A Method Suitable for Extracting Genomic DNA from Animal and Plant——Modified CTAB Method

[Objective] The study aimed to introduce a rapid and effective method that is suitable for extracting genomic DNA from animal and plant. [ Method ] The genomic DNAs were extracted from tender leaves of 24 peanut cuhivars and from the liver, lung and kidney of white mouse through the specifically modified CTAB method. The DNAs were run on agarose gel, next detected by DNA/Protein analyzer. Finally PCR amplification was conducted to detect the quality of DNAs extracted using the modified CTAB method. [ Result] The clear and orderly bands were observed in gel detection, and the values of OD200/OD200 for DNAs extracted via modified CTAB method were between 1.77 - 1.83. The DNAs performed well in PCR amplification. [ Conclusion] The DNAs extracted by modified CTAB method could satisfy the requirement of PCR amplification.

A Comparison of Macrofauna Communities in Different Mangrove Assemblages

The characteristics of macrofauna communities in three mangrove assemblages [Avicennia marina＋Acgiceras corniculatum （MC）community, A.corniculatum （C） community and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza＋A.corniculatum （GC） community] were studied in Zhanjiang Mangrove Nature Reserves during 2005 and 2006. Of the three mangrove assemblages, the macrofauna species number, density, biomass, Richness index and Shannon-Wiener index were the highest, and the Simpson dominance index was medial at MC community. However the Pielou Evenness index of MC community was slightly lower than that at C community. At C community, the number of macrofauna species obviously reduced, especially infaunal, caving and adhering life forms, and the biomass and density were the lowest. Because of the even distribution of individuals of different species, the Simpson dominance index was the lowest and the evenness index was the highest. Although the Richness index at C community was slightly lower than that at MC community, the Shannon-Wiener index was near to that at MC community. At GC community, the number of macrofauna species, especially infaunal and caving life forms, continued to decrease comparing C community, but the biomass and density increased slightly. As the distribution of individuals of different species was uneven, the Simpson dominance index was the highest and the Pielou Evenness index was the lowest. Furthermore, the Richness index dropped to the lowest. The Shannon-Wiener index also dropped accordingly to the lowest. The dominant life forms of MC were infaunal and caving, while those of C and GC community were both caving. The ratio of the GS/GSB of macrofauna communities in the three mangrove assemblages were 0.48, 0.63 and 0.80, respectively. The community structures at the same mangrove assemblages were all quite similar, with those at GC community being most similar. However, there were obvious differences among the community structures at the three different mangrove assemblages. These results implied that the different mangrove assemblages had different affects on the macrofauna communities and shed light on the macrofauna adaptation capability to specific habitats.

Mechanism of microcystin removal from eutrophicated source water by aquatic vegetable bed

For purifying raw water for tap water treatment, the aquatic vegetable bed （AVB） experiment has been carded out in a hypertrophic waterfront of Taihu Lake, China. The average removal rates of total microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR are 63.0% and 66. 7%, respectively. Experiments indicate that lpomoea aquatica can absorb microcystin by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）, and the roots absorb more toxins than leaves and stems. Fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH） is used to analyze the density of microcystin degrading bacteria in the AVB sediment. Two species of microcystin degrading bacteria are detected, which indicate that microcystin bio-degradation process happened in the AVB. Protozoa and metazoa are abundant in root spheres. Aspidisca sp., Vorticella sp., Philodina sp., and Lecane sp. are dominant species. The predation functions of protozoa and metazoa have a positive effect on the removal of cyanobacteria and microcystin.

