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Abstract Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus; Heude, 1884) and Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus; Pallas, 1771) are Korean wild deer classified in the tribe Capreolini. C. pygargus in Korea were previously considered a single species; however, it was recently suggested that roe deer living on Jeju Island (Jeju roe deer; Capreolus pygargus jejuensis) is a distinct subspecies from roe deer living on the Korean peninsula (mainland roe deer; Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) based on several studies demonstrating genetic and morphological features. In this study, we suggests that the scapular morphology and osteometric data can be used for interspecies discrmination between Korean wild deer. To compare the morphological characteristics of scapula among the three groups of deer, we analyzed the features and nine osteomorphological measurements of 31 H. i. argyropus (14 males and 17 females), 18 C. p. jejuensis (4 males and 14 females), and 23 C. p. tianschanicus (16 females and 7 males). The estimated ages of the deer were over 32–35 months. Data were analyzed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Duncan test and discriminant functional analysis (DFA). H. i. argyropus and C. p. tianschanicus had the smallest and largest scapulae, respectively. The scapulae of the three Korean wild deer had a similar triangular shape, which was obscured by the tuber of the scapular spine, pointed acromion, broad infraspinous fossa, narrow supraspinous fossa, and partial ossification of scapular cartilage in older deer. H. i. argyropus had certain distinctive features, including a caudally pointed acromion, a notch between the supraglenoid tubercle and glenoid cavity (NBSG), a glenoid notch, and no sexual dimorphism, except for the longest dorsal length (Ld) and the scapular index (SI). C. p. jejuensis had a larger scapular index (SI) (61.74 ± 0.74%), compared with the SIs of H. i. argyropus and C. p. tianschanicus. The unique features of the scapula in C. p. jejuensis include its S-shaped cranial border. The C. p. jejuensis had a cranially pointed acromion, less frequent presence of glenoid notch and NBSG, short length of supraglenoid tubercle, and no sexual dimorphism. The C. p. tianschanicus had elevated cranial margin of the glenoid cavity, and frequent presence of glenoid notch and NBSG, similar to the H. i. argyropus. Similar to C. p. jejuensis, C. p. tianschanicus had a cranially pointed acromion. However, sexual dimorphism was observed in C. p. tianschanicus. DFA using osteometric data showed 97.22% of specimens were classified correctly into their species, meaning the osteometric parameters can be used for interspecies discrimination of Korean wild deer. Our findings indicate that the scapular morphologies of the three Korean wild deer have certain similarities and differences, suggesting that C. p. jejuensis are distinct from C. p. tianschanicus.

Abstract Background Globally, ischemic stroke is a major health threat to humans that causes lifelong disability and death. Mentha arvensis (MA) has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders. In the present study, the neuroprotective properties of fermented MA (FMA) extract were investigated in the gerbil and SH-SY5Y cells. model of transient global cerebral ischemia. Methods Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion-induced transient global cerebral ischemia in gerbil and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated neurotoxic effects in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were investigated. FMA (400 mg/kg) was orally administered for 7 days before induction of ischemic stroke. To evaluate the neuroprotective activity of FMA, we implemented various assays such as cell viability assay (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), histofluorescence, and western blot. Results FMA pretreatment effectively decreased transient ischemia (TI) induced neuronal cell death as well as activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampal region. The protective effects of FMA extract against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity of SH-SY5Y cells were observed by MTT and LDH assay. However, FMA pretreatment significantly increased the expression of the antioxidant marker proteins such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) in the hippocampus and SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) further activated a cascade of outcomes such as neuroinflammation and apoptosis. FMA pretreatment notably decreased TI and H2O2 induced activation of MAPK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and p38) proteins in hippocampus and SH-SY5Y cells respectively. Besides, pretreatment with FMA markedly reduced H2O2 mediated Bax/Bcl2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells. Conclusion Thus, these results demonstrated that neuroprotective activities of FMA might contribute to regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the role of Nrf2/HO-1 in renal histopathological ailments time-dependently in asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) rat model. Methods Eighty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats each. Asphyxial CA was induced in all the experimental rats except for the sham group. The rats were sacrificed at 6 hours, 12 hours, one day and two days post-CA. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crtn) and malondialdehyde from the renal tissues were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were done to evaluate the renal histopathological changes in the renal cortex. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 immunohistochemistry (ihc) and western blot analysis were performed after CA. Results The survival rate of rats decreased in a time-dependent manner: 66.6% at 6 hours, 50% at 12 hours, 38.1% in one day, and 25.8% in two days. BUN and serum Crtn markedly increased in CA-operated groups. Histopathological ailments of the renal cortical tissues increased significantly from 6 hours until two days post-CA. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 expression level significantly increased at 6 hours, 12 hours, and one day. Conclusions The survival rate decreased time-dependently, and Nrf/HO-1 expression increased from 6 hours with the peak times at 12 hours, and one day post-CA.

