Objective To investigate the protective effects of naringenin(NRG)against dexamethasone(DEX)-induced osteoporosis(OP)in rats.Methods Molecular docking of NRG was done with AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 software.Forty-eight fema...Objective To investigate the protective effects of naringenin(NRG)against dexamethasone(DEX)-induced osteoporosis(OP)in rats.Methods Molecular docking of NRG was done with AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 software.Forty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 each):normal control(NC),DEX(7 mg/kg,i.m.),NRG-low(NRG-L;25 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-medium(NRG-M;50 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-high(NRG-H;100 mg/kg,i.g.),and alendronate(ALN;0.25 mg/d,i.g.)groups.OP was induced by administering DEX once a week for five weeks in all groups except NC group.Begining in the third week after the initial DEX administration,the rats in NRG-L,NRG-M,NRG-H,and ALN groups received the corresponding treatments daily for three weeks,while NC and DEX groups received no additional treatment.Serum samples were collected at the end of the experiment for biochemical,bone turnover,antioxidant,lipid profile,and inflammatory cytokine analyses.Femur bones underwent physical parameter testing and histopathological examination.Results The molecular docking results illustrated that NRG docked with calcitonin(CT),lowdensity lipoprotein(LDL),bone morphogenetic protein(BMP),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)receptor,forkhead transcription factors,and osteoprogenitor cells showed good binding energy.In rats administered with 25,50,and 100 mg/kg NRG,there was a significant enhancement in serum biochemical indices,characterized by a reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP),parathyroid hormone(PTH),and an elevation in osteocalcin(OC)and CT levels(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Despite no significant changes in thickness,weight,and length(P>0.05),there was a marked increase in bone mineral density(BMD)(P<0.01,P<0.001,and P<0.001,respectively).Antioxidant enzyme markers showed significant upregulation,with higher glutathione,superoxide dismutase,and catalase,and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).The lipid profile also improved significantly,with lower cholesterol(CH),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)levels,and an increase in high-density lipoprotein(HDL)level(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Inflammatory cytokine levels were reduced,as evidenced by decreases in tumor necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Furthermore,histological alterations revealed obvious improvements,and the body weight of rats treated with NRG showed an increase compared with DEX group.Conclusion These findings imply that NRG exhibited a protective effect against DEX-induced OP in rats as it promotes the bone formation process by increasing the number of bone turnover markers including OC and CT,and restoring of antioxidant status,lipid metabolism,and inflammatory markers.展开更多
[ Objective] The purpose was to study the correlation between main agronomic traits and single plant lint yield in upland cotton with high quality. [ Method] Twenty-four upland cotton lines with high quality were anal...[ Objective] The purpose was to study the correlation between main agronomic traits and single plant lint yield in upland cotton with high quality. [ Method] Twenty-four upland cotton lines with high quality were analyzed for single plant lint yield and 10 agronomic traits in a randomized, complete block at the agriculture experimental station of JXAU, Nanchang, China in 2007. They were divided into three types ( high, medium, low yield) based on single plant lint yield by Ward's method. A total of 11 traits of three types were compared. Correlation a- nalysis and stepwise regression analysis of 10 agronomic traits to single plant lint yield were carried out. [ Result] There existed statistically sig- nificant difference in bolls per plant, ~int percentage, lint index, fruit node numbers, growth period for three yield types. The high yield type ex- hibited the highest bolls per plant, lint percentage and lint index, the lowest fruit node numbers and the shortest growth period. Bolls per plant, boll weight and single plant lint yield were significantly and positively correlated. Fruit node numbers and single plant lint yield were significantly and negatively correlated. Bolls per plant, boll weight, and fruiting position number were the most important factors influencing single plant lint yield of upland cotton lines with high quality. [ Conclusion ] The results will have certain significance for the development of upland cotton variety with high quality.展开更多
Based on secular fixed_site data in the artificial sand_fixing vegetation district at the southeast fringe of the Tengger Desert, the formative characteristics of soil microbiotic crusts and its influences on vegetati...Based on secular fixed_site data in the artificial sand_fixing vegetation district at the southeast fringe of the Tengger Desert, the formative characteristics of soil microbiotic crusts and its influences on vegetation dynamics were analyzed. Once sand barrier and artificial vegetation have stabilized the surface of the sifting sand, could form aeolian deposition crust and then evolve into algae_dominated crust. Such processes result from the interactions of physical effects of atmospheric dust and silt deposition on sand surface, sinking and raindrop impact, and soil microorganism activities. Under the condition of less than 200 mm precipitation, the presence of microbiotic crust changes the soil hydraulic conductivity, alters the temporal and spatial distribution of the limited precipitation in sand layer and leads to the decline of deep_rooted shrubs. The development of microbiotic crust and subsurface soil affects the plant growth and seed rain distribution, as a result, the diversity of plant species gradually tend to become saturated and finally affects the vegetation stability.展开更多
