Germinal Cells Research Articles

The possibilities of using of captive and domestic broodstocks for saving of natural populations. 2. Salmonidae. Atlantic salmon (Part 1)

In first review we considered the problems of creation of sturgeon broodstocks in freshwater with full exclusion of marine phase. Several species of salmonids (trouts) which easily change their life stategy (sea trout/brown trout Salmo trutta, steelhead/rainbow trout, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and other chars) also could be grown in fresh water up to definitive sizes and maturation. Atlantic salmon differs from above species. In present article the intraspecific structure of Atlantic salmon and its life strategies (anadromous, potamodromos and riverine/residential), development of methods of artificial propagation of salmonids and possibilities of Atlantic salmon growing in conditions of freshwater farm are considered. Three types of broodstocks could be created — sea-run (wild), captive (grown from wild smolts) and domestic (grown from eggs) ones. The creation of domestic freshwater broodstock of Atlantic salmon is more complicated in comparison with trouts because of precocious maturation of great percent of males and low quality of mature germinal cells in males and females. The other negative features of domestic breeders are decreased genetic variability, increased straying and reduced reproductive success. So commercial aquaculture uses traditional scheme of transfer of large smolts (near 100 g) to sea cages. Conservation aquaculture prefers wild non-resident breeders. Atlantic salmon is characterized by riverspecific broodstocks, so each river should have its own broodstock. As a result domestic broodstock of Atlantic salmon in conservation aquaculture could be used only as last measure when all other possibilities are already exhausted.

Neonatal Mimicker Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Germinal matrix cells are immature‐appearing cells that can be present in the cerebrospinal fluid of premature neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage. These cells can mimic neoplastic cells and are an important morphologic pitfall.

A case of EBV-Negative Primary Intestinal Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Involving Multiple Anatomic Sites and Lymph Nodes

Abstract Introduction/Objective Extranodal lymphomas in the gastrointestinal tract are rare, with colonic lymphomas representing less than 0.5% of colorectal neoplasms. The most common type is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy and surgical resection, with prognosis depends on various factors including age, genetic alteration, and bone marrow involvement. Methods/Case Report An 82-year-old female patient presented with abdominal pain and constipation. Radiological imaging revealed a mass in the ascending colon extending to the ileum. Histological examination following biopsy revealed to be a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of germinal center origin. The resected specimen showed two separate centrally ulcerated fungating masses in the ileum (4 x 4 x 1 cm) and ascending colon (8.5 x 5 x 4 cm). Microscopic examination showed a diffuse infiltrate of large, discohesive, atypical lymphoid cells with vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Abundant mitoses and apoptotic bodies are evident. The lesional cells were diffusely infiltrating into the lamina propria, submucosa, muscularis propria, and serosa associated with geographic necrosis. The appendix was also transmurally involved by the neoplastic cells. Multiple pericolonic lymph nodes were also involved by the lesional cells (6/15). Immunnohistochemical stains showed the neoplastic cells are positive for CD20, CD10, BCL6, while negative for MUM1, BCL2, C-MYC, and EBER. Ki67 index was 70%. CMV was negative. FISH result for MYC gene rearrangement with reflex to BCL2 and BCL6 was negative, which excludes double/triple-hit high grade B-cell lymphomas. The patient received chemotherapy with R-CHOP after the surgery and stayed recurrence-free for 15 months. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion We reported a case of EBV-negative primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with germinal center cell origin involving multiple anatomic sites and pericolonic lymph nodes in an elderly immunocompetent woman.

Anti-echinococcal effect of metformin in advanced experimental cystic echinococcosis: reprogrammed intermediary carbon metabolism in the parasite.

Metformin, a safe biguanide derivative with antiproliferative properties, has shown antiparasitic efficacy against the Echinococcus larval stage. Hence, we assessed the efficacy of a dose of 250 mg kg-1 day-1 in experimental models of advanced CE, at 6 and 12 months post-infection with oral and intraperitoneal administration, respectively. At this high dose, metformin reached intracystic concentrations between 0.7 and 1.7 mM and triggered Eg-TOR inhibition through AMPK activation by AMP-independent and -dependent mechanisms, which are dependent on drug dose. Cystic metformin uptake was controlled by increased expression of organic cation transporters in the presence of the drug. In both experimental models, metformin reduced the weight of parasite cysts, altered the ultrastructural integrity of their germinal layers, and reduced the intracystic availability of glucose, limiting the cellular carbon and energy charge and the proliferative capacity of metacestodes. This glucose depletion in the parasite was associated with a slight increase in cystic uptake of 2-deoxiglucose and the transcriptional induction of GLUT genes in metacestodes. In this context, drastic glycogen consumption led to increased lactate production and altered intermediary metabolism in treated metacestodes. Specifically, the fraction of reducing soluble sugars decreased twofold, and the levels of non-reducing soluble sugars, such as sucrose and trehalose, were modified in both cystic fluid and germinal cells. Taken together, our findings highlight the relevance of metformin as a promising candidate for CE treatment and warrant further research to improve the therapeutic conditions of this chronic zoonosis in humans.

