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Reactive extraction of Jatropha curcas L. seed for production of biodiesel: process optimization study

Shuit SH, Lee KT, Kamaruddin AH, Yusup S

Environ Sci Technol, 2010 Jun 1;44(11):4361-7.
PMID: 20455588 DOI: 10.1021/es902608v

Biodiesel from Jatropha curcas L. seed is conventionally produced via a two-step method: extraction of oil and subsequent esterification/transesterification to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), commonly known as biodiesel. Contrarily, in this study, a single step in situ extraction, esterification and transesterification (collectively known as reactive extraction) of J. curcas L. seed to biodiesel, was investigated and optimized. Design of experiments (DOE) was used to study the effect of various process parameters on the yield of FAME. The process parameters studied include reaction temperature (30-60 degrees C), methanol to seed ratio (5-20 mL/g), catalyst loading (5-30 wt %), and reaction time (1-24 h). The optimum reaction condition was then obtained by using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with central composite design (CCD). Results showed that an optimum biodiesel yield of 98.1% can be obtained under the following reaction conditions: reaction temperature of 60 degrees C, methanol to seed ratio of 10.5 mL/g, 21.8 wt % of H(2)SO(4), and reaction period of 10 h.

Matched MeSH terms: Jatropha/embryology*
Desiccation sensitivity and cryopreservation of excised embryonic axes of Citrus suhuiensis cv. limau madu, Citrumelo [Citrus paradisi macf. × Poncirus trifoliata (l.) raf.] and Fortunella polyandra

Al Zoubi OM, Normah MN

Cryo Letters, 2012 May-Jun;33(3):241-51.
PMID: 22825791

Excised embryonic axes from seeds of three taxa, namely, Citrus suhuiensis cv. limau madu, Citrumelo (Citrus paradisi x Poncirus trifoliate) and Fortunella polyandra, were desiccated in a laminar airflow, over silica gel, and ultra-rapidly. Desiccation sensitivity (WC50) was estimated for each taxon using the quantal response model. High desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.11 g water per g dry mass. g/gdw) was observed for limau madu embryonic axes desiccated in a laminar airflow and ultra-rapidly (WC50 =0.10 g/gdw). Desiccation tolerance was substantially lower (WC50 = 0.19 g/gdw) for silica gel dehydration. Similarly, high desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.15 g/gdw) was associated with F. polyandra embryonic axes when desiccated in a laminar airflow, while a lower desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.17 g/gdw) was observed with silica gel dehydration. Ultra-rapid desiccation led to the highest desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.14 g/gdw). The dehydration rate, however, had no influence on desiccation tolerance (WC50 ~ 0.14 g/gdw) for Citrumelo embryonic axes. After each desiccation period, embryonic axes were directly immersed in liquid nitrogen (LN) followed by rapid rewarming. Normal seedling recovery of 80 to 83% for excised embryonic axes of limau madu was observed for laminar airflow and ultra-rapid dehydration, but for silica gel dehydration, 57% recovery was obtained. Similarly, for Citrumelo, high recoveries of 100% and 97% were obtained from axes desiccated in a laminar airflow and using ultra-rapid dehydration, respectively, whereas a lower value was associated with silica gel dehydration (80%). For F. polyandra, 50% recovery was obtained both for laminar airflow and ultra-rapid dehydration, while much lower recovery (43%) was associated with silica gel dehydration. Regardless of the drying method employed, axis survival percentages following exposure to LN were commensurate with the desiccation sensitivity pattern.

Matched MeSH terms: Citrus/embryology*; Seeds/embryology*; Rutaceae/embryology*; Poncirus/embryology*
Fulltext Seed yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in relation to growth and developmental aspects

Mondal MM, Puteh AB, Malek MA, Ismail MR, Rafii MY, Latif MA

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:425168.
PMID: 22919319 DOI: 10.1100/2012/425168

Growth parameters such as leaf area (LA), total dry mass (TDM) production, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR) were compared in six varieties of mungbean under subtropical condition (24°8' N 90°0' E) to identify limiting growth characters for the efficient application of physiology breeding for higher yields. Results revealed that a relatively smaller portion of TDM was produced before flower initiation and the bulk of it after anthesis. The maximum CGR was observed during pod filling stage in all the varieties due to maximum leaf area (LA) development at this stage. Two plant characters such as LA and CGR contributed to the higher TDM production. Results indicated that high yielding mungbean varieties should possess larger LA, higher TDM production ability, superior CGR at all growth stages, and high relative growth rate and net assimilation rate at vegetative stage which would result in superior yield components.

