Bird species composition and conservation challenges in the Gaoligong Mountains, one of the most diverse bird areas in the world

The Gaoligong Mountains(GLGM),located in southwestern China,extend north to south along the western border of the Hengduan Mountains,spanning approximately 600 km.In this study,we consolidated findings from 17 bird surveys conducted in the GLGM between 2010 and 2022.We found that the GLGM harbors tremendous bird diversity,with a total of 796 documented bird species in the region.Nearly a quarter(23.0%)of these species are listed as state key protected species or as Chinese and global threatened species.Analysis of species richness at the county level showed a decreasing trend with increasing latitude,with the greatest diversity in Yingjiang(661 species).Observations indicated that the GLGM belongs to the Oriental realm,primarily composed of bird species from southern and southwestern China.The GLGM plays an important role in avian conservation by sheltering exceptional bird diversity,providing corridors and flyways for bird migration and dispersal,and mitigating the effects of climate change.In response to the conservation needs of birds and other wildlife,the Chinese government has established numerous protected areas within the GLGM.Despite these efforts,avian conservation still faces considerable challenges in the GLGM due to limitations in the protected area network,transboundary nature of the regions,and existing gaps in monitoring and research.

The preparation and application of N-terminal 57 amino acid protein of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor as a candidate male contraceptive vaccine

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor （FSHR）, which is expressed only on Sertoli cells and plays a key role in spermatogenesis, has been paid attention for its potential in male contraception vaccine research and development. This study introduces a method for the preparation and purification of human FSHR 57-amino acid protein （FSHR-57aa） as well as determination of its immunogenicity and antifertility effect. A recombinant pET-28a（＋）-FSHR-57aa plasmid was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coil strain BL21 StarTM （DE3） and the FSHR-57aa protein was separated and collected by cutting the gel and recovering activity by efficient refolding dialysis. The protein was identified by Western blot and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with a band of nearly 7 kDa and a purity of 97.4%. Male monkeys were immunized with rhFSHR-57aa protein and a gradual rising of specific serum IgG antibody was found which reached a plateau on day 112 （16 weeks） after the first immunization. After mating of one male with three female monkeys, the pregnancy rate of those mated with males immunized against FSHR-57aa was significantly decreased while the serum hormone levels of testosterone and estradiol were not disturbed in the control or the FSHR-57aa groups. By evaluating pathological changes in testicular histology, we found that the blood-testis barrier remained intact, in spite of some small damage to Sertoli cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the rhFSHR-57aa protein might be a feasible male contraceptive which could affect sperm production without disturbing hormone levels.

Preliminary study on dietary selection in Shortridge’s langurs(Trachypithecus shortridgei)from China

DEAR EDITOR,Understanding dietary selection and feeding strategies is important for the conservation and management of endangered primate species.Here,we conducted a preliminary study on the diet and feeding behavior of endangered Shortridge’s langurs(Trachypithecus shortridgei)within the Drung River Valley(Dulongjiang)in southwestern China.

Reversion of Multidrug-Resistance by Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib in K562/DNR Cell Line

Objective：To observe the reversion of multi-drug resistance by proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in K562/DNR cell line and to analyze the possible mechanism of reversion of multidrug-resistance.Methods：MTT method was used to determine the drug resistance of K562/DNR cells and the cellular toxicity of bortezomib.K562/DNR cells were cultured for 12 hours,24 hours and 36 hours with 100 μg/ml DNR only or plus 4 μg/L bortezomib.The expressions of NF-κB,IκB and P-gp of K562/DNR were detected with Western blot method,the activity of NF-κB was tested by ELISA method and the apoptosis rate was observed in each group respectively.Results：The IC50 of DNR on cells of K562/S and K562/DNR groups were 1.16 μg/ml and 50.43 μg/mL,respectively.The drug-resistant fold was 43.47.The IC10 of PS-341 on Cell strain K562/DNR was 4 μg/L.Therefore,4 μg/L was selected as the concentration for PS-341 to reverse drug-resistance in this study.DNR induced down-regulation of IκB expression,up-regulation of NF-κB and P-gp expression.After treatment with PS-341,a proteasome inhibitor,the IκB degradation was inhibited,IκB expression increased,NF-κB and P-gp expression decreased in a time dependent manner.Compared to DNR group,the NF-κB p65 activity of DNR＋PS-341 group was decreased.Compared to corresponding DNR group,DNR induced apoptosis rate increases after addition of PS-341 in a time dependent manner.Conclusion：Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can convert the leukemia cell drug resistance.The mechanism may be that bortezomib decreases the degradation of IκB and the expression of NF-κB and P-gp,therefore induces the apoptosis of multi-drug resistant cells.