Development and reproduction of sporocysts of Leucochloridium paradoxum (Trematoda)

AbstractWe studied the development of sporocysts of the trematode Leucochloridium paradoxum. For this purpose, their life cycle was traced experimentally. Eggs obtained from adult trematodes raised in chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) were used to infect snails (Succinea putris, laboratory strain). Histological studies of sporocysts were conducted for 95 days after exposure. During this time, the embryos of sporocysts developed into a small stolon filled with numerous metacercarial embryos. We found that miracidia hatched in the stomach and in the proximal part of the snail's midgut. After the larvae migrated into the area of the hepatopancreas, their body was destroyed, and germinal cells were released. They cleaved to form the embryos of sporocysts, in which only metacercarial embryos developed. Our study showed that these trematodes lack the parasitic phase of the mother sporocyst and have only one generation of parthenitae, the daughter sporocysts.

Assessment of eruca sativa leaves extract ZnO NPs effect on the adverse effects of creatine - induced testes injury

This study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of Eruca sativa NPs on the harmful effects of creatine on the testes in male rats. This study used 48 male rats, in two experiments. The first experiment included determining the most effective nano-concentration of watercress extract, while the second experiment included evaluating the role of the nano-extract at the concentration that was chosen based on the results of the first experiment (60 mg/kg) against toxicity resulting from doses of creatine (4 g/kg) for 60 days. This study used 24 adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups, with six animals per group, and were treated as follows:(G1) 1 ml of 0.09% physiological solution , (G2) dosed (single dose/day) with nano-extract of Eruca sativa at a concentration of (60 mg/kg) , (G3) The animals were dosed (single dose/day) with creatine monohydrate (4 g/kg), (G4 prevention group) dosed with nano-extract of Eruca sativa (60 mg/kg) followed one hour later by a dose of creatine (4 g/kg) . The results of the study indicated a non significant in Concentration of sperm in the epididymis, Percentage of live sperm ,Percentage of motile sperm , Percentage of normal sperm, LH , FSH and Testosterone in G2 and G4 compared to G1. As for the preventive group G4, it recorded a normal results near from control group. it recorded a significant decrease (P<0.05) in Concentration of sperm in the epididymis, Percentage of live sperm ,Percentage of motile sperm , Percentage of normal sperm, LH , FSH and Testosterone in G3 compared to G1 and G2 . The results of the histological examination in G3 showed that there are interstitial spaces between the seminiferous tubules and few sperm in the cavities of the tubules with reduction and disintegration of the interstitial tissue and a lack of Leydig cells and a decrease in the size of the germinal epithelial cell layer with cell degeneration necrosis of cells lining the tubules compared to G1,G2 and G4. The results of this article revealed the positive effects of Eruca sativa leaf ZnO NPs extract on the adverse effects of creatine-induced testes injury.

“A Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Planned Teaching Programme On Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor Among Adolescent Girls In A Selected College At Udaipur.”

Background Of The Study Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood, but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage. Reaching girls during adolescence is critical decisions made and behaviors established during this period affect their horizons later in life. Many serious diseases in adulthood have their roots in adolescence. Germ cell tumors include a diverse group of tumors that arise from primitive germinal cells in either the gonads (ovaries, testicles).Germ cell tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant. Ovarian germ cell tumors are abnormal mass of tissue that forms in germ (egg) cells in the ovary. These tumors usually occur in teenage girls or young women, usually affect just one ovary and can be benign. Ovarian germ cell tumors represent 15 to 20 % of all ovarian tumors. They are rapidly growing neoplasm that arises from primordial germ cells derived from the embryo gonad. Of all gynecological tumors, ovarian malignancies represent the greatest clinical challenge. Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignancy of the female reproductive system and one of the leading causes of death among gynaecologic malignancies. Ovarian cancer represents a major surgical challenge requiring intensive and often complex therapies. It has the highest fatality-to-case ratio of all the gynaecological malignancies. Proper education is absolutely necessary in order to improve the adolescents’ knowledge. Early detection of ovarian germ cell tumor is essential to decrease the chances of complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on ovarian germ cell tumor among adolescent girls in a selected college at Udaipur

Effect of the estrous cycle on zinc transporter expression in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes and oviduct epithelial cells.

