A rat model of neurotrophic keratopathy, characterized by reduced tear secretion, loss of corneal sensation, impaired epithelial barrier function, and delayed epithelial wound healing, was established by trigeminal denervation. Treatment with both SP and IGF-1 improved corneal epithelial barrier function and stimulated corneal epithelial wound healing in this model.

To investigate how progressive urbanization influences the distribution of ant species in cities, I compared the ant species richness in urban parks of different areas and ages of Tokyo, the most intensively developed urban region in Japan, and its developing neighbor, Chiba City. A total of 43 ant species were found from 98 parks. Multiple regression analysis revealed that park area and age had a positive effect on the number of ant species in the parks and that the parks in Tokyo contained fewer species than did comparable parks in Chiba. Thus, the progression of urbanization reduces ant species richness in urban parks, most likely because it isolates the parks from the surrounding area. Next, in order to examine the relationships between the types of landform modification and the ant distribution in urban areas, I compared the ant species richness in urban parks of Chiba City among different landform types (upland + terraces, lowlands, cut and fill, banking, and reclamation). This study showed that the parks in the reclaimed lands and lowlands contained fewer ant species than did parks in other areas. The reason for this decline of ant fauna is discussed.

To study the influence of urbanization on the distribution of ant species, I compared the occurrence of several ant species in urban parks of different areas and ages in Tokyo and Chiba City, Japan. Analysis of the presence or absence of 42 species revealed that the probability of occurrence in a park was significantly associated with park area for 15 species (35.7%), with park age for five (11.9%), and with region for seven (16.7%). It is likely that different species respond differently to urbanization. Species sensitive to urbanization could be good bioindicators of urban environments. Furthermore, to estimate the influence of the modification of underground environments, Messor aciculatus was selected, because this species nests in an almost vertical shaft with many chambers, to a depth of up to 4 m. The probability of occurrence of the species in a park tended to be lower in reclaimed land and banked land than in other landforms. This fact suggests that M. aciculatus could be a bioindicator of underground modification.

CE is a safe and useful procedure for infants and young children who are unable to swallow the capsule endoscope.

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