COMMD5 counteracts cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by maintaining tubular epithelial integrity and autophagy flux.

Oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) and renal inflammation during acute kidney injury (AKI). Copper metabolism MURR1 domain-containing 5 [COMMD5/hypertension-related, calcium-regulated gene (HCaRG)] shows strong cytoprotective properties. COMMD5 is highly expressed in proximal tubules (PTs), where it controls cell differentiation.

Variable, life stage-dependent mycorrhizal specificity and its developmental consequences in the fully myco-heterotrophic orchid .

The degree of specificity between fully myco-heterotrophic (MH) orchids and mycorrhizal fungi is regarded as high, but some species undergo a mycobiont shift as they transition from juvenile to adult plant. We investigated morphological and physiological aspects of the interaction between the fully MH and its four known mycobionts to elucidate developmental consequences of variable, life-stage-dependent specificity. Of five randomly sampled germinated seeds co-cultured with each mycobiont, sp.

Chemical Dephosphorylation of Phosphorylated Polysaccharide.

In exocellular polysaccharides produced from lactic acid bacteria with bioactivity, phosphate groups in polysaccharide have been found to act as an active factor. This chapter introduces chemical dephosphorylation using HF by cleaving phosphate diester bonds in extracellular polysaccharides to clarify phosphorus group functions. After this operation, the purified dephospho-polysaccharide can be used for evaluation of bioactivity.

A case report of feline mast cell tumour with intertumoral heterogeneity: Identification of secondary mutations c.998G>C and c.2383G>C in KIT after resistance to toceranib.

A 12-year-old male domestic cat with multiple subcutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) presented with a 2-week history of pruritus and raw/bleeding skin from self-trauma at Kagoshima University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathological analyses revealed intertumoral heterogeneity among tumour locations based on the mutation status of KIT. In addition, the expression pattern of KIT was characterized.

Isolation of porcine circovirus 3 using primary porcine bone marrow-derived cells.

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) was first reported in the United States in 2016; this virus is considered to be involved in diverse pathologies, such as multisystem inflammation, porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, and reproductive disorders. However, successful isolation of PCV3 using cultured cells has been rare. In this study, we aimed to isolate PCV3 using primary porcine bone marrow-derived cells.

Impact of chitin-derived β-N-acetyl-d-glucosaminyl-(1,4)-d-glucosamine on chitinase upregulation in Shewanella baltica.

The first steps in chitin degradation in marine bacteria involve chitinase, which produces N,N'-diacetylchitobiose (GlcNAc)2 from chitin. Moreover, in Vibrio bacteria, chitinase activity is enhanced by heterodisaccharide β-N-acetyl-d-glucosaminyl-(1,4)-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc-GlcN) produced from (GlcNAc)2 by chitin oligosaccharide deacetylase (COD). However, the role of COD in other marine bacteria, such as Shewanella, remains unexplored.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α-dependent regulation of granule formation in mast cells by intestinal bacteria.

The antiallergic effects of gut microbiota have been attracting attention in recent years, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate these mechanisms specifically focusing on mast cells. Mast cells retain intracellular granules containing various inflammatory mediators such as histamine, which are released outside the cells upon IgE and allergen stimulation.

Activin E upregulates uncoupling protein 1 and fibroblast growth factor 21 in brown adipocytes.

Activin E activates brown and beige adipocytes and has been controversially implicated as a factor that induces obesity and fatty liver. Here, we sought to address this controversial issue by producing recombinant human activin E to evaluate its effects on HB2 brown adipocytes in vitro. Activin E increased uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21) mRNA expression in the adipocytes.

Development of an HPLC method using relative molar sensitivity for the measurement of blood concentrations of nine pharmaceutical compounds.

We developed a reliable high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis method using a relative molar sensitivity (RMS) technique that does not require an authentic, identical reference analyte material to quantify blood serum carbamazepine, phenytoin, voriconazole, lamotrigine, meropenem, mycophenolic acid, linezolid, vancomycin, and caffeine levels for routine blood concentration measurements. Carbamazepine and caffeine were also used as non-analyte reference materials to calculate the RMS of each analyte. The RMS was calculated from the ratio of the slope of the calibration equation (analyte/non-analyte reference material), then used to quantify analytes in control serum samples spiked with carbamazepine, phenytoin, voriconazole, meropenem, mycophenolic acid, linezolid or vancomycin.

