Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma bovis Strain KG4397, Isolated from Cattle in Japan.

is a major bacterial pathogen that causes pneumonia, mastitis, and arthritis in cattle. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of an strain isolated in Japan for the first time and announce the complete genome sequence of strain KG4397, which caused respiratory diseases in cattle in 2012.

Nacre-inspired hemicelluloses paper with fire retardant and gas barrier properties by self-assembly with bentonite nanosheets.

Demand for fabricating robust hemicelluloses composites has been continuously increasing so as to replace petroleum-derived materials with renewable resources. In this study, a new galactomannan with high molecular weight was extracted from endosperms of Sesbania cannabina which could improve the formation of arabinoxylan film. Inspired by the excellent mechanical properties and hierarchical structure of natural nacre, these naturally extracted arabinoxylan and galactomannan were further self-assembled with bentonite nanosheets, generating a ternary paper with multilayered structure.

Cross-Linked Nanocellulosic Materials and Their Applications.

Nanocelluloses (NCs) have remarkable mechanical properties and contain abundant surface functional groups that can be modified or cross-linked with other materials. They have been widely used as an environment-friendly reinforcing agent in polymer composites. However, for applications that are carried out in humid environments or aqueous suspensions, hydrophilicity of NCs lower their mechanical integrity.

Bio-inspired nanocomposite by layer-by-layer coating of chitosan/hyaluronic acid multilayers on a hard nanocellulose-hydroxyapatite matrix.

This study proposed a layer-by-layer technique on the hard CNCs/hydroxyapatite (HAP) matrix using biodegradable and biocompatible chitosan and hyaluronic acid (HA). Inspired by the mineralized collagen in human bone, the CNCs/HAP matrix was synthesized by a facile in situ HAP coating on the CNCs fibers. The chemical and crystalline structure of the CNCs/HAP matrix was investigated with FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, and SAED.

Integration of renewable deep eutectic solvents with engineered biomass to achieve a closed-loop biorefinery.

Despite the enormous potential shown by recent biorefineries, the current bioeconomy still encounters multifaceted challenges. To develop a sustainable biorefinery in the future, multidisciplinary research will be essential to tackle technical difficulties. Herein, we leveraged a known plant genetic engineering approach that results in aldehyde-rich lignin via down-regulation of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase () and disruption of monolignol biosynthesis.

Structural and Functional Analysis of the CAPS SNARE-Binding Domain Required for SNARE Complex Formation and Exocytosis.

Exocytosis of synaptic vesicles and dense-core vesicles requires both the Munc13 and CAPS (Ca-dependent activator proteins for secretion) proteins. CAPS contains a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-binding region (called the DAMH domain), which has been found to be essential for SNARE-mediated exocytosis. Here we report a crystal structure of the CAPS-1 DAMH domain at 2.

Cross-linked poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol)/nanocellulosics foams via directional freezing.

Aligned micro- and nanoporous materials have gained tremendous interest since they provide great potential in organic electronics, absorbents, biomedicine and tissue engineering. Herein, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) cross-linked with poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) (PMVEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) foams were prepared by both the directional and un-directional freezing techniques. Aligned three-dimensional porous structures were observed for the directional frozen foams after lyophilization via scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Repeated avian infectious bronchitis virus infections within a single chicken farm.

Genotyping of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was performed on trachea and kidney samples of six chickens obtained from a single farm in Japan. Using two primer sets targeting the spike (S) protein gene, the S1 and S2 regions of DNA fragments were amplified. Sequences of amplified S1 fragments extracted from both organs were identical among the six chickens, showing a JP-I genotype.

Biomimetic composite scaffold from an hydroxyapatite coating on cellulose nanocrystals.

A novel nanocomposite scaffold was developed by homogeneous deposition of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on a cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) matrix suspended in a simulated body fluid (SBF). By adjusting the pH of the SBF, the HAP content in the nanocomposite could be controlled between 15 wt% and 47 wt%. Physical and chemical characteristics of the nanocomposites were analyzed by SEM, FTIR, XRD, SAED, and TEM, which confirmed the successful incorporation of HAP onto the CNCs.

Isolation and characterization of atypical Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar 15 lacking the apxIICA genes in Japan.

Six atypical Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar 15 strains were isolated from pneumonic lesions of naturally infected dead pigs from the same farm in Japan. Genetic analyses of apx genes revealed that the atypical isolates contained the toxin-associated genes apxIBD, apxIIICA, apxIIIBD, and apxIVA, but not apxIICA. Coinciding with the result of the atypical gene profile, analyses of toxin protein production revealed that these atypical isolates expressed only ApxIII but not ApxII.

Effect of Betahistine and Metformin on Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: An Analysis of Two Clinical Trials.

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain is one of the most common adverse effects of antipsychotic treatment. However, there are no well-established interventions for the weight gain yet. In this study, we pooled the data from two clinical trials, which were originally examining the efficacy of betahistine and the efficacy of metformin in treating antipsychotic-induced weight gain and insulin resistance.

