Efficacy of vaccination with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus following challenges with field isolates in Japan

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influences of genetic and antigenic variations in field isolates of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) on vaccine efficacy. Four-week-old pigs were vaccinated with a commercial modified live virus vaccine. Four weeks after vaccination, pigs in both the vaccinated group and the non-vaccinated group were challenged intranasally with 10(7) TCID(50) of PRRSV wt-11 (Experiment 1) or PRRSV wt-7 (Experiment 2). Based on genome sequencing of ORF5 and cross neutralization test results, PRRSV wt-11 is similar to the vaccine strain, whereas wt-7 is distinct from the vaccine strain. In the vaccinated challenged groups, clinical signs were less severe, the mean rate of weight gain was greater, and gross lung lesions were less severe when compared with the non-vaccinated challenged groups in both experiments. In Experiment 1, the virus was isolated from serum at 3 days post-challenge, and the mean virus titers in broncho-alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and tissues were lower in pigs in the vaccinated challenged groups compared with those in the non-vaccinated challenged group. In Experiment 2, virus isolation from serum, BALF and tissues showed no significant differences between the groups. These results suggest that commercial PRRSV vaccine could be effective in reducing clinical disease following a challenge with field isolates of PRRSV. However, with regards to virological protection, the efficacy of the vaccine may be affected by the nature of the PRRSV isolates.     

Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from chickens with colisepticemia in Japan

The virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolated in Japan were investigated. Serogroups O, serotypes K1 and K5, and genes cva C, iss, iutA, papA, tsh, and usp, which have been thought to be related to virulence, were examined for their association with E. coli strains isolated from diseased and healthy chickens. The frequently recognized serogroups O1, O2, and O78 were found in 56 of 125 (44.8%) strains of diseased chickens (APEC) versus 13 of 100 (13.0%) strains of healthy chickens (commensal E. coli), a significant difference at risk ratio < 0.01. Although iss, iutA, and tsh were widely distributed in the APEC irrespective of O serogroup, papA, usp, and the K1 serotype were detected in serogroup O2 of APEC. The kfiD gene related to the K5 capsule and VT, LT, and ST genes related to exotoxins were not detected in any strains examined.     

水稻叶片含氮量无损快速测定方法

采用CCN6000水稻叶片氮素快速测定仪,以籼型常规早稻中早39为材料,研究了水稻叶片氮含量化学分析值、CCN值及SPAD值的关系。结果表明,早稻倒1叶叶片CCN值与含氮量呈近1.0∶1.0的关系,倒2叶叶片CCN值与含氮量呈近1.0∶1.1的关系,倒3叶叶片CCN值与含氮量呈近1.0∶1.2的关系,倒1叶CCN值与含氮量之间最为吻合,CCN值与SPAD值显著相关。水稻孕穗期叶片含氮量为倒3叶倒2叶倒1叶。研究表明,CCN值可以作为叶片含氮量的快速诊断依据。     

Iron-Utilization System in Vibrio vulnificus M2799

Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that causes serious infections in humans and requires iron for growth. A clinical isolate, V. vulnificus M2799, secretes a catecholate siderophore, vulnibactin, that captures ferric ions from the environment. In the ferric-utilization system in V. vulnificus M2799, an isochorismate synthase (ICS) and an outer membrane receptor, VuuA, are required under low-iron conditions, but alternative proteins FatB and VuuB can function as a periplasmic-binding protein and a ferric-chelate reductase, respectively. The vulnibactin-export system is assembled from TolCV1 and several RND proteins, including VV1_1681. In heme acquisition, HupA and HvtA serve as specific outer membrane receptors and HupB is a sole periplasmic-binding protein, unlike FatB in the ferric-vulnibactin utilization system. We propose that ferric-siderophore periplasmic-binding proteins and ferric-chelate reductases are potential targets for drug discovery in infectious diseases.     

Kinetic scaffolding mediated by a phospholipase C-beta and Gq signaling complex

Transmembrane signals initiated by a broad range of extracellular stimuli converge on nodes that regulate phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent inositol lipid hydrolysis for signal propagation. We describe how heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) activate PLC-βs and in turn are deactivated by these downstream effectors. The 2.7-angstrom structure of PLC-β3 bound to activated Gα(q) reveals a conserved module found within PLC-βs and other effectors optimized for rapid engagement of activated G proteins. The active site of PLC-β3 in the complex is occluded by an intramolecular plug that is likely removed upon G protein-dependent anchoring and orientation of the lipase at membrane surfaces. A second domain of PLC-β3 subsequently accelerates guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis by Gα(q), causing the complex to dissociate and terminate signal propagation. Mutations within this domain dramatically delay signal termination in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, this work suggests a dynamic catch-and-release mechanism used to sharpen spatiotemporal signals mediated by diverse sensory inputs.     

桃果实水孔蛋白cDNA的分离

使用逆转录聚合酶链失反应(RT-PCR)技术从桃果实的果皮组织中分离出来2个编码水孔蛋白部分cDNA克隆.比较结果表明,其推导的氨基酸序列与从其他一些植物体中分离出来的液泡膜内在蛋白有很高的同源性.数量PCR分析表明,编码水孔蛋白基因pWCl在果实发育早期表达,而pWC2在果实发育期间全过程均有表达.     

Effects of cannabidiol without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on canine atopic dermatitis: A retrospective assessment of 8 cases

Objective We aimed to examine the effects of cannabidiol (CBD)-containing hemp oil without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a supplemental treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), as well as its adverse effects, and effects on concurrent drug use in dogs.Animal In this retrospective case series, 8 dogs with CAD were diagnosed by veterinary dermatologists certified by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Dermatology.Procedure The medical records of dogs supplemented with CBD-containing hemp oil were evaluated with respect to signalment, physical examination, plasma C-reactive protein concentrations, pharmacologic management, the CAD Extent and Severity Index (4th iteration), and the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale.Results Overall, CBD, used as a supplement in combination with other drugs, was well-tolerated over a wide dose range and decreased the occurrence of pruritus in dogs with CAD when ingested twice a day.Conclusion This study provides the first report of supplementation with CBD without THC that was effective in controlling pruritic behavior in dogs with CAD.Clinical relevance Further controlled studies are required to investigate the dose range, efficacy, and safety.