Diffusion tensor imaging beyond brains: Applications in abdominal and pelvic organs

Functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) provided critical functional information in addition to the anatomicprofiles offered by conventional MRI, and has been enormously used in the initial diagnosis and followed evaluation of various diseases. Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) is a newly developed and advanced technique that measures the diffusion properties including both diffusion motion and its direction in situ, and has been extensively applied in central nerve system with acknowledged success. Technical advances have enabled DTI in abdominal and pelvic organs. Its application is increasing, yet remains less understood. A systematic overview of clinical application of DTI in abdominal and pelvic organs such as liver, pancreas, kidneys, prostate, uterus, etc., is therefore presented. Exploration of techniques with less artifacts and more normative postprocessing enabled generally satisfactory image quality and repeatability of measurement. DTI appears to be more valuable in the evaluation of diffused diseases of organs with highly directionally arranged structures, such as the assessment of function impairment of native and transplanted kidneys. However, the utility of DTI to diagnose focal lesions, such as liver mass, pancreatic and prostate tumor, remains limited. Besides, diffusion of different layers of the uterus and the fiber structure disruption can be depicted by DTI. Finally, a discussion of future directions of research is given. The underlying heterogeneous pathologic conditions of certain diseases need to be further differentiated, and it is suggested that DTI parameters might potentially depict certain pathologic characterization such as cell density. Nevertheless, DTI should be better integrated into the current multi-modality evaluation in clinical practice.

MMP-7、MMP-9基因多态性与结直肠癌发病的关系研究

目的探讨癌胚抗原(CEA)、糖类抗原199(CA199)、基质金属蛋白酶-7(MMP-7)-181A/G、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)P574R基因多态性与结直肠癌发病的关系。方法以500例健康体检志愿者作为研究对象,按血清CEA、CA199水平将其分为高表达组和正常组,并统计结直肠癌的发病率。采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性方法分析MMP-7基因-181A/G位点、MMP-9基因P574R单核苷酸多态性分布频率,分析其与临床资料关系。结果高表达组结直肠癌发病率高于正常组(P<0.05),高表达组MMP-7 GG+AG基因型比例多于正常组(P<0.05),高表达组中G等位基因频率高于正常组(P<0.05),两组MMP-9 PP、PR+RR基因型表达比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结直肠癌患者MMP-7 GG+AG基因型频率高于健康人群(P<0.05),结直肠癌患者MMP-9 PR+RR、PP基因型频率与健康人群比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),MMP-7、MMP-9基因多态性与结直肠癌TNM分期、淋巴结转移相关(P<0.05)。结论 CEA、CA199对结直肠癌的早期诊断有一定临床价值,MMP-7基因-181 GG+AG、MMP-9 P574R PP基因型可能与结直肠癌的发生、发展有关。

Social organization of Shortridge’s capped langur（Trachypithecus shortridgei） at the Dulongjiang Valley in Yunnan,China

Non-human primates often live in socially stable groups characterized by bonded relationships among individuals. Social organization can be used to evaluate living conditions and expansion potential. Bisexual group size, ratio of males to females and group composition are essential elements determining the type of social organization. Although the first report on Shortridge’s capped langurs（Trachypithecus shortridgei） was in the 1970 s, until now, the species only inhabits forests of the Dulongjiang valley in northwest Yunnan, China, with c. 250-370 individuals in 19 populations. To understand its social organization, we collected data from five groups of Shortridge’s langurs at Silaluo in the Dulongjiang valley during August 2012-October 2013. Family groups consist of one adult male, 2–3 adult females and up to five young. Group size averaged 8（7-9） individuals. The ratio of adult males to females（M/F） was 1：2.9, infants to adult females was（I/F） 1：2.2; and ratio of adults to immatures was 1：1.2, indicating the potential of a population increasing. Birth season was during March-July and the inter-birth interval was two years.

Functional assessment of transplanted kidneys with magnetic resonance imaging

Kidney transplantation has emerged as the treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage renal disease, which is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Given the shortage of clinically available donor kidneys and the significant incidence of allograft dysfunction, a noninvasive and accurate assessment of the allograft renal function is critical for postoperative management. Prompt diagnosis of graft dysfunction facilitates clinical intervention of kidneys with salvageable function. New advances in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) technology have enabled the calculation of various renal parameters that were previously not feasible to measure noninvasively. Diffusion-weighted imaging provides information on renal diffusion and perfusion simultaneously, with quantification by the apparent diffusion coefficient, the decrease of which reflects renal function impairment. Diffusion-tensor imaging accounts for the directionality of molecular motion and measures fractional anisotropy of the kidneys. Blood oxygen level-dependent MR evaluates intrarenal oxygen bioavailability, generating the parameter of R2*(reflecting the concentration of deoxyhemoglobin). A decrease in R2* could happen during acute rejection. MR nephro-urography/renography demonstrates structural data depicting urinary tract obstructions and functional data regarding the glomerular filtration and blood flow. MR angiography details the transplant vasculature and is particularly suitable for detecting vascular complications, with good correlation with digital subtraction angiography. Other functional MRI technologies, such as arterial spin labeling and MR spectroscopy, are showing additional promise. This review highlights MRI as a comprehensive modality to diagnose a variety of etiologies of graft dysfunction, including prerenal(e.g., renal vasculature), renal(intrinsic causes) and postrenal(e.g., obstruction of the collecting system) etiologies.

