Increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface in bovine pregnancies produced by cloning.

Problem: A significant rate of spontaneous abortion is observed in cattle pregnancies produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins are abnormally expressed on the surface of trophoblast cells from SCNT conceptuses.

Method Of Study: MHC-I homozygous compatible (n = 9), homozygous incompatible (n = 8), and heterozygous incompatible (n = 5) pregnancies were established by SCNT.

Genetic and epigenetic regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I gene expression in bovine trophoblast cells.

Problem: The regulatory mechanisms governing differential expression of classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-Ia) and non-classical MHC class I (MHC-Ib) genes are poorly understood.

Method Of Study: Quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to compare the abundance of MHC-I transcripts and related transcription factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and placental trophoblast cells (PTC). Methylation of MHC-I CpG islands was detected by bisulfite treatment and next-generation sequencing.

Single-Incision Carpal Tunnel Release and Distal Radius Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: The safety of surgical approaches for single- versus double-incision carpal tunnel release in association with distal radius open reduction and internal fixation remains controversial.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify critical structures to determine if a single-incision extension of the standard flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach can be performed safely.

Methods: Nine cadaveric arms with were dissected under loupe magnification, utilizing a standard FCR approach.

Trophoblast Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Expression Is Associated with Immune-Mediated Rejection of Bovine Fetuses Produced by Cloning.

Trophoblast cells from bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) conceptuses express major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins early in gestation, and this may be one cause of the significant first-trimester embryonic mortality observed in these pregnancies. MHC-I homozygous-compatible (n = 9), homozygous-incompatible (n = 8), and heterozygous-incompatible (n = 5) SCNT pregnancies were established. The control group consisted of eight pregnancies produced by artificial insemination.

DNA methylation of the LIN28 pseudogene family.

Background: DNA methylation directs the epigenetic silencing of selected regions of DNA, including the regulation of pseudogenes, and is widespread throughout the genome. Pseudogenes are decayed copies of duplicated genes that have spread throughout the genome by transposition. Pseudogenes are transcriptionally silenced by DNA methylation, but little is known about how pseudogenes are targeted for methylation or how methylation levels are maintained in different tissues.