Acellular ostrich corneal stroma used as scaffold for construction of tissue-engineered cornea

AIM： To assess acellular ostrich corneal matrix used as a scaffold to reconstruct a damaged cornea. METHODS： A hypertonic saline solution combined with a digestion method was used to decellularize the ostrich cornea. The microstructure of the acellular corneal matrix was observed by transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and hematoxylin and eosin （H＆E） staining. The mechanical properties were detected by a rheometer and a tension machine. The acellular corneal matrix was also transplanted into a rabbit cornea and cytokeratin 3 was used to check the immune phenotype, RESULTS： The microstructure and mechanical properties of the ostrich cornea were well preserved after the decellularization process, in vitro, the methyl thiazolyl tetrazoUum results revealed that extracts of the acellular ostrich corneas （AOCs） had no inhibitory effects on the proliferation of the corneal epithelial or endothelial cells or on the keratocytes, The rabbit lamellar keratoplasty showed that the transplanted AOCs were transparent and completely incorporated into the host cornea while corneal turbidity and graft dissolution occurred in the acellular porcine cornea （APC） transplantation, The phenotype of the reconstructed cornea was similar to a normal rabbit cornea with a high expression of cytokeratin 3 in the superficial epithelial cell layer, CONCLUSION： We first used AOCs as scaffolds to reconstruct damaged corneas. Compared with porcine corneas, the anatomical structures of ostrich corneas are closer to those of human corneas. In accordance with the principle that structure determines function, a xenograft lamellar keratoplasty also confirmed that the AOC transplantation generated a superior outcome compared to that of the APC graft.

Pathological Microstructure of a Miocene Ostrich Eggshell from Asia

Struthio linxiaensis is the oldest fossil ostrich from Asia till today. This paper analyzes the microstructure of the eggshell of Struthio linxiaensis. The SEM and light microscopic results show that a pathological structure occurred associated with the formation of pore canal. The feature of this structure is that crystals of the columnar layer are around the lower part of the pore canal, and formed a broad structure. This structure unit contracts upwards more severely than the canal and looks like a ＂garlic＂, which was observed in aumiotes eggshells for the first time. Many evidences indicate that this structure was deposited with the columns simultaneously. The radial section view suggests that the ＂garlic structure＂ is not a result of antiperistaltic waves in the avian oviduct. The most possible process of the ＂garlic structure＂ formation is the column units around the pore canals with imperfect acidifying when calcified, or have some correlations with the changes in the protein profiles of the organic matrix in the calcareous eggshell.

Protection against Infectious Bronchitis Virus, a Corona Virus Infection, Using Ostrich Antibodies

In chickens, infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major respiratory disease. The respiratory system is the primary multiplication site of IB virus (IBV), a coronavirus, after which the virus is distributed to other organs. Poultry farms sustain considerable economic damage due to IB outbreaks in flocks, since IB causes a severe reduction in weight gain in chicks. In the present study, we produced the ostrich IgY against IBV by immunizing female ostriches with the IB viral antigens. The resultant purified IgY showed a strong neutralizing activity against IBV infection of cultured primary chick kidney cells. The infectivity of IBV was markedly inhibited in the trachea of chicks when ostrich IgY was injected intra-muscularly into newly hatched chicks prior to viral inhalation challenge at two weeks of age. Furthermore, the infection was strongly blocked in the tracheae when IgY was injected into chicks at one day and one week of age, with viral inhalation performed at three weeks of age. These findings suggest that the injection of ostrich IgY can help protect young chicks from IBV infections. In south Asian and African countries, broiler chicks are sent to poultry market around 30 days of age, so it is important to prevent IB outbreaks in very young flocks. We strongly believe that ostrich IgY will be a powerful weapon against IB infection in poultry farms on a wide scale and also hope that these findings will aid in the development of antibody vaccines for new type corona viruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