Setting up the Model of Xeno-graft Verse Host Disease

Objective: To observe human to mouse one way mixed lymphocyte(MLC); And to set up the xeno-grats verse host disease Xeno-graft host disease(XGVHD) model,probing its immunologic mechamism.Methods: Mouse splenic lymphocyte were collected in asepsis and treated by mitomycin as activating cell. Human Peripheral blood lymphocytes (hPBL)were separated and gathered as reacting cell; Mouse splenic lymphocyte and hPBL were mixed to incubate for a week. Destroying recipient (mouse) immune system by total body irradiation (TBI) and intraperitoneal injecting CTX、MTX; Separating and collecting hPBL; Injecting hPBL to mouse by caudal vein. Results; ①HPBL in the experiment groups(mixed mouse lymphocyte) proliferated obviously, the amount of 3H-TdR in corporation increased evidently(P<0.05); The mean percentage of CD 4、CD 8、IgG 、IgM positive cells rose markedly. ②Experiment groups,the hPBL were found in the spleen and kidney tissue, fas protein expressing, we occasionally discovered and apoptosis cells.Conclusion: The human to mouse one-way MLC has obvious lymphocyte proliferation. By these means,we succeed in inducing XGVHD and setting up a XGVHD model.

Relation of Wind-induced Sand Displacement to Plant Biomass and Plant Sand-binding Capacity

Desertification is a process in which vegetation cover degrades followed by increased wind and water erosion. Plants adapted to moving sand conditions are able to reverse this process. They can stabilize die substrate. Not much data is available on the soil stabilization capacity of plants. This study was conducted to investigate the wind-induced sand displacement around plants in relation to their biomass. Sand displacement is examined in relation to the biomass allocation pattern of three different plant species. A new method was developed to experimentally investigate plant sand-binding capacity. The relationship between sand displacement and plant biomass was not linear. Apart from the amount of biomass, species-specific plant characters like the biomass allocation pattern and plant structure may be very important in determining the sand-binding capacity.

Advances in Melatonin and Its Functions in Plants

Abstract Melatonin （N-acetyi-5-methoxytryptamine） is a well-known animal hormone, which is synthesized and secreted by pineal gland and takes part in the regulation of circadian rhythm in animals. At present it has been observed that melatonin is widely existed in higher plants while there have no enough studies on functions of melatonin in plants. Researches have already indicated that the possible functions of melatonin in plants include regulating photoperiod, participating in growth regulation, clearing active oxygen, and promoting activity of antioxidase. General reviews upon functions of melatonin in plants are made upon experiments in recent years. We fo-cus on the demonstrated and predicted biological functions of melatonin in plants to bring researchers up to date on this field. The weakness in present studies and the main research directions are also pointed out.

Low-Molecular-Weight Aliphatic Acids in Soils Incubated with Plant Residues Under Different Moisture Conditions

Incubation experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamics of low- molecufar-weight aliphatic acids in two andosols with and without plant materials. Results showed that amount of low- molecular-weight aliphatic acids in soils alone varied considerably with water regime under which the soil was incubated,duration of incubation and soil organic matter content, ranging from 257-860 pmol kg-1 soil I of which 19%～33% was in free state. Incorporation of plant materials increased greatly both the amount and number of members of low- molecular- weight aliphaticacidst and also the proporticn of low-molec "far-weight aliphatic acids occurred in free state. Generally, among these aliphatic acids detected, acetic, propionic, glyoxalic and formic acids were predominant.

A RHOse by any other name:a comparative analysis of animal and plant Rho GTPases

Rho GTPases are molecular switches that act as key regulators of a many cellular processes, including cell movement, morphogenesis, host defense, cell division and gene expression. Rho GTPases are found in all eukaryotic kingdoms. Plants lack clear homologs to conventional Rho GTPases found in yeast and animals; instead, they have over time developed a unique subfamily, ROPs, also known as RAC. The origin of ROP-like proteins appears to precede the appearance of land plants. This review aims to discuss the evolution of ROP/RAC and to compare plant ROP and animal Rho GTPases, focusing on similarities and differences in regulation of the GTPases and their downstream effectors.

Experiment study of Swainsonine's antineoplastic activity

ED50 of Pure Swainsonine (SW) to EMT6 cell strain is 1.2 (0.8-1.6) mg/L and the dose of entire lethal is 6.4 mg/L with MTT method. After ig crude extraction of SW to S180 sareoma rooted in mouse and EMT6 model mice with breast carcinoma for 12 d at dose of 16 mg/kg, the inhibitory rates of weight amounts to 49.7% and 49.4% respectively (P<0.01). Given crude extraction of SW at 4 mg/kg combined with irradiation at 5 Gy60Co-γ, the inhibitory rate of weight of S180 amount to 64.5% (P<0.01). It shows that SW has obviously antineoplastic.

