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Accurate point-of-care testing (POCT) is critical for managing tuberculosis (TB). However, current antibody-based diagnosis shows low specificity and sensitivity. To find proper antigen candidates for TB diagnosis by antibodies, we assessed IgGs responsiveness to Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins in pulmonary TB (PTB) patients. We employed major secreted proteins, such as Rv1860, Ag85C, PstS1, Rv2878c, Ag85B, and Rv1926c that were directly purified from M. tuberculosis. In the first screening, we found that IgG levels were significantly elevated in PTB patients only against Rv1860, PstS1, and Ag85B among tested antigens. However, recombinant PstS1 and Ag85B from Escherichia coli (E. coli) couldn't distinguish PTB patients and healthy controls (HC). Recombinant Rv1860 was not checked due to its little expression. Then, the 59 confirmed PTB patients from Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, and 102 HC were tested to Rv1860 and Ag85B only due to the low yield of the PstS1 from M. tuberculosis. The ROC analysis using native Ag85B and Rv1860 showed an acceptable area under curve for diagnosis, which is 0.812 (95% CI 0.734–0.890, p < 0.0001) and 0.821 (95% CI 0.752–0.890, p < 0.0001). This study indicates that taking consideration of native protein structure is key in developing TB's POCT by antibody-based diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation promotes epigenetic reprogramming in cancer progression by pathways that remain unclear. The oncogenic MUC1-C protein is activated by the inflammatory NF-κB pathway in cancer cells. There is no known involvement of MUC1-C in regulation of the COMPASS family of H3K4 methyltransferases. We find that MUC1-C regulates (i) bulk H3K4 methylation levels, and (ii) the COMPASS SET1A/SETD1A and WDR5 genes by an NF-κB-mediated mechanism. The importance of MUC1-C in regulating the SET1A COMPASS complex is supported by the demonstration that MUC1-C and WDR5 drive expression of FOS, ATF3 and other AP-1 family members. In a feedforward loop, MUC1-C, WDR5 and AP-1 contribute to activation of genes encoding TRAF1, RELB and other effectors in the chronic NF-κB inflammatory response. We also show that MUC1-C, NF-κB, WDR5 and AP-1 are necessary for expression of the (i) KLF4 master regulator of the pluripotency network and (ii) NOTCH1 effector of stemness. In this way, MUC1-C/NF-κB complexes recruit SET1A/WDR5 and AP-1 to enhancer-like signatures in the KLF4 and NOTCH1 genes with increases in H3K4me3 levels, chromatin accessibility and transcription. These findings indicate that MUC1-C regulates the SET1A COMPASS complex and the induction of genes that integrate NF-κB-mediated chronic inflammation with cancer progression. MUC1-C regulates the SET1A/COMPASS-H3K4 methyltransferase complex via a distinct MUC1-C/NFκB pathway and integrates inflammatory signaling, epigenetic reprogramming and cancer stem cell state in the progression of triple-negative breast tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol extract from the capitula of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. (Asteraceae), which is also known as a flowering tea or blooming tea "Snow Chrysanthemum," was found to inhibit the enzymatic activity of aromatase. A total of 24 known isolates (1–24) were identified from the extract, including three chalcones (1–3), an aurone (4), five flavanones (5–9), four flavanols (10–13), a flavonol (14), and two biflavanones (15, 16). Among them, okanin (1, Ki = 1.6 μM), (2S)-naringenin (5, 0.90 μM), isookanin (6, 0.81 μM), (2S)-7,3',5'-trihydroxyflavaone (7, 0.13 μM), and (2S)-5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxyflavanone (8, 0.32 μM) exhibited relatively potent competitive inhibition. Specifically, the isolates 7 and 8, having a common 3',5'-resorcinol moiety at the B ring in their flavanone skeleton, exhibited potent inhibitory activities compared to those of a clinically applied aminoglutethimide (0.84 μM) and naturally occurring flavone, chrysin (0.23 μM), which is a common non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Importantly, the active flavonoid constituents (1 and 5–8) did not inhibit the activity of 5α-reductase enzyme, which normally reacts with the same substrate "testosterone," thus, these compounds were suggested to be specific to aromatase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is fatal in elephants, hence protecting elephants from TB is key not only in the conservation of this endangered animal, but also to prevent TB transmission from elephants to humans. Most human TB cases arise from long-term asymptomatic infections. Significant diagnostic challenges remain in the detection of both infection and disease development from latency in elephants due to their huge bodies. In this study, we assessed cryopreserved sera collected for over 16 years, from the first Japanese treatment case of elephant TB. Semi-quantification of IgG levels to 11 proteins showed high detection levels of 3 proteins, namely ESAT6/CFP10, MPB83 and Ag85B. The level of IgG specific to these 3 antigens was measured longitudinally, revealing high and stable ESAT6/CFP10 IgG levels regardless of onset or treatment. Ag85B-specifc IgG levels were largely responsive to onset or treatment, while those of MPB83 showed intermediate responses. These results suggest that ESAT6/CFP10 is immunodominant in both asymptomatic and symptomatic phases, making it useful in the detection of infection. On the other hand, Ag85B has the potential to be a marker for the prediction of disease onset and in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness in elephants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a drastic phenotypic change during cancer metastasis and is one of the most important hallmarks of aggressive cancer. Although the overexpression of some specific transcription factors explains the functional alteration of EMT-induced cells, a complete picture of this biological process is yet to be elucidated. To comprehensively profile EMT-related genes in colorectal cancer, we quantified the EMT induction ability of each gene according to its similarity to the cancer stromal gene signature and termed it "mesenchymal score." This bioinformatic approach successfully identified 90 candidate EMT mediators, which