Phylogenetic relationships between different raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) populations based on four nuclear and Y genes

© 2020, The Genetics Society of Korea.Background: The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), endemic to East Asia, is classified as six subspecies according to their geographical distribution including a population introduced to Europe. Studies on phylogenetic relationship or population genetics in both native and introduced areas have been carried out recently. Lately, opinions that Japanese raccoon dogs should be classified as a different species were asserted based on several studies using karyotypes, morphometric characters, mtDNA, and microsatellites analysis. However, no data pertaining to the nuclear DNA (nDNA) or Y chromosome are available. Objective: To estimate the relationship among the species using different genes is necessary in understanding of the history of this species. Method: Therefore, we investigated nDNA and Y chromosomes in our study to define relationships: (1) between continental raccoon dog populations, (2) between original and introduced groups, and (3) between continental and Japanese groups. Results: The analysis of four nuclear (CHRNA1, VTN, TRSP, WT1) and ZFY genes indicated that there had been no genetic differentiation among the continental populations. However, significant differences were observed between continental and Japanese raccoon dogs in VTN and ZFY genes implying genetic differentiation has been going between them. Conclusion: To better understand the phylogenetic relationship among raccoon dog populations, further study will be necessary.N

Severe vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants: maternal and neonatal clinical features

PurposeWe investigated the vitamin D status of preterm infants to determine the incidence of vitamin D deficiency.MethodsA total of 278 preterm infants delivered at Kyungpook National University Hospital between January 2013 and May 2015 were enrolled. The serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) were measured at birth. We collected maternal and neonatal data such as maternal gestational diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, maternal preeclampsia, birth date, gestational age, and birth weight.ResultsMean gestational age was 33+5±2+2 weeks of gestation and mean 25-OHD concentrations were 10.7±6.4 ng/mL. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 91.7%, and 51.1% of preterm infants were classified as having severe vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD<10 ng/mL). The serum 25-OHD concentrations did not correlate with gestational age. There were no significant differences in serum 25-OHD concentrations or incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency among early, moderate, and late preterm infants. The risk of severe vitamin D deficiency in twin preterm infants was significantly higher than that in singletons (odds ratio, 1.993; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.137-3.494, P=0.016). In the fall, the incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency decreased 0.46 times compared to that in winter (95% CI, 0.227-0.901; P=0.024).ConclusionMost of preterm infants (98.9%) had vitamin D insufficiency and half of them were severely vitamin D deficient. Younger gestational age did not increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency, but gestational number was associated with severe vitamin D deficiency

Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Polymyositis, Rhabdomyolysis, and Acute Renal Failure

A 55 yr-old man presented with progressive muscle weakness and oliguria for 5days. Laboratory findings suggested rhabdomyolysis complicated with acute renal failure. A diagnosis of polymyositis was based upon the proximal muscle weakness on both upper and lower limbs, elevated muscle enzyme levels, muscle biopsy findings and the needle electromyography findings. The muscle biopsy showed extensive muscle necrosis and calcification. Investigations for underlying malignancy demonstrated hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient was managed with hemodialysis and high dose prednisolone. His renal function was fully recovered and his muscle power did improve slightly, but he died of a rupture of the hepatic tumor. In our view, this is an interesting case in that the hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with polymyositis and fulminant rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis

Methodological Considerations of Electron Spin Resonance Spin Trapping Techniques for Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species generated from metal oxide nanomaterials

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated on the surfaces of nanomaterials are important for understanding their toxicity and toxic mechanisms, which are in turn beneficial for manufacturing more biocompatible nanomaterials in many industrial fields. Electron spin resonance (ESR) is a useful tool for detecting ROS formation. However, using this technique without first considering the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and proper conditions of the spin trapping agent (such as incubation time) may lead to misinterpretation of the resulting data. In this report, we suggest methodological considerations for ESR as pertains to magnetism, sample preparation and proper incubation time with spin trapping agents. Based on our results, each spin trapping agent should be given the proper incubation time. For nanomaterials having magnetic properties, it is useful to remove these nanomaterials via centrifugation after reacting with spin trapping agents. Sonication for the purpose of sample dispersion and sample light exposure should be controlled during ESR in order to enhance the obtained ROS signal. This report will allow researchers to better design ESR spin trapping applications involving nanomaterials

Исследование систем управления при проектировании информационных систем: учебное пособие

Учебно-методическое пособие предназначено для освоения на практике методов исследования предметной области при проектировании информационных систем. Учебно-методическое пособие содержит теоретический материал по дисциплинам магистерских программ и бакалавриата направления 230400 «Информационные системы и технологии», 230200 «Информационные системы»

Simultaneous electrochemical detection of both PSMA (+) and PSMA (-) prostate cancer cells using an RNA/peptide dual-aptamer probe

