Factors affecting the incidence and outcome of Trueperella pyogenes mastitis in cows.

The main factors affecting the outcome of Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes) mastitis were examined through a survey of diagnostic data and interviews relating to the occurrence of T. pyogenes mastitis in 83 quarters from 82 Holstein cows between August 2012 and April 2014. Ultimately, one cow was sold during the examination, and 82 quarters from 81 cows were used for analysis on prognosis. T. pyogenes mastitis occurred year round in both lactating and dry cows. The incidence of T. pyogenes mastitis did not significantly differ by month or show seasonality in either lactating or dry cows. Therefore, the occurrence of T. pyogenes mastitis also differed from that of summer mastitis. The 1-month survival rate of infected cows was 64.6% (53/82), and the recovery rate of quarters with T. pyogenes mastitis was 14.6% (12/82). Bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with survival and culling of infected cows as objective variables and with recovery and non-recovery of quarters with T. pyogenes mastitis as objective variables. The severe cases were significantly culled (odds ratio, 16.30) compared to mild cases, and the status of quarters didn't recover (odds ratio, 6.50). The results suggest that mild to moderate symptom severity at the time of onset are the main factors affecting outcomes in cows and recovery of quarters infected with T. pyogenes mastitis. Further, high level of NAGase activity also suggested the potential use as an indicator of culling of cows with T. pyogenes mastitis.

BAM 1 and RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE 2 constitute a signaling pathway and modulate CLE peptide-triggered growth inhibition in Arabidopsis root.

Ligand receptor-based signaling is a means of cell-to-cell communication for coordinating developmental and physiological processes in multicellular organisms. In plants, cell-producing meristems utilize this signaling to regulate their activities and ensure for proper development. Shoot and root systems share common requirements for carrying out this process; however, its molecular basis is largely unclear. It has been suggested that synthetic CLV3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptide shrinks the root meristem through the actions of CLAVATA2 (CLV2) and the RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE 2 (RPK2) pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our genetic screening for mutations that resist CLE peptide signaling in roots determined that BAM1, which is a member of the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) family, is also involved in this pathway. BAM1 is preferentially expressed in the root tip, including the quiescent center and its surrounding stem cells. Our genetic analysis revealed that BAM1 functions together with RPK2. Using coimmunoprecipitation assay, we showed that BAM1 is capable of forming heteromeric complexes with RPK2. These findings suggest that the BAM1 and RPK2 receptors constitute a signaling pathway that modulates cell proliferation in the root meristem and that related molecules are employed in root and shoot meristems.

A plant U-box protein, PUB4, regulates asymmetric cell division and cell proliferation in the root meristem.

The root meristem (RM) is a fundamental structure that is responsible for postembryonic root growth. The RM contains the quiescent center (QC), stem cells and frequently dividing meristematic cells, in which the timing and the frequency of cell division are tightly regulated. In Arabidopsis thaliana, several gain-of-function analyses have demonstrated that peptide ligands of the Clavata3 (CLV3)/embryo surrounding region-related (CLE) family are important for maintaining RM size. Here, we demonstrate that a plant U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase, PUB4, is a novel downstream component of CLV3/CLE signaling in the RM. Mutations in PUB4 reduced the inhibitory effect of exogenous CLV3/CLE peptide on root cell proliferation and columella stem cell maintenance. Moreover, pub4 mutants grown without exogenous CLV3/CLE peptide exhibited characteristic phenotypes in the RM, such as enhanced root growth, increased number of cortex/endodermis stem cells and decreased number of columella layers. Our phenotypic and gene expression analyses indicated that PUB4 promotes expression of a cell cycle regulatory gene, CYCD6;1, and regulates formative periclinal asymmetric cell divisions in endodermis and cortex/endodermis initial daughters. These data suggest that PUB4 functions as a global regulator of cell proliferation and the timing of asymmetric cell division that are important for final root architecture.

Preparation and redox studies of α1- and α2-isomers of mono-Ru-substituted Dawson-type phosphotungstates with a DMSO ligand: [α1/α2-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-).

