Identification and quantification of differentally represented transcripts in preimplantation bovine embryos

The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file.Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on September 15, 2009).Thesis advisor: Dr. Randall Prather.Includes bibliographical references.M.S. University of Missouri--Columbia 2007.Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Animal sciences.Identification of transcripts present at key development stages in preimplantation embryos is critical for a better understanding of early embryogenesis. To that end, we characterized the relative abundance of multiple transcripts during several developmental stages, including metaphase II-stage oocytes, and 2-cell-stage, precompact morula, and in vitro-produced blastocyst-stage embryos, along with differences in the relative abundance of transcripts present in in vivo-, in vitro-, and nuclear transfer-produced blastocysts. Our thesis was that the identification of differentially represented transcripts from these stages would reveal not only developmentally important genes, but also genes that might be aberrantly expressed due to embryo production techniques. Individual clusters from a large bovine expressed sequence tag (EST) project were compared using Fisher's Exact Test. Of the 3,144 transcripts that were present during embryogenesis, 125 were found to be differentially represented (P [less than] 0.01) in at least one pairwise comparison. Fifteen of these transcripts were selected for further examination using quantitative real-time PCR, which confirmed that nine of the 15 transcripts were significantly differentially represented in at least one pairwise comparison, while three more of the transcripts exhibited a strong trend (P [less than] 0.05) of different abundance levels in at least one pairwise comparison. Further investigation of these results may not only help us to better understand the developmental implications of embryo manipulation, but may also lead to the improvement of current assisted reproductive technologies

Can sulforaphane prevent the onset or slow the progression of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised in part by destruction of articular cartilage. There are currently no disease-modifying drugs to treat OA, with joint replacement the only treatment offered to patients at end-stage disease. With age the major risk factor for OA, the number of patients is predicted to double by 2030. An understanding of the role of bioactive molecules from the habitual diet on joint health offers a novel way in which to prevent the onset or slow the progression of OA. Our research has indicated that sulforaphane (SFN), gained from the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, could impact upon articular cartilage in laboratory models of OA because (1) it decreased the cytokine-induced expression of cartilage-degrading proteinases from chondrocytes (cartilage cells); (2) it prevented the cytokine-induced degradation of cartilage explants; and (3) it attenuated cartilage destruction in a murine model of OA. The major mechanism of action for SFN in human articular chondrocytes was inhibition of NFB, not activation of Nrf2 nor inhibition of histone deacetylases. A proof-of-principle human trial was performed to measure uptake of SFN, or its metabolites, in the human knee joint following a broccoli-rich diet, and the expression or levels of several genes and proteins in cartilage, fat and synovial fluid were also measured. Data from this trial are about to be published. Overall, these findings support the utility of SFN in the prevention or treatment of OA. The proof of this requires an appropriately designed clinical trial of pain and function which we are currently pursuing

Lakun Ngarrindjeri thunggari: weaving the Ngarrindjeri language back to health

This paper tells of the efforts of three Ngarrindjeri women to revive their language over the past three decades. These three mi:minar (women), Auntie Eileen McHughes, Auntie Phyllis Williams and Verna Koolmatrie, are respected Aunties in the Ngarrindjeri community, as well as talented weavers and feather-flower makers. Just as they are relearning the ancient craft of weaving and teaching themselves to weave increasingly intricate patterns into their baskets and placemats, so are they relearning how to weave increasingly complex sentences and texts in their traditional Ngarrindjeri language. This requires learning a grammar that has not been used for well over 40 years. With these new-found skills, Eileen, Phyllis and Verna are translating familiar hymns and their favourite songs into Ngarrindjeri to be sung, and are constructing complex texts, such as welcome speeches, to be given at special community events. This paper reflects on the collaborative efforts that the Ngarrindjeri revival process requires, and the research, training, hard work and enthusiasm it demands. It celebrates the rich rewards and the improved sense of wellbeing that language revival offers, particularly to the authors of this paper as they embrace the Ngarrindjeri language in all its complexities.Mary-Anne Gale, Eileen McHughes, Phyllis Williams, Verna Koolmatri

Chromium(V) oxide trichloride, and some pentachlorido-­oxido-chromate(V) salts: structures and spectroscopic ­characterization

Crystalline CrOCl3 contains [Cl2OCr(?-Cl)2CrOCl2] molecules with two square pyramidal CrOCl4 units sharing a common edge and with the Cr–O arranged anti, a new structure type for transition metal MOX3 compounds. Crystals are monoclinic with space group P21/c, Z = 4, with a = 5.735(5), b = 13.738(7), c = 11.318(4) Å, ? = 90°, ? = 98.346(6)°, ? = 90°. Its IR and UV/Vis spectra are reported and compared with those of the C3v monomer found in the gas phase. Structures are also reported for M2[CrOCl5] (M = Cs or Rb) and show a pseudo-octahedral anion. Cs2[CrOCl5] adopts a K2PtCl6-type structure with [CrOCl5]2– ions randomly orientated, but Rb2[CrOCl5] is orthorhombic with space group Pnma with a = 13.6471(7), b = 9.9175(5), and c = 6.9562(4) Å. Rietveld refinement of the data on the rubidium salt gave Cr–O = 1.628(1), Cr–CltransO = 2.652(7), Cr–CltransCl = 2.239(8)–2.342(3) Å. Corresponding CrV oxide bromide species do not for