ABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Evidence suggests that herbivores, such as peccaries, shape vegetation structure and diversity through predation, trampling, dispersal, and rooting behavior. Objective: To evaluate the impact of peccaries (Dycotiles tajacu) on the understory vegetation of the tropical rainforest in the Nogal-La Selva Local Biological Corridor, Costa Rica, comparing a site with the absence of peccaries to another with the presence of these animals. Methodology: From June to November 2021, 20 experimental exclusions and 20 free access plots, each measuring 2 m2 were used to quantify herbivory, the number of leaf blades, damaged leaves, healthy leaves, sapling height, and fallen biomass at both sites. Results: A higher sapling density was found in the Nogal Reserve, but a lower sapling diversity, while in La Selva there was a higher sapling diversity, but a lower density of seedlings. Herbivory and sapling height in La Selva exceeded those in Nogal. The exclusion of peccaries reduced seedling damage but did not affect the dynamics of fallen biomass. Conclusion: For the design, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of biological corridors, it is crucial to consider plant-animal interactions to enhance the flow of ecological processes through functional and structural connectivity, analyzed from interactions such as those presented in this paper.
Resumen Introducción: Existe evidencia que herbívoros, como los saínos, dan forma a la estructura y diversidad de la vegetación a través del comportamiento de depredación, pisoteo, dispersión y enraizamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los saínos (Dycotiles tajacu) en la vegetación del sotobosque del bosque tropical húmedo en el Corredor Biológico Local Nogal-La Selva, Costa Rica, en un sitio con ausencia y en otro con presencia de saínos. Métodos: De junio a noviembre de 2021 se utilizaron 20 exclusiones experimentales y 20 parcelas de acceso libre de 2 m2, se cuantifico la herbivoría, número de láminas foliares, hojas dañadas, hojas sanas, altura de brinzales y biomasa caída en ambos sitios. Resultados: Se encontró una mayor densidad de brinzales en Reserva Nogal pero una menor diversidad, contrario en La Selva donde se encontró una mayor diversidad de brinzales, pero una menor densidad de plántulas. La herbivoría y la altura de brinzales en La Selva fue mayor que en Nogal. La exclusión de los saínos disminuyó el daño a las plántulas, pero no afectó la dinámica de la biomasa caída. Conclusión: Es necesario contemplar para el diseño, implementación y evaluación de la efectividad de corredores biológicos, las interacciones planta-animal, para potencializar el flujo de procesos ecológicos mediante la conectividad funcional y estructural, analizada a partir de interacciones como las presentadas en este trabajo.
Subject(s)
Animals , Artiodactyla , Forests , Animal Distribution , Tropical Ecosystem , Costa RicaABSTRACT
Information on the knowledge and ways of using food and medicinal plants by traditional populations, family farmers and Brazilian native population in the Amazon is essential to guarantee the food sovereignty of these groups. This study was conducted using semi-structured interviews applied to local respondents. A total of 269 species of both non-conventional food plants and medicinal plants were identified, distributed in 83 botanical families and 198 genera. The Arecaceae and Lamiaceae families had the highest species richness (11 and 7, respectively). The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Pielou (J') diversity indices were considered high (5.02 and 0.9, respectively) when compared to other ethnobotanical works. In the environment in which these families are found, these species become the only food and medicinal resources available.
La información sobre los saberes y formas de uso de las plantas alimenticias y medicinales por parte de las poblaciones tradicionales, agricultores familiares e indígenas brasileños en la Amazonía es fundamental para garantizar la soberanía alimentaria de estos grupos. Este estudio se realizó utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicadas a encuestados locales. Se identificaron un total de 269 especies tanto de plantas alimenticiasno convencionales como de plantas medicinales, distribuidas en 83 familias botánicas y 198 géneros. Las familias Arecaceae y Lamiaceae tuvieron la mayor riqueza de especies (11 y 7, respectivamente). Los índices de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener (H') y Pielou (J') fueron considerados altos (5,02 y 0,9, respectivamente) en comparación con otros trabajos etnobotánicos. En el ambiente en que se encuentran estas familias, estas especies se convierten en los únicos recursos alimenticios y medicinales disponibles.
Subject(s)
Plants, Edible , Plants, Medicinal , Ethnobotany , Brazil , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Los tumores de músculo liso que no pueden ser clasificados según su histología como leiomiomas o leiomiosarcomas se denominan tumores de músculo liso de comportamiento maligno incierto. La localización nasal de estos tumores es muy infrecuente y la extensión adecuada de la cirugía para tratar estas neoplasias no está bien definida. Se describe el caso clínico de una adolescente de 16 años, que consultó por padecer un tumor de aspecto vascular en la cavidad nasal derecha y que fue tratada con éxito mediante cirugía intranasal. El diagnóstico histológico fue tumor de músculo liso de comportamiento maligno incierto. Por la rareza de estas neoplasias, su infrecuente localización nasal y la falta de evidencia que soporte cuál debe ser la extensión de la cirugía, es relevante la descripción y discusión del caso clínico.
