Animals ; Gene Expression Regulation ; physiology ; Gills ; metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa ; metabolism ; Lancelets ; genetics ; metabolism ; Liver ; metabolism ; MicroRNAs ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Lenzites betulinus, known as gilled polypore belongs to Basidiomycota was isolated from fruiting body on broadleaf dead trees. It was found that the mycelia of white rot fungus Lenzites betulinus IUM 5468 produced ethanol from various sugars, including glucose, mannose, galactose, and cellobiose with a yield of 0.38, 0.26, 0.07, and 0.26 g of ethanol per gram of sugar consumed, respectively. This fungus relatively exhibited a good ethanol production from xylose at 0.26 g of ethanol per gram of sugar consumed. However, the ethanol conversion rate of arabinose was relatively low (at 0.07 g of ethanol per gram sugar). L. betulinus was capable of producing ethanol directly from rice straw and corn stalks at 0.22 g and 0.16 g of ethanol per gram of substrates, respectively, when this fungus was cultured in a basal medium containing 20 g/L rice straw or corn stalks. These results indicate that L. betulinus can produce ethanol efficiently from glucose, mannose, and cellobiose and produce ethanol very poorly from galactose and arabinose. Therefore, it is suggested that this fungus can ferment ethanol from various sugars and hydrolyze cellulosic materials to sugars and convert them to ethanol simultaneously.
Animals ; Arabinose ; Basidiomycota ; Biomass* ; Carbohydrates* ; Cellobiose ; Ethanol* ; Fruit ; Fungi* ; Galactose ; Gills ; Glucose ; Mannose ; Trees ; Xylose ; Zea mays

The genets of Suillus granulatus in a Pinus strobus stand (13 m × 60 m) were identified using random amplified polymorphic DNA molecular markers and the DNA of mushrooms that fruited for two years, and variations in genet size and distribution were analyzed. From a total of 116 mushrooms, 73 genets were identified and were grouped into three locations. The genets of mushrooms in close proximity differed from each other. The genet sizes varied at any of the three locations. The lengths of the identified genets in the pine stand ranged from 0.09 to 2.90 m. The average number of mushrooms per genet was 1.2 to 2.3, and the percentage of genets that were represented by a single mushroom was 44% to 94%. This variation in the genets of mushrooms in close proximity suggests that the ectomycorrhizal mycelial bodies of S. granulatus propagated sexually by fusing haploid spores derived from the mushrooms gills with below-ground mycelia. Therefore, it is necessary further to investigate the formation of new genets through spores in ectomycorrhizal fungal colonies.
Agaricales ; Animals ; DNA ; Fruit* ; Gills ; Haploidy ; Pinus* ; Spores ; Viverridae

Ciliary rootlet coiled coil protein (CROCC), the structural component that originates from the basal body at the proximal end of the ciliary rootlet, plays a crucial role in maintaining the cellular integrity of ciliated cells. In the current study, we cloned Xenopus CROCC and performed the expression analysis. The amino acid sequence of Xenopus laevis was related to those of Drosophila, cow, goat, horse, chicken, mouse and human. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that CROCC mRNA encoding a coiled coil protein was present maternally, as well as throughout early development. In situ hybridization indicated that CROCC mRNA occurred in the animal pole of embryo during gastrulation and subsequently in the presumptive neuroectoderm at the end of gastrulation. At tailbud stages, CROCC mRNA expression was localized in the anterior roof plate of the developing brain, pharyngeal epithelium connected to gills, esophagus, olfactory placode, intestine and nephrostomes of the pronephric kidney. Our study suggests that CROCC may be responsible for control of the development of various ciliated organs.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Basal Bodies ; Brain ; Chickens ; Clone Cells ; Drosophila ; Embryonic Structures ; Epithelium ; Esophagus ; Gastrulation ; Gills ; Goats ; Horses ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; Intestines ; Kidney ; Mice ; Neural Plate ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA, Messenger* ; Xenopus laevis ; Xenopus*

