To determine the pollution levels and potential toxic risks of arsenic(As) and heavy metals(Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in water and suspended particulate matter(SPM) in tail reaches(including freshwater reach and low-...To determine the pollution levels and potential toxic risks of arsenic(As) and heavy metals(Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in water and suspended particulate matter(SPM) in tail reaches(including freshwater reach and low-salinity reach) of the Yellow River as the Flow-Sediment Regulation Project(FSRP) has been carried out for approximately 15 yr, the surface water and SPM were sampled at pre-flood(April) and post-flood seasons(October). Results showed that similar changes of As and metal levels in water and SPM were observed along the tail reaches at pre-flood or post-flood season. Compared to pre-flood season, the levels of As, Cu, Cr and Ni in freshwater reach and the concentrations of Cr and Ni in low-salinity reach rose greatly at post-flood season. The levels of As and metals in SPM of freshwater reach or low-salinity reach at pre-flood season were significantly higher than those at post-flood season(P < 0.01).The pollutions of As and metals in surface water of tail reaches at pre-flood or post-flood season were not serious. The SPM in freshwater reach at pre-flood season were polluted by Cd, As, Cr, Cu and Ni while those in low-salinity reach were polluted by Cd and Cr. The SPM in freshwater reach at post-flood season were polluted by Cd and Pb while those in low-salinity reach were polluted by Cd and Cr.Cd was identified as heavy metal of primary concern at both pre-flood and post-flood seasons. Combined with the existed data reported in present research, this study found that the toxic risk of As and metals in SPM of tail reaches at pre-flood season was higher than that at post-flood season, implying that the implementation of FSRP during flooding season, to a great extent, reduced the toxic risk of these elements. With the long-term implementation of FSRP, the pollution levels of As and metals(particularly for Cd) in SPM of tail reaches might be elevated and the potential toxic risk primarily produced by Cr, Ni and As might be increased if effective measures were not taken in future.展开更多
AIM: To optimize the experimental protocols for a simple, sensitive and accurate bleeding assay.METHODS: Bleeding assay was performed in mice by tail tip amputation, immersing the tail in saline at 37 ℃, continuously...AIM: To optimize the experimental protocols for a simple, sensitive and accurate bleeding assay.METHODS: Bleeding assay was performed in mice by tail tip amputation, immersing the tail in saline at 37 ℃, continuously monitoring bleeding patterns and measuring bleeding volume from changes in the body weight. Sensitivity and extent of variation of bleeding time and bleeding volume were compared in mice treated with the P2 Y receptor inhibitor prasugrel at various doses or in mice deficient of Fc Rγ, a signaling protein of the glycoprotein VI receptor.RESULTS: We described details of the bleeding assay with the aim of standardizing this commonly used assay. The bleeding assay detailed here was simple to operate and permitted continuous monitoring of bleedingpattern and detection of re-bleeding. We also reported a simple and accurate way of quantifying bleeding volume from changes in the body weight, which correlated well with chemical assay of hemoglobin levels(r2 = 0.990, P < 0.0001). We determined by tail bleeding assay the dose-effect relation of the anti-platelet drug prasugrel from 0.015 to 5 mg/kg. Our results showed that the correlation of bleeding time and volume was unsatisfactory and that compared with the bleeding time, bleeding volume was more sensitive in detecting a partial inhibition of platelet's haemostatic activity(P < 0.01). Similarly, in mice with genetic disruption of Fc Rγ as a signaling molecule of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 leading to platelet dysfunction, both increased bleeding volume and repeated bleeding pattern defined the phenotype of the knockout mice better than that of a prolonged bleeding time.CONCLUSION: Determination of bleeding pattern and bleeding volume, in addition to bleeding time, improved the sensitivity and accuracy of this assay, particularly when platelet function is partially inhibited.展开更多
Objective:Acorus calamus(AC)L.(Araceae)is an annual semi-aquatic and aromatic plant found in Europe,North America and Asia.Its rhizomes are often used by Native Americans,Americans,and Chinese as well as by other cult...Objective:Acorus calamus(AC)L.(Araceae)is an annual semi-aquatic and aromatic plant found in Europe,North America and Asia.Its rhizomes are often used by Native Americans,Americans,and Chinese as well as by other cultures.Ethnobotanical studies and documents have shown their use in various disease treatments,such as insomnia,mental disorders,diabetes mellitus,epilepsy,inflammation,asthma,neuropathic pain,and diarrhea.In this study,the antidepressant activity of methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of the AC rhizome part in mice was investigated.Methods:Three doses of methanolic extract of AC rhizome(MEACR)(25,50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt),three doses of hydroalcoholic extract of AC rhizome(HAACR)(100,200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt),and standards(imipramine,15 mg/kg b.wt and fluoxetine,20 mg/kg b.wt)was daily oral administration to the mice for consecutive 14 days.The extract effect on the immobility time was monitored by a tail suspension test(TST)and a forced swimming test(FST).Monoamine oxidase(MAO)levels were also analyzed using standard methods.Results:The optimum antidepressant activity was viewed at 100 mg/kg b.wt of MEACR extract and400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract with 23.82%and 20.59%immobility period reduction,respectively.Besides,the extracts weakened the FST-induced elevation of MAO activity significantly and returned to near-normal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.100 mg/kg b.wt or above of MEACR extract significantly prevented the MAO-A and MAO-B activities in mice brain at a dose-dependent fashion.But,just 400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract prevented the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.Fluoxetine and imipramine showed a tendency to prevent the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.Conclusion:This study suggests that AC rhizome extract mediated antidepressant activity by modulating the central neurochemical and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in response to FST and TSTinduced stress.Therefore,AC rhizome extract can be used as a valuable plant supplement to treat depressive disorders.展开更多
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （w-3 PUFAs） are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. But humans or mamm...Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （w-3 PUFAs） are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. But humans or mammals cannot naturally produce w-3 PUFAs, due to the lack of the co-3 fatty acid desaturase gene （fat-1 gene）. Previously, fat-1 gene has been cloned from Caenorhabditis elegans and transferred into mice, pigs and sheep, but not yet into beef cattle. We attempt to transfer it into beef cattle. The object of this paper is to edit the fat-1 gene from C. elegans to express more efficiently in beef cattle and verify its biological function in mice model. As a result, the fat-1 gene from C. elegans was modified by synonymous codon usage and named it Bfat-l. We have demonstrated that degree of codon bias of Brat-1 gene was in- creased in beef cattle. Moreover, Bfat-1 gene could be transiently expressed in mouse liver and muscle, the w-6/co-3 PUFAs ratio of 18 and 20 carbon was decreased significantly in liver （P〈0.05）, and the ratio of 20 carbon decreased significantly in muscle 24 and 72 h after injection （P〈0.05）. This confirms that the Bfat-1 gene modification was successful, and the protein encoded was able to catalyze the conversion of w-6 PUFAs to e0-3 PUFAs.展开更多
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41971128,41371104)the Award Program for Min River Scholar in Fujian Province(No.Min 201531)。
文摘To determine the pollution levels and potential toxic risks of arsenic(As) and heavy metals(Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in water and suspended particulate matter(SPM) in tail reaches(including freshwater reach and low-salinity reach) of the Yellow River as the Flow-Sediment Regulation Project(FSRP) has been carried out for approximately 15 yr, the surface water and SPM were sampled at pre-flood(April) and post-flood seasons(October). Results showed that similar changes of As and metal levels in water and SPM were observed along the tail reaches at pre-flood or post-flood season. Compared to pre-flood season, the levels of As, Cu, Cr and Ni in freshwater reach and the concentrations of Cr and Ni in low-salinity reach rose greatly at post-flood season. The levels of As and metals in SPM of freshwater reach or low-salinity reach at pre-flood season were significantly higher than those at post-flood season(P < 0.01).The pollutions of As and metals in surface water of tail reaches at pre-flood or post-flood season were not serious. The SPM in freshwater reach at pre-flood season were polluted by Cd, As, Cr, Cu and Ni while those in low-salinity reach were polluted by Cd and Cr. The SPM in freshwater reach at post-flood season were polluted by Cd and Pb while those in low-salinity reach were polluted by Cd and Cr.Cd was identified as heavy metal of primary concern at both pre-flood and post-flood seasons. Combined with the existed data reported in present research, this study found that the toxic risk of As and metals in SPM of tail reaches at pre-flood season was higher than that at post-flood season, implying that the implementation of FSRP during flooding season, to a great extent, reduced the toxic risk of these elements. With the long-term implementation of FSRP, the pollution levels of As and metals(particularly for Cd) in SPM of tail reaches might be elevated and the potential toxic risk primarily produced by Cr, Ni and As might be increased if effective measures were not taken in future.