are strongly predictive of survival in clinical samples. Among these candidates, we discovered that the neuronal gene ARC, possibly originating from the retrotransposon, unexpectedly plays a crucial role in EMT induction. Profiling of novel EMT mediators we demonstrated here may help understand the complexity of the EMT program and open up new avenues for therapeutic intervention in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectangular flat-bottom liquid tanks known as tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) are often used as passive mechanical dampers. Sloped- and triangular-bottom TLDs have been reported to be more effective than flat-bottom TLDs, but optimum tuning and damping of sloped- and triangular-bottom TLDs have not yet been proposed, and nonlinear analysis of such TLDs has not been performed. This study aims to establish a practical analytical model for nonlinear sloshing in a triangular-bottom TLD and a method for designing a TLD using a triangular-bottom tank. We modify the concentrated mass model proposed in our previous paper to simulate nonlinear shallow water wave phenomena in a triangular-bottom tank. To confirm the validity of the modified model, its results are compared with the natural frequencies in a triangular-bottom tank obtained from FEM and experimental results for a triangular-bottom tank. All the model results agree well with the FEM and experimental results. Furthermore, optimum tuning and damping based on the concentrated mass model are derived in the case of a triangular-bottom TLD, and the physical reason why a triangular-bottom TLD is more effective than a flat-bottom TLD is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NH3-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) is important process for removal of NOx. However, water vapor included in exhaust gases critically inhibits the reaction in a low temperature range. Here, we report bulk W-substituted vanadium oxide catalysts for NH3-SCR at a low temperature (100–150 °C) and in the presence of water (~20 vol%). The 3.5 mol% W-substituted vanadium oxide shows >99% (dry) and ~93% (wet, 5–20 vol% water) NO conversion at 150 °C (250 ppm NO, 250 ppm NH3, 4% O2, SV = 40000 mL h−1 gcat−1). Lewis acid sites of W-substituted vanadium oxide are converted to Brønsted acid sites under a wet condition while the distribution of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites does not change without tungsten. NH4+ species adsorbed on Brønsted acid sites react with NO accompanied by the reduction of V5+ sites at 150 °C. The high redox ability and reactivity of Brønsted acid sites are observed for bulk W-substituted vanadium oxide at a low temperature in the presence of water, and thus the catalytic cycle is less affected by water vapor. NH3 selective catalytic reduction is an important technique for NOx removal but water vapor critically inhibits the reaction at a low temperature. Here the authors show bulk W-substituted VOx exhibits higher NOx removal ability than the TiO2 supported vanadia catalyst in the presence of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the seasonal water circulation of Tonle Sap Lake and its tributary rivers in Cambodia, the spatial distribution patterns of major and trace elements in surface water were investigated. Based on the similarity of the dissolved elemental concentrations, the water samples were mainly divided into the three groups: samples with relatively high percentages of Ca, Mo, and Sb (Subcluster B1); samples with high Si, Al, and Fe (B2); and samples with high Na, K, and Mg (B3). During the rainy season, the elemental composition of lake water (B1) appeared to be greatly influenced by the intrusion of water from the Mekong River (B1) through the Tonle Sap River (B1). During the dry season, the type of lake water shifted to B3, suggesting that the lake water stored during the rainy season was replaced by inflow from other tributaries and groundwater in its vicinity. Thus, the seasonal changes in the elemental composition of the lake water were largely controlled by surface water and groundwater circulation. The dissolved As concentration was higher in the lake water and during the dry season than that in the river water and during the rainy season, indicating the discharge of As from the lake's bottom sediment during the dry season. Although the redox cycling of Fe and Mn appeared to be less important due to the shallow water depth in the lake, there are potential risks of As poisoning induced by the formation of an anoxic water mass and increment in the concentration of phosphorus if eutrophication continues to progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Inflammation and the nutritional and immunologic status are known to be associated with the prognosis of malignant tumors. We aimed to examine inflammation–nutrition scores and predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by integrating nutritional and immunologic factors and tumor stage. Methods: This study investigated 511 patients with CRC from 2007 to 2013: 380 in a training set (TS) and 131 in a validation set (VS). The Osaka Prognostic Score (OPS) used comprised 1 point each for C-reactive protein > 1.0 mg/dL, albumin (< 3.5 g/dL), and lymphocyte count < 1600. Patients were classified according to the total points. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score and the Prognostic Nutritional Index were also examined. A nomogram for predicting the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was constructed based on the OPS and TNM stage. Results: In the TS, a high OPS and high TNM stage were significant predictors of the DFS and OS. The C-indexes of the OPS for the DFS and OS were higher than those of other reported scoring systems. The C-index of the nomogram for the DFS was 0.762 in the TS and 0.675 in the VS. The C-index of the nomogram for the OS was 0.805 in the TS and 0.743 in the VS. Conclusion: Integrating the TNM stage and OPS accurately predicted the prognosis of patients with CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new porous crystalline complex metal oxide families based on group V and VI elements, all of which are synthesized through unit-assembling, are introduced along with crystal structure formation mechanism. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are utilized as building units and assembled for constructing microporous complex metal oxides. Assembling of MoVO-POMs having pentagonal units of [Mo6O21] with {VO} linkers under hydrothermal conditions forms microporous orthorhombic (NH4)4[Mo30V4O106] {VO}6 oxide and trigonal (NH4)3[Mo19.5V1.5O69] {VO}6 oxide. Assembling of ε-Keggin Mo-POMs with bismuth ions as a linker under a hydrothermal condition produces a cubic (NH4)4[Mo9.4V3.6O40] {Bi}2 crystal with cages and channels with the diameter sizes of 0.77 and 0.34 nm, respectively. One dimensional anionic tungstosellenate molecular wire building block, [SeW6O21]2−n, is first formed by linear connection of hexagonal tungstosellenate POM units [SeW6O27] and then linked with the CoII ion to form a crystalline microporous materials, (NH4)0.4 [SeW6O21] {Co(OH)}1.3. [W4O16] building blocks are orderly connected with {VO} linkers to form a microporous framework (K1.5(NH4)0.2H0.3[W4O16]{VO}3) with a pore diameter of 0.43 nm which is fully opened and is accessible to small molecules. These new porous crystalline complex metal oxides showed high catalytic performance for alkane oxidation, aldehyde oxidation, alcohol oxidation, H2O2 oxidation, NH3-SCR, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the phylogeny, population structure, and demographic history of Scolopsis taenioptera in the western Pacific Ocean. Using the 80 samples collected from four locations, we obtained the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b genes. We identified two distinct lineages showing a clear phylogeographic break that was possibly due to the Pleistocene sea-level change. One lineage was distributed in Iloilo (Philippines) and the other in Terengganu (Malaysia), Rayong (Thailand), and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam). The Terengganu and Rayong populations showed clear signs of demographic expansion; the Iloilo and Ha Long Bay populations were relatively stable or spatially expanded as geographically subdivided populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experienced a case of intestinal strongyloidiasis complicated by jejunal carcinoma. A Japanese male in his 50s, who has a 7-year medical history of duodenal ulcers, complained of loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Computed tomography and gastroduodenal endoscopic examination revealed a stenosis of the duodenum. To remove the stenosis, gastric bypass surgery was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the resected jejunum was strongyloidiasis and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with subserosal invasion and vascular infiltration. After administration of Ivermectin, Strongyloides stercoralis was not found in any biopsies or in the specimens of the intestine, which were resected due to cancer recurrence 2 years later. There are three possibilities for the reason of coexistence of S. stercoralis and adenocarcinoma: S. stercoralis caused the adenocarcinoma, S. stercoralis moved to the carcinoma, or just coincidence. Although it is difficult to prove a causal relationship between S. stercoralis and adenocarcinoma, this is the first report of adenocarcinoma developed in the jejunum with chronic strongyloidiasis. The number of nematode infections, including strongyloidiasis, is decreasing in Japan, although not worldwide. Therefore, it should be considered in patients with prolonged intestinal ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have accelerated the development of microsatellite markers for wildlife conservation genetics. Although the discovery of microsatellite-containing sequences based on NGS is more efficient with sequencing of a microsatellite-enriched library than with whole-genome shotgun sequencing, the process of constructing a microsatellite-enriched library is somewhat complicated. Therefore, many researchers prefer to use external services for the microsatellite-enrichment, which requires more time. To facilitate the rapid and effective development of novel microsatellite markers, we attempted to simplify the process of constructing a microsatellite-enriched library for multiplexed parallel sequencing. To capture microsatellite-containing sequences, we applied an easy-to-use commercially available kit for the hybridization and wash steps. After preparing shotgun libraries of 30 fish species for NGS, we captured microsatellite-containing DNA fragments directly from the shotgun libraries by using the commercially available kit. Next, three runs of multiplexed parallel sequencing were conducted on the 454 GS Junior platform. The resulting sequences for each species included high proportions of microsatellite-containing sequences (from 46 to 79%). Thus, sufficient numbers of primer sets, ranging from 1029 to 6606, were effectively designed for each species. Microsatellite capture and sequencing were completed in about a week, so the time required was substantially reduced. To validate the effectiveness of our strategy, we screened 44 potential primer sets designed for ayu ( Plecoglossus altivelis). The results of polymorphisms revealed that allelic variability at 23 markers will be useful for studying population structure. These results prove the effectiveness of our improved approach for microsatellite marker development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline Mo-V-M-O (M = Fe, W) catalysts (MoVFeO and MoVWO) with trigonal symmetry were successfully obtained by a hydrothermal method in the presence of structure-directing agents (ammonium cation and ethylammonium cation) and their catalytic performances for selective oxidation of ethane were compared with trigonal MoVO catalyst (MoVO). Fe and W were uniformly distributed throughout the rod-shaped crystals. XRD, Raman, XRD simulation, and Rietveld analysis revealed that MoVFeO contained Fe in a heptagonal channel and W in MoVWO substituted Mo in {MoO} pentagonal unit in the structure. MoVWO catalyst showed comparable catalytic activity with MoVO for the selective oxidation of ethane. On the other hand, catalytic performance of MoVFeO was far less compared with those of MoVO and MoVWO. The picture that the catalytic reaction occurs at the specific part in the structure could be visualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic and morphological differences among the three species of the genus