Arthropod communities and epiphytic plants associated with tree canopies have been widely studied and have revealed a great diversity of organisms; however,the community hosted by parasitic plants,such as dwarf mistle...Arthropod communities and epiphytic plants associated with tree canopies have been widely studied and have revealed a great diversity of organisms; however,the community hosted by parasitic plants,such as dwarf mistletoes,remains poorly known.In the coniferous forests of North America,dwarf mistletoe infection（Arceuthobium spp.） significantly damages the health of the forest,causing large financial losses for the forest industry,but it also positively affects diversity,especially of mammals and birds.This study examined the attributes of the arthropod communities associated with two species of dwarf mistletoe [Arceuthobium globosum Hawksw.＆ Wiens and A.vaginatum（Humb.＆ Bonpl.ex Willd.） J.Presl] and their host Pinus hartwegii Lindl.In 2010,in five sites located in Zoquiapan（Central Mexico）,we collected plant tissue from the three species bimonthly.Arthropods were separated from the plant tissue and identified to the finest level possible.We collected 32,059 individuals,for which51 morphospecies were identified,belonging to 15 taxonomic orders; the most abundant orders for the three plants were Prostigmata,Thysanoptera and Homoptera.The community associated with P.hartwegii had the highest value of diversity（H＇= 1.47; A.globosum,H＇= 0.64; A.vaginatum,H＇= 0.68） and species richness（S = 40; A.globosum,S = 30; A.vaginatum,S = 35）; while abundance was significantly higher for the mistletoes（A.globosum,n = 407 individuals/sample; A.vaginatum,n = 536 individuals/sample; P.hartwegii,n = 134 individuals/sample）.Species richness,abundance and diversity were significantly different for the three studied plants,as well for sampling month and the interaction of these two factors（except for diversity）.The results suggest that the canopy of P.hartwegii is an important element in the ecosystem,providing a mosaic of resources and conditions to the associated fauna.We also propose that mistletoes are key species within the forest canopy,as they greatly influence the establishment of diverse organisms,particularly arthropods.展开更多
A breathless man staggers towards the end offour-mile manhunt.On his heels come a pack ofbloodhounds(猎犬).But the man hunted by the dogs isno common criminal running for his life.He is one of ‘the professionals’ fr...A breathless man staggers towards the end offour-mile manhunt.On his heels come a pack ofbloodhounds(猎犬).But the man hunted by the dogs isno common criminal running for his life.He is one of ‘the professionals’ from Britain’smedern army.The manhunt was used as a training exercise展开更多
Background: Airway inflammation is the core pathological process of asthma, with the key inflammatory regulators incompletely defined. Recently, fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) has been reported to be an inflammatory...Background: Airway inflammation is the core pathological process of asthma, with the key inflammatory regulators incompletely defined. Recently, fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) has been reported to be an inflammatory regulator;however, its role in asthma remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory role of FGF2 in asthma.Methods: First, FGF2 expression was characterised in clinical asthma samples and the house dust mite(HDM)-induced mouse chronic asthma model. Second, recombinant mouse FGF2(rm-FGF2) protein was intranasally delivered to determine the effect of FGF2 on airway inflammatory cell infiltration. Third, human airway epithelium-derived A549 cells were stimulated with either HDM or recombinant human interleukin-1β(IL-1β) protein combined with or without recombinant human FGF2. IL-1β-induced IL-6 or IL-8 release levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the involved signalling transduction was explored via Western blotting.Results: Compared with the control groups, the FGF2 protein levels were significantly upregulated in the bronchial epithelium and alveolar areas of clinical asthma samples [(6.70±1.79) vs.(16.32±2.40), P=0.0184;(11.20±2.11) vs.(21.00±3.00), P=0.033, respectively] and HDM-induced asthmatic mouse lung lysates [(1.00±0.15) vs.(5.14±0.42),P<0.001]. Moreover, FGF2 protein abundance was positively correlated with serum total and anti-HDM IgE levels in the HDM-induced chronic asthma model(R^(2)=0.857 and 0.783, P=0.0008 and 0.0043, respectively). Elevated FGF2protein was mainly expressed in asthmatic bronchial epithelium and alveolar areas and partly co-localised with infiltrated inflammatory cell populations in HDM-induced asthmatic mice. More importantly, intranasal instillation of rm-FGF2 aggravated airway inflammatory cell infiltration [(2.45±0.09) vs.(2.88±0.14), P=0.0288] and recruited more subepithelial neutrophils after HDM challenge [(110.20±29.43) cells/mm^(2) vs.(238.10±42.77) cells/mm^(2), P=0.0392]without affecting serum IgE levels and Th2 cytokine transcription. In A549 cells, FGF2 was upregulated through HDM stimulation and promoted IL-1β-induced IL-6 or IL-8 release levels [up to(1.41±0.12)-or(1.44±0.14)-fold change vs.IL-1β alone groups, P=0.001 or 0.0344, respectively]. The pro-inflammatory effect of FGF2 is likely mediated through the fibroblast growth factor receptor(FGFR)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)pathway.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FGF2 is a potential inflammatory modulator in asthma, which can be induced by HDM and acts through the FGFR/MAPK/NF-κB pathway in the airway epithelial cells.展开更多
