Sodium nitroprusside as a signal molecule for up-regulating membrane characteristics,antioxidant defense system to improve flax productivity under water stress

Water stress is a critical environmental adversity that significantly impacts the growth,development,and yield of flax plants.In this study,flax seeds were cultivated under different water irrigation requirements(WIR)(100%,75%,and 50%)to investigate the effects of exogenously supplied nitric oxide(NO)donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)as foliar treatments at concentrations of 0.0 mmol/L,0.5 mmol/L,1.0 mmol/L,and 2.0 mmol/L.Drought stress led to a significant decrease in plant growth,photosynthetic pigments,yield components such as oil and total carbohydrate percentage.It also resulted in an increase in leaf H2O2 production,lipid peroxidation levels and activities of enzymatic antioxidants including polyphenol oxidase,superoxide dismutase,and nitrate reductase enzymes.However,foliar application of SNP improved photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant defense system which mitigated the negative impact of water stress on growth and yield productivity by reducing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species accumulation.The use of SNP also decreased H_(2)O_(2) accumulation levels,lipid peroxidation levels,and improved membrane stability.SNP treatment at concentration of 2 mmol/L showed superior results compared to other concentrations with extremely significant increases observed in yield characteristics such as oil content,total carbohydrate percentages,and unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio.

Improvement of (Eruca sativa Mill) yield, oil, chemical constituents and antioxidant activity utilizing a by-product of yeast production (CMS) with zinc and boron under salinity stress conditions

The impact of low-quality irrigation water on plant development has garnered significant attention from researchers. In light of this, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance, yield, oil production and composition, as well as active constituents of Rocket(Eruca sativa Mill) cultivated in calcareous soil under saline water irrigation. Foliar sprays containing condensed molasses soluble(CMS), zinc(Zn), and boron(B) alone or in combination were used for irrigation. The data obtained from measuring various parameters of Rocket following foliar spraying with CMS, Zn, B or their combinations demonstrated that most treatments resulted in a significant increase in these parameters. The highest values for most measurements were observed when foliar application included all three components(CMS + Zn + B), resulting in a seed yield of 184.6 g/m2and an oil content of 675.3 kg/ha. Compared to the control group, the macronutrient content of N, P, K, Mg, and Ca increased by 34.4%, 56%, 42%, 45%, and 39% respectively in the seeds treated with these components.Furthermore, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics flavonoids, and antioxidants showed increases of 24%, 34%,21%, 43%, and 28% respectively compared to the control group. Gas-liquid chromatography analysis identified ten components present in the seed oil characterized by higher unsaturated fatty acids ranging from 81.28% to92.28% and lower saturated fatty acids ranging from 6.72% to 8.21%. Therefore, foliar spray application including CMS, zinc, and boron can help alleviate salinity effects on Rocket plants grown under saline water irrigation conditions while improving growth, yield, oil production, and nutritional content such as total carbohydrates, proteins, and macronutrients levels.

The Role of Mineral and Natural Oils in Integration with Inorganic Salts and Some Insecticides in Suppressing the Invasion of the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (RPW) Affecting Date Palms with Estimation of Its Residues in the Resulting Date Fruits

Applied experiments were conducted in the palm orchard in the Nubaria region. The orchard includes the varieties of Al-Barhi (imported) and Zaghloul (local) to examine the efficacy of some natural materials alone and in combination with some pesticides against the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (RPW) that infects palm trees in Egypt. Most insects caught by light traps, which have a role in the spread of the red palm weevil in palm groves, appear in early February and March. Peak numbers for the month of May until September namely Phyllgnathus excavatus. Pseudophilus testaceus, Phonapata frontalis, and Oryctes elegans. The neglected gardens of date palms are more compensating for insect infestation than those maintained in terms of agricultural and pest control services. Individual injection of insecticide (Mosspilan) was the most potent against RPW-infested Barhi var. with a recovery rate of 91.7%, followed by Selikron at 80%, and finally Saydon at 37.5%. Injection of the car oil used with Mosspilan followed by Selikron was effective against RPW. No significant difference between treatments of injection (F-value: 1.2). Mixing injection of mineral oils with chemical pesticides is effective against red palm weevil after two successive seasons. As a result, the pesticide was poured around the affected palm root, with a low recovery rate. There is no effect of palm spray. The best way to control the red palm weevil is the method of injecting the tested material (single or mixed) with the pure pesticide into the trunk of the infected palm tree. The tested pesticide residues gradually decrease as the period after application is prolonged with an average loss of 0.12, 0.02 and 0.07 ppm after 90 consecutive days. .

