High Embryonic Recovery Rates with In vivo and Ex vivo Techniques in the Bitch

The embryonic collection techniques in dogs present a vast methodological variation and low recovery rates. The objectives were to compare and describe two techniques as to the recovery of canine embryos, on the 12th day after the first mating or artificial insemination. Embryos were recovered through uterine horn flushing in vivo, before performing the ovariohysterectomy (OHE) (Group 1; n = 9) or ex vivo, immediately after the OHE (Group 2; n = 9). In total, 43 and 47 embryonic structures were recovered in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between groups on recovery rates (72.8% and 81.0%, respectively). We inferred that both in vivo and ex vivo techniques allow a high rate of embryonic recovery; in the collection technique prior to the OHE, it is essential to carefully handle the reproductive system during the trans‐surgical period and that the 12th day (D12) after the first mating/artificial insemination is an efficient option for the high recovery rate of morulae and blastocysts.     

Linear response breakdown in solvation dynamics induced by atomic electron-transfer reactions

The linear response (LR) approximation, which predicts identical relaxation rates from all nonequilibrium initial conditions that relax to the same equilibrium state, underlies dominant models of how solvation influences chemical reactivity. We experimentally tested the validity of LR for the solvation that accompanies partial electron transfer to and from a monatomic solute in solution. We photochemically prepared the species with stoichiometry Na0 in liquid tetrahydrofuran by both adding an electron to Na+ and removing an electron from Na-. Because atoms lack nuclear degrees of freedom, ultrafast changes in the Na0 absorption spectrum reflected the solvation that began from our two initial nonequilibrium conditions. We found that the solvation of Na0 occurs more rapidly from Na+ than Na-, constituting a breakdown of LR. This indicates that Marcus theory would fail to describe electron-transfer processes for this and related chemical systems.     

Augmenting Anti-Cancer Natural Products with a Small Molecule Adjuvant

Aquatic microbes produce diverse secondary metabolites with interesting biological activities. Cytotoxic metabolites have the potential to become lead compounds or drugs for cancer treatment. Many cytotoxic compounds, however, show undesirable toxicity at higher concentrations. Such undesirable activity may be reduced or eliminated by using lower doses of the cytotoxic compound in combination with another compound that modulates its activity. Here, we have examined the cytotoxicity of four microbial metabolites [ethyl N-(2-phenethyl) carbamate (NP-1), Euglenophycin, Anabaenopeptin, and Glycolipid 652] using three in vitro cell lines [human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), mouse neuroblastoma cells (N2a), and rat pituitary epithelial cells (GH4C1)]. The compounds showed variable cytotoxicity, with Euglenophycin displaying specificity for N2a cells. We have also examined the modulatory power of NP-1 on the cytotoxicity of the other three compounds and found that at a permissible concentration (125 µg/mL), NP-1 sensitized N2a and MCF-7 cells to Euglenophycin and Glycolipid 652 induced cytotoxicity.     

Characterization of structure and function of the mouse retina using pattern electroretinography, pupil light reflex, and optical coherence tomography

Objective To perform in vivo analysis of retinal functional and structural parameters in healthy mouse eyes. Animal Studied Adult C57BL/6 male mice (n?=?37). Procedures Retinal function was evaluated using pattern electroretinography (pERG) and the chromatic pupil light reflex (cPLR). Structural properties of the retina and nerve fiber layer (NFL) were evaluated using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Results The average pERG amplitudes were found to be 11.2?±?0.7?μV (P50-N95, mean?±?SEM), with an implicit time for P50-N95 interval of 90.4?±?5.4?ms. Total retinal thickness was 229.5?±?1.7?μm (mean?±?SEM) in the area centralis region. The thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (mean?±?SEM) using a circular peripapillary retinal scan centered on the optic nerve was 46.7?±?0.9?μm (temporal), 46.1?±?0.9?μm (superior), 45.8?±?0.9?μm (nasal), and 48.4?±?1?μm (inferior). The baseline pupil diameter was 2.1?±?0.05?mm in darkness, and 1.1?±?0.05 and 0.56?±?0.03?mm after stimulation with red (630?nm, luminance 200?kcd/m(2) ) or blue (480?nm, luminance 200?kcd/m(2) ) light illumination, respectively. Conclusions Pattern electroretinography, cPLR and SD-OCT analysis are reproducible techniques, which can provide important information about retinal and optic nerve function and structure in mice.     

Congenital portosystemic shunts in Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs

SUMMARY Congenital portosystemic shunts were definitively diagnosed in 62 dogs over a period of 15 years. Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs were significantly over-represented, accounting for 14 and 13 cases, respectively. Maltese invariably had a single extrahepatic shunt derived from the left gastric or gastrosplenic vein, whereas Cattle Dogs usually had large intrahepatic shunts involving the right liver lobes. The clinical syndromes resulting from anomalous portosystemic communications were indistinguishable in the 2 breeds. Fasting blood ammonia concentration was elevated in 20 of 22 dogs tested, providing a minimally invasive and effective means of diagnosis. Complete or partial shunt attenuation was performed successfully in all 9 Maltese and in 2 of 6 Cattle Dogs in which it was attempted.