Smooth muscle tumors that cannot be histologically classified as leiomyomas or leiomyosarcomas are defined as smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential. The location of these tumors in the nose is very rare, and the appropriate surgical extent to manage these neoplasms has not been adequately defined. Here we describe the case of a 16-year-old female adolescent who consulted due to a vascular-like tumor in the right nasal cavity who was successfully treated with intranasal surgery. The histological diagnosis was smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential. Given that these neoplasms are rare, the uncommon location in the nose, and the lack of evidence indicating the extent of surgery, it is relevant to describe and discuss this clinical case.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adolescent , Smooth Muscle Tumor/surgery , Smooth Muscle Tumor/diagnosis , Smooth Muscle Tumor/pathology , Leiomyoma/pathology , Leiomyosarcoma/diagnosis , Leiomyosarcoma/pathologyABSTRACT
Abstract Indices are used to help on decision-making. This study aims to develop and test an index, which can determine the loss (e.g., herbivorous insects) and solution (e.g., natural enemies) sources. They will be classified according to their importance regarding the ability to damage or to reduce the source of damage to the system when the final production is unknown. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), a non-native pioneer species in Brazil with fast growth and rusticity, is used in restoration programs, and it is adequate to evaluate a new index. The formula was: Percentage of the Importance Indice-Production Unknown (% I.I.-PU) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. The loss sources Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and Tettigoniidae, and solution sources Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae), and Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) showed the highest % I.I.-PU on leaves of A. auriculiformis saplings. The number of Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was reduced per number of Salticidae; that of A. reticulatum that of Uspachus sp.; and that of Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) that of P. termitarius on A. auriculiformis saplings. However, the number of Aleyrodidae was increased per number of Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and that of A. reticulatum that of Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on A. auriculiformis saplings. The A. reticulatum damage was reduced per number of Uspachus sp., but the Aleyrodidae damage was increased per number of Cephalotes sp., totaling 23.81% of increase by insect damages on A. auriculiformis saplings. Here I show and test the % I.I.-PU. It is an new index that can detect the loss or solution sources on a system when production is unknown. It can be applied in some knowledge areas.
Resumo Índices são usados para ajudar na tomada de decisões. Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e testar um índice capaz de determinar fontes de perda (ex.: insetos herbívoros) e de solução (ex.: inimigos naturais). Eles serão classificados de acordo com sua importância quanto a habilidade de danificar ou reduzir danos no sistema, quando a produção final é desconhecida. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), uma espécie pioneira não nativa do Brasil com rápido crescimento e rusticidade, usada em programas de restauração, é adequada para avaliar um novo índice. A fórmula foi: Porcentagem de Índice de Importância-Produção Desconhecida (% I.I.-PD) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. As fontes de perda Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) e Tettigoniidae, e as fontes de solução Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae) e Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) apresentaram maiores % I.I.-PD nas folhas das mudas de A. auriculiformis. O número de Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) foi reduzido pelo número de Salticidae; o de A. reticulatum pelo de Uspachus sp.; e o de Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) pelo de P. termitarius em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Entretanto, o número de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e o de A. reticulatum pelo de Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em mudas de A. auriculiformis. O dano de A. reticulatum foi reduzido pelo número de Uspachus sp., mas o dano de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp., totalizando 23,81% de aumento de danos em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Aqui eu apresento e testo o % I.I.-PD. Ele é um novo índice capaz de detectar fontes de perda e de solução no sistema quando não se conhece a produção final. Ele pode ser aplicado em algumas áreas do conhecimento.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Frequencies, magnitudes, and distributions of occurrence can affect the events. The problem can be worse or the solution better if greater frequencies and magnitudes are presented with aggregated distribution in the production system. Indices, hence, are used to assist in decision-making on certain issues. The system formed by Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae), a typical and economically important Brazilian Cerrado tree species, and its several arthropods are adequate to evaluate a new index. This study aimed to test an index to identify the loss and solution sources and their importance in the system's loss or income gain. The index is: Percentage of Importance Indice % I . I . = k s 1 × c 1 × d s 1 / k s 1 × c 1 × d s 1 + k s 2 × c 2 × d s 2 + k s n × c n × d s n x 100. T h e % I . I . separated the loss sources [e.g., Edessa rufomarginata De Geer, 1773 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on fruits = 41.90%)] on the percentage of reduction of fruit production (e.g., 0.13%), calculated the attention level (e.g., 0.10/fruit), with a total lost production of 1.35% ( 307 total lost fruits). The % I.I. also separated the solution sources [e.g., Zelus armillatus (Lep. and Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) = 55.48%), the non-attention level (e.g., Z. armillatus: 0.394 for E. rufomarginata on fruit), with total income gain of 0.56% ( 128 total saved fruits) on the natural system (e.g., C. brasiliense trees). This index can calculate losses or the effectiveness of the solutions monetarily. Here I test the % I.I., an index that can detect the key loss and solution sources on the system, which can be applied in some knowledge areas.