Both α1- and α2-isomers of mono-Ru-substituted Dawson-type heteropolytungstates with a DMSO ligand, [α1-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-) and [α2-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-), are prepared from the α2-isomer of a monolacunary derivative, [α2-P2W17O61](10-). Reaction of [α2-P2W17O61](10-) with Ru(DMSO)4Cl2 under hydrothermal conditions produces [α2-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-) as a main product together with [α1-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-), [PW11O39Ru(II)(DMSO)](5-), and [P2W18O62](6-) as byproducts. By addition of KCl to the reaction mixture, K8[α2-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)] is isolated in a moderate yield. On the other hand, reaction of [α2-P2W17O61](10-) with Ru2(benzene)2Cl4 under hydrothermal conditions produces an isomeric mixture of [P2W17O61Ru(III)(H2O)](7-) (α1-isomer/α2-isomer ratio: ca. 8/1) as a main product together with [PW11O39Ru(III)(H2O)](4-) and [P2W18O62](6-) as byproducts. By addition of acetone to the reaction mixture, K7[P2W17O61Ru(III)(H2O)] is isolated in a good yield. Reaction of [P2W17O61Ru(III)(H2O)](7-) with DMSO produces [α1-P2W17O61Ru(III)(DMSO)](7-) as a main product and [α2-P2W17O61Ru(III)(DMSO)](7-) as a minor product. By addition of KCl and acetone, the α1-isomer K8[α1-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)] is isolated in a good yield. Both compounds are fully analyzed by CV, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, and (183)W), IR, UV-vis, elemental analysis, mass spectroscopy, and single-crystal structure analysis. Assuming that isomerization does not occur during the reaction of [P2W17O61Ru(III)(H2O)](7-) with DMSO, the isolated [P2W17O61Ru(III)(H2O)](7-) contains the α1-isomer as a main compound with the α2-isomer as a minor compound. Unusual transformation of the α2-isomer of [P2W17O61](10-) to the α1-isomer occurs. Redox behaviors of [α1-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-) and [α2-P2W17O61Ru(II)(DMSO)](8-) are compared together with Ru(DMSO)-substituted α-Keggin-type heteropolytungstates, [α-XW11O39Ru(DMSO)](n-) (X = Si, Ge, and P).

Determination of α-Keggin structure of [GeW11O39Ru(III)(H2O)]5-. Reaction of [GeW11O39Ru(III)(H2O)]5- with dimethyl sulfoxide to form [GeW11O39Ru(III)(dmso)]5- and their structural characterization.

Reaction of ruthenium((III))-substituted Keggin-type germanotungstate [GeW(11)O(39)Ru(III)(H(2)O)](5-) (1) with a dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) produced a dmso-coordinating derivative [GeW(11)O(39)Ru(III)(dmso)](5-) (2). Structural characterization of compound 2 by using cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and single crystal structure analysis (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 13.461(1), b = 20.198(1), c = 18.078(1), ß = 90.426(1), Z = 4) revealed that Ru(III) was incorporated in the α-Keggin-type framework and coordinated by dmso through an Ru-S bond. The IR spectra of 1 and 2 were very similar, indicating that 1 also has an α-Keggin structure. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the incorporated Ru(III)-dmso was reversibly reduced to the Ru(II)-dmso derivative and oxidized to the Ru(IV)-dmso derivative. The redox potential in [α-XW(11)O(39)Ru(III/II)(dmso)](n-) (X = P, Ge, Si) decreased in the order of P > Ge > Si. Reaction of the complex 2 with ascorbic acid produced a one-electron-reduced compound [α-GeW(11)O(39)Ru(II)(dmso)](6-).

A Phalaenopsis variety with floral organs showing C class homeotic transformation and its revertant may enable Phalaenopsis as a potential molecular genetic material.

The Orchidaceae is one of the most famous garden plants, and improvement of the orchid is very important in horticulture field. However, molecular information is largely unknown. We found a Phalaenopsis variety harboring floral organs showing C class homeotic change. Column is composed of the anthers with the receptive stigmatic surface just underneath them in wild type. However the C class variety produced column with sepal or petal like structure at the abaxial side. This is the typical abnormality as C class mutants in plants. Further, wild type looking revertant was found from the meristem tissue cultured population. This result strongly indicates the existence of active transposable element in Phalaenopsis genome. This transposon may enable Phalaenopsis as a good material for molecular genetic analysis in Orchidaceae.

MM31/EIR1 promotes lateral root formation in Arabidopsis.