Syntheses of 3 ketolanosterol, 3 acetolanosterol, 3 oximolanosterol, 3α and 3β aminolanosterol were described The products have been fully characterized on the basis of their chromatographic (TLC R f, GLC R...Syntheses of 3 ketolanosterol, 3 acetolanosterol, 3 oximolanosterol, 3α and 3β aminolanosterol were described The products have been fully characterized on the basis of their chromatographic (TLC R f, GLC RRTc) and spectral (IR, MS, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR) properties展开更多
Excessive dexamethasone (Dex) administrated into pregnant mice during critical periods of palatal development can produce a high incidence of cleft palate. Its mechanisms remain unknown. Vitamin B12 has been shown to ...Excessive dexamethasone (Dex) administrated into pregnant mice during critical periods of palatal development can produce a high incidence of cleft palate. Its mechanisms remain unknown. Vitamin B12 has been shown to antagonize the tera- togenic effects of Dex, which, however, remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the effects of Dex and vitamin B12 on murine embryonic palatal shelf fusion using organ culture of murine embryonic shelves. The explanted palatal shelves on em- bryonic day 14 (E14) were cultured for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h in different concentrations of Dex and/or vitamin B12. The palatal shelves were examined histologically for the morphological alterations on the medial edge epithelium (MEE) and fusion rates among different groups. It was found that the palatal shelves were not fused at 72 h or less of culture in Dex group, while they were completely fused in the control and vitamin B12-treated groups at 72 and 96 h, respectively. The MEE still existed and proliferated. In Dex+vitamin B12 group the palatal shelves were fused at each time point in a similar rate to controls. These results may suggest that Dex causes teratogenesis of murine embryonic palatal shelves and vitamin B12 prevents the teratogenic effect of Dex on palatogenesis on murine embryos in vitro.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the significance of several Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen extracts for skin prick test(SPT) in patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.Methods Two hundred and nineteen patie...Objective To evaluate the significance of several Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen extracts for skin prick test(SPT) in patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.Methods Two hundred and nineteen patients enrolled in Peking Union Medical College Hospital underwent SPT and serum specific IgE assay to detect the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen.Three kinds of house dust mite allergen extracts were used for SPT,including the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract prepared by our laboratory(group A),standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract(group B),and mixed extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae(group C).Human serum specific IgE result was regarded as the reference standard for diagnosis of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergy.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SPT with the extracts of three groups.Results SPT results showed that the median wheal diameter of group A,group B,and group C was 0.43,0.35,and 0.28 cm,respectively,with significant difference among three groups(P<0.05).The difference was significant between group A and B(P<0.01) as well as group A and C(P<0.01),but not between group B and C(P>0.05).There was no local urticaria or systemic allergic reactions following the procedure of SPT.Local reaction was observed in 5 patients and delayed reaction was in 2 patients of group A.As for group B and C,local reaction occurred in 3 cases and delayed reaction in 2 cases in each group.The area under ROC curve of SPT with extract in group A,group B,and group C was 0.765,0.801,and 0.782,respectively.Based on the detection results of serum specific IgE,the sensitivity of SPT in diagnosis of Dermato-phagoides pteronyssinus allergy with extract of group A,group B,and group C was 92.4%,87.0%,and 81.5%,and the specificity was 60.6%,73.2%,and 74.8%,respectively.Conclusion The Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract for SPT prepared by our laboratory offers good sensitivity and specificity comparable to commercially available allergen extracts,and it may be an appropriate candidate for clinical screening and diagnosis of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergy.展开更多