Effects of RNAi Silencing of SSIII Gene on Phosphorus Content and Characteristics of Starch in Potato Tubers

The sense and antisense fragments of the soluble starch synthase （SSII1） gene and the intron fragment of somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase （SERK1） gene were cloned from potato using PCR techniques. The RNAi plant expression vectors pBI-SSIII-RNAi and pBIC-SSIII-RNAi were constructed which containing fusion fragment of ＂sense fragment-intron-antisense fragment＂ driven by the constitutive expression promoter CaMV 35S and the tuber-specific expression promoter CIPP, respectively. The putative transgenic plants of potato cultivars Kexin-1 and Kexin-4 were obtained using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. PCR assay showed that the interference fragment of SSlll gene was integrated into potato genome. The RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of SSlll gene was repressed apparently on the transcription level. Starch granules of the transgenic potato plants were different in morphology and became cracked in starch granule centre compared with the non-transgenic control plants. The amylose content of starch was increased by 2.68-29.05%, amylopectin to amylose ratio of starch had declined significantly, and the phosphorus content of the starch of the transgenic plants was reduced 9.94-58.36% compared with control plants. The results could provide certain foundation for improvement of potato starch quality.

Summary of Environmental Impact Assessment for Mining Seafloor Massive Sulfides in Japan

JOGMEC （Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation） has conducted exploration and research in Japan＇s EEZ （exclusive economic zone） from fiscal year 2008, under contract by the METI （Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry）, for the commercialization of SMS （Seafloor Massive Sulfide）. As there is currently no commercial mining precedent of SMS, it is necessary to consider the potential impacts of mining on the surrounding environment, and to promote long term sustainable projects. In particular, due to the existence of specific chemosynthetic ecosystems and unique biological communities around the SMS area, both quantitative evaluations of potential environmental impacts and consequent environmental conservation strategies, are necessary in order to avoid and or minimize the potential detrimental effects to the ecosystem, as much as possible. The environmental research programs consist of baseline surveys, environmental impact modeling, and methodological concepts which will be applied to conserve biodiversity. In this paper, we will primarily provide an overview of the project conducted by JOGMEC during 2008-2012.

Basing on microRNA-mRNA analysis identifies microRNA in exosomes associated with wound repair of diabetic ulcers

The diabetic ulcer is one of the serious complications of diabetes.In this study,we aimed to establish an exosomal microRNA(miRNA)-targetedmessenger RNA(mRNA)regulatory network for screening new biomarkers for diabetic ulcer treatment.For this purpose,exosomes were extracted from bone marrow stem cells(BMSCs)collected from diabetic ulcer patients and healthy adults.The miRNAs in exosomes was detected by high-throughput sequencing analysis.The Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis of the differential miRNAs were performed.The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network between candidate miRNAs and their target genes were constructed by Cytoscape software basing on mRNA expression profiles data of diabetic ulcer patients from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO).GO and KEGG analyses of the core genes were performed.A total of 63 differential expressed miRNAs in BMSCs exosomes were identified between diabetic ulcer patients and healthy adults.The GO analysis of miRNAs showed that it was mainly related to signal transduction and intercellular transport,and KEGG analysis showed that it was related to the vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.The core genes of the miRNA-mRNA network were thioredoxin interacting protein(TXNIP),cell division cycle 14A(CDC14A),cache domain containing 1(CACHD1),interferon-induced protein 44 like(IFI44L),late cornified envelope 1AL(CE1A),leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 2(LRIG2),palmdelphin(PALMD)and serine and arginine-rich splicing factor 11(SRSF11).GO analysis of the core genes was related to platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling pathway.The KEGG analysis of the core genes was related to the cell cycle and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway.A potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and promising new targets such as miR-130a-5p,SESN2,LRIG2,and CDC14A for the wound repair of diabetic ulcers.