To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ hous...To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ house: bed and floor. Derp1 and Blot5 levels were quantified by a two-site monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique. Results The levels of Derp1 allergens found in bed (geometric mean (GM) 3.43 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 1.89-4.96 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 1.12 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.71-1.53 μg/g) indicated significant differences (P = 0.005). However, the levels of Blot5 allergens found in bed (GM 19.00 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.89-38.90 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 6.14 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.40-11.90 μg/g) showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, in regards to the exposure index for Derp1 and Blot5 allergens found in bed and on the floor, 17.6% in bed and 8.6% on the floor had levels of Blot5 ≥ 10 μg/g of dust, higher than those obtained for Derp1 (7.2% and 0% in bed and on the floor respectively, P < 0.05); higher percentages in bed and on the floor (25.0% and 35.7%) were observed for levels of Blot5 = 0 μg/g of dust as compared with Derp1 in bed and on the floor (4.3% and 14.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions Derp1 and Blot5 are the major allergens found in this regional study, Blot5 is a more potent allergen in Hongkong, probably reflecting the high level of exposure to Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) allergens should be included for precise diagnosis and effective immuno-therapeutic treatment of mite allergy in Hong-kong.展开更多
Obiective To explore an effective method of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus protein extraction suitable for two-dimensional electrophoresis （2-DE） analysis. Methods The extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus wer...Obiective To explore an effective method of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus protein extraction suitable for two-dimensional electrophoresis （2-DE） analysis. Methods The extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were prepared with Coca＇s solution, lysis buffer of 2-DE, and Trizol reagent, respectively. Bicinchoninic acid （BCA） assay was used to determine the total protein concentration of the samples. The efficiency of different protein extraction methods were evaluated with 2-DE analysis. Results The concentrations of extracted protein by methods of Coca＇s solution, lysis buffer, and Trizol reagent were 0.63 g/L, 0.90 g/L, and 0.80 g/L, respectively. The 2-DE analysis results showed that some protein spots in low molecular weight （LMW） range could be detected with the Coca＇s solution method. With the lysis buffer of 2-DE method, more protein spots in LMW range could be detected, while the medium molecular weight （MMW） protein spots were absent. Several MMW protein spots （174-178 kD and 133 kD） and more LMW protein spots were detected withTrizol reagent method. Conclusions Among Coca＇s solution, lysis buffer of 2-DE, and Trizol reagent, the concentration of extracted protein of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus by lysis buffer of 2-DE is the highest. However, most protein components of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus purified mite bodies can be extracted by Trizol reagent, which may generally reflect the whole profile of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens.展开更多
A parallel imaginary EBE (element-by-element )method for solving positive definite linear systems is presented. The EBE strategy is originally used as a sequential method[1.2], and later it is converted to a parallel...A parallel imaginary EBE (element-by-element )method for solving positive definite linear systems is presented. The EBE strategy is originally used as a sequential method[1.2], and later it is converted to a parallelmethod for solving finite element problem in solid mechanics[3]. The main contribution of this paper is to forma general parallel EBE method for the solution of anyPOsitive definite linear system through a so-called imaginary finite element technique. It is then POssible to use.finite elemental without finite element.展开更多
Most workers in the United States retire from their jobs when they are about sixty-fiveyears old. Some retire when they are younger. Otherswait until they are even older. The decision isimportant. For employers have d...Most workers in the United States retire from their jobs when they are about sixty-fiveyears old. Some retire when they are younger. Otherswait until they are even older. The decision isimportant. For employers have different rules*linking the number of years people work to theamount of money they receive after they retire.展开更多
基金supported by UNAM-DGAPAPAPIIT IN220912 Grant to ZC-S