Lateral root formation in Arabidopsis provides a model for the study of auxin function. Tryptophan (Trp) is a precursor of the auxin indoleacetic acid (IAA). To study the physiological function of Trp in auxin-related phenotypes, we examined the effect of Trp on lateral root formation. We found that Trp treatment enhanced lateral root formation and, by screening for mutants in which the effect of Trp on lateral root formation was enhanced, we isolated the mm31 mutant. Based on genetic and physiological analyses, we propose that MM31/EIR1 modulates lateral root formation by regulating the IAA polar transport system, and that auxin transport from the shoot to the root regulates lateral root formation.

Tryptophan auxotroph mutants suppress the superroot2 phenotypes, modulating IAA biosynthesis in arabidopsis.

Plant phytohormone, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA ), is synthesized by tryptophan (trp) dependent and independent pathway. Here we report that tryptophan auxotroph mutants completely suppressed the abnormalities of auxin over production mutant, superroot2. SUR2 is considered to modulate Trp dependent pathway, resulting IAA accumulation in Arabidopsis. Tryptophan auxotroph mutants showed hyper-sensitivity to the auxin polar transport inhibitor, NPA, on the phenotype of reduced gravitropism. These results together with the results of histochemical analyses, tryptophan auxotroph mutants seem to have a complete defect in Trp dependent IAA biosynthesis pathway, and it is also suggested that the Trp dependent pathway is responsible for the normal root gravitropism.

Usefulness of addition of Orvus ES paste and sodium lauryl sulfate to frozen feline semen.

It has been shown that addition of the surfactant Orvus ES paste (OEP) and its main component sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to boar or dog semen before freezing improves post-thaw sperm motility and protects acrosome caps. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of the addition of OEP (0, 1, 2 and 4%) or SLS (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/ml) to cat ejaculates before freezing and their concentrations. Among the OEP addition groups, the 1% OEP group showed higher sperm motility than the other groups. Among the SLS addition groups, the 3 mg/ml SLS group showed slightly higher sperm motility and viability than the other groups. Comparison between the 1% OEP and 3 mg/ml SLS addition groups suggested a higher percentage of sperm with an acrosome cap in the 1% OEP group. The other sperm properties did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. These results indicate that addition of 1% OEP or 3 mg/ml SLS is effective for freezing of cat ejaculated semen.

New A-ring lactone triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum.

Three new A-ring lactone triterpenoid saponins, platycoside M-1 [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl platycogenic acid A lactone], platycoside M-2 [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl platycogenic acid A lactone 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside], and platycoside M-3 [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl platycogenic acid A lactone 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside], were isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidence.

Five new triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum.

Five new triterpenoid saponins, platycoside H [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2beta,3beta,16alpha,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside], platycoside I [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2beta,3beta,16alpha,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside], platycoside J [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2beta,3beta,16alpha,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside], platycoside K [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2beta,3beta,16alpha,23,24-pentahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid], and platycoside L [3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2beta,3beta,16alpha,23,24-pentahydroxyolean-12-en-28 oic acid], and three known triterpenoid saponins, platycoside F, platycoside B, and platycoside C, were isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidence.

Beta1-adrenergic receptor mediation in the lichen glucan PB-2-induced enhancement of long-term potentiation in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo.

The mechanism underlying the enhancement of long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by the systemic administration of PB-2, an alpha(1-3)(1-4)glucan-containing fraction extracted from the lichen Flavoparmelia baltimorensis and a putative LTP-enhancing agent, was investigated in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo. Particular attention was paid to the role of adrenaline beta-receptors. An intravenous (i.v.) injection of PB-2 enhanced the induction of LTP, which was in turn inhibited by an i.v. injection of the adrenaline beta1-receptor antagonist atenolol. An intracerebroventricular injection of atenolol did not affect the induction of LTP, but completely suppressed the PB-2-induced enhancement of LTP. The infusion of atenolol into the recording site attenuated the PB-2-induced facilitation of LTP. These results suggest that the adrenaline beta1-receptors contribute to the enhancement of LTP induced by the systemic administration of PB-2, and that the functional beta1-receptors are located both centrally and peripherally.

Highly potent anti-HIV-1 activity isolated from fermented Polygonum tinctorium Aiton.

