β-mercaptoethanol induces in vitro adult adipose-derived stromal cells （ADSCs） to differentiate into neurons. However, the ultrastructural features of the differentiated neuronal-like cells remain unknown. In the p...β-mercaptoethanol induces in vitro adult adipose-derived stromal cells （ADSCs） to differentiate into neurons. However, the ultrastructural features of the differentiated neuronal-like cells remain unknown. In the present study, inverted phase contrast microscopy was utilized to observe β-mercaptoethanol-induced differentiation of neuronal-like cells from human ADSCs, and immunocytochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed to detect expression of a neural stem cells marker （nestin）, a neuronal marker （neuron-specific enolase）, and a glial marker （glial fibrillary acidic protein）. In addition, ultrastructure of neuronal-like cells was observed by transmission election microscopy. Results revealed highest expression rate of nestin and neuron-specific enolase at 3 and 5 hours following induced differentiation; cells in the 5-hour induction group exhibited a neuronal-specific structure, i.e., Nissl bodies. However, when induction solution was replaced by complete culture medium after 8-hour induction, the differentiated cells reverted to the fibroblast-like morphology from day 1. These results demonstrate that β-mercaptoethanol-induced ADSCs induced differentiation into neural stem cells, followed by morphology of neuronal-like cells. However, this differentiation state was not stable.展开更多
Ecohydrology, aiming to study the interactions between terrestrial ecological systems and hydrological cycles as well as their impacts on water management, has been an emerging interdisciplinary research field since t...Ecohydrology, aiming to study the interactions between terrestrial ecological systems and hydrological cycles as well as their impacts on water management, has been an emerging interdisciplinary research field since the 20th century. It hosts both natural and human regulated processes that are potentially coupled in complex ways. Understanding the ecological-hydrological processes, the fundamental mechanisms and the connections be- tween them is critical since these processes are not isolated but integrated to impact ba- sin-scale hydrological and biogeochemical functioning of a larger river system, especially in arid environment where water resources are considered to be the source of life. Thus, re- search on ecological-hydrological processes in arid environment is not only a scientific focus area but also important to sustainable development. Research projects and initiatives involved in observation, measurement, modeling and data assimilation have been well-developed for those purposes over the past 20 years. This review summarizes the historical development of ecohydrology science in China and the state-of-the-art tools available in the research framework. Five grand scientific challenges are listed as prospects and exciting opportunities for the scientific community. To advance the current ecological-hydrological processes research, scientists from multidisciplinary backgrounds （such as geography, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, geochemistry and ecology）, need to unite to tackle the many open problems in new dimensions.展开更多
Chiglitazar(Carfloglitazar)is a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)pan-agonist that has shown promising effects on glycemic control and lipid regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.In this rand...Chiglitazar(Carfloglitazar)is a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)pan-agonist that has shown promising effects on glycemic control and lipid regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.In this randomized phase 3 trial,we compared the efficacy and safety of chiglitazar with sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes who had insufficient glycemic control despite a strict diet and exercise regimen.Eligible patients were randomized(1:1:1)to receive chiglitazar 32 mg(n=245),chiglitazar 48 mg(n=246),or sitagliptin 100 mg(n=248)once daily for 24 weeks.The primary endpoint was the change in glycosylated hemoglobin A_(1C)(HbA_(1c))from baseline at week 24 with the non-inferiority of chiglitazar over sitagliptin.Both chiglitazar and sitagliptin significantly reduced HbA1c at week 24 with values of-1.40%,-1.47%,and-1.39%for chiglitazar 32 mg,chiglitazar 48 mg,and sitagliptin 100 mg,respectively.Chiglitazar 32 and 48 mg were both non-inferior to sitagliptin 100 mg,with mean differences of-0.04%(95%confidential interval(Cl)-0.22 to 0.15)and-0.08%(95%Cl-0.27 to 0.10),respectively.Compared with sitagliptin,greater reduction in fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose and fasting insulin was observed with chiglitazar.Overall adverse event rates were similar between the groups.A small increase in mild edema in the chiglitazar 48 mg group and slight weight gain in both chiglitazar groups were reported.The overall results demonstrated that chiglitazar possesses good efficacy and safety profile in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with lifestyle interventions,thereby providing adequate supporting evidence for using this PPAR pan-agonist as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes.展开更多
Human disturbances are considered to break reproduction barriers among species.Significant increases in hybridization events have been reported among a large number of taxonomic groups in anthropogenic environments,pr...Human disturbances are considered to break reproduction barriers among species.Significant increases in hybridization events have been reported among a large number of taxonomic groups in anthropogenic environments,providing novel insights into species evolution mechanisms and conservation management in the Anthropocene.The Eastern Golden Frog(Pelophylax plancyi)and BlackSpotted Frog(P.nigromaculatus)are two sympatric anuran species with a long history of mitochondrial genome introgression in highly urbanized continental East Asia.However,there is only limited understanding of the pattern of their contemporary hybridization and factors influencing their interspecific relationship under anthropogenic disturbances.Here,interspecific hybridization between P.plancyi and P.nigromaculatus at the population level was investigated in Shanghai.All except two haplotypes obtained from both species in Shanghai were mixed together,and located in the introgression clade,implying multiple ancient mitochondrial introgression events occurred in the populations of our study area.Asymmetric genetic introgression was detected by microsatellite markers,with 0.7%of P.plancyi and 14.6%of P.nigromaculatus identified as contemporary admixed individuals.Consistent with the trend of population density,higher genetic diversity of neutral microsatellite loci was found in the more abundant P.plancyi;however,variation in mitochondrial(Cyt-b)and nuclear(POMC)genes was higher in relatively rare P.nigromaculatus.The population density of P.plancyi and number of water patches within local habitats were significantly positively correlated with both occurrences and proportions of admixed individuals in the populations of P.plancyi and P.nigromaculatus.Considering the prevalent transformation of habitats in urbanized areas,these results imply that a high population density in isolated artificially altered habitats is likely to increase interspecific hybridization.Thus,population monitoring and improvement of landscape connectivity between habitats wo展开更多
文摘β-mercaptoethanol induces in vitro adult adipose-derived stromal cells （ADSCs） to differentiate into neurons. However, the ultrastructural features of the differentiated neuronal-like cells remain unknown. In the present study, inverted phase contrast microscopy was utilized to observe β-mercaptoethanol-induced differentiation of neuronal-like cells from human ADSCs, and immunocytochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed to detect expression of a neural stem cells marker （nestin）, a neuronal marker （neuron-specific enolase）, and a glial marker （glial fibrillary acidic protein）. In addition, ultrastructure of neuronal-like cells was observed by transmission election microscopy. Results revealed highest expression rate of nestin and neuron-specific enolase at 3 and 5 hours following induced differentiation; cells in the 5-hour induction group exhibited a neuronal-specific structure, i.e., Nissl bodies. However, when induction solution was replaced by complete culture medium after 8-hour induction, the differentiated cells reverted to the fibroblast-like morphology from day 1. These results demonstrate that β-mercaptoethanol-induced ADSCs induced differentiation into neural stem cells, followed by morphology of neuronal-like cells. However, this differentiation state was not stable.
基金National Key R&D Program of China,No.2017YFA0604704
文摘Ecohydrology, aiming to study the interactions between terrestrial ecological systems and hydrological cycles as well as their impacts on water management, has been an emerging interdisciplinary research field since the 20th century. It hosts both natural and human regulated processes that are potentially coupled in complex ways. Understanding the ecological-hydrological processes, the fundamental mechanisms and the connections be- tween them is critical since these processes are not isolated but integrated to impact ba- sin-scale hydrological and biogeochemical functioning of a larger river system, especially in arid environment where water resources are considered to be the source of life. Thus, re- search on ecological-hydrological processes in arid environment is not only a scientific focus area but also important to sustainable development. Research projects and initiatives involved in observation, measurement, modeling and data assimilation have been well-developed for those purposes over the past 20 years. This review summarizes the historical development of ecohydrology science in China and the state-of-the-art tools available in the research framework. Five grand scientific challenges are listed as prospects and exciting opportunities for the scientific community. To advance the current ecological-hydrological processes research, scientists from multidisciplinary backgrounds （such as geography, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, geochemistry and ecology）, need to unite to tackle the many open problems in new dimensions.
