The development of plant embryology in China can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) the initial stage, (2) the stage of establishing plant embryology as a branch of plant sciences, and (3) the stage when plant...The development of plant embryology in China can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) the initial stage, (2) the stage of establishing plant embryology as a branch of plant sciences, and (3) the stage when plant embryology evolves into plant reproductive biology with its vigorous development. It is in the third stage that research work in this field in China has developed rapidly and many of the significant achievements obtained are described in more details in this review. Researches of experimental embryology are not included in this paper.展开更多
In the past decades, a lot of advances in understanding the biochemistry and physiology of the pineal gland have been made. There is evidence that it interacts with many endocrine as well as non-endocrine tissues to i...In the past decades, a lot of advances in understanding the biochemistry and physiology of the pineal gland have been made. There is evidence that it interacts with many endocrine as well as non-endocrine tissues to influence their metabolic activity modulating many organs and functions. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays an important role in regulating the neuroendocrine system. This hormone is one of the major role players in the regulation of the circadian sleep-wake cycle. It is normally released from the pineal gland during the night in response to environmental changes in light. Studies have shown that melatonin plays a role in the regulation of many reproductive processes such as puberty, gonadal function, and pregnancy. Beside these, melatonin has been shown to be able to directly neutralize a number of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information about the new developments in melatonin research regarding its role in reproduction. A review of international scientific literature was done and a question-and-answer format was used in an attempt to convey comprehensive information in a simple manner. This review discusses evidence currently available relating to the effect of melatonin on reproductive processes. It deliberates the mechanism of action of melatonin, its effect on puberty, testicular and ovafunction, pregnancy, and oxidative stress. A growing body of scientific evidence is suggesting that melatonin plays an important role in reproductive function. It is therefore imperative to highlight the beneficial effects of this hormone in improving the reproductive processes.展开更多
The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy."...The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy." Taxonomic knowledge has assumed greater significance in recent years, particularly because of growing concerns over the looming biodiversity crisis. Since its establishment in 1938, the Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB), which is located in Yunnan province in Southwest China, has focused attention on the taxonomy and conservation of the flora of China. For the forthcoming 80 th anniversary of KIB, we review the achievements of researchers at KIB and their associates with respect to the taxonomy of land plants, fungi, and lichen. Major taxonomic advances are summarized for families of Calymperaceae,Cryphaeaceae, Lembophyllaceae, Neckeraceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae of mosses, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae of ferns, Taxaceae and Cycadaceae of gymnosperms, Asteraceae, Begoniaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Theaceae and Urticaceae of angiosperms, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Physalacriaceae Russulaceae, Suillaceae and Tuberaceae of fungi, and Ophioparmaceae and Parmeliaceae of lichens. Regarding the future development of taxonomy at KIB, we recommend that taxonomists continue to explore the biodiversity of China, integrate new theories and technologies with traditional taxonomic approaches,and engage in creative monographic work, with support from institutions, funding agencies, and the public.展开更多
Osteochondral （OC） lesions are characterized by defects in two different zones, the cartilage region and subchondral bone region. These lesions are frequently associated with mechanical instability, as well as osteo...Osteochondral （OC） lesions are characterized by defects in two different zones, the cartilage region and subchondral bone region. These lesions are frequently associated with mechanical instability, as well as osteoarthritic degenerative changes in the knee. The lack of spontaneous healing and the drawbacks of the current treatments have increased the attention from the scientific community to this issue. Different tissue engineering approaches have been attempted using different polymers and different scaffolds＇ processing. However, the current conventional techniques do not allow the full control over scaffold fabrication, and in this type of approaches, the tuning ability is the key to success in tissue regeneration. In this sense, the researchers have placed their efforts in the development of solid free-form （SFF） techniques. These techniques allow tuning different properties at the micro-macro scale, creating scaffolds with appropriate features for OC tissue engineering. In this review, it is discussed the current SFF techniques used in OC tissue engineering and presented their promising results and current challenges.展开更多