During the luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) and oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) undergo notable physiological and morphological changes. Maintaining proper zinc (Zn) homeostasis is crucial in both somatic and germinal mammalian cells. This study aimed to assess the impact of the estrous phase (luteal or follicular) on Zn transporter expression in bovine COC and OEC (BOEC). The expression of Zn transporters Slc39a6 (ZIP6), Slc39a8 (ZIP8), Slc39a14 (ZIP14), Slc30a3 (ZnT3), Slc30a7 (ZnT7), and Slc30a9 (ZnT9) was analyzed in COC and BOEC from cows during the luteal or follicular phases. Gene expression of ZIP6, ZIP14, and ZnT9 was quantified in COC and BOEC. The gene expression in the remaining transporters could not be quantified due to low mRNA levels (ZIP8 and ZnT3 in COC and BOEC; ZnT7 in BOEC) or absence of expression (ZnT7 in COC). In COC, the relative expression (RE) of all three transporters was higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (P ≤ 0.05). In BOEC, the luteal phase increased the RE of ZIP 6 (P ≤ 0.05), decreased the RE of ZnT9 (P ≤ 0.05), and did not modify the RE of ZIP14 (P > 0.05) compared to the follicular phase. In conclusion, the study reveals differences in the gene expression of ZIP6, ZIP14, and ZnT9 according to the estrous cycle phase in ex vivo samples of bovine COC and OEC.

Expression of the aromatase cytochrome p450 enzyme, α and β estrogen receptors, and androgens in cells of the spermatogenic lineage, Leydig and Sertoli of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766)

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the biggest rodents in the world and have a huge importance in conservation, can be a rodent model in reproduction and have a huge role in the food chain in South America. Molecular studies of the reproduction of this animal are important for all animal class conservation, mainly rodents. In this way, hormone signaling can be useful to understand external and internal mechanisms of reproduction. In this work, estrogen receptors α and β, aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme, and androgens were detected by immunohistochemistry on Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, myoid cells, and seminiferous epithelium H. hydrochaeris testis. Nine animals were sacrificed and it was collected the testicles, and for each staining (hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory, and immunohistochemistry for four antibodies) it was made 5 slides per animal, after that a qualitative analysis was performed. The presence of estrogen receptors α and β in germinal epithelial cells, with stronger expression in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, may indicate the action of these hormones in the initial process of sperm cell development, needing more studies to investigate this first evidence. In other animals is believed that the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme can promote the transformation of androgens into estrogen, and in H. hydrochaeris is observed in those cells and androgen receptors. Sertoli cells exhibited moderate immunostaining for androgen and estrogen receptors α and β in the cytoplasm, with poor labeling for the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme in the nucleus in H. hydrochaeris. It is suggested that Sertoli cells may be responsible for producing estrogen in adult animals.

Investigating Development and Defense Systems in Early Reproductive Stages of Male and Female Gonads in Black Scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758).

One of the most crucial biological indicators in tracking long-term variations in the reproductive cycle is sexual development. Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the black scorpionfish, is a small teleost from the family Scorpaenidae. Much is known about its ecology, but data on its reproductive and defense systems are still lacking. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as piscidins, are integral components of the innate immune system in fish. These peptides exhibit a wide range of activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa and act as the first line of host defense. This study aims to investigate the primary sexual development stages in male and female gonads of black scorpionfish, providing additional knowledge on the reproductive biology of this teleost while evaluating concomitant changes in the expression of a Piscidin-1 antimicrobial peptide. The results show a histological, morpho-structural change from the immature stage to the developing virgin stage. Immunohistochemical analyses show that germinal and somatic cells are strongly reactive to Piscidin-1 in both gonads at an early ontogeny stage. These data suggest that Piscidin-1 may play a key role in the local defense system of scorpionfish gonads at this delicate stage, which is critical for the continuation and maintenance of the species. The present findings are potentially useful for a better understanding of the reproductive cycle of this fish, improving our knowledge of the interaction between the immune system and reproduction.