Olanzapine (OLNZ) is used to treat psychotic disorders. To look into the neurological basis of this phenomenon, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of OLNZ in gerbils and SH-SY5Y cells. Gerbils were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI) by blocking both common carotid arteries, and OLNZ (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to induce oxidative-stress-mediated damage in the SH-SY5Y cells. The results indicated that OLNZ administration markedly reduced neuron damage and glial cell triggering within CA1 zone of the hippocampus. We used RNA sequencing to assess the numbers of up-and downregulated genes involved in TGCI. We found that OLNZ treatment downregulated the expression of complement-component-related genes and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the hippocampus. In cells, OLNZ co-treatment significantly improved cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Expression of antioxidant superoxide dismutase-1,2 enzymes (SOD-1, SOD-2) was also intensely upregulated by OLNZ, while the expression of MAPKs and NF-κB were reduced. Co-incubation with OLNZ also regulated apoptosis-related proteins Bax/Bcl-2 expression. Finally, the results demonstrated that treatment with OLNZ showed neuroprotective effects and that the MAPK pathway could involve in the protective effects.

Vascular amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) results in the exposure of red blood cells to β-amyloid fibrils (Aβ). The potential in vivo ramifications of this exposure have been investigated by injecting Aβ1–40 alone or Aβ-bound mouse red blood cells into the circulation of C57BL/6 mice. Results indicate that when Aβ1–40 is injected alone, a transient uptake of the fibrils by red blood cells occurs in vivo. When Aβ-bound red blood cells were injected, β-amyloid is rapidly removed from these cells in vivo. Double-labeling experiments indicate that while some of the red blood cells bound to Aβ1–40 are removed from circulation, a major fraction of these cells remain in circulation even after Aβ is removed. Immunohistochemistry of murine tissue samples obtained after sacrificing the animals suggests that within 1 h after injection of Aβ1–40 or Aβ-bound red blood cells, Aβ is found in spleen phagocytes and liver Kupffer cells. Heme staining further indicates that the binding of Aβ1–40 to red blood cells enhances red cell phagocytosis by the spleen.

Background: Aortic arch (AA) branching patterns vary among different mammalian species. Most previous studies have focused on dogs, whereas those on raccoon dogs remain unexplored. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the AA branching pattern in raccoon dogs and compare their morphological features with those of other carnivores. Methods: We prepared silicone cast specimens from a total of 36 raccoon dog carcasses via retrograde injection through the abdominal aorta. The brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) branching patterns were classified based on the relationship between the left and right common carotid arteries. The subclavian artery (SB) branching pattern was examined based on the order of the four major branches: the vertebral artery (VT), costocervical trunk (CCT), superficial cervical artery (SC), and internal thoracic artery (IT). Results: In most cases (88.6%), the BCT branched off from the left common carotid artery and terminated in the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries. In the remaining cases (11.4%), the BCT formed a bicarotid trunk. The SB exhibited various branching patterns, with 26 observed types. Based on the branching order of the four major branches, we identified the main branching pattern, in which the VT branched first (98.6%), the CCT branched second (81.9%), the SC branched third (62.5%), and the IT branched fourth (52.8%). Conclusions: The AA branching pattern in raccoon dogs exhibited various branching patterns with both similarities and differences compared to other carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed whole-exome sequencing using a human exome capture kit to analyze the potential genetic factors related to patent ductus arteriosus in Japanese macaques. Compared with the reference sequences of other primates, we identified potential missense variants in five genes: ADAM15, AZGP1, CSPG4, TNFRSF13B, and EPOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the aortic arch (AA) branching pattern in the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). We performed arterial silicone casting of the AA of 18 Eurasian otters (8 males and 10 females). We analyzed the AA branching pattern at three levels: the AA, brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), and subclavian artery (SB), using different classification methods at each level. We introduced new criteria for classifying the SB branching pattern applicable for Eurasian otter and other carnivores based on the sequence of the four main branches: vertebral artery (VT), internal thoracic artery (IT), costocervical artery (CCT), and superficial cervical artery (SC). In all Eurasian otters, two major branches