Previous studies have suggested that the transforming growth factor-β receptor ALK5 is crucial for articular chondrogenesis by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Here, the wild-type ALK5 plasmids were mutated by ove...Previous studies have suggested that the transforming growth factor-β receptor ALK5 is crucial for articular chondrogenesis by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Here, the wild-type ALK5 plasmids were mutated by overlapping extended PCR and transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The knee joint osteoarthritis mouse model was constructed by cutting oft＂ the anterior cruciate ligament and divided into three groups： saline group, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and ALK5-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group. HE staining showed that the articular cartilage lesions were more serious of saline group compared with that of mesenchymal stem cell group, and this trend was more pronounced as time goes on. Immunohistochemical staining showed that although the expression level of type II collagen in all three groups down-regulated gradually upon time, its expression in ALK5-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group was significantly enhanced compared with the other two groups. Micro-CT also suggested that ALK5 transfection of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells would promote repairing the knee cartilage lesions with arthritis of the mice. Although the osteoarthritis mechanism underlying a variety of factors work together, and the appropriate proportion of ALKS/ALK1 was also emphasized for the treatment of osteoarthritis. This work therefore demonstrated that ALK5 transfection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells could be a promising stem cell therapy for repair of cartilage lesions.展开更多
MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are a group of small, endogenous, single-stranded non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression levels. Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs play key roles in multiple bi...MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are a group of small, endogenous, single-stranded non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression levels. Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs play key roles in multiple biological processes, such as growth and development in both animals and plants. Computational identification is an efficient method for miRNA prediction in organisms with a reference genome before high-throughput miRNA sequencing experiments. In this study, we employed an integrated strategy combining the homology-based and ab initio approaches to predict miRNAs from the genome and transcriptome of large yellow croaker, one of the most commercially important marine fish in China and East Asia. A total of 418 miRNA molecules, including 287 miRNAs by the homology-based method and 131 miRNAs by the ab initio approach, were identified for large yellow croaker. Additionally, 16 053 target genes were predicted and annotated for Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) databases. Meanwhile, we analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) around large yellow croaker miRNA and found that the miRNA seed regions were significantly less prone to mutations, indicating that the miRNA sequences were under strict natural selection based on their essential regulation functions in living cells. Twenty-two SNPs were identified in large yellow croaker miRNA seed regions, which dramatically influenced the miRNA-gene regulation networks. This is the first reported miRNA detection from both the genome and transcriptome using the integrated strategy for large yellow croaker species, and the miRNA and SNP analyses in this work provide important resources and a reference for subsequent miRNA functional investigations in large yellow croaker.展开更多
The presence of feacal-derived pathogens in water is responsible for several infectious diseases and deaths worldwide. As a solution, sources of fecal pollution in waters must be accurately assessed, properly determin...The presence of feacal-derived pathogens in water is responsible for several infectious diseases and deaths worldwide. As a solution, sources of fecal pollution in waters must be accurately assessed, properly determined and strictly controlled. However, the exercise has remained challenging due to the existing overlapping characteristics by different members of faecal coliform bacteria and the inadequacy of information pertaining to the contribution of seasonality and weather condition on tracking the possible sources of pollution. There are continued ef forts to improve the Faecal Contamination Source Tracking(FCST) techniques such as Microbial Source Tracking(MST). This study aimed to make contribution to MST by evaluating the efficacy of combining site specific quantification of faecal contamination indicator bacteria and detection of DNA markers while accounting for seasonality and weather conditions' eff ects in tracking the major sources of faecal contamination in a freshwater system(Donghu Lake, China). The results showed that the use of cyd gene in addition to lacZ and uidA genes differentiates E. coli from other closely related faecal bacteria. The use of selective media increases the pollution source tracking accuracy. BSA addition boosts PCR detection and increases FCST efficiency. Seasonality and weather variability also influence the detection limit for DNA markers.展开更多
Recent agricultural biotechnology research and advances in the province are reviewed. Targets and practices for biotechnological development in depth are discussed, with 'Stress on the talent's training, new t...Recent agricultural biotechnology research and advances in the province are reviewed. Targets and practices for biotechnological development in depth are discussed, with 'Stress on the talent's training, new techniques' establishment and its industrialization, starting from the existing level and problems in the field in the province.展开更多
文摘The development of plant embryology in China can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) the initial stage, (2) the stage of establishing plant embryology as a branch of plant sciences, and (3) the stage when plant embryology evolves into plant reproductive biology with its vigorous development. It is in the third stage that research work in this field in China has developed rapidly and many of the significant achievements obtained are described in more details in this review. Researches of experimental embryology are not included in this paper.