Matched MeSH terms: Fabaceae/embryology*; Crops, Agricultural/embryology
Fulltext Plant regeneration and somatic embryogenesis from immature embryos derived through interspecific hybridization among different Carica species

Azad MA, Rabbani MG, Amin L

Int J Mol Sci, 2012;13(12):17065-76.
PMID: 23235330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms131217065

Plant regeneration and somatic embryogenesis through interspecific hybridization among different Carica species were studied for the development of a papaya ringspot virus-resistant variety. The maximum fruit sets were recorded from the cross of the native variety C. papaya cv. Shahi with the wild species C. cauliflora. The highest hybrid embryos were recorded at 90 days after pollination and the embryos were aborted at 150 days after pollination. The immature hybrid embryos were used for plant regeneration and somatic embryogenesis. The 90-day-old hybrid embryos from the cross of C. papaya cv. Shahi × C. cauliflora showed the highest percentage of germination, as well as plant regeneration on growth regulators free culture medium after 7 days pre-incubation on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L BAP, 0.5 mg/L NAA and 60 g/L sucrose. The 90-day-old hybrid embryos from the cross of C. papaya cv. Shahi × C. cauliflora produced maximum callus, as well as somatic embryos when cultured on half-strength MS medium containing 5 mg/L 2,4-D, 100 mg/L glutamine, 100 mg/L casein hydrolysate and 60 g/L sucrose. The somatic embryos were transferred into half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L NAA and 60 g/L sucrose for maturation. The highest number of regenerated plants per hybrid embryo (10.33) was recorded from the cross of C. papaya cv. Shahi × C. cauliflora. Isoenzyme and dendrogram cluster analysis using UPGMA of the regenerated F(1) plantlets confirmed the presence of the hybrid plantlets.

Matched MeSH terms: Chimera/embryology*; Carica/embryology*
Does the cranial suspensory ligament have a role in cryptorchidism?

Kassim NM, Russell DA, Payne AP

Cells Tissues Organs, 2010;191(4):307-15.
PMID: 19940435 DOI: 10.1159/000260062

The cranial suspensory ligament (CSL) is a fibromuscular structure anchoring the embryonic gonad to the posterior abdominal wall in male and female mammals. Its persistence in females is believed to be responsible for retaining the ovaries within the abdomen, while its regression in males permits testis descent. Embryonic loss of the CSL in males is believed to be an androgen-dependent event, and failure of this process has been proposed as a cause of cryptorchidism. The present study demonstrates that the nuclei of mesenchymal cells in the caudal part of the CSL are immunoreactively positive for androgen receptor. We examined the effects of exposure of the non-steroidal antiandrogen flutamide during the period from gestational day 10 to birth on the development of the CSL and on testis descent. Exposure of male Albino Swiss rats to the antiandrogen flutamide during this period resulted in feminization of the external genitalia and the suppression of growth of the testes and male reproductive tracts. In adulthood, testes were found to be located in diverse positions including normal scrotal (50%), intra-abdominal (10%) and ectopic suprainguinal (40%). The CSL of the testis persisted into adulthood in all flutamide-treated males, regardless of testis location. In all cases, the ligament consisted of bundles of smooth muscle fibres in the retroperitoneal fat of the posterior abdominal wall. These findings suggest that androgen blockade during embryonic development interferes with testicular descent, but that maldescent cannot be correlated with either the persistence of the CSL of the testis or its structure.