Ostrich Antibody and Its Application to Skin Diseases, a Review and Case Report

Antibodies are immunoglobulins produced by B cells when antigens such as allergens or pathogens invade an animal’s body. The antibodies remove and inactivate antigens. Antibodies are distributed in internal body and mucosal membrane to protect living animals, but they are excellent proteins that can exert their functions, “antigen-antibody reactions,” even when removed from the body. For that reason, antibodies are being put to practical use in diagnostic kits for conditions such as pregnancy and influenza infection, and as anticancer drugs targeting specific tumor markers. The result has been an increasing use of antibodies for research, diagnosis, and therapeutic purposes. Unfortunately, antibodies from experimental mammals such as mice, rats, and rabbits, are not suited to industrial use because of their high production cost. Moreover, handling of these antibodies is difficult due to their vulnerability to heat, acids and alkalis. Accordingly, there is no adaptability to mass production. Recently, we developed a convenient method for the low-cost, mass-production of antibodies using egg-laying hen ostriches. The ostrich egg is an excellent source of antibodies for industrial purposes. The present report shows that the ostrich antibodies have therapeutic effects in ailments such as atopic dermatitis, acne, pyoderma, and pollen allergies. We have successfully produced and purified ostrich immunoglobulin yolk (IgY) against pollen allergens (Cryj1, Cryj2, Chao1, Chao2) and found that allergic reactions were alleviated in skin patch tests of allergic patients by using the ostrich IgY. In addition, we produced ostrich IgY against the homogenates of Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes, and applied to dermal lesions of atopic dermatitis and acne patients, and then observed the therapeutic effects on the dermatitis of volunteer subjects. Antibody against S. aureus also had the therapeutic effect on canine pyoderma caused by MRSA. A particular advantage in using ostrich antibodies is the fact that they inactivate and neutralize a specific antigen, without damaging the indigenous microflora of the dermal surface. In this review article and case repot, we wish to suggest that ostrich antibodies can contribute to the treatment of cutaneous disorders as an alternative to treatment with steroids or antibiotics.

The Efficacy of Ostrich Antibodies to Dihydrotestosterone and 5<i>α</i>-Reductase in the Restoration of Hair Growth

The hormone dihydro testosterone (DHT) and the catalyst 5α-reductase are key contributors to hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Also, dermal bacteria and their toxins have been implicated in hair loss. A preliminary study by the authors with six male volunteer subjects showed that ostrich antibodies against above causative substances were quite effective in promoting hair regrowth. The present study included 13 men and 4 women, with ages ranging from 39 to 78. Pre- and post-treatment hair counts were also incorporated into the study procedure. In all instances but one, the subjects had a hair-growth effect about 3 months after the antibody was applied to the scalp, and the study participants with hair growth were pleased with the results and with the ease of use of the antibody solution.

Application of Ostrich Antibodies to the Restoration of Hair Growth, a Preliminary and Case Report

The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the catalyst 5α-reductase play very important roles in the hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recently, some chemicals against these hormones have been commercialized as therapeutics for AGA. In the present study, we have attempted to find out the potential effects of antibodies on AGA therapeutics as an inhibitor of androgenic hormones. The immune system of the ostrich is believed to be the most versatile and powerful of any animal on the planet, and antibodies derived from the ostrich egg yolk are now being developed for a wide range of diseases and ailments. Ostrich antibodies against DHT and 5α-reductase have been produced and combined with antibodies against harmful skin bacteria to restore normal hair growth in AGA cases. Preliminary testing with six volunteer subjects showed that ostrich antibodies were clearly quite effective in hair regrowth.

Population Status and Trend of the Maasai Ostrich in the Mid Kenya—Tanzania Borderland