文摘Arthropod communities and epiphytic plants associated with tree canopies have been widely studied and have revealed a great diversity of organisms; however,the community hosted by parasitic plants,such as dwarf mistletoes,remains poorly known.In the coniferous forests of North America,dwarf mistletoe infection（Arceuthobium spp.） significantly damages the health of the forest,causing large financial losses for the forest industry,but it also positively affects diversity,especially of mammals and birds.This study examined the attributes of the arthropod communities associated with two species of dwarf mistletoe [Arceuthobium globosum Hawksw.＆ Wiens and A.vaginatum（Humb.＆ Bonpl.ex Willd.） J.Presl] and their host Pinus hartwegii Lindl.In 2010,in five sites located in Zoquiapan（Central Mexico）,we collected plant tissue from the three species bimonthly.Arthropods were separated from the plant tissue and identified to the finest level possible.We collected 32,059 individuals,for which51 morphospecies were identified,belonging to 15 taxonomic orders; the most abundant orders for the three plants were Prostigmata,Thysanoptera and Homoptera.The community associated with P.hartwegii had the highest value of diversity（H＇= 1.47; A.globosum,H＇= 0.64; A.vaginatum,H＇= 0.68） and species richness（S = 40; A.globosum,S = 30; A.vaginatum,S = 35）; while abundance was significantly higher for the mistletoes（A.globosum,n = 407 individuals/sample; A.vaginatum,n = 536 individuals/sample; P.hartwegii,n = 134 individuals/sample）.Species richness,abundance and diversity were significantly different for the three studied plants,as well for sampling month and the interaction of these two factors（except for diversity）.The results suggest that the canopy of P.hartwegii is an important element in the ecosystem,providing a mosaic of resources and conditions to the associated fauna.We also propose that mistletoes are key species within the forest canopy,as they greatly influence the establishment of diverse organisms,particularly arthropods.
文摘A breathless man staggers towards the end offour-mile manhunt.On his heels come a pack ofbloodhounds(猎犬).But the man hunted by the dogs isno common criminal running for his life.He is one of ‘the professionals’ from Britain’smedern army.The manhunt was used as a training exercise
基金supported by grants awarded to YY by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81870019, 82170029)the Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2018A030313554)+3 种基金the Innovation Research Team for Basic and Clinical Studies on Chronic Liver Diseases of 2018 High-Level Health Teams of ZhuhaiYKQ by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82002612)the Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M660211)ZGC by the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou,China (201704020179)。
文摘Background: Airway inflammation is the core pathological process of asthma, with the key inflammatory regulators incompletely defined. Recently, fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) has been reported to be an inflammatory regulator;however, its role in asthma remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory role of FGF2 in asthma.Methods: First, FGF2 expression was characterised in clinical asthma samples and the house dust mite(HDM)-induced mouse chronic asthma model. Second, recombinant mouse FGF2(rm-FGF2) protein was intranasally delivered to determine the effect of FGF2 on airway inflammatory cell infiltration. Third, human airway epithelium-derived A549 cells were stimulated with either HDM or recombinant human interleukin-1β(IL-1β) protein combined with or without recombinant human FGF2. IL-1β-induced IL-6 or IL-8 release levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the involved signalling transduction was explored via Western blotting.Results: Compared with the control groups, the FGF2 protein levels were significantly upregulated in the bronchial epithelium and alveolar areas of clinical asthma samples [(6.70±1.79) vs.(16.32±2.40), P=0.0184;(11.20±2.11) vs.(21.00±3.00), P=0.033, respectively] and HDM-induced asthmatic mouse lung lysates [(1.00±0.15) vs.(5.14±0.42),P<0.001]. Moreover, FGF2 protein abundance was positively correlated with serum total and anti-HDM IgE levels in the HDM-induced chronic asthma model(R^(2)=0.857 and 0.783, P=0.0008 and 0.0043, respectively). Elevated FGF2protein was mainly expressed in asthmatic bronchial epithelium and alveolar areas and partly co-localised with infiltrated inflammatory cell populations in HDM-induced asthmatic mice. More importantly, intranasal instillation of rm-FGF2 aggravated airway inflammatory cell infiltration [(2.45±0.09) vs.(2.88±0.14), P=0.0288] and recruited more subepithelial neutrophils after HDM challenge [(110.20±29.43) cells/mm^(2) vs.(238.10±42.77) cells/mm^(2), P=0.0392]without affecting serum IgE levels and Th2 cytokine transcription. In A549 cells, FGF2 was upregulated through HDM stimulation and promoted IL-1β-induced IL-6 or IL-8 release levels [up to(1.41±0.12)-or(1.44±0.14)-fold change vs.IL-1β alone groups, P=0.001 or 0.0344, respectively]. The pro-inflammatory effect of FGF2 is likely mediated through the fibroblast growth factor receptor(FGFR)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)pathway.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FGF2 is a potential inflammatory modulator in asthma, which can be induced by HDM and acts through the FGFR/MAPK/NF-κB pathway in the airway epithelial cells.
