Effect of wnt-1 and related proteins on gap junctional communication in Xenopus embryos

The proto-oncogene wnt-1 (previously referred to as int-1) is thought to be important in embryonic pattern formation although its mechanisms of action are unknown. Premature and increased expression of the Wnt-1 protein, achieved by injection of synthetic wnt-1 RNA into fertilized Xenopus eggs, enhanced gap junctional communication between ventral cells of the developing embryo. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that Wnt proteins activate a receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway and that gap junctional communication can be a target of this pathway. The effects of two Wnt-1-related proteins on gap junctional communication were also investigated: overexpression of Xwnt-8 increased gap junctional coupling in a manner similar to Wnt-1, whereas Xwnt-5A did not. These findings are consistent with the existence of multiple receptors for Wnt proteins.     

Nucleus-Encoded Thylakoid Protein,OsY3IP1, Confers Enhanced Tolerance to Saline and Alkaline Stresses in Rice

Abiotic stress confers serious damage to the photosynthetic machinery, often resulting in plant growth inhibition. Hypothetical chloroplast open reading frame 3 (Ycf3)-interacting protein 1 (Y3IP1) is a nucleus-encoded thylakoid protein and plays an essential role in the assembly of photosystem I. The full-length cDNA over-expresser (FOX) gene-hunting system is an approach using systemically generated gain-of-function mutants. Among the FOX-rice lines, a line CE175 overexpressing rice Y3IP1 gene (OsY3IP1) displayed less inhibition of root growth under saline (NaCl) stress. The expression of OsY3IP1 was up-regulated under saline and alkaline (Na₂CO₃) stresses in the rice variety Kitaake. After saline and alkaline treatments, transgenic Kitaake overexpressing OsY3IP1-GFP (OsY3IP1-GFPox/Kit) displayed higher levels of chlorophyll content compared to Kitaake. Under the stress conditions, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry levels was higher in OsY3IP1-GFPox/Kit than in Kitaake. The increased tolerance conferred by OsY3IP1 overexpression correlated with reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation. Our data provide new insights into the possible role of OsY3IP1 in the pathway suppressing photooxidative damage under stress conditions. These features can be further exploited to improve saline and alkaline tolerances of rice plants in future.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF A MULTIFOCAL OLIGODENDROGLIOMA IN THE SPINAL CORD AND BRAIN OF A DOG

An 8‐year‐old neutered male Toy Poodle was presented with chronic, progressive tetraparesis, and possible seizures. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated an extensive, T1 and T2 hyperintense contrast enhancing mass in the cervical spinal cord. Three nodules were present on the surface of the thalamus, with enhancement most evident on delayed images. A diagnosis of high‐grade oligodendroglioma was confirmed with postmortem histopathology and immunohistochemical labeling. Oligodendroglioma should be considered as a differential for T1 hyperintense intraaxial or intramedullary lesions with contrast enhancement. If enhancement is not visualized on postcontrast images, delayed images may be beneficial.     

Fixed‐time post‐cervical artificial insemination in weaned sows following buserelin use combined with/without eCG

Fixed‐time post‐cervical artificial insemination (FTAI) drastically reduces labour requirements and increases the use of boars with higher genetic merit. This study evaluated the efficiency of eCG administration combined with/without the GnRH agonist buserelin for the induction and synchronization of ovulation in weaned sows submitted to FTAI. The sows were allocated into three groups. In the control group, the first artificial insemination was performed at the onset of oestrus and repeated every 24 hr. In the eCG+GnRH group, sows received 600 IU eCG at weaning and buserelin (10 μg) after 86–89 hr of eCG, and in the GnRH group, sows received only buserelin after 86–89 hr of weaning. The hormone‐treated sows received a single FTAI after 30–33 hr of buserelin application. All the sows were inseminated with homospermic doses (1.5 × 10⁹ sperm cells/50 ml). The interval between weaning and ovulation was shorter (p < .05) in the eCG+GnRH (133.3 hr) and GnRH (135.9 hr) groups than the control (141.5 hr) group. In the eCG+GnRH group, the sows ovulated earlier (p < .05) than those in the GnRH group (44.5 vs. 48.2 hr after buserelin administration). The reproductive performance of GnRH sows was not compromised when only sows exhibiting oestrus at the time of insemination were considered, but lower farrowing rate and smaller litter size were observed in eCG+GnRH sows. The reproductive performance of eCG+GnRH sows was primarily compromised because the insemination was performed outside the optimal time relative to ovulation; therefore, it is advisable to inseminate them before 116–122 hr after weaning.     

