To understand Lophatherum gracile plant community's structural characteristics, a survey of community structure and species diversity was conducted through quadrat sampling in Yongchuan district of Chongqing. The results showed that there were 386 species vascular plants, belonging to 117 families and 229 genera. Based on habitat, community structure and species composition, L. gracile were found in three community types: Pinus massoniana community, banboo community, shurb community. Vertical structure was composed of three layers, including tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer. Species in shrub layer was the richness. P. massoniana is the only dominant species of the community, it can not regenerate naturally, the shrub layer has a greater effect on the community of L. gracile in the future. In addition, the banboo community and shurb community is not stable because of human's activity. Therefore, the community characters of L. gracile should be taken care of conservation when the resources are utilized.
China ; Ecosystem ; Pinus ; physiology ; Plants ; Poaceae ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of lymphatic micovessel density (LMVD) detected by monoclonal antibody D2-40) with the VEGF-C expression in human breast cancer.

METHODSTissue samples of 102 breast cancers, 25 breast fibroadenomas and 10 normal breasts were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detected the lymphatic micovessels with monoclonal antibody D2-40. The expression of VEGF-C was detect by SP immunohistochemistry, and VEGF-C mRNA by hybridization in situ.

RESULTSIn 102 breast cancers, the positive rate of D2-40 was 76.5% (78/102), higher than that in the breast fibroadenomas. LMVD in the periphery of breast cancer was 30.1 lymphatic microvessels per x 100 field of vision, which was significantly higher than that in the central area of the tumors (P = 0.000). The LMVD in the periphery of the breast cancers was correlated with the number of metastatic lymph nodes (r = 0.964, P < 0.01). The positive rates of VEGF-C protein and mRNA were 55.9% (57/102) and 59.8% (61/102), respectively, significantly higher than that in the breast fiberoadenomas and normal breast tissues (chi2 = 11.653, P = 0.003; chi2 = 10.345, P = 0.006), and were significantly correlated with the status of lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and the expressions of c-erbB-2 and p53 protein (P < 0.05). Both of VEGF-C protein and mRNA were significantly correlated with LMVD detected by D2-40 (P < 0.05), especially with the LMVD in the periphery of breast cancers (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe monoclonal antibody D240 can be used to detect the lymphatic endothelium in human breast cancer. The lymphatic microvessel density in the periphery of breast cancer is correlated with the lymph node metastasis and expression of VEGF-C. Therefore, VEGF-C may play a significant role in the lymphangiogenesis leading to metastasis of breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Fibroadenoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; pathology ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE To explore the advantage and feasibility of fluorescent antibody method for detection of blood type in biological material. METHODS: According to theory of specific binding of antigen and antibody, at first the anti-A monoclonal antibody (MA) and anti-B MA were labeled with the fluorescent, then fluorescent-labeled antibodies (FLA) were bound with corresponding biological material (such as bloodstain) in the optimum condition, finally the ABO blood type of bloodstain was determined under microscope fluorescent. RESULTS: The fluorescent antibody method is highly sensitive, accurate and simple. CONCLUSION The fluorescent antibody method is an accurate and reliable method for detection of ABO blood type in biological material.
ABO Blood-Group System/immunology* ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/blood* ; Antigen-Antibody Reactions ; Blood Group Antigens/blood* ; Blood Stains ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique/methods* ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Humans ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism of dutasteride inhibiting fertility by studying its effects on the expressions of the epididymal epithelial junction proteins Claudin1 and β-catenin in rats.

METHODSSixteen 3-month-old SD male rats were equally divided into an experimental and a negative control group to be treated intragastrically with dutasteride at 40 mg/kg per day and the same dose of solvent, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. Then, the sperm motility and morphology of the rats were detected by computer-assisted sperm analysis, the serum levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) measured by ELISA, changes in the tight junction of epididymal cells observed under the transmission electron microscope, the protein and gene expressions of Claudin1 and β-catenin determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and the conception rate of the mated female rats calculated.

RESULTSDutasteride significantly suppressed the serum DHT level, sperm motility, and fertility of the rats (P <0.05). Interspaces between epididymal epithelial cell tight junctions were observed, the volume of epididymal fluid obviously increased, and the expressions of Claudin1 and β-catenin gene and protein remarkably downregulated in the experimental rats (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONDutasteride can significantly inhibit the fertility of male rats by reducing the serum DHT level, suppressing Claudin1 and β-catenin expressions, and damaging epididymal epithelial cell junctions.

