Molecular cloning and phylogenetic analysis of inflammatory cytokines of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

The present study determined the cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences of ferret (Mustela putorius furo) inflammatory cytokines, interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The homologies of the nucleotide sequences of IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha of the ferret to those from other mammalian species ranged from 64.3-92.9%, 73.0-83.9, 58.1-84.8%, 58.1-89.7% and 79.0-95.0%, respectively. As distinctive amino acid residues constituting various motifs and ligand-binding sites and cysteine residues were highly conserved in ferret inflammatory cytokine proteins, ferret cytokines may have fundamentally similar functions to those of other mammals. Phylogenetic analyses based on the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that all ferret inflammatory cytokines were more closely related to those of the Carnivora order, specifically dog and cat, than to other species.     

Functional disorder of the retina in manganese-deficient Japanese quail revealed by electroretinography using a contact lens electrode with built-in light source

Manganese deficiency results in neurological and skeletal defects, together with ultrastructural disarrangement of the retina in rats. Wild birds show a range of Mn concentrations in their tissues, including the liver, raising the possibility of Mn-related disorders in the wild. Electroretinography (ERG) provides a useful noninvasive approach to evaluate visual function. This method is especially useful in birds, as objective analysis of them is very difficult, while they have well-developed vision. In this study, we carried out a convenient and reliable ERG recording using a contact lens electrode with a built-in light source (LED electrode) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed a Mn-deficient diet. After 10 min light adaptation, single-flash and flicker cone responses were reproducibly recorded to cause an intensity-dependent increase in amplitude of both a-wave and b-wave in single-flash ERG. Mn-deficient feeding markedly decreased the Mn concentration in the liver by almost half in 3 to 6 weeks, followed by body weight loss in 13 to 15 weeks. Implicit time of a-wave and b-wave cone response by single-flash stimulation was significantly delayed in quail with a Mn depletion from 3 to 6 weeks. Every cone response of the Mn-deprived quail had a tendency to decrease amplitude. The ultrastructure of cone photoreceptor cells was disorganized by Mn deficiency, including changes in outer segment discs of photoreceptor cells. These results suggest the essential role of Mn in the integrity of the retinal function of birds.     

Development of industrial tree plantation in the administrative region No. 10, in mindanao island, philippines: With two case studies

The study describes the development of industrial tree plantation in a specific region in the Philippines. Two case studies using plantation companies are presented. Likewise, management prospects and problems are considered. Since industrial plantations are given emphasis in the 1980’s, plantation owners are already capable to engage in development. Although majority are small scale, their management performance is considerable. Likewise, social and economic gains are enormous. Fast growing species for pulpwood are developed under different climatic conditions at low stocking density. However, further development is limited by problems particularly product development, financial assistance, and the volatility of plantation policy. Several approaches are endorsed. The study is partially funded by the Sasagawa Research Foundation of the Japan Science Society. Sincere appreciation is extended.     

The characteristics of timber production in the administrative region No. 10, in Mindanao Island, Philippines: A case study

The characteristics of timber production in the public forest of a specific region in the Philippines are examined and the patterns on the linkages between logging, deforestation, and socio-economic development are established and illustrated. The logging industry is fully manned and financially capable and is a major contributor to the economy. However, the industry is now shrinking due to the declining forest resource of the region. The end results eventually lead to reduced productivity and contribution. The reduction of forest resources was traced to the excessive commercial logging and agricultural conversion of forest lands. Alternatives are suggested. The assistance provided by Mr. Jose D. Malvas, Jr., Director of the Forest Management Bureau, in the gathering of the data used in the study is deeply appreciated.     

Elimination of the major allergen tropomyosin from shrimp muscle by boiling treatment

Fisheries Science - Tropomyosin (TM) is the major allergen found in invertebrates, including shrimp. To reduce the allergenicity of shrimp muscle, attempts were made to eliminate TM from the muscle...     

Phosphate absorption of intact komatsuna plants as influenced by phosphite

Phosphite (     ; Pi) uptake in cell suspension culture, information on how Phi affects the Pi uptake of intact plants remains to be determined. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Phi on Pi absorption of intact komatsuna plants ( Brassica rapa var. peruviridis cv. Ajisai) in hydroponic culture. Phosphite markedly decreased Pi absorption of the intact komatsuna plants under both low (0.05 mmol L⁻¹ ) and high (0.5 mmol L⁻¹) Pi supply, although the growth (both shoots and roots) and water uptake of the high Pi-supplied plants was not affected by Phi. The inhibiting effect of Phi was small at 0.2 mmol L⁻¹, but became large at 2 mmol L⁻¹. Using relatively large seedlings (28 days old) to better assess the influence of Phi on Pi absorption early in the treatment, the results indicated that there was an immediate decrease in Pi absorption within the first 2-day period of Phi treatment when the water absorption of the plants was not affected. Taken together, the results suggested that there was a strong inhibiting effect of Phi on Pi uptake of intact komatsuna plants and this effect is exerted most likely by competition between Phi and Pi at uptake level. We speculate that the application of Phi to plant roots in an environment that is unfavorable for Phi-to-Pi conversion (e.g. hydroponic culture) may need to increase the amount of required Pi fertilization of plants to compensate for the reduction in Pi uptake by Phi. Further research is needed to confirm our results.     

基于SHAW模型的内蒙古河套灌区秋浇节水灌溉制度

根据内蒙古河套灌区秋浇节水与土壤盐渍化防治的需要,利用SHAW模型模拟确定了不同盐渍化土壤合理的秋浇节水灌溉制度。结果表明：对于轻度盐渍化土壤,秋浇定额一般为142～183 mm,秋浇时间为9月28日－10月23日;对于中度盐渍化土壤,定额应该为180～200 mm,时间在10月14日－18日;对于重度盐渍化土壤,一般不种小麦,而种葵花等耐盐作物,定额为200～225 mm。因此,对于该灌区应该根据不同的土壤盐渍化程度,合理地安排秋浇。     

Genetic and serological characterization of novel serotype G8 bovine group A rotavirus strains isolated in Japan

G8 bovine group A rotaviruses isolated in Japan were genetically and serologically characterized. The VP7 gene nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed high identity with each other. All Japanese G8 strains were classified into the same lineage in the phylogenetic analysis based on VP7 gene sequences. Antisera to four Japanese G8 strains neutralized other G8 strains, but their neutralizing titers were between 8-fold lower and 2-fold higher than homologous strains. These results suggest that the VP7s of Japanese G8 strains have similar genetic and serologic characteristics. Observed differences in the neutralizing abilities of antisera for each strain appear to depend on differences in the P serotypes/genotypes.