Resumo Frequências, magnitudes e distribuição de ocorrência pode afetar os eventos. O problema pode ser pior ou a solução melhor se maiores frequências e magnitudes forem apresentadas com distribuição agregada no sistema de produção. Índices, então, são usados para assistir na decisão de certas questões. O sistema formado pelo Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae), uma espécie arbórea típica e economicamente importante do Cerrado brasileiro, e seus diversos artrópodes são adequados para avaliar um novo índice. A motivação deste trabalho foi testar um índice capaz de identificar as fontes de perda e de soluções, e suas importâncias em termos de perdas ou ganhos no sistema. O índice é: percentagem de importância % I . I . = k s 1 × c 1 × d s 1 / k s 1 × c 1 × d s 1 + k s 2 × c 2 × d s 2 + k s n × c n × d s n x 100. O % I . I . separou as fontes de perda [ex., Edessa rufomarginata De Geer, 1773 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em frutos = 41,90%)] na percentagem de redução na produção de frutos (ex., 0,13%), calculando o nível de atenção (ex., 0,10/fruto), com um total de perda de produção de 1,35% ( 307 frutos totais perdidos). O % I.I. também separou as fontes de solução [ex., Zelus armillatus (Lep. and Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) = 55,48%)], o nível de não atenção (ex., Z. armillatus: 0,394 para E. rufomarginata em fruto), com total de ganho de 0,56% ( 128 total de frutos salvos) no sistema natural (ex., árvores de C. brasiliense). Esse índice pode calcular essas perdas ou a eficácia das soluções monetariamente. Aqui eu testo o % I.I., um índice capaz de detectar fatores chaves de perda e de soluções no sistema, capaz de ser aplicado em algumas áreas do conhecimento.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Indices are used to help on decision-making. This study aims to develop and test an index, which can determine the loss (e.g., herbivorous insects) and solution (e.g., natural enemies) sources. They will be classified according to their importance regarding the ability to damage or to reduce the source of damage to the system when the final production is unknown. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), a non-native pioneer species in Brazil with fast growth and rusticity, is used in restoration programs, and it is adequate to evaluate a new index. The formula was: Percentage of the Importance Indice-Production Unknown (% I.I.-PU) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/Σ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. The loss sources Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and Tettigoniidae, and solution sources Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae), and Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) showed the highest % I.I.-PU on leaves of A. auriculiformis saplings. The number of Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was reduced per number of Salticidae; that of A. reticulatum that of Uspachus sp.; and that of Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) that of P. termitarius on A. auriculiformis saplings. However, the number of Aleyrodidae was increased per number of Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and that of A. reticulatum that of Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on A. auriculiformis saplings. The A. reticulatum damage was reduced per number of Uspachus sp., but the Aleyrodidae damage was increased per number of Cephalotes sp., totaling 23.81% of increase by insect damages on A. auriculiformis saplings. Here I show and test the % I.I.-PU. It is an new index that can detect the loss or solution sources on a system when production is unknown. It can be applied in some knowledge areas.
Resumo Índices são usados para ajudar na tomada de decisões. Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e testar um índice capaz de determinar fontes de perda (ex.: insetos herbívoros) e de solução (ex.: inimigos naturais). Eles serão classificados de acordo com sua importância quanto a habilidade de danificar ou reduzir danos no sistema, quando a produção final é desconhecida. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), uma espécie pioneira não nativa do Brasil com rápido crescimento e rusticidade, usada em programas de restauração, é adequada para avaliar um novo índice. A fórmula foi: Porcentagem de Índice de Importância-Produção Desconhecida (% I.I.-PD) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/Σ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. As fontes de perda Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) e Tettigoniidae, e as fontes de solução Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae) e Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) apresentaram maiores % I.I.-PD nas folhas das mudas de A. auriculiformis. O número de Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) foi reduzido pelo número de Salticidae; o de A. reticulatum pelo de Uspachus sp.; e o de Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) pelo de P. termitarius em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Entretanto, o número de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e o de A. reticulatum pelo de Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em mudas de A. auriculiformis. O dano de A. reticulatum foi reduzido pelo número de Uspachus sp., mas o dano de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp., totalizando 23,81% de aumento de danos em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Aqui eu apresento e testo o % I.I.-PD. Ele é um novo índice capaz de detectar fontes de perda e de solução no sistema quando não se conhece a produção final. Ele pode ser aplicado em algumas áreas do conhecimento.
