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Bremer J, Heringstad B, Morrell JM, Kommisrud E. Associations between insulin-like factor 3, scrotal circumference and semen characteristics in young Norwegian Red bulls. Animal 2023; 17:100713. [PMID: 36764017 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With the integration of genomic selection in the cattle artificial insemination (AI) industry, bulls are selected for their semen production capacity and fertility at a younger age than previously. Norwegian Red bull calves selected as candidates to become future AI bulls based on their genomic breeding value are kept in a performance testing station from around the age of 3-12 months, allowing for sample collection and analysis of different parameters during their pre- and peripubertal period. Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a small peptide hormone specifically secreted by the mature Leydig cells of the testes. In the foetus, it induces the first phase of testicular descent and is considered to reflect Leydig cell development during puberty; it could therefore be an interesting early indicator of future semen production capacity. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the relationship between INSL3, scrotal circumference (SC), and semen characteristics. This is the first time INSL3 was measured in the Norwegian Red population. We collected blood samples for analysis of INSL3 from 142 Norwegian Red bulls at the performance testing station and measured their SC on the same day. Altogether, measurements were made at four time points: upon arrival at the performance testing station (quarantine (Q): 2-5 months) and later at approximately 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Information on season and place of birth were made available from the database of the breeding company Geno, together with data on semen characteristics from the test station and the AI station. The median SCs for age groups Q, 6, 9, and 12 were 15, 21.5, 29, and 34 cm, respectively. INSL3 was shown to be positively correlated with SC (R = 0.4) but not with any of the semen characteristics. Similarly, we found no correlation between SC and sperm characteristics from data on ejaculates analysed at the performance testing station and AI station. The mean sperm volume for the 31 selected bulls with at least 10 ejaculates produced in the AI station increased from 2.3 ml at the performance testing station to 6.4 ml at the AI station. The corresponding increase in mean sperm concentration was from 497 million/ml to 1 049 million/ml. We conclude that INSL3 exhibits high inter-individual variability in the Norwegian Red bull population, which cannot be explained by the parameters measured in this study. At present, INSL3 cannot be used as a biomarker of sperm production in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bremer
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway.
| | - Bjørg Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430 Ås, Norway
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway; Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway
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Kawate N. Insulin‐like peptide 3 in domestic animals with normal and abnormal reproductive functions, in comparison to rodents and humans. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12485. [PMID: 36310659 PMCID: PMC9601793 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Main findings Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritoshi Kawate
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science Osaka Metropolitan University Izumisano Japan
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Kawate N, Kanuki R, Hannan MA, Weerakoon WWPN. Inhibitory effects of long-term repeated treatments of a sustainable GnRH antagonist, degarelix acetate, on caprine testicular functions. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:587-592. [PMID: 32830151 PMCID: PMC7768175 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of long-term repeated treatments with a sustainable gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, degarelix acetate, on
testicular hormonal secretion, size, ultrasound images, histology and spermatogenesis in goats to assess its efficacy as a chemical castration method. Male
Shiba goats (3–6 months of age) were treated subcutaneously with degarelix acetate every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Plasma testosterone and insulin-like peptide 3
concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) within 2 days after the first treatment and remained low until 29 weeks (P < 0.05). Scrotal circumference and
testicular pixel intensity were lower from 2–6 months and from 1–6 months, respectively, compared to the pretreatment values (P < 0.05). The testis and
epididymis weights were lower at 24 weeks compared to those in untreated goats (P < 0.05). There were no sperm in the seminiferous tubules of testicular
tissue sections or in homogenates of the epididymis at 24 weeks. These results suggest that repeated treatment with degarelix acetate is an effective chemical
castration method for goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritoshi Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Ryota Kanuki
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan.,Present: Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Khulna Agricultural University, Bangladesh
| | - Weerakoon W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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Mossa F, Latham KE, Ireland JJ, Veiga-Lopez A. Undernutrition and hyperandrogenism during pregnancy: Role in programming of cardiovascular disease and infertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1255-1264. [PMID: 31347224 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional status programs the development of several systems in female offspring, with effects that depend on the severity, duration, and window of development when the nutritional perturbation is imposed. On the basis of the developmental origins of health and disease concept, we hypothesize that gestational low caloric intake may induce maternal subclinical hyperandrogenism during early pregnancy and compromise cardiovascular health and fertility in the female offspring. To examine this possibility, a literature search for human and animal studies was conducted using two electronic databases, PubMed and Cochrane until April 2019 to address the following questions: (a) Do androgens have a developmental role in cardiovascular and ovarian development? (b) Is excess maternal testosterone linked to cardiovascular disease and infertility? and (c) Could early pregnancy undernutrition enhance maternal androgen production and compromise health and fertility in female offspring? The observations reviewed, establish a potential causative link between maternal undernutrition and subclinical hyperandrogenism with hypertension and reduced ovarian reserve in the progeny. Further studies in appropriate models are needed to better understand whether low energy intake and subclinical maternal hyperandrogenism during early pregnancy can negatively affect the health of the female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - James J Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Sakase M, Weerakoon WWPN, Hannan MA, Kohama N, Tamada H, Kawate N. LH and testosterone secretions in response to GnRH challenge in pubertal Japanese Black beef bulls with normal and abnormal semen. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1829-1833. [PMID: 30298829 PMCID: PMC6305509 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations were examined in Japanese
Black beef bulls with normal and abnormal semen in response to gonadotropin releasing
hormone (GnRH) challenge at the start (10 months) and completion (20 months) of puberty.