Resveratrol prolongs allograft survival after liver transplantation in rats

AIM： To study the immuno-modulatory effect of resveratrol （RES） on allograft rejection after liver transplantation in rats. METHODS： Male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were selected as donors and male Wistar rats as recipients for a rejection model. The recipients were divided into four groups after orthotopic liver transplantation （OLTx）. In the RES A, B, and C groups, RES was given intra-peritoneally once a day （25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively） after OLTx, whereas in the control group, vehicle buffer was given intra-peritoneally once a day. The survival time, serum chemistry, production of cytokines, activation of transcription factor NF-kB, and histopathologic findings were then compared among these groups. RESULTS： The mean survival time after OLTx in the RES C group was significantly longer than that in the control group （16.7＋-1.2 d ,vs9.3＋-0.6 d, P〈0.01）. On the 7th posttransplant day the serum albumin level significantly improved in the RES C group, the serum total bile acid and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） levels were significantly lower in the RES C group, the serum IL-2 and INF-y levels were significantly lower in the RES C group, and the activation of transcription factor NF-kB in peripheral blood T lymphocytes was significantly suppressed in the RES A, B, and C groups in comparison to those in the control group. On the 7^th post-transplant day, a histological examination revealed apparent difference in the severity of rejection between the RES C group and control group. CONCLUSION： RES has an immuno-suppressive property as well as protective effect on hepatocytes under allograft rejection. It might serve as a novel agent for reducing the severity of hepatic allograft rejection in rats.

Protective Effect of Rhubarb on Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury

To approach the mechanism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in causing acute lung injury (ALI) and the protective effect of rhubarb and dexamethasone, lung specimens were examined with macroscopy, microscopy, electron microscopy and the biological markers of ALI including lung wet/dry weight, the rate of neutrophils and protein content in the pulmonary alveolar lavage fluid, pulmonary capillary permeability and pulmonary alveolar permeability index were observed. The mechanism of the ALI is mainly due to direct injury of alveolar epithelium and pulmonary vascular endothelium. Rhubarb and dexamethasone could significantly reduce the edema of the lung tissue, decrease the red blood cell exudation, neutrophil infiltration and plasma protein exudation in the alveoli and all the biological markers in comparison with the ALI model rats, indicating they have protective action on vascular endothelium and alveolar epithelium.

Modelling Nitrogen and Phosphorus Dynamics in a Mesocosm Pelagic Ecosystem in Laizhou Bay in China

A model of nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in mesocosm experiments was established on the basis of a summary and synthesis of the existing models. The established model comprised seven state variables(DIN,PO4-P,DON,DOP,phytoplankton,zooplankton and detritus) and five modules - phytoplankton,zooplankton,dissolved inorganic nutrients,dissolved organic nutrients and detritus. Comparison with the in situ experimental data in Laizhou Bay at the end of August 2002 showed that this model could properly simulate the variations of DIN,PO4-P,and phytoplankton biomass in a mesocosm pelagic ecosystem. It was found that not only the model structure but also the parameters adopted were fit for simulation. The sensitivity of the main state variables to the parameter change was assessed by sensitivity analysis. All these results are useful for studying the control mechanism of biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in Laizhou Bay and other Chinese coastal waters.

A simple and versatile protocol for isolation of RNA from plant, fungi and animal

Compared to other plants, the traditional protocols for RNA isolation from sugarcane （Saccharum） are usually cJeficient and result in poor yields, or low-quality. Here we describe a modified method for isolating RNA from various fissoes of S. officinarum, in which only Trizol and some routine reagents were needed. The absorbance at 260/280 nm ranges from 1.70 to 1.80, indicating that the quality of RNA is high, as confirmed by double-stranded cDNA synthesis and reverse ~ranscription-polymerase chain （RT-PCR）. This protocol can also be used effectively in RNA isolation from Erianthus arundinaceus, rice （Oryza sativa Linnaeus）, Achyranthes, sporotrichum spp., Thermophil and loach （Misgurnus an g uillicaudatus ）.

