AIM: To assess the effects of mastic administration on cytokine production of circulating mononuclear cells of patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: The study was conducted in patients with establis...AIM: To assess the effects of mastic administration on cytokine production of circulating mononuclear cells of patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: The study was conducted in patients with established mildly to moderately active CD, attending the outpatient clinics of the hospital, and in healthy controls. Recruited to a 4 wk treatment with mastic caps (6 caps/d, 0.37 g/cap) were 10 patients and 8 controls, all of who successfully completed the protocol. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Treating CD patients with mastic resulted in the reduction of TNF-α secretion (2.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL vs 0.5 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P = 0.028). MIF release was significantly increased (1.2±0.4 ng/mL vs 2.5 ± 0.7 ng/mL, P = 0.026) meaning that random migration and chemotaxis of monocytes/macrophages was inhibited. No significant changes were observed in IL-6, MCP-1 and GSH concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study shows that mastic acts as an immunomodulator on PBIC, acting as a TNF-α inhibitor and a MIF stimulator. Although further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in a large number of patients is required to clarify the role of this natural product, this finding provides strong evidence that mastic might be an important regulator of immunity in CD.展开更多
Effect of intermittent irrigation on the production of paddy rice was studied in a well-puddled paddy field with four treatments and 2 replicates: continuous flooding irrigation (CFI), and intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-...Effect of intermittent irrigation on the production of paddy rice was studied in a well-puddled paddy field with four treatments and 2 replicates: continuous flooding irrigation (CFI), and intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-O, Ⅱ-1 and Ⅱ-2, in which plants were re-irrigated when the soil water potential fell below 0, -10, and -20 kPa, respectively, at soil depth of about 5 cm. Results showed that the reduction in soil water potential to about -10 or -20 kPa did not significantly affect the number of grains and the percentage of ripened grains. While, a lower crop growth rate (CGR) resulted from a decrease in the net assimilation rate (NAR) during intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-1 and Ⅱ-2, and there was also a reduction in the leaf area index (LAI) during intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-2. Senescence of lower leaves on stems was promoted in treatments Ⅱ-1 and Ⅱ-2 at the ripening stage. Early senescence at ripening stage and water stress around midday decreased the rate of photosynthesis in leaves, causing the lower NAR. These physiological responses of the plants were responsible for the reduction in the dry matter production and grain yield in the intermittent irrigation treatments.展开更多
This paper presents the changes of landscape structure in the Demanovská Valley which ranks among the most valuable protected areas of Slovakia. The area was selected on the basis of changes associated with the r...This paper presents the changes of landscape structure in the Demanovská Valley which ranks among the most valuable protected areas of Slovakia. The area was selected on the basis of changes associated with the rapidly growing tourism industry and the rise of an important destination in the center of Low Tatras National Park, Slovakia. To document any changes, we visually interpreted data from aerial and satellite images in three periods(1949, 2007 and 2013) and for predicting future changes we used land use planning documentation. Interpreted data were analyzed using overlay analysis and landscape metrics. Results showed extensive changes in the landscape structure mainly connected with the development of tourism infrastructure. We also identified long-term changes whose causes stem from the transformation of society and forest management in the past. The dynamics and extent of these changes may increase in the future. We propose to stop future development of ski slopes and expansion of related infrastructure, to focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly operation of the existing ski resort and to invest a substantial portion of profits to support projects aimed to preserve surrounding lands and wildlife.展开更多
Underutilized plant species help to alleviate common food insufficiencies by providing alternative food supply. They also complement primary health care, furnishing raw materials where the cultivation of staple cereal...Underutilized plant species help to alleviate common food insufficiencies by providing alternative food supply. They also complement primary health care, furnishing raw materials where the cultivation of staple cereal crops is least feasible and health care is pursued indigenously. Research and promotion of extraction, utilization, and conservation of underutilized species lead to exploration of new staple crops and motivate people to consume in a sustainable manner. The present study describes the current status, uses, and management of underutilized plant species in Far West Nepal. The relative importance of 49 underutilized plant species was computed employing a Relative Importance (RI) technique. The use-values assigned to the species fall into six use-categories: beverage, fodder, food & edible, medicinal, vegetable and veterinary. A total of 22 species appeared in multiple use-categories, while the rest were characterized by a single use-category. Based on relative importance and frequency, Ficus semicordata, Debregesia longifolia, Girardinea diversifolia, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, Garuga pinnata, Aloe vera and Pyrus pashia offer the most potential for future. Underutilized plants proved important to folk medicine and food. These species persist because they remain useful to local people as means of subsistence, production, and primary health care. The findings are important so far as they point up the role of underutilized plants in national food security policy and health care, spelling out their potentialities and cross cutting relationships.展开更多
Salvianolic acid B(Sal B) is an active component of traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza and is used to treat vascular diseases. To better understand its mechanism, the antioxidant capacities of Sal B was ...Salvianolic acid B(Sal B) is an active component of traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza and is used to treat vascular diseases. To better understand its mechanism, the antioxidant capacities of Sal B was evaluated with human endothelial cells under oxidative stress. Human endothelial cells were pretreated with Sal B for 12 h followed by hydrogen peroxide for another 12 h. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and concentration of glu-tathione were measured. Protective effect of Sal B on the endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced damage was observed, and ROS production in the cells was found significantly inhibited. Sal B remarkably enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPX. Furthermore, Sal B up-regulated the intracellular glu-tathione concentration. The results indicate that Sal B protected endothelial cells from oxidative stress by improving the redox status of the cells through enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities and increasing the reductive glu-tathione concentration after the oxidative challenge.展开更多
A wide range of insect pests attacks stored sorghum grains and the significant damage in grain weight loss and negative impact on the nutritional values of sorghum are caused with the activities of these pests. The in...A wide range of insect pests attacks stored sorghum grains and the significant damage in grain weight loss and negative impact on the nutritional values of sorghum are caused with the activities of these pests. The insecticides, especially from organophosphate group (OP), are still used to prevent damage of sorghum grains during storage period. One of the possible replacements for OP and other synthetic insecticides is a natural and safe diatomaceous earth (DE). The primary objectives of this study was conducting the laboratory experiments with enhanced DE Protect-lt on Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) to find out the effective concentrations and to determine the effect of applicable concentration of DE on bulk density (test weight) of sorghum grains. The effect of Protect-it on bulk density was measured at 1,000 ppm. After the exposure of S. oryzae, R. dominica and T castaneum to treated grains during 13 days, lethal dosis that causes 90% mortality (LD90) were 811 ppm, 1,102 ppm and 1,244 ppm, respectively. After exposure of 8 days the concentration of 1,000 ppm generated the mortality ofS. oryzae 100% and for R. dominica and T.castaneum for over 99%. The same concentration had a minimal effect on the reduction of sorghum bulk density (for 1.95% only).展开更多
Jilong is a place behind The Himalayas,which is almost isolated from the world.There is typical vertical ecosystem thanks to its special geological environment. So it is honored as “the most abundant species gene war...Jilong is a place behind The Himalayas,which is almost isolated from the world.There is typical vertical ecosystem thanks to its special geological environment. So it is honored as “the most abundant species gene warehouse in the Plateau Area”and “the most beautiful valley in the world”.To exploit this valleyis necessary along with the construction of Jilong Porton the border of Sino-Nepal. Based on the research on the spot,the ecological resources there are evaluated and an idea that regards hiking tourism asmain form and ecotourismas the theme is put forward in this paper,which explores a way to develop the valley on the basis of sustainability.展开更多
基金Supported by a grant from the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association
文摘AIM: To assess the effects of mastic administration on cytokine production of circulating mononuclear cells of patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: The study was conducted in patients with established mildly to moderately active CD, attending the outpatient clinics of the hospital, and in healthy controls. Recruited to a 4 wk treatment with mastic caps (6 caps/d, 0.37 g/cap) were 10 patients and 8 controls, all of who successfully completed the protocol. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Treating CD patients with mastic resulted in the reduction of TNF-α secretion (2.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL vs 0.5 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P = 0.028). MIF release was significantly increased (1.2±0.4 ng/mL vs 2.5 ± 0.7 ng/mL, P = 0.026) meaning that random migration and chemotaxis of monocytes/macrophages was inhibited. No significant changes were observed in IL-6, MCP-1 and GSH concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study shows that mastic acts as an immunomodulator on PBIC, acting as a TNF-α inhibitor and a MIF stimulator. Although further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in a large number of patients is required to clarify the role of this natural product, this finding provides strong evidence that mastic might be an important regulator of immunity in CD.
基金Project (No. 49971043) supported partly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘Effect of intermittent irrigation on the production of paddy rice was studied in a well-puddled paddy field with four treatments and 2 replicates: continuous flooding irrigation (CFI), and intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-O, Ⅱ-1 and Ⅱ-2, in which plants were re-irrigated when the soil water potential fell below 0, -10, and -20 kPa, respectively, at soil depth of about 5 cm. Results showed that the reduction in soil water potential to about -10 or -20 kPa did not significantly affect the number of grains and the percentage of ripened grains. While, a lower crop growth rate (CGR) resulted from a decrease in the net assimilation rate (NAR) during intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-1 and Ⅱ-2, and there was also a reduction in the leaf area index (LAI) during intermittent irrigation Ⅱ-2. Senescence of lower leaves on stems was promoted in treatments Ⅱ-1 and Ⅱ-2 at the ripening stage. Early senescence at ripening stage and water stress around midday decreased the rate of photosynthesis in leaves, causing the lower NAR. These physiological responses of the plants were responsible for the reduction in the dry matter production and grain yield in the intermittent irrigation treatments.
基金the support of the Scientific Grant Agency of the Slovak Republic through the research grant:"Adaptation strategies to natural and social disturbancies in the forestlandscape"(no.2/0038/14)
文摘This paper presents the changes of landscape structure in the Demanovská Valley which ranks among the most valuable protected areas of Slovakia. The area was selected on the basis of changes associated with the rapidly growing tourism industry and the rise of an important destination in the center of Low Tatras National Park, Slovakia. To document any changes, we visually interpreted data from aerial and satellite images in three periods(1949, 2007 and 2013) and for predicting future changes we used land use planning documentation. Interpreted data were analyzed using overlay analysis and landscape metrics. Results showed extensive changes in the landscape structure mainly connected with the development of tourism infrastructure. We also identified long-term changes whose causes stem from the transformation of society and forest management in the past. The dynamics and extent of these changes may increase in the future. We propose to stop future development of ski slopes and expansion of related infrastructure, to focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly operation of the existing ski resort and to invest a substantial portion of profits to support projects aimed to preserve surrounding lands and wildlife.
文摘Underutilized plant species help to alleviate common food insufficiencies by providing alternative food supply. They also complement primary health care, furnishing raw materials where the cultivation of staple cereal crops is least feasible and health care is pursued indigenously. Research and promotion of extraction, utilization, and conservation of underutilized species lead to exploration of new staple crops and motivate people to consume in a sustainable manner. The present study describes the current status, uses, and management of underutilized plant species in Far West Nepal. The relative importance of 49 underutilized plant species was computed employing a Relative Importance (RI) technique. The use-values assigned to the species fall into six use-categories: beverage, fodder, food & edible, medicinal, vegetable and veterinary. A total of 22 species appeared in multiple use-categories, while the rest were characterized by a single use-category. Based on relative importance and frequency, Ficus semicordata, Debregesia longifolia, Girardinea diversifolia, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, Garuga pinnata, Aloe vera and Pyrus pashia offer the most potential for future. Underutilized plants proved important to folk medicine and food. These species persist because they remain useful to local people as means of subsistence, production, and primary health care. The findings are important so far as they point up the role of underutilized plants in national food security policy and health care, spelling out their potentialities and cross cutting relationships.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No30873400)Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin (No06YFJMC07300)
文摘Salvianolic acid B(Sal B) is an active component of traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza and is used to treat vascular diseases. To better understand its mechanism, the antioxidant capacities of Sal B was evaluated with human endothelial cells under oxidative stress. Human endothelial cells were pretreated with Sal B for 12 h followed by hydrogen peroxide for another 12 h. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and concentration of glu-tathione were measured. Protective effect of Sal B on the endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced damage was observed, and ROS production in the cells was found significantly inhibited. Sal B remarkably enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPX. Furthermore, Sal B up-regulated the intracellular glu-tathione concentration. The results indicate that Sal B protected endothelial cells from oxidative stress by improving the redox status of the cells through enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities and increasing the reductive glu-tathione concentration after the oxidative challenge.
文摘A wide range of insect pests attacks stored sorghum grains and the significant damage in grain weight loss and negative impact on the nutritional values of sorghum are caused with the activities of these pests. The insecticides, especially from organophosphate group (OP), are still used to prevent damage of sorghum grains during storage period. One of the possible replacements for OP and other synthetic insecticides is a natural and safe diatomaceous earth (DE). The primary objectives of this study was conducting the laboratory experiments with enhanced DE Protect-lt on Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) to find out the effective concentrations and to determine the effect of applicable concentration of DE on bulk density (test weight) of sorghum grains. The effect of Protect-it on bulk density was measured at 1,000 ppm. After the exposure of S. oryzae, R. dominica and T castaneum to treated grains during 13 days, lethal dosis that causes 90% mortality (LD90) were 811 ppm, 1,102 ppm and 1,244 ppm, respectively. After exposure of 8 days the concentration of 1,000 ppm generated the mortality ofS. oryzae 100% and for R. dominica and T.castaneum for over 99%. The same concentration had a minimal effect on the reduction of sorghum bulk density (for 1.95% only).
文摘Jilong is a place behind The Himalayas,which is almost isolated from the world.There is typical vertical ecosystem thanks to its special geological environment. So it is honored as “the most abundant species gene warehouse in the Plateau Area”and “the most beautiful valley in the world”.To exploit this valleyis necessary along with the construction of Jilong Porton the border of Sino-Nepal. Based on the research on the spot,the ecological resources there are evaluated and an idea that regards hiking tourism asmain form and ecotourismas the theme is put forward in this paper,which explores a way to develop the valley on the basis of sustainability.