Characterization of 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers for seven-band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus developed using a 454 pyrosequencing approach

Seven-band grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus, is of considerable economic value and a candidate species of aquaculture in Eastern Asia. It is necessary to monitor the stocks for the sustainable use and aquaculture of the species. Monitoring genetic variation among marine resources necessitates the development of genetic markers. Here, we report 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers with 2–16 alleles per locus. The mean observed and expected heterozygosity per locus was 0.53 and 0.57, respectively. Cross-amplification revealed variability in Epinephelus bruneus and Epinephelus akaara. The 22 markers developed can be a valuable tool for genetic conservation of this species.     

The effects of a minimally invasive laser needle system on complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a minimally invasive laser needle system (MILNS) on the acute progression of arthritis. Previous studies showed controversial clinical results regarding the effects of low-level laser therapy on arthritis, with the outcomes depending upon stimulation parameters such as laser wavelength and dosage. Based on the positive effects of MILNS on osteoporotic mice, we hypothesized that MILNS could potentially suppress the progression of arthritis owing to its biostimulation effects. Eight C57BL/6 mice with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis were used as acute progression arthritis models and divided into the laser and control groups (n?=?4 each). In the laser group, after minimally invasive laser stimulation, laser speckle contrast images (LSCIs) were obtained every 6 h for a total of 108 h. The LSCIs in the control group were obtained without laser stimulation. The effects of MILNS on the acute progression of arthritis were indirectly evaluated by calculating the paw area and the average laser speckle index (LSI) at the arthritis-induced area. Moreover, the macrophage population was estimated in the arthritis-induced area. Compared to the control group, the laser group showed (1) lower relative variations of the paw area, (2) lower average LSI in the arthritis-induced area, and (3) lower macrophage population in the arthritis-induced area. These results indicate that MILNS may suppress the acute progression of CFA-induced arthritis in mice and may thus be used as a potential treatment modality of arthritis in clinics.     

Intravitreal aflibercept for submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy for submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related...     

Factors for good near and distance visual outcomes of multifocal intraocular lens with inferior segmental near add

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - This study was conducted to investigate factors related to postoperative good near and distance visual outcomes in the Lentis...