Pharmaceutical inhibition of BCL6 ameliorates resistance to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia

The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have improved overall survival of CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) patients and allow them to experience normal life expectancy. However, relapse and drug resistance remain the main challenges in the clinical treatment of CML. The B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is essential to regulation of multiple function such as immune response and lymphomagenesis in lymph node germinal cells. Recent studies have shown that BCL6 is required for the maintenance of leukemia stem cells in CML, but the expression of Bcl-6 in response to Imatinib and the underlying mechanism are still unclear. Here, we found that BCL6 is expressed at high levels in primary CML bone marrow samples and CML TKI-resistance cell lines. CML cells with higher levels of BCL6 were generally sensitive to treatment with BCL6 inhibitors, BI-3812. Treatment of CML cells with BCL6 inhibitor and TKIs suggested enhanced anti-leukemia activity. In summary, our findings suggest BCL6 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of CML.

Immunological memory diversity in the human upper airway.

The upper airway is an important site of infection, butimmune memory in the human upper airway is poorly understood, with implications for COVID-19 and many other human diseases1-4. Here we demonstrate that nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs can be used to obtain insights into these challenging problems, and define distinct immune cell populations, including antigen-specific memory Bcells and T cells, in two adjacent anatomical sites in the upper airway. Upper airway immune cell populations seemed stable over time in healthy adults undergoing monthly swabs for more than 1 year, and prominent tissue resident memory T (TRM)cell and B (BRM) cellpopulations were defined. Unexpectedly, germinal centre cells were identified consistently in many nasopharyngeal swabs. In subjects with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections, local virus-specific BRMcells, plasma cells and germinal centre B cells were identified, with evidence of local priming and an enrichment of IgA+ memory B cells in upper airway compartments compared with blood. Local plasma cell populations were identified with transcriptional profiles of longevity. Local virus-specific memory CD4+ TRM cellsand CD8+ TRM cellswere identified, with diverse additional virus-specific T cells. Age-dependent upper airway immunological shifts were observed. These findings provide new understanding of immune memory at a principal mucosal barrier tissue in humans.

Hypolipidemic And Testicular Cytoarchitecture Protective Effects of the Hydromethanol Leaf Extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi in Male Wistar Rats

Hyperlipidemia is implicated in many disease states, including arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and stroke amongst other illnesses. The present study describes the hypolipidemic and testicular cytoarchitecture protective effects of hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi using male Wistar rats as models. 64 male Wistar rats were acclimatized and subsequently randomly divided into 8 groups of 8 rats each. Diabetes was induced in all rat groups except Groups 1 and 8 using alloxan at a dose of 200mg/kg bw administered intraperitonially. Diabetes was confirmed after 72 hours of alloxan administration if the blood glucose level is ≥ 11.1 mmol/L (200mg/dl) and were daily treated with different concentrations of extract and phytosterol only for 28 days. Expectedly, significantly higher values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, low values of high-density lipoprotein and significant reduction in the population of epithelial germ cells and normal matured spermatozoa in the testes were observed amongst group 2 (Untreated Diabetes) rats administered 200mg/kg bw of alloxan, compared to group 1 (Control) rats (p<0.05). Suggesting a possible hyperlipidemic and harmful testicular effects of alloxan in male Wistar rats. By corollary, extract administration significantly lowered values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, increased values of high-density lipoproteins and reversed the reduction in germ cells and matured spermatozoa population amongst Groups 4 and 5 rats administered 500mg/kg bw and 750mg/kg bw of the extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi compared to Group 2 (Untreated Diabetes) rats (p<0.05). Suggesting a possible reversal and protective effects of the extract. Craterispermum schweinfurthi extract administration lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, increased serum high density lipoprotein concentration and promoted germinal epithelial cells ...

Diagnostic Value of SALL4 and OCT3/4 in Pediatric Testicular Tumors.

Testicular tumors (TTs) are rare in children, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This retrospective study evaluates the diagnostic and prognostic utility of SALL4 and OCT3/4 in pediatric TTs. We analyzed 18 cases of different types of TTs using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess SALL4 (Spalt-like transcription factor 4) and OCT3/4 (Octamer binding transcription factor 3/4) expression. SALL4 was positive in 83.3% of tumors, while OCT3/4 was positive in 38.9% of tumors, with a significantly higher prevalence in patients aged 12-18 years compared to those aged 0-11 years (p = 0.013). Mixed germinal cell tumors were significantly more frequently associated with OCT3/4 (p = 0.003), and a high immunostaining expression for SALL4 was observed primarily in yolk sac tumors and embryonal carcinoma. Our findings suggest that SALL4 and OCT3/4 immunostaining can aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, and underscores the importance of OCT3/4 as a predictive factor in pediatric testicular tumors, highlighting its substantial correlation with tumor type and its impact on treatment response. These markers may guide personalized therapeutic strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Comparison of clinicopathological features between cerebral cystic and alveolar echinococcosis: analysis of 27 cerebral echinococcosis cases in Xinjiang, China

