Bruchpilot promotes active zone assembly, Ca2+ channel clustering, and vesicle release

The molecular organization of presynaptic active zones during calcium influx-triggered neurotransmitter release is the focus of intense investigation. The Drosophila coiled-coil domain protein Bruchpilot (BRP) was observed in donut-shaped structures centered at active zones of neuromuscular synapses by using subdiffraction resolution STED (stimulated emission depletion) fluorescence microscopy. At brp mutant active zones, electron-dense projections (T-bars) were entirely lost, Ca2+ channels were reduced in density, evoked vesicle release was depressed, and short-term plasticity was altered. BRP-like proteins seem to establish proximity between Ca2+ channels and vesicles to allow efficient transmitter release and patterned synaptic plasticity.     

Search for Climatic Models for Forecasting Microtine Outbreaks1

Models for forecasting outbreaks of harmful Microtines are discussed in terms of the three most important types of rodent damage to agriculture and forestry in the European part of EPPO region: problems to field crops by Microtus arvalis and related species, to horticulture and forestry by M. agrestis and some other species, and injury to the underground parts of various crops by Arvicola terrestris. Two models were developed in parallel but independently for M. arvalis, one in the USSR, the other in France; the former approach included M. socialis. A joint Scandinavian project resulted in models for M, agrestis and Clethrionomys glareolus: the outcome is exemplified by the former case and a few comments are given on other types of model development. The probable mechanism of climatic influence through the food chain on the population dynamics of Microtine rodents is discussed and it is concluded that climatic models are a useful tool in planning rodent control strategies. The role of the EPPO Working Party on Field Rodents as a coordinating body in the development of rodent forecasts is also reviewed.     

POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES OF CANINE NECROTIZING MENINGOENCEPHALITIS

A Yorkshire terrier and a Chihuahua were referred for acute onset, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and were suspected to have meningoencephalitis based on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings. Brain lesions appeared hyperintense with T2‐weighted imaging and hypointense with T1‐weighted imaging, and were characteristic of necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Both dogs were diagnosed with necrotizing meningoencephalitis based on pathologic findings. Fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) was performed on both animals before euthanasia with the permission of the owner. In FDG‐PET images, these lesions seen in MR images were characterized by multifocal or diffuse hypometabolism. Our FDG‐PET results provided evidence of glucose hypometabolism in areas of necrosis and cavitation associated with necrotizing meningoencephalitis. FDG‐PET has the potential to provide valuable diagnostic information in dogs with suspected necrotizing encephalitis.     

Analysis of tidal breathing flow volume loop in dogs with tracheal masses

Objectives To investigate whether there are any changes in the tidal breathing flow volume loop (TBFVL) in calm, non-dyspnoeic dogs with intratracheal masses. Methods We compared 4 dogs with intratracheal masses (group 1) with 10 healthy dogs (group 2). Routine clinical and laboratory examinations of the dogs were unremarkable, except for episodic upper respiratory obstructive signs in the dogs in group 1. Lateral radiography of the neck and thorax showed that group 1 dogs had masses that appeared to protrude into the tracheal lumen. Tracheoscopy and surgery or necropsy was performed to confirm the presence of the mass. Arterial blood gas and TBFVL analysis was carried out in all dogs to assess respiratory status. Results The shape of the TBFVL for dogs in group 1 was narrower and ovoid compared with that for the group 2 dogs. Tidal volume and expiratory and inspiratory times were significantly reduced, whereas the respiratory rate was increased for dogs in group 1 compared with dogs in group 2. Arterial blood gas analysis was unremarkable for all dogs. Conclusions TBFVL is a non-invasive technique that is easy to perform and well tolerated by dogs. In the absence of abnormalities detected by routine diagnostic evaluations and arterial blood gas analysis in dogs with intratracheal masses, the TBFVL contributes to the definition of the physiologic status of the airways at the time of testing, and results suggests that these dogs breathe quite normally when they are calm and non-dyspnoeic.     

Allelopathic potential of K21, selected as a promising allelopathic rice

The agronomic characteristics of a newly bred potent allelopathic rice, K21, including morphological appearance, resembled its female parent, Dongjinbyeo, except for 8 days' earlier heading and 9 cm shorter plant height. The water extract of K21 showed a greater inhibitory effect on the shoot and root growth of barnyardgrass than its female parent, but less than the male parent, Kouketsumochi. At the highest extract concentration of 5.0%, the inhibitory effect of K21 on the shoot growth of barnyardgrass was ≈ 64%, similar to its male parent. The dry weight of the barnyardgrass shoot was reduced by 13.0% when grown with K21 and 30.2% when grown with its male parent. There was no inhibitory effect on the shoot dry weight of barnyardgrass when grown with the female parent. The activity of cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase in K21 was ≈ 1.8-fold higher than that of the female parent, but significantly lower than that of the male parent. The ρ-coumaric acid content in K21 was ≈ 60% higher than that of the female parent, but it was about half of the male parent. The total amount of phenolic compounds in K21 was ≈ 11.5% higher than in the female parent, but about half of the male parent. The results obtained suggest that the newly bred K21 contains desirable allelopathic traits derived from the male parent, Kouketsumochi, and acceptable agronomic traits from its female parent, Dongjinbyeo.     

川西亚高山森林凋落物中大量养分元素的年和月动态

Macronutrients （N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S） in litter of three primarily spruce （Picea purpurea Masters） （SF）, fir （Abies faxoniana Rehder ＆ E. H. Wilson） （FF）, and birch （Betula platyphylla Sukaczev） （BF） subalpine forests in western China were measured to understand the monthly variations in litter nutrient concentrations and annual and monthly nutrient returns via litteffall. Nutrient concentration in litter showed the rank order of Ca 〉 N 〉 Mg 〉 K 〉 S 〉 P. Monthly variations in nutrient concentrations were greater in leaf litter （LL） than other litter components. The highest and lowest concentrations of N, P, K, and S in LL were found in the growing season and the nongrowing season, respectively, but Ca and Mg were the opposite. Nutrient returns via litterfall showed a marked monthly pattern with a major peak in October and one or two small peaks in February and/or May, varying with the element and stand type, but no marked monthly variations in nutrient returns via woody litter, reproductive litter, except in May for the BF, and moss litter. Not only litter production but also nutrient concentration controlled the annual nutrient return and the monthly nutrient return pattern. The monthly patterns of the nutrient concentration and return were of ecological importance for nutrient cycling and plant growth in the subalpine forest ecosystems.