Although the importance of thymic stroma in thymopoiesis has been recognized, the underlying molecular details regarding stromal cell biology remain obscure. To study this area, we have cloned genes expressed in thymic stromal cells. Spatial is alternatively spliced to generate two mRNAs in thymus and lymph node (LN) but it is not expressed in the spleen. In mouse embryos, the short form begins expression at day 10 while the long form is not detected until day 12. Both mRNAs encode proline rich proteins and their closest homology is to homeobox and POU domain transcription factors. Spatial is not expressed in thymocytes, but it is expressed in 2-deoxyguanosine-treated day 14 fetal thymic organ culture (FTOC) and in reaggregated FTOC. These data suggest that a normal three-dimensional organization of stromal cells is required for Spatial expression. An antiserum raised against a C-terminal peptide detected proteins of 38 and 32 kDa in Western blots of total thymus proteins. In frozen thymus sections, subcapsular epithelial cells were stained with the anti-Spatial antiserum. Paracortical subcapsular cells of unknown function were also stained in the LN. Both forms of Spatial fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) localize to the nucleus in transfected cells. Genes and Immunity (2000) 1, 391-401.

Note: A study can be awarded a maximum of one star for each numbered item within the Selection and Exposure categories. A maximum of two stars can be given for Comparability.

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A 6-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Anionic Alkali Mineral Complex (AAMC) on growth performance, feed utilization, innate immunity, and disease resistance of L. vannamei. Graded levels of AAMC solution were included in a basal diet; 0% (Control), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%. Shrimp fed diets supplemented with 0.2% and 0.4% AAMC had the highest growth performance, and compared to the control treatment, final body weight and specific growth rates were significantly higher (P<0.05). Feed utilization also improved significantly with AAMC supplementation. Non-specific immune responses of shrimp were significantly affected by dietary supplementation of AAMC; total hemocyte count of shrimp fed 0.1% and 0.2% diets was significantly higher the control diet shrimp group. Phenoloxidase and lysozyme activity was significantly higher in shrimp fed 0.2% diet compared to the control diet group. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly enhanced with dietary supplementation of 0.1%-0.2% AAMC. In a challenge test with Vibrio harveyi, shrimp fed 0.2% AAMC disease resistance was significantly higher than in shrimp fed the control diet. Overall, the results indicate that dietary supplement of AAMC improved growth, diet utilization, innate immunity, and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp and approximately 0.2% in diets appeared to be the optimum supplemental level. The IJA appears exclusively as a peer-reviewed on-line open-access journal at http://www.siamb.org.il. To read papers free of charge, please register online at registration form. Sale of IJA papers is strictly forbidden.

15-year period, the incidence of SLE in women was approximately six times higher than in men (Odds Ratio = 6.16). The highest and lowest incidence was recorded in 2001 and 2015, respectively. ConClusions: The findings of the present study suggest that SLE is more common in women than men over the 15-year period. These findings can be used by policy-makers for planning and evaluating health services for this group of patients. Further studies are required to determine the economic burden of the condition.

A 6-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Anionic Alkali Mineral Complex (AAMC) on growth performance, feed utilization, innate immunity, and disease resistance of L. vannamei. Graded levels of AAMC solution were included in a basal diet; 0% (Control), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%. Shrimp fed diets supplemented with 0.2% and 0.4% AAMC had the highest growth performance, and compared to the control treatment, final body weight and specific growth rates were significantly higher (P<0.05). Feed utilization also improved significantly with AAMC supplementation. Non-specific immune responses of shrimp were significantly affected by dietary supplementation of AAMC; total hemocyte count of shrimp fed 0.1% and 0.2% diets was significantly higher the control diet shrimp group. Phenoloxidase and lysozyme activity was significantly higher in shrimp fed 0.2% diet compared to the control diet group. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly enhanced with dietary supplementation of 0.1%-0.2% AAMC. In a challenge test with Vibrio harveyi, shrimp fed 0.2% AAMC disease resistance was significantly higher than in shrimp fed the control diet. Overall, the results indicate that dietary supplement of AAMC improved growth, diet utilization, innate immunity, and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp and approximately 0.2% in diets appeared to be the optimum supplemental level. The IJA appears exclusively as a peer-reviewed on-line open-access journal at http://www.siamb.org.il. To read papers free of charge, please register online at registration form. Sale of IJA papers is strictly forbidden.

No abstract