Relationship between ovarian ultrasonographic findings on the seventh post-estrus day and plasma progesterone concentration,nutritional metabolic factors,and pregnancy outcome in dairy cows

To improve the accuracy of ultrasonographic assessment of luteal function, we investigated the relationship between ovarian ultrasonographic findings on Day 7 (Day 1 = ovulation) and plasma progesterone (P₄) concentration, nutritional metabolic factors, and pregnancy outcome. A total of 47 spontaneous estrus events were investigated in 38 lactating Holstein cows (artificial insemination, n = 31; embryo transfer, n = 16). Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on Days 0 and 7 to measure the pre-ovulatory follicle area on Day 0 and the luteal tissue area (LTA), luteal blood flow area (LBF), relative LBF (rLBF) (= LBF/LTA), and dominant follicle area (DFA) on Day 7. Blood samples were collected on Day 7 to measure plasma P₄, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin, and metabolites. Plasma P₄ concentration was positively correlated with LTA but was not associated with LBF or rLBF. Plasma P₄ concentration was positively correlated with blood glucose and IGF-I and negatively correlated with blood urea nitrogen and free fatty acid, and no significant relationship was found between the ultrasonographic findings of the corpus luteum (CL) and these blood metabolites. Pregnant cows had smaller DFA than non-pregnant cows. In conclusion, LTA measurement can help predict plasma P₄ concentration, but it was difficult to detect variations in plasma P₄ concentration in relation to changes in energy status by evaluating the CL ultrasonographically. A combined assessment of CL and first-wave dominant follicle may be important in evaluating fertility.     

Molecular and biological characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus</Emphasis> isolates from distinct regions in Japan

Three isolates of Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV) were obtained from chrysanthemum plants in distinct regions of Japan in 2006 and 2007. All the original host plants showed severe necrotic symptoms on the leaves and stems. Amino acid sequence data of the nucleocapsid protein genes of the three isolates (CbCh07A, TcCh07A, and GnCh07S) showed high identities with those of two other CSNV isolates, HiCh06A L1 from Japan and Chry1 from Brazil. Furthermore, for the first time the complete nucleotide sequence of the S RNA was determined for CSNV (isolate HiCh06A). In phylogenetic analysis based on the non-structural protein genes from the genus Tospovirus, HiCh06A L1 was placed in the same genetic group as Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Impatiens necrotic spot virus. Host range examination for isolates HiCh06A L1 and CbCh07A showed that green pepper (cv. ‘Kyoyutaka’, ‘Saitamawase’, ‘Tosakatsura’, ‘L3 sarara’ and ‘L3 miogi’) and tomato (cv. ‘Sekaiichitomato’) were systemically susceptible hosts, whereas TSWV-resistant Solanaceae species, Capsicum chinense, Lycopersicon peruvianum and a TSWV-resistant cultivar of green pepper (cv. TSR miogi), were resistant.     

Quantitative trait loci associated with lodging tolerance in soybean cultivar ‘Toyoharuka’

Lodging tolerance (LT) is an important trait for high yield and combine-harvesting efficiency in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Many previous studies have investigated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for lodging score (LS) in soybean. Most of the investigated QTLs were located in the proximal region of maturity or growth habit loci. The aim of this study was to identify genetic factors for LT not associated with maturity or growth habit. QTL analysis was performed using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between ‘Toyoharuka’ (TH), a lodging-tolerant cultivar, and ‘Toyomusume’ (TM). The genotypes of TH and TM were estimated as both e1e2E3E4 and dt1. The average LS over 4 years was used for QTL analysis, identifying a major and stable QTL, qLS19-1, on chromosome 19. The LS of the near-isogenic line (NIL) with the TH allele at Sat_099, the nearest marker to qLS19-1, was significantly lower than the NIL with the TM allele at that position. The TH allele at Sat_099 rarely had a negative influence on seed yield or other agronomic traits in both NILs and the TM-backcrossed lines. Our results suggest that marker-assisted selection for qLS19-1 is effective for improving LT in breeding programs.     

A high-resolution radiation hybrid map of the human genome draft sequence

We have constructed a physical map of the human genome by using a panel of 90 whole-genome radiation hybrids (the TNG panel) in conjunction with 40,322 sequence-tagged sites (STSs) derived from random genomic sequences as well as expressed sequences. Of 36,678 STSs on the TNG radiation hybrid map, only 3604 (9.8%) were absent from the unassembled draft sequence of the human genome. Of 20,030 STSs ordered on the TNG map as well as the assembled human genome draft sequence and the Celera assembled human genome sequence, 36% of the STSs had a discrepant order between the working draft sequence and the Celera sequence. The TNG map order was identical to one of the two sequence orders in 60% of these discrepant cases.     

MytiLec,a Mussel R-Type Lectin,Interacts with Surface Glycan Gb3 on Burkitt’s Lymphoma Cells to Trigger Apoptosis through Multiple Pathways

MytiLec; a novel lectin isolated from the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis); shows strong binding affinity to globotriose (Gb3: Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glc). MytiLec revealed β-trefoil folding as also found in the ricin B-subunit type (R-type) lectin family, although the amino acid sequences were quite different. Classification of R-type lectin family members therefore needs to be based on conformation as well as on primary structure. MytiLec specifically killed Burkitt''s lymphoma Ramos cells, which express Gb3. Fluorescein-labeling assay revealed that MytiLec was incorporated inside the cells. MytiLec treatment of Ramos cells resulted in activation of both classical MAPK/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK-ERK) and stress-activated (p38 kinase and JNK) Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways. In the cells, MytiLec treatment triggered expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (a ligand of death receptor-dependent apoptosis) and activation of mitochondria-controlling caspase-9 (initiator caspase) and caspase-3 (activator caspase). Experiments using the specific MEK inhibitor U0126 showed that MytiLec-induced phosphorylation of the MEK-ERK pathway up-regulated expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, leading to cell cycle arrest and TNF-α production. Activation of caspase-3 by MytiLec appeared to be regulated by multiple different pathways. Our findings, taken together, indicate that the novel R-type lectin MytiLec initiates programmed cell death of Burkitt’s lymphoma cells through multiple pathways (MAPK cascade, death receptor signaling; caspase activation) based on interaction of the lectin with Gb3-containing glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains on the cell surface.     