The Maasai ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a the largest avian species in East Africa and though it’s not considered to be a species of conservation concern, some populations are on the decline and this is attributed to bush meat activities, predation on their eggs illegal consumption by humans, habitat destruction and forage competition with other large wildlife species. Climate change is also emerging to be another major threat due to interference with food availability which in turn interferes with the breeding rhythm. Thus, this study examined the population status, trend and distribution of the Maasai ostrich in the Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania borderland after the 2007 to 2009 drought. The results showed that the species was found across the entire borderland but the Amboseli region had the highest number and density of Maasai ostrich (726.00 ± 100.9;0.08 ± 0.01 ostriches per km2), followed by Lake Natron area (330.8 ± 69.8;0.05 ± 0.01 ostriches per km2) and the least was in West Kilimanjaro (85.5 ± 18.0;0.03 ± 0.01 ostriches per km2). Drought caused a decline in the population of the Maasai ostrich but the Amboseli area experienced the highest decline in density (?13.44 ± 12.61) compared to other borderland sectors. However, the populations increased in most sectors after the drought, and wet season numbers and densities were higher than the dry season. The highest positive increase in number and density was in Lake Natron area (+85.65 ± 91.06) followed by West Kilimanjaro (+68.39 ± 59.54), and the least was in the Magadi area (+22.26 ± 32.05). There is a need to enhance conservation of avian species like the Maasai ostrich other than just focusing on the charismatic species such as the African elephant and black rhino. We therefore recommend joint collaboration in monitoring all large wildlife populations across the Kenya-Tanzania borderland with a view of understanding their status, trend and best management actions that can enhance their conservation.

保存最古老矿物结合多肽的中新世鸵鸟蛋壳化石首次组织化学研究

古蛋白质比古DNA具有更高的保存潜力,因此蛋白质组学研究可以帮助阐明一些超出古DNA研究领域的灭绝生物群体的生物学特征。迄今为止最古老的多肽发现于中国西北地区晚中新世临夏盆地的鸵鸟蛋壳化石中,是与蛋壳矿化相关的蛋白质struthiocalcin(SCA-1)的一部分。前人认为SCA-1在蛋壳中均匀分布,并因其与方解石晶体结合的特性而得以在地质历史中长时间保存。本次对同一鸵鸟蛋壳化石进行了组织学、扫描电子显微镜和拉曼光谱分析,发现蛋壳内侧锥体层的晶核含有部分磷灰石,其他部位则完全由方解石构成;这些晶核部分应当是在成岩作用过程中经历了磷酸盐化。在对该化石蛋壳样品脱钙处理后,其锥体层晶核部分存在残留物,呈现网络状纤维结构,其位置和形态与现生鸵鸟蛋壳中脱钙后残留的有机质相似。结果表明,该化石蛋壳中的古多肽可能集中保存在锥体层晶核处,而非在整个蛋壳中均匀分布。磷酸盐化可能是另一个有利于有机物长期保存的埋藏过程。临夏盆地的古气候和埋藏环境可能为该古蛋白分子的保存提供了有利的条件。建议在未来研究中进行更深入的组织化学和矿物学分析,以进一步了解该盆地有机质和古蛋白的保存机制。

“五星出东方利中国”织锦动物图案身份考辨

“五星出东方利中国”汉代织锦出土于尼雅遗址,被誉为20世纪中国考古学最伟大的发现之一。它色彩鲜艳,图案丰富,意蕴独特。目前对于此织锦上动物图案身份的研究,众多学者仍结论不一。文章以此织锦中争议较大的动物图案为研究对象,采用二重证据法,通过对汉代不同文物上同种类型的动物图案与文献的比较分析,对此织锦上争议较大的动物图案,如鸾鸟、鸵鸟和青龙的身份进行探究,并探讨了动物图案的寓意和背后的文化内涵。

Archaeological study of ostrich eggshell beads collected from SDG site

Ostrich eggshell beads and fragments collected from SDG site reflect primordial art and a kind of symbolic behavior of modern humans. Based on stratigraphic data and OSL dating, these ostrich eggshell beads are probably in Early Holocene (< 10 ka BP). Two different prehistoric manufacturing pathways are usually used in the manufacture of ostrich eggshell beads in Upper Paleolithic. According to statistic analysis of the characteristics of ostrich eggshell beads, Pathway 1 is identified from these collections. In pathway 1, blanks are drilled prior to being trimmed to rough discs. They exhibit great potential for the study of the origin of primordial art and the development of ancient cultures and provide important data for studying behavioral options adopted by hominids in SDG area. In addition, they bear important implications for the origin of modern humans in East Asia.