Matched MeSH terms: Cryptorchidism/embryology*; Gonads/embryology; Testis/embryology*
Fulltext Oviparous elasmobranch development inside the egg case in 7 key stages

Musa SM, Czachur MV, Shiels HA

PLoS One, 2018;13(11):e0206984.
PMID: 30399186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206984

Embryological stages of oviparous elasmobranch during development can be difficult to identify, requiring magnification and/or fixation of an anaesthetized embryo. These restrictions are poorly suited for monitoring the development of living elasmobranchs inside their egg cases. There are two major aims of this study. The first was to observe elasmobranch embryonic development non-invasively and produce a non-invasive developmental key for identifying the life stages for an elasmobranch inside the egg case. To this end, 7 key developmental stages were identified for the greater spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus stellaris, and are provided here with diagrams from multiple perspectives to demonstrate the key features of each stage. The physiological and ecological relevance of each stage are discussed in terms of structure and function for embryonic survival in the harsh intertidal zone. Also discussed is the importance of the egg case membrane and the protective embryonic jelly. The second aim of the study was to understand the applicability of the 7 developmental stages from S. stellaris to other oviparous elasmobranchs. Thus, changes in embryonic body size and egg yolk volume at each stage were measured and compared with those of the closely related, lesser spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula. We find nearly identical growth patterns and yolk consumption patterns in both species across the 7 developmental stages. Thus, although the 7 developmental stages have been constructed in reference to the greater spotted catshark, we suggest that it can be applied to other oviparous elasmobranch species with only minor modification.

Matched MeSH terms: Sharks/embryology*
Fulltext Gravid Spot Predicts Developmental Progress and Reproductive Output in a Livebearing Fish, Gambusia holbrooki

Norazmi-Lokman NH, Purser GJ, Patil JG

PLoS One, 2016;11(1):e0147711.
PMID: 26808521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147711

In most livebearing fish, the gravid spot is an excellent marker to identify brooding females, however its use to predict progress of embryonic development, brood size, timing of parturition and overall reproductive potential of populations remain unexplored. Therefore, to understand these relationships, this study quantified visual attributes (intensity and size) of the gravid spot in relation to key internal development in Gambusia holbrooki. Observations show that the colour of the gravid spot arises from progressive melanisation on the surface of the ovarian sac at its hind margin, rather than melanisation of the developing embryos or the skin of the brooding mother. More importantly, the gravid spot intensity and size were closely linked with both developmental stages and clutch size, suggesting their reliable use as external surrogates of key internal developmental in the species. Using predictive consistency of the gravid spot, we also determined the effect of rearing temperature (23 °C and 25 °C) on gestation period and parturition behaviour. The results show that gestation period was significantly reduced (F = 364.58; df = 1,48; P ˃ 0.05) at 25 °C. However there was no significant difference in average number of fry parturated in the two temperature groups (P<0.05), reaffirming that gravid spot intensity is a reliable predictor of reproductive output. The parturition in the species occurred predominantly in the morning and in contrast to earlier reports, tails of the fry emerged first with a few exceptions of head-first, twin and premature births. This study demonstrates utility of the gravid spot for downstream reproductive investigations in a live-bearing fish both in the field and laboratory. The reproducibility of the relationships (intensity with both developmental stage and clutch size), imply that they are also relevant to wild populations that experience varying temperature climes and stressors, significant deviations of which may serve as indicators of environmental health and climate variability.

Matched MeSH terms: Cyprinodontiformes/embryology
Egg structure and outline of embryonic development of the basal mantodean, Metallyticus splendidus Westwood, 1835 (Insecta, Mantodea, Metallyticidae)

Fukui M, Fujita M, Tomizuka S, Mashimo Y, Shimizu S, Lee CY, et al.

