Quantitative and qualitative changes of mitochondria in human preimplantation embryos.

Purpose: The oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) in mice and cattle have been reported to change during preimplantation embryogenesis. On the other hand, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number has been shown to be unchanged in mice and changed in cattle and pigs. The interactions between mitochondrial functions and mtDNA copy numbers in human embryos during preimplantation development remain obscure.

Dynamic changes in mitochondrial distribution in human oocytes during meiotic maturation.

Purpose: The change of mitochondrial distribution in human oocytes during meiotic maturation was assessed using 223 human oocytes donated from patients undergoing fertility treatment between June 2013 and February 2016.

Methods: Live cell images of fluorescence-labelled mitochondria in human oocytes were analysed to investigate dynamic changes in mitochondrial distribution during meiotic maturation using a confocal microscope combined with an incubator in the presence or absence of colchicine and cytochalasin B, inhibitors for tubulin and actin filament, respectively. Subcellular distribution of mitochondria in human oocytes was also assessed at various stages using a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

[Trends of refractive correction in the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces: examination after the Great East Japan earthquake].

Purpose: To investigate the trends in refractive correction in Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces' (JGSDF) soldiers.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 519 soldiers of the Camp Funaoka in the northeastern region.

Results: Five hundred and sixteen subjects (99.

Effect of maternal age on the ratio of cleavage and mitochondrial DNA copy number in early developmental stage bovine embryos.

Age-associated deterioration in both the quality and quantity of mitochondria occurs in older women. The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of age on mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA number) in early developmental stage bovine embryos as well as the dynamics of mtDNA number during early embryo development. Real-time PCR was used to determine mtDNA number.

Effect of bovine age on the proliferative activity, global DNA methylation, relative telomere length and telomerase activity of granulosa cells.

Granulosa cells influence the growth and acquisition of the developmental competence of oocytes. We investigated the effects of ageing on the proliferative activity, global genomic DNA methylation, relative telomere length and telomerase activity of bovine granulosa cells. The proliferative activity of cells was examined by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay, genomic DNA methylation was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and relative telomere length and telomerase activity were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Effect of maternal age on mitochondrial DNA copy number, ATP content and IVF outcome of bovine oocytes.

The primary aim of the present study was to examine the effect of maternal age (in months) on mitochondrial DNA copy number (Mt number), ATP content and IVF outcome of bovine oocytes. We also compared the Mt number of oocytes with fertilisation outcome and ATP content. Oocytes were collected from cows aged 20-204 months and the Mt number was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Light scattering and optical aberrations as objective parameters to predict visual deterioration in eyes with cataracts.

Purpose: To predict the visual deterioration of eyes with cortical (CC) or nuclear (NC) cataract from objective data on ocular higher-order aberration (HOA) and forward (FLS) and backward light scattering (BLS).

Setting: Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.

Methods: Twenty-two eyes with mild NC, 41 eyes with mild CC, and 11 normal eyes were examined.

[The effect of substituting latanoprost 0.005% for unoprostone 0.12%].

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of substituting latanoprost(LAT) 0.005% for unoprostone(UNO) 0.12% after a trial of unilateral treatment.