Surveillance and characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from northern pintail (Anas acuta) in Japan during 2006-09

A total of 38 Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates were obtained from 6060 fecal samples from northern pintail (Anas acuta) ducks collected in the Tohoku district in Japan during 2006-09. One isolate from each sampling location and date was selected for a total of 38 isolates, then 15 of these were characterized for their pathogenicity by mean death time of minimum lethal dose (MDT/MLD) using chicken embryos and by plaque formation on chicken embryo fibroblasts. Furthermore, nine isolates were randomly selected from these 15 isolates, and the fusion protein genes were sequenced to characterize amino acid sequences around the cleavage site. All 15 were confirmed to be nonvirulent by MDT/MLD test, and nine isolates were also confirmed as nonvirulent by the cleavage site of the fusion protein 112G/E-K/R-Q-G/E-R*L117 that was specific for nonvirulent NDVs. The characteristics of nine isolates identified by phylogenic analysis of the fusion protein gene indicated that the isolates belong to genotype I or II. In addition, we also isolated 68 avian influenza viruses and 28 other hemagglutinating viruses. Our data indicate that northern pintails are subclinically infected by, perpetuate, and distribute NDV along with different subtypes of avian influenza viruses and other hemagglutinating viruses during their migrations across vast areas over the Northern Hemisphere to Japan.     

Surgical closure of an atrial septal defect using cardiopulmonary bypass in a cat

Objective: To describe surgical repair of a large atrial septal defect (ASD) in a cat. Study Design: Clinical report. Animal: A 3‐year‐old, 3.3 kg, intact male Japanese domestic short‐haired cat. Methods: A 10.2‐mm‐diameter ASD detected by echocardiography was surgically corrected because pulmonary vascular resistance‐to‐systemic vascular resistance ratio (Q_p/Q_s) was 3.2. Using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), open surgical repair was achieved with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) graft. The priming volume of the CPB circuit was minimized by cutting the CPB tubing, and partially replacing the priming fluid with whole cat blood. To prevent hemodilution associated with use of cardioprotective agents, surgery was performed on the beating heart. Results: At 1‐year echocardiographic evaluation, the repair was intact, and at 3 years, the cat was alive without need of medication. Conclusions: Large ASD in a cat can be repaired using e‐PTFE under CPB.     

Amphidinolide C2, New Macrolide from Marine Dinoflagellate Amphidinium Species

A new cytotoxic 25-membered macrolide, amphidinolide C2 (1), has been isolated from marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. (Y-71 strain), and the structure 1 was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical means.     

γ-氨基丁酸茶成分对大鼠血管紧张素I转换酶(ACE)活性的影响

为探明γ-氨基丁酸茶降血压机理,采用离体培养和活体实验法研究γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)和其他茶成分对血管紧张素I转换酶(ACE)活性的影响。离体培养实验结果表明,GABA、丙氨酸、茶氨酸和γ-羟基丁酸对大鼠ACE活性有明显抑制作用,其中GABA抑制能力最强。当GABA浓度为1 mmol时,ACE活性被抑制50%;当GABA浓度为30 mmol时,ACE活性被完全抑制。活体实验结果也证实,喂食3% GABA能明显抑制食盐负荷大鼠ACE活性的升高。表明GABA对ACE活性的抑制是γ-氨基丁酸茶降血压的主要机理之     

Prematurational Culture with 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine Synchronizes Meiotic Progression of the Germinal Vesicle Stage and Improves Nuclear Maturation and Embryonic Development in In Vitro-grown Bovine Oocytes

The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of prematurational culture (pre-IVM) supplemented with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of in vitro-grown bovine oocytes. In experiment 1, oocytes (95 μm in diameter) derived from early antral follicles (0.5–1 mm in diameter) were cultured for 12 days for in vitro growth (IVG). IVG oocytes with a normal appearance were subjected to examinations of diameter and chromatin structure in the germinal vesicle (GV) before IVM. In addition, percentages of metaphase II (M II) were examined after IVM. Regardless of pre-IVM, the mean diameters of IVG oocytes were about 115 μm. The proportions of GV3 (50.0%) and M II stages (80.1%) of IVG oocytes with pre-IVM were higher than those without pre-IVM (28.0 and 49.4%, respectively). In experiment 2, the fertilizability and developmental competence of IVG oocytes were examined. Regardless of pre-IVM, the normal fertilization rates of IVG oocytes were similar (around 70%) but were lower than that of in vivo-grown oocytes (88.0%). Cleavage and blastocyst rates of IVG oocytes with pre-IVM (63.0 and 26.1%, respectively) were higher than those without pre-IVM (45.8 and 12.7%, respectively). The blastocyst rate based on cleaved IVG oocytes with pre-IVM (41.7%) was similar to that of in vivo-grown oocytes (48.7%), although the cleavage rate of IVG oocytes with pre-IVM was lower than that of in vivo-grown oocytes. In conclusion, pre-IVM with IBMX improved the maturational and developmental competences of IVG oocytes, probably due to promotion of their chromatin transition and synchronization of meiotic progression.     

An evaluation of one example of biotope roof in Japan: Plant development and invertebrate colonisation after 8 years

Biotope roofs in Japan are usually intensive green roofs that primarily include native plants and food plants for invertebrates and a pond and stones to create a wide range of habitats. The study aimed to evaluate the survivability of planted species, and colonisation by plants and invertebrates on a biotope roof and to suggest an appropriate planting design and maintenance scheme to optimize biodiversity benefits. An intensive green roof (150 m², substrate depth of 50 cm) was installed in 2002 on the ninth storey of a building at Chiba University, Japan. Twelve species of trees, 18 species of shrubs and 8 species of forbs (mainly native species) were planted and volcanic stones were used as mulch and to create habitats for invertebrates. No maintenance and no irrigation were applied for almost 8 years. A limited number of tree species, such as Myrica rubra and Cinnamomum camphora could grew well without maintenance and irrigation at a substrate depth of 50 cm. Overall, shrubs grew successfully and a high density planting seemed effective in increasing wind resistance. Most forbs disappeared, probably because of drought and competition with these colonising plants. Eleven plant species spontaneously colonised resulting in domination by Solidago altissima and Miscanthus sinensis. These two species were too aggressive, and selective weeding is required for species richness. In an invertebrate study, 46 species in 11 orders were observed and the highest number of invertebrate species was observed in the pond and shady areas.     

广东南岭自然保护区翼手类物种资源调查

2009年9月,对南岭自然保护区翼手类物种多样性进行了调查。采集蝙蝠标本9种36号,其中西南鼠耳蝠和中管鼻蝠为广东省蝙蝠新纪录。结合以往调查资料,得出该保护区共有翼手类25种,隶属5科12属,其物种多样性十分丰富。