An improvement in total RNA isolation protocol for ecologic studies: Case study tobacco cells

Many experimental techniques related to molecular biology such as the Northern blot analysis, RNA protection assays, in situ hybridization and RT-PCR need maximum-yielded, highly purified RNA samples. Researchers who study with RNA extraction are well known for being extremely sensitive about their chemical solutions, equipment, glassware and even laboratories. Taking certain precautions, which are given in protocol, is more convenient than obtaining a low 260/280 spectrophotometric ratio or a blank line in RT-PCR gel for ecologic studies. In the improved protocol, which is presented here, each step was tested many times and high-quality total RNA was determined. Using this protocol, 260/280 spectrophotometric ratio was found between 1.88-1.97 and total RNA was found between 174.6-184.3 µg RNA g cell FW-1 in tobacco cells. However, in order to obtain RNA with high purity levels, an additional step may be necessary to eliminate contaminating DNA depending on the sample characteristics. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information

Kısa-Etkili Anesteziklerin Tavşanlarda Hemodinamik Fonksiyonlara Etkilerinin Doppler Ultrasonografi ile Değerlendirilmesi

This study was carried out to determine the effects of short-acting anaesthetics on haemodynamic function determined by Doppler ultrasonography. Prior to anaesthesia, Doppler parameters [peak systolic blood flow velocity (psBFV), end-diastolic blood flow velocity (edBFV), minimum diastolic blood flow velocity (mdBFV) and resistive index (RI)] were obtained from the right common carotid artery (CCA), abdominal aorta (AA) and right kidney in New Zealand rabbits (n=24). Animals were then divided into 3 groups to be anaesthetized with propofol (Group P), 2.5% thiopental sodium (Group T) and xylazine/ketamine HCl (Group XK). During anaesthesia the same Doppler measurements were made. Compared with baseline values, psBFV obtained from CCA increased in Group P (P<0.02) and insignificantly changed in Groups T and XK. psBFV measured from AA in Groups T and XK decreased as compared with baseline values. In the right kidney, psBFV in Group P and edBFV in Group T increased, whereas RI value in Groups T and XK decreased. In conclusion, comparing baseline values, propofol anaesthesia did not significantly alter RI measured from CCA and kidney and blood flow velocities measured from AA. The data suggest that propofol anaesthesia in rabbits results in minimal changes in Doppler parameters

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) in dogs: a 12 year long retrospective study by echocardiography

In this study, the prevalence of the mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was investigated in dogs. A total of 284 dogs with various cardiac signs (no complaint or cough, respiratory distress, fever, fainting and limitation of movement) were examined from March 1998 to August 2009 by echocardiography. The MVP prevalence was 70.8% (201 cases): the classical form (leaflet prolapse into the left atrium between 0.5 and 0.8 mm) was observed in 151 dogs and a severe form (leaflet prolapse above 1.0 mm) was found in 50 dogs. Furthermore, 116 dogs with MVP also exhibited a mitral insufficiency. On the other hand, a weak mitral valve prolapse (below 0.5 mm) was also evidenced in 41% (34 cases) of dogs considered as not MVP affected (83 dogs). The MVP incidence was more elevated in animals older than 10 years, in males than in females and in some specific breeds for the classic form, especially in the West Highland White terriers. These results demonstrate the high incidence of the MVP in dogs and the occurrence of a minor form in dogs without clinical signs. emphasizing in this way the pertinence of echocardiography examination in dogs