Enhanced type X collagen expression in the extruded nucleus pulposus of the chondrodystrophoid dog

The causes of early degeneration and calcification of the nucleus pulposus in the chondrodystrophoid dog are poorly understood, and the underlying molecular mechanism of this process has not yet been clearly defined. Type X collagen is one of the key molecules in endochondral bone growth and development, especially matrix calcification. The relationship between type X collagen and disc degeneration and calcification in chondrodystrophoid dogs has not yet been studied. We analyzed the expression of type X collagen in degeneration and calcification of the intervertebral disc in chondrodystrophoid dogs, using type X collagen immunohistochemistry. Control intervertebral discs were collected from five dogs (4 female, 1 male, average age 1.3 years, beagle breed). Degenerated intervertebral discs were surgically removed from 11 canine patients with intervertebral disc extrusion (1 female, 10 male, average age 5.1 years, dachshund breed) in Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University. All extruded disc samples showed hypertrophic changes and clustering of cells, typical features observed in the degenerated nucleus pulposus. The relative expression of type X collagen in the degenerated nucleus pulposus (84.3 +/- 11.0%) was significantly increased compared to the control nucleus pulposus (5.4 +/- 5.4%). Our findings suggest that type X collagen might contribute to the development of degeneration or calcification in the nucleus pulposus of the chondrodystrophoid dog.     

Preparation of high-crystallinity polyethylene at low pressures

The preparation of highly crystalline polyethylene at low pressures is reported. With careful control of the substrate, the melting and crystallization schedule, and the physical state of the specimen (film thickness), it is possible to prepare polyethylene having a density in excess of 0.999 gram per cubic centimeter, a melting temperature of approximately 140 degrees C, and a heat of fusion in excess of 70 calories per gram. The approach appears to be general and should be applicable to a wide variety of polymers.     

Effect of environmental factors on fertility of Holstein–Friesian cattle in Japan

We investigated the environmental factors in Japan, including meteorological conditions, on the fertility of a European cattle breed, Holstein–Friesian, by examining conception rates in different regions. First artificial insemination and associated conception details were recorded for 69,952 Holstein female cattle. In general, meteorological conditions vary considerably according to latitude in Japanese islands. Conception rates were higher in the Northern (above 37°N) than the Southern (below 37°N) region (61.3% vs. 53.3%). All the factors analyzed in the statistical model, including insemination year, region, month, AI technician, service sire and interaction between region and month, had significant effects on the conception rate. In the Southern region, conception rates were lower in the summer months (average temperature, 27.8 °C, and maximum temperature, 32.3 °C). However, this seasonal decline was not observed in the Northern region (average temperature, 23.7 °C, and maximum temperature, 28.4 °C). Regression analysis of conception rate in relation to temperature showed highly significant negative regression coefficients (− 0.66 to − 0.63% per °C; p < 0.001) in the Southern region, but non-significant coefficients in the Northern region. Humidity had a minimal effect on conception rate in both regions. Our data collectively suggest that 37°N latitude is a threshold that affects Holstein–Friesian conception rates in Japan.     

Decreased blood cell counts were not observed in cattle living in the “difficult‐to‐return zone” of the Fukushima nuclear accident

White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, are susceptible to radiation exposure. In the present study, red blood cell, total white blood cell, and lymphocyte counts were repeatedly measured in cattle living on three farms located in the “difficult‐to‐return zone” of the Fukushima nuclear accident, and compared with two control groups from unaffected areas. Blood cell counts differed significantly between the two control groups, although almost all the values fell within the normal range. The blood cell counts of the cattle in the “difficult‐to‐return zone” varied across sampling times even on the same farms, being sometimes higher or lower than either of the two control groups. However, neither a statistically significant decrease in blood cell counts nor an increase in the rate of cattle with extremely low blood cell counts was observed overall. The estimated cumulative exposure dose for the cattle on the most contaminated farm was within a range of 500–1000 mSv, exceeding the threshold for the lymphopenia. Because of the low dose rate on these farms, potential radiation damages would have been repaired and have not accumulated enough to cause deterministic effects.     

Three new algorithms to calculate the irreplaceability index for presence/absence data

The irreplaceability index is used for determining the priority of sites for conservation. We propose three new and simple algorithms for calculating it from presence/absence data without any statistical assumptions when the representative combination size is the minimum. The rare species algorithm gives accurate results but takes the longest calculation time. The species richness algorithm gives approximated results and takes the shortest calculation time. The combined algorithm is intermediate in accuracy and calculation time. We applied the combined algorithm to real data of butterflies in the Kanto district, central Japan, and derived irreplaceability values.     

Ingestion of water-soluble soybean fiber prevents osteopenia and hypercholesterolemia induced by ovariectomy in rats

This study examined the effects of feeding water-soluble soybean fiber (WSSF), a highly fermentable dietary fiber with low viscosity, on intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption, bone mineral content, and serum total cholesterol levels using female Sprague-Dawley rats (5 weeks old) with or without ovariectomy (OVX). The rats in each group were fed a WSSF (50 g/kg of diet) or WSSF-free diet for 4 weeks. Ca absorption was higher in OVX rats fed the WSSF diet than in OVX rats fed the WSSF-free diet. Femoral Ca content in both sham and OVX rats fed the WSSF diet was higher than that in rats fed the WSSF-free diet. The serum total cholesterol levels were elevated after OVX compared with that in the sham rats, and this elevation was prevented by the WSSF diet. In conclusion, ingestion of WSSF prevented osteopenia and hypercholesterolemia induced by ovariectomy in rats.     

Correction to: A new and simple method for measuring in situ field-saturated hydraulic conductivity using a falling-head single cylinder

Paddy and Water Environment - Hydraulic properties of soil play important roles in water and temperature regimes. Measuring hydraulic properties has been studied for decades in the laboratory and...     

Surgical treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma using an oral approach in 2 dogs

Middle ear cholesteatoma is caused by the formation of epidermoid cysts that result in distention and enlargement of the tympanic bulla with subsequent destruction of surrounding tissues. We report treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma in 2 dogs, via an oral surgical approach. Abnormal tympanic bulla contents and the wall compressing the pharynx were successfully removed in both cases. Computed tomography imaging, surgical findings, and histopathology results were consistent with middle ear cholesteatoma in both cases. The outcomes in both cases suggest that an oral surgical approach may be an alternative treatment for middle ear cholesteatoma in dogs.Key clinical message:Despite the limited number of cases described herein, our report indicates that the direct oral approach for canine cholesteatoma may be and alternative approach.     

Vulnerability of feline T-lymphocytes to charged particles

An analysis of ionizing radiation-induced damage in peripheral lymphocytes has been employed to predict the prognosis of radiotherapy in terms of toxicity in normal tissues. Therefore, understanding the sensitivity of lymphocytes to high linear energy transfer (LET)-charged particles would be indispensable for utilizing charged particle therapy in veterinary medicine. However, the availability of such information is very limited. This study aimed to compare the radiosensitivity of feline T lymphocytes to gamma-rays (0.2 keV/microm) and 4 different types of charged particles with LET values ranging from 2.8 to 114 keV/microm. It was observed that the relative biological effectiveness, inactivation cross-section, and isodose-induced apoptosis increased in an LET-dependent manner. On the other hand, no difference in apoptosis frequency was observed in the cells exposed to an isosurvival dose of all the radiation types tested. This is the first study that demonstrates the LET dependence of cell killing and apoptosis induction in feline T lymphocytes. Our results suggest that lymphocytes can be effectively used to predict the prognosis of charged-particle therapy in cat patients.