文摘To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ house: bed and floor. Derp1 and Blot5 levels were quantified by a two-site monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique. Results The levels of Derp1 allergens found in bed (geometric mean (GM) 3.43 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 1.89-4.96 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 1.12 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.71-1.53 μg/g) indicated significant differences (P = 0.005). However, the levels of Blot5 allergens found in bed (GM 19.00 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.89-38.90 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 6.14 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.40-11.90 μg/g) showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, in regards to the exposure index for Derp1 and Blot5 allergens found in bed and on the floor, 17.6% in bed and 8.6% on the floor had levels of Blot5 ≥ 10 μg/g of dust, higher than those obtained for Derp1 (7.2% and 0% in bed and on the floor respectively, P < 0.05); higher percentages in bed and on the floor (25.0% and 35.7%) were observed for levels of Blot5 = 0 μg/g of dust as compared with Derp1 in bed and on the floor (4.3% and 14.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions Derp1 and Blot5 are the major allergens found in this regional study, Blot5 is a more potent allergen in Hongkong, probably reflecting the high level of exposure to Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) allergens should be included for precise diagnosis and effective immuno-therapeutic treatment of mite allergy in Hong-kong.
基金Supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2008BAI59B04, 2003AA2Z3502)National Natural Science Foundation of China (30671943)
文摘Obiective To explore an effective method of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus protein extraction suitable for two-dimensional electrophoresis （2-DE） analysis. Methods The extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were prepared with Coca＇s solution, lysis buffer of 2-DE, and Trizol reagent, respectively. Bicinchoninic acid （BCA） assay was used to determine the total protein concentration of the samples. The efficiency of different protein extraction methods were evaluated with 2-DE analysis. Results The concentrations of extracted protein by methods of Coca＇s solution, lysis buffer, and Trizol reagent were 0.63 g/L, 0.90 g/L, and 0.80 g/L, respectively. The 2-DE analysis results showed that some protein spots in low molecular weight （LMW） range could be detected with the Coca＇s solution method. With the lysis buffer of 2-DE method, more protein spots in LMW range could be detected, while the medium molecular weight （MMW） protein spots were absent. Several MMW protein spots （174-178 kD and 133 kD） and more LMW protein spots were detected withTrizol reagent method. Conclusions Among Coca＇s solution, lysis buffer of 2-DE, and Trizol reagent, the concentration of extracted protein of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus by lysis buffer of 2-DE is the highest. However, most protein components of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus purified mite bodies can be extracted by Trizol reagent, which may generally reflect the whole profile of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens.
文摘A parallel imaginary EBE (element-by-element )method for solving positive definite linear systems is presented. The EBE strategy is originally used as a sequential method[1.2], and later it is converted to a parallelmethod for solving finite element problem in solid mechanics[3]. The main contribution of this paper is to forma general parallel EBE method for the solution of anyPOsitive definite linear system through a so-called imaginary finite element technique. It is then POssible to use.finite elemental without finite element.
文摘Most workers in the United States retire from their jobs when they are about sixty-fiveyears old. Some retire when they are younger. Otherswait until they are even older. The decision isimportant. For employers have different rules*linking the number of years people work to theamount of money they receive after they retire.