Subject(s)
Animals , Ants , Coleoptera , Acacia , Hemiptera , InsectaABSTRACT
Frequencies, magnitudes, and distributions of occurrence can affect the events. The problem can be worse or the solution better if greater frequencies and magnitudes are presented with aggregated distribution in the production system. Indices, hence, are used to assist in decision-making on certain issues. The system formed by Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae), a typical and economically important Brazilian Cerrado tree species, and its several arthropods are adequate to evaluate a new index. This study aimed to test an index to identify the loss and solution sources and their importance in the system's loss or income gain. The index is: Percentage of Importance Indice [...] separated the loss sources [e.g., Edessa rufomarginata De Geer, 1773 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on fruits = 41.90%)] on the percentage of reduction of fruit production (e.g., 0.13%), calculated the attention level (e.g., 0.10/fruit), with a total lost production of 1.35% (≈ 307 total lost fruits). The % I.I. also separated the solution sources [e.g., Zelus armillatus (Lep. and Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) = 55.48%), the non-attention level (e.g., Z. armillatus: 0.394 for E. rufomarginata on fruit), with total income gain of 0.56% (≈ 128 total saved fruits) on the natural system (e.g., C. brasiliense trees). This index can calculate losses or the effectiveness of the solutions monetarily. Here I test the % I.I., an index that can detect the key loss and solution sources on the system, which can be applied in some knowledge areas.
Frequências, magnitudes e distribuição de ocorrência pode afetar os eventos. O problema pode ser pior ou a solução melhor se maiores frequências e magnitudes forem apresentadas com distribuição agregada no sistema de produção. Índices, então, são usados para assistir na decisão de certas questões. O sistema formado pelo Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae), uma espécie arbórea típica e economicamente importante do Cerrado brasileiro, e seus diversos artrópodes são adequados para avaliar um novo índice. A motivação deste trabalho foi testar um índice capaz de identificar as fontes de perda e de soluções, e suas importâncias em termos de perdas ou ganhos no sistema. O índice é: percentagem de importância [...] separou as fontes de perda [ex., Edessa rufomarginata De Geer, 1773 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em frutos = 41,90%)] na percentagem de redução na produção de frutos (ex., 0,13%), calculando o nível de atenção (ex., 0,10/fruto), com um total de perda de produção de 1,35% (≈ 307 frutos totais perdidos). O % I.I. também separou as fontes de solução [ex., Zelus armillatus (Lep. and Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) = 55,48%)], o nível de não atenção (ex., Z. armillatus: 0,394 para E. rufomarginata em fruto), com total de ganho de 0,56% (≈ 128 total de frutos salvos) no sistema natural (ex., árvores de C. brasiliense). Esse índice pode calcular essas perdas ou a eficácia das soluções monetariamente. Aqui eu testo o % I.I., um índice capaz de detectar fatores chaves de perda e de soluções no sistema, capaz de ser aplicado em algumas áreas do conhecimento.