BackgroundCerebral echinococcosis is relatively rare, and it is important to distinguish cerebral cystic echinococcosis (CCE) from cerebral alveolar echinococcosis (CAE) in terms of pathological diagnosis. We aim to describe the different clinicopathological features among patients with CCE and CAE.MethodsWe collected 27 cases of cerebral echinococcosis which were diagnosed in the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 1, 2012, to June 30, 2023. We compared the patients’ clinical characteristics, MRI features, and pathologic manifestations of CCE and CAE.ResultsAmong 27 cases of cerebral echinococcosis, 23 cases were CAE and 4 cases were CCE. The clinical manifestations of both CCE and CAE patients mainly included headache (21 patients, 77.78%), limb movement disorders (6 patients, 22.22%), epileptic seizures (4 patients, 14.81%) and visual disturbances (2 patients, 7.41%). The average onset age of CAE cases was 34.96 ± 11.11 years, which was 9.00 ± 7.26 years in CCE cases. All CAE patients presented with multiple involvements in the brain and extracranial organs while all CCE patients observed a solitary lesion in the brain and 3 CCE cases had no extracranial involvement. Lesions of CCE in MRI showed a single isolated circular, which was well demarcated from the surrounding tissues and with no obvious edema around the lesions, whereas CAE lesions presented as multiple intracranial lesions, with blurred edges and edema around the lesions, and multiple small vesicles could be observed in the lesions. The edge of CAE lesions could be enhanced, while CCE lesions have no obvious enhancement. CCE foci were clear cysts with a wall of about 0.1 cm. Microscopically, the walls of the cysts were characterized by an eosinophilic keratin layer, which was flanked on one side by basophilic germinal lamina cells, which were sometimes visible as protocephalic nodes. While the CAE lesion was a nodular structure with a rough and uneven nodule surface, and the cut section was cystic and solid; microscopically, the CAE lesion had areas of coagulative necrosis, and the proto-cephalic nodes were barely visible. Inflammatory cell areas consisting of macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelioid cells, plasma cells, eosinophils, and fibroblasts can be seen around the lesion. Brain tissues in the vicinity of the inflammatory cell areas may show apoptosis, degeneration, necrosis, and cellular edema, while brain tissues a little farther away from the lesion show a normal morphology.ConclusionsWith the low incidence of brain echinococcosis, the diagnosis of echinococcosis and the differential diagnosis of CAE and CCE are challenging for pathologists. Grasping the different clinical pathology characteristics of CAE and CCE is helpful for pathologists to make accurate diagnoses.

Expression of Podocalyxin Potentially Decorated With Low-sulfated Keratan Sulfate in Human Testicular Embryonal Carcinoma.

SummaryWe previously demonstrated that among various histological types of human testicular germinal cell tumors (GCTs), embryonal carcinoma (EC) preferentially expresses low-sulfated keratan sulfate (KS) consisting of repeating N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) disaccharide units composed of galactose and 6-O-sulfated N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which is recognized by the R-10G antibody. Recently, we generated another anti-low-sulfated KS monoclonal antibody, 294-1B1. Immunohistochemical analysis of testicular GCTs (n=83) revealed that the low-sulfated KS recognized by 294-1B1 is also preferentially expressed in EC but minimally in other GCT histological types. Moreover, immunolabeling with R-10G and 294-1B1 antibodies was resistant to peptide-N-glycosidase F digestion, and EC was not stained with the MECA-79 antibody, indicating that low-sulfated KS expressed in EC contains mucin-type core 2 O-glycans carrying GlcNAc-6-O-sulfated oligo-LacNAc. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that R-10G and 294-1B1 antibody signals colocalized with those for podocalyxin (PODXL). Furthermore, western blot analysis of recombinant human PODXL•IgG fusion proteins secreted from low-sulfated KS-expressing human embryonic kidney 293T cells revealed that PODXL functions as a core protein for low-sulfated KS. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that the PODXL glycoform decorated with low-sulfated KS is preferentially expressed in human testicular EC and may therefore serve as a diagnostic marker for this malignancy.