Development and Evaluation of Real-Time Quantitative PCR Assays for Detection of Causing Brown Root Rot Disease.

Brown root rot disease (BRRD) is a highly destructive tree disease. Early diagnosis of BRRD has been challenging because the first symptoms and signs are often observed after extensive tissue colonization. Existing molecular detection methods, all based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, were developed without testing against global isolates, other wood-decay fungi, or host plant tissues.

Cultivation of primary cells derived from three organs of a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) using a simple culture method.

Cetacean-cultured cells are a promising tool for life science research. Most cells used in cetacean research are derived from the skin and kidneys. However, cell cultures from various organs are required for more flexible cetacean research.

Tissue Localization of Tetrodotoxin in the Flatworm Planocera multitentaculata (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida).

Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a pufferfish toxin, is a highly potent neurotoxin that has been found in a wide variety of animals. The TTX-bearing flatworm Planocera multitentaculata possesses a large amount of TTX and is considered responsible for the toxification of TTX-bearing animals such as pufferfish (Takifugu and Chelonodon) and the toxic goby Yongeichthys criniger. However, the mechanism underlying TTX accumulation in flatworms remains unclear.

Tyrosinase deficiency impairs social novelty preference in mice.

Objective: Tyrosinase is a rate-limiting enzyme for the biosynthesis of melanin pigment in peripheral tissues, such as skin and the retina. We recently reported the expression and enzymatic activity of tyrosinase as well as its protective effects against oxidative stress-induced protein damage in the mouse brain. The functional role of tyrosinase in the central nervous system, however, remains largely unknown.

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.

Alkane-translocated cells of Rhodococcus strains utilize dissolved oxygen in the alkane phase of an aqueous-alkane two-phase culture.

To clarify the growth mechanisms of Rhodococcus in the alkane phase, we measured oxygen utilization in the alkane phase. The results showed that dissolved oxygen decreased significantly when viable cells were present in the alkane phase. The findings suggested that Rhodococcus strains can grow in alkanes and utilize the resident dissolved oxygen.

Contractile injection systems facilitate sporogenic differentiation of Streptomyces davawensis through the action of a phage tapemeasure protein-related effector.

Contractile injection systems (CISs) are prokaryotic phage tail-like nanostructures loading effector proteins that mediate various biological processes. Although CIS functions have been diversified through evolution and hold the great potential as protein delivery systems, the functional characterisation of CISs and their effectors is currently limited to a few CIS lineages. Here, we show that the CISs of Streptomyces davawensis belong to a unique group of bacterial CISs distributed across distant phyla and facilitate sporogenic differentiation of this bacterium.

The first report of ovarian torsion causing intracoelomic hemorrhage and subsequent hemorrhagic shock in a captive Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti).

A 21-year-old captive female Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) was in good health until the day before the animal died. However, the animal suddenly exhibited symptoms of vomiting and anorexia, and died in shortly thereafter. The autopsy revealed a blood clot in the abdominal air sac and 280 mL of dark red fluid in the body cavity.

Synchronized Expansion and Contraction of Olfactory, Vomeronasal, and Taste Receptor Gene Families in Hystricomorph Rodents.

Chemical senses, including olfaction, pheromones, and taste, are crucial for the survival of most animals. There has long been a debate about whether different types of senses might influence each other. For instance, primates with a strong sense of vision are thought to have weakened olfactory abilities, although the oversimplified trade-off theory is now being questioned.

Nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast from the paper industry as a protein feed for ruminants: A comparison with soybean meal.

We compared nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast (NTY) with soybean meal (SBM) to evaluate NTY as a potential protein feed for ruminants in a metabolic trial using four castrated male goats. NTY was replaced isonitrogenously with SBM at a 25% crude protein (CP) level on a dry matter (DM) basis. NTY has 55% CP and 74% total digestive nutrients on DM.

Localized Expression of Olfactory Receptor Genes in the Olfactory Organ of Common Minke Whales.

Baleen whales (Mysticeti) possess the necessary anatomical structures and genetic elements for olfaction. Nevertheless, the gene () repertoire has undergone substantial degeneration in the cetacean lineage following the divergence of the Artiodactyla and Cetacea. The functionality of highly degenerated mysticete s within their olfactory epithelium remains unknown.