Rastrelliger, viz. Rastrelliger kanagurta, Rastrelliger brachysoma and Rastrelliger faughni were clarified on the basis of 150 specimens collected from Panay Island, the Philippines, thereby providing fundamental information for accurate species identification. Specimens were separated into three distinct clades on the Bayesian phylogenetic tree constructed from mitochondrial DNA sequences, which largely corresponded to R. kanagurta, R. brachysoma and R. faughni according to the number of gill rakers and body depth. These results indicated that they were reproductively isolated, separate species. Further morphological differences were evident among the three clades, including separation by principal component analysis on 29 measurements. Apart from such interspecific divergences, intraspecific variations of several morphological characters relative to body size [fork length (FL)] were revealed for each species. Despite a slight increase in the number and the length of gill rakers with growth, R. faughni was invariably distinguished from the other two species by fewer and shorter gill rakers throughout the entire body size range. In stark contrast, some larger (FL > 200 mm) R. kanagurta individuals attained a proportionately deeper body that had been thought to be characteristic of R. brachysoma. Likewise, some smaller individuals of R. brachysoma (FL < 160 mm) were relatively shallow-bodied, and the body depth relative to FL was similar to that previously reported throughout the range of R. kanagurta. These results underpin the importance of considering ontogenetic variations when accurately identifying species based on morphological characters. Type specimens of six nominal species available in the present study that have been generally recognized as synonyms of R. kanagurta were examined, being shown to be identical with specimens considered here as R. kanagurta. In addition, intraspecific genetic variation of each species was briefly discussed in relation to hypothesized mechanisms that may have driven the lineage diversifications of marine organisms in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to clarify the impact of structural changes in the market and distribution of seafood on fisheries in Southeast Asia. We conducted interview surveys with local fishermen, middlemen, and wholesalers in the seafood industry around the Batan Estuary in the Philippines. Results showed that, in the study area, the number of fishermen and amount of fishing gear rapidly increased between 1985 and 1995. Most of the new entrants paid for fishing gear by using savings which they earned in other industries or via loans from local middlemen. Such investment was driven by the high profitability of the fishery, which was caused by increases in fish prices resulting from the establishment of new methods of distribution, which connected the local area to domestic and international markets. It is thought that the establishment of new methods of distribution is a key factor in transforming the structure of local fisheries, and that the management of small-scale fisheries in developing countries requires not only the management of the fisheries themselves, but the management of their markets and distribution as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three mackerel species, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Rastrelliger brachysoma, and Rastrelliger faughni, co-occur in the central part of the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, and together represent important fisheries resources. However, they have sometimes been collectively referred to as ' Rastrelliger spp.' in the fisheries statistics, owing to their morphological similarity. Therefore, species-specific data on landings, effort, and population status are lacking, undermining the appropriate resource management. The present study provides a rapid and cost-effective method based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis to distinguish the three species. Digestion of the PCR products of 1247 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA encompassing the complete sequence of cytochrome b gene using two restriction enzymes yielded diagnostic restriction patterns for the three species, thereby enabling accurate identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We succeeded in introducing W in MoVO with keeping the orthorhombic, trigonal, and amorphous structures. Synthesized crystalline Mo(W)VO with orthorhombic and trigonal structures, both of which possess heptagonal channels, showed catalytic activity for gas-phase selective acrolein oxidation to acrylic acid superior to amorphous Mo(W)VO and to tetragonal MoVO. The results strongly suggest that the crystalline Mo(W)VO with orthorhombic and trigonal structures are real active phase of industrial acrolein oxidation catalysts based on Mo, W, and V oxides. Furthermore, we found that the resulting W-containing catalyst showed less-dependency of water partial pressure in the reactant feed on the acrolein conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrolytic activities of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) toward nerve agents were investigated by using mutant OPH enzymes constructed by site-directed mutagenesis of the gene. The amino acids at position 136, 254, and 257 are known to influence the enzyme activity. The nucleotide sequencing of the OPH gene cloned in our previous study revealed that the deduced amino acid at position 254 was tyrosine (Tyr) instead of histidine (His) that was reported to reside at this position by other research groups. In the present study, such key amino acids were substituted to construct five mutant enzymes, and their hydrolytic activities were compared with that of the wild type enzyme. The activity assays proved that the substitution of Tyr at 254 to His led to the remarkable enhancement of the activities toward paraoxon and also toward VX, which could be decomposed by the wild type OPH only slightly. This mutant enzyme hydrolyzed most of the nerve agents almost completely, and approximately half of the VX during 20 min when the enzyme was activated with 10 mM CoCl. The cobalt ion could activate the mutant OPH more efficiently than zinc ion, but the difference of the activation ability was not significant when other mutant OPH enzymes were activated with these divalent metal ions. The present results suggest that a practical decontamination system for nerve agents could be established using the mutant OPH with enhanced activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) have not been fully clarified. For understanding the pathogenesis as well as providing support for accurate diagnosis, precise information regarding clinical characteristics of these diseases is important. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey of EoE and EGE was conducted in 1,078 teaching hospitals. Clinical data of patients with confirmed EoE or EGE diagnosed from 2004 to 2009 were collected. Result: Clinical data from 26 patients with EoE and 144 patients with EGE were collected. The mean ages of patients in both groups were in the 40s. Those with EoE frequently complained of dysphagia and heartburn, and had characteristic endoscopic features such as longitudinal furrows and multiple concentric rings in the esophagus, while only 34 % had peripheral eosinophilia. Patients with EGE frequently complained of abdominal pain and diarrhea, and approximately 80 % of them have peripheral eosinophilia. They did not have characteristic endoscopic features helpful for diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) findings and the presence of peripheral eosinophilia were diagnostic for EGE. EGE patients with a small intestinal involvement showed the highest peripheral eosinophil counts. Glucocorticoid administration was the most widely used treatment for these diseases and its effect was favorable for at least induction of remission. Conclusion: EGE is more prevalent than EoE in Japan. Patients with EGE have abdominal pain and diarrhea, high peripheral eosinophil counts, and gastrointestinal wall thickening identifiable by CT findings, while EoE is characterized by dysphagia and characteristic endoscopic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH; EC 3.1.8.1) is known to be capable of hydrolyzing a variety of organophosphorus compounds, such as sarin and paraoxon. We have developed a nerve agent decontamination method using OPH. The gene that encodes OPH was cloned from the bacterial strain Sphingobium fuliginis ATCC 27551, and several OPH gene fusion plasmids were constructed. Escherichia coli was utilized as the expression host for the resulting plasmids. The activities of the recombinant OPH enzymes expressed (KGU0060, KGU0092, and KGU0094) were determined by measuring paraoxon hydrolysis activities. The recombinant OPH enzymes that lacked the signal peptide regions (KGU0092 and KGU0094) were remarkably activated by zinc ion; while the OPH enzyme that contained the signal peptide region (KGU0060) was activated by both zinc and cobalt ions, although the specific activity of this enzyme was much lower than that of KGU0092 or KGU0094. The pH profile demonstrated that the OPH enzymes effectively hydrolyzed the substrate under alkaline conditions. We applied the recombinant OPH to the degradation of nerve agents; it hydrolyzed sarin, tabun, cyclohexyl sarin, and soman with high activities, but not O-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothiolate (VX). The enzyme was immobilized to a nickel-chelating sepharose resin. Similarly, all nerve agents could be hydrolyzed by the immobilized enzyme except VX. Our results suggest the possibility for developing a powerful and ecological nerve agent detoxication system using OPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of catch per unit effort (CPUE) analysis based on statistics of local fisheries in Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia was evaluated. The fishery statistics system was improved through a cooperative project conducted by the Department of Fisheries and the Mekong River Commission between 1994 and 2000, especially in the seven provinces adjacent to Tonle Sap Lake. However, the fisheries statistics were not effectively utilized for sustainable stock management. After the cooperative project, fish catch data sorted by species or species group were collected at the province level in the seven provinces. Another recent project also revealed the numbers of fishing gears that operated in the seven provinces. The CPUEs of ten species in Kampong Thom Province-including Channa micropeltes and Cirrhinus spp.-could be calculated from 1994 to 2007, because these are caught solely using bamboo fence systems or barrages. CPUE analysis clarified that stocks of high-price fishes such as Ch. micropeltes, Hampala spp., and Pangasius spp. have deteriorated while those of relatively low-price fishes such as Cirrhinus spp., Cirrhinus microlepis, Cyclocheilichthys enoplos, and Channa striata have increased in recent decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household surveys of small-scale fishing were conducted in Svay Ear and Srey Rangit villages in Kompong Thom Province, Cambodia. Data were collected from 104 of 183 households and 105 of 140 households in Svay Ear and Srey Rangit, respectively. In both villages, almost all households conducted rice cultivation and approximately 75% of them also conducted fishing. Three fishing groups: (i) inside lake; (ii) around lake; and (iii) around village were observed in both villages, according to their main fishing grounds. The inside lake group conduct fishing only in Tonle Sap Lake which is located 30 km away from the villages. The around lake group fish in lakes, marshes and flooded forests adjacent to Tonle Sap Lake, which are more than 5 km from the villages. The around village group collects fish from rice fields and ponds located inside the villages and also in some streams, rivers and lakes adjacent to the villages. The distance to the fishing grounds is less than 5 km from the villages. Most fishing groups were the inside and around lake groups, which occupied 76.0 and 65.7% of Svay Ear and Srey Rangit, respectively. These two groups produced 80.6 and 69.7% of the respective village annual total fish catches. These two groups sold a large portion of their fish catches. Although previous reports indicated that small-scale fishing is for subsistence, present results indicated that small-scale fishing was commercially conducted and fishing was important as an income source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus is an important fish in South-East Asia, the population