Eight provenances of 19-year-old Picea koraiensis Nakai from the provenancetrials of Maoershan (45°20′N, 127°30′E), Liang-shui (47°10′N, 128°53′E) and Jiagedaqi(50°24′N, 124°07′E) i...Eight provenances of 19-year-old Picea koraiensis Nakai from the provenancetrials of Maoershan (45°20′N, 127°30′E), Liang-shui (47°10′N, 128°53′E) and Jiagedaqi(50°24′N, 124°07′E) in Northeast China were investigated to analyze the genetic variation ingrowth characteristics (tree height and diameter) and wood characteristics (tracheid length,tracheid diameter, tracheid wall thickness, annual ring width as well as wood density). Greatvariation in height growth and breast height diameter growth was observed among the provenances, andalong with the increase of tree age, these provenances presented different geographic adaptability.The growth characteristics of Picea koraiensis stand at age of 10 in Maoershan and Liangshuiprovenance trials had a positive correlation with longitude, and with increase of tree age to 15 and19, the tree growth of the provenances displayed a significant positive correlation with latitudeas well as altitude. For wood characteristics, great variation was also found among the provenances.There exists a close relation between growth characteristics and wood properties of the provenance.The height and breast height diameter growth of the provenance had a positive correlation withtracheid diameter and annual ring width, and a negative correlation with tracheid wall thickness andwood density. Genetic performance of the provenance in all above characteristics was alsoinvestigated in order to provide more useful information for comprehensive selection of this speciesfor pulpwood and plywood production.展开更多
To accurately describe damage within coal, digital image processing technology was used to determine texture parameters and obtain quantitative information related to coal meso-cracks. The relationship between damage ...To accurately describe damage within coal, digital image processing technology was used to determine texture parameters and obtain quantitative information related to coal meso-cracks. The relationship between damage and mesoscopic information for coal under compression was then analysed. The shape and distribution of damage were comprehensively considered in a defined damage variable, which was based on the texture characteristic. An elastic-brittle damage model based on the mesostructure information of coal was established. As a result, the damage model can appropriately and reliably replicate the processes of initiation, expansion, cut-through and eventual destruction of microscopic damage to coal under compression. After comparison, it was proved that the predicted overall stress-strain response of the model was comparable to the experimental result.展开更多
Five species of foraging and breeding sea turtles have been identified in Vietnam, they are Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksb...Five species of foraging and breeding sea turtles have been identified in Vietnam, they are Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Among them, with the exception of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), four species have been being lay eggs on the beaches along the country. However, these populations have been strongly suffered by human activities for decades. The number of foraging and breeding Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles has dramatically decreased, and Olive Ridley turtle has almost disappeared on their traditional nesting beaches. Beside the reason of harvesting eggs and nesting turtles by catch or by purpose, the developments in coastal areas where sea turtles laying eggs such as in shrimp aquaculture, tourist resort and residential area developments etc., also contributed to this decline of sea turtles. Despite the fact that the recent raising awareness programs on protection and conservation of the sea turtle were very well done with the participation of many organizations and provinces, this important animals still face the risk of extinction in Vietnam.展开更多
The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility, intensity and distribution of pine trees to bark stripping by chacma baboons Papio ursinus in three plantations in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. The numb...The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility, intensity and distribution of pine trees to bark stripping by chacma baboons Papio ursinus in three plantations in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. The number of plots/ha, stripped trees/ plot and stripped trees/ha was recorded during the pre-rainy, rainy and post-rainy seasons from August 2006 to May 2007. During data collection, altitude, aspect, season and other site predictor variables (e. g., roads and fire traces, water points, indigenous vegetation conservation areas, crop felds, human settlements, wattle scrubs, rocky areas, open grasslands, earlier stripped sites and roost sites) were recorded for each plot in association with selected predictor variables within plantation estates. Data on the number of stripped plots/ha, stripped trees/plot and stripped trees/ha were analysed as dependent variables using the Generalised Linear Model (GLM) through SPSS version 15 (2006) to determine which predictor variables were significantly related to bark stripping. Differences between means were tested using Bonferroni tests with a 5 % level of significance. Our findings show that bark stripping of pine trees by baboons occurred at all altitudes and aspects. Overall, the number of bark stripped trees/ha did not significandy vary by season. The number of bark stripped plots/ha was lower during the pre-rainy season than the rainy season, whereas the number of bark stripped trees/plot was higher during the pre-rainy than the rainy season. Bark stripping of pines occurred more often in the vicinities of areas with abundant food and water展开更多
A study was conducted in central Ethiopian highland in 2008 to investigate the consumption of house construction wood, the tree species preference for construction wood and the forthcoming conditions of this forest pr...A study was conducted in central Ethiopian highland in 2008 to investigate the consumption of house construction wood, the tree species preference for construction wood and the forthcoming conditions of this forest product and possible strategies for future availability. Twenty-four iron-roofed houses and twenty-eight thatch-roofed houses belonging to thirty-six farm households were investigated for types, volumes and sources of construction wood used. It was found that an average farmhouse with a floor space of 57 m^2 consumed about 13.7 m^3 of wood. Both floor space and wood consumptions vary with house types An average iron-roofed house with floor space of 51.9 m^2 consumed 16.8 m^3 of wood and an average thatch-roofed house with mean floor space of 28.6 m^2 consumed 3.2 m^3 of wood. Family size and floor space were the major factors influencing construction wood consumption. An average living house was composed of woods of 39.3% ,luniperus procera, 5.6% Cupressus lusitanica, 29.2% Eucalyptus globulus and 26% Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The wood volume from the first two species and half that of the third species were obtained from state forest which is currently banned from any construction wood extraction and hence there is a shortage of around 59.5% of woods. We suggest the promotion of various tree planting approaches to increase the wood supply and the use of alternative local materials like soil bricks for house construction.展开更多
Our field investigation indicates that the northern piedmont fault of the Hengshan Mountain has dislocated proluvial fan and terrace I of the gully mouth on the northern border of the Hengshan Mountain. Stratigraphic ...Our field investigation indicates that the northern piedmont fault of the Hengshan Mountain has dislocated proluvial fan and terrace I of the gully mouth on the northern border of the Hengshan Mountain. Stratigraphic age data indicates that the surface layer in the middle and rear part of the proluvial fan and on the terrace I of the gully mouth on the mountain border consists of sediments of about 5200~6800a B.P. The Hezhuang and Niucaoyu trenches excavated in the front of Hengshan Mountain revealed that 3 paleoseismic events have occurred along the northern piedmont fault of Hengshan Mountain since the early Holocene. The 3 paleoseismic events occurred in 2260±190~4370±150a BP, nearly 5628±150a BP, and 8083±250~8430±720a BP, respectively, and their recurrence interval is 2313a,2628a and 2471a on average. The coseismic vertical displacement produced by these events is 1 0~3 0m. The elapsed time of the latest movement along the fault has exceeded the recurrence interval of these paleoearthquakes. Thus, there exists the possibility of strong earthquake occurrence along the fault from now onward, so the fault is in need of observation.展开更多
Polymyositis is an illness characterized by inflammation of the muscle(s) with uncertain etiological causes. Most of the physicians think that viral infection, disturbances of immune functions and/or pathological vasc...Polymyositis is an illness characterized by inflammation of the muscle(s) with uncertain etiological causes. Most of the physicians think that viral infection, disturbances of immune functions and/or pathological vascular changes might be responsible for the condition.展开更多
The data of modified isochronal testing of gas well is just used to calculate gas well deliverability. Fully utilizing well test data make it possible to obtain formation parameters, such as gas well deliverability, e...The data of modified isochronal testing of gas well is just used to calculate gas well deliverability. Fully utilizing well test data make it possible to obtain formation parameters, such as gas well deliverability, effective permeability and skin factor at the same time. Based on transient flow theory, the pressure drawdown equation of gas unsteady seepage can be deducted. One simulated case is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. The result of analyzed case shows that the proposed method can provide accurate estimate of formation permeability and skin factor compared with the method of Homer curves.展开更多
This study evaluated the morphological characteristics and dynamic variation in characteristics of soil crust and iden-tified the relationships between soil crust and splash erosion under simulated rainfall.The effect...This study evaluated the morphological characteristics and dynamic variation in characteristics of soil crust and iden-tified the relationships between soil crust and splash erosion under simulated rainfall.The effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) on soil aggregate stabilization and crust formation was also investigated.A laboratory rainfall simulation experiment was carried out using soil sample slices.The slices were examined under a polarized light microscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).The results revealed that the soil crusts were thin and were characterized by a greater density,higher shear strength,finer porosity,and lower saturated hydraulic conductivity than the underlying soil.Two types of crusts,i.e.,structural and depositional crusts,were observed.Soil texture was determined to be the most important soil variable influ-encing surface crust formation;depositional crust formation was primarily related to the skeleton characteristics of the soil and happened when the soil contained a high level of medium and large aggregates.The crust formation processes observed were as follows:1) The fine particles on the soil surface became spattered,leached,and then rough in response to raindrop impact and 2) the fine particles were washed into the subsoil pores while a compact dense layer concurrently formed at soil surface due to the continual compaction by the raindrops.Therefore,the factors that influenced structural crust formation were a large amount of fine particles in the soil surface,continual impact of raindrops,dispersion of aggregates into fine particles,and the formation of a compact dense layer concurrently at the soil surface.It was concluded that the most important factor in the formation of soil crusts was raindrop impact.When polyacrylamide (PAM) was applied,it restored the soil structure and greatly increased soil aggregate stabilization.This effectively prevented crust formation.However,this function of PAM was not continuously effective and the crust reformed with long-term rainfall.In conclusion,this study showed that soil micromorphological studies were a useful method for evaluating soil crust formation.展开更多
文摘Objective To investigate the protective effects of naringenin(NRG)against dexamethasone(DEX)-induced osteoporosis(OP)in rats.Methods Molecular docking of NRG was done with AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 software.Forty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 each):normal control(NC),DEX(7 mg/kg,i.m.),NRG-low(NRG-L;25 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-medium(NRG-M;50 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-high(NRG-H;100 mg/kg,i.g.),and alendronate(ALN;0.25 mg/d,i.g.)groups.OP was induced by administering DEX once a week for five weeks in all groups except NC group.Begining in the third week after the initial DEX administration,the rats in NRG-L,NRG-M,NRG-H,and ALN groups received the corresponding treatments daily for three weeks,while NC and DEX groups received no additional treatment.Serum samples were collected at the end of the experiment for biochemical,bone turnover,antioxidant,lipid profile,and inflammatory cytokine analyses.Femur bones underwent physical parameter testing and histopathological examination.Results The molecular docking results illustrated that NRG docked with calcitonin(CT),lowdensity lipoprotein(LDL),bone morphogenetic protein(BMP),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)receptor,forkhead transcription factors,and osteoprogenitor cells showed good binding energy.In rats administered with 25,50,and 100 mg/kg NRG,there was a significant enhancement in serum biochemical indices,characterized by a reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP),parathyroid hormone(PTH),and an elevation in osteocalcin(OC)and CT levels(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Despite no significant changes in thickness,weight,and length(P>0.05),there was a marked increase in bone mineral density(BMD)(P<0.01,P<0.001,and P<0.001,respectively).Antioxidant enzyme markers showed significant upregulation,with higher glutathione,superoxide dismutase,and catalase,and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).The lipid profile also improved significantly,with lower cholesterol(CH),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)levels,and an increase in high-density lipoprotein(HDL)level(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Inflammatory cytokine levels were reduced,as evidenced by decreases in tumor necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Furthermore,histological alterations revealed obvious improvements,and the body weight of rats treated with NRG showed an increase compared with DEX group.Conclusion These findings imply that NRG exhibited a protective effect against DEX-induced OP in rats as it promotes the bone formation process by increasing the number of bone turnover markers including OC and CT,and restoring of antioxidant status,lipid metabolism,and inflammatory markers.
文摘[ Objective] The purpose was to study the correlation between main agronomic traits and single plant lint yield in upland cotton with high quality. [ Method] Twenty-four upland cotton lines with high quality were analyzed for single plant lint yield and 10 agronomic traits in a randomized, complete block at the agriculture experimental station of JXAU, Nanchang, China in 2007. They were divided into three types ( high, medium, low yield) based on single plant lint yield by Ward's method. A total of 11 traits of three types were compared. Correlation a- nalysis and stepwise regression analysis of 10 agronomic traits to single plant lint yield were carried out. [ Result] There existed statistically sig- nificant difference in bolls per plant, ~int percentage, lint index, fruit node numbers, growth period for three yield types. The high yield type ex- hibited the highest bolls per plant, lint percentage and lint index, the lowest fruit node numbers and the shortest growth period. Bolls per plant, boll weight and single plant lint yield were significantly and positively correlated. Fruit node numbers and single plant lint yield were significantly and negatively correlated. Bolls per plant, boll weight, and fruiting position number were the most important factors influencing single plant lint yield of upland cotton lines with high quality. [ Conclusion ] The results will have certain significance for the development of upland cotton variety with high quality.
文摘Based on secular fixed_site data in the artificial sand_fixing vegetation district at the southeast fringe of the Tengger Desert, the formative characteristics of soil microbiotic crusts and its influences on vegetation dynamics were analyzed. Once sand barrier and artificial vegetation have stabilized the surface of the sifting sand, could form aeolian deposition crust and then evolve into algae_dominated crust. Such processes result from the interactions of physical effects of atmospheric dust and silt deposition on sand surface, sinking and raindrop impact, and soil microorganism activities. Under the condition of less than 200 mm precipitation, the presence of microbiotic crust changes the soil hydraulic conductivity, alters the temporal and spatial distribution of the limited precipitation in sand layer and leads to the decline of deep_rooted shrubs. The development of microbiotic crust and subsurface soil affects the plant growth and seed rain distribution, as a result, the diversity of plant species gradually tend to become saturated and finally affects the vegetation stability.
文摘Syntheses of 3 ketolanosterol, 3 acetolanosterol, 3 oximolanosterol, 3α and 3β aminolanosterol were described The products have been fully characterized on the basis of their chromatographic (TLC R f, GLC RRTc) and spectral (IR, MS, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR) properties
基金Project (No. 30530730) supported by the National Natural ScienceFoundation of China
文摘Excessive dexamethasone (Dex) administrated into pregnant mice during critical periods of palatal development can produce a high incidence of cleft palate. Its mechanisms remain unknown. Vitamin B12 has been shown to antagonize the tera- togenic effects of Dex, which, however, remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the effects of Dex and vitamin B12 on murine embryonic palatal shelf fusion using organ culture of murine embryonic shelves. The explanted palatal shelves on em- bryonic day 14 (E14) were cultured for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h in different concentrations of Dex and/or vitamin B12. The palatal shelves were examined histologically for the morphological alterations on the medial edge epithelium (MEE) and fusion rates among different groups. It was found that the palatal shelves were not fused at 72 h or less of culture in Dex group, while they were completely fused in the control and vitamin B12-treated groups at 72 and 96 h, respectively. The MEE still existed and proliferated. In Dex+vitamin B12 group the palatal shelves were fused at each time point in a similar rate to controls. These results may suggest that Dex causes teratogenesis of murine embryonic palatal shelves and vitamin B12 prevents the teratogenic effect of Dex on palatogenesis on murine embryos in vitro.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30671943)the National Scientific Supporting Foundation of China (2008BAI59B04)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (2003AA2Z3502)
文摘Objective To evaluate the significance of several Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen extracts for skin prick test(SPT) in patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.Methods Two hundred and nineteen patients enrolled in Peking Union Medical College Hospital underwent SPT and serum specific IgE assay to detect the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen.Three kinds of house dust mite allergen extracts were used for SPT,including the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract prepared by our laboratory(group A),standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract(group B),and mixed extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae(group C).Human serum specific IgE result was regarded as the reference standard for diagnosis of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergy.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SPT with the extracts of three groups.Results SPT results showed that the median wheal diameter of group A,group B,and group C was 0.43,0.35,and 0.28 cm,respectively,with significant difference among three groups(P<0.05).The difference was significant between group A and B(P<0.01) as well as group A and C(P<0.01),but not between group B and C(P>0.05).There was no local urticaria or systemic allergic reactions following the procedure of SPT.Local reaction was observed in 5 patients and delayed reaction was in 2 patients of group A.As for group B and C,local reaction occurred in 3 cases and delayed reaction in 2 cases in each group.The area under ROC curve of SPT with extract in group A,group B,and group C was 0.765,0.801,and 0.782,respectively.Based on the detection results of serum specific IgE,the sensitivity of SPT in diagnosis of Dermato-phagoides pteronyssinus allergy with extract of group A,group B,and group C was 92.4%,87.0%,and 81.5%,and the specificity was 60.6%,73.2%,and 74.8%,respectively.Conclusion The Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract for SPT prepared by our laboratory offers good sensitivity and specificity comparable to commercially available allergen extracts,and it may be an appropriate candidate for clinical screening and diagnosis of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergy.