基金Supported by Project and Fellowship Grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia
文摘AIM: To optimize the experimental protocols for a simple, sensitive and accurate bleeding assay.METHODS: Bleeding assay was performed in mice by tail tip amputation, immersing the tail in saline at 37 ℃, continuously monitoring bleeding patterns and measuring bleeding volume from changes in the body weight. Sensitivity and extent of variation of bleeding time and bleeding volume were compared in mice treated with the P2 Y receptor inhibitor prasugrel at various doses or in mice deficient of Fc Rγ, a signaling protein of the glycoprotein VI receptor.RESULTS: We described details of the bleeding assay with the aim of standardizing this commonly used assay. The bleeding assay detailed here was simple to operate and permitted continuous monitoring of bleedingpattern and detection of re-bleeding. We also reported a simple and accurate way of quantifying bleeding volume from changes in the body weight, which correlated well with chemical assay of hemoglobin levels(r2 = 0.990, P < 0.0001). We determined by tail bleeding assay the dose-effect relation of the anti-platelet drug prasugrel from 0.015 to 5 mg/kg. Our results showed that the correlation of bleeding time and volume was unsatisfactory and that compared with the bleeding time, bleeding volume was more sensitive in detecting a partial inhibition of platelet's haemostatic activity(P < 0.01). Similarly, in mice with genetic disruption of Fc Rγ as a signaling molecule of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 leading to platelet dysfunction, both increased bleeding volume and repeated bleeding pattern defined the phenotype of the knockout mice better than that of a prolonged bleeding time.CONCLUSION: Determination of bleeding pattern and bleeding volume, in addition to bleeding time, improved the sensitivity and accuracy of this assay, particularly when platelet function is partially inhibited.
文摘Objective:Acorus calamus(AC)L.(Araceae)is an annual semi-aquatic and aromatic plant found in Europe,North America and Asia.Its rhizomes are often used by Native Americans,Americans,and Chinese as well as by other cultures.Ethnobotanical studies and documents have shown their use in various disease treatments,such as insomnia,mental disorders,diabetes mellitus,epilepsy,inflammation,asthma,neuropathic pain,and diarrhea.In this study,the antidepressant activity of methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of the AC rhizome part in mice was investigated.Methods:Three doses of methanolic extract of AC rhizome(MEACR)(25,50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt),three doses of hydroalcoholic extract of AC rhizome(HAACR)(100,200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt),and standards(imipramine,15 mg/kg b.wt and fluoxetine,20 mg/kg b.wt)was daily oral administration to the mice for consecutive 14 days.The extract effect on the immobility time was monitored by a tail suspension test(TST)and a forced swimming test(FST).Monoamine oxidase(MAO)levels were also analyzed using standard methods.Results:The optimum antidepressant activity was viewed at 100 mg/kg b.wt of MEACR extract and400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract with 23.82%and 20.59%immobility period reduction,respectively.Besides,the extracts weakened the FST-induced elevation of MAO activity significantly and returned to near-normal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.100 mg/kg b.wt or above of MEACR extract significantly prevented the MAO-A and MAO-B activities in mice brain at a dose-dependent fashion.But,just 400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract prevented the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.Fluoxetine and imipramine showed a tendency to prevent the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.Conclusion:This study suggests that AC rhizome extract mediated antidepressant activity by modulating the central neurochemical and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in response to FST and TSTinduced stress.Therefore,AC rhizome extract can be used as a valuable plant supplement to treat depressive disorders.
基金funded by the National Key Project for Production of Transgenic Breeding Plan, China (2013ZX08007002, 2014ZX08007-002)the Earmarked Fund for ModernAgro-Industry Technology Research System, China (CARS38)+1 种基金the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP-IAS03)the Fundamental Research Budget Increment Project (2013ZL031) of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
文摘Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （w-3 PUFAs） are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. But humans or mammals cannot naturally produce w-3 PUFAs, due to the lack of the co-3 fatty acid desaturase gene （fat-1 gene）. Previously, fat-1 gene has been cloned from Caenorhabditis elegans and transferred into mice, pigs and sheep, but not yet into beef cattle. We attempt to transfer it into beef cattle. The object of this paper is to edit the fat-1 gene from C. elegans to express more efficiently in beef cattle and verify its biological function in mice model. As a result, the fat-1 gene from C. elegans was modified by synonymous codon usage and named it Bfat-l. We have demonstrated that degree of codon bias of Brat-1 gene was in- creased in beef cattle. Moreover, Bfat-1 gene could be transiently expressed in mouse liver and muscle, the w-6/co-3 PUFAs ratio of 18 and 20 carbon was decreased significantly in liver （P〈0.05）, and the ratio of 20 carbon decreased significantly in muscle 24 and 72 h after injection （P〈0.05）. This confirms that the Bfat-1 gene modification was successful, and the protein encoded was able to catalyze the conversion of w-6 PUFAs to e0-3 PUFAs.