Arthropod Struct Dev, 2018 Jan;47(1):64-73.
PMID: 29109050 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2017.11.001

The egg structure and outline of the embryonic development of Metallyticus splendidus of one of the basal Mantodea representatives, Metallyticidae, were described in the present study. The results obtained were compared with those from the previous studies, to reconstruct and discuss the groundplan of Mantodea and Dictyoptera. In M. splendidus, the egg is spheroidal, it has a convex ventral side at the center in which numerous micropyles are grouped, and it possesses a conspicuous hatching line in its anterior half. These are the groundplan features of mantodean eggs and the "grouped micropyles in the ventral side of the egg" are regarded as an apomorphic groundplan feature of Dictyoptera. A small circular embryo is formed by a simple concentration of blastoderm cells, which then undergoes embryogenesis of the typical short germ band type. Blastokinesis is of the "non-reversion type" and the embryo keeps its original superficial position and original orientation throughout embryonic development. During the middle stages of development, the embryo undergoes rotation around the egg's anteroposterior axis. These features are a part of the groundplan of Mantodea. It is uncertain whether sharing of the "non-reversion type" of blastokinesis by Mantodea and blaberoidean Blattodea can be regarded as homology or homoplasy.

Matched MeSH terms: Embryo, Nonmammalian/embryology*; Mantodea/embryology*
Fulltext Congenital rudimentary medial meniscus--report of a case of development arrest of medial meniscus

Aranha A, Nor M

Singapore Med J, 1990 Apr;31(2):189-90.
PMID: 2371587

We present an unusual case, where the medial meniscus does not coincide with the embryological development of the formation of a discoid cartilage. A fairly, careful perusal of English literature since 1945 to date makes us feel that the following case merits recording. The meniscus had a normal anterior horn attached to the intercondylar area, in front of the anterior cruciate ligament. Medially, it was attached to the capsule and the condylar surface of the medial tibial plateau. The posterior horn was rounded, smooth, and floating free of any attachments. It was approximately 2 cms in length, semilunar in shape, and extended posteriorly up to the anterior margin of the medial collateral ligament. The rest of the medial tibial plateau had no other protective covering.

Matched MeSH terms: Cartilage, Articular/embryology; Menisci, Tibial/embryology
Fecundity, embryonic and ovarian development of blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) in coastal water of Johor, Malaysia

Ikhwanuddin M, Azra MN, Siti-Aimuni H, Abol-Munafi AB

Pak J Biol Sci, 2012 Aug 01;15(15):720-8.
PMID: 24171257

Blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus is widely study and research throughout the Indo-West Pacific, but little is known of its reproductive biology in Malaysia. The present study describes the fecundity, embryonic development and ovarian development stages of the P. pelagicus from Johor coastal water, Malaysia. Carapace width range of berried crabs sampled was from 9.64 to 13.32 cm, while the body weight range was from 75 to 235 g. The mean number of egg produced by females in different sizes ranged from 105443.333 +/- 35448.075 per eggs batch. Mean egg size during embryonic development at stage 1 was 0.307 +/- 0.037, while 0.386 +/- 0.039 and 0.396 +/- 0.033 for stage 2 and stage 3, respectively. Study showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) relationship between the number of eggs and carapace width/body weight. Mean diameter oocyte during ovarian development at stage 1 was 97.732 +/- 12.391 while for stage 2 was 149.516 +/- 23.287. Stage 3 showed increasingly of size with mean diameter was 158.506 +/- 27.616 and 181.013 +/- 24.339 for stage 4.

Matched MeSH terms: Brachyura/embryology*; Ovary/embryology*
Fulltext Embryonic, larval, and early juvenile development of the tropical sea urchin, Salmacis sphaeroides (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Rahman MA, Yusoff FM, Arshad A, Shamsudin MN, Amin SM

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:938482.
PMID: 23055824 DOI: 10.1100/2012/938482