structure has not been investigated. In this study, genetic diversity and population structure of the bronze featherback were examined using nucleotide sequence analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region for 332 fish collected from Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River in Cambodia. The average nucleotide diversity (π) of all samples was 0.033, and the Mekong River samples had higher nucleotide diversity (0.034) than Tonle Sap Lake samples (0.028). The nucleotide diversity between the lake and river samples varied from 0.029 to 0.037. The genetic differentiation between the river and lake populations was also supported by the pairwise F-statistic values and hierarchical analysis of molecular variance, indicating that the Tonle Sap Lake population is genetically isolated from the population in main stream of the Mekong River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After analyzing all the collection data for larvae of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, in the western North Pacific, we found that the spawning site of this species appears to be near three seamounts in the West Mariana Ridge, 2000–3000 km away from their freshwater habitats. These seamounts are located in the westward flow of the North Equatorial Current and are hypothesized to provide cues for migrating silver eels and to serve as possible aggregation sites for spawning. Back-calculated birth dates based on otolith microstructure of leptocephali indicate that the Japanese eel does not spawn continuously during the long spawning season from April to November, but is synchronized to spawn periodically once a month during new moon. This lunar periodicity of spawning and the seamount spawning hypothesis are new developments in the millennium-old mystery of eel spawning that has fascinated naturalists since the time of Aristotle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Although essential for fisheries resources management, little is known about the population structure of the Japanese conger Conger myriaster. To search for useful molecular markers for the study of population structures, mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear DNA diversities in the Japanese conger were examined using DNA sequencing and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, respectively. A region spanning from part of the 3′ end of the cytochrome b gene to the central part of the control region (~585 base pairs/individual) was sequenced for 73 individuals from five different localities around Japan. A total of 99 variable positions were found, and a total of 67 haplotypes were identified in the 73 individuals. The average sequence differences within samples (1.8–2.4%) was comparable to those between samples (1.9–2.3%). The results of a hierarchical analysis of the sequence data did not suggest clear genetic subdivision among the local samples. Although a total of 499 bands were detected in the AFLP analysis from 58 individuals with three primer sets, no genetic structuring could be suggested. Nonetheless, to elucidate the subtle structure of populations, if any, many more individuals from more localities should be examined in detail. The genetic variations detected in the present study would serve as useful molecular markers for such studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The location and timing of spawning of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica was studied during two research cruises of the R/V Hakuho Maru and R/V Suruga Maru in the North Equatorial Current of the western North Pacific Ocean during June–September 1998. There were 38 A. japonica leptocephali (10.0–43.2 mm in total length (TL)) collected in three areas: 24 specimens around the Arakane and Pathfinder Seamounts in June (approx. 16°N and 143°E) and five specimens at the southernmost station (13°N) and nine specimens at the northernmost station (17°N) of a transect along 137°E in September. The average total lengths of the leptocephali were significantly different among the three areas, with those around the seamount being smallest, those at the northern station being largest, and none being collected along the easternmost 144°E transect. This and the currents in the region suggested that spawning of A. japonica occurred near some of the seamounts in the West Mariana Ridge. Back calculated spawning dates indicated that most leptocephali were born during the new moon, supporting the hypothesis that A. japonica spawns around the new moon. Analysis of otolith daily rings found a strong correlation between total length and age (r = 0.97), and the average daily growth rate was about 0.5 mm/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: To examine the population structure of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica, mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis was made for various samples of glass eels that might reflect genetic characteristics of spawning aggregates. The mitochondrial DNA from a total of 51 glass eels collected at Tanegashima Island, Kanagawa and Ibaraki in different periods within an inshore migrating season was sequenced for a 615 base-pair fragment from the tRNAThr gene to the central part of the control region. The DNA region was so variable that no individual was found to possess the same sequence, although average sequence differences within samples (1.07–1.63) were not large. Average sequence differences between samples (1.22–1.57) were comparable to those within samples, suggesting no genetic heterogeneity among samples. Tree analysis of the sequences showed neither a geographical nor temporal structure of population. Furthermore, although all DNA sequences from the present study were different from one another, two sequences were found to be the same with those reported from individuals collected in different localities in different years. Altogether, the present mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of glass eels did not provide any evidence for genetic subdivision of the Japanese eel population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome for the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica. Purification of the entire genome by gene amplification; Use of the long polymerase chain reaction technique; Description of gene organization.

