Living in forests: strata use by Indo-Chinese gray langurs ( Trachypithecus crepusculus) and the effect of forest cover on Trachypithecus terrestriality.

Studies on behavioral flexibility in response to habitat differences and degradation are crucial for developing conservation strategies for endangered species. Trachypithecus species inhabit various habitats and display different patterns of strata use; however, the effect of habitat structure on strata use remains poorly studied. Here, we investigated strata use patterns of Indo-Chinese gray langurs ( Trachypithecus crepusculus) in a primary evergreen forest in Mt. Wuliang, southwest China, from June 2012 to January 2016. In addition, we compared T. crepusculus strata use and terrestriality with five other Trachypithecus species from previous studies. Unlike langurs living in karst forests, our study group was typically arboreal and spent only 2.9% of time on the ground. The group showed a preference for higher strata when resting and lower strata (<20 m) when moving. The langurs primarily used time on the ground for geophagy, but otherwise avoided the ground during feeding. These strata use patterns are similar to those of limestone langurs ( T. francoisi) when using continuous forests. At the genus level ( n=6 species), we found a negative relationship between habitat forest cover and terrestriality. This negative relationship was also true for the five limestone langur species, implying limestone langurs increase territoriality in response to decreased forest cover. Our results document behavioral flexibility in strata use of Trachypithecus langurs and highlight the importance of the protection of continuous forests to promote langur conservation.

Single coronary artery anomaly: the left main coronary artery originating from the proximal segment of right coronary artery.

This case report we presented is that the anomalous left main coronary artery (LMCA) originates from the proximal segment of right coronary artery. In order to confirm the origin and course of the anomalous LMCA, a multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) of the heart was performed on a 64-slice machine (Philips 64 Slice, Philips, USA) after 6 months of coronary angiography operation. The results showed that the anomalous LMCA originates from the proximal segment of right coronary artery, lies posteriorly to the aorta before taking acute sharply to go between the aorta and left atrium. It was classified as R-II P subtype according to Lipton's classification. It is a rare case in the clinical practice.

[Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats. METHODS: SD rats were divided into normal control group, untreated group and Cordyceps sinensis-treated group. The rats in each group were fed with corresponding drug for 4 weeks. The rat's liver collagen deposition was observed with collagen staining. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) contents in liver tissue of the rats in 3 groups were determined with HCl hydrolysis. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and type IV collagen contents were observed by Envision, and matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) activity was detected by the method of enzyme-picture. Type I collagen was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The contents of Hyp, TIMP-2, type IV collagen, and the expression of type I collagen in untreated group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group, while those in Cordyceps sinensis-treated group were significantly lower than those in the untreated group. The content of MMP-2 in untreated group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group, while that in Cordyceps sinensis-treated group was significantly higher than that in the untreated group. CONCLUSION: Cordyceps sinensis can considerably relieve the liver fibrosis, and the mechanism may be related to promoting the degradation of the collagens.

[Effects of corydyceps polysaccharide on liver fibrosis induced by DMN in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of Corydyceps polysaccharide (CP) actions against liver fibrosis. METHOD: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, DMN-induced liver fibrosis model group and CP treated group. Model group and CP group were injected intraperitonealy with 0. 5% dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) at dose of 2 mL x kg(-1) for 4 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Then the later group was orally taken CP for 4 weeks. Liver tissue hydroxyproline (Hyp) content was determined by Jamall's method. The liver serum of ALT and AST activities, level of albumin and total bilirubin were analyzed The liver collagen deposition and were observed with Masson' collagen stains. In addition,the tissue inhibitor of metallprteinase-2 (TIMMP-2) level, metalloproteinade-2 (MMP-2) activity, type IV collagen content were observed. Liver samples were also analyzed malondiadehyde (MDA)level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. RESULT: Compare with model group, CP improved the hepatic function (ALT, AST, Alb and Tbil). There were significant decreased of MDA content in CP group, SOD of CP group were markedly increased. Compared to those of normal control group, Hyp content, IV collagen content, TIMMP-2 level in liver tissue of model group increase significantly, and MMP-2 activity decreased, while CP decrees these pathological increase at different degrees. CONCLUSION: CP exerts rather good action against liver fibrosis, and with the mechanism relating to improve degradation of the deposited collagens and anti-lipid peroxiation.