Effect of modified oligopeptides from the beetle Allomyrina dichotoma on Escherichia coli infection in mice

The novel peptides based on a putative active site of defensin, an anti-bacterial peptide from the beetle Allomyrina dichotoma, were synthesized. These synthetic oligopeptides exhibited strong anti-bacterial activity in vitro, even against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Then, anti-bacterial activity of two newly synthesized peptides, RLYLRIGRR-NH(2) (peptide A) and RLRLRIGRR-NH(2) (peptide B) was also examined by macroscopic and histopathologic assessment during the course of infection in mice inoculated with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vivo. Peptide B decreased the mortality of mice inoculated with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic E. coli. The results of macroscopic and histopathologic examinations revealed that peptide B could protect the mice from infection. In contrast, peptide A failed to protect mice from infection with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic E. coli. Also, modified peptides A and B produced no toxicity or side effects in mice. These results suggest that peptide B is useful for developing novel antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.     

Introduction of a self-compatible gene of Lolium temulentum L. to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) for the purpose of the production of inbred lines of perennial ryegrass

Interspecific hybrids between self-compatible species, Lolium temulentum L. and self-incompatible species, L. perenne L. were obtained using embryo rescue. Two cycles of backcrossing of interspecific hybrids with L. perenne were carried out. A 1: 1 segregation ratio of self comatibility and incompatibility was observed in backcross generations. These segregation data confirmed that self-compatibility of L. temulentum was controlled by a single gene. It suggested that the self-compatible gene of L. temulentum could be introduced to self-incompatible plants of L. perenne through interspecific hybridization. It appears that utilization of a self-compatible gene of L. temulentum would be useful for production of inbred lines of L. perenne. The possibility of breeding procedures of perennial ryegrass using a self-compatible gene was discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of different ions on larval metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Metamorphic responses of pediveliger larvae of Mytilus galloprovincialis to different ions were investigated through a series of bioassays. Effects of tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) on inductive effects of these above ions were also investigated. Excess ions including Li⁺, Cs⁺, Rb⁺ and Ca²⁺ induced larval metamorphosis at 10^?3 M to 5 × 10^?2 M in 24‐h exposure assays. In continuous exposure assays, only excess Ca²⁺ showed inductive activity and induced 25% metamorphosis at 5 × 10^?2 M. Larval responses to Li⁺ and Rb⁺were inhibited by TEA, while induction of metamorphosis by Cs⁺and Ca²⁺ was independent of the presence of TEA. Thus, these ions used can be useful inducers of larval metamorphosis for application in the aquaculture industry. The finding provides new insights on the biochemical mechanism controlling larval metamorphosis in this species.     

Effect of snow cover on the distribution of non-migratory sika deer on the top of Mt. Tanzawa,Japan

On the basis of 268 direct sika deer observations and 212 ratio locations of three individuals, the influence of snow on deer distribution was studied. During the period of snow absence or its shallow cover, the deer did not show any preferences towards slope aspect. However, when the snow coverage became deeper, the deer used westerly exposures (having shallower snow cover) more intensively. Later on, when the snow started to melt on the easterly slope aspects deer mostly used those exposures due to relatively abundant food resources.     

Immunohistochemical localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the testis of Hokkaido Sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis)

The testes from 15 adult male Hokkaido Sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) were collected during the rutting season (October and November). We investigated the localization of 4 kinds of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3betaHSD, P450c17 and P450arom) immunohistochemically in these testicular samples. The specific immunoreactivities to these enzymes were detected only in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. This differs to the enzyme distributions reported previously in Japanese black bear, Japanese raccoon dog, Hokkaido brown bear and American black bear, in which the same immunoreactivities were detected in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and/or spermatogenic cells. The current study suggests that in the testes of the Hokkaido Sika deer, testosterone and estradiol-17beta may be synthesized in the Leydig cells only.     

Seasonal changes in serum vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene concentrations in Japanese Black breeding cattle in Hyogo prefecture

The influence of the season on serum vitamin A, E and beta-carotene concentrations was studied in Japanese Black breeding cattle. Blood samples were collected from 13 cows once a month for a year to determine the serum vitamin concentrations. Mean serum concentrations (+/- SE) of retinol, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were 21.3 +/- 0.5 microg/dl (range 9.9 to 44.9), 215.9 +/- 8.0 microg/dl (range 59.7 to 551.6) and 67.3 +/- 5.1 microg/dl (range 10.6 to 425.2), respectively. All these concentrations were lower than the recommended levels. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in summer were lower than those in winter. These results suggest that the vitamin A, E and beta-carotene status of Japanese Black breeding cows is inadequate, and feeding high quality forages or dietary vitamin supplementation during summer should be recommended.     

