New hypotheses on the function of the avian shell gland derived from microarray analysis comparing tissue from juvenile and sexually mature hens

Activation of the shell gland region of the avian oviduct is mediated by ovarian steroids. To understand more extensively how shell glands are maintained and function, we have compared gene expression in the shell glands from juvenile and laying hens using a chicken cDNA microarray. Average expression profiles of juvenile and sexually mature shell glands were compared resulting in the identification of 266 differentially regulated genes. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed expression differences. The differentially expressed genes included several with known involvement in shell gland function, including ion transport and shell matrix proteins. There were also many unpredicted differentially expressed genes, and for some we propose hypotheses for their functions. These include those encoding (a) osteoprotegerin, a decoy death receptor for receptor activator of nuclear factor NFkB ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), that in the shell gland, may prevent apoptosis and/or may have an endocrine effect by preventing RANKL's action on bone osteoclasts that mobilize stored calcium; (b) prostatic acid phosphatase (ACPP) and prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) that could play a role in sperm physiology within the shell gland; (c) urea transporter (SLC14A2) that could provide a novel anti-microbial defence; (d) bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein-like 2 (BPIL2), and other potential anti-microbials that have not previously been documented in the chicken. These new hypotheses, if borne out experimentally, will lead to a greater understanding of shell gland function including the processes involved in eggshell formation and anti-microbial activity

Association between candidate genes and reproductive traits in a commercial broiler breeder population

Increasing amounts of information are emerging from new and traditional genetic technologies to identify genes that control traits of economic importance. If poultry breeding is to capitalise on this, methods to validate whether variation within a gene contributes to trait variation in highly selected pedigree populations must be developed. One way in which we believe this will be possible is by association studies, or the candidate gene approach. Association analysis assesses the effect of candidate genotypes on traits, while allowing for additional variables. We present methods to identify and test candidate genes for statistical association with reproductive traits in a pedigree line of broiler breeders..

Discussing the diagnosis and prognosis with cancer patients.

Effective doctor-patient communication is an integral part of good clinical care. Telling a patient that he/she has cancer can be a daunting task. If done with empathy and sensitivity it can create an important bond between the doctor and patient. If done brusquely and without tact it can create barriers and lasting hostility. Several key steps help make the breaking of bad news easier for doctors and patients. There is not one 'right formula' but appreciation of and responsiveness to the patient's verbal and non-verbal signals are core skills which can be developed

Recent advances in the assessment of eggshell quality and their future application

Any approach which aims to improve the quality and safety of eggs, is of limited value unless it can relate to the incidence of breakages in the field, and can be applied either directly to breeding programmes or used as online tools for quality assurance. Online systems require the method of assessment to be non-destructive. This is probably not so important for breeding companies who tend to gauge the usefulness of an eggshell quality measurement by its ease of measurement, its heritability and, its genetic correlation with other phenotypic traits. Historically, qualitative measures such as shell breaking or puncture strength, non-destructive deformation and specific gravity have been widely adopted as tools in selection programmes. The dynamic stiffness is a novel eggshell quality measurement, which could be utilised by poultry breeders as it has a moderate heritability and high genetic and phenotypic correlation with other shell quality traits including eggshell breaking strength. This non-destructive measurement could also be applied on-line to monitor shell quality. An alternative approach is to use genetic markers as tools to aid conventional breeding programmes where an important eggshell quality trait is practically too difficult or expensive to fully exploit. Marker-assisted selection for the genes coding for organic matrix proteins may provide a way of incorporating other beneficial egg quality traits into selection programmes in the future