文摘In the past decades, a lot of advances in understanding the biochemistry and physiology of the pineal gland have been made. There is evidence that it interacts with many endocrine as well as non-endocrine tissues to influence their metabolic activity modulating many organs and functions. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays an important role in regulating the neuroendocrine system. This hormone is one of the major role players in the regulation of the circadian sleep-wake cycle. It is normally released from the pineal gland during the night in response to environmental changes in light. Studies have shown that melatonin plays a role in the regulation of many reproductive processes such as puberty, gonadal function, and pregnancy. Beside these, melatonin has been shown to be able to directly neutralize a number of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information about the new developments in melatonin research regarding its role in reproduction. A review of international scientific literature was done and a question-and-answer format was used in an attempt to convey comprehensive information in a simple manner. This review discusses evidence currently available relating to the effect of melatonin on reproductive processes. It deliberates the mechanism of action of melatonin, its effect on puberty, testicular and ovafunction, pregnancy, and oxidative stress. A growing body of scientific evidence is suggesting that melatonin plays an important role in reproductive function. It is therefore imperative to highlight the beneficial effects of this hormone in improving the reproductive processes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31700182)
文摘The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy." Taxonomic knowledge has assumed greater significance in recent years, particularly because of growing concerns over the looming biodiversity crisis. Since its establishment in 1938, the Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB), which is located in Yunnan province in Southwest China, has focused attention on the taxonomy and conservation of the flora of China. For the forthcoming 80 th anniversary of KIB, we review the achievements of researchers at KIB and their associates with respect to the taxonomy of land plants, fungi, and lichen. Major taxonomic advances are summarized for families of Calymperaceae,Cryphaeaceae, Lembophyllaceae, Neckeraceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae of mosses, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae of ferns, Taxaceae and Cycadaceae of gymnosperms, Asteraceae, Begoniaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Theaceae and Urticaceae of angiosperms, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Physalacriaceae Russulaceae, Suillaceae and Tuberaceae of fungi, and Ophioparmaceae and Parmeliaceae of lichens. Regarding the future development of taxonomy at KIB, we recommend that taxonomists continue to explore the biodiversity of China, integrate new theories and technologies with traditional taxonomic approaches,and engage in creative monographic work, with support from institutions, funding agencies, and the public.
文摘Osteochondral （OC） lesions are characterized by defects in two different zones, the cartilage region and subchondral bone region. These lesions are frequently associated with mechanical instability, as well as osteoarthritic degenerative changes in the knee. The lack of spontaneous healing and the drawbacks of the current treatments have increased the attention from the scientific community to this issue. Different tissue engineering approaches have been attempted using different polymers and different scaffolds＇ processing. However, the current conventional techniques do not allow the full control over scaffold fabrication, and in this type of approaches, the tuning ability is the key to success in tissue regeneration. In this sense, the researchers have placed their efforts in the development of solid free-form （SFF） techniques. These techniques allow tuning different properties at the micro-macro scale, creating scaffolds with appropriate features for OC tissue engineering. In this review, it is discussed the current SFF techniques used in OC tissue engineering and presented their promising results and current challenges.
基金This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China （81600838, 51502262）, Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang, China （2017C01054）, Medical Technology and Education of Zhejiang Province of China （2016KYB178）, Research Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province social welfare development projects under Grant 2013C33161, Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Provence of China under Grant LY 15H 160019, and Ningbo Natural Science Foundation 2016A610166.
