Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity in cultured canine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)

Autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) infusion therapy improves the hepatic fibrosis. To investigate the mechanism of remission, we evaluated the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 activity in canine BMSCs and the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on their expression. The activity and the gene expression of MMPs were analyzed by gelatin zymography and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. The specific gelatinase bands were indicative effect of MMP-2 and -9 in canine BMSCs. MMP-2 expression seemed to be increased by TNF-α and IL-1β while MMP-9 was enhanced by TNF-α and IL-6. These results suggested that remissive effect on liver fibrosis might be partly attributable to the MMP-2 and -9 activity in BMSCs under the inflammatory condition.     

Proliferation capacity, neuronal differentiation potency and microstructures after the differentiation of canine bone marrow stromal cells into neurons

We examined the proliferation capacity and neuronal differentiation potency of canine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In addition, the microstructures of neuron-like cells after neuronal differentiation were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Canine BMSCs grew to confluency at 10.0 ± 2.5 days, and 3.8 ± 2.1 × 10(6) BMSCs were collected in one passage. Approximately 65% of canine BMSCs changed to neuron-like morphology after neuronal differentiation, and nearly all neuron-like cells stained positive against neuron-specific enolase. In addition, microstructures such as the cellular organelles, filaments and growth cones of these cells bore a close resemblance to those of the original mature neurons. These results suggested that canine BMSCs might be capable of differentiating into neurons.     

Effects of thinning intensity on species diversity and timber production in a conifer (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation in Japan

In conifer plantations, enhancement of species diversity has become an important management goal. Although thinning is a useful method to enhance diversity, determining optimum thinning intensities may be rather complicated because of potential trade-offs among a broad array of management goals (e.g., recovery of biodiversity, increasing individual tree sizes, increasing net primary production, saving management costs). To evaluate the optimum thinning intensity by analyzing these relationships, we conducted a thinning experiment with three different thinning intensities—unthinned, 33% thinned, and 67% thinned—in a Cryptomeria japonica plantation in 2003, and investigated the number, diameter at breast height (DBH), and diversity of hardwoods (height?>?1.5?m) in 2008, and the growth of conifers over five?years. In hardwoods, the number of individuals, number of species, mean DBH, and total basal area were greatest in the 67% thinned treatment, irrespective of successional status. However, Shannon’s diversity index did not differ among the three treatments due to a disproportionate increase with thinning intensity in the abundance of a mid-successional species, Cornus controversa. Diameter growth of conifers was also highest in the 67% thinned and lowest in the unthinned treatment, whereas the reverse was true for stand volume increment. These results suggest that intensive thinning is a reliable method to convert conifer plantations into conifer–hardwood mixed forests at canopy level much more quickly and consistently than weak thinning, although primary production is to some extent reduced. If forest managers prefer sustainable timber production of conifers rather than full recovery of diversity, weak thinning may be suitable.     

Measurement of suspended sediment for model experiments using general-purpose optical sensors

A specialized measurement system for measuring suspended sediment concentration in model experiments was developed; it utilizes general-purpose optical sensors to perform measurements. A photoelectric sensor was used for measuring the transmitted light, and a fiber optic sensor was used for measuring the backscattered light. The values of the light absorbance and intensity of backscattered light for turbid standard solutions measured with these sensors show a linear relationship with the turbidity. The calibration lines for sand particles with a large settling velocity were established by using a calibration tank containing upwelling water. The vertical profiles of the sediment concentration measured with the photoelectric sensor corresponded well to those of the sediment concentration measured with a water sampler in an artificial channel. This result suggests that the measurement system using a photoelectric sensor functions satisfactorily. The sediment concentrations measured using the fiber optic sensor correlate well with the concentrations measured through siphon sampling; however, the values measured with the fiber optic sensor are approximately 25% larger than those measured with the siphon. This disagreement may result from the differences in the optical conditions between the calibration tank and the actual channel. Thus, it may be possible to utilize fiber optic sensors calibrated on the basis of siphon sampling for the measurement of sediment concentration.     

Distribution of photoperiod-insensitive allele Ppd-A1a and its effect on heading time in Japanese wheat cultivars

The Ppd-A1 genotype of 240 Japanese wheat cultivars and 40 foreign cultivars was determined using a PCR-based method. Among Japanese cultivars, only 12 cultivars, all of which were Hokkaido winter wheat, carried the Ppd-A1a allele, while this allele was not found in Hokkaido spring wheat cultivars or Tohoku-Kyushu cultivars. Cultivars with a photoperiod-insensitive allele headed 6.9–9.8 days earlier in Kanto and 2.5 days earlier in Hokkaido than photoperiod-sensitive cultivars. The lower effect of photoperiod-insensitive alleles observed in Hokkaido could be due to the longer day-length at the spike formation stage compared with that in Kanto. Pedigree analysis showed that ‘Purple Straw’ and ‘Tohoku 118’ were donors of Ppd-A1a and Ppd-D1a in Hokkaido wheat cultivars, respectively. Wheat cultivars recently developed in Hokkaido carry photoperiod-insensitive alleles at a high frequency. For efficient utilization of Ppd-1 alleles in the Hokkaido wheat-breeding program, the effect of Ppd-1 on growth pattern and grain yield should be investigated. Ppd-A1a may be useful as a unique gene source for fine tuning the heading time in the Tohoku-Kyushu region since the effect of Ppd-A1a on photoperiod insensitivity appears to differ from the effect of Ppd-B1a and Ppd-D1a.     