Bulls with normal semen had higher testosterone concentrations after GnRH treatment at 20
months than they did at 10 months, while LH concentrations did not differ between the two
age groups. LH and testosterone concentrations were not different between bulls with
normal and abnormal semen at 20 months. Thus, testosterone secretions in response to the
GnRH challenge were higher for bulls with normal semen at pubertal completion compared to
bulls at the start of puberty, but responsiveness of LH to GnRH and of testosterone to the
LH increment was not altered in bulls with abnormal semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Namiko Kohama
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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Akbarinejad V, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Bagheri Amirabadi MM. Nulliparous and primiparous cows produce less fertile female offspring with lesser concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as compared with multiparous cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 197:222-230. [PMID: 30174098 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional partitioning to fetal development differ among nulliparous, primiparous and multiparous cows, leading to birth of smaller calves to nulliparous and primiparous than multiparous dams. The prenatal nutritional state could influence ovarian reserve and fertility in the adult offspring. The effect of maternal parity on ovarian reserve and reproduction of female offspring, however, has not been investigated in cattle. Accordingly, a retrospective research was conducted to study reproductive variables in nulliparous- (n = 310), primiparous- (n = 236) and multiparous-born (n = 323) female offspring during the first four lactation periods in dairy cows. Additionally, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), as a reliable marker of ovarian reserve, was measured in a subset of nulliparous- (n = 51), primiparous- (n = 51) and multiparous-born (n = 49) female offspring. Birth weight in multiparous-born calves was greater than that in nulliparous- and primiparous-born calves (P < 0.01). Days to first service was shorter in multiparous-born female offspring as compared with nulliparous- and primiparous-born female offspring (P < 0.05). First service conception rate, proportion of repeated breeders, service per conception and calving to conception interval were greater in multiparous-born than nulliparous-born cows (P < 0.05). Cumulative culling rate was greater in primiparous-born cows than nulliparous- and multiparous-born cows (P < 0.05). The AMH concentration was greater in multiparous-born than nulliparous- and primiparous-born cows (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed that in comparison with multiparous cows, nulliparous and primiparous cows, particularly nulliparous cows, produce female offspring with lesser reproductive performance and smaller size of ovarian reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - F Gharagozlou
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Vojgani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M M Bagheri Amirabadi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Sakase M, Kitagawa K, Kibushi M, Kawate N, Weerakoon WWPN, Hannan MA, Kohama N, Tamada H. Relationships of plasma insulin-like peptide 3, testosterone, inhibin, and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations with scrotal circumference and testicular weight in Japanese Black beef bull calves. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:401-407. [PMID: 29984734 PMCID: PMC6189565 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to clarify the relationships of plasma concentrations of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), testosterone, inhibin, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) with scrotal circumference and testicular weight in Japanese Black beef bull calves (n = 20), from birth to pre-puberty. Monthly blood sampling (0 to 7 months) and scrotal circumference measurements (0 to 7 months) were performed. Testicular weight was recorded immediately after castration at 7 months. Plasma INSL3, testosterone, inhibin, and IGF-I concentrations were measured either by enzyme immunoassay or time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay. The correlation coefficients of these hormonal concentrations with scrotal circumference were significant (P < 0.0001) and it was higher for INSL3 (r = 0.647) than for testosterone (r = 0.597), IGF-I (r = 0.400), and inhibin (r = –0.453). Calves with heavier testes (> 60 g) at castration (7 months) had higher (P < 0.05) plasma INSL3 (from 3 to 7 months) and inhibin (from 1 to 4 months) concentrations than those with lighter testes (< 60 g). The calves with heavier testes at castration had larger (P < 0.05) scrotal circumference than those with lighter testes from 3 to 7 months. In conclusion, blood INSL3 concentrations may be the best functional indicator among the hormones analyzed for determining total testicular volume during pre-puberty in bull calves. In addition, inhibin and INSL3 concentrations in early calfhood may be functional predictors for testicular weight at pre-puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - Keita Kitagawa
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kibushi
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan.,Asago Animal Hygiene Institute of Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo 669-5243, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Namiko Kohama