Shigella effector IpaH4.5 targets 19S regulatory particle subunit RPN13 in the 26S proteasome to dampen cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation.

Subversion of antigen-specific immune responses by intracellular pathogens is pivotal for successful colonisation. Bacterial pathogens, including Shigella, deliver effectors into host cells via the type III secretion system (T3SS) in order to manipulate host innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby promoting infection. However, the strategy for subverting antigen-specific immunity is not well understood.

BRAF somatic mutation contributes to intrinsic epileptogenicity in pediatric brain tumors.

Pediatric brain tumors are highly associated with epileptic seizures. However, their epileptogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that the oncogenic BRAF somatic mutation p.

Hepatitis viruses in Kathmandu, Nepal: hospital-based study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to see the aetiology and outcome of sporadic acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Results: Among 210 patients, 94 (45%) were male and 116 (55%) were female. Mean age was 30 years.

Functional Analysis of Cellulose Synthase and Genes in Switchgrass () by Overexpression and RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing.

Switchgrass ( L.) is a leading lignocellulosic bioenergy feedstock. Cellulose is a major component of the plant cell walls and the primary substrate for saccharification.

First detection of porcine circovirus type 3 in Japan.

Porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD) have multiple manifestations that have been attributed to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Recently, a novel porcine circovirus, PCV type 3 (PCV3), was identified in pigs with systemic inflammation of unknown etiology. In this study, we tried to detect the PCV3 genome in tissue samples collected from Japanese pig herds in 2016.

Enhanced PAPSS2/VCAN sulfation axis is essential for Snail-mediated breast cancer cell migration and metastasis.

The zinc finger protein Snail is a master regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and a strong inducer of tumor metastasis, yet the signal cascades triggered by Snail have not been completely revealed. Here, we report the discovery of the sulfation program that can be induced by Snail in breast cancer cells, and which plays an essential role in cell migration and metastasis. Specifically, Snail induces the expression of PAPSS2, a gene that encodes a rate-limiting enzyme in sulfation pathway, and VCAN, a gene that encodes the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan Versican in multiple breast cancer cells.

Purification and characterization of immunogenic recombinant virus-like particles of porcine circovirus type 2 expressed in silkworm pupae.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a primary causative agent of postweaningmultisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which has a significant economic impact on the swine industry. The capsid protein (Cap) encoded by ORF2 of the viral genome has been used effectively as a vaccine against PCV2 infection. The Cap protein can spontaneously assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) that are safe and highly immunogenic for vaccine applications.

The Wnt Signaling Pathway Effector TCF7L2 Mediates Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance.

Olanzapine is a widely used atypical antipsychotic medication for treatment of schizophrenia and is often associated with serious metabolic abnormalities including weight gain and impaired glucose tolerance. These metabolic side effects are severe clinical problems but the underpinning mechanism remains poorly understood. Recently, growing evidence suggests that Wnt signaling pathway has a critical role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and molecular cascades of antipsychotics action, of which Wnt signaling pathway key effector TCF7L2 is strongly associated with glucose homeostasis.

Proliferative changes in the adrenal medulla of aged Chinese native pigs.

Four aged retired Chinese native pigs, three females and one male, estimated as over 10-year-old, were subjected to autopsy because of infertility due to aging. Grossly, nodular lesions were found bilaterally in the adrenal medulla of all four pigs. Based on the gross and the histopathological findings, they were diagnosed as either medullary nodular hyperplasia or pheochromocytoma.

Bacterial-fungal interactions: ecology, mechanisms and challenges.

Fungi and bacteria are found living together in a wide variety of environments. Their interactions are significant drivers of many ecosystem functions and are important for the health of plants and animals. A large number of fungal and bacterial families engage in complex interactions that lead to critical behavioural shifts of the microorganisms ranging from mutualism to antagonism.

Efficacy of genogroup 1 based porcine epidemic diarrhea live vaccine against genogroup 2 field strain in Japan.

Background: Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a lethal infectious disease in suckling piglets with symptoms including watery diarrhea caused by PED virus (PEDV). Since the late 1990's, live vaccines based on genogroup 1 virus have been used in Japan, and a significant amount of the vaccine has been used even after new genogroups invaded in 2013. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a conventional PED live vaccine on a newly prevalent genogroup 2 field strain in experimental and field situations.

Overexpression of a Domain of Unknown Function 231-containing protein increases O-xylan acetylation and cellulose biosynthesis in .

Background: Domain of Unknown Function 231-containing proteins (DUF231) are plant specific and their function is largely unknown. Studies in the model plants Arabidopsis and rice suggested that some DUF231 proteins act in the process of -acetyl substitution of hemicellulose and esterification of pectin. However, little is known about the function of DUF231 proteins in woody plant species.

Shigella hijacks the glomulin-cIAPs-inflammasome axis to promote inflammation.

Shigella deploys a unique mechanism to manipulate macrophage pyroptosis by delivering the IpaH7.8 E3 ubiquitin ligase via its type III secretion system. IpaH7.