Actions of NO and INOS on Endotoxin Induced rat Acute Lung Injury and Effect of Rhubarb on Them

This study is to explore the actions of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) induced rat acute lung injury (ALI) and effect of Rhubarb on them. LPS was injected into the sublingual vein of male Wistar rats to prepare ALI animal models. The rats were divided into 4 groups: LPS, control, Rhubarb, and dexamethasone. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations of the lung specimens were performed and the biological indexes of lung, including wet weight/dry weight, the rate of neutrophils and protein content in the pulmonary alveolar lavage fluid, pulmonary vascular permeability and pulmonary alveolar permeability were observed. In the mean time, the contents of serum NO and the activities of lung tissue homogenate iNOS were measured. The results showed that in the LPS group, the injury and celluar infiltration in the pulmonary stroma and alveoli were more prominent than that in the control group. Lung wet weight/dry weight, the rate of neutrophils, protein content, pulmonary alveolar permeability, pulmonary vascular permeability were significantly increased (P<0.01); NO and iNOS were also markedly elevated (P<0.01). In the groups of dexamethasone and Rhubarb, the histopathological changes were significantly milder, and all the above biological indexes of lung injury and the contents of NO and the activities of iNOS were correspondingly decreased (P<0.05). The above data demonstrate that NO and the activities of iNOS play an important role in the onset of ALI; dexamethasone and Rhubarb interfering treatment can ameliorate lung injury and decrease the concentrations of NO and iNOS, showing that through inhibiting the levels of NO and the activities of iNOS, these 2 agents exert protective effect on ALI induced LPS.

Comparative Study of the Growth and Gonad Development of Clarias gariepinus （Burchell 1822） Fed Diets with Plant and Animal-based Ingredients in Concrete Tanks

A twelve week experiment was conducted to compare the effects of diets with plant-based and animal-based ingredients on growth and gonad development of Clarias gariepinus. One hundred and 12 sub-adult C. gariepinus with an average weight of 205 ×5.09 g, were stocked in six concrete tanks （9 × 4 × 2 m3） containing 20 fish each. Experiment had 3 replicates and animals fed daily at 5% body weights. There was no significant difference （P 〈 0.05） in proximate compositions of the two experimental feeds and controls. Fecundity, gonad weight and gonasomatic index were higher in fish fed diet 13 than A and C. Similarly, growth indices were higher in fish fed diet B than in A and C. Histology of gonads showed a faster development of oocytes of eggs in fish fed animal-based ingredients than plant-based and combined plant and animal diets. Although there were slight differences in growth parameters and gonad development in favor of feed with animal-based ingredients, plant-based feed compared favorably in the growth and gonad development of C. gariepinus. Plant-based ingredients are recommended on the basis of affordability and availability as substitute for animal-based ingredients in C. gariepinus feed.

Advances in TCM Symptomatology of Rheumatoid Arthritis

In view of the rich experiences and new advances in TCM treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it is very promising to find a further breakthough in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Treating the disease by means of differentiation of symptoms and signs is a distinctive feature of TCM, however the difficult and also the major point would be the research of mechanism of its symptomatology. The following is a summary of the advances in the study of symptomatology, especially its epidemiology, the role of immune system and blood rheology made since 1987 when the ARA criteria1 was published.……

Study of a Novel Small Caliber Vascular Graft in a Canine Model with Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