鸵鸟皮革的显微结构特征与鉴别

鸵鸟皮革具有天然独特的珍奇羽孔且轻柔耐用,是皮革的三大上品之一,被广泛用作高档精致的皮包、鞋、服装、汽车坐垫等制品面料,但目前对其材质鉴别的方法有待完善。采用超景深三维显微镜对鸵鸟皮革粒面与纵截面的组织结构特征进行了系统的比较分析,提炼了鸵鸟皮革的关键鉴别特征。这些关键鉴别特征与皮革材质鉴别的相关国家标准协同使用,能够快速准确地鉴别鸵鸟皮革,为检测机构和皮具生产、销售企业辨别真假鸵鸟皮革材质提供参考。

非洲鸵鸟食管组织学观察

应用常规石蜡切片,H-E染色,对非洲鸵鸟食管组织结构进行观察并与家禽和哺乳动物的食管进行比较.结果表明:非洲鸵鸟食管黏膜上皮为复层扁平上皮,但角质化不明显,固有膜内食管腺丰富,由腺细胞围成的管泡状腺直接开口于黏膜上皮,分泌大量黏液.食管肌层非常发达,分为内环肌、中纵肌、外环肌3层,环肌很厚,与纵肌的比例约为3:1.外膜是一层薄的纤维膜,内含丰富的血管,淋巴组织和神经.

非洲雏鸵鸟十二指肠发育的形态学研究

采用大体解剖学、组织化学和形态计量学的方法研究了0～3月龄非洲鸵鸟十二指肠的发育过程。观察了十二指肠的相对质量（相对于体质量），绒毛的高度、宽度、肌层厚度、肠腺隐窝的深度、肠腺的密度、绒毛杯状细胞、肠腺杯状细胞的数量变化。观察到十二指肠的相对质量在90日龄达到高峰；肠绒毛的高度、肌层厚度、肠腺隐窝的深度、肠腺的密度与日龄呈正相关；肠绒毛和肠腺的宽度在90日龄时达到峰值；绒毛杯状细胞、肠腺杯状细胞的数量从初生至45日龄随日龄增加而增加，45日龄至90日龄随日龄增加而减少，在45日龄达顶峰。结果表明，0～3月龄十二指肠的发育不完善，必须重视此阶段的饲养管理。

鸵鸟源隐孢子虫的种类鉴定及其生物学特性研究

【目的】掌握鸵鸟隐孢子虫病的流行范围和流行动态,以及研究鸵鸟源隐孢子虫的生物学特性。【方法】应用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法检查鸵鸟新鲜粪样404份,详细观察、测量卵囊形态大小;收集纯化阳性样品中的隐孢子虫卵囊,分别人工经口感染幼鸵鸟、雏鸡和小白鼠并利用组织病理学试验技术研究其生物学特性。【结果】检测到阳性样品10份,总阳性率为2.48%(10/404),且感染率与鸵鸟日龄有一定的关系。其卵囊平均大小为5.43×4.38μm(4.0～6.0×3.7～5.0μm),形状指数1.24(长/宽),(n=50)。分离到的卵囊能成功感染雏鸡和幼鸵鸟,但不能感染小白鼠。受试雏鸡具有明显的呼吸道症状,而幼龄鸵鸟呼吸道症状较轻微。此外,在两种动物体内的排卵囊规律差别较大,在鸵鸟体内出现多个排卵囊高峰。虫体主要寄生于雏鸡和幼鸵鸟的泄殖腔和法氏囊,引起法氏囊萎缩、微绒毛大量脱落等病理变化。【结论】根据其卵囊形态、宿主范围和虫体寄生部位等生物学特性,结合文献报道,笔者在国内发现并初步鉴定出鸵鸟源隐孢子虫为贝氏隐孢子虫(Cryptosporidium baileyi)。