emerged directly from the AA, i.e., the BCT and left SB. The BCT branched off the left common carotid artery and terminated in the right common carotid artery and right SB in 17 of 18 Eurasian otters; the BCT formed a bicarotid artery in the remaining case. The SBs showed various branching patterns, with the main branching pattern involving branching to the VT and IT at the same position, followed by the CCT and SC. The SB branching pattern in the Eurasian otter differed from that in dogs in that the two first branching arteries were VT and IT, rather than VT and CCT. Here, we present the anatomical characteristics of the AA branching patterns in the Eurasian otter and new analysis methods applicable for comparative studies of other carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined and compared the branching pattern of the aortic arch (AA) and its major branches in the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) on Jeju Island (Jeju roe deer [JRD]) with those in the roe deer of the Korean peninsula (mainland roe deer [MRD]). Seven of the nine expected types was observed in the arterial silicone casts of 29 deer (10 males, 19 females). The JRD was identical to the MRD in that absence of the typical pattern; however, the main three pattern types differed between the two. This difference resulted from differences in the branching patterns of the right subclavian artery and costocervical trunk. In conclusion, the JRD has different type of AA from the MRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) has been recognized as a worldwide health concern. Hydrangea macrophylla (HM) is used as traditional Chinese medicine possessing antioxidant activities. The study was performed to investigate the therapeutic role and underlying molecular mechanism of HM on NaAsO2-induced toxicity in human liver cancer (HepG2) cells and liver in mice. The hepatoprotective role of HM in HepG2 cells was assessed by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Histopathology, lipid peroxidation, serum biochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to determine the protective role of HM against NaAsO2 intoxication in liver tissue. In this study, we found that co-treatment with HM significantly attenuated the NaAsO2-induced cell viability loss, intracellular ROS, and LDH release in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Hepatic histopathology, lipid peroxidation, and the serum biochemical parameters alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were notably improved by HM. HM effectively downregulated the both gene and protein expression level of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. Moreover, HM well-regulated the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) ratio, remarkably suppressed the release of cytochrome c, and blocked the expression of the post-apoptotic transcription factor caspase-3. Therefore, our study provides new insights into the hepatoprotective role of HM through its reduction in apoptosis, which likely involves in the modulation of MAPK/caspase-3 signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with a study which examined the diaphyseal nutrient foramen of the femur and tibia of the German shepherd dog. Topics discussed include anatomical characteristics of the nutrient foramen (NF) and nutrient canal (NC) in the dog, Bérard's rule regarding the stipulation of the relationship between the direction of the NF and the bone, and theories on the etiology of the NC direction.

Neuronal activity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is known to be elevated in rats with heart failure. However, the type of neurons involved and the underlying synaptic mechanisms remain unknown. Here we examined spontaneous firing activity and synaptic currents in presympathetic PVN neurons in rats with myocardial infarction (MI), using slice patch clamp combined with the retrograde labeling technique. In PVN neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (PVN-RVLM), MI induced a significant increase in basal firing rate (1.79 to 3.02 Hz, P < 0.05) and a reduction in the frequency of spontaneous (P < 0.05) and miniature (P < 0.01) inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). In addition, MI induced an increase in the paired-pulse ratio of evoked IPSCs (P < 0.05). Bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, increased the firing rate of PVN-RVLM neurons in sham-operated (1.21 to 2.74 Hz, P < 0.05) but not MI (P > 0.05) rats. In contrast, in PVN neurons projecting to the intermediolateral horn of the spinal cord (PVN-IML), MI did not induce any significant changes in the basal firing rate and the properties of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs. The properties of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were not altered in either neuron group. In conclusion, our results indicate that MI induces an elevation of firing activity in PVN-RVLM but not in PVN-IML neurons and that the elevated firing rate is largely due to a decrease in GABA release. These results provide evidence for a novel target-selective synaptic plasticity in the PVN that is associated