Salmacis sphaeroides (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the regular echinoids, occuring in the warm Indo-West Pacific, including Johor Straits, between Malaysia and Singapore. In order to investigate the developmental basis of morphological changes in embryos and larvae, we documented the ontogeny of S. sphaeroides in laboratory condition. Gametes were obtained from adult individuals by 0.5 M KCl injection into the coelomic cavity. Fertilization rate at limited sperm concentration (10(-5) dilution) was 96.6 ± 1.4% and the resulting embryos were reared at 24°C. First cleavage (2-cell), 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, 32-cell, and multicell (Morulla) stages were achieved 01.12, 02.03, 02.28, 02.51, 03.12, and 03.32 h postfertilization. Ciliated blastulae with a mean length of 174.72 ± 4.43 μm hatched 08.45 h after sperm entry. The gastrulae formed 16.15 h postfertilization and the archenteron elongated constantly while ectodermal red-pigmented cells migrated synchronously to the apical plate. Pluteus larva started to feed unicellular algae in 2 d, grew continuously, and finally attained metamorphic competence in 35 d after fertilization. Metamorphosis took approximately 1 h 30 min from attachment to the complete resorption of larval tissues and the development of complete juvenile structure with adult spines, extended tubefeet and well-developed pedicellaria, the whole event of which usually took place within 1 d postsettlement. This study represents the first successful investigation on embryonic, larval, and early juvenile development of S. sphaeroides. The findings would greatly be helpful towards the understanding of ontogeny and life-history strategies, which will facilitate us to develop the breeding, seed production, and culture techniques of sea urchins in captive condition.

Matched MeSH terms: Sea Urchins/embryology*
Fulltext A persistent left superior vena cava

Paval J, Nayak S

Singapore Med J, 2007 Mar;48(3):e90-3.
PMID: 17342280

Persistent left superior vena cava is the most common form of anomalous venous drainage involving the superior vena cava, and represents persistence of the left horn of the embryonic sinus venosus, which normally involutes during normal development to become the coronary sinus. Almost always, a persistent left superior vena cava enters the right atrium through the orifice of an enlarged coronary sinus. In this case report of a 60-year-old male cadaver, we describe a persistent left superior vena cava and discuss its embryology and clinical significance.

Matched MeSH terms: Vena Cava, Superior/embryology
Fulltext A novel de novo mutation in COL2A1 gene associated with fetal skeletal dysplasia

Chu FC, Hii LY, Hung TH, Lo LM, Hsieh TT, Shaw SW

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol, 2021 Mar;60(2):359-362.
PMID: 33678343 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2021.01.017

OBJECTIVE: Skeletal dysplasias, caused by genetic mutations, are a heterogenous group of heritable disorders affecting bone development during fetal life. Stickler syndrome, one of the skeletal dysplasias, is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by abnormal collagen synthesis owing to a genetic mutation in COL2A1.
CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 38-year-old multipara woman whose first trimester screening showed a normal karyotype. However, the bilateral femur and humerus length symmetrically shortened after 20 weeks. Next-generation sequencing for mutations in potential genes leading to skeletal dysplasia detected a novel de novo mutation (c.1438G > A, p.Gly480Arg) in COL2A1, causing Stickler syndrome type 1. This pathogenic mutation might impair or destabilize the collagen structure, leading to collagen type II, IX, and XI dysfunction.
CONCLUSION: We identified a novel de novo mutation in COL2A1 related to the STL1 syndrome and delineated the extent of the skeletal dysplasia disease spectrum.

Matched MeSH terms: Arthritis/embryology; Connective Tissue Diseases/embryology; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/embryology; Retinal Detachment/embryology
Fulltext Twins! Microsatellite analysis of two embryos within one egg case in oviparous elasmobranchs

Hook SA, Musa SM, Ripley DM, Hibbitt JD, Grunow B, Moritz T, et al.

PLoS One, 2019;14(12):e0224397.
PMID: 31790403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224397

Elasmobranchs display various reproductive modes, which have been key to their evolutionary success. In recent decades there has been a rise in the number of reported cases of foetal abnormalities including fertilised, double-embryos held within one egg capsule, hereafter referred to as twins. Previously, the occurrences of twin egg cases have been reported in two batoid and one shark species. We report the first cases of twins in three species of oviparous elasmobranchs: the undulate ray (Raja undulata), the nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris), and the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). We investigated the genetic relationships between the twins in S. stellaris, and S. canicula using microsatellite markers. Whilst the S. stellaris twins displayed the same genotypes, we found that the S. canicula twin individuals arose through heteropaternal superfecundation. This is the first reported incidence of such a paternity in elasmobranchs. The relationship between environmental change and reproductive strategy in elasmobranchs is unclear and further research is needed to determine its effect on the prevalence and mechanisms of formation of elasmobranch twins.