A water-soluble extract of fermented Polygonum tinctorium Aiton (Polygonaceae) called Sukumo, exhibited a potent inhibitory activity against HIV type 1 in vitro. The extract potently suppressed acute HIV-1 (IIIB) infection in MT-4 cells with EC50 values of 0.5 microg/ml but exhibited low cytotoxicity to MT-4 cells even at a high concentration (CC50 > 1000 microg/ml). It also inhibited giant cell formation in co-cultures of HIV-infected cells and uninfected Molt-4 cells. Sukumo extract was found to interact with both the viral envelope glycoprotein and cellular receptors, thus blocking virus-cell binding and virus-induced syncytium formation. There was a good correlation between the extract's anti-HIV-1 activity and its inhibitory effects on HIV-1 binding. It also suppressed replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in Vero cells with an EC 50 of 11.56 microg/ml. On the other hand, there was no appreciable activity against influenza A virus, poliovirus or SARS corona virus when tested at concentrations ranging from 3.2-400 microg/ml as shown by microscopic image analysis for cytopathic effect (CPE). Physico-chemical studies revealed that the anti-HIV activity in the extract was essentially maintained after boiling at 100 degrees C in 1N HCl or 1N NaOH, and after treatment with 100 mM NaIO4. The inhibitory activity of the extract was also not reduced after pronase digestion. The active factor in the extract is likely to be a novel compound(s) having a polyanionic substructure and a molecular weight of 10,000-50,000.

Fertility of bitches in which estrus was prevented with implantations of chlormadinone acetate for four years.

The recurrence of estrus and fertility after removal of a subcutaneous chlormadinone acetate implant (CMA-I) administered to prevent estrus for 4 years, was investigated in 8 female dogs and the results compared with those for 4 untreated female dogs (control group). The sex hormones present during the estrous cycle were also investigated. There were no significant differences in the estrous cycle after removal of the implant between the CMA-I-treated group and the control group. However, although conception was achieved after mating and no uterine diseases developed in the control group, only 5 (4 dogs, 41.7%) of the 12 cases (6 dogs) in which mating took place at the second to fourth estrus after the removal of CMA-I resulted in pregnancy in the CMA-I-treated group. Furthermore, 6 (75.0%) of the 8 dogs in the CMA-I-treated group developed uterine diseases including pyometra or hydrometra. There were no significant differences in plasma progesterone, LH and prolactin levels between the non-pregnant and pregnant dogs in the CMA-I-treated group or control group. These results suggest that long-term implantation of CMA-I affects fertility after the implant is removed.

Dual effects of the lichen glucan PB-2, extracted from Flavoparmelia baltimorensis, on the induction of long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus of the anesthetized rat: possible mediation via adrenaline beta- and interleukin-1 receptors.

We have previously found that oral or intravenous (i.v.) administration of the polysaccharide fraction PB-2, extracted from the lichen Flavoparmelia baltimorensis, facilitated the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus (DG) in vivo. In this study, the mechanism underlying the effect of PB-2 on the induction of LTP was investigated in the DG of anesthetized rat focusing on the contribution of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor and the adrenaline beta-receptor. An i.v. injection of IL-1ra (10(-9) g/kg), an antagonist of the IL-1 receptor, had no effect on the basal response in the DG; however, this treatment augmented the enhancement of LTP induced by a single i.v. injection of PB-2 (10(-3) g/kg). This potentiating effect was also observed following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of IL-1ra (10(-15)-10(-11) g). An i.v. injection of IL-1beta (3.5 x 10(-15)-3.5 x 10(-9) g/kg) inhibited the induction of LTP, which was diminished by the previous application of IL-1ra. These results suggest that the activation of the IL-1 receptor induces the suppression of LTP in PB-2-treated rats, and that endogenous IL-1beta contributes to the IL-1 receptor activation. An i.c.v. infusion of metoprolol (7.5 x 10(-6) g), an antagonist of the adrenaline beta(1)-receptor, attenuated the enhancement of LTP induced by an i.v. injection of PB-2. These results suggest that PB-2 has two different effects on the LTP, an enhancing effect and an inhibiting one, and that it exhibited the significant enhancing effect on the LTP as a total balance of these effects.

Development of a PCR method for rapid identification of new Streptococcus mutans serotype k strains.