Subject(s)
Arthropods , Brazil , Grassland , Economics , MalpighialesABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Tongxie Yaofang on the function of tumor-related natural killer （NK） cells under chronic stress and explore the possible molecular mechanism. MethodFifty SPF-grade BABL/C male mice were randomized into normal， model， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （6.825， 13.65， and 27.3 g·kg-1， respectively） Tongxie Yaofang groups， with 10 mice in each group. Other groups except the blank group were subjected to 7 days of chronic restraint stress， and then forced swimming and tail suspension tests were carried out to evaluate the modeling performance. After the successful modeling， rats in Tongxie Yaofang groups were administrated with low-， medium-， and high-doses of Tongxie Yaofang by gavage， while those in the other groups were administrated with normal saline by gavage. After 14 days， each group of mice was inoculated with subcutaneous colon cancer to establish the model of colon cancer under chronic stress. The pathological changes of the tumor tissue in each group of mice were observed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The content of CD49b-positive cells in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue of mice was measured by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the content of molecules associated with NK cell activation in the peripheral blood. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅰ polypeptide-related sequences A and B （MICA+MICB） and UL-16-binding protein 1 （ULBP1） in the tumor tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed a decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） content and an increase in corticosterone （CORT） content in the serum （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， Tongxie Yaofang increased the 5-HT content and decreased the CORT content （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the modeling increased the tumor volume and weight （P<0.05）， while Tongxie Yaofang inhibited such increases with no statistical significance. The tumor cells in the model group presented neat arrangement， irregular shape， uneven size， obvious atypia， common nuclear division， and small necrotic area， and blood vessels were abundant surrounding the tumor cells. Compared with the model group， Tongxie Yaofang groups showed sparse arrangement of tumor cells， different degrees of patchy necrosis areas in the tumor， and karyorrhexis， dissolution， and nuclear debris in the necrotic part. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed reduced CD49b-positive cells in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Tongxie Yaofang increased CD49b-positive cells （medium dose P<0.01， high dose P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the modeling lowered the serum levels of granzymes-B （Gzms-B）， perforin （PF）， interferon （IFN）-γ， and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， low-dose Tongxie Yaofang elevated the serum levels of PF， Gzms-B， and TNF-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and medium-dose Tongxie Yaofang elevated the serum levels of Gzms-B， PF， IFN-γ， and TNF-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， high-dose Tongxie Yaofang elevated the serum levels of PF， IFN-γ， and TNF-α （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the model group presented down-regulated protein level of ULBP1 （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose Tongxie Yaofang up-regulated the protein level of ULBP1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and medium- and high-dose Tongxie Yaofang up-regulated the protein level of MICA+MICB （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTongxie Yaofang may promote NK cell activation by up-regulating the expression of MICA+MICB and ULBP1， thereby delaying the progression of colon cancer under chronic stress.
ABSTRACT
Due to the high similarity with the lipid layer between human skin keratinocytes, functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structure prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology encapsulating natural active substances have become a hot research topic in recent years. This type of functional cosmetic often has a fresh and natural skin feel, excellent skin barrier repair function and efficient moisturizing effect, etc., showing great potential in cosmetic application. However, the present research on the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology to functional cosmetics is still in the initial stage, and there are fewer relevant reports with reference values. Based on the mentioned above, this review provides a comprehensive summary of functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structures prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology from the following aspects: the structure of human skin, the composition of lamellar liquid crystal, the advantages of liquid crystal emulsification technology containing natural active substances used in the field of functional cosmetics, the preparation process, main components, influencing factors during the preparation and the market functional cosmetics with lamellar liquid crystal structure. Finally, the prospect of the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology in functional cosmetics is presented, to provide useful references for those engaged in the research of liquid crystal emulsification technology-related functional cosmetics.
ABSTRACT
Small-molecule phenolic substances widely exist in animals and plants, and have some shared biological activities. The metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine in the human body, and especially the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters, produces endogenous small-molecule phenols. Endogenous small-molecule phenolic substances are functionally related to the important physiological processes and the occurrence of mental diseases in humans and some animals, which are systematically sorts and summarized in this review. Integrating the previous experimental research and literature analysis on natural small-molecule phenols by our research group, the understanding of the hypothesis that "small-molecule phenol are pharmacological signal carriers" was deepened. Based on above, the concept of "phenolomics" was further proposed, analyzed the research direction and research content which can bring into the knowledge framework of phenolomics. The induction of phenolomics will provide wider perspectives on explaining the pharmacological mechanism of drugs, discovering new drug targets, and finding biomarkers of mental diseases.
ABSTRACT
Natural products are important sources for the discovery of anti-tumor drugs. Evodiamine is the main alkaloid component of the traditional Chinese herb Wu-Chu-Yu, and it has weak antitumor activity. In recent years, a number of highly active antitumor candidates have been discovered with a significant progress. This article reviews the research progress of evodiamine-based antitumor drug design strategies, in order to provide reference for the development of new drugs with natural products as leads.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the levels of serum antibodies against novel coronavirus （SARS-CoV-2） in healthcare workers after one month of natural infection， to explore the influencing factors and their correlations with the levels of antibodies， and to provide reference for strengthening the protection of healthcare workers and preventive intervention in Pudong New Area in Shanghai. MethodsVenous blood samples were collected from 1 102 medical staff in Pudong hospitals one month after infection. The serum levels of new coronavirus specific antibodies IgM， IgG and neutralizing antibodies were detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay. The information of gender， age， position， infection severity， vaccination， basic diseases and use of immunosuppressants were obtained by questionnaire to explore the influencing factors and their correlation with the antibody level. ResultsOne month after natural infection， 99.00% （1 091/1 102） of the subjects were found to be positive for IgG antibody against the new coronavirus， 17.79% （196/1 102） of the subjects were IgM antibody positive， and 99.00% （1 091/1 102） of the samples were positive for the neutralizing antibody. The level of antibody might be influenced by the severity of infection， the time of the last dose of vaccination， and the long-term use of immunosuppressants. The more severe the disease， the stronger the neutralizing antibody response. The antibody level in the people who received the final dose of vaccine within 6 months was higher than that of the people who received the vaccine 6 months ago， and the difference was statistically significant. The antibody levels were low in the subjects who received long-term immunosuppressants. ConclusionThe specific IgM， IgG and neutralizing antibody were found， one month after infection， in the medical workers in Pudong New Area， Shanghai， and the antibody titers were high， which had a good protective effect. The antibody level of the people who were vaccinated within 6 months was higher， it is recommended that people who receive the last vacination more than 6 months should be re-vaccinated with the booster vaccine， to improve the autoimmunity against the novel coronavirus.