Using an RNA/peptide dual-aptamer probe, both PSMA (+) and PSMA (-) prostate cancer cells were simultaneously detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This approach can be applied as a general tool for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.CATALONA WJ, 1993, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V270, P948Lupold SE, 2002, CANCER RES, V62, P4029Kue PF, 2002, INT J CANCER, V102, P572, DOI 10.1002/ijc.10734Drummond TG, 2003, NAT BIOTECHNOL, V21, P1192, DOI 10.1038/nbt873DARAIN F, 2004, BIOSENS BIOELECTRON, V20, P856Ban CG, 2004, NUCLEIC ACIDS RES, V32, DOI 10.1093/nar/gnh109Ghosh A, 2004, J CELL BIOCHEM, V91, P528, DOI 10.1002/jcb.10661LEVIN MA, 2005, J UROLOGY, V159, P475Rodriguez MC, 2005, CHEM COMMUN, P4267, DOI 10.1039/b506571bZitzmann S, 2005, CLIN CANCER RES, V11, P139Horninger W, 2001, CANCER-AM CANCER SOC, V91, P1667Lang SH, 2001, BRIT J CANCER, V85, P590Yamamoto T, 2001, UROLOGY, V58, P994Palecek E, 2002, CRIT REV ANAL CHEM, V32, P261Narain V, 2002, CANCER METAST REV, V21, P17Edwards S, 2005, BRIT J CANCER, V92, P376, DOI 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602261Postma R, 2005, EUR J CANCER, V41, P825, DOI 10.1016/j.ejca.2004.12.029Cahova-Kucharikova K, 2005, ANAL CHEM, V77, P2920Rahman MA, 2005, ANAL CHEM, V77, P4854, DOI 10.1021/ac050558vCho M, 2006, NUCLEIC ACIDS RES, V34, DOI 10.1093/nar/gkl364Farokhzad OC, 2006, P NATL ACAD SCI USA, V103, P6315, DOI 10.1073/pnas.0601755103Chu TC, 2006, CANCER RES, V66, P5989, DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-4583McNamara JO, 2006, NAT BIOTECHNOL, V24, P1005, DOI 10.1038/nbt1223Palecek E, 1998, BIOSENS BIOELECTRON, V13, P621Min K, 2008, BIOSENS BIOELECTRON, V23, P1819, DOI 10.1016/j.bios.2008.02.021CHO M, 2008, BMB REPORTS, V41, P119Kim D, 2007, J AM CHEM SOC, V129, P7661, DOI 10.1021/ja071471pMaalouf R, 2007, ANAL CHEM, V79, P4879, DOI 10.1021/ac070085nKRAHN MD, 1994, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V272, P773

Tat peptide-admixed elastic liposomal formulation of hirsutenone for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Myung Joo Kang1,&amp;nbsp;Jae Yoon Eum1, Mi Sook Jeong2, Sang Han Park1, Ki Young Moon1, Mean Hyung Kang1, Min Soo Kim1, Sun Eun Choi1, Min Won Lee1, Do Ik Lee1, Hyoweon Bang2, Chung Soo Lee2, Seong Soo Joo3, Kapsok Li2, Mi-Kyung Lee2, Seong Jun Seo2, Young Wook Choi11College of Pharmacy, ChungAng University, Heuksuk-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 2College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Heuksukdong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 3Division of Marine Molecular Biotechnology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South KoreaBackground: The aim of the present study was to enhance a topical delivery of hirsutenone (HST), a naturally occuring immunomodulator, employing Tat peptide-admixed elastic liposomes (EL/T).Methods: HST-loaded EL, consisting of phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80 (85:15 w/w%), were prepared using thin film hydration method. By adding Tat peptide to EL (0.16 w/w%), EL/T were formulated. The in vitro skin permeation of HST was examined using a Franz diffusion cell mounted with depilated mouse skin. Lesions for atopic dermatitis (AD) were induced by a topical application of diphenylcyclopropenone to NC/Nga mice. Therapeutic improvements of AD were evaluated by clinical skin severity scores. Immunological analyses on inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 levels in the skin and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E, and eosinophil levels in the blood were also performed.Results: EL systems were superior to conventional cream, revealing greater flux values in a permeation study. The addition of Tat peptide further increased the skin permeation of HST. In an efficacy study with AD-induced NC/Nga mice, an HST-containing EL/T formulation brought a significant improvement in both skin severity score and immune-related responses for the levels of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E, and eosinophils.Conclusion: A novel EL/T formulation was successfully developed for topical delivery of HST to treat AD.Keywords: hirsutenone, elastic liposomes, atopic dermatitis, NC/Nga mice, Tat peptid