The authors focused on the current surgical treatment of resectable gastric cancer, and significance of peri- and post-operative chemo or chemoradiation. Gastric cancer is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly ...The authors focused on the current surgical treatment of resectable gastric cancer, and significance of peri- and post-operative chemo or chemoradiation. Gastric cancer is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery remains the only curative therapy, while perioperative and adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as chemoradiation, can improve outcome of resectable gastric cancer with extended lymph node dissection. More than half of radically resected gastric cancer patients relapse locally or with distant metastases, or receive the diagnosis of gastric cancer when tumor is disseminated; therefore, median survival rarely exceeds 12 mo, and 5-years survival is less than 10%. Cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, with addition of trastuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive patients, is the widely used treatment in stage IV patients fit for chemotherapy. Recent evidence supports the use of second-line chemotherapy after progression in patients with good performance status展开更多
Phenylpropanoid-derived compounds represent a diverse family of secondary metabolites that originate from phenylalanine. These compounds have roles in plant growth and development, and in defense against biotic and ab...Phenylpropanoid-derived compounds represent a diverse family of secondary metabolites that originate from phenylalanine. These compounds have roles in plant growth and development, and in defense against biotic and abiotic stress. Many of these compounds are also beneficial to human health and welfare. V-myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog （MYB） proteins belong to a large family of transcription factors and are key regulators of the synthesis of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds. This review summarizes the current understanding of MYB proteins and their roles in the regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism in plants.展开更多
Since the inception of industrial revolution, metal refining plants using pyrometallurgical processes have generated the prodigious emissions of lead(Pb) and cadmium(Cd). As the core target of such pollutants, a large...Since the inception of industrial revolution, metal refining plants using pyrometallurgical processes have generated the prodigious emissions of lead(Pb) and cadmium(Cd). As the core target of such pollutants, a large number of soils are nowadays contaminated over widespread areas, posing a great threat to public health worldwide. Unlike organic pollutants, Pb and Cd do not undergo chemical or microbial breakdown and stay likely in site for longer duration after their release. Immobilization is an in-situ remediation technique that uses cost-effective soil amendments to reduce Pb and Cd availability in the contaminated soils. The Pb and Cd contamination in the soil environment is reviewed with focus on source enrichment, speciation and associated health risks, and immobilization options using various soil amendments. Commonly applied and emerging cost-effective soil amendments for Pb and Cd immobilization include phosphate compounds, liming, animal manure, biosolids, metal oxides, and biochar. These immobilizing agents could reduce the transfer of metal pollutants or residues to food web(plant uptake and leaching to subsurface water) and their long-term sustainability in heavy metal fixation needs further assessment.展开更多
The risk of colorectal cancer for any patient with ulcer-ative colitis is known to be elevated, and is estimated to be 2% after 10 years, 8% after 20 years and 18% after 30 years of disease. Risk factors for cancer in...The risk of colorectal cancer for any patient with ulcer-ative colitis is known to be elevated, and is estimated to be 2% after 10 years, 8% after 20 years and 18% after 30 years of disease. Risk factors for cancer in-clude extent and duration of ulcerative colitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, a family history of sporadic colorectal cancer, severity of histologic bowel inflam-mation, and in some studies, young age at onset of colitis. In this review, the authors discuss recent epide-miological trends and causes for the observed chang-es. Population-based studies published within the past 5 years suggest that this risk has decreased over time, despite the low frequency of colectomies. The crude annual incidence rate of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis ranges from approximately 0.06% to 0.16% with a relative risk of 1.0-2.75. The exact mechanism for this change is unknown; it may partly be explained by the more widespread use of maintenance therapy and surveillance colonoscopy.展开更多
Naturally occurring plant compounds including tannins, saponins and essential oils are extensively assessed as natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics.Tannins are a group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely ...Naturally occurring plant compounds including tannins, saponins and essential oils are extensively assessed as natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics.Tannins are a group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely present in plant region and possess various biological activities including antimicrobial,anti-parasitic, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, etc.Therefore, tannins are the major research subject in developing natural alternative to in-feed antibiotics.Strong protein affinity is the well-recognized property of plant tannins, which has successfully been applied to ruminant nutrition to decrease protein degradation in the rumen, and thereby improve protein utilization and animal production efficiency.Incorporations of tannin-containing forage in ruminant diets to control animal pasture bloat, intestinal parasite and pathogenic bacteria load are another 3 important applications of tannins in ruminant animals.Tannins have traditionally been regarded as "anti-nutritional factor" for monogastric animals and poultry, but recent researches have revealed some of them, when applied in appropriate manner, improved intestinal microbial ecosystem, enhanced gut health and hence increased productive performance.The applicability of plant tannins as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics depends on many factors that contribute to the great variability in their observed efficacies.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important ro...