基金The paper was supported by National Key Project of The State Forestry Administration.( 96-011-01-06)
文摘Eight provenances of 19-year-old Picea koraiensis Nakai from the provenancetrials of Maoershan (45°20′N, 127°30′E), Liang-shui (47°10′N, 128°53′E) and Jiagedaqi(50°24′N, 124°07′E) in Northeast China were investigated to analyze the genetic variation ingrowth characteristics (tree height and diameter) and wood characteristics (tracheid length,tracheid diameter, tracheid wall thickness, annual ring width as well as wood density). Greatvariation in height growth and breast height diameter growth was observed among the provenances, andalong with the increase of tree age, these provenances presented different geographic adaptability.The growth characteristics of Picea koraiensis stand at age of 10 in Maoershan and Liangshuiprovenance trials had a positive correlation with longitude, and with increase of tree age to 15 and19, the tree growth of the provenances displayed a significant positive correlation with latitudeas well as altitude. For wood characteristics, great variation was also found among the provenances.There exists a close relation between growth characteristics and wood properties of the provenance.The height and breast height diameter growth of the provenance had a positive correlation withtracheid diameter and annual ring width, and a negative correlation with tracheid wall thickness andwood density. Genetic performance of the provenance in all above characteristics was alsoinvestigated in order to provide more useful information for comprehensive selection of this speciesfor pulpwood and plywood production.
基金funding by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51474039 and 51404046)the Project of Shanxi Provincial Federation of Coalbed Methane Research(No.2013012010)the Science Foundation of North University of China(No.XJJ2016033)
文摘To accurately describe damage within coal, digital image processing technology was used to determine texture parameters and obtain quantitative information related to coal meso-cracks. The relationship between damage and mesoscopic information for coal under compression was then analysed. The shape and distribution of damage were comprehensively considered in a defined damage variable, which was based on the texture characteristic. An elastic-brittle damage model based on the mesostructure information of coal was established. As a result, the damage model can appropriately and reliably replicate the processes of initiation, expansion, cut-through and eventual destruction of microscopic damage to coal under compression. After comparison, it was proved that the predicted overall stress-strain response of the model was comparable to the experimental result.
文摘Five species of foraging and breeding sea turtles have been identified in Vietnam, they are Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Among them, with the exception of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), four species have been being lay eggs on the beaches along the country. However, these populations have been strongly suffered by human activities for decades. The number of foraging and breeding Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles has dramatically decreased, and Olive Ridley turtle has almost disappeared on their traditional nesting beaches. Beside the reason of harvesting eggs and nesting turtles by catch or by purpose, the developments in coastal areas where sea turtles laying eggs such as in shrimp aquaculture, tourist resort and residential area developments etc., also contributed to this decline of sea turtles. Despite the fact that the recent raising awareness programs on protection and conservation of the sea turtle were very well done with the participation of many organizations and provinces, this important animals still face the risk of extinction in Vietnam.
基金funded by the African Forest Research network (AFORNET) Grant number 17/01/2005
文摘The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility, intensity and distribution of pine trees to bark stripping by chacma baboons Papio ursinus in three plantations in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. The number of plots/ha, stripped trees/ plot and stripped trees/ha was recorded during the pre-rainy, rainy and post-rainy seasons from August 2006 to May 2007. During data collection, altitude, aspect, season and other site predictor variables (e. g., roads and fire traces, water points, indigenous vegetation conservation areas, crop felds, human settlements, wattle scrubs, rocky areas, open grasslands, earlier stripped sites and roost sites) were recorded for each plot in association with selected predictor variables within plantation estates. Data on the number of stripped plots/ha, stripped trees/plot and stripped trees/ha were analysed as dependent variables using the Generalised Linear Model (GLM) through SPSS version 15 (2006) to determine which predictor variables were significantly related to bark stripping. Differences between means were tested using Bonferroni tests with a 5 % level of significance. Our findings show that bark stripping of pine trees by baboons occurred at all altitudes and aspects. Overall, the number of bark stripped trees/ha did not significandy vary by season. The number of bark stripped plots/ha was lower during the pre-rainy season than the rainy season, whereas the number of bark stripped trees/plot was higher during the pre-rainy than the rainy season. Bark stripping of pines occurred more often in the vicinities of areas with abundant food and water
基金the Austrian Exchange Service for financially supporting this study as part of the academic thesis of the first author
文摘A study was conducted in central Ethiopian highland in 2008 to investigate the consumption of house construction wood, the tree species preference for construction wood and the forthcoming conditions of this forest product and possible strategies for future availability. Twenty-four iron-roofed houses and twenty-eight thatch-roofed houses belonging to thirty-six farm households were investigated for types, volumes and sources of construction wood used. It was found that an average farmhouse with a floor space of 57 m^2 consumed about 13.7 m^3 of wood. Both floor space and wood consumptions vary with house types An average iron-roofed house with floor space of 51.9 m^2 consumed 16.8 m^3 of wood and an average thatch-roofed house with mean floor space of 28.6 m^2 consumed 3.2 m^3 of wood. Family size and floor space were the major factors influencing construction wood consumption. An average living house was composed of woods of 39.3% ,luniperus procera, 5.6% Cupressus lusitanica, 29.2% Eucalyptus globulus and 26% Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The wood volume from the first two species and half that of the third species were obtained from state forest which is currently banned from any construction wood extraction and hence there is a shortage of around 59.5% of woods. We suggest the promotion of various tree planting approaches to increase the wood supply and the use of alternative local materials like soil bricks for house construction.