Growth and yield responses of upland NERICAs to variable water management under field conditions

This study aimed to investigate the possible causes for inconsistent performances of upland New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties in uplands and lowlands, while identifying important determinants in grain yield under deficient soil moisture. We compared the growth and yield of NERICA 1 and NERICA 5 to those of Yumenohatamochi, a Japanese upland variety, and Hinohikari, a Japanese lowland variety, subjected to different water management regimes (continually flooded, supplementary irrigation, and non-irrigation). Under conditions of deficient soil moisture, panicle number per square meter, spikelet number per panicle, and 1000-grain weight of NERICAs decreased, whereas the panicle number of the Japanese varieties experienced little change. In contrast, the grain filling ratio was unaffected by water management, irrespective of variety. The primary source of yield reduction under low soil water conditions was a decrease in spikelet number per panicle, and water stress intensity was the primary factor for the degree of this reduction. Variation in the abortion of secondary rachis-branches caused differences between NERICAs in their spikelet number response to soil moisture deficiency. The inconsistency in NERICA performance across uplands vs. lowlands can be partially attributed to variation in yield response to low soil water conditions. Moreover, water stress intensity and the presence of a water gradient along the vertical soil profile may combine to affect the fluctuation in NERICA performance under upland conditions.     

Does QoI (strobilurin) resistance in isolates of Puccinia horiana,the causal agent of chrysanthemum white rust,occur in western Japan?

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Three isolates of chrysanthemum white rust fungus, Puccinia horiana, were collected from two regions in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, in 2017. In an in...     

Behavior of four broad-leaved tree species used to revegetate eroded granite hill slopes

Information on primary growth behavior after planting is required for mixed-plantation revegetation using broad-leaved species. To estimate primary growth, especially from the perspective of crown coverage and changing growth rates, we examined the growth and survival of four broad-leaved species that are frequently used in erosion-control plantations in Japan. The species studied were Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc., Alnus pendula Matsum., Quercus glauca Thunb., and Q. serrata Thunb. The survival, height, and basal diameter of planted trees were measured over a 4-year period, and crown area was calculated over a 3-year period. We found a negative relationship between relative growth rate (RGR) and survival rate, suggesting that fast growth may be fatal when resources are severely limited. The relative height growth rate (RHGR) of A. pendula was especially high during the early period of the study (1997–1999) and then drastically declined, whereas the opposite tendency was observed in Q. glauca. The results of stem allometry analyses conformed to the specific relationships between height growth and diameter growth of the four species; increases in stem thickness based on height increments were smaller in the pioneer species A. pendula. Between-species differences in coverage per planted tree (mean crown area multiplied by survival rate) were small as a result of the negative relationship between coverage area and survival rate.     

Isolation and measurement of carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme III in plasma, sera, and tissues of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To purify canine carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme III (CA-III) and determine plasma, serum, and tissue concentrations of CA-III in healthy dogs and dogs with experimentally induced muscle damage. ANIMALS: 121 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURE: Muscle was obtained from 2 Beagles after euthanasia, and CA-III was purified and characterized by use of column chromatography and electrophoresis, respectively. A CA-III-specific ELISA was developed to determine concentrations of CA-III in plasma of 116 dogs and tissues of 1 dog. Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and CA-III concentration were also determined before and after induction of muscle damage by IM injection of 2 ml of 10% lidocaine to 2 dogs. RESULTS: Canine CA-III had a molecular weight of 28 kd and an isoelectric point of 8.2. Mean (+/- SD) concentration of CA-III in plasma of healthy dogs was 16.91 +/- 9.55 ng/ml. The highest tissue concentration of CA-III was detected in skeletal muscle. Serum concentration of CA-III increased and peaked within the first 2 to 3 hours after induction of muscle damage. The increase in CA-III concentration was more rapid than that of CK activity, and concentration reached its maximum and returned to baseline sooner than did CK activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The CA-III ELISA we developed was a sensitive method for determining CA-III concentrations in plasma, serum samples, and tissue specimens of dogs. Use of this ELISA requires only a small volume of serum and may enable the study of changes in CA isoenzyme concentrations associated with muscle disorders in dogs.     

The beneficial effects of horse trekking on autonomic nervous activity in experienced rider with no disability

The aim of this study was to determine whether autonomic nervous activity of a rider with no disability was altered by one practical and applicable horse trekking (HT) exercise. Changes in autonomic nervous activity were analyzed by heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty‐three participants with no disability rode horses along a predetermined HT course at trotting and walking for 60 min. HRV was sampled at 60 min before and immediately, following 60 min, and 120 min after HT. As a control, the same measurements were performed for 22 age‐matched participants during their rest. Only in the HT group, the value of normalized unit in high frequency component (HF nu), an index of parasympathetic nervous activity, was higher at 120 min after treatment than before HT (P < 0.05). The low / high frequency ratio (LF / HF), believed to reflect sympathetic nervous activity, was lower in the HT group than those in the control group at 60 min (P < 0.05) and 120 min after treatment (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that a single HT shifted the autonomic nervous balance of a rider toward parasympathetic dominance. The results obtained by the present study could accelerate the use of horses for human health.