In a previous study, we isolated and characterized a new serotype k of Streptococcus mutans from human blood and oral cavities. Analysis of the genes involved in biosynthesis of the serotype-specific polysaccharide of serotype k strains revealed that the serotype k-specific nucleotide alignment was commonly present in the 5' region of the rgpF gene (350 bp from the initial sequence) compared to the reference strains, and then a method for rapid identification of serotype k strains was developed by use of PCR with primers designed on the basis of the sequence of the variable region. PCR assays with primers specific for amplification of serotype k strains showed a negative reaction with serotype c, e, and f strains and a positive reaction with serotype k strains, with the sensitivity for identification of the serotype k strains shown to range from 5 to 50 cells. Next, the frequency of positive reactions for serotype k-specific primers was surveyed with DNA taken from saliva samples from 200 subjects (2 to 18 years of age), and 10 of those showed a positive reaction, which was higher than the frequency in our previous survey with a serological method. In addition, all saliva samples from subjects with serotype k strains in our previous study were shown to be positive with the serotype k-specific primers. These results indicate that this new PCR method is effective for identification of subjects with S. mutans serotype k.

PCR detection and identification of oral streptococci in saliva samples using gtf genes.

Oral streptococci are major constituents of dental plaque, and their prevalence is implicated in various pathologies. Therefore, accurate identification of oral streptococci would be valuable for studies of cariogenic plaque and for diagnostic use in infective endocarditis. Many oral streptococci possess glucosyltransferase enzymes that synthesize glucan, which is an obligate component of dental plaque. We established a rapid and precise method to identify oral streptococci by PCR using the species-specific region from the glucosyltransferase gene. With the species-specific primers, Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, S. salivarius, S. sanguinis, S. oralis, and S. gordonii could be successfully distinguished. Further, we developed a simple method to extract the bacterial DNA from saliva. Using the resultant DNA as a template, the proposed PCR detection was performed. Their distribution was in accord with results of conventional biochemical tests. These findings indicate that the present PCR method is useful for the analysis of oral streptococci and can be successfully used in clinical applications to identify pathogenic bacteria associated with oral infectious disease and/or endocarditis.

Further studies on the structure of polysaccharides from the lichen Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale.

A water-soluble polysaccharide called PC-2 was previously isolated from Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale and assigned to alpha(1-3)(1-4)glucan. However, PC-2 separated into three components, PC-2A, PC-2B, and PC-2C (a single peak in HPLC, respectively) on further purification. Methylation analysis and (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectroscopic studies suggested that PC-2A is composed of repeating units of [alpha-D-Glc1-3](3), : [alpha-D-Glc1-4](2), while PC-2B and PC-2C are partly branched galactoglucomannans consisting of (1-3)- and (1-4)-linked alpha-D-glucopyranosyl units as the main chain. In addition we confirmed that the polysaccharide fraction PB-2 from the lichen of the same genus, Flavoparmelia baltimorensis (Gyelink & Foriss) Hale, is identical to PC-2 based on the chemical and spectroscopic data.

Ardisimamillosides G and H, two new triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia mamillata.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, ardisimamilloside G (1), 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-13beta,28-epoxy-16-oxo-oleanan-3beta,30-diol and ardisimamilloside H (2), 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-3beta-hydroxy-13beta,28-epoxy-16-oxo-oleanan-30-al, were isolated from the roots of Ardisia mamillata HANCE. Structure assignments were established on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidence.

PB-2, a polysaccharide fraction from lichen Flavoparmelia baltimorensis, peripherally promotes the induction of long-term potentiation in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo.

We have previously found that oral or intravenous administration of PC-2, a polysaccharide fraction purified from extracts of lichen Flavoparmelia caperata, facilitates the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats. PC-2 could be useful in the development of therapeutic drugs for senile dementia. However, it has been very difficult to obtain the material Flavoparmelia caperata because of its scarcity. In the present study, we therefore investigated whether PB-2, a polysaccharide fraction from another lichen Flavoparmelia baltimorensis, has similar biological effects. Oral administration of PB-2 (100-200 mg/kg) did not affect basal evoked potentials, but significantly promoted the induction of LTP following tetanic stimulation (30 pulses at 60 Hz) in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats. Intravenous injection of PB-2 (1-5 mg/kg) was also effective in promoting the induction of LTP, but intracerebroventricular injection of PB-2 (1-2 mg/brain) was ineffective. PB-2, as well as PC-2, should be valuable in identifying factors that promote synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.