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important roles in the development of IBD either by causing inflammation directly or indirectly through an altered immune system. New technologies have allowed researchers to be able to quantify the various components of the microbiome, which will allow for future developments in the etiology of IBD. Various components of the mucosal immune system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and include intestinal epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, cells of the innate (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T-cells and B-cells) immune system, and their secreted mediators (cytokines and chemokines). Either a mucosal susceptibility or defect in sampling of gut luminal antigen, possibly through the process of autophagy, leads to activation of innate immune response that may be mediated by enhanced toll-like receptor activity. The antigen presenting cells then mediate the differentiation of naïve T-cells into effector T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, which alter gut homeostasis and lead to IBD. In this review, the effects of these components in the immunopathogenesis of IBD will be discussed.展开更多
Application of biochar to soils changes soil physicochemical properties and stimulates the activities of soil microorganisms that influence soil quality and plant performance.Studying the response of soil microbial co...Application of biochar to soils changes soil physicochemical properties and stimulates the activities of soil microorganisms that influence soil quality and plant performance.Studying the response of soil microbial communities to biochar amendments is important for better understanding interactions of biochar with soil,as well as plants.However,the effect of biochar on soil microorganisms has received less attention than its influences on soil physicochemical properties.In this review,the following key questions are discussed:(i)how does biochar affect soil microbial activities,in particular soil carbon(C)mineralization,nutrient cycling,and enzyme activities?(ii)how do microorganisms respond to biochar amendment in contaminated soils?and(iii)what is the role of biochar as a growth promoter for soil microorganisms?Many studies have demonstrated that biochar-soil application enhances the soil microbial biomass with substantial changes in microbial community composition.Biochar amendment changes microbial habitats,directly or indirectly affects microbial metabolic activities,and modifies the soil microbial community in terms of their diversity and abundance.However,chemical properties of biochar,(especially pH and nutrient content),and physical properties such as pore size,pore volume,and specific surface area play significant roles in determining the efficacy of biochar on microbial performance as biochar provides suitable habitats for microorgan-isms.The mode of action of biochar leading to stimulation of microbial activities is complex and is influenced by the nature of biochar as well as soil conditions.展开更多
Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varyin...Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 展开更多
Oxygation refers to irrigation of crops with aerated water,through air injection using the venturi principle or the supply of hydrogen peroxide in the root zone,both using subsurface drip irrigation(SDI)system.Oxygati...Oxygation refers to irrigation of crops with aerated water,through air injection using the venturi principle or the supply of hydrogen peroxide in the root zone,both using subsurface drip irrigation(SDI)system.Oxygation improves water use efficiency(WUE),producing more yield and,and therefore,optimizes the use of drip and SDI.But the efficiency of oxygation is quite possibly dependent on a number of factors.The primary objective of this study was,therefore,to quantify the effects of oxygation,emitter depths and soil type on crop root zone oxygen content,soil respiration,plant physiological response,biomass yield,quality and WUE of three crop species.Methods This study investigated the potential of oxygation to enhance soil respiration,plant growth,yield and water use efficiencies(WUE)of cotton and wheat in experiments in enclosed heavy-duty concrete troughs(tubs)and pineapple and cotton in field experiments.Experimental treatments in tubs for wheat included comparisons between two soil types(vertisol and ferrosol)and superimposed were two oxygation methods(Mazzei air injector and Seair Diffusion System)compared to a control,and for cotton,emitters at two depths using Mazzei air injectors were compared to a control.The field experiments compared Mazzei air injectors and a control for cotton in Emerald and pineapple in Yeppoon,both in central Queensland,Australia.Important findings In all experiments,soil oxygen content and soil respiration markedly increased in response to the oxygation treatments.The O2 concentration in the crop root zone increased by 2.4–32.6%,for oxygation compared to control at the same depth.The soil respiration increased by 42–100%.The number of wheat ears,leaf dry weight and total dry matter were significantly greater in Mazzei and Seair oxygation compared to the control.Fresh biomass of wheat increased by 11 and 8%,and dry weight of wheat increased by 8 and 3%in Mazzei and Seair oxygation treatments compared to the control,respectively.Likewise,the irrigation water use efficiency incre展开更多
Biochar is the carbon-rich product obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions.Biochar has attained extensive attention due to its agronomical and environmental benefits in a...Biochar is the carbon-rich product obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions.Biochar has attained extensive attention due to its agronomical and environmental benefits in agro-ecosystems.This work adopts the scientometric analysis method to assess the development trends of biochar research based on the literature data retrieved from the Web of Science over the period of 1998-2018.By analysing the basic characteristics of 6934 publications,we found that the number of publications grew rapidly since 2010.Based on a keyword analysis,it is concluded that scholars have had a fundamental recognition of biochar and preliminarily found that biochar application had agronomic and environmental benefits during the period of 1998-2010.The clustering results of keywords in documents published during 2011-2015 showed that the main research hotspots were“biochar production”,“biochar and global climate change”,“soil quality and plant growth”,“organic pