A malar granular cell tumor in a djungarian hamster

'Granular cell' tumor observed in the malar subcutis of a Djungarian hamster was examined to determine its cellular origin. Histologically, the tumor consisted of a solid growth of oval or spindle-shaped large cells with abundant cytoplasm filled with eosinophilic granules that were periodic acid-Schiff-positive and diastase-resistant. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive to anti-vimentin and anti-desmin antibodies and a few cells showed positivity to anti-actin antibody as well. They did not react to myoglobin, S-100 protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Electron microscopic studies revealed that the tumor cells had pinocytotic vesicles, dense plaque and microfilaments. The first granular cell variant of myogenic tumor reported here in Djungarian hamsters was differentiated from granular cell tumor of Schwann cell origin.     

1-methyladenine biosynthesis in starfish ovary: action of gonad-stimulating hormone in methylation

Gonad-stimulating substance, a hormonal peptide released from the nervous system of starfishes, acts on the ovary to produce 1-methyladenine, an inducer of oocyte maturation. Addition of methionine to the incubation mixture of ovarian fragments and gonad-stimulating substance enhanced the production of 1-methyladenine, whereas ethionine inhibited it. Incubation of ovarian tissue with methionine alone failed to produce 1-methyladenine. Use of a radioactive label showed that methionine is a methyl donor in the biosynthesis of 1-methyladenine, suggesting that gonad-stimulating substance is involved in the methylation process.     

Incipient space weathering observed on the surface of Itokawa dust particles

The reflectance spectra of the most abundant meteorites, ordinary chondrites, are different from those of the abundant S-type (mnemonic for siliceous) asteroids. This discrepancy has been thought to be due to space weathering, which is an alteration of the surfaces of airless bodies exposed to the space environment. Here we report evidence of space weathering on particles returned from the S-type asteroid 25143 Itokawa by the Hayabusa spacecraft. Surface modification was found in 5 out of 10 particles, which varies depending on mineral species. Sulfur-bearing Fe-rich nanoparticles exist in a thin (5 to 15 nanometers) surface layer on olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, and plagioclase, which is suggestive of vapor deposition. Sulfur-free Fe-rich nanoparticles exist deeper inside (<60 nanometers) ferromagnesian silicates. Their texture suggests formation by metamictization and in situ reduction of Fe(2+).     

Bathymetric distribution of beni-zuwai crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chionoecetes japonicus</Emphasis> in the northern part of the Sea of Japan

Surveys of beni-zuwai crab were conducted to clarify the bathymetric distribution and fecundity of beni-zuwai crab populations without the effects of bias due to fisheries. The results were compared with previous ones obtained at the heavily exploited Yamato Bank. Two sites in the northern part of the Sea of Japan, off southwest Hokkaido (200–2500 m deep) and West-Tsugaru Basin (300–1900 m deep), both of which are experiencing low exploitation levels, were surveyed in August to September, 2007. There was an abundance of morphologically immature crabs of both sexes in the depth range 1800–2100 m, and a few occurred at depths >2200 m. Immature crabs of <40 mm carapace width were found to migrate downslope to depths of 1800–2100 m and then to migrate upslope during molting for males and after maturity molting for females. Although data were lacking for depths >2000 m at the West-Tsugaru Basin, these relationships were significant for the pooled data of both localities, and they were similar to the results at the Yamato Bank. Clutch fullness of ovigerous females was negatively correlated with depth, which indicates that the low clutch fullness was not induced by fisheries, although the similar phenomenon observed at the Yamato Bank had previously been considered to be due to fishery effects.     

Lactogenic immunity to transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) of swine induced by the attenuated Nouzilly strain of TGE virus: passive protection of piglets and detection of serum and milk antibody classes by ELISA

Piglets of eight sows vaccinated by different routes with the attenuated TGE mutant coronavirus, Nouzilly (N) strain, and piglets from two field seropositive sows were challenged with a virulent TGE strain. On the day of challenge and 10 days after challenge, milk and serum samples from sows were analysed for their level of neutralizing antibodies, total immunoglobulin classes and TGE antibody classes by an ELISA. No direct relationship was seen between the level of protection of the litters and the titres of the different antibody classes on the day of challenge. However, an inverse correlation was seen 10 days after challenge between protection and the level of TGE antibodies.     

Plasma Profiles of Glucose, Insulin and Lipids in the Male WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) Rat, a New Model of Type 2 Diabetes with Obesity

Plasma profiles of glucose, insulin and lipids were examined in the male WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) (fa/fa) rat, a new model of type 2 diabetes (T2D), in comparison with age-matched original male WBN/Kob (lean) rats. The fa/fa rats developed hypertriglycemia, obesity and hyperglycemia from 5, 7, and 9 weeks of age, respectively. Plasma insulin levels in fa/fa rats were significantly higher than those in lean rats at 5 weeks of age, but after 11 weeks of age gradually declined to the levels in lean rats. HOMA-IR, a measure of insulin resistance status, showed that fa/fa rats had insulin resistance. The fa/fa rat has the potential to become an important animal model of T2D with obesity.     

Distribution of benzimidazole-resistant strains of the onion gray-mold neck rot pathogens,Botrytis aclada and Botrytis allii,in Hokkaido,Japan

Botrytis aclada and Botrytis allii, associated with onion gray-mold neck rot and isolated in Hokkaido, were tested for sensitivity to benzimidazole. Of the B. aclada strains, 59% were highly resistant and the remaining 41% were sensitive; all strains of B. allii were sensitive. Resistant strains were widespread in Hokkaido. We analyzed the sequences of the β-tubulin gene of resistant strains and detected the replacement of glutamic acid (GAG) by lysine (AAG) at codon 198. This is the first report of benzimidazole resistance in B. aclada. This study revealed a difference in fungicide sensitivity between the two Botrytis species.