Genetical survey of novel type of Cryptosporidium andersoni in cattle in Japan

Previously, we reported that an isolate of novel type of Cryptosporidium andersoni detected in cattle in Japan contained Type A (identical to C. andersoni reported previously) and Type B (having a thymine nucleotide insertion unlike the Type A) genotypes in the 18S rRNA gene. Here, we conducted an extensive investigation of Cryptosporidium infections in adult cattle in Japan from 2004 to 2007. Consequently, Cryptosporidium sp. were detected in 12 of the 205 cattle examined (5.9%), and partial sequences of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene in all isolates were identical to those of the previously reported data for C. andersoni whereas two signals were observed in the sequence of the partial 18S rRNA gene in all the isolates. In transmission studies using five of the isolates, they all infected SCID mice. Modified multiplex PCR using DNA of a single oocyst isolated from the infected SCID mice revealed that the partial sequences in the 18S rRNA gene of 40-80% of 10 isolates were identical to the Type A genotype of C. andersoni and those of other samples were identical to the Type B genotype. These results suggested that the C. andersoni novel type is widespread in cattle throughout Japan, and have multiple copies (Types A and B) in the 18S rRNA gene.     

Effect of annealing temperature on gelatinization of rice starch suspension as studied by rheological and thermal measurements

The effect of annealing temperature (Ta) on the rheological behavior of 10 wt % rice starch suspension was investigated by the dynamic viscoelasticity, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the amount of leached out amylose and the swelling ratio of starch suspension. The rheological behaviors of the annealed samples are classified into three types in terms of Ta: Ta1, 48 and 55 degrees C, which are much lower than the gelatinization temperature, Tgel (=62 degrees C); Ta2, 58, 60, and 62 degrees C, which are almost the same as Tgel; and Ta3, 65, 68, 70, and 73 degrees C, which are much higher than Tgel. For the samples annealed at Ta2, the onset temperature of the storage and the loss moduli, G' and G', increased with increasing T(a), and G' and G" in the temperature range from 65 to 90 degrees C gradually increased though smaller than those for the nonannealed sample, the control. This can be understood by the partial gelatinization; i.e., the leached out amylose prevents further amylose from leaching out. The rheological property of the samples annealed at Ta1 is not so different from that of the control, and the samples annealed at Ta3 are almost gelatinized. The rheological behavior of starch suspension can be controlled by Ta.     

Detection of specific antibodies against deflagellated Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis FliC-specific 9kDa polypeptide

Specific antibody levels of laying hens and young chickens experimentally infected with Salmonella Enteritidis and vaccinated farm flocks were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with two different antigens, deflagellated S. Enteritidis whole cell (DEWC) and S. Enteritidis FliC-specific 9kDa polypeptide (SEP9). Infected laying hens excreted S. Enteritidis throughout the experimental period, and the specific antibody titers in DEWC-ELISA, were significantly higher than the uninfected group. It suggests that this DEWC-specific antibody will serve as an effective indicator of S. Enteritidis infection, especially for non-vaccinated laying flocks. SEP9-specific antibodies were detected in spray-inoculated young chickens but not in oral-inoculated young chickens. Compared with greatly high SEP9-specific antibody levels of vaccinated farm flocks, no response was observed in orally infected hens. These results indicate that S. Enteritidis discontinues expressing SEP9 once it has crossed the intestinal barrier, and that SEP9-ELISA will serve as a valuable monitoring tool for the status of S. Enteritidis vaccination on a flockwide basis, independent of stable S. Enteritidis infections.     

Endocrinological characterization of an ovarian sex cord–stromal tumor with a Sertoli cell pattern in a Japanese Black cow

A Japanese Black cow was evaluated for prolonged post‐partum anestrus and enlargement of the right ovary. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed that the right ovary was markedly enlarged and had a solid appearance, while the left ovary was small and inactive. The presumptive diagnosis was directed towards granulosa‐theca cell tumour (GTCT) which was supported by markedly elevated plasma anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH; 332.0 ng/ml), oestradiol (E₂; 103.3 pg/ml) and immunoreactive inhibin (ir‐INH; 2.1 ng/ml) in comparison with the diagnostic cut‐off points for bovine GTCTs. Since the cow had been infertile and had swelling of the udder, slaughter was chosen. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumour was an ovarian sex cord–stromal tumour (SCST) with a Sertoli cell pattern. These findings suggest that plasma AMH, ir‐INH and E₂ could be possible biomarkers for bovine ovarian SCST with a Sertoli cell pattern, whereas this case could not be distinguished from GTCTs based on endocrinological profile.     

A Case of Olfactory Neuroblastoma Induced in A Rat by N-Nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine

N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) is a well-known carcinogen and induces tumors in various tissues. In the present paper, a case of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) induced in a rat by BHP is described. The tumor was observed in one out of 25 male rats that received 2000 ppm of BHP in drinking water from 6 to 18 weeks of age and were sacrificed at 26 weeks of age. Histologically, the tumor arose in the posterior nasal cavity and consisted of small round cells and elongate cells with scant basophilic cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells proliferated with compartmentalization into the lobules by fibrovascular septa. True rosettes, pseudorosettes and an intercellular fibrillar matrix were occasionally observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for NF120/200 and β III-tubulin. These results indicate that the present tumor is the first case of ONB induced in a rat by BHP treatment.     

An electric field strongly deters whiteflies from entering window-open greenhouses in an electrostatic insect exclusion strategy

Dual functions (insect repelling and capturing) of a single-charged dipolar electric field screen were evaluated to successfully exclude whiteflies from a window-open greenhouse. The screen consisted of three parts: 1) insulated conductor wires (ICWs) arrayed in parallel at 5?mm intervals, 2) two earthed stainless nets placed within 3?mm of both sides of the ICW layer, and 3) a voltage generator for the negatively charged ICWs. The screen formed two electric fields between the ICW-layer and the ICW-side surface of the earthed net and between the ICWs. At negative charging of 1.5–2.5?kV, all whiteflies reaching the outer surface of the screen net avoided entering the electric field and flew away from the screen. This avoidance was disturbed by 3?m s^?1 wind, as the insects were compulsorily blown inside. However, almost all whiteflies (99.4?%) were captured with the ICW. These results indicate that the insect-capturing function is effective to complement a failure to repel. A greenhouse assay was conducted in the screen-attached and non-screened parts in which a greenhouse was divided with a partition. During the 3-month operation, the screen was durable and functional for excluding pests, and better air ventilation changed the climate conditions in the greenhouse. Thus, the present study demonstrated that our electric field screen can provide an airy condition for tomatoes in a window-open greenhouse and successfully exclude whiteflies using dual screen functions.     

Functional thyroid gland adenoma in a dog treated with surgical excision alone

An 11-year-old male Golden Retriever presented with progressive weight loss, tachycardia, hyperthermia, polyuria and polydipsia. A freely movable mass, 4.5 x 4 cm in size, was palpated at the cranioventral cervical region. Hormonal study revealed high levels of serum thyroid hormones, and a tentative diagnosis of hyperthyroidism due to a thyroid tumor was made. The tumor was removed surgically and diagnosed histopathologically as thyroid gland adenoma. Serum thyroid hormone levels decreased after surgery with improved clinical signs. At 12 months after surgery, the dog maintained a good physical condition with no evidence of recurrence.