罗马尼亚不同沙棘品种叶中甘树脂的提取

沙棘(Hippophae rhamnoides)是一种可广泛生长于欧亚地区,包括罗马尼亚的小果实灌木。沙棘具有药用及营养价值,同时可以改善区域的微气候环境。人们已经研究了罗马尼亚沙棘的生物化学组分及相关数据,所以我们分析了不同沙棘叶的甘树脂,一个重要的生化参数可以为植株的一项基本新陈代谢——光合作用提供信息。结果表明根据品种及特定环境因素的不同,产生了多样性。

Mouse cerebellar Purkinje cell damage induced by diphenylhydantoin acute intoxication

Twenty one days old Swiss albino mice that received diphenylhydantoin(25 mg/kg,i.p.,daily for 15 days)progressively developed gait alterations,changes of behavior and cerebellar ataxia.Cerebellar slices were processed by conventional transmission electron microscopy.The body of Purkinje cells exhibited fragmented limiting plasma membranes,dilated nuclear envelopes,swelling and disassembly of nuclear pores,enlargement of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a notable detachment of membrane associated ribosomes,to-gether with distorted vacuoles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum,bizarre shaped and swollen mitochondria with dilated cristae,as well as disrupted limiting lysosomal membranes.Degenerated axosomatic synapses apparently corresponding to basket cell axonal endings were recognized.Degenerated Purkinje cell axon initial segments exhibited vacuolar degeneration of myelin sheath,dilated axoplasmic tubular bundles,fragmented axonal mem-branes,swollen mitochondria,and disassembly of cytoskeletal structures.Some edematous and clear secondary and tertiary dendrites exhibited areas of dilated cisterns of smooth endoplasmic reticulum,clear and dark mul-tivesicular bodies,and coated vesicles.Other dendritic ramifications exhibited an electron dense dendroplasm.Degenerated and large climbing fiber endings were observed making axodendritic synapses with edematous Purkinje dendrites.These presynaptic endings appeared depleted or containing few synaptic vesicles.These syn-apses did not exhibit pre-and postsynaptic densities.At the molecular layer,the edematous synaptic varicosities of parallel fibers containing pleomorphic synaptic vesicles and dense extravesicular substance were observed making asymmetric synaptic contacts with swollen Purkinje dendritic spines.These findings are postulated as pathogenic mechanisms of mouse cerebellar ataxia.

Identification of Antarctic culturable bacteria able to produce diverse enzymes of potential biotechnological interest

It is estimated that more than three quarters of the Earth＇s biosphere is in perennially cold environments. Despite the extreme environmental conditions of desiccation and freezing, microbes can colonize these habitats through the adaptation of metabolic functions and the synthesis of structurally adapted enzymes. Enzymes within psychrophilic microbes exhibit high specific activity at low and moderate temperature, with low thermostability. In this study we used a classic microbiological approach to isolate Antarctic bacteria with cellulolytic, lipolytic, and ligninolytic activities. From 15 different environmental samples, we generated a collection of approximately 800 bacterial isolates that could grow on R2A or Marine medium at 4℃. This collection was then screened for the presence of the three types of activity at 4℃. We found that 47.7% of the isolates displayed lipolytic activity, 10.2% had cellulase/xylanase activity, and 7.7% showed guaiacol oxidase activity. Of these, 10% displayed two different types of activity, while 0.25% displayed all three types of activity. Our results indicate that cold environments represent outstanding resources for bioprospecting and the study of enzymatic adaptation.

Construction and screening of a functional metagenomic library to identify novel enzymes produced by Antarctic bacteria

A metagenomic fosmid library of approximately 52 000 clones was constructed to identify functional genes encoding cold-adapted enzymes. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from a sample of glacial meltwater, collected on the Antarctic Peninsula during the ANTARKOS XXIX Expedition during the austral summer of 2012-2013. Each clone contained an insert of about 35-40 kb, so the library represented almost 2 Gb of genetic information from metagenomic DNA. Activity-driven screening was used to detect the cold-adapted functions expressed by the library. Fifty lipase/esterase and two cellulase-producing clones were isolated, and two clones able to grow on Avicel as the sole carbon source. Interestingly, three clones formed a brown precipitate in the presence of manganese （II）. Accumulation of manganese oxides was determined with a leucoberbelin blue assay, indicating that these three clones had manganese-oxidizing activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a manganese oxidase activity detected with a functional metagenomic strategy.

