A microfluidic hanging droplet as a programmable platform for mammalian egg vitrification.

Egg (oocyte) vitrification is the dominant method for preserving fertility for women of reproductive age. However, the method is typically performed by hand, requiring precise (∼0.1 to 10 μL) and time-sensitive (∼1 s) liquid exchange of cryoprotectants (CPA) around eggs as well as fine handling of eggs (∼100 μm) for immersion into liquid nitrogen (LN).

Assessment of the potential impact of embedded radioactive fragments following the use of a crude radiological dispersal device ('dirty bomb').

This work was undertaken to understand what would happen if a high-activity radioactive fragment became embedded in an individual following the use of a crude radiological dispersal device ('dirty bomb'). Two areas were addressed: how would a high-activity fragment be viewed on modern digital x-ray imaging systems; and, what would be the impact on medical management for the patient? A set of experimental trials were undertaken using an iridium-192 source and a DRagon mobile x-ray set equipped with a Canon CXDI-50G portable flat panel digital detector plate. In addition, the potential doses to a surgical team were calculated and potential doses to a patient were assessed using a Monte Carlo code, in which a radioactive point source of nil volume was located within a limb of an anthropomorphic voxel phantom.

DNA Vaccine Targeting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor and Its Application in Animal Contraception.

Overpopulation of free-roaming and wildlife animals negatively affects economy and public health in many parts of the world. Contraceptive vaccines are viewed as a valuable option for reducing numbers of unwanted animals. This study develops vaccines for potential use in animal contraception exploiting a DNA platform.

High-voltage-activated calcium current subtypes in mouse DRG neurons adapt in a subpopulation-specific manner after nerve injury.

Changes in ion channel function and expression are characteristic of neuropathic pain. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are integral for neurotransmission and membrane excitability, but relatively little is known about changes in their expression after nerve injury. In this study, we investigate whether peripheral nerve ligation is followed by changes in the density and proportion of high-voltage-activated (HVA) VGCC current subtypes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the contribution of presynaptic N-type calcium channels in evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) recorded from dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord, and the changes in expression of mRNA encoding VGCC subunits in DRG neurons.

Molecular cloning, sequencing, and distribution of feline GnRH receptor (GnRHR) and resequencing of canine GnRHR.

GnRH receptors play vital roles in mammalian reproduction via regulation of gonadotropin secretion, which is essential for gametogenesis and production of gonadal steroids. GnRH receptors for more than 20 mammalian species have been sequenced, including human, mouse, and dog. This study reports the molecular cloning and sequencing of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) cDNA from the pituitary gland of the domestic cat, an important species in biomedical research.