文摘Our field investigation indicates that the northern piedmont fault of the Hengshan Mountain has dislocated proluvial fan and terrace I of the gully mouth on the northern border of the Hengshan Mountain. Stratigraphic age data indicates that the surface layer in the middle and rear part of the proluvial fan and on the terrace I of the gully mouth on the mountain border consists of sediments of about 5200~6800a B.P. The Hezhuang and Niucaoyu trenches excavated in the front of Hengshan Mountain revealed that 3 paleoseismic events have occurred along the northern piedmont fault of Hengshan Mountain since the early Holocene. The 3 paleoseismic events occurred in 2260±190~4370±150a BP, nearly 5628±150a BP, and 8083±250~8430±720a BP, respectively, and their recurrence interval is 2313a,2628a and 2471a on average. The coseismic vertical displacement produced by these events is 1 0~3 0m. The elapsed time of the latest movement along the fault has exceeded the recurrence interval of these paleoearthquakes. Thus, there exists the possibility of strong earthquake occurrence along the fault from now onward, so the fault is in need of observation.
文摘Polymyositis is an illness characterized by inflammation of the muscle(s) with uncertain etiological causes. Most of the physicians think that viral infection, disturbances of immune functions and/or pathological vascular changes might be responsible for the condition.
文摘The data of modified isochronal testing of gas well is just used to calculate gas well deliverability. Fully utilizing well test data make it possible to obtain formation parameters, such as gas well deliverability, effective permeability and skin factor at the same time. Based on transient flow theory, the pressure drawdown equation of gas unsteady seepage can be deducted. One simulated case is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. The result of analyzed case shows that the proposed method can provide accurate estimate of formation permeability and skin factor compared with the method of Homer curves.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (No. 41101019)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Chinathe State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology of China (No. 2011-KF-09)
文摘This study evaluated the morphological characteristics and dynamic variation in characteristics of soil crust and iden-tified the relationships between soil crust and splash erosion under simulated rainfall.The effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) on soil aggregate stabilization and crust formation was also investigated.A laboratory rainfall simulation experiment was carried out using soil sample slices.The slices were examined under a polarized light microscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).The results revealed that the soil crusts were thin and were characterized by a greater density,higher shear strength,finer porosity,and lower saturated hydraulic conductivity than the underlying soil.Two types of crusts,i.e.,structural and depositional crusts,were observed.Soil texture was determined to be the most important soil variable influ-encing surface crust formation;depositional crust formation was primarily related to the skeleton characteristics of the soil and happened when the soil contained a high level of medium and large aggregates.The crust formation processes observed were as follows:1) The fine particles on the soil surface became spattered,leached,and then rough in response to raindrop impact and 2) the fine particles were washed into the subsoil pores while a compact dense layer concurrently formed at soil surface due to the continual compaction by the raindrops.Therefore,the factors that influenced structural crust formation were a large amount of fine particles in the soil surface,continual impact of raindrops,dispersion of aggregates into fine particles,and the formation of a compact dense layer concurrently at the soil surface.It was concluded that the most important factor in the formation of soil crusts was raindrop impact.When polyacrylamide (PAM) was applied,it restored the soil structure and greatly increased soil aggregate stabilization.This effectively prevented crust formation.However,this function of PAM was not continuously effective and the crust reformed with long-term rainfall.In conclusion,this study showed that soil micromorphological studies were a useful method for evaluating soil crust formation.