Contrasting gut microbiota in captive Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) by age.

Understanding the gut microbiota characteristics of endangered species such as the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), especially in their early stages of life, could be essential for improving their management and ex situ conservation strategies. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and function of captive Eurasian otters at different ages using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that: (1) Clostridiaceae was abundant in all age stages; (2) Lactococcus in cubs is thought to predominate for digesting milk; (3) bacteria associated with amino acid metabolism increase with age, while bacteria associated with carbohydrate metabolism decrease with age, which is likely due to decrease in dietary carbohydrate content (e.g., milk) and increase in dietary protein contents (e.g., fishes) with age; and (4) fish-related bacteria were detected in feces of healthy adults and juveniles. Overall, the gut microbiota of captive Eurasian otters was taxonomically and functionally different by age, which is thought to be attributed to the difference in the diet in their life stages. This study provided baseline information regarding the gut microbiota of Eurasian otters for the first time and contributes to improvement in their management in captivity.

The pectoral fin muscles of the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae: Functional and evolutionary implications for the fin-to-limb transition and subsequent evolution of tetrapods.

To investigate the morphology and evolutionary origin of muscles in vertebrate limbs, we conducted anatomical dissections, computed tomography and kinematic analyses on the pectoral fin of the African coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae. We discovered nine antagonistic pairs of pronators and supinators that are anatomically and functionally distinct from the abductor and adductor superficiales and profundi. In particular, the first pronator and supinator pair represents mono- and biarticular muscles; a portion of the muscle fibers is attached to ridges on the humerus and is separated into two monoarticular muscles, whereas, as a biarticular muscle, the main body is inserted into the radius by crossing two joints from the shoulder girdle. This pair, consisting of a pronator and supinator, constitutes a muscle arrangement equivalent to two human antagonistic pairs of monoarticular muscles and one antagonistic pair of biarticular muscles in the stylopod between the shoulder and elbow joints. Our recent kinesiological and biomechanical engineering studies on human limbs have demonstrated that two antagonistic pairs of monoarticular muscles and one antagonistic pair of biarticular muscles in the stylopod (1) coordinately control output force and force direction at the wrist and ankle and (2) achieve a contact task to carry out weight-bearing motion and maintain stable posture. Therefore, along with dissections of the pectoral fins in two lungfish species, Neoceratodus forsteri and Protopterus aethiopicus, we discuss the functional and evolutionary implications for the fin-to-limb transition and subsequent evolution of tetrapods. Anat Rec, 299:1203-1223, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Changes in phenols contents from buckwheat sprouts during growth stage.

Germinated buckwheat is buckwheat seeds soaked in water just until it begins to bud. Buckwheat sprouts are seedling plants of buckwheat grown up to 10-15 cm. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal growth period for accumulating the most abundant functional phenol(s) in germinated buckwheat that had been soaked in darkness and buckwheat sprouts cultivated by hydroponic culture. The rutin contained in germinated buckwheat was analyzed by CE (capillary electrophoresis). Phenols, including isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, vitexin, and rutin were separated from buckwheat sprouts by HPLC and identified by LC-MS. The highest rutin content in germinated buckwheat was found to be 15.8 mg/100 g DW at 20 h after germination. Buckwheat sprouts contained five kinds of major phenols. The highest amounts of isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin were measured at day 3, with the exception of rutin, and then a gradual decrease was observed as the sprouts grew. The quantities of isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin at day 3 were 5.8, 11.7, 26.2, and 28.9 mg/100 g FW, respectively. The rutin content rapidly increased to 109.0 mg/100 g FW until day 6. The highest total phenols in buckwheat sprouts were 162.9 mg/100 g FW at day 6. Germinated buckwheat soaked for 20 h and buckwheat sprouts cultivated for 6 days were rich in dietary phenol(s), which makes these plants a valuable functional food for human consumption.

Antibiotic-loaded poly-epsilon-caprolactone and porous beta-tricalcium phosphate composite for treating osteomyelitis.

A composite of poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) loaded with gatifloxacine (GFLX), an antibiotic, and a beta-tricalcium phosphate (betaTCP) porous ceramic body was prepared by a solvent-free process in which no toxic solvent was used. GFLX mostly retained its bactericidal property after the processing. The composite of GFLX-loaded PCL and betaTCP ceramic released GFLX for 4 weeks in Hanks' balanced solution, and had sustained bactericidal activity against Streptococcus milleri and Bacteroides fragilis for at least 1 week. The composite of the GFLX-loaded PCL and betaTCP ceramic was implanted in an osteomyelitis lesion induced by S. milleri and B. fragilis in the rabbit mandible. The osteomyelitis lesion expanded in the mesial-distal direction when no composite was implanted or when the lesion was treated with debridement only. The composite of GFLX-loaded PCL and betaTCP showed efficacy in controlling infection at the bone defect formed by debridement, and supported bone tissue reconstruction at the bone defect. Twelve and 50 weeks after the implantation, the inflammation even disappeared. New bone formation was observed on the surface of the composite after 4 weeks. After 50 weeks, ingrowth of bone tissues with vascular channels was observed along the PCL and betaTCP interface, which indicated degradation of PCL and/or betaTCP ceramic at the ceramic/polymer interface followed by replacement by bone tissues. The GFLX concentrations in the serum and soft tissues were very low. Therefore, the composite of GFLX-loaded PCL and betaTCP ceramic would help arrest osteomyelitis when it is used in addition to intravenous antibiotic administration, and help new bone formation and osteoconduction.