基金the Chinese National and Provincial Major Project for New Drug Innovation(National:2008ZX09101-002,2013ZX09401301Provincial:2011A080501010)Shenzhen Municipal Major Project(2010-1746)。
文摘Chiglitazar(Carfloglitazar)is a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)pan-agonist that has shown promising effects on glycemic control and lipid regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.In this randomized phase 3 trial,we compared the efficacy and safety of chiglitazar with sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes who had insufficient glycemic control despite a strict diet and exercise regimen.Eligible patients were randomized(1:1:1)to receive chiglitazar 32 mg(n=245),chiglitazar 48 mg(n=246),or sitagliptin 100 mg(n=248)once daily for 24 weeks.The primary endpoint was the change in glycosylated hemoglobin A_(1C)(HbA_(1c))from baseline at week 24 with the non-inferiority of chiglitazar over sitagliptin.Both chiglitazar and sitagliptin significantly reduced HbA1c at week 24 with values of-1.40%,-1.47%,and-1.39%for chiglitazar 32 mg,chiglitazar 48 mg,and sitagliptin 100 mg,respectively.Chiglitazar 32 and 48 mg were both non-inferior to sitagliptin 100 mg,with mean differences of-0.04%(95%confidential interval(Cl)-0.22 to 0.15)and-0.08%(95%Cl-0.27 to 0.10),respectively.Compared with sitagliptin,greater reduction in fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose and fasting insulin was observed with chiglitazar.Overall adverse event rates were similar between the groups.A small increase in mild edema in the chiglitazar 48 mg group and slight weight gain in both chiglitazar groups were reported.The overall results demonstrated that chiglitazar possesses good efficacy and safety profile in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with lifestyle interventions,thereby providing adequate supporting evidence for using this PPAR pan-agonist as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32071529)the Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station(Z202204)+1 种基金Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and EcoRestoration(SHUES2020B06,SHUES2021C04)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Human disturbances are considered to break reproduction barriers among species.Significant increases in hybridization events have been reported among a large number of taxonomic groups in anthropogenic environments,providing novel insights into species evolution mechanisms and conservation management in the Anthropocene.The Eastern Golden Frog(Pelophylax plancyi)and BlackSpotted Frog(P.nigromaculatus)are two sympatric anuran species with a long history of mitochondrial genome introgression in highly urbanized continental East Asia.However,there is only limited understanding of the pattern of their contemporary hybridization and factors influencing their interspecific relationship under anthropogenic disturbances.Here,interspecific hybridization between P.plancyi and P.nigromaculatus at the population level was investigated in Shanghai.All except two haplotypes obtained from both species in Shanghai were mixed together,and located in the introgression clade,implying multiple ancient mitochondrial introgression events occurred in the populations of our study area.Asymmetric genetic introgression was detected by microsatellite markers,with 0.7%of P.plancyi and 14.6%of P.nigromaculatus identified as contemporary admixed individuals.Consistent with the trend of population density,higher genetic diversity of neutral microsatellite loci was found in the more abundant P.plancyi;however,variation in mitochondrial(Cyt-b)and nuclear(POMC)genes was higher in relatively rare P.nigromaculatus.The population density of P.plancyi and number of water patches within local habitats were significantly positively correlated with both occurrences and proportions of admixed individuals in the populations of P.plancyi and P.nigromaculatus.Considering the prevalent transformation of habitats in urbanized areas,these results imply that a high population density in isolated artificially altered habitats is likely to increase interspecific hybridization.Thus,population monitoring and improvement of landscape connectivity between habitats wo