Matched MeSH terms: Elasmobranchii/embryology*
Ocean warming and hypoxia affect embryonic growth, fitness and survival of small-spotted catsharks, Scyliorhinus canicula

Musa SM, Ripley DM, Moritz T, Shiels HA

J Fish Biol, 2020 Jul;97(1):257-264.
PMID: 32383486 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14370

Elasmobranchs are key to a healthy marine ecosystem but are under threat from human activities, such as destructive fisheries and shark finning. Embryos of oviparous elasmobranchs may be further challenged during development by rising temperatures and falling dissolved oxygen concentrations in their intertidal environment. However, the impact of climate change on survival and growth of oviparous elasmobranchs is still poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effects of temperature and hypoxia on the growth and survival of small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) embryos by incubating eggs in normoxia 15°C, normoxia 20°C, hypoxia 15°C, or hypoxia 20°C. Incubation under the elevated temperature increased the embryonic growth rate, yolk consumption rate and Fulton's condition factor at hatching, whilst decreasing the total length and body mass of newly hatched sharks. Under low oxygen conditions (50% air saturation) the survival rate of S. canicula embryos dropped significantly and the temperature-induced increase in Fulton's condition factor was reversed. Together, these data demonstrate both the individual and compound effects of elevated temperature and hypoxia on the survival and growth during early ontogeny of a ubiquitous, coastal elasmobranch, S. canicula.

Matched MeSH terms: Sharks/embryology*
Comparison of the fine-scale genetic structure of three dipterocarp species

Takeuchi Y, Ichikawa S, Konuma A, Tomaru N, Niiyama K, Lee SL, et al.

Heredity (Edinb), 2004 Apr;92(4):323-8.
PMID: 14735142

We investigated the fine-scale genetic structure of three tropical-rainforest trees, Hopea dryobalanoides, Shorea parvifolia and S. acuminata (Dipterocarpaceae), in Peninsular Malaysia, all of which cooccurred within a 6-ha plot in Pasoh Forest Reserve. A significant genetic structure was found in H. dryobalanoides, weaker (but still significant) genetic structure in S. parvifolia and nonsignificant structure in S. acuminata. Seeds of all three species are wind dispersed, and their flowers are thought to be insect pollinated. The most obvious difference among these species is their height: S. parvifolia and S. acuminata are canopy species, whereas H. dryobalanoides is a subcanopy species. Clear differences were also found among these species in their range of seed dispersal, which depends on the height of the release point; so taller trees disperse their seed more extensively. The estimates of seed dispersal area were consistent with the degree of genetic structure found in the three species. Therefore, tree height probably had a strong influence on the fine-scale genetic structure of the three species.

Matched MeSH terms: Theales/embryology
Anterior encephalocele

Rapport RL, Dunn RC, Alhady F

J. Neurosurg., 1981 Feb;54(2):213-9.
PMID: 7452336

Eighteen cases of anterior encephalocele treated at the University of Malaya Hospital between 1970 and 1980 are discussed, and the literature concerning this defect is reviewed. A detailed analysis of the microscopic abnormalities present in the surgical specimens is included, along with the relevant radiographic and demographic data. Anterior encephalocele is more common in Southeast Asia than elsewhere. The possible ethnographic and geographic implications are presented, as well as a discussion of the relevant embryology, in attempting to define possible etiologies for this malformation. The author's surgical approach to the repair of this defect and reasons for preferring a transcranial, intradural approach are described. Potential complications are enumerated.