with the sympathetic hyperactivity commonly seen in heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to create experimental myocardial infarctions of reproducible size and location is tantamount to progress in multiple facets of ischemic heart disease research. Branches of the mouse left main descending coronary artery penetrate the myocardium close to their origin and require "blind" ligation. Our objective was to develop a technique for ligation of nonvisible coronary artery branches to permit the reliable creation of infarcts of uniformly small size and location. From latex castings of the left coronary artery of C57BL/6J mice (n = 53), we calculated the highest probability for the location of branch points of two of three left ventricular (LV) branches distal to the origin of the left main descending artery. On the basis of these anatomic probabilities, we blindly ligated two areas that were likely to be locations of these nonvisible LV branches. We were successful in producing two types of small transmural myocardial infarctions (16.04 ± 3.64 and 4.68 ± 1.47% of the LV) in 57% of attempts. Thus our branch pattern probability-assisted method permits routine creation of small infarcts of uniform size in the mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrachondral joints occur as synovial joints within the cartilage of several ribs, and not between the osseous rib and the cartilage, in Artiodactyla. We observed the joints with gross finding, radiography and histologic section in 8 carcasses of Korean Chinese water deers (Hydropotes inermis argyropus, Heude, 1884) and compared with that of hoofed domestic animals. Intrachondral joints were observed within second to ninth, tenth, or eleventh rib cartilages. It was difficult to demarcation between two parts of joint cartilage in radiographic film. First rib cartilages were part of synovial joints between sternum and the osseous rib. Last two to four rib cartilages without synovial joints had calcified cartilages that could be recognized two portions in the young animals. These results suggest that Korean Chinese water deer has similar number of joints with domestic ruminants, not pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop of the artificial insemination catheter for miniature pig, we measured the size of genital organs in the 5 female pigs. Miniature pigs were sacrificed under anesthesia with ketamine at 48 hours after intramuscular injection of 4mg of estradiol benzoate. The weights of ovary are 5.2±2.2g and 4.5±1.1g in right and left, respectively. The length of genital tract were as follows: uterine tube; 182.2±58.8mm, uterine horn; 852±102.3mm, uterine body; 17.1±4.2mm, cervix of uterus; 89.0±15.2mm, vagina; 91.6±9.3mm, vestibule of vagina; 46.4±2.5mm, respectively. The diameter of ampulla of oviduct was 7.1±0.7mm, isthmus of oviduct 3.8±0.5mm, uterine horn 22.0±1.1mm, thick portion of the cervix 26.0±1.6mm, thin portion of the cervix 16.6±1.4mm,. vagina 16.7±2.9mm, and vestibule of vagina 19.9±2.3mm, respectively. The number of large cervical pulvini was 3.8±1.1 and small 6.6±1.7. The number of folds formed by the pulvini was 6.6±1.5. The length of pudendal cleft was 18.8±3.5mm. These results might be helpful to develop the catheter and also to compare with the data from commercial pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a sudden interruption in the effective blood flow due to heart failure. The current research aimed to conduct the pathophysiological and histopathological analysis in the kidney in asphyxial cardiac arrest rat model. Cardiac arrest was induced by intravenous injection of vecuronium bromide (2 mg/kg), following stop of mechanical ventilation. Rats were kept on the CA condition for 5 minutes. After that, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was done to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following intravenous injection of epinephrine bolus (0.005 mg/kg), sodium bicarbonate (1 mEq/kg) and turn on mechanical ventilation. Then Rats were sacrificed after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) following asphyxial CA at 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 1 day, 2 days, and 5 days. The intensity of renal injury measured by the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crtn). Moreover, Hematoxylin & eosin, and Periodic Acid Schiff staining in the kidney was done for evaluating the renal histopathological changes. Furthermore, COX-2 immunoreactivity and western analysis were performed in the kidney. Survival rate declined following ROSC compared to the sham group, it showed 80% at 6 hrs and decreased time-dependently to 8% at 5 days. In this study, serum BUN and Crtn levels and renal histopathological scores significantly increased after ROSC in CA. Moreover, COX-2 expression also increased after ROSC in comparison to the sham group with its peak level at 5 days following CA. Renal histological damage score and COX-2 expression were upregulated after ROSC following CA. These results direct that COX-2 takes part in the asphyxial CA-induced ischemic renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]