Improved soybean transformation for efficient and high throughput transgenic production.

Although genetic transformation of soybean dates back to over two decades, the process remains inefficient. Here, we report the development of an organogenesis-based transformation method of soybean that resulted in an average transformation frequency of 18.7%.

Zinc finger nuclease-mediated targeting of multiple transgenes to an endogenous soybean genomic locus via non-homologous end joining.

Emerging genome editing technologies hold great promise for the improvement of agricultural crops. Several related genome editing methods currently in development utilize engineered, sequence-specific endonucleases to generate DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) at user-specified genomic loci. These DSBs subsequently result in small insertions/deletions (indels), base substitutions or incorporation of exogenous donor sequences at the target site, depending on the application.

Serum YKL-40 as predictor of outcome in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

YKL-40, a chitinase-like protein mainly secreted by macrophages, neutrophils and epithelial cells, is increased in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and sarcoidosis. We aimed to investigate the role of YKL-40 as a biomarker in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP).72 HP patients, 100 interstitial lung disease (ILD) controls and 60 healthy controls were studied.

Ischemic etiopathogenesis as the possible origin of post-double baloon enteroscopy pancreatitis. A porcine model study.

The aim is to evaluate the pancreatic vascular-ischemic effects related to double balloon enteroscopy in the porcine model as a possible etiopathogenesis of post-enteroscopic pancreatitis. For this reason we carry out two independent experiments in a porcine animal model. In the first arm protocol (group I), 10 animals underwent 90 minutes of oral enteroscopy with 7 days follow-up.

Ultrasonographic and anatomic study of the canine elbow joint.

Objective: To (1) assess the canine elbow joint using a high frequency transducer (18 MHz); (2) describe the echogenicity and echo texture of the joint; and (3) correlate the ultrasonographic images with transparent plastinated anatomic sections.

Design: Descriptive study.

Sample Population: German Shepherd cross-breed dogs (cadavers, n = 10; live dogs, n = 5).

CCL18 in serum, BAL fluid and alveolar macrophage culture supernatant in interstitial lung diseases.

Background: CCL18 is a CC chemokine produced mainly by antigen-presenting cells, and is chemotactic predominantly for T-lymphocytes. CCL18 can stimulate pulmonary fibroblasts and increase the collagen production in vitro.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the CCL18 levels in a variety of human biological fluids between various interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), and to reveal potential correlations with BAL cell differentials.

Characterization of anal double balloon endoscopy in the dog.

Retrograde (anal) exploration of the canine small intestine by conventional endoscopy is restricted to the ileum, but double balloon endoscopy (DBE) has recently been validated using the oral approach. In this study, anal DBE was performed on nine healthy dogs to characterize the efficiency, exploration dynamics and safety of the technique. DBE was successful in all dogs; the average estimated insertion depth of the endoscope was about 2m and took approximately 1h to achieve.

Carbon dioxide insufflation safety in double-balloon enteroscopy: an experimental animal study.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of CO(2) during double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in an experimental animal model study. In this study, insufflation with room air and with CO(2) was compared.

Methods: Twenty healthy swines were used.

Anatomical study of fibrous structures of the medial aspect of the canine elbow joint.

Forces exerted by fibrous structures on the medial aspect of the canine elbow joint have been reported to be involved in elbow pathology. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationships of the ligamentous and muscular structures of this region of the canine elbow joint, and how they relate to the medial coronoid process. Six cadavers of adult German shepherd cross-breed dogs were used in this study to make intra-articular and vascular injections of this region.

Macrolides inhibit cytokine production by alveolar macrophages in bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.

Background And Objective: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a distinct clinicopathological entity histologically characterized by intra-alveolar granulation tissue and absence of extensive fibrotic lesions. Effective macrolide treatment of BOOP has been reported anecdotally. This study aimed to investigate whether alveolar macrophages (AMs) produce aberrant proinflammatory cytokines in BOOP and whether this can be inhibited by clarithromycin (CAM) or azithromycin (AZM).

Effect of double-balloon enteroscopy on pancreas: an experimental porcine model.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) on pancreas histology and levels of pancreatic enzymes.

Methods: Conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on five control pigs. Oral DBE was performed with an EN-450T5 enteroscope on 20 pigs.

Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint in the cat: a study by microdissection, cryosection and vascular injection.