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Objective To investigate the effect of LAG-3 deficiency (LAG3-/-) on natural killer (NK) cell function and hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Methods C57BL/6 mice, each weighing (20 ± 2) g, were divided into the LAG3-/- and wild type (WT) groups, and each mouse in both groups was inoculated with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via the hepatic portal vein. Mouse liver and spleen specimens were collected 12 weeks post-infection, sectioned and stained with sirius red, and the hepatic lesions and fibrosis were observed. Mouse hepatic and splenic lymphocytes were isolated, and flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportions of hepatic and splenic NK cells, the expression of CD44, CD25 and CD69 molecules on NK cell surface, and the secretion of interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-17A. Results Sirius red staining showed widening of inflammatory cell bands and hyperplasia of fibrotic connective tissues around mouse hepatic lesions, as well as increased deposition of collagen fibers in the LAG3-/-group relative to the WT group. Flow cytometry revealed lower proportions of mouse hepatic (6.29% ± 1.06% vs. 11.91% ± 1.85%, P < 0.000 1) and splenic NK cells (4.44% ± 1.22% vs. 5.85% ± 1.10%, P > 0.05) in the LAG3-/- group than in the WT group, and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD44 was higher on the surface of mouse hepatic NK cells in the LAG3-/- group than in the WT group (t = −3.234, P < 0.01), while no significant differences were found in the mean fluorescence intensity of CD25 or CD69 on the surface of mouse hepaticNK cells between the LAG3-/- and WT groups (both P values > 0.05). There were significant differences between the LAG3-/- and WT groups in terms of the percentages of IFN-γ (t = −0.723, P > 0.05), TNF-α (t = −0.659, P > 0.05), IL-4 (t = −0.263, P > 0.05), IL-10 (t = −0.455, P > 0.05) or IL-17A secreted by mouse hepatic NK cells (t = 0.091, P > 0.05), and the percentage of IFN-γ secreted by mouse splenic NK cells was higher in the LAG3-/- group than in the WT group (58.40% ± 1.64% vs. 50.40% ± 4.13%; t = −4.042, P < 0.01); however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the proportions of TNF-α (t = −1.902, P > 0.05), IL-4 (t = −1.333, P > 0.05), IL-10 (t = −1.356, P > 0.05) or IL-17A secreted by mouse splenic NK cells (t = 0.529, P > 0.05). Conclusions During the course of E. multilocularis infections, LAG3-/- promotes high-level secretion of IFN-γ by splenic NK cells, which may participate in the reversal the immune function of NK cells, resulting in aggravation of hepatic fibrosis.
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ObjectiveTo objectively analyze the effects of traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） multi-channel intervention on the ovarian function，TCM syndromes and natural conception of poor ovarian responders（kidney-Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern） who planned to receive another in vitro fertilization embryo transfer（IVF-ET）antagonist regimen. MethodThe 128 low-prognosis patients （kidney Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern） who attended the West China Second University Hospital， Sichuan University and the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2020 to February 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were selected，and then divided into the treatment group and the control group according to the random number table，with 64 patients in each group. The control group was treated with oral dehydroepiandrosterone（DHEA），while the treatment group was treated with multi-channel TCM（oral TCM decoction + auricular point sticking + Bushen Huoxue prescription through retention enema）. After 3 menstrual cycles，the relevant indicators for ovarian function evaluation，TCM syndrome scores and natural conception were collected from both groups. ResultCompared with the situation before treatment，the basal follicle stimulating hormone（bFSH），bFSH/basal luteinizing hormone（bLH），basal estradiol（bE2），antral follicle count（AFC），the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization，the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were improved after treatment（P<0.05，P<0.01）. For the control group， the bFSH/bLH and TCM syndrome scores were increased after treatment（P<0.05）， while the bFSH，bFSH/bLH，bE2，AFC，the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization，and the number of superior embryos showed no significant difference after treatment. Compared with the control group after treatment，bFSH，bFSH/bLH，bE2，AFC，the number of normal fertilization，the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were better （P<0.05，P<0.01），while there was no significant difference in the number of oocytes obtained. After treatment，there were 3 cases of natural conception in the treatment group，while there were no natural conception in the control group. ConclusionFor patients with poor ovarian response and kidney Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern，multi-channel intervention of TCM plus the antagonist regimen can reduce bFSH，bFSH/bLH values，improve the levels of bE2，increase AFC，the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization and the number of superior embryos，improve ovarian function，menstruation and TCM syndromes，improve their quality of life，and even enable some patients to get pregnant naturally before re-progression and improve their pregnancy outcome.
