Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 deficiency perturbs lysosome function and macrophage homeostasis

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders caused by defects in lysosomal enzymes or transporters, resulting in accumulation of undegraded macromolecules or metabolites. Macrophage numbers are expanded in several LSDs, leading to histiocytosis of unknown pathophysiology. Here, we found that mice lacking the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3) developed a spontaneous and progressive macrophage-dominated histiocytosis. In the absence of ENT3, defective apoptotic cell clearance led to lysosomal nucleoside buildup, elevated intralysosomal pH, and altered macrophage function. The macrophage accumulation was partly due to increased macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor expression and signaling secondary to the lysosomal defects. These studies suggest a cellular and molecular basis for the development of histiocytosis in several human syndromes associated with ENT3 mutations and potentially other LSDs.     

Comparison of methods for measuring gap size distribution and canopy nonrandomness at Järvselja RAMI (RAdiation transfer Model Intercomparison) test sites

Methods for analyzing foliage nonrandomness by means of the TRAC instrument, digital hemispheric photography, and a gap fraction model are assessed at two RAMI (RAdiation transfer Model Intercomparison) mature stands in Järvselja, Estonia. The six different methods involve calculation of the canopy element clumping index, at scales coarser than that of a shoot. The major aim was to define the merits and limitations of the various methods. We conclude the gap size distribution and beyond-shoot clumping is very stable across the stands for the solar zenith angle range from 30° to 60°. Estimates based on the gap size distribution and the combination of gap size and logarithm methods performed the best while compared with an independent gap fraction model. We clarify the effect of the assumed leaf inclination angle distribution on gap size distribution and differences between estimates of beyond-shoot clumping. We show that the modified, gap-size distribution based method of Chen and Cihlar can provide reliable beyond-shoot clumping estimates without any a priori assumptions about the total gap fraction, segment length or the leaf inclination angle distribution. We also illustrate the changes in element clumping with measurement height. The compiled data extend the original parameter dataset to be used in the next phase of RAMI for different benchmark tests and reflectance modeling experiments, and contribute toward systematic validation efforts of radiative transfer models, operational algorithms, and field instruments, as promoted by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).     

The effects of nitrogen fertilization on the ultrastructure of mesophyll cells of conifer needles in northern Finland

Cytological injuries in needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] were studied at light and electron microscope level in northern Finland. Needle samples were taken from fertilized (mainly with nitrogen) and nonfertilized trees during winter 1980. The results are discussed in relation to the severe climate and growth response of the trees.     

Phenotypic and genetic variation in Finnish potato-late blight populations, 1997–2000

This study was conducted on potato late blight samples collected for monitoring early attacks in Finland from 1997 to 2000. Most of the 1726 Phytophthora infestans isolates were collected soon after the onset of the epidemics. Most of the isolates were tested for mating type as well as metalaxyl and propamocarb hydrochloride (HCl) sensitivity, while virulence on potato R-gene differentials and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype were determined for a subset of the isolates. In half of the fields from which more than one isolate was tested, both mating types were detected, indicating strong potential for sexual reproduction. The mating types coexisted more often in organic fields or gardens than in conventional fields. The proportion of A1 mating type decreased from approximately 80% (1997 and 1998) to 22% by the year 2000. Simultaneously, the proportion of isolates resistant to metalaxyl decreased from approximately 40% to 16%. Resistance to metalaxyl was confined to the IIa mtDNA haplotype and clearly associated with the A1 mating type, as resistance was 10 times more common among A1 isolates than among A2 isolates. Resistance to metalaxyl therefore probably derives from common descent from an isolate with the IIa haplotype. Most of the regional variation in metalaxyl sensitivity was also linked to mating type, as both metalaxyl resistance and the A1 mating type were most common in the north and south-west of Finland. In contrast to metalaxyl, only three propamocarb-HCl-insensitive isolates were found, but propamocarb-HCl sensitivity decreased significantly during the study.     

Serum cannabidiol,tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and their native acid derivatives after transdermal application of a low-THC Cannabis sativa extract in beagles

Cannabinoids hold promise for treating health problems related to inflammation and chronic pain in dogs, in particular cannabidiol (CBD), and its native acid derivative cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Information regarding systemic delivery of cannabinoids through transdermal routes is sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine pharmacokinetics of transdermal administration of a low-THC Cannabis sativa extract in healthy dogs. Six purpose-bred research beagles were treated with a transdermal CBD-CBDA-rich extract, and serum concentrations of CBD, CBDA, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and its acid derivative tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) were examined prior to and at the end of weeks 1 and 2. A 4 mg/kg dose of total cannabinoids twice daily resulted in appx 10 ng/ml of CBD, 21–32 ng/ml of CBDA, trace amounts of THCA, and unquantifiable amounts of THC in serum at the end of weeks 1 and 2 of treatment. Results showed that CBDA and THCA were absorbed better systemically than CBD or THC.     

Effects of spacing and genetic entry on radial growth and ring density development in Scots pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L.)

• Introduction  

The objective of this work was to study how spacing and genetic entry and/or origin group affect radial growth (ring width and cumulative diameter development) and ring density from pith to bark in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and in what sense their annual variability could be explained by the climatic variables. The spacing trial was located in central Finland, with current stand density range of 2,000–4,000 trees per hectare. All the six genetic entries had Kanerva pine (plus tree S1101) as a father tree, whereas the mother tree represented Finnish plus trees from southern, central and northern Finland.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA IN A DOG

A dog with aspiration pneumonia was examined by computed tomography (CT) with 8-mm continuous scans of the chest. The results demonstrated that CT is a useful procedure for evaluating pneumonia, although high cost prevents its routine use. A normal littermate was examined, and normal structures of the chest and chest wall were compared.     

LOW FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE CANINE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a relatively new method of medical imaging. MR studies on the normal canine central nervous system were performed using a low field MR scanner. The regions of interest were the head, neck, and lumbar region. The MR findings in two patients with brain atrophy and cervical neck disc protrusion were also evaluated. Based on our findings it appears that low-field scanners will be satisfactory for use in veterinary diagnostic imaging.