沙地刚性轮构型仿生设计及牵引性能数值分析

为了提高车轮牵引性能,改善车辆在松散沙土介质环境的通过能力,该文以善于沙地奔跑的鸵鸟足部关键部位—足趾甲为仿生原型,通过仿生优化轮刺结构,设计出具有高牵引性能的仿生轮刺式沙地刚性轮,并以一种模拟月壤作为试验松散沙土介质材料,采用离散元软件PFC2D?的内置语言FISH和相关命令,建立了适用于非规则结构刚性轮的轮壤相互作用动态模拟系统,并获得试验验证。通过仿生轮刺式刚性轮与模拟月壤相互作用离散元模拟,并与矩形轮刺式刚性轮模拟结果对照,从轮下模拟月壤颗粒细观运动、接触力场、速度场以及车轮挂钩牵引力角度,验证了仿生轮刺式刚性轮具有优越的牵引性能,在车轮滑转率50%的稳定运行状态下,仿生轮刺式刚性轮的牵引性能可提高5.2%左右。该研究为提高刚性轮在松散沙土介质环境中的牵引性能提供了全新设计和研究手段。

鸵鸟新城疫病毒分子流行病学研究

应用RT-PCR、基因序列测定和分析以及鸡胚平均死亡时间(MDT)等方法,对1997～2000年间从中国北方分离的10株鸵鸟源新城疫病毒进行了F-糖蛋白基因序列测定、系统进化分析、基因分型和毒力测定。结果显示：10株鸵鸟源新城疫病毒分属Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅵ、Ⅶ四个基因型。除1株为中发型毒株,其他均为速发型毒株；分析表明,引起鸵鸟发病的新城疫毒株有多种不同的来源。

雏鸵鸟中枢淋巴器官的形态学观察

采用H.E和甲苯胺染色,对育雏期鸵鸟胸腺和腔上囊的解剖结构、组织学特点及肥大细胞在中枢淋巴器官的分布进行了观察,并用图像分析系统对肥大细胞的数量及形态特征进行了分析。结果显示:雏鸵鸟胸腺分叶少,仅分布在颈部后段两侧,且聚集在一起,髓质内有典型的Hassall小体;胸腺内肥大细胞分布较广,其中髓质和皮-髓交界处数量最多。腔上囊前部形成盲端,覆盖于泄殖道和粪道后段背侧,后部构成肛道背外侧壁,不形成真正的囊,其内表面皱褶上有密集分布的乳头;腔上囊小结单个分布并凸出于黏膜上皮;黏膜上皮为复层柱状上皮,移行至腔上囊小结处变为单层柱状上皮;腔上囊内肥大细胞主要分布在黏膜上皮。以上结果表明,雏鸵鸟中枢淋巴器官与其他禽类的同类淋巴器官存在明显的差异,且中枢淋巴器官内肥大细胞数量较多,不同器官或同一器官不同部位肥大细胞的形态、大小和颗粒染色深浅均有所不同。

鸵鸟新城疫实验病理学研究

用鸡源新城疫(ND)强毒株F48E9和鸵鸟源新城疫强毒株O-XJ99-12,对不同免疫状态下2~4月龄鸵鸟进行动物试验。动物发病后经剖检、组织切片、病毒分离等方法证实:鸵鸟源和鸡源新域疫病毒(NDV)毒株,经静脉和黏膜感染非免疫鸵鸟,均可引起特征性的鸵鸟ND症状和病变,对鸡胚致病力强的NDV毒株,对非免疫鸵鸟的致病力也强;鸵鸟ND的免疫临界点,HI抗体效价最低为5log2。

非洲鸵鸟脑的解剖学研究

经解剖学研究，发现了非洲鸵鸟脑的一些特点。全脑平均重量为２６．３４ｇ，平均全长为５９．２６ｍｍ，宽４２．３０ｍｍ。小脑较发达，向背侧明显地突出，蚓部的后上方几乎形成一直角，蚓部的横沟明显地比北京鸭等家禽小脑的多，小脑表面积相对大。大脑呈钝三角形，表面光滑，没有脑回和脑沟，灰质很薄。大脑背面有弧形的大脑谷，矢状隆突呈椭圆形。嗅球很小。脑垂体呈小球状。全脑重量仅占体重的０．０１５％，与家禽脑相差１７倍以上。研究结果表明：非洲鸵鸟脑不发达。