Fecal gene detection based on next generation sequencing for colorectal cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.Given its insidious onset,the condition often already progresses to advanced stage when symptoms occur.Thus,early diagnosis is of great significance for timely clinical intervention,efficacy enhancement,and prognostic improvement.Featuring high throughput,fastness,and rich information,next generation sequencing(NGS)can greatly shorten the detection time,which is a widely used detection technique at present.AIM To screen specific genes or gene combinations in fecal DNA that are suitable for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CRC,and to establish a technological platform for CRC screening,diagnosis,and efficacy monitoring through fecal DNA detection.METHODS NGS was used to sequence the stool DNA of patients with CRC,which were then compared with the genetic testing results of the stool samples of normal controls and patients with benign intestinal disease,as well as the tumor tissues of CRC patients.Specific genes or gene combinations in fecal DNA suitable for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CRC were screened,and their significances in diagnosing CRC and predicting patients'prognosis were comprehensively evaluated.RESULTS High mutation frequencies of TP53,APC,and KRAS were detected in the stools and tumor tissues of CRC patients prior to surgery.Contrastively,no pathogenic mutations of the above three genes were noted in the postoperative stools,the normal controls,or the benign intestinal disease group.This indicates that tumor-specific DNA was detectable in the preoperative stools of CRC patients.The preoperative fecal expression of tumor-associated genes can reflect the gene mutations in tumor tissues to some extent.Compared to the postoperative stools and the stools in the two control groups,the pathogenic mutation frequencies of TP53 and KRAS were significantly higher for the preoperative stools(χ^(2)=7.328,P<0.05;χ^(2)=4.219,P<0.05),suggesting that fecal TP53 and KRAS genes can be used for CRC screening,diagnosis,and prognostic prediction.No significant difference in the pathogenic mutation frequency of the APC gene was found from the postoperative stools or the two control groups(χ^(2)=0.878,P>0.05),so further analysis with larger sample size is required.Among CRC patients,the pathogenic mutation sites of TP53 occurred in 16 of 27 preoperative stools,with a true positive rate of 59.26%,while the pathogenic mutation sites of KRAS occurred in 10 stools,with a true positive rate of 37.04%.The sensitivity and negative predictive values of the combined genetic testing of TP53 and KRAS were 66.67%(18/27)and 68.97%,respectively,both of which were higher than those of TP53 or KRAS mutation detection alone,suggesting that the combined genetic testing can improve the CRC detection rate.The mutation sites TP53 exon 4 A84G and EGFR exon 20 I821T(mutation start and stop positions were both 7579436 for the former,while 55249164 for the latter)were found in the preoperative stools and tumor tissues.These"undetected"mutation sites may be new types of mutations occurring during the CRC carcinogenesis and progression,which needs to be confirmed through further research.Some mutations of"unknown clinical significance"were found in such genes as TP53,PTEN,KRAS,BRAF,AKT1,and PIK3CA,whose clinical values is worthy of further exploration.CONCLUSION NGS-based fecal genetic testing can be used as a complementary technique for the CRC diagnosis.Fecal TP53 and KRAS can be used as specific genes for the screening,diagnosis,prognostic prediction,and recurrence monitoring of CRC.Moreover,the combined testing of TP53 and KRAS genes can improve the CRC detection rate.

Carbon footprint and carbon neutrality pathway of green tea in China

With the rising popularity of the concept of“carbon neutralization”,low-carbon products are likely to gain more advantages.Related to this,green tea-an important beverage that is widely consumed in China-along with emissions from planting,processing,and use phase should be given attention.Meanwhile,quantifying the carbon footprint(CF)of green tea is an essential task in developing the pathway to carbon neutrality.In this study,we quantified the CF and mitigation potential of green tea through life cycle assessment,after which we investigated the pathway toward carbon neutrality in 16 major tea-producing regions(except Hainan and Taiwan)in China.The system boundary was divided into six subsystems from cradle to grave:cultivation,processing,transport,packaging,consumption,and disposal.The results showed that the total carbon emissions of green tea reached 44.13 Mt CO_(2)eq in 2019,of which 43%came from consumption and 28%from cultivation.There were 18.78 Mt CO_(2)eq emissions from fertilizer production and application,while there was a 7.71 Mt CO_(2)eq carbon sink of tea trees.The average carbon intensity was 24.30 kg CO_(2)eq kg−1 tea,while Shandong and Guizhou ranked as the top two provinces.Sichuan,Hubei,and Yunnan Provinces had the largest amounts of carbon emissions at 6.79,6.14,and 5.96 Mt CO_(2)eq,respectively.By 2030,2050 and 2060,total carbon emissions would be reduced by 46%,63%,and 86%,respectively,under carbon neutrality assumption.A small amount of 6.14 Mt CO_(2)eq carbon emissions was retained to be offset by carbon trading or zero-carbon cultivation.Finally,the results indicate that adopting low-carbon fertilizers and clean energies will be a key entry point for carbon-neutral green tea.