The ubiquitous Na, K-ATPase is a membrane-bound ion pump located in the plasma membrane in all animal cells and plays an essential role in a variety of cellular functions. Studies in several organisms have shown that this protein regulates different aspects of embryonic development and is responsible for the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Na, K-ATPase is an important factor for retinal development, and combinations of the isoforms of each of its subunits are expressed in different cell types and determine its functional properties. In this study, we performed RT-PCR assay to determine temporal expression and in situ hybridization to determine spatial expression of Na, K-ATPase beta2 isoform (atp1b2) in Xenopus laevis. Focusing on retinal expression to distinguish the specific expression domain, we used retinal marker genes sox4, sox11, vsx1, and . Xenopus atp1b2 was expressed from late gastrulation to the tadpole stage. Using whole mount in situ hybridization, we showed that Xenopus atp1b2 was expressed broadly in the eye, the whole surface ectoderm, and gills. In situ hybridization on sections revealed detailed and specific expression in the outer nuclear layer of the retina, which consists of two major classes of photoreceptors, rods and cones, surface ectoderm, pharyngeal epithelium, and gills. These findings indicate that atp1b2 may play an important role for the development of Xenopus retina.
Animals ; Cell Membrane ; Ectoderm ; Embryonic Development ; Epithelium ; Female ; Gastrulation ; Gills ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; Ion Pumps ; Larva ; Pregnancy ; Protein Isoforms ; Retina* ; Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells ; Retinaldehyde ; Xenopus laevis ; Xenopus*

This study was performed in order to investigate the effects of taurine on cadmium poisoning in muscle, gill, and bone tissues of wild goldfish. For this experiment, 80 wild goldfish were divided into four experimental groups: 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 0 mg/L of taurine (Group I), 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 20 mg/kg of taurine (Group II), 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 40 mg/L of taurine (Group III), and 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 80 mg/L of taurine (Group IV). The results were as follows: The cadmium concentration in muscle tissue of wild goldfish was 0.65-3.21 mg/kg wet wt in Group I, whereas it decreased in Group IV. Levels of cadmium in gill tissue of wild goldfish were 16.57-42.39 mg/kg wet wt in Group I, 15.23-43.01 mg/kg wet wt in Group II, 15.11-39.56 mg/kg wet wt in Group III, and 13.15-38.55 mg/kg wet wt in Group IV (P < 0.05), suggesting that the cadmium concentration decreased in the experimental groups compared to control. The cadmium concentration in bone tissue of wild goldfish after 28 days was 0.52-9.75 mg/kg in Group II, whereas it increased in Group III (P < 0.05). In conclusion, taurine may have a preventive effect against cadmium accumulation in biological tissues.
Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Cadmium ; Cadmium Poisoning ; Gills ; Goldfish ; Muscles ; Taurine

OBJECTIVETo study the biological effects of nanoscale copper oxide (nCuO), zinc oxide (nZnO), cerium dioxide (nCeO2) and their mixtures on Carassius auratus.

METHODSJuvenile fish (Carassius auratus) were exposed to aqueous suspensions of nCuO, nZnO, and nCeO2 (alone and in mixtures) at concentrations of 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg/L. The biomarkers-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain, sodium/potassium-activated ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase) in gill, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver-were determined after 4 days of exposure. Integrated biomarker response (IBR) was calculated by combining multiple biomarkers into a single value.

RESULTSAChE and SOD activities were significantly inhibited by all test metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) at high concentrations (⋝160 mg/L) with the exception of nCeO2. Na+/K+-ATPase induction exhibited bell-shaped concentration-response curves. CAT activity was significantly inhibited at concentrations equal to or higher than 160 mg/L. The order of IBR values was nCeO2 ≈ nZnO/nCeO2 ≈ nCuO/nCeO2 < nCuO/nZnO/nCeO2 < nZnO < nCuO < nCuO/nZnO. The joint effect seemed to be synergistic for nCuO/nZnO mixtures, additive for the ternary mixture and less than additive or antagonistic for the binary mixtures containing nCeO2.

CONCLUSIONConcentration-dependent changes of enzymatic activities (AChE, Na+/K+-ATPase, SOD, and CAT) were observed in fish exposed to nanoscale metal oxides. IBR analysis allowed good discrimination between the different exposures and might be a useful tool for the quantification of integrated negative effects induced by NPs toward fish.

Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Brain ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Cerium ; toxicity ; Copper ; toxicity ; Gills ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Goldfish ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Random Allocation ; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Toxicity Tests ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; toxicity ; Zinc Oxide ; toxicity

OBJECTIVES: In order to identify the possibility of slender bitterling (SB) (Acheilognathus yamatsutae) being used as a test species for estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs), we carried out the cloning and sequence characterization of the estrogen receptor (ER). METHODS: The ER from a slender bitterling was obtained by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'-RACE and 3'-RACE) and T-vector cloning. The expression of ER mRNA was also analyzed in six tissues (brain, liver, kidney, gill, gonad, and intestines) by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We obtained an ER from the slender bitterling. The SB ER cDNA was 2189 base pairs (bp) in length and contained a 1707 bp open reading frame that encoded 568 amino acid residues. The SB ER amino acid sequence clustered in a monophyletic group with the ERalpha of other fish, and was more closely related to zebrafish ERalpha (88% identity) than to the ERalpha of other fish. The SB ER cDNA was divided into A/B, C, D, E and F domains. The SB ER has conserved important sequences for ER functions, such as the DNA binding domain (D domain), which are consistent with those of other teleosts. CONCLUSIONS: The ER of the slender bitterling could provide basic information in toxicological studies of EEDCs in the slender bitterling.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Pairing ; Clone Cells ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cloning, Organism ; DNA ; DNA, Complementary ; Endocrine Disruptors ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; Estrogens ; Gills ; Gonads ; Kidney ; Liver ; Open Reading Frames ; RNA, Messenger ; Zebrafish

We identified Lacrymaria velutina of the Coprinaceae in Korea. The unusually large and sturdy fruiting body, fibrillose to fibrillose-scaly cap and stalk without a volva with an obscure superior hairy ring zone or hairy annulus, and blackish brown, warted spores distinguished this species from closely related Psathyrella species. An illustrated account of the microscopic traits is presented. Fruiting bodies with obtusely hemispherical caps, 2.5~6 cm, becoming convex with age; surface dry, densely fibrillose-scaly with split margin; stipe, 4.5~6 cm, equal, hollow, fibrillose, dry, whitish above the superior ring zone, light brown below; crowded gills, adnexed, dark black at maturity. Pileipellis typically cellular with the gill edge appearing white and beaded. Blackish brown basidiospores that discolor in concentrated sulfuric acid. Spores elliptical, warted, 9~11 x 6~8 microm, with prominent snout-like germpores. Cheilocystidia abundant, 57~68 x 19~25 microm, and narrowly elongated clavate, often clustered in threes or fours. Pleurocystidia rarely present, 45~47.5 x 12~13 microm, and clavate to utriform. This trait distinguishes our sample as L. velutina from other Psathyrella spp. of the Coprinaceae, which have smooth spores. This taxon was clarified by the observation that Psathyrella spores fade in concentrated sulfuric acid. A molecular phylogenetic study revealed that our specimen was Lacrymria velutipes, which is closely related to Lacrymaria lacrymabunda. Moreover, those two species are clearly distinguishable from other Psathyrella species, which agreed with the morphologically distinctive traits described above. We believe that this is the first report of this taxon, which has not been described in Korea.
Animals ; Fruit ; Gills ; Humans ; Korea ; Light ; Spores ; Sulfur ; Sulfuric Acids ; Warts

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to promote organ donation by active identification and proper management of brain-dead donor with collaborating network system and to assume operating expenses in the setting of independent organ procurement organization (IOPO) in Korea. METHODS: Seoul National University Hospital and Gachon University Gill Hospital worked together as regional OPO during 8 months from April to December 2008. RESULTS: We constructed cooperative network system with five base-hospitals by MOU (memorandum of understanding). We visited 138 hospitals 223 times and built up brain-dead organ donation. Among total 265 dead patients in intensive care unit (ICU), 95 (36%) patients were considered as potential organ donors, but only 14 (14.7%) donated their organs actually. During the previous 8 months, there were 67 contacts for potential donor evaluation and total 100 solid organs were actually procured from 31 brain-dead donors except 4 cases. We also established and applied a flow chart and critical pathway of potential brain-dead donor. It was worthy of notice to manage 3 brain-dead donors and successfully procured their organs without donor transportation to HOPO. Apart from operating and depreciation expenses, we could estimate the expenses loss of mean 850,000 won per organ in the current system. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed hope for success of IOPO in Korea which would be founded in the near future. Besides persistent active relationship with regional hospitals, a certain degree of financial support or other means such as increase of organ fee and medical insurance coverage should be considered.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain Death ; Critical Pathways ; Depreciation ; Fees and Charges ; Financial Support ; Gills ; Humans ; Insurance Coverage ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Tissue and Organ Procurement ; Tissue Donors ; Transportation