Monarch butterfly conservation through male germplasm cryopreservation

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) populations have declined in North America. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently classified the species as endangered, sparking public concern and conservation efforts. Our approach to conservation is through cryopreservation of germinal cells and tissue. The goal of this study was to develop a cryopreservation protocol for monarch spermatozoa to ensure successful long-term storage. Cryopreserved sperm cells would provide a reserve of monarch germplasm, which could be utilized in the event of population loss. In this study, sperm cell bundles collected from male monarch butterflies were cryopreserved in a cryoprotective medium and stored in liquid nitrogen. To determine the post-cryopreservation sperm cell viability, a subsample of preserved sperm bundles were thawed rapidly, and their viability was qualified using a sperm live/dead stain. We are presenting a protocol to preserve and store genetic material and viable sperm bundles of the monarch butterfly. To date, this is the first report of successful cryopreservation of monarch germplasm which sets the foundation for cryostorage and could be extensible to other vulnerable lepidopterans.

Comparative Analysis of Nanos and Ago Genes Expression in the Germinative Cells Isolated from Germinal Layer and the Neck Region of Echinococcus granulosus.

We aimed to evaluate the differential expression of nanos and ago genes in the protoscoleces, germinal layer, the neck, and the sucker regions of adult Echinococcus granulosus. The study was conducted in 2018 at the Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. In the present study E. granulosus protoscoleces were cultured in a di-phasic medium to obtain strobilated worms. The strobilated worms were harvested and using a sterile razor blade, the neck region was separated. In the molecular study the neck sections were compared with the tissues derived from the suckers from the same worm. The primers were specifically designed for RT-qPCR on nanos and ago. The germinative cells were isolated from the cyst germinal layer and cultured in DMEM for further molecular studies. The Immunohisto-chemical profile was designed to explore the nature of nanos protein in the strobilated worms. Differences between and within groups were statistically assessed relative to the protoscoleces. An increasing nanos gene expressions were found in sucker, neck, cells and germinal layer in comparison to the protoscoleces. The expression of ago gene was decreased in sucker, cell and germinal layer, and increased in the neck region in comparison to the protoscoleces. The results showed that both genes were expressed in all developmental stages of E. granulosus. nanos and ago genes were differentially expressed at different developmental stages of E. granulosus and may contribute to differentiation of the parasite.

ROS are required for the germinative cell proliferation and metacestode larval growth of Echinococcus multilocularis.

The potentially lethal zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Metacestode growth and proliferation occurs within the inner organs of mammalian hosts, which is associated with complex molecular parasite-host interactions. The host has developed various ways to resist a parasitic infection, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the most important strategies. Here, we found that scavenging of ROS reduced metacestode larval growth and germinative cell proliferation in in vivo models. Furthermore, using in vitro-cultured metacestode vesicles, we found that increased ROS levels enhanced metacestode growth and germinative cell proliferation, which was achieved by positively activating the ROS-EmERK-EmHIF1α axis. These results indicate that, beside its capacity to damage the parasite, ROS also play critical roles in metacestode growth and germinative cell proliferation. This study suggests that the effects of ROS on parasite may be bidirectional during AE infection, reflecting the parasite's adaptation to the oxidative stress microenvironment.

Establishment of a rabbit model of different degrees of testicular torsion

Introduction and objectivesDifferent degrees of testicular torsion result in varying degrees of testicular damage, which influences treatment options and outcomes. Therefore, establishing a testicular torsion model with different degrees is necessary for clinical diagnosis. Materials and methodsRabbits were randomly divided into four groups and their spermatic cords were twisted at 0 °, 180 °, 360 °, and 720 °, respectively. Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) were performed to evaluate the blood supply in testicles. The twisted testicles were surgically removed at six hours post-operation and were evaluated by morphological observation and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. ResultsCDFI signals were gradually decreased as the degree of testicular torsion increased, and scores of CDFI in the 360 ° and 720 ° groups were significantly decreased at postoperative six hours compared to pre-surgery. Compared to the sham, the testicle in the 180 ° group exhibited slight congestion, whereas the testicles in the 360 ° and 720 ° groups were dark red in color and had severe congestion and unrecognizable vessels. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining showed mild spermatogenic cell reduction and testicular interstitial hemorrhage in the 180 ° group. In the 360 ° and 720 ° groups, disordered seminiferous tubules, shed spermatogenic cells in tubules, inflammatory cell infiltration, and severe hemorrhage were found. In comparison with the sham, interstitial hemorrhage scores in the 360 ° and 720 ° groups were significantly higher, and scores of germinal epithelial cell thickness in the three testicular torsion groups were significantly decreased. ConclusionsCollectively, we successfully constructed a testicular torsion model with different degrees in rabbits.