The minute anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is of great clinical relevance in cats owing to a high number of lesions involving this articulation. However, the precise anatomy is poorly documented in textbooks and scientific articles. The aim of this study was to describe, in detail, the TMJ anatomy and its relationship with other adjacent anatomical structures in the cat.

Characterization of oral double balloon endoscopy in the dog.

Exploration of the canine small intestine using conventional endoscopy is restricted to the duodenum and/or the ileum. Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a 'push and pull' technique that has been described in humans and permits a complete exploration of the small intestine. In this study, oral DBE was performed on 12 healthy dogs (10-34kg) to characterize for the first time the efficiency, exploration dynamics and safety of the technique.

Plastinated heart slices aid echocardiographic interpretation in the dog.

Our aim was to compare plastinated sections of the canine heart with corresponding two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic images. Thirteen dog hearts were fixed by dilation and then processed by the S10 silicon plastination method (Biodur). Two dogs without evidence of cardiac disease were imaged using 2D echocardiography so as to obtain a complete series of the standard right and left parasternal images, which were compared with corresponding plastinated slices obtained by knife sectioning of the hearts.

Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites.

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa.

Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor receptors in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia.

Background: TNF receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) and Fas belong to the system of apoptosis-signalling receptor molecules and may play a role in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease. Patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) usually respond well to corticosteroids, in contrast to those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This may be due to the different pathogenesis.

Morphometry of the canine intestine with reference to the use of double balloon endoscopy.

Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) enables the diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal disease. The dog is a potential animal model for DBE training and also a candidate for the clinical application of this technique. However, the anatomy of the canine small intestine may limit the use of DBE by restricting the push-and-pull manoeuvres required for DBE.

N-acetylcysteine inhibits TNF-alpha, sTNFR, and TGF-beta1 release by alveolar macrophages in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in vitro.

Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can act as an antioxidant. NAC slows the rate of decline of lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients concurrently treated with prednisone and azathioprine.

Objective: In this study we investigated the effect of NAC on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-18, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, and the soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) by alveolar macrophages (AM) in IPF patients.

Angiogenic and angiostatic chemokines in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and granulomatous lung disease.

Background: Angiogenesis-angiostasis balance and leukocyte recruitment are influenced by different concentrations of distinct chemokines.

Objective: To investigate the relative contribution of angiogenic and angiostatic CXC chemokines to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and granulomatous lung diseases, we examined the in vitro production of an angiogenic chemokine (IL-8), and 2 angiostatic chemokines (IP-10 and MIG) by alveolar macrophages.

Methods: Alveolar macrophages from 16 patients with granulomatous lung diseases [8 with sarcoidosis, 8 with extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA)], 16 patients with IPF, and 8 control subjects were cultured for 24 h.

Interleukin 12, interleukin 18, and tumor necrosis factor alpha release by alveolar macrophages: acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is characterized by a granulomatous inflammation and may show various forms of clinical presentation, such as the acute, subacute, and chronic forms. The TH1-associated cytokines interleukin (IL) 12 and IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) may be involved in the pathogenesis of both the acute and chronic forms of HP.

Objective: To compare the release of IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-alpha from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) macrophages in these 2 forms of HP.

Thalidomide reduces IL-18, IL-8 and TNF-alpha release from alveolar macrophages in interstitial lung disease.

Thalidomide exhibits diverse actions of anti-inflammation, immunomodulation and anti-angiogenesis. The efficacy of thalidomide treatment in sarcoidosis with lupus pernio is thought to be due to inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The mechanisms that underlie the properties of thalidomide are still unclear in interstitial lung disease.

Immunocytochemical localization of metabotropic (mGluR2/3 and mGluR4a) and ionotropic (GluR2/3) glutamate receptors in adrenal medullary ganglion cells.

The localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors of groups II (mGluR2/3) and III (mGluR4a) and the subunits 2 and 3 of alfa-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluR2/3) was investigated with immunocytochemical methods in the rat adrenal gland. MGluR2/3, mGluR4a and GluR2/3 immunoreactivities were observed in large-sized, centrally located type I adrenal medullary ganglion neurons. Furthermore, the small-sized type II adrenal ganglion neurons identified by their immunoreactivity to brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS), also expressed mGluR2/3, mGluR4a and GluR2/3.

[Supernumerary nostril].

Supernumerary nostril is an extremely rare congenital anomaly as a result of aberrant embryological development. Frequently it leads to a narrow cavity; in the end, opening into the nearest nasal cavity or just stops blindly after a short course. It can appear isolated or in association with other anomalies.