar expressions patterns, with basal expression after 1 month followed by a significant up-regulation from 6 months (puberty) onwards. In addition, neither the AFDN or USP9X proteins were detected in spermatogenic cells but they were expressed in the leydig cells and sertoli cells. USP9X was detected around the basal lamina during pre-puberty, and predominantly expressed in the leydig cells at puberty. Finally, in adult testis, USP9X was increased at the sertoli cell-cell interface and the sertoli cell-spermatid interface. In summary, closely correlated expression patterns between USP9X and AFDN in boar testis supports the previous findings in mice. Furthermore, the junction connections between the sertoli cells may be regulated by the ubiquitination process mediated via USP9X.
A wide range of techniques have been developed to separate X or Y- chromosome-bearing sperm. In particular, bovine semen sex-sorted by using flow cytometry based on differences in the amount of DNA ...between X and Y chromosome bearing sperm is used in dairy farms. The first piglets were produced using sex-sorted sperm 30 years ago. However, sexed sperm have not been commercially available in pigs because the flow cytometry technique is not capable of sorting the high number of sperm required for porcine artificial insemination (AI), and the prolonged exposure to an electrical filed might damage to the DNA in sperm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a boar sperm sorting method based on magnetic nanoparticles. A flow cytometer assay verified the efficacy of the magnetic nanoparticles (> 90% of sex-sorted sperm). In addition, a duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using sex chromosome specific genes including SRY (sex-determining region Y; male), ZFY (zinc finger protein Y-linked; male), and ZFX (zinc finger protein X-linked; female) showed that in vitro fertilized porcine embryos by X and Y-chromosome bearing sperm were 100% female (40/40) and 72% female (35/48), respectively, at 8-cell or morula stages, suggesting that the sex-sorted sperm were fertile. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the sex-sorted method based on magnetic nanoparticles can be utilized for porcine sex-sorted AI.
Effect of Phellinus baumii -Biotransformed Soybean Powder on Lipid Metabolism in Rats kim, D.I., Oriental Medicine Industry Support Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Kim, K.S., Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Kang, J.H., Kyungwoon University, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea ...
Journal of food science and nutrition (Pusan, Korea : 2003),
06/2013, Volume:
18, Issue:
2
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
In this study, we evaluated the hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of biotransformed soybean powder (BTS; Phellinus baumii-fermented soybean) on lipid metabolism in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) ...male rats were divided into basal diet group (BA), high fat diet group (HF), high fat diet containing 10% BTS group (10 BTS), and high fat diet containing 20% BTS group (20 BTS). Changes in the content of various isoflavones, including daidzein and genistein, within the soybean after fermentation to BTS were investigated. The levels of daidzein and genistein were 149.28 μg/g and 364.31 μg/g, respectively. After six weeks experimental period, Food efficiency ratio in the 10 and 20 BTS group was significantly lower than the HF group (P0.05). Total serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherogenic index ratio in the 10 or 20 BTS group were significantly lower than the HF group. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were significantly lower in the groups that received 10% and 20% BTS than the HF. The activities of SOD and CAT were significantly higher in the 10 and 20 BTS group than the HF group. The activity of XO in the 10 and 20 BTS group was significantly lower than in the HF group by 20% and 23%, respectively. In conclusion, these data suggest that BTS is an effective agent in improving lipid metabolism and antioxidant enzyme system.
Inhibitory Effects of Lespedeza cuneata Ethanol Extract on Ultraviolet-Induced Photo Aging Kim, H.J., Kyungwoon University, Gumi, Republic of Korea; Kim, K.S., Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Kim, D.I., Oriental Medicine Industry Support Center, Daegu Technopark, Daegu, Republic of Korea
Han'guk Sikp'um Yŏngyang Kwahakhoe chi,
20/Nov , Volume:
41, Issue:
11
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
To investigate the inhibitory effects of Lespedeza cuneataextract (LC) on photo aging, skin aging was induced by UVB irradiation of hairless mice for 5 weeks. The skin erythema indices for the ...positive control (PC) and Lespedeza cuneata extract (LC-1%, 3%, and 5%) groups were lower than that of the control group. However, both lipid and water capacities of the PC and LC-3% groups were significantly higher than those of the control group. Skin wrinkles in the PC and LC-3% groups formed in a pattern of shallow furrows and thin crests. Skin TBARS contents and XO activity in the LC group were lower than those of the control group. The activities of GSH, SOD, and CAT in the LC-3% group were significant higher than those of the control group. Therefore, Lespedeza cuneata extract could be an effective natural herbal material for the inhibition of skin aging in hairless mice skin.
Antioxidative Action of Corni Fructus Aqueous Extract on Kidneys of Diabetic Mice Kim, H.J., Kyungwoon University, Gumi, Republic of Korea; Kim, B.H., Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Kim, Y.C., Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
Toxicological research (Seoul),
03/2011, Volume:
27, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
This study investigated the antioxidative action of Corni Fructus aqueous extract on kidneys of diabetic mice. The electron donating abilities of Corni Fructus aqueous extract and its antioxidant ...activities (XO, SOD, CAT, GST, eNOS) in kidneys of C57BL/6 or db/db mice were evaluated. For in vivo study, seven week-old male mice were divided into normal control group (NC, C57BL/6 mice), diabetic control group (DC, db/db mice) and Corni Fructus (500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) treated diabetic group (DCF, db/db mice). The electron donating abilities of Corni Fructus aqueous extract exhibited 7%, 24.4%, and 42.7% at concentrations of 100, 500, and 1000 ㎍/ml, respectively. The activity of XO in the DCF group was significantly lower than the DC group by 35% (p less than 0.05). The SOD activity was significantly higher in the DCF group than the DC group by 26% (p less than 0.05). The activities of CAT and GST were lowered in the DCF group than the DC group by 26% (p less than 0.05) and 7.6%, respectively. The mRNA expression of eNOS in kidneys was lower in the DCF group than the DC group by 24%. These results indicate that Corni Fructus reduced oxidation stress as evidenced by the restoration of the enzymatic antioxidative defense system in renal tissues of db/db mice. It is suggested that these antioxidative actions of Corni Fructus on renal tissues in db/db mice could contribute to its renoprotective effects on diabetic nephropathy.
Online learning has made it possible to attend programming classes regardless of the constraint that all students should be gathered in a classroom. However, it has also made it easier for students ...to cheat on assignments. Therefore, we need a system to deal with cheating on assignments. This study presents a Watcher system, an automated cloud-based software platform for impartial and convenient online programming hands-on education. The primary features of Watcher are as follows. First, Watcher offers a web-based integrated development environment (Web-IDE) that allows students to start programming immediately without the need for additional installation and configuration. Second, Watcher collects and monitors the coding activity of students automatically in real-time. As Watcher provides the history of the coding activity to instructors in log files, the instructors can investigate suspicious coding activities such as plagiarism, even for a short source code. Third, Watcher provides facilities to remotely manage and evaluate students’ hands-on programming assignments. We evaluated Watcher in a Unix system programming class for 96 students. The results showed that Watcher improves the quality of the coding experience for students through Web-IDE, and it offers instructors valuable data that can be used to analyze the various coding activities of individual students.
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