Reproductive performance of postpartum ewes treated with insulin or progesterone hormones in association with ram effect

The reproductive performance of postpartum Santa Inês (SI) and Morada Nova (MN) ewes treated with insulin or progesterone hormones in association with ram effect was evaluated. Ewes from SI (n = 69) and MN (n = 69) breeds were randomly allocated to three groups of each breed (T1—ram effect only; T2—ram effect + insulin; T3—ram effect + progesterone). Progesterone concentrations (ηg/ml; mean ± SD) before and after introduction of rams (n = 6) were 0.51 ± 0.22 and 3.78 ± 0.68 (T1), 0.65 ± 0.21 and 3.77 ± 0.78 (T2) and 0.52 ± 0.21 and 3.84 ± 0.84 (T3) in SI ewes and 0.74 ± 0.19 and 3.71 ± 0.56 (T1), 0.70 ± 0.21 and 3.79 ± 0.75 (T2) and 0.81 ± 0.14 and 3.87 ± 0.80 (T3) in MN ewes, respectively. Thus, lower progesterone concentrations were found before the introduction of rams (p < .05). After the introduction of rams, preovulatory peaks of LH (ηg/ml) occurred at 28 (T1), 44 (T2) and 48 (T3) hr in SI ewes and at 64 (T1), 40 (T2) and 44 (T3) hr in MN ewes. The mean number of ovulations was similar between groups (p > .05), was 1.3 ± 0.51 (T1), 1.5 ± 0.54 (T2) and 1.6 ± 0.51 (T3) in SI ewes and 1.3 ± 0.51 (T1), 1.6 ± 0.51 (T2) and 1.6 ± 0.51 (T3) in MN ewes. In conclusion, the ram effect alone is effective at inducing and synchronizing oestrus in sheep under postpartum anoestrus, irrespective of hormone treatments.     

Porphyra tenera Protects against PM2.5-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction with the Regulation of Gut Function

To evaluate the biological effects of Porphyra tenera (P. tenera), we tried to confirm the possibility that the intake of P. tenera could modulate cognitive and intestinal functions in PM_2.5-induced cognitive decline mice. P. tenera attenuated PM_2.5-induced learning and memory impairment through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the mitochondrial function and TLR-initiated NF-κB signaling. In addition, P. tenera effectively alleviated Aβ production/tau phosphorylation by inhibiting the JNK phosphorylation. Also, the bioactive constituents of P. tenera determined the sulfated galactan, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), and chlorophyll derivatives. Moreover, the bioactive compounds of P. tenera by gut fermentation protected against gut dysbiosis and intestinal tight junction damage with a decrease in inflammatory response and short-chain fatty acid production. Based on these results, our findings suggest that P. tenera with sulfated galactan and MAAs is a potential material for cognitive function improvement.     

Taeanamides A and B,Nonribosomal Lipo-Decapeptides Isolated from an Intertidal-Mudflat-Derived Streptomyces sp.

Two new lipo-decapeptides, namely taeanamides A and B (1 and 2), were discovered from the Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces sp. AMD43, which was isolated from a mudflat sample from Anmyeondo, Korea. The exact molecular masses of 1 and 2 were revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the planar structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined using a combined analysis of ¹H-¹H coupling constants and ROESY correlations, the advanced Marfey’s method, and bioinformatics. The putative nonribosomal peptide synthetase pathway for the taeanamides was identified by analyzing the full genome sequence data of Streptomyces sp. AMD43. We also found that taeanamide A exhibited mild anti-tuberculosis bioactivity, whereas taeanamide B showed significant bioactivity against several cancer cell lines.     

Laparoscopic colopexy for recurrent rectal prolapse in a Maltese dog

A 2.5-kg castrated male Maltese dog, suspected to be older than 10 y, was presented with a prolapsed mass at the anus. This had occurred on 2 previous occasions within the last 4 mo and had been managed with manual reduction and purse-string sutures. The rectal prolapse had viable tissue and was reducible but resulted in straining and fecal accumulation. Colopexy (with intracorporeal sutures) was performed laparoscopically using 3 ports; the distal colon was retracted cranially and attached to the abdominal wall with 3 simple interrupted sutures in a single row. The dog recovered uneventfully, had good appetite and normal activity, did not strain, and defecated without issues. There were no wound-healing complications and at 12-month post-operative examination, the patient was in good condition without clinical signs. Based on this case report, laparoscopic colopexy is clinically practical for management of rectal prolapse in small-breed dogs.