文摘Previous studies have suggested that the transforming growth factor-β receptor ALK5 is crucial for articular chondrogenesis by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Here, the wild-type ALK5 plasmids were mutated by overlapping extended PCR and transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The knee joint osteoarthritis mouse model was constructed by cutting oft＂ the anterior cruciate ligament and divided into three groups： saline group, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and ALK5-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group. HE staining showed that the articular cartilage lesions were more serious of saline group compared with that of mesenchymal stem cell group, and this trend was more pronounced as time goes on. Immunohistochemical staining showed that although the expression level of type II collagen in all three groups down-regulated gradually upon time, its expression in ALK5-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group was significantly enhanced compared with the other two groups. Micro-CT also suggested that ALK5 transfection of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells would promote repairing the knee cartilage lesions with arthritis of the mice. Although the osteoarthritis mechanism underlying a variety of factors work together, and the appropriate proportion of ALKS/ALK1 was also emphasized for the treatment of osteoarthritis. This work therefore demonstrated that ALK5 transfection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells could be a promising stem cell therapy for repair of cartilage lesions.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U1205122,31602207)the Key Project of the Xiamen Southern Ocean Research Center(No.14GZY70NF34)+2 种基金the Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.2016J05081)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program)(No.2012AA10A403)the Foundation for Innovation Research Team of Jimei University(No.2010A02)
文摘MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are a group of small, endogenous, single-stranded non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression levels. Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs play key roles in multiple biological processes, such as growth and development in both animals and plants. Computational identification is an efficient method for miRNA prediction in organisms with a reference genome before high-throughput miRNA sequencing experiments. In this study, we employed an integrated strategy combining the homology-based and ab initio approaches to predict miRNAs from the genome and transcriptome of large yellow croaker, one of the most commercially important marine fish in China and East Asia. A total of 418 miRNA molecules, including 287 miRNAs by the homology-based method and 131 miRNAs by the ab initio approach, were identified for large yellow croaker. Additionally, 16 053 target genes were predicted and annotated for Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) databases. Meanwhile, we analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) around large yellow croaker miRNA and found that the miRNA seed regions were significantly less prone to mutations, indicating that the miRNA sequences were under strict natural selection based on their essential regulation functions in living cells. Twenty-two SNPs were identified in large yellow croaker miRNA seed regions, which dramatically influenced the miRNA-gene regulation networks. This is the first reported miRNA detection from both the genome and transcriptome using the integrated strategy for large yellow croaker species, and the miRNA and SNP analyses in this work provide important resources and a reference for subsequent miRNA functional investigations in large yellow croaker.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31670465,31370504)
文摘The presence of feacal-derived pathogens in water is responsible for several infectious diseases and deaths worldwide. As a solution, sources of fecal pollution in waters must be accurately assessed, properly determined and strictly controlled. However, the exercise has remained challenging due to the existing overlapping characteristics by different members of faecal coliform bacteria and the inadequacy of information pertaining to the contribution of seasonality and weather condition on tracking the possible sources of pollution. There are continued ef forts to improve the Faecal Contamination Source Tracking(FCST) techniques such as Microbial Source Tracking(MST). This study aimed to make contribution to MST by evaluating the efficacy of combining site specific quantification of faecal contamination indicator bacteria and detection of DNA markers while accounting for seasonality and weather conditions' eff ects in tracking the major sources of faecal contamination in a freshwater system(Donghu Lake, China). The results showed that the use of cyd gene in addition to lacZ and uidA genes differentiates E. coli from other closely related faecal bacteria. The use of selective media increases the pollution source tracking accuracy. BSA addition boosts PCR detection and increases FCST efficiency. Seasonality and weather variability also influence the detection limit for DNA markers.
文摘Recent agricultural biotechnology research and advances in the province are reviewed. Targets and practices for biotechnological development in depth are discussed, with 'Stress on the talent's training, new techniques' establishment and its industrialization, starting from the existing level and problems in the field in the province.