To test the reliability of morphological keys for identifying two freshwater eel species, Anguilla celebesensis and A. interioris, mitochondrial DNA sequences were analyzed. Of eleven specimens examined, five were from Sulawesi and six from New Guinea. Specimens were morphologically identified as ten A. celebesensis and one A. interioris. However, mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis indicated the existence of two genetically distinct groups, which corresponded exactly to the sampling localities. This contradiction might be attributable to inadequate descriptions of the anguillid species, for which intra-specific variations have been significantly underestimated. New approaches such as molecular analysis, are necessary for species’ identification of freshwater eels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial patterns of phytoplankton and their habitat conditions were investigated in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, in 2014. During both the low- and high-water seasons, the stratification of water column was weak, and the euphotic zone depth was only half of the total water depth. The concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and phytoplankton biomass indicated by chlorophyll a (Chl a) per unit volume during the low-water season was three to four times higher than those during the high-water season, whereas the per unit area weights integrated through the water column did not show any seasonal differences on the whole-lake scale. In the high-water season, the intrusion of river water with a very high nitrogen:phosphorus (N:P) ratio (25–189) appeared to be the predominant nutrient source for the lake water with a low N:P ratio (7–27). In contrast, the N:P ratio of the laker water (2–20) was relatively low during the low-water season, implying the possibility of N-limitation. During the low-water season, Chl a concentrations were significantly higher in the north basin, which is far from the connecting point to the Tonle Sap River. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) ordination indicated seasonal and horizontal variations in the phytoplankton composition at the surface. The abundance of diatoms (Aulacoseira and Suriella) that favor mixing conditions tended to be higher in the offshore area and during the high-water season. Blooms of cyanobacteria that favor nutrient-rich and low-water movement conditions tended to occur at north basin stations and during the low-water season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(styrene(ST)-g-[propylene oxide(PO)-b-2-methyl-2-oxazoline (MeOz)])s were prepared by ionic polymerization. Alkaline hydrolysis of these graft-block copolymers were carried out and poly(ST-g-[PO-b-ethylene imine(EI)])s were obtained. Morphologies of these copolyraer specimens were obtained by electron microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

· Purpose: This study was conducted to detect the presence of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors in cultured retinal neurons and Müller cells. · Methods: Pure Müller cell cultures and cocultures of retinal neurons and Müller cells were used; the former, obtained from adult rabbit retinas, and the latter, retinal neurons from neonatal rats, were cocultured with Müller cells. Intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) following the administration of acetylcholine, a cholinesterase inhibitor (trichlorfon), nicotine or muscarinic agonist with or without a receptor antagonist was monitored using the calcium ion indicator, fura-2. · Results: Acetylcholine and trichlorfon induced rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in half of either cell type. Trichlorfon induced positive response in coculture but not in the pure Müller cell cultures. This positive response was blocked only partially in the presence of atropine. Approximately 30–40% of neurons responded to nicotine at 5 µM, which was significantly blocked by α-bungarotoxin at 50 nM. No response to nicotine could be detected in Müller cells. Approximately 50% of neurons responded to muscarine at 50 µM, but 500 µM was required for the formation of calcium transients in 50% of Müller cells. The muscarine inducement of rapid increase in [Ca2+]i was blocked by atropine. The agonist of M1 (a muscarinic receptor subtype), McN-A-343, at 0.5 µM induced the most significant and rapid increase in [Ca2+]i both in neurons and Müller cells. McN-A-343 administration at 0.05 µM induced positive response in half the neurons, but only in approximately 10% of Müller cells. Such positive response was not observed following preincubation with the M1 antagonist, pirenzepine, at 50 µM. · Conclusions: Cocultured retinal neurons enhance the release of acetylcholine following anticholinesterase administration, and approximately half the neurons were found to possess muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. However, Müller cells appeared to possess only the less sensitive muscarinic receptor. Muscarinic receptor subtypes on either type of cell contained at least M1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and methods: In an attempt to clarify the functional action of histamine and substance P on atropine-resistant miosis, we isolated rabbit and human iris sphincter muscles and investigated their mechanical properties using the isometric tension recording method. • Results: Substance P dose-dependently contracted the rabbit iris sphincter, but had no effect on the human iris sphincter. In the rabbit iris sphincter, histamine reduced the amplitude of twitch contraction evoked by field stimulation but had no effect on carbachol-induced contraction. Thioperamide, but not mepyramine or cimetidine, partially antagonized the histamine-induced reduction in the amplitude of twitch contractions. In the human iris sphincter, on the other hand, histamine dose-dependently provoked contraction and the amplitude of histamine-induced contraction was affected neither by atropine nor by indomethacin. • Conclusions: These results provide evidence that histamine has strong contractile effect on the human iris sphincter muscle; the rabbit iris sphincter muscle, however, apparently lacks functional histamine receptors. In rabbits, exogenously applied histamine