A Two-step Biotechnological Process for Improving Nutrition Value of Feather Meal by Bacillus licheniformis S6

A two-step biotechnological process was developed using Bacillus licheniformis S6 to provide a simple and economical procedure which significantly improved feather meal nutrition value. Compared with IFM （initial feather meal） and CFM （commercial feather meal）, SFEFM （feather meal gained by solid fermentation and enzymolysis with continuous agitation） had a significant improvement （P〈0.05） in vitro digestibility, contents of oligopeptides and soluble protein released in digestive juice by pepsin- pancreatin digestion procedure, furthermore, some deficient essential amino acids in feather protein （histidine, methionine, lysine） were enhanced. Comapared with CFM, the oligopeptides released into digestive juice of ISFM （feather meal obtained by the biotechnological process described in the paper with intermittent shaking） was significantly enhanced （P〈O.05）, and its in vitro digestibility was statistically （P〉0.05） equivalent to CFM. The summary of the finding to IFM treatment and possible means of further improvements were also listed.

Growth and Reproductive Activity of a Captive Female Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from Japanese Water

This report describes growth and annual reproductive cycle of female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) rescued from Japanese water in 2007. The maximum body length was 179 cm and body weight was 69.8 kg. The average daily food consumption was 7.0 kg (ranging 3.7 - 9.9 kg), 11.8% of the body weight. In this report, the porpoise was kept in 17 °C water annually and the blubber thicknesses showed almost constant throughout the year (average 18 mm, range 13 - 22 mm). Therefore, we added new evidence to this hypothesis by showing that body weight and the blubber thickness do not fluctuate seasonally in fixed water temperature. Serum progesterone level of the female showed five peaks from September to November, and each cycle lasted the average of 20.5 days. Such result indicates that harbour porpoise exhibits seasonal polyestrous activity.

EXPRESSION OF A MUTANT hTERT IN HUMAN BLADDER CARCINOMA CELL LINE T24 AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

To construct a mutant pEGFP- hTERTexpression vector, to observe its steady expression intransfected human bladder carcinoma cell line T24 and its role in molecular regulatory mechanisms of telomerase, and to provide a new target gene for bladder cancer. Methods: PCR amplification was performed by using primers basedon the known gene sequence of hTERT. PCR productionwas cloned into plasmid pGEMT-T easy and the sequenceof mutant hTERT gene was analyzed. A recombinantmutant hTERT vector (pEGFP-hTERT) was constructed at the EcoR I and Sal I sites of the pEGFP-C1 vector. Aftertransfecting the fusion gene into bladder carcinoma cell line T24 by calcium phosphate-DNA coprecipitation, the steady expression of GFP-hTERT fusion protein was tested by fluorescent light microscopy. The proliferation changes ofbladder carcinoma cell line T24 were detected by lightmicroscopy and senescence correlated b-galactosidase staining. Results: Identification of pEGFP-hTERT byenzyme digestion showed that mutant hTERT fragment had been cloned into EcoR I and Sal I sites of the pEGFP-C1 vector. The steady expression of GFP-hTERT fusion protein was localized in the nucleus of transfected cells. Expression of senescence-associated b-galactosidase in transfected cells gradually increased with extended cultured time and cellgrowth was suppressed. Conclusion: The mutant-type hTERT gene suppresses the proliferation of bladder carcinoma cell line T24 by competitive effect on telomerase activity. This suggests that hTERT gene might be a suitable gene target for bladder cancer therapy.

Influence of Heating on the Structure of Hyaluronan

Hyaluronan may be used in tissue engineering as a scaffold, and since the scaffold should degrade after the cells have proliferated, and heat treatment is a method to achieve low molecular weight material. In this essay, we developed a new method to choose the characteristic heat treatment temperature, and applied a simple method to prepare the hyaluronan scaffold. We have acquired the TG and DTA curves of hyaluronan by thermal analysis, according to which we selected 310 ℃ ,375 ℃ and 500 ℃ as the heat treatment points. After heat treatment, test the infrared spectrum of the powder respectively. In conclusion, the scaffold forrued by lyophilization exhibits a porous structure, and the occurrence of new groups after heating assumes the change of the molecular chain.

俄罗斯圣彼德堡城市环境地图集

当前,大城市和都市聚集现象引起的环境问题致关重要。这些问题是管理部门和环境保护者共同关注的目标,因而具有经济上和政治上的双重意义。有关生态信息的客观性问题正在受到重视。信息可以用不同的方式来解释,对于相同的事件而言,一方面可以被认为是一种灾害,而另一方面又可以被认为是公众的财富。显然,地理信息系统(GIS)技术能够为用户方便、准确地概括和归纳各种环境数据,并提供客观的评价。它是专业环境学家不可缺少的工具。但是还有另外一批环境信息的使用者,他们并不需要使用如此功能强大的工具,而是需要使用一些比较简单的图形资料。这些使用者是普通公众,在俄罗斯的情况下还包括城市或地方的管理部门。我们认为。

Main Components of Polyphenols of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. and Changes under Different Se Concentrations

[Objectives] To analyze main components of polyphenols of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. and study changes under different Se concentrations. [Methods] In this experiment,the Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. was used and spectrophotometry was applied to measure the total phenols in stems,leaves and rhizomes of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. [Results]Total phenols in stems and leaves and rhizomes of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. were 3. 026% and 0. 513% respectively,the content of total phenols in stems and leaves was 5. 9 times of that in rhizomes; total phenol extracting solution was analyzed through UV-Vis scanning,HPLC detection,and LC-MS; 3 main polyphenol compounds were obtained: chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid and rutin,in which chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were firstly discovered in Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. and rutin was firstly discovered in stems and leaves of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. HPLC method was used to measure the content of chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,and rutin in stems and leaves of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. under different Se concentrations. [Conclusions]The content of chlorogenic acid in stems and leaves of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. increases with the increase of Se concentration,showing Se promotes Se accumulation and the maximum content of chlorogenic acid is 2. 58%; the content of caffeic acid in stems and leaves of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. increases slightly with the Se concentration,showing the promotion of Se to accumulation of caffeic acid is not significant;the content of rutin in stems and leaves of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. firstly increases then declines with the increase in Se concentration,at25 mg/kg Se concentration,rutin reached the maximum value,showing the promotion of Se to rutin accumulation is not significant.

α_1-ANTITRYPSIN ATTENUATES ENDOTOXIN-INDUCED ACUTE LUNG INJURY IN RABBITS

Objective To investigate whether pretreatment with α 1-AT can attenuate acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits induced with endotoxin. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups(n=8):1.Infusion of endotoxin(Lipopolysaccharide,LPS 500μg/kg)without α 1-AT (group LPS).2.Infusion α 1-AT 120mg/kg at 15min before challenge with LPS(group LAV).3.Infusion of α 1-AT 120mg/kg(group AAT).4 Infusion of saline 4ml/kg as control (group NS).Arterial blood gases,peripheral leukocyte counts and airway pressure were recorded every 1h.Physiologic intrapulmonary shunting (Qs/Qt) was measured every 4h.After 8h the bloods were collected for measurement of plasma concentration and activity of α 1-AT.Then bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)was collected for measurement of concentrations of total protein (TP),interleukin-8(IL-8),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),the activities of elastase-like and α 1-AT,total phospholipids(TPL) and disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC).In addition,the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio(W/D) was measured. Results After infusion of endotoxin,it was observed that PaO 2,peripheral luekocyte counts,total respiratory compliance progressively decreased and P peak and Qs/Qt increased comparing with the baseline values.In contrast to group NS,the increased plasma concentration but reduced activity of α 1-AT was found in group LPS.In the BALF,the activity of α 1-AT,TPL,DSPC/TPL were lower,but the concentrations of albumin,IL-8,TNF-α,and the activity of NE were higher.The ratio of W/D also increased.The pretreatment of α 1-AT attenuated the deterioration of oxygenation,the reduction of compliance and the deterioration of other physiological,biochemical parameters mentioned above. Conclusion Pretreatment with α 1-AT could attenuate endotoxin-induced lung injury in rabbits.Those beneficial effects of α 1-AT might be due in part to the inhibitory effect on neutrophil elastase.

