Fullerene pipes

Single-wall fullerene nanotubes were converted from nearly endless, highly tangled ropes into short, open-ended pipes that behave as individual macromolecules. Raw nanotube material was purified in large batches, and the ropes were cut into 100- to 300-nanometer lengths. The resulting pieces formed a stable colloidal suspension in water with the help of surfactants. These suspensions permit a variety of manipulations, such as sorting by length, derivatization, and tethering to gold surfaces.     

Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Pre-antral Follicle Population and Ultrastructural Characterization of Antral Follicle Oocyte

The main objectives of the present study were to determine the ultrastructural modifications occurring in the oocyte during late folliculogenesis and to estimate pre-antral follicle population in buffalo. Half the collected ovaries were fixed and prepared for optic microscopy; the antral follicles from the other ovaries were measured and individually punctured. The cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were processed for transmission electron microscopy. The number of pre-antral follicles in buffalo ovaries was estimated at 19 819 structures. Cumulus–oocyte complexes derived from 1-mm antral follicle had an eccentrical nucleus and compact corona radiata , ooplasm vilosities were fully embedded in zona pellucida (ZP) and a well-defined junction could be observed. Mitochondria were predominantly round and well distributed in ooplasm, as were small lipid vacuoles. In COCs derived from 2-mm antral follicles, the initial formation of perivitelline space was observed. The nucleus was peripherally located and the number of pleomorphic mitochondria increased. Cortical granules were clustered at oocyte periphery and lipid vacuoles increased in number and size. In COCs derived from 6-mm antral follicles, the organelles were located mainly in the perinuclear region. Golgi complexes and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) were more developed. Mitochondria migrated to the cortical region and lipid vacuoles migrated to the medullar region. In COCs derived from 10-mm antral follicles, the lipid vacuoles coalesced and occupied the medullar region of the oocyte, together with a well-developed SER. Mitochondria were pleomorphic and located at the oocyte periphery. In conclusion, the morphological differences described in this paper could be responsible for some functional differences observed in in vitro embryo production and follicular dynamics for buffalo, when compared with cattle.     

Molecular diversity and population structure of the Ethiopian lentil (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lens Culinaris</Emphasis> Medikus) genotype assessment using SSR markers

Knowledge of genetic diversity in germplasm is essential for formulating effective germplasm collection, conservation, utilization strategies in and crop improvement programs. It also provides an opportunity to take corrective steps infusing new genes to avoid risks associated with a narrow genetic bases. Genetic diversity analysis of 119 lentil genotypes of including 83 germplasm and 36 exotic genotypes from International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas was studied using 27 primers of simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker. Molecular analysis of variance showed variations of 82% within and 18% of the among population variance was explained. Degree of polymorphism observed among the populations was 100%. A total 122 alleles were detected, with 2 to 7 alleles per locus, with a mean of 4.52 alleles per locus. The estimated gene diversity value for 27 loci was 0.64. The average Shannon’s information index value of 1.19 was obtained showed the existence of high genetic variation within the genotypes. The genetic similarity indices ranged from 0.21 to 1.00. The SSR markers showed an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.58. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five major clusters as distinct genetic populations. Diversity analyses revealed the existence of a high level of genetic variation among genotypes. This molecular diversity information provides a basis for future germplasm collection, utilization, and conservation strategies in gene banks and introducing exotic germplasm to widen the genetic base of the current lentil breeding population.     

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of suspected neuropathic pain in three dogs

Three dogs were referred to The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital at University of Cambridge for chronic behavioural or locomotor disorders associated with pain. All three had been unsuccessfully treated with conventional analgesics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids and opiate agonists, prior to referral, with minimal or no response. They were investigated by neurological examination plus conventional ancillary diagnostic tests and therapeutic drug trials. Ruling out other causes of pain and applying previously well-described criteria, each case was diagnosed as consistent with neuropathic pain, a poorly recognised condition in domestic dogs. Treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant drug, amitriptyline, or the antiepileptic drug, gabapentin, resulted in either a dramatic improvement or full resolution of clinical signs in all cases.