Development of Radiolabeled Probes with Improved Imaging Contrast by Releasing Urinary Excretable Radiolabeled Compounds from Thermosensitive Liposomes in the Blood.

In this study, thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs) encapsulating urinary excretable radiolabeled compounds were developed. We considered that the release of the radiolabeled compounds from the TSLs in the blood by heating the blood in peripheral tissues can achieve rapid clearance of radioactivity, resulting in improved imaging contrast. To demonstrate the hypothesis, classical TSLs mainly composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl--glycero-3-phosphocholine with a phase transition temperature of 41 °C were used.

Comprehensive expression analysis of hormone-like substances in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus.

Marine mammals possess a specific subcutaneous fat layer called blubber that not only insulates and stores energy but also secretes bioactive substances. However, our understanding of its role as a secretory organ in cetaceans is incomplete. To exhaustively explore the hormone-like substances produced in dolphin subcutaneous adipose tissue, we performed seasonal blubber biopsies from captive female common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; N = 8, n = 32) and analyzed gene expression via transcriptomics.

Sintering of Platinum-Containing Conjugated Polymers: Gas Adsorption and Catalysis of the Formed Pt-Carbon Composites.

Pt-containing - and -linked poly(phenyleneethynylene)s were synthesized by the dehydrochlorination coupling polymerization of PtCl(PBu) with - and -diethynylbenzenes. The formed polymers were sintered at 900 °C to obtain Pt-graphene hybrids, whose structures were examined by Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Shapes─facets, terraces, and steps─with average diameters of 2.

Association of seasonal changes in circulating cortisol concentrations with the expression of cortisol biosynthetic enzymes and a glucocorticoid receptor in the blubber of common bottlenose dolphin.

Cortisol is secreted from the adrenal cortex in response to stress, and its circulating levels are used as robust physiological indicators of stress intensity in various animals. Cortisol is also produced locally in adipose tissue by the conversion of steroid hormones such as cortisone, which is related to fat accumulation. Circulating cortisol levels, probably induced by cold stress, increase in cetaceans under cold conditions.

Successful management of nasopharyngitis caused by Schizophyllum commune in a captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

Herein, we describe the management of nasopharyngitis caused by Schizophyllum commune infection in a captive cheetah. Computed tomography revealed a nodule in the nasal cavity and pharynx, and an endoscopic biopsy was performed. As a result, the nodule was surgically resected because of a suspected carcinoma.

Unilateral luteoma of the ovary in a pregnant Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus).

A white, lobular mass was found in the right ovary of a pregnant Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) at necropsy. The mass was unilateral and occupied most of the pre-existing ovarian tissue. Histologically, the mass was composed of diffuse sheets of polyhedral cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and oval nuclei, separated by fibrous connective tissue.

A case of meconium aspiration syndrome in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calf.

Stillbirth and neonatal mortality are significant problems in captive breeding of dolphins, however, the causes of these problems are not fully understood. Here, we report a case of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in a male neonate of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) who died immediately after birth. At necropsy, a true knot was found in the umbilical cord.

Primary cerebral T-cell lymphoma in a sea otter (enhydra lutris).

A 10-year-old female sea otter exhibited convulsions, arrhythmia, hyperthermia, forced breathing and anorexia and died after a week. Histopathological examination revealed neoplastic proliferation of small round cells with scant cytoplasm and round or oval nuclei distributed mainly in the thalamus. The proliferation of neoplastic cells was observed in the cerebral parenchyma and perivascular areas.