In child psychiatry, the use of play, a habitual activity in children, is used as a means of communication and therapy. The psychodynamic reading of a sequence of games played by a three-year-old child with dolls, who...In child psychiatry, the use of play, a habitual activity in children, is used as a means of communication and therapy. The psychodynamic reading of a sequence of games played by a three-year-old child with dolls, who had been treated for anorexia for a year at the Children’s Guidance Center of Abidjan, shed new light on the child’s problems. The clinical history of M (3 years old) revealed, in addition to the eating disorder, a disturbance in the attachment bond and parental imagos in distress. This doll game, set up as a copy of reality, enabled the therapist to redirect his treatment and work on the mother-child bond.展开更多
Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide and unfortunately the number of people affected with hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is still on the rise. Although the HBV has been known to cause f...Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide and unfortunately the number of people affected with hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is still on the rise. Although the HBV has been known to cause fatal illness since decades but the population effected by this lethal virus have still only a few options for its management. The major treatment strategies include interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogues. These agents have so far produced unsatisfactory results in terms of complete virus eradication. Interferons cannot be used for long term therapy because of their potential side effects. Prolong treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues has also been reported to cause serious side effects besides the increasing resistance by the virus. The need for new innovative solutions for treatment of HBV has been realized by global research institutes and pharmaceutical industry. Present review focuses in detail on the new ideas that are being transformed into therapeutic tools for use as future therapies in HBV infection. Modern drug designing and screening methods have made the drug discovery process shorter and more reliable. HBV therapeutics will take a new turn in coming years owing to these intelligent drug designing and screening methods. Future therapy of HBV is aiming to include the use of vaccines(both prophylactic and therapeutic), immunomodulators such as antibodies, non-nucleoside antivirals such as RNAi and inhibitors of viral life cycle.展开更多
Background: Feed accounts for up to 75% of costs in beef production systems,thus any improvement in feed efficiency(FE) will benefit the profitability of this enterprise.Residual feed intake(RFI) is a measure of FE th...Background: Feed accounts for up to 75% of costs in beef production systems,thus any improvement in feed efficiency(FE) will benefit the profitability of this enterprise.Residual feed intake(RFI) is a measure of FE that is independent of level of production.Adipose tissue(AT) is a major endocrine organ and the primary metabolic energy reservoir.It modulates a variety of processes related to FE such as lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis and thus measures of inter-animal variation in adiposity are frequently included in the calculation of the RFI index.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of phenotypic RFI status and gender on the expression of key candidate genes related to processes involved in energy metabolism within AT.Dry matter intake(DMI) and average daily gain(ADG) were measured over a period of 70 d for 52 purebred Simmental heifers(n = 24) and bulls(n = 28) with an initial BW±SD of 372±39.6 kg and 387±50.6 kg,respectively.Residual feed intake was calculated and animals were ranked within gender by RFI into high(inefficient; n = 9 heifers and n = 8 bulls)and low(efficient; n = 9 heifers and n = 8 bulls) groups.Results: Average daily gain ±SD and daily DMI ±SD for heifers and bul s were 1.2±0.4 kg and 9.1±0.5 kg,and 1.8±0.3 kg and 9.5±1 kg respectively.High RFI heifers and bulls consumed 10% and 15% more(P < 0.05) than their low RFI counterparts,respectively.Heifers had a higher expression of all genes measured than bulls(P < 0.05).A gender × RFI interaction was detected for HMGCS2(P < 0.05) in which high RFI bulls tended to have lower expression of HMGCS2 than low RFI bulls(P < 0.1),whereas high RFI heifers had higher expression than low RFI heifers(P < 0.05) and high RFI bulls(P < 0.05).SLC2 A4 expression was consistently higher in subcutaneous AT of low RFI animals across gender.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that low RFI cattle exhibit upregulation of the molecular mechanisms governing glucose metabolism in adipose tissue,in particular,glucose clearance.The decreased expression of SLC2 A4 in the inefficient cattle may result in less efficient glucose metabolism in these animals.We conclude that SLC2 A4 may be a potential biomarker for RFI in cattle.展开更多
We investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of indica rice variety Manawthukha and japonica rice variety Genkitsukushi.In a split-plot design,the two rice variet...We investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of indica rice variety Manawthukha and japonica rice variety Genkitsukushi.In a split-plot design,the two rice varieties were assigned as main plot factors,and the integrated treatments were the subplot factors,including no-N fertilizer(N0),50%chemical fertilizer(CF)(CF50),100%CF(CF100),50%CF+50%poultry manure(PM)(CF50PM50),50%CF+50%cow manure(CM)(CF50CM50),and 50%CF+50%compost(CP)(CF50CP50).CF100 was equivalent to N at 85 kg/hm2.Manure was applied based on the estimated mineralizable nitrogen(EMN)level,which is dependent on total N(%)of each manure type.Manawthukha rice plants were taller with higher tiller number and dry matter content.However,higher soil-plant analysis development(SPAD)values were measured in Genkitsukushi throughout the crop growth period,resulting in higher seed-setting rate(%)and greater yield.At the same N level,CF50PM50 application in both rice varieties resulted in higher SPAD values,plant height and tiller number than CF100.CF50PM50 containing total N more than 4%supplied synchronized N for the demands of the rice plants,resulting in maximum dry matter,yield and yield components.CF50CM50 and CF50CP50 treatments containing total N less than 4%resulted in lower yields which were similar to CF100.These results indicated that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers enhanced growth parameters and yields of Manawthukha and Genkitsukushi,while reducing the dose of chemical fertilizer.展开更多
We conducted two field experiments to investigate combined effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on nitrogen use and recovery efficiencies of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) during dry and wet seasons, 2015. Four leve...We conducted two field experiments to investigate combined effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on nitrogen use and recovery efficiencies of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) during dry and wet seasons, 2015. Four levels of inorganic fertilizer (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% NPK), based on recommended rates of 150 kg N ha-1, 70 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1, were used with cow manure, poultry manure, and vermicompost (5 t·ha-1each) in a split-plot design with three replicates. In both seasons, with 50% NPK, the N uptake level achieved with poultry manure was similar to that obtained with 75% and 100% NPK. The greatest N use, internal, agronomic N use, and recovery efficiencies were obtained with 50% NPK + poultry manure, but were similar to those obtained from cow manure and vermicompost subplots. As the amount of applied N from organic and inorganic fertilizer increased, the N use efficiency and related parameters decreased, due to similar yields among plots with different NPK application levels. Poultry manure resulted in the highest significant correlations between applied N and N accumulation, followed by cow manure and vermicompost, in both seasons. Neither chemical fertilizer nor organic manure alone led to optimum N use and N recovery efficiencies. The combination of 50% inorganic fertilizer (75 kg N ha-1) and poultry manure (5 t·ha-1) enhanced the N uptake, the N use and recovery efficiencies of hybrid rice. Cow manure (5 t·ha-1) in combination with 75% inorganic fertilizer (112.5 kg N ha-1) was an adequate substitute for reduced chemical fertilizer usage. Therefore, this study highlighted combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures had the benefits not only in reducing the need for chemical fertilizers but also in improving N uptake by hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) leading to the better environment.展开更多
To understand the use of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （real-time RT-PCR） for detecting the relative abundance of mRNA, the expression of a tobacco ferrltin gene （NtFer1） was detected b...To understand the use of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （real-time RT-PCR） for detecting the relative abundance of mRNA, the expression of a tobacco ferrltin gene （NtFer1） was detected by Northern blot and real-time RT-PCR. The results indicated that both of the two methods were able to detect mRNA expression of NtFer1 cleady and similady, namely NtFer1 expression was responsive to iron-ovedoad, and the abundance of NtFer1 mRNA was greatly increased after iron loaded for 6 h. To compare the effect and sensitivity of two methods, results revealed that Northern blot need 30 μg of total RNA and at least 3 days for the total protocol performance, whereas real-time RT-PCR only need 2 μg of total RNA and 1.5 h. The real-time RT-PCR is rather sensitive and effective than Northern blot. Real-time RT-PCR analysis can be used to rapidly detect the relative abundance of mRNA expression instead of Northern blot analysis.展开更多
Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage that are found throughout the body,including the central nervous system.They perform many functions associated with innate and specific immunity,angiogenesis,and vasc...Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage that are found throughout the body,including the central nervous system.They perform many functions associated with innate and specific immunity,angiogenesis,and vascular homeostasis.Moreover,they have been implicated in a series of pathologies(e.g.,hypersensitivity reactions,tumors,and inflammatory disorders).In this review,we propose that this cell could be a relevant therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis,which is a central nervous system degenerative disease.To support this proposition,we describe the general biological properties of mast cells,their contribution to innate and specific immunity,and the participation of mast cells in the various stages of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development.The final part of this review is dedicated to an overview of the available mast cells immunomodulatory drugs and their activity on multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,including our own experience related to the effect of ketotifen fumarate on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis evolution.展开更多
This study assessed the effect of feeding stacked genetically modified (GM) corn event (MON89034 × MON88017) on embryonic development, adult tissue histology and assessed the possibility of transgenic DNA transfe...This study assessed the effect of feeding stacked genetically modified (GM) corn event (MON89034 × MON88017) on embryonic development, adult tissue histology and assessed the possibility of transgenic DNA transfer, using zebrafish as an animal model. Adult zebrafish were separated into male and female groups. After 3 weeks of feeding with experimental diets, males and females were paired once a week and fertilized embryos were collected, then the male and female fish were re-turned to their sex-specific groups. This fertilization and embryo collection process were repeated 3 times. Embryonic morphological measurements were obtained on developing embryos up to 96 hours after fertilization, and then the embryos were fixed in 4% phosphate-buffered paraformal-dehyde for morphologic assessment. At the end of the feeding study, various adult zebrafish tissues were histologically examined for abnormalities. Both zebrafish tissues and embryos were analyzed for presence of plant specific genes and transgenic sequences. No changes or abnormalities were observed in embryonic morphology nor in any of the tissues examined histologically. In addition, no plant DNA reference genes or transgenic DNA were found in any of the analyzed samples. These results demonstrate that the safety and nutrition of MON89034 × MON88017 corn are similar to non-GM corn.展开更多
Background：Methane（CH_4） emissions in cattle are an undesirable end product of rumen methanogenic fermentative activity as they are associated not only with negative environmental impacts but also with reduced host...Background：Methane（CH_4） emissions in cattle are an undesirable end product of rumen methanogenic fermentative activity as they are associated not only with negative environmental impacts but also with reduced host feed efficiency.The aim of this study was to quantify total and specific rumen microbial methanogenic populations in beef cattle divergently selected for residual feed intake（RFI） while offered（i） a low energy high forage（HF） diet followed by（ii） a high energy low forage（LF） diet.Ruminal fluid was collected from 14 high（H）and 14 low（L） RFI animals across both dietary periods.Quantitative real time PCR（qRT-PCR） analysis was conducted to quantify the abundance of total and specific rumen methanogenic microbes.Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between the relative abundance of methanogens and animal performance,rumen fermentation variables and diet digestibility.Results：Abundance of methanogens,did not differ between RFI phenotypes.However,relative abundance of total and specific methanogen species was affected（P〈 0.05） by diet type,with greater abundance observed while animals were offered the LF compared to the HF diet.Conclusions：These findings suggest that differences in abundance of specific rumen methanogen species may not contribute to variation in CH_4 emissions between efficient and inefficient animals,however dietary manipulation can influence the abundance of total and specific methanogen species.展开更多
Background: Previous research in both calves and other species has suggested n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) and β-glucans may have positive effects on immune function. This experiment measured performance,beha...Background: Previous research in both calves and other species has suggested n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) and β-glucans may have positive effects on immune function. This experiment measured performance,behaviour, metabolite and immunological responses to pre-weaning supplementation of dairy bull calves with n-3 PUFA in the form of fish oil and β-glucans derived from seaweed extract. 44 Holstein Friesian bull calves, aged 13.7± 2.5 d and weighing 48.0 ± 5.8 kg were artificially reared using an electronic feeding system. Each calf was offered5 L(120 g/L) per day of milk replacer(MR) and assigned to one of four treatments included in the MR,(1) Control(CON);(2) 40 g n-3 PUFA per day(FO);(3) 1 g β-glucans per day(GL) and(4) 40 g n-3 PUFA per day & 1 g/d β-glucans(FOGL) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Milk replacer and concentrate was offered from d 0–62(pre-weaning),while concentrate provision continued for a further 31 d post-weaning period. Individual daily feed intake and feeding behaviour was recorded throughout, while bodyweight and blood analyte data were collected at regular intervals.Results: Overall mean concentrate DMI from d 0–93 was 1.39, 1.27, 1.00 and 0.72 kg/d for CON, FO, GL and FOGL calves, respectively(SEM = 0.037;P < 0.0001). Calves supplemented with GL were significantly lighter(P < 0.0001) at both weaning(d 62) and turnout to pasture(d 93) than un-supplemented calves, with a similar effect(P < 0.0001)evident for calves receiving FO compared to un-supplemented contemporaries. Supplementation with GL reduced the number of unrewarded visits where milk was not consumed(P < 0.0001) while supplementation with FO increased mean drinking speed(P < 0.0001). Supplementation with GL resulted in greater concentrations of haptoglobin(P = 0.034), greater serum osmolality(P = 0.021) and lower lymphocyte levels(P = 0.027). In addition,cells from GL supplemented calves exhibited a lower response than un-supplemented contemporaries to both Phytohaemagglutinin A stimulated IFN-γ(P = 0.019) and Concanavalin A stimulated IFN-γ(P = 0.012) following in vitro challenges.Conclusions: Pre-weaning supplementation of bull calves with either n-3 PUFA or β-glucan resulted in reduced voluntary feed intake of concentrate and consequently poorer pre-weaning calf performance. There was no evidence for any beneficial effect of either supplementation strategy on calves’ immune responses.展开更多
Altitude and environmental variables such as edaphic properties are considered determinants of species distribution and community composition in mountain ecosystems.Here,we aimed to outline the effects of distinct mou...Altitude and environmental variables such as edaphic properties are considered determinants of species distribution and community composition in mountain ecosystems.Here,we aimed to outline the effects of distinct mountain peaks,altitude and soil properties on community composition,species density,phylogenetic structure and diversity of angiosperm páramo communities from the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park,Minas Gerais,southeastern Brazil.For that,we identified all angiosperm species found in 300 plots(1 m×1 m)from three mountain peaks,measured soil depth and analyzed soil fertility and texture in each plot.To reduce the number of soil variables and species composition,we computed principal coordinates based on soil properties and principal coordinates based on species-plot matrix for each plot.Furthermore,we computed the standard effect sizes of the mean phylogenetic pairwise distance and the mean nearest phylogenetic taxon distance for each plot to investigate differences in the degree of relatedness among coexisting species.We compared differences in response variables between peaks and modelled them in function of altitude and principle components of soil properties using mixed effect models.Species density and phylogenetic diversity differed between peaks,but,contrary to the previous findings,no relationships between species richness or phylogenetic diversity and altitude or soil properties were found,indicating that further investigations are necessary to understand the altitude-biodiversity relationship in Brazilian páramo vegetation.Community composition differed between peaks and depended on altitude,soil properties and interactions between them,indicating that upward shifting of bioclimatic conditions due to climate changes may alter communities of this ecosystem.Phylogenetic structure differed between peaks and was influenced by altitude and soil properties.As phylogenetic clustering increased with altitude,eventual upward movements of species in Brazilian páramo vegetation due to climate change may alter community composition and the degree of relatedness among coexisting species,increasing the risk of species from higher altitudes to disappear.Therefore,conservation priorities arise for higher landscape portions,where these high altitude species may find refuges.展开更多
We investigated the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) in the dry and wet seasons of 2015. Four quantities of inorganic fertilizer were used in th...We investigated the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) in the dry and wet seasons of 2015. Four quantities of inorganic fertilizer were used in the main plot [0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] based on the recommended amounts of 150 kg N ha-1, 70 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1, while different organic manures were applied to subplots [no organic manure (O0), cow manure (Oc), poultry manure (Op), and vermicompost (Ov);all at 5 t·ha-1] as part of a split-plot experimental design with three replicates. In both seasons, significant differences in growth parameters including number of tillers hill-1, soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values, total dry matter, yield, and yield components were observed in plants supplied with different inorganic fertilizers. The 100% NPK (I100) fertilizer produced the maximum yield but similar yields were achieved in plots supplied with 50% NPK (I50) and 75% NPK (I75). Significant differences in growth and yield parameters were also found in crops supplied with organic manures. Although identical quantities were supplied, Op produced the best growth parameters in both seasons including total dry matter, yield, and yield components. Oc also performed well. Combining inorganic and organic fertilizers demonstrated that I50 together with Op (5 t·ha-1) provided similar growth, total dry matter, and yield parameters to I100 in both seasons. Oc (5 t·ha-1) plus I75 also achieved similar yields to I100. This study demonstrates that the combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures has the potential to reduce chemical fertilizer usage without decreasing the yield of hybrid rice, and can enhance the growth, yield, and yield components of Palethwe-1.展开更多
Enhanced bone marrow adipogenesis and impaired osteoblastogenesis have been observed in obesity,suggesting that the metabolic microenvironment regulates bone marrow adipocyte and osteoblast progenitor differentiation ...Enhanced bone marrow adipogenesis and impaired osteoblastogenesis have been observed in obesity,suggesting that the metabolic microenvironment regulates bone marrow adipocyte and osteoblast progenitor differentiation fate.To determine the molecular mechanisms,we studied two immortalized murine cell lines of adipocyte or osteoblast progenitors(BMSCs^adipo and BMSC^sosteo,respectively)under basal and adipogenic culture conditions.At baseline,BMSCs^adipo,and BMSCs^osteo exhibit a distinct metabolic program evidenced by the presence of specific global gene expression,cellular bioenergetics,and metabolomic signatures that are dependent on insulin signaling and glycolysis in BMSCs^osteo versus oxidative phosphorylation in BMSCs^adipo.To test the flexibility of the metabolic program,we treated BMSCsadipo with parathyroid hormone,S961(an inhibitor of insulin signaling)and oligomycin(an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation).The treatment induced significant changes in cellular bioenergetics that were associated with decreased adipocytic differentiation.Similarly,12 weeks of a high-fat diet in mice led to the expansion of adipocyte progenitors,enhanced adipocyte differentiation and insulin signaling in cultured BMSCs.Our data demonstrate that BMSC progenitors possess a distinct metabolic program and are poised to respond to exogenous metabolic cues that regulate their differentiation fate.展开更多
We conducted plant growth experiments in microbe-free vermiculite to study the effects of four types of fermented seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) made from nori (Pyropia yezoensis) seaweed on the germination, plant gr...We conducted plant growth experiments in microbe-free vermiculite to study the effects of four types of fermented seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) made from nori (Pyropia yezoensis) seaweed on the germination, plant growth characteristics, SPAD value, and nutrient content and uptake of komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. wakana komatsuna). The four types of fermented nori SLF used in this study were prepared by anaerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF1), aerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF2), anaerobic fermentation of washed nori (SLF3), and aerobic fermentation of washed nori (SLF4). Komatsuna seeds treated with 200-, 300-, and 400-fold dilutions of SLFs exhibited improved relative germination ratios (RGRs) at 3 and 4 days after sowing (DAS). At 4 DAS, the RGRs of seeds treated with 10-, 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-fold SLF dilutions showed no differential effect. Seeds treated with undiluted SLFs did not germinate by 4 DAS. SLF1 may promote komatsuna seed germination. The nitrogen (N), calcium, magnesium, sodium (Na), and iodine (I) contents of plants treated with SLF1 were significantly increased relative to plants treated with the other SLFs. Moreover, the I and Na contents of plants were significantly increased by foliar spray application of different dilutions of SLF1. However, SLF treatment markedly reduced the shoot dry weight compared with 1/2-strength modified Hoagland nutrient (MHN) solution, although the same amounts of N and K were applied. SPAD values of the plants treated with SLFs were significantly higher than those of plants treated with MHN. Foliar treatment with SLFs had no significant effect on plant growth, SPAD value, or uptake of nutrients (except Na) relative to the control, but the I content was increased. Plants treated with SLF1 and SLF2 exhibited the highest Na uptake. Foliar spray treatments with SLF1 resulted in the highest I contents in plants. Based on our results, SLF1 is suitable for use as a liquid fertilizer to promote germination and increase nutrient content in komatsuna. These results need to be followed up in soil experiments in the presence of microbes in the rhizosphere.展开更多
Background: Glycemic control is important for maintaining gastric motility in diabetic patients, but gastric motility has not yet been studied ultrasonographically in relation to glycemic control. Methods: We made suc...Background: Glycemic control is important for maintaining gastric motility in diabetic patients, but gastric motility has not yet been studied ultrasonographically in relation to glycemic control. Methods: We made such observations before and after establishing glycemic control in diabetic patients with gastroparesis. We studied 30 diabetic patients with upper abdominal digestive symptoms who were hospitalized for correction of poor blood sugar control and who underwent upper digestive tract endoscopy to rule out structural causes such as gastric/duodenal lesions. Gastric motility was evaluated by transabdominal ultrasonography, using a test meal, before and after attainment of glycemic control (within 3 days after admission and 3 days before discharge). Also, upper abdominal digestive symptoms present on admission and at discharge were compared. Results: After glycemic control was established, contractions of the antral region were more frequent than before the attainment of control (8.93 ± 1.17/3min vs 7.63 ± 2.22/3min, respectively; P < 0.001). Glycemic control also significantly improved gastric emptying (before glycemic control, 49.2 ± 14.8% ; after, 67.1 ± 11.5% ; P < 0.001). This was also true for the motility index, concerning antral gastric contractility (before control, 2.97 ± 1.57; after, 3.75 ± 1.09; P < 0.05). Upper abdominal symptom scores were also significantly lower after attainment of control than before (0.47 ± 0.78 vs 3.17 ± 2.00, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that attaining glycemic control improves gastric motility and attainments upper abdominal symptoms in diabetic patients with gastroparesis.展开更多
Background： Studies have shown clear differences between dairy breeds in their feed intake and production efficiencies. The duodenum is critical in the coordination of digestion and absorption of nutrients. This stud...Background： Studies have shown clear differences between dairy breeds in their feed intake and production efficiencies. The duodenum is critical in the coordination of digestion and absorption of nutrients. This study examined gene transcript abundance of important classes of nutrient transporters in the duodenum of non lactating dairy cows of different feed efficiency potential, namely Holstein-Friesian （HF）, Jersey （JE） and their F1 hybrid. Duodenal epithelial tissue was collected at slaughter and stored at -80℃. Total RNA was extracted from tissue and reverse transcribed to generate cDNA. Gene expression of the following transporters, namely nucleoside amino acid; sugar; mineral; and lipid transporters was measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Data were statistically analysed using mixed models ANOVA in SAS. Orthogonal contrasts were used to test for potential heterotic effects and spearman correlation coefficients calculated to determine potential associations amongst gen, expression values and production efficiency variables. Results： While there were no direct effects of genotype on expression values for any of the genes examined, there was evidence for a heterotic effect （P 〈 0.05） on ABCGS, in the form of increased expression in the F1 genotype compared to either of the two parent breeds. Additionally, a tendency for increased expression of the amino acid transporters, SLC3A1 （P= 0.072）, SLC3A2 （P= 0.081） and SLC6A 14 （P= 0.072） was also evident in the F1 genotype. A negative （P 〈 0.05） association was identified between the expression of the glucose transporter gene SLCSA1 and total lactational milk solids yield, corrected for body weight. Positive correlations （P 〈 0.05） were also observed between the expression values of genes involved in common transporter roles. Conclusion： This study suggests that differences in the expression of sterol and amino acid transporters in the duodenum could contribute towards the documented differences in feed efficiency between HF, JE and their F1 hybrid. Furthermore, positive associations between the expression of genes involved in common transporter roles suggest that these may be co-regulated. The study identifies potential candidates for investigation of genetic variants regulating nutrient transport and absorption in the duodenum in dairy cows, which may be incorporated into future breeding programmes.展开更多
Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein（LDL） detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LD...Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein（LDL） detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LDL,heparin-modified gold surface（GS-Hep） was fabricated by a self-assembling method and hydrophobic-modified gold surfaces（GS-Hydro） was used as a control.The morphologies of the modified gold surfaces were investigated by atomic force microscopy（AFM） and the quantity of heparin bound to gold surface was assayed by the toluidine blue（TB） colorimetric method.Water contact angles were determined to investigate wettability on GS-Hep and GS-Hydro.Surface plasmon resonance（SPR） technique was used subsequently to detect the selective binding of LDL with heparin.And the investigation on the effect of pH on LDL adsorption suggests that lower pH lead to higher quantities of LDL adsorption on GS-Hep.Compared with GS-Hydro,GS-Hep is selective for LDL from both single and binary protein solutions.Moreover,adsorbed LDL on GS-Hep could be washed off by injecting elution solution,such as NaCl solution,for the purpose of the regeneration of GS-Hep for further LDL adsorption.展开更多
（-）-Epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG）, a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases （RTKs） and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resultin...（-）-Epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG）, a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases （RTKs） and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resulting in the control of unwanted cell proliferation. The epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways that regulates growth, survival,proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells. This review addresses the effects of EGCG on some protein factors involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in a direct or indirect manner. Based on our understanding of the interaction between EGCG and these factors, and based on their structures, EGCG could be used as a lead compound for designing and synthesizing novel drugs with significant biological activity.展开更多
This study examined whether low-density co-inoculation of Myanmar Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense strain MAS34 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 would enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and seed yield in two soybean varietie...This study examined whether low-density co-inoculation of Myanmar Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense strain MAS34 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 would enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and seed yield in two soybean varieties. A field experiment was conducted during the July to November 2012 growing season at Kyushu University Farm, Japan, using a split-plot design with three replications and the following four treatments: T1, an uninoculated treatment with peat moss (uninoculated);T2, a single inoculation with S. griseoflavus P4 (P4);T3, a single inoculation of B. yuanmingense MAS34 (MAS34);and T4, a dual inoculation of P4 with MAS34 (P4 + MAS34). Two varieties of soybean, Yezin-3 (Rj4) and Yezin-6 (non-Rj), were used. The N2 fixation activity of soybean was evaluated by the relative ureide method using xylem solute from root bled sap at the early pod-fill stage (R3.5). Dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) different between the inoculated treatments. The effect of variety was also significant (P 0.05) for nodule dry weight at the V6 stage, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere at the R3.5 stage, and seed yield at the maturity stage. The number of nodules on the tap roots was significantly higher in Yezin-3 than in Yezin-6. The single inoculation of P4 did not have a significant effect on dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield in either soybean variety. The dry matter production, relative ureide index, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) enhanced by a single inoculation of MAS34 in Yezin-3 and by dual inoculation of P4 + MAS34 in Yezin-6. These results indicate that low inoculum concentrations (105 cells seed-1) increase N2 fixation and seed yield in these soybean varieties under open field conditions. Myanmar B. yuanmingense MAS34 and S. griseoflavus P4 are expected to be useful biofertilizers for soybean production.展开更多
Background： When an animal is exposed to a stressor, metabolic rate, energy consumption and utilisation increase primarily through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal（HPA） axis. Changes to partitioning...Background： When an animal is exposed to a stressor, metabolic rate, energy consumption and utilisation increase primarily through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal（HPA） axis. Changes to partitioning of energy by an animal are likely to influence the efficiency with which it is utilised. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the physiological stress response to an exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone（ACTH） challenge in beef heifers divergently ranked on phenotypic residual feed intake（RFI）.Results： Data were collected on 34 Simmental weaning beef heifers the progeny of a well characterized and divergently bred RFI suckler beef herd. Residual feed intake was determined on each animal during the postweaning stage over a 91-day feed intake measurement period during which they were individually offered adlibitum grass silage and 2 kg of concentrate per head once daily. The 12 highest [0.34 kg DM/d] and 12 lowest[-0.48 kg DM/d] ranking animals on RFI were selected for use in this study. For the physiological stress challenge heifers（mean age 605 ± 13 d; mean BW 518 ± 31.4 kg） were fitted aseptically with indwelling jugular catheters to facilitate intensive blood collection. The response of the adrenal cortex to a standardised dose of ACTH（1.98 IU/kg metabolic BW^（0.75）） was examined. Serial blood samples were analysed for plasma cortisol, ACTH and haematology variables. Heifers differing in RFI did not differ（P = 0.59） in ACTH concentrations. Concentration of ACTH peaked（P 〈 0.001） in both RFI groups at 20 min post-ACTH administration, following which concentration declined to baseline levels by 150 min. Similarly, cortisol systemic profile peaked at 60 min and concentrations remained continuously elevated for 150 min. A RFI × time interaction was detected for cortisol concentrations（P = 0.06） with high RFI heifers had a greater cortisol response than Low RFI from 40 min to 150 min relative to ACTH administration. Cortisol response was positively associated with RFI status（r = 0.32; P 〈 0.01）. No effect of RFI was evident for neutrophil, lymphocytes, monocyte, eosinophils and basophil count. Plasma red blood cell number（6.07 vs. 6.23; P = 0.02） and hematocrit percentage（23.2 vs. 24.5; P = 0.02） were greater for low than high RFI animals.Conclusions： Evidence is provided that feed efficiency is associated with HPA axis function and susceptibility to stress, and responsiveness of the HPA axis is likely to contribute to appreciable variation in the efficiency feed utilisation of cattle.展开更多
文摘In child psychiatry, the use of play, a habitual activity in children, is used as a means of communication and therapy. The psychodynamic reading of a sequence of games played by a three-year-old child with dolls, who had been treated for anorexia for a year at the Children’s Guidance Center of Abidjan, shed new light on the child’s problems. The clinical history of M (3 years old) revealed, in addition to the eating disorder, a disturbance in the attachment bond and parental imagos in distress. This doll game, set up as a copy of reality, enabled the therapist to redirect his treatment and work on the mother-child bond.
文摘Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide and unfortunately the number of people affected with hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is still on the rise. Although the HBV has been known to cause fatal illness since decades but the population effected by this lethal virus have still only a few options for its management. The major treatment strategies include interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogues. These agents have so far produced unsatisfactory results in terms of complete virus eradication. Interferons cannot be used for long term therapy because of their potential side effects. Prolong treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues has also been reported to cause serious side effects besides the increasing resistance by the virus. The need for new innovative solutions for treatment of HBV has been realized by global research institutes and pharmaceutical industry. Present review focuses in detail on the new ideas that are being transformed into therapeutic tools for use as future therapies in HBV infection. Modern drug designing and screening methods have made the drug discovery process shorter and more reliable. HBV therapeutics will take a new turn in coming years owing to these intelligent drug designing and screening methods. Future therapy of HBV is aiming to include the use of vaccines(both prophylactic and therapeutic), immunomodulators such as antibodies, non-nucleoside antivirals such as RNAi and inhibitors of viral life cycle.
基金funded through The Teagasc Walsh Fellowship programme(Project RMIS:6092)
文摘Background: Feed accounts for up to 75% of costs in beef production systems,thus any improvement in feed efficiency(FE) will benefit the profitability of this enterprise.Residual feed intake(RFI) is a measure of FE that is independent of level of production.Adipose tissue(AT) is a major endocrine organ and the primary metabolic energy reservoir.It modulates a variety of processes related to FE such as lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis and thus measures of inter-animal variation in adiposity are frequently included in the calculation of the RFI index.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of phenotypic RFI status and gender on the expression of key candidate genes related to processes involved in energy metabolism within AT.Dry matter intake(DMI) and average daily gain(ADG) were measured over a period of 70 d for 52 purebred Simmental heifers(n = 24) and bulls(n = 28) with an initial BW±SD of 372±39.6 kg and 387±50.6 kg,respectively.Residual feed intake was calculated and animals were ranked within gender by RFI into high(inefficient; n = 9 heifers and n = 8 bulls)and low(efficient; n = 9 heifers and n = 8 bulls) groups.Results: Average daily gain ±SD and daily DMI ±SD for heifers and bul s were 1.2±0.4 kg and 9.1±0.5 kg,and 1.8±0.3 kg and 9.5±1 kg respectively.High RFI heifers and bulls consumed 10% and 15% more(P < 0.05) than their low RFI counterparts,respectively.Heifers had a higher expression of all genes measured than bulls(P < 0.05).A gender × RFI interaction was detected for HMGCS2(P < 0.05) in which high RFI bulls tended to have lower expression of HMGCS2 than low RFI bulls(P < 0.1),whereas high RFI heifers had higher expression than low RFI heifers(P < 0.05) and high RFI bulls(P < 0.05).SLC2 A4 expression was consistently higher in subcutaneous AT of low RFI animals across gender.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that low RFI cattle exhibit upregulation of the molecular mechanisms governing glucose metabolism in adipose tissue,in particular,glucose clearance.The decreased expression of SLC2 A4 in the inefficient cattle may result in less efficient glucose metabolism in these animals.We conclude that SLC2 A4 may be a potential biomarker for RFI in cattle.
基金supported by Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program 2016–2019, Japan
文摘We investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of indica rice variety Manawthukha and japonica rice variety Genkitsukushi.In a split-plot design,the two rice varieties were assigned as main plot factors,and the integrated treatments were the subplot factors,including no-N fertilizer(N0),50%chemical fertilizer(CF)(CF50),100%CF(CF100),50%CF+50%poultry manure(PM)(CF50PM50),50%CF+50%cow manure(CM)(CF50CM50),and 50%CF+50%compost(CP)(CF50CP50).CF100 was equivalent to N at 85 kg/hm2.Manure was applied based on the estimated mineralizable nitrogen(EMN)level,which is dependent on total N(%)of each manure type.Manawthukha rice plants were taller with higher tiller number and dry matter content.However,higher soil-plant analysis development(SPAD)values were measured in Genkitsukushi throughout the crop growth period,resulting in higher seed-setting rate(%)and greater yield.At the same N level,CF50PM50 application in both rice varieties resulted in higher SPAD values,plant height and tiller number than CF100.CF50PM50 containing total N more than 4%supplied synchronized N for the demands of the rice plants,resulting in maximum dry matter,yield and yield components.CF50CM50 and CF50CP50 treatments containing total N less than 4%resulted in lower yields which were similar to CF100.These results indicated that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers enhanced growth parameters and yields of Manawthukha and Genkitsukushi,while reducing the dose of chemical fertilizer.
文摘We conducted two field experiments to investigate combined effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on nitrogen use and recovery efficiencies of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) during dry and wet seasons, 2015. Four levels of inorganic fertilizer (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% NPK), based on recommended rates of 150 kg N ha-1, 70 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1, were used with cow manure, poultry manure, and vermicompost (5 t·ha-1each) in a split-plot design with three replicates. In both seasons, with 50% NPK, the N uptake level achieved with poultry manure was similar to that obtained with 75% and 100% NPK. The greatest N use, internal, agronomic N use, and recovery efficiencies were obtained with 50% NPK + poultry manure, but were similar to those obtained from cow manure and vermicompost subplots. As the amount of applied N from organic and inorganic fertilizer increased, the N use efficiency and related parameters decreased, due to similar yields among plots with different NPK application levels. Poultry manure resulted in the highest significant correlations between applied N and N accumulation, followed by cow manure and vermicompost, in both seasons. Neither chemical fertilizer nor organic manure alone led to optimum N use and N recovery efficiencies. The combination of 50% inorganic fertilizer (75 kg N ha-1) and poultry manure (5 t·ha-1) enhanced the N uptake, the N use and recovery efficiencies of hybrid rice. Cow manure (5 t·ha-1) in combination with 75% inorganic fertilizer (112.5 kg N ha-1) was an adequate substitute for reduced chemical fertilizer usage. Therefore, this study highlighted combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures had the benefits not only in reducing the need for chemical fertilizers but also in improving N uptake by hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) leading to the better environment.
基金Supported in Part by the Key Project of Chinese Ministry of Education (106065) Heilongjiang Provincial Natural ScienceFoundation (C200533)
文摘To understand the use of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （real-time RT-PCR） for detecting the relative abundance of mRNA, the expression of a tobacco ferrltin gene （NtFer1） was detected by Northern blot and real-time RT-PCR. The results indicated that both of the two methods were able to detect mRNA expression of NtFer1 cleady and similady, namely NtFer1 expression was responsive to iron-ovedoad, and the abundance of NtFer1 mRNA was greatly increased after iron loaded for 6 h. To compare the effect and sensitivity of two methods, results revealed that Northern blot need 30 μg of total RNA and at least 3 days for the total protocol performance, whereas real-time RT-PCR only need 2 μg of total RNA and 1.5 h. The real-time RT-PCR is rather sensitive and effective than Northern blot. Real-time RT-PCR analysis can be used to rapidly detect the relative abundance of mRNA expression instead of Northern blot analysis.
基金supported by Sao Paulo Research Foundation(FAPESP,grant Nos.2015/03965-2 and 2014/00239-6)the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq,grant Nos.307603/2018-0 and 307269/2017-5)Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel(CAPES,Finance Code 001)。
文摘Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage that are found throughout the body,including the central nervous system.They perform many functions associated with innate and specific immunity,angiogenesis,and vascular homeostasis.Moreover,they have been implicated in a series of pathologies(e.g.,hypersensitivity reactions,tumors,and inflammatory disorders).In this review,we propose that this cell could be a relevant therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis,which is a central nervous system degenerative disease.To support this proposition,we describe the general biological properties of mast cells,their contribution to innate and specific immunity,and the participation of mast cells in the various stages of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development.The final part of this review is dedicated to an overview of the available mast cells immunomodulatory drugs and their activity on multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,including our own experience related to the effect of ketotifen fumarate on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis evolution.
文摘This study assessed the effect of feeding stacked genetically modified (GM) corn event (MON89034 × MON88017) on embryonic development, adult tissue histology and assessed the possibility of transgenic DNA transfer, using zebrafish as an animal model. Adult zebrafish were separated into male and female groups. After 3 weeks of feeding with experimental diets, males and females were paired once a week and fertilized embryos were collected, then the male and female fish were re-turned to their sex-specific groups. This fertilization and embryo collection process were repeated 3 times. Embryonic morphological measurements were obtained on developing embryos up to 96 hours after fertilization, and then the embryos were fixed in 4% phosphate-buffered paraformal-dehyde for morphologic assessment. At the end of the feeding study, various adult zebrafish tissues were histologically examined for abnormalities. Both zebrafish tissues and embryos were analyzed for presence of plant specific genes and transgenic sequences. No changes or abnormalities were observed in embryonic morphology nor in any of the tissues examined histologically. In addition, no plant DNA reference genes or transgenic DNA were found in any of the analyzed samples. These results demonstrate that the safety and nutrition of MON89034 × MON88017 corn are similar to non-GM corn.
基金provided under the National Development Plan,through the Research Stimulus Fund,administered by the Department of Agriculture,Fisheries & Food,Ireland RSF05 224
文摘Background：Methane（CH_4） emissions in cattle are an undesirable end product of rumen methanogenic fermentative activity as they are associated not only with negative environmental impacts but also with reduced host feed efficiency.The aim of this study was to quantify total and specific rumen microbial methanogenic populations in beef cattle divergently selected for residual feed intake（RFI） while offered（i） a low energy high forage（HF） diet followed by（ii） a high energy low forage（LF） diet.Ruminal fluid was collected from 14 high（H）and 14 low（L） RFI animals across both dietary periods.Quantitative real time PCR（qRT-PCR） analysis was conducted to quantify the abundance of total and specific rumen methanogenic microbes.Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between the relative abundance of methanogens and animal performance,rumen fermentation variables and diet digestibility.Results：Abundance of methanogens,did not differ between RFI phenotypes.However,relative abundance of total and specific methanogen species was affected（P〈 0.05） by diet type,with greater abundance observed while animals were offered the LF compared to the HF diet.Conclusions：These findings suggest that differences in abundance of specific rumen methanogen species may not contribute to variation in CH_4 emissions between efficient and inefficient animals,however dietary manipulation can influence the abundance of total and specific methanogen species.
基金funded by Department of Agriculture,Fisheries&Food,Ireland,under the National Development Plan,through the Research Stimulus Fundthe contribution of Science Foundation Ireland(SFI)[grant number:14/IA/2548
文摘Background: Previous research in both calves and other species has suggested n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) and β-glucans may have positive effects on immune function. This experiment measured performance,behaviour, metabolite and immunological responses to pre-weaning supplementation of dairy bull calves with n-3 PUFA in the form of fish oil and β-glucans derived from seaweed extract. 44 Holstein Friesian bull calves, aged 13.7± 2.5 d and weighing 48.0 ± 5.8 kg were artificially reared using an electronic feeding system. Each calf was offered5 L(120 g/L) per day of milk replacer(MR) and assigned to one of four treatments included in the MR,(1) Control(CON);(2) 40 g n-3 PUFA per day(FO);(3) 1 g β-glucans per day(GL) and(4) 40 g n-3 PUFA per day & 1 g/d β-glucans(FOGL) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Milk replacer and concentrate was offered from d 0–62(pre-weaning),while concentrate provision continued for a further 31 d post-weaning period. Individual daily feed intake and feeding behaviour was recorded throughout, while bodyweight and blood analyte data were collected at regular intervals.Results: Overall mean concentrate DMI from d 0–93 was 1.39, 1.27, 1.00 and 0.72 kg/d for CON, FO, GL and FOGL calves, respectively(SEM = 0.037;P < 0.0001). Calves supplemented with GL were significantly lighter(P < 0.0001) at both weaning(d 62) and turnout to pasture(d 93) than un-supplemented calves, with a similar effect(P < 0.0001)evident for calves receiving FO compared to un-supplemented contemporaries. Supplementation with GL reduced the number of unrewarded visits where milk was not consumed(P < 0.0001) while supplementation with FO increased mean drinking speed(P < 0.0001). Supplementation with GL resulted in greater concentrations of haptoglobin(P = 0.034), greater serum osmolality(P = 0.021) and lower lymphocyte levels(P = 0.027). In addition,cells from GL supplemented calves exhibited a lower response than un-supplemented contemporaries to both Phytohaemagglutinin A stimulated IFN-γ(P = 0.019) and Concanavalin A stimulated IFN-γ(P = 0.012) following in vitro challenges.Conclusions: Pre-weaning supplementation of bull calves with either n-3 PUFA or β-glucan resulted in reduced voluntary feed intake of concentrate and consequently poorer pre-weaning calf performance. There was no evidence for any beneficial effect of either supplementation strategy on calves’ immune responses.
基金Fapemig(APQ-01833-11)for founding the field worka CNPq post-doc fellowship(153535/2018-0)CNPq(206814/2014-3)Post-doctorate scholarship
文摘Altitude and environmental variables such as edaphic properties are considered determinants of species distribution and community composition in mountain ecosystems.Here,we aimed to outline the effects of distinct mountain peaks,altitude and soil properties on community composition,species density,phylogenetic structure and diversity of angiosperm páramo communities from the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park,Minas Gerais,southeastern Brazil.For that,we identified all angiosperm species found in 300 plots(1 m×1 m)from three mountain peaks,measured soil depth and analyzed soil fertility and texture in each plot.To reduce the number of soil variables and species composition,we computed principal coordinates based on soil properties and principal coordinates based on species-plot matrix for each plot.Furthermore,we computed the standard effect sizes of the mean phylogenetic pairwise distance and the mean nearest phylogenetic taxon distance for each plot to investigate differences in the degree of relatedness among coexisting species.We compared differences in response variables between peaks and modelled them in function of altitude and principle components of soil properties using mixed effect models.Species density and phylogenetic diversity differed between peaks,but,contrary to the previous findings,no relationships between species richness or phylogenetic diversity and altitude or soil properties were found,indicating that further investigations are necessary to understand the altitude-biodiversity relationship in Brazilian páramo vegetation.Community composition differed between peaks and depended on altitude,soil properties and interactions between them,indicating that upward shifting of bioclimatic conditions due to climate changes may alter communities of this ecosystem.Phylogenetic structure differed between peaks and was influenced by altitude and soil properties.As phylogenetic clustering increased with altitude,eventual upward movements of species in Brazilian páramo vegetation due to climate change may alter community composition and the degree of relatedness among coexisting species,increasing the risk of species from higher altitudes to disappear.Therefore,conservation priorities arise for higher landscape portions,where these high altitude species may find refuges.
文摘We investigated the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) in the dry and wet seasons of 2015. Four quantities of inorganic fertilizer were used in the main plot [0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] based on the recommended amounts of 150 kg N ha-1, 70 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1, while different organic manures were applied to subplots [no organic manure (O0), cow manure (Oc), poultry manure (Op), and vermicompost (Ov);all at 5 t·ha-1] as part of a split-plot experimental design with three replicates. In both seasons, significant differences in growth parameters including number of tillers hill-1, soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values, total dry matter, yield, and yield components were observed in plants supplied with different inorganic fertilizers. The 100% NPK (I100) fertilizer produced the maximum yield but similar yields were achieved in plots supplied with 50% NPK (I50) and 75% NPK (I75). Significant differences in growth and yield parameters were also found in crops supplied with organic manures. Although identical quantities were supplied, Op produced the best growth parameters in both seasons including total dry matter, yield, and yield components. Oc also performed well. Combining inorganic and organic fertilizers demonstrated that I50 together with Op (5 t·ha-1) provided similar growth, total dry matter, and yield parameters to I100 in both seasons. Oc (5 t·ha-1) plus I75 also achieved similar yields to I100. This study demonstrates that the combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures has the potential to reduce chemical fertilizer usage without decreasing the yield of hybrid rice, and can enhance the growth, yield, and yield components of Palethwe-1.
基金supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (MT) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (MK, NNF15OC0016284)a research grant from the Odense University Hospital (R29-A1374)
文摘Enhanced bone marrow adipogenesis and impaired osteoblastogenesis have been observed in obesity,suggesting that the metabolic microenvironment regulates bone marrow adipocyte and osteoblast progenitor differentiation fate.To determine the molecular mechanisms,we studied two immortalized murine cell lines of adipocyte or osteoblast progenitors(BMSCs^adipo and BMSC^sosteo,respectively)under basal and adipogenic culture conditions.At baseline,BMSCs^adipo,and BMSCs^osteo exhibit a distinct metabolic program evidenced by the presence of specific global gene expression,cellular bioenergetics,and metabolomic signatures that are dependent on insulin signaling and glycolysis in BMSCs^osteo versus oxidative phosphorylation in BMSCs^adipo.To test the flexibility of the metabolic program,we treated BMSCsadipo with parathyroid hormone,S961(an inhibitor of insulin signaling)and oligomycin(an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation).The treatment induced significant changes in cellular bioenergetics that were associated with decreased adipocytic differentiation.Similarly,12 weeks of a high-fat diet in mice led to the expansion of adipocyte progenitors,enhanced adipocyte differentiation and insulin signaling in cultured BMSCs.Our data demonstrate that BMSC progenitors possess a distinct metabolic program and are poised to respond to exogenous metabolic cues that regulate their differentiation fate.
文摘We conducted plant growth experiments in microbe-free vermiculite to study the effects of four types of fermented seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) made from nori (Pyropia yezoensis) seaweed on the germination, plant growth characteristics, SPAD value, and nutrient content and uptake of komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. wakana komatsuna). The four types of fermented nori SLF used in this study were prepared by anaerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF1), aerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF2), anaerobic fermentation of washed nori (SLF3), and aerobic fermentation of washed nori (SLF4). Komatsuna seeds treated with 200-, 300-, and 400-fold dilutions of SLFs exhibited improved relative germination ratios (RGRs) at 3 and 4 days after sowing (DAS). At 4 DAS, the RGRs of seeds treated with 10-, 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-fold SLF dilutions showed no differential effect. Seeds treated with undiluted SLFs did not germinate by 4 DAS. SLF1 may promote komatsuna seed germination. The nitrogen (N), calcium, magnesium, sodium (Na), and iodine (I) contents of plants treated with SLF1 were significantly increased relative to plants treated with the other SLFs. Moreover, the I and Na contents of plants were significantly increased by foliar spray application of different dilutions of SLF1. However, SLF treatment markedly reduced the shoot dry weight compared with 1/2-strength modified Hoagland nutrient (MHN) solution, although the same amounts of N and K were applied. SPAD values of the plants treated with SLFs were significantly higher than those of plants treated with MHN. Foliar treatment with SLFs had no significant effect on plant growth, SPAD value, or uptake of nutrients (except Na) relative to the control, but the I content was increased. Plants treated with SLF1 and SLF2 exhibited the highest Na uptake. Foliar spray treatments with SLF1 resulted in the highest I contents in plants. Based on our results, SLF1 is suitable for use as a liquid fertilizer to promote germination and increase nutrient content in komatsuna. These results need to be followed up in soil experiments in the presence of microbes in the rhizosphere.
文摘Background: Glycemic control is important for maintaining gastric motility in diabetic patients, but gastric motility has not yet been studied ultrasonographically in relation to glycemic control. Methods: We made such observations before and after establishing glycemic control in diabetic patients with gastroparesis. We studied 30 diabetic patients with upper abdominal digestive symptoms who were hospitalized for correction of poor blood sugar control and who underwent upper digestive tract endoscopy to rule out structural causes such as gastric/duodenal lesions. Gastric motility was evaluated by transabdominal ultrasonography, using a test meal, before and after attainment of glycemic control (within 3 days after admission and 3 days before discharge). Also, upper abdominal digestive symptoms present on admission and at discharge were compared. Results: After glycemic control was established, contractions of the antral region were more frequent than before the attainment of control (8.93 ± 1.17/3min vs 7.63 ± 2.22/3min, respectively; P < 0.001). Glycemic control also significantly improved gastric emptying (before glycemic control, 49.2 ± 14.8% ; after, 67.1 ± 11.5% ; P < 0.001). This was also true for the motility index, concerning antral gastric contractility (before control, 2.97 ± 1.57; after, 3.75 ± 1.09; P < 0.05). Upper abdominal symptom scores were also significantly lower after attainment of control than before (0.47 ± 0.78 vs 3.17 ± 2.00, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that attaining glycemic control improves gastric motility and attainments upper abdominal symptoms in diabetic patients with gastroparesis.
基金funded by Teagasc as part of the Irish National Development Plan
文摘Background： Studies have shown clear differences between dairy breeds in their feed intake and production efficiencies. The duodenum is critical in the coordination of digestion and absorption of nutrients. This study examined gene transcript abundance of important classes of nutrient transporters in the duodenum of non lactating dairy cows of different feed efficiency potential, namely Holstein-Friesian （HF）, Jersey （JE） and their F1 hybrid. Duodenal epithelial tissue was collected at slaughter and stored at -80℃. Total RNA was extracted from tissue and reverse transcribed to generate cDNA. Gene expression of the following transporters, namely nucleoside amino acid; sugar; mineral; and lipid transporters was measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Data were statistically analysed using mixed models ANOVA in SAS. Orthogonal contrasts were used to test for potential heterotic effects and spearman correlation coefficients calculated to determine potential associations amongst gen, expression values and production efficiency variables. Results： While there were no direct effects of genotype on expression values for any of the genes examined, there was evidence for a heterotic effect （P 〈 0.05） on ABCGS, in the form of increased expression in the F1 genotype compared to either of the two parent breeds. Additionally, a tendency for increased expression of the amino acid transporters, SLC3A1 （P= 0.072）, SLC3A2 （P= 0.081） and SLC6A 14 （P= 0.072） was also evident in the F1 genotype. A negative （P 〈 0.05） association was identified between the expression of the glucose transporter gene SLCSA1 and total lactational milk solids yield, corrected for body weight. Positive correlations （P 〈 0.05） were also observed between the expression values of genes involved in common transporter roles. Conclusion： This study suggests that differences in the expression of sterol and amino acid transporters in the duodenum could contribute towards the documented differences in feed efficiency between HF, JE and their F1 hybrid. Furthermore, positive associations between the expression of genes involved in common transporter roles suggest that these may be co-regulated. The study identifies potential candidates for investigation of genetic variants regulating nutrient transport and absorption in the duodenum in dairy cows, which may be incorporated into future breeding programmes.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China(Nos.Y4110606 and Y1090649)the Opening Foundation of Zhejing Provincial Top Key Discipline,China(No.20110915)+1 种基金the Zhejiang Provincial Innovative Research Team,China(No.2009R50004)the Fresenius Medical Care of Deutschland GmbH’s Nephrocore Program,Germany
文摘Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein（LDL） detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LDL,heparin-modified gold surface（GS-Hep） was fabricated by a self-assembling method and hydrophobic-modified gold surfaces（GS-Hydro） was used as a control.The morphologies of the modified gold surfaces were investigated by atomic force microscopy（AFM） and the quantity of heparin bound to gold surface was assayed by the toluidine blue（TB） colorimetric method.Water contact angles were determined to investigate wettability on GS-Hep and GS-Hydro.Surface plasmon resonance（SPR） technique was used subsequently to detect the selective binding of LDL with heparin.And the investigation on the effect of pH on LDL adsorption suggests that lower pH lead to higher quantities of LDL adsorption on GS-Hep.Compared with GS-Hydro,GS-Hep is selective for LDL from both single and binary protein solutions.Moreover,adsorbed LDL on GS-Hep could be washed off by injecting elution solution,such as NaCl solution,for the purpose of the regeneration of GS-Hep for further LDL adsorption.
文摘（-）-Epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG）, a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases （RTKs） and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resulting in the control of unwanted cell proliferation. The epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways that regulates growth, survival,proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells. This review addresses the effects of EGCG on some protein factors involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in a direct or indirect manner. Based on our understanding of the interaction between EGCG and these factors, and based on their structures, EGCG could be used as a lead compound for designing and synthesizing novel drugs with significant biological activity.
文摘This study examined whether low-density co-inoculation of Myanmar Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense strain MAS34 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 would enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and seed yield in two soybean varieties. A field experiment was conducted during the July to November 2012 growing season at Kyushu University Farm, Japan, using a split-plot design with three replications and the following four treatments: T1, an uninoculated treatment with peat moss (uninoculated);T2, a single inoculation with S. griseoflavus P4 (P4);T3, a single inoculation of B. yuanmingense MAS34 (MAS34);and T4, a dual inoculation of P4 with MAS34 (P4 + MAS34). Two varieties of soybean, Yezin-3 (Rj4) and Yezin-6 (non-Rj), were used. The N2 fixation activity of soybean was evaluated by the relative ureide method using xylem solute from root bled sap at the early pod-fill stage (R3.5). Dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) different between the inoculated treatments. The effect of variety was also significant (P 0.05) for nodule dry weight at the V6 stage, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere at the R3.5 stage, and seed yield at the maturity stage. The number of nodules on the tap roots was significantly higher in Yezin-3 than in Yezin-6. The single inoculation of P4 did not have a significant effect on dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield in either soybean variety. The dry matter production, relative ureide index, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) enhanced by a single inoculation of MAS34 in Yezin-3 and by dual inoculation of P4 + MAS34 in Yezin-6. These results indicate that low inoculum concentrations (105 cells seed-1) increase N2 fixation and seed yield in these soybean varieties under open field conditions. Myanmar B. yuanmingense MAS34 and S. griseoflavus P4 are expected to be useful biofertilizers for soybean production.
文摘Background： When an animal is exposed to a stressor, metabolic rate, energy consumption and utilisation increase primarily through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal（HPA） axis. Changes to partitioning of energy by an animal are likely to influence the efficiency with which it is utilised. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the physiological stress response to an exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone（ACTH） challenge in beef heifers divergently ranked on phenotypic residual feed intake（RFI）.Results： Data were collected on 34 Simmental weaning beef heifers the progeny of a well characterized and divergently bred RFI suckler beef herd. Residual feed intake was determined on each animal during the postweaning stage over a 91-day feed intake measurement period during which they were individually offered adlibitum grass silage and 2 kg of concentrate per head once daily. The 12 highest [0.34 kg DM/d] and 12 lowest[-0.48 kg DM/d] ranking animals on RFI were selected for use in this study. For the physiological stress challenge heifers（mean age 605 ± 13 d; mean BW 518 ± 31.4 kg） were fitted aseptically with indwelling jugular catheters to facilitate intensive blood collection. The response of the adrenal cortex to a standardised dose of ACTH（1.98 IU/kg metabolic BW^（0.75）） was examined. Serial blood samples were analysed for plasma cortisol, ACTH and haematology variables. Heifers differing in RFI did not differ（P = 0.59） in ACTH concentrations. Concentration of ACTH peaked（P 〈 0.001） in both RFI groups at 20 min post-ACTH administration, following which concentration declined to baseline levels by 150 min. Similarly, cortisol systemic profile peaked at 60 min and concentrations remained continuously elevated for 150 min. A RFI × time interaction was detected for cortisol concentrations（P = 0.06） with high RFI heifers had a greater cortisol response than Low RFI from 40 min to 150 min relative to ACTH administration. Cortisol response was positively associated with RFI status（r = 0.32; P 〈 0.01）. No effect of RFI was evident for neutrophil, lymphocytes, monocyte, eosinophils and basophil count. Plasma red blood cell number（6.07 vs. 6.23; P = 0.02） and hematocrit percentage（23.2 vs. 24.5; P = 0.02） were greater for low than high RFI animals.Conclusions： Evidence is provided that feed efficiency is associated with HPA axis function and susceptibility to stress, and responsiveness of the HPA axis is likely to contribute to appreciable variation in the efficiency feed utilisation of cattle.