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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Review: Ontology and endocrinology of the reproductive system of bulls from fetus to maturity. Animal 2018; 12:s19-s26. [PMID: 29551096 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on current understanding of prenatal, prepubertal and post-pubertal development of the male reproductive system of cattle. The critical developmental events occur during the first 3 to 4 months of gestation and the first ~6 to 9 months after birth. The Wilms Tumor-1 and SRY proteins play critical roles in early development and differentiation of the fetal testis, which in turn drives gestational development of the entire male reproductive system. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis matures earlier in the bovine fetus than other domestic species with descent of the testes into the scrotum occurring around the 4th month of gestation. An array of congenital abnormalities affecting the reproductive system of bulls has been reported and most are considered to be heritable, although the mode of inheritance in most cases has not been fully defined. Early postnatal detection of most of these abnormalities is problematic as clinical signs are generally not expressed until after puberty. Development of genomic markers for these abnormalities would enable early culling of affected calves in seedstock herds. The postnatal early sustained increase in lutenising hormone secretion cues the rapid growth of the testes in the bull calf leading to the onset of puberty. There is good evidence that both genetic and environmental factors, in particular postnatal nutrition, control or influence development and maturation of the reproductive system. For example, in Bos taurus genotypes which have had sustained genetic selection pressure applied for fertility, and where young bulls are managed on a moderate to high plane of nutrition puberty typically occurs at 8 to 12 months of age. However, in many Bos indicus genotypes where there has been little selection pressure for fertility and where young bulls are reared on a low plane of nutrition, puberty typically occurs between 15 to 17 months. Our understanding of the control and expression of sexual behavior in bulls is limited, particularly in B. indicus genotypes.
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Weerakoon WWPN, Sakase M, Kawate N, Hannan MA, Kohama N, Tamada H. Plasma IGF-I, INSL3, testosterone, inhibin concentrations and scrotal circumferences surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls with normal and abnormal semen. Theriogenology 2018; 114:54-62. [PMID: 29597124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The relationships between semen abnormalities and peripheral concentrations of testicular and metabolic hormones in beef bulls are unclear. Here we compared plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), testosterone, inhibin concentrations, and scrotal circumferences surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls (n = 66) with normal or abnormal semen. We collected blood samples and measured scrotal circumferences monthly from 4 to 24 months of age. Semen was collected weekly from 12 months until at least 18 months of age. Fresh semen was evaluated for semen volume, sperm motility, concentrations, and morphological defects. The normal fresh semen was frozen by a standard method and examined for post-thaw sperm motility and fertility. Bulls were classified as having either normal post-thaw semen (n = 45) or abnormal semen (n = 21, when at least one of the above test items was abnormal for 6 months). Abnormal semen was classified into abnormal fresh or low-fertility post-thaw which evaluated for rates of transferable embryos. The abnormal fresh was categorized as having sperm morphological defects, low motility, and morphological defects plus low motility. Scrotal circumferences were smaller for the abnormal-semen group vs. the normal-semen group at 20 and 24 months (p < 0.05). Plasma IGF-I, INSL3, and inhibin concentrations in the abnormal-semen group were lower than those of the normal-semen group (p < 0.05) surrounding puberty (4-6, 8, 18-22, and 24 months for IGF-I; 6, 9, 11-14, 17, and 20-21 months for INSL3; 5, 8-13, 16, 17, 19, and 20 months for inhibin). The plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in the abnormal-semen bulls vs. normal-semen bulls only at 22 months (p < 0.05). Analyses of the classified abnormal semen showed lower plasma INSL3 concentrations for morphological defects plus low motility in fresh semen (p < 0.05) and lower IGF-I and inhibin concentrations for low-fertility post-thaw semen (p < 0.05) compared to the normal semen. Our results suggest that reduced secretions of IGF-I, INSL3, and inhibin surrounding puberty may be associated with semen aberration in beef bulls. Notably, the combined sperm abnormality of morphological defects and low motility in fresh semen could involve lowered INSL3, whereas the low-fertility post-thaw semen might be related to decreases of IGF-I and/or inhibin. Pre-puberty blood IGF-I, INSL3 and inhibin concentrations could be used as indicators to predict aberrant semen in beef bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - M Sakase
- Northern Center of Agriculture Technology, General Technological Center of Hyogo Prefecture for Agriculture, Forest and Fishery, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan.
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kohama
- Northern Center of Agriculture Technology, General Technological Center of Hyogo Prefecture for Agriculture, Forest and Fishery, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
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