Calcium ion promotes successful penetration of powdery mildew fungi into barley cells

To determine whether Ca²⁺ promotes powdery mildew penetration, Ca²⁺-treated barley coleoptiles were inoculated with conidia of pathogenic and nonpathogenic fungi. Penetration efficiency of the pathogenic powdery mildew Blumeria graminis was enhanced by Ca²⁺ treatment, but that of the necrotrophic pathogen Helminthosporium sp. remained unaffected. Similarly, when actin-dependent penetration resistance is suppressed with cytochalasin A, Ca²⁺ treatment specifically enhanced penetration of the nonpathogenic powdery mildew Erysiphe pisi but not that of other nonpathogens. Calmodulin inhibitors suppressed the promotive effect of Ca²⁺ on B. graminis penetration. These results suggest that barley powdery mildew specifically requires Ca²⁺ and calmodulin for penetration.     

Hexachlorophene and cuprizone induce the spongy change of the developing rat brain by different mechanisms: the role of 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase)

The goal of this research was to identify mechanisms responsible for the spongy change induced in rats after repeated hexachlorophene (HCP) or cuprizone (CPZ) dosing. Rats were dosed with 35 mg/kg HCP for 5 days followed by drug withdrawal for 7 days suffered spongy changes to the white matter of the cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord that were accompanied by degeneration of oligodendroglia. The severity of both lesions increased prominently on day 5; however, the spongy change decreased and degeneration of oligodendroglia reversed on day 12 (7 days after dosing ceased). On day 12, cerebral cortex oligodendroglia were stained strongly by anti-CNPase. Other rats were fed for 8 days with powdered chow containing 1% (w/w) CPZ, which was then withdrawn for 16 days. The rats exhibited the spongy change in the white matter of the cerebrum and cerebellum as well as oligodendroglial cell death from day 3. The severity of both lesions increased prominently on day 8. Cerebral cortex oligodendroglia were stained strongly by anti-CNPase on days 3 to 8 and decreased to the control levels by day 24 (16 days after dosing ceased). Electron microscopy revealed that oligodendroglia frequently displayed apoptotic morphology. These findings suggest that CNPase expression was induced in the course of restoration following HCP-induced insults to oligodendroglia and the myelin sheath, and in the course of demyelination by CPZ-induced damage to oligodendroglia. However, the role of CNPase on both courses is unclear.     

Recreational tree-climbing programs in a rural Japanese community forest: Social impacts and “fun factors”

We examined whether recreational tree climbing (TC) activities would have positive social impacts and rejuvenate an outdoor activity center and surrounding community forest in central Japan. Our case study comprised 3800 adults and children participating in TC activities at the Jyokoji Outdoor Activity Center (JOAC) in Seto, Japan. We focused on 1393 adult participants whom we considered to be the decision makers regarding family recreation, and we explored both the social impacts of TC and various factors that contributed to and distracted from the overall experience. Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that elements such as age, gender, tree preferences, tree appreciation, tree education, and technical instruction influenced the enjoyment of recreational TC and the positive effects on tree climbers. Overall, the climbing program had positive social impacts for the community forest and contributed to local conservation initiatives. Our case study suggests that other areas can benefit from incorporating TC programs into community forest planning to complement aesthetic, ecological, and restoration benefits and provide a new venue for recreation and conservation awareness.     

Role for piRNAs and noncoding RNA in de novo DNA methylation of the imprinted mouse Rasgrf1 locus

Genomic imprinting causes parental origin-specific monoallelic gene expression through differential DNA methylation established in the parental germ line. However, the mechanisms underlying how specific sequences are selectively methylated are not fully understood. We have found that the components of the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway are required for de novo methylation of the differentially methylated region (DMR) of the imprinted mouse Rasgrf1 locus, but not other paternally imprinted loci. A retrotransposon sequence within a noncoding RNA spanning the DMR was targeted by piRNAs generated from a different locus. A direct repeat in the DMR, which is required for the methylation and imprinting of Rasgrf1, served as a promoter for this RNA. We propose a model in which piRNAs and a target RNA direct the sequence-specific methylation of Rasgrf1.