only activates H receptors located on the cholinergic nerve terminal, hence the excitatory neuro-effector transmission is suppressed. Thus, histamine may have an important roles in atropine-resistant miosis in humans, but not in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nishigori et al. reported a transient cataract model after administering glucocorticoid to a 15-day-old chick. Biochemically, the mechanism of onset of this cataract was thought to be related to damage caused by the formation of oxidative stresses and by a protein-water phase separation. There appear to be no reports on changes in the fine structure. After hydroocortisone succinate sodium was administered to 15-day-old chick embryos, the lenses were removed at 12, 24, 30, 48, 72 and 96 h and put in 4% gluraldehyde. The specimens were examined by light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Twelve to 24 h after administration to chick embryos, lens fibers containing electron-dense cytoplasm began to appear in the bow area of the equator and were still present thereafter. Thirty to 48 h after administration, numerous vacuoles of varying sizes began to appear in the lens in sites corresponding to the opaque region. These vacuoles, ranging from 2 to 8 μm in diameter, were distributed in the intercellular spaces between the lens fibers. The vacuoles had disappeared by 96 h after administration, but during that period, the height of the epithelial cells in the equatorial region and the elongation of the equatorial lens fibers had become irregular. Transient opacity was due to the presence of vacuoles of various sizes, occurring in the intercellular space between the lens fibers around the lens nucleus. Moreover, the effect of glucocorticoid administration was noted in the lens epithelium and the lens fibers in the equatorial region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003–2004, anthracnoses of Enkianthus campanulatus and Rhynchosia acuminatifolia were found for the first time in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo in Japan. These pathogens were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides based on their pathogenicity, morphology and ribosomal DNA spacer sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the tandem repeat sequence segments in the control region of mitochondrial DNA of bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus. Bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus is known as an important commercial fish in Mekong river in Cambodia. The control region of its mitochondrial DNA has been used as a genetic marker in the population studies of several organisms including fish because of its fast evolutionary rate and maternal inheritance. The segments of tandem repeat sequence occasionally make primer design for polymerase chain reactions and arrangement of sequences difficult.

Attempts to genetically identify eel eggs and larvae of the Japanese eel, which were collected from the estimated spawning site by using molecular characteristics. Amplification of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene; Genetic uniformity among the eggs and leptocephali site differences; Characteristics of artificially induced spawning and closely related taxa.

Analyzes the mitochondrial genome of Conger myriaster. Determination of mitochondrial DNA sequences; Detection of gene order rearrangement in cytochrome b gene and the control region; Extraction of genomic DNA from the liver tissues.

Design of the structure and composition of crystalline microporous inorganic oxides is of great importance in catalysis. Developing new zeolites is one approach towards this design because of the tunable pore system and high thermal stability. Zeolites are limited to main group elements, which limits their applications in redox catalysis. Another promising choice is zeolitic transition metal oxides providing both porosity and redox activity, thereby further expanding the diversity of porous materials. However, the examples of zeolitic transition metal oxides are rare. Here, we report a new class of zeolitic vanadotungstates with tunable frameworks exhibiting a large porosity and redox activity. The assembly of [W4O16]8− units with VO2+ forms two isomeric porous frameworks. Owing to the complex redox properties and open porosity, the vanadotungstates efficiently catalyse the selective reduction of NO by NH3. This finding provides an opportunity for design and synthesis of inorganic multifunctional materials for future catalytic applications. Zeolitic transition metal oxides provide both porosity and redox activity, thereby further expanding the diversity of porous materials, but their design and development remain rare. Here, the authors report a new class of zeolitic vanadotungstates with tunable frameworks exhibiting a large porosity and redox activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective observational study compare urine nephrin:creatinine ratio (NCR, ng/mg) with serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1:placental growth factor ratio (FPR, pg/pg) for preeclampsia (PE) prediction among unselected asymptomatic pregnant women in 2nd trimester. NCR and FPR were determined in 254 paired urine/blood samples collected simultaneously from 254 women at median gestational week (GW) 24 (range, 22-27) without hypertension or significant proteinuria in pregnancy (SPIP). Fifteen (5.9%) developed SPIP and hypertension at GW 34.0 (26.0-38.6) and 35.3 (27.6-38.6), respectively, and were diagnosed with PE at GW 35.7 (27.6-38.6). The 90th percentile level determined in 239 women normotensive throughout pregnancy gave NCR (139) sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPV) of 60% (9/15) and 27% (9/33), while those for serum FPR (4.85) were 40% (6/15) and 20% (6/30), respectively. Relative risks (95%CI) of later PE were 10.0 (3.82-26.4; 27% [9/33] vs. 2.7% [6/221]) and 4.98 (1.91-13.0; 20% [6/30] vs. 4.0% [9/224]) for NCR-positive and FPR-positive women, respectively. Cut-offs suggested by ROC gave NCR (86.6) sensitivity and PPV of 87% (13/15) and 17% (13/79), and FPR (8.8) values of 40% (6/15) and 40% (6/15), respectively. Thus, 2nd trimester NCR was superior to FPR for PE prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]