Matched MeSH terms: Encephalocele/embryology
Antenatal diagnosis and management of foetal intestinal volvulus

Yip KW, Cheng YKY, Leung TY

Med J Malaysia, 2017 04;72(2):126-127.
PMID: 28473678 MyJurnal

In-utero intestinal volvulus is a rare but potential life threatening foetal complications. It is a surgical emergency and delay in diagnosis or treatment can increase the morbidity and mortality to the foetus. We report a case of mild foetal bowel dilatation diagnosed at 21 weeks of gestation. She was closely follow up and at 31 weeks of gestation, in-utero intestinal volvulus was diagnosed with the characteristic 'whirlpool' sign on ultrasound examination. This case emphasises the importance of early recognition and quick decision to delivery when intestinal volvulus is diagnosed. This enabled early surgical intervention to prevent further foetal morbidity.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Volvulus/embryology*
Fulltext Derivation and long-term culture of an embryonic stem cell-like line from zebrafish blastomeres under feeder-free condition

Ho SY, Goh CW, Gan JY, Lee YS, Lam MK, Hong N, et al.

Zebrafish, 2014 Oct;11(5):407-20.
PMID: 24967707 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2013.0879

Existing zebrafish embryonic stem (ES) cell lines are derived and maintained using feeder layers. We describe here the derivation and long-term culture of an ES cell-like line derived from zebrafish blastomeres without the use of feeder cells. This line, designated as ZES1, has been maintained for more than 800 days in defined Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, zebrafish embryo extract, trout serum, and human basic fibroblast growth factor. ZES1 cells possessed a morphology typical of ES cells, being round or polygonal in shape with a large nucleus and sparse cytoplasm and were mostly diploid. The cells formed individual colonies consisting of tightly packed cells that stained positively for alkaline phosphatase. ZES1 cells also formed embryoid bodies when transferred onto uncoated wells. The pluripotent nature of ZES1 cells was confirmed when they could be induced to differentiate in vitro into several cell types, through low- or high-density culture conditions. Treatment with retinoic acid also induced the differentiation of ZES1 cells into primarily neuronal cells. Using immunostaining and real-time polymerase chain reaction, we showed that Sox2, a known pluripotent marker in mammalian ES cells, was also present in ZES1 cells. Chimera experiments revealed that fluorescent-labeled ZES1 cells microinjected into zebrafish blastulas participated in the formation of all three germ layers. Using GFP-labeled ZES1 cells, chimera germline transmission was also demonstrated at the F1 generation. In conclusion, ZES1 cells possess both in vitro and in vivo pluripotency characteristics, indicating that nonmammalian ES cells can be readily derived and maintained for a long term under feeder-free culture conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Zebrafish/embryology*
Fulltext Multivariate analysis of factors affecting presence and/or agenesis of third molar tooth

Alam MK, Hamza MA, Khafiz MA, Rahman SA, Shaari R, Hassan A

PLoS One, 2014;9(6):e101157.
PMID: 24967595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101157

To investigate the presence and/or agenesis of third molar (M3) tooth germs in orthodontics patients in Malaysian Malay and Chinese population and evaluate the relationship between presence and/or agenesis of M3 with different skeletal malocclusion patterns and sagittal maxillomandibular jaw dimensions. Pretreatment records of 300 orthodontic patients (140 males and 160 females, 219 Malaysian Malay and 81 Chinese, average age was 16.27±4.59) were used. Third-molar agenesis was calculated with respect to race, genders, number of missing teeth, jaws, skeletal malocclusion patterns and sagittal maxillomandibular jaw dimensions. The Pearson chi-square test and ANOVA was performed to determine potential differences. Associations between various factors and M3 presence/agenesis groups were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The percentages of subjects with 1 or more M3 agenesis were 30%, 33% and 31% in the Malaysian Malay, Chinese and total population, respectively. Overall prevalence of M3 agenesis in male and female was equal (P>0.05). The frequency of the agenesis of M3s is greater in maxilla as well in the right side (P>0.05). The prevalence of M3 agenesis in those with a Class III and Class II malocclusion was relatively higher in Malaysian Malay and Malaysian Chinese population respectively. Using stepwise regression analyses, significant associations were found between Mx (P<0.05) and ANB (P<0.05) and M3 agenesis. This multivariate analysis suggested that Mx and ANB were significantly correlated with the M3 presence/agenesis.

Matched MeSH terms: Molar, Third/embryology*

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