Field Exploration of the Efficacy of Some Friendly Products in Combination with Some Pesticides against the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Effect on Total Carbohydrates and Micronutrients in the Resulting Date Fruits

Experiments were carried out against the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (RPW in a private palm orchard containing varieties of Samani (domestic) and Ikhlas (imported) infested with the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (RPW) in El-Marg area, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, using Petroleum oil, Jojoba oil, and Inorganic salts, singly and mixed with each of insecticides (Acetamiprid, Profenofos, Dimethoate) by injection and spraying of infested palm trunks, as well as pouring these substances into pits around the roots of the affected palm trees. The data showed that Acetamiprid was the most effective against RPW. The effective mixtures against R. ferrugineus were Jujuba oil with Acetamiprid, also used car oil with inorganic salts, which resulted in 100% recovery of treated palm. Continuing treatment of infested palms for 6 consecutive months by injecting used car oil mixed with inorganic saline solution resulted in 100% recovery for both date palm cultivars. Spraying these substances on the affected trunks had no effect on RPW. Pouring the tested solutions around the roots of the affected palm had the least effect against RPW. Injection of the tested pesticides into the infested trunks increased the concentrations of carbohydrates and total micronutrients (Fe+, Mn+, Zn+, and Cu+) in the produced fruits more than those obtained by palms treated with mineral oils and inorganic salt, compared to the control group. There is a significant difference between the treatments.

Protective effects of α_1 -antitrypsin on acute lung injury in rabbits induced by endotoxin

Objective To investigate whether pretreatment with α1,-antitrypsin (AAT) can attenuate acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits induced with endotoxin.Methods Thirty-two healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were anaesthetized, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated. They were then randomly divided into four groups (n =8): (1) Infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin [ Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 500μg/kg ] without AAT (Group LPS). (2) Infusion of AAT 120 mg/kg at 15 minutes after LPS (Group LAV). (3) Infusion of AAT 120 mg/kg without endotoxin (Group AAT). (4) Infusion of saline 4 ml/kg as control (Group NS). Arterial blood gases, peripheral leukocyte counts and airway pressure were recorded every hour for eight hours. Physiologic intrapulmonary shunting (Qs/Qt) was measured every four hours. After eight hours, blood samples were collected for measurement of plasma concentration and activity of AAT. Then, the animals were sacrificed, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for measurement of concentrations of total protein (TP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNFa, the activities of NE and AAT, total phospholipids (TPL) and disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC). In addition, the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio (W/D) was measured.Results The infusion of endotoxin induced decreases in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), peripheral leukocyte counts, total respiratory compliance (TLC) and the increases in peak pressure (Ppeak), Qs/ Qt compared with the baseline values ( P < 0. 05). The increased plasma concentration but reduced activity of AAT was also found in contrast to that in Group NS (P<0. 05). In the BALF, the activity of AAT, TPL, DSPC/TPL were lower than those in Group NS (P<0. 05), but the concentrations of albumin, IL-8, TNFα, the activity of NE and the ratio of W/D were higher than those in Group NS (P <0. 05). The pretreatment of AAT attenuated the deterioration of oxygenation, the reduction of compliance and the deterioration of other physiological and biochemical parameters mentioned above.Conclusion Pretreatment with AAT could attenuate endotoxin-induced lung injury in rabbits. Those beneficial effects of AAT might be due, in part, to reduction in the levels of mediators that could activate neutrophils, in addition to the direct inhibitory effect on neutrophil elastase.

Thirty-two new species of the genus Speocera Berland, 1914(Araneae: Ochyroceratidae) from China, Madagascar and Southeast Asia

Thirty-two new species of the spider genus Speocera Berland, 1914 from the spider family Ochyroceratidae Fage, 1912 are described from China, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia, namely S. amber Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. ankalana Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. bachma Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. balikpapan Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. ballarini Li & Li sp. nov.(♂), S. batang Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. bawangling Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. bontoc Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. bukittinggi Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. cattien Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. cucphuong Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. cuyapo Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. dongjing Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. gexuejuni Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. griswoldi Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. heilan Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. huifengi Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. huisun Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. lahrak Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. longyan Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. manhao Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. melinh Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. nuichua Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. payakumbuh Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. suea Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. tabuk Li & Li sp. nov.(♀), S. trapezialis Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. trusmadi Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. tubularis Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. xiaoxiaoae Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. xuanson Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀), S. zhigangi Li & Li sp. nov.(♂♀). Types of all new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences(IZCAS) in Beijing, China and the California Academy of Sciences(CAS) in San Francisco, USA.