Effects of intravenous ghrelin injection on plasma growth hormone,insulin and glucose concentrations in calves at weaning

Ghrelin action, which stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion, may alter during the weaning period in calves. Our objective was to compare the effects of intravenous ghrelin injection on plasma GH, insulin and glucose concentrations in calves around the weaning period. Four Holstein bull calves were fed whole milk and allowed free access to solid feeds, and weaned at 7 weeks of age. Measurements were performed at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 13, when calves were intravenously injected with ghrelin (1.0 μg/kg body weight (BW)) through a catheter, and jugular blood samples were obtained temporally relative to the injection time. Estimated digestible energy intake per metabolic BW transiently decreased at week 7 because of low solid intake immediately after weaning, and thereafter gradually increased. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were not affected by ghrelin injection at all ages. In contrast, plasma GH concentrations increased with ghrelin injection at all ages. The incremental area of GH at week 7 was greatest and significantly higher compared with weeks 2, 4, 6 and 9. This result suggests that nutrient insufficiency immediately after weaning enhances GH responsiveness to ghrelin.     

Changes in Serum Concentrations of Prolactin,Progestagens, and Estradiol-17β and Biochemical Parameters During Peripartum in an Agalactic Mare

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL), progestagens, and estradiol-17β and biochemical parameters during peripartum in an agalactic mare, as well as to study the periparturient indices of the foal. A 4-year-old Thoroughbred, primiparous, pregnant mare was diagnosed as agalactic from clinical conditions such as absence of observable udder development and weight loss of her foal after parturition. Serum PRL concentrations of the agalactic mare during prepartum tended to be lower than those of the control mares (19.5 ng/mL and 67.0 ± 15.0 ng/mL on the day of parturition, respectively). The progestagens and estradiol-17β concentrations were not markedly different between the agalactic mare and the control mares. Concentrations of γ-glutamyl transferase of the agalactic mare were higher than those of the control mares (P < .05). Although the serum immunoglobulin G concentrations of the foal of the agalactic mare after 24 hours of age were lower than those of the foals of the control mares (P < .05), all periparturient indices regarding the agalactic mare were considered to be within the normal range. In contrast, insufficient udder development and milk production was observed in the agalactic mare through the pre- and postpartum periods. We have ruled out the known causes for agalactia in mares based on other parameters, clinical symptoms, and nutritional causes. Clinical symptoms and PRL parameters in this case report are consistent with the category of agalactia in mares of unexplained causes, and we have determined additional blood parameters associated with agalactia in mares that are consistent with this category.     

Modeling of Solute Transport with Bioremediation Processes using Sawdust as a Matrix

Hg and As are widespread contaminants globally and particularly in Asia. We conducted a field study in Baiyangdian Lake, the largest lake in the North China Plain, to investigate bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of potentially toxic metals (total mercury and arsenic) in sites differing in proximity from the major point sources of nutrients and metals. Hg concentrations in fish and As concentrations in water are above critical threshold levels (US Environmental Protection Agency based) considered to pose some risk to humans and wildlife. Hg concentrations in biota are within the range of concentrations in lakes in the Northeast US despite the high levels of Hg emission and deposition in China whereas As concentrations are much higher. Dissolved concentrations of both Hg and As decrease with increasing chlorophyll concentrations suggesting that there is significant uptake of metal from water by algae. These results provide evidence for algal blooms controlling dissolved metal concentrations and potentially mitigating the trophic transfer of Hg to fish. This study also underscores the need for further investigation into this contaminated ecosystem and others like it in China that are an important source of fish and drinking water for consumption by local human populations.     

东亚和南亚固有绵羊群体X-蛋白等位基因特有频率分布的研究

本研究利用单向水平板淀粉凝胶电泳以我国5个固有地方绵羊品种包括湖羊（Hu）、同羊（Tong）、滩羊（Tan）、小尾寒羊（Han）、洼地羊（WD）为研究对象对X-蛋白遗传多样性进行了检测,并引用我国周边国家、地区绵羊品种为分析背景。结果表明以喜马拉雅山脉为界的亚洲东部和南部的北部群体和南部群体在编码的X（＋）型的显性等位基因X频率上存在极显著差异（P〈0．01）。北部检测的群体中X等位基因频率范围为0～0．18,平均值为0．0878,包括属于藏羊和蒙古羊系统的小尾寒羊（Han）、不丹羊（Bhutan）、同羊（Tong）、湖羊（Hu）、滩羊（Tan）、洼地绵羊（WD）、Bhyanglung绵羊（Bhy）、Baruwal绵羊（Bar）、云南绵羊（Yunnan）、哈拉和林绵羊（Kh）和乌兰巴托绵羊（Ub）。南部检测的群体中X等位基因频率范围为0．2037～0．4655,平均值为0．3082,包括属于印度绵羊系统的孟加拉国绵羊（Ban）、Kagi绵羊（Kagi）、Lampuchhre绵羊（Lamp）、越南占部落绵羊（Cham）和缅甸绵羊（Mya）。本研究揭示X等位基因可作印度绵羊的标记,在绵羊群体尤其是亚洲东部和南部绵羊系统形成的研究中具有潜在的重要作用。