Animals ; Azasteroids ; pharmacology ; Claudin-1 ; metabolism ; Dihydrotestosterone ; blood ; Dutasteride ; Epididymis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Fertility ; drug effects ; Humans ; Intercellular Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Testosterone ; blood ; Urological Agents ; pharmacology ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: At present, treatments for spinal cord injury are limited, with poor outcomes. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore new treatment methods. OBJECTIVE:To observe the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)injection via the caudal vein on spinal cord injury in rats. METHODS:BMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro by whole bone marrow adherence method.The surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, spinal cord injury group and BMSCs transplantation group, 10 rats in each group. A rat spinal cord injury model was established by occlusion of the 10ththoracic vertebra using an aneurysm clamp, and 2×106BMSCs were injected through the caudal vein at 10 minutes after modeling. Basso-Bettle-Bresnahan (BBB) score for motor function recovery was assessed at 0, 10, 20, 30 days after transplantation. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and electron transmission microscopy at 30 days after implantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Under the microscope, fusiformis-shaped or fibroblast-like cells were observed. The expression rate of CD44 and CD90 was more than 90% and the expression of CD45 was less than 2%, by which, the BMSCs were identified. The BBB scores were significantly higher in the BMSCs transplantation group than the spinal cord injury group at 20 and 30 days after transplantation (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was spinal cord tissue damage, vascular rupture injury, neuronal cell degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration in the spinal cord injury group. After BMSCs transplantation, the number of spinal cord neurons was markedly increased with intact cytomembrane and clear nucleolus. Electron microscopic results showed that spinal cord axon swelling, demyelination, nerve axon deformation and necrosis were observed in the spinal cord injury group, while after BMSCs transplantation, the rat spinal cord axon structure was repaired,and partially lost myelin was recovered with uniform thickness.To conclude,BMSCs transplantation via the caudal vein has a significant therapeutic effect on spinal cord injury in rats by repairing the spinal cord structure and protecting the integrity of axon and myelin structures.

BACKGROUND: Until now, there is no effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy caused by acrylamide. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new treatment methods. OBJECTIVE: To explore the protection role and its mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) against acrylamide-induced intoxication in the spinal cords of rats. METHODS: BMSCs were cultured by the whole bone marrow adherence method and identified by morphological observation and flow cytometry detection. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats, clean grade, were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 for each group): normal control group, acrylamide group and BMSCs transplantation group. The latter two groups received acrylamide by gavage, 50 mg/(kg?d), 5 days per week, for 2 weeks with an interval of 2 days. Then, in the BMSCs transplantation group, 3×106BMSCs were transplanted by the caudal vein, 5 days per week, for 3 consecutive weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was utilized to observe the morphological changes of the spinal cord. Tunel assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot assay was adopted to detect the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the acrylamide-exposed rats, the damage to the structure was found in the spinal cords by morphological observation, which was significantly alleviated after BMSCs transplantation. The disturbed expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were also significantly inversed after BMSCs transplantation (P < 0.05). These results suggest that BMSCs transplantation can inhibit cell apoptosis in the spinal cords of acrylamide-intoxicated rats, probably by up-regulating expression of Bcl-2 and down-regulating expression of Bax.

To understand the maintenance and transmission of SFTS virus, the potential vector ticks were collected from sheep, cattle and dogs in the endemic areas of SFTSV in Shandong Province. Among the collected ticks, the dominant species was H. longicornis ticks. Real-time PCR for RNA detection, virus isolation and characterization, genomic sequencing, phylogenetic and antigenic analysis were performed in this investigation. The results showed that the SFTS viral RNA was detected in 2.14% H. longicornis, and a SFTS virus was isolated from one of viral RNA positive ticks collected from sheep. Whole genome analysis of the SFTSV isolates with 11 human-origin SFTS virus revealed a highly pairwise similarity, and the growth curve analysis showed nearly identical in virus yield and the dynamic of virus reproduction compared to human derived viral isolates. Immunofluorescence and neutralization test showed identical serological reaction character of the two different origin viral strains. In this study, the characters of a SFTSV isolate was firstly described, which suggested that the tick species H. longicornis acting important vector role in the transmission of SFTS virus.
Animals ; Animals, Domestic ; parasitology ; Arachnid Vectors ; virology ; Bunyaviridae Infections ; transmission ; virology ; Cattle ; Cell Line ; Dogs ; Humans ; Livestock ; parasitology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phlebovirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Sheep ; Ticks ; virology

Objective To analyze the results of detection on influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus in Beijing from May 2009 to December 2009 and to understand the epidemiologic characteristics during the pandemic period. Methods The study was conducted from the May 1 to December 27,2009. A total of 101 852 throat swab samples were detected with the real-time RT-PCR assay by the Beijing Network Laboratory. Data was statistically analyzed. Results 9843 samples showed influenza A (H1N1) 2009 positive, with an overall positive rate as 9.66%. In terms of the positive rates, they were 2.85% from May to June, 3.32% from July to August and 8.35% from September to October. The peak month fell in November (29.67%) and December (24.33%). The positive rates among the following subpopulations were: 8.40% among the suspected cases, 4.75% among close contact cases, 11.46% among the influenza-like illness cases and 7.33% among the cluster cases with fever. Positive cases mainly fell in age groups 5-14 and 15-24. The ratio of male to female was 1.5:1.Conclusion During the pandemic period of influenza A (H1N1) 2009, positive cases gradually increased during May to November but slowly decreasing in December.

The 3-succinate-30-stearyl glycyrrhetinic acid(18-GA-Suc) was inserted into glycyrrhetinic acid(GA)-tanshinone Ⅱ_A(TSN)-salvianolic acid B(Sal B) liposome(GTS-lip) to prepare liver targeting compound liposome(Suc-GTS-lip) mediated by GA receptors. Next, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Suc-GTS-lip and GTS-lip were compared by UPLC, and in vivo imaging tracking of Suc-GTS-lip was conducted. The authors investigated the effect of Suc-GTS-lip on the proliferation inhibition of hepatic stellate cells(HSC) and explored their molecular mechanism of improving liver fibrosis. Pharmacokinetic results showed that the AUC_(Sal B) decreased from(636.06±27.73) μg·h·mL~(-1) to(550.39±12.34) μg·h·mL~(-1), and the AUC_(TSN) decreased from(1.08±0.72) μg·h·mL~(-1) to(0.65±0.04) μg·h·mL~(-1), but the AUC_(GA) increased from(43.64±3.10) μg·h·mL~(-1) to(96.21±3.75) μg·h·mL~(-1). The results of tissue distribution showed that the AUC_(Sal B) and C_(max) of Sal B in the liver of the Suc-GTS-lip group were 10.21 and 4.44 times those of the GTS-lip group, respectively. The liver targeting efficiency of Sal B, TSN, and GA in the Suc-GTS-lip group was 40.66%, 3.06%, and 22.08%, respectively. In vivo imaging studies showed that the modified liposomes tended to accumulate in the liver. MTT results showed that Suc-GTS-lip could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HSC, and RT-PCR results showed that the expression of MMP-1 was significantly increased in all groups, but that of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was significantly decreased. The mRNA expressions of collagen-I and collagen-Ⅲ were significantly decreased in all groups. The experimental results showed that Suc-GTS-lip had liver targeting, and it could inhibit the proliferation of HSC and induce their apoptosis, which provided the experimental basis for the targeted treatment of liver fibrosis by Suc-GTS-lip.
Humans ; Liposomes ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid/pharmacology* ; Liver ; Liver Cirrhosis/genetics* ; Collagen/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) on toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice. METHODS: Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into AOO group, AOO+5Z-7-Oxozeaenol group, TDI group, and TDI+5Z-7-Oxozeaenol group. Another 32 mice were randomly divided into AOO group, TDI group, TDI +5Z-7-Oxozeaenol group, and TDI +5Z-7-Oxozeaenol + Necrostatin-1 group. TAK1 inhibitor (5Z-7-Oxozeaenol, 5 mg/kg) and/or RIPK1 inhibitor (Necrostatin-1, 5 mg/kg) were used before each challenge. Airway responsiveness, airway inflammation and airway remodeling were assessed after the treatments. We also examined the effect of TDI-human serum albumin (TDI-HSA) conjugate combined with TAK1 inhibitor on the viability of mouse mononuclear macrophages (RAW264.7) using CCK8 assay. The expressions of TAK1, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and receptor interacting serine/threonine protease 1 (RIPK1) signal pathway in the treated cells were detected with Western blotting. The effects of RIPK1 inhibitor on the viability of RAW264.7 cells and airway inflammation of the mouse models of TDI-induced asthma were evaluated. RESULTS: TAK1 inhibitor aggravated TDI-induced airway inflammation, airway hyper responsiveness and airway remodeling in the mouse models (P < 0.05). Treatment with TAK1 inhibitor significantly decreased the viability of RAW264.7 cells, which was further decreased by co-treatment with TDI-HSA (P < 0.05). TAK1 inhibitor significantly decreased the level of TAK1 phosphorylation and activation of MAPK signal pathway induced by TDI-HSA (P < 0.05). Co-treatment with TAK1 inhibitor and TDI-HSA obviously increased the level of RIPK1 phosphorylation and caused persistent activation of caspase 8 (P < 0.05). RIPK1 inhibitor significantly inhibited the reduction of cell viability caused by TAK1 inhibitor and TDI-HSA (P < 0.05) and alleviated the aggravation of airway inflammation induced by TAK1 inhibitors in TDI-induced mouse models (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Inhibition of TAK1 aggravates TDI-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness and may increase the death of macrophages by enhancing the activity of RIPK1 and causing persistent activation of caspase 8.
Animals ; Asthma/chemically induced* ; Inflammation ; Macrophages ; Mice ; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ; Respiratory System ; Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate/adverse effects*