A novel biological small-diameter vascular graft was evaluated in a canine model. 3 cm long segments with 4 mm I.D. were implanted end-to-end in the carotid position of 12 dogs for 6 months. Color Doppler sonography was performed at the first week post-operation, and angiography was then administered to 9 grafts at 4th week, 12th week and 24th week respectively to monitor the graft pantency and blood flow characteristics. Vascular samples containing the grafts were collected at 1st week, 8th week, 12th week and 24th week after implantation. Morphological changes of the grafts were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies and compared with that of the original prosthesis and the normal host vessel. All grafts were patent throughout the experiment except one graft. Histopathology and SEM demonstrated both a nearly complete inner capsule of varied thickness lining the graft luminal surface and connective tissue adventitia formation at one-week post-operation. The neointima became confluent at 8 weeks and then compact but had no signs of hyperplasia up to 12 weeks; meanwhile on the neointimal surface newly grown endothelial-like cells were migrating from the stoma to the middle portion. The grafts also illustrated endothelialization in many “islands” in the mid-segment luminal surface of the grafts. In addition, the closer distance the cells towards the stoma were, the more morphological similarity the cells with the normal endothelial were. Taken together, the biological vascular graft remained patent for 24 weeks as a carotid prosthesis, characterized by the early and complete neointima formation plus endothelialization starting before 12 weeks post grafting. Therefore, the graft seems suitable for reconstruction of vascular lesions in dogs. Further studies may be carried out to extend the graft application for the clinical use.

Threats to Plant Diversity in the North Eastern Part of Libya （El-Jabal El-Akahdar and Marmarica Plateau）

Little thought has been given to threats facing plant diversity in this area where many wild plants still exist in their refuge sites in valleys （wadis）, the study area harboring most of the endemic species in the zone, and there are substantial maquis vegetation still remaining. Many plants species in this region have medicinal properties that give them scientific and commercial value. However, the wildlife species are gradually disappearing as a result of damaging and excessive resource exploitation the consistency of the irresponsible and inattentive activities, such as over grazing, ploughing, land reclamation, urbanization, mining, forest fires, over collecting and charcoal production cause damage to several habitats, communities disturbance as a result of that, hundreds of species are threatened with disappearance where many are at the brink of extinction. Also, the anthropogenic pressure accelerates Aeolian soil erosion and destroys the soil seed bank.

Contribution of Study Bioecology of the Fauna Chamaerops humilis in the Region of Tlemcen （Algeria）

The region of Tlemcen is situated in the north-west of Algeria. The aridity of the climate had lead to the development of the matorral, a state of degradation of the Mediterranean, and the composed xerophytes plants such as doum and diss, had been found. Chamaerops humilis, xerophyte plant, with special morphologic and botanic character presents a resistance of these climatic. The authors have proposed study of fauna closly linked to this plant. A faunistic inventory was realized in the Mansourah area （region of Tlemcen）. Four stations have been described. Collecting sample was performed during June 2003-Mar. 2004, replying on sixteen （16） prelevements. The number of species were estimated of about 136, in which 111 are Arthropoda, the Entomofauna represented by 97 species and the other inventory are Arachnida by 8 species and Myriapoda by 6 species. 18 species are related to Gastropoda. The vertebrates are few. The importance of different groups＇ recolted on the Chamaerops humilis in the four stations is done particular to the insects. Analysis factorial correspondence （A.F.C） show different grouping of animal species.

Determination of 4-nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol compounds in various types of wastewater and their removal rates in different treatment processes in nine wastewater treatment plants of Iran

Alkylphenols(APs), considered as xenoestrogenic compounds, mainly exist as 4-nonylphenol(4-NP) and 4-tertoctylphenol(4-t-OP) in environments. The high stability and accumulation of APs in aquatic systems have caused endocrine disruption. In this study we measured APs in the wastewater influent and effluent samples, from the urban, rural, livestock, commercial and hospital wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs) in Iran. Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction(DLLME) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS) was used for the extraction and determination of 4-NP and 4-t-OP. In these treatment plants, various processes such as activated sludge, aerated lagoon, moving bed biofilm reactor and activated sludge along with wetland were applied. The highest concentration of 4-NP and 4-t-OP was observed in commercial and livestock sewages. The activated sludge along with wetland and then the MBBR process showed the highest removal rates of pollutants. The rates of biodegradability and accumulation in sludge were determined and also the specific adsorption coefficient Kdand the organic carbon–water partition coefficient kOCof the sludge for APs were calculated.