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The co-development of the technology pointing to the "external nature" and the technology pointing to the "physical nature" promotes the co-evolution of the man and the machine. The emerging body enhancement technique is derived from the "defective existence" of the man, and it changes the "body nature" from the inside of the man. The emerging body enhancement techniques are rapidly spread out driven by the multiple forces. The emerging body enhancement techniques has led to the weakening of the natural body identity and the strengthening of the symbolic body identity, the class solidification and the rise of "cyberpunk", the mixing of the natural person and the technical person. To consciously guide the development and application of emerging human enhancement surgery used human care theory. The physical care is an important reference to judge the good and the evil of the emerging body enhancement technique. The management about the body ethics is the optimal choice about the management of the emerging body enhancement technique. The physical care is the important content of the education of the emerging body enhancement technique.
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Heart failure is the terminal stage of various cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of death. For a long time, natural medicines have been used to treat heart failure（HF） with remarkable effects. In this paper, the Traditional Chinese Medicine compound patents in the national patent database were mined, common Traditional Chinese Medicines for the clinical treatment of HF were selected, and the single active ingredient contained in them was analyzed, which provided some valuable tips for the development of drugs for the treatment of heart failure.
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ObjectiveTo introduce the basic design， development plan and objectives of a population-based birth cohort in Shanghai， and further present the main data and baseline characteristics of enrolled participants in the cohort， and to provide key information for reproductive health-related studies. MethodsThe Shanghai population-based birth cohort initiated on January 1， 2005， included newborns born in Shanghai every year and their parents， and collected information on reproductive health， reproductive treatment， birth characteristics， growth and development status， as well as the incidence， treatment and death of diseases by employing data linkage technology and investigations. This formed a birth cohort spanning the entire life cycle. ResultsAs of October 2022， a total of 2 978 538 newborns and their parents were included in the cohort. Among them， 2 905 135 （97.54%） were naturally conceived （NC）， and 73 403 （2.46%） were born through assisted reproductive technologies （ART）. The average age of parents was （32.56±4.12） years old for females and （34.62±5.34） years old for males in the ART group， which was higher than （28.02±4.71） years and （30.07±5.54） years for parents in the NC group. Among parents， females and males aged 30 and above accounted for 77.12% and 85.08%， respectively， which were higher than that of parents （35.28% for females and 49.66% for males） in the NC group. Furthermore， the percentage of parents with a college degree or above in the ART group was 73.23% for females and 73.66% for males， which were higher than those in the NC group （49.98% and 50.91%， respectively）. The multiple births rate in the ART group was 33.81%， which was higher than that in the NC group （1.88%）. The incidence of premature birth and low birth weight in the ART group were 24.47% and 19.08%， respectively， which was higher than that in the NC group （5.47% and 3.73%）. ConclusionThe comprehensive collection of reproductive health-related information in the birth cohort in Shanghai can provide essential resources to determine the influence of genetics， environment， reproductive treatment and other related factors on the health of offspring after birth.
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ObjectiveTo present the exploration and application of a prospective follow-up research method for acute infectious disease surveillance based on natural community populations， using COVID-19 infection as an example， and to provide a reference for improving the infectious disease surveillance and early warning system. MethodsA multi-stage probability proportional sampling method was employed to sample residents from all communities of 16 administrative districts in Shanghai， with households as the units. A cohort for acute infectious diseases based on natural community populations was established. The baseline survey was conducted for all cohort subjects， and COVID-19 antigen test kits were distributed. From December 21， 2022 to September 30， 2023， prospective follow-up monitoring of COVID-19 antigen and nucleic acid was carried out on the study subjects on a weekly basis. The baseline characteristics and follow-up information of the cohort subjects were described. ResultsThe cohort for acute infectious diseases included a total of 12 881 subjects， comprising 6 098 males （47.3%） and 6 783 females （52.7%）. The baseline survey revealed that 35.2% （4 540/12 881） of the subjects had a history of COVID-19 infection. During the follow-up period from December 21， 2022 to September 30， 2023， the average incidence density in the cohort was 0.61/person-year， with a higher incidence density in females （0.63/person-year） compared to males （0.59/person-year）. Individuals aged 60 and above （0.64/person-year） and those with underlying health conditions （0.67/person-year） had a higher incidence density. Healthcare workers showed a notably higher incidence density （0.84/person-year） than that in other occupational groups. As of September 30， 2023， a total of 340 subjects in the cohort experienced secondary infections， with a median interval of 170 days between the first and second infections. ConclusionThis study applies cohort study method to acute infectious disease surveillance， providing crucial data support for estimating infection rates and forecasting alerts for acute infectious diseases in the community. This method can be promoted and applied as a new approach for acute infectious disease surveillance.
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Cohort studies play an important role in elucidating the association between risk factors and diseases， and are widely used in etiology research， the assessment of disease prognosis， understanding the natural history of diseases， and the surveillance following the market release of new drugs. The data produced by cohort studies possess great scientific value and can provide essential evidence for public health practice. A well-conceived scientific design is a prerequisite to conducting a cohort study， and the design should focus on aspects such as sample size， selection of exposed and non-exposed populations， follow-up procedures， outcome assessments， research duration， and the choice of analytical indicators and methods. Cohort studies have become an important way to obtain scientific evidence. Internationally renowned population-based cohorts， such as China Kadoorie biobank and the Framingham heart study cohort， have provided a wealth of scientifically valuable evidence for promoting human health. The quality of data produced by a cohort study is extremely important， and a cohort study should continuously incorporate new technologies and methods to provide objective， accurate， and reliable means to determine exposure and outcomes， as well as control for bias. Cohort studies have great potential for application and will continue to provide abundant high-quality scientific evidence for the development of strategies and measures to enhance human health.
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ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang combined with phlegm-removing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine on immune escape in Lewis lung cancer mice. MethodA total of 60 specific-pathogen-free （SPF）-grade C57BL/6J male mice were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of Lewis cell suspension （containing 2×106 cells·mL-1） in the right mid-axillary line. After 7 days， the mice that had been successfully modeled were randomly divided into six groups： the model group， the cisplatin group， the Xiangsha Liu Junzitang low-， medium-， and high-dose groups， and the combined group， with 10 mice in each group. The Xiangsha Liu Junzitang low-， medium- and high-dose groups were gavaged with 17.88， 35.75， 71.50 g·kg-1 Xiangsha Liu Junzitang solution once a day， respectively， and the dosage of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected into the mice was converted to 5 mg·kg-1 twice a week， and the tumour volumes of each group were measured every two days. The intervention lasted for 14 consecutive days. At the end of treatment， the tumour mass of mice in each group was weighed and the tumour inhibition rate was calculated. The morphological characteristics of tumours in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） assay was used to detect messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） contents of the natural killer group 2 member D （NKG2D） receptor， ribonucleic acid export-1 （RAE-1）， and γ interferon （IFN-γ） in the tumour tissues of each group. NKG2D， RAE-1， and IFN-γ mRNA in tumour tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot were applied to detect the expressions of RAE-1， NKG2D， and IFN-γ in tumour tissues of each group， and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， p-JAK2， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， and p-STAT3 in tumour tissues of each group， as well as the protein levels of NKG2D， and RAE-1 in spleen tissues of each group. ResultCompared with that in the model group， the tumour mass decreased in all dose groups of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang， with no statistically significant difference. The tumour volume was reduced （P<0.05， P <0.01）. The pathological morphology was improved. The mRNA contents of NKG2D， RAE-1 and IFN-γ were increased in the medium-dose group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein expressions of NKG2D， RAE-1， and IFN-γ in tumour tissues were elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expressions were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In spleen tissues， the protein expressions of NKG2D and RAE-1 in all dose groups of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the cisplatin group， NKG2D， RAE-1 and IFN-γ mRNA contents were elevated in the middle-dose group of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang， and the difference was not statistically significant. IHC showed that the protein expressions of NKG2D and IFN-γ in the combined group were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， and Western blot results showed that the protein expressions of RAE-1， NKG2D and IFN-γ were elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expressions were decreased in the combined group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. NKG2D and RAE-1 protein expressions were significantly increased in spleen tissues of the medium-dose groups and the combined group （P<0.01）. ConclusionXiangsha Liu Junzitang combined with phlegm-removing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit the growth of tumours in Lewis lung cancer mice by up-regulating the expressions of RAE-1/NKG2D， promoting the activation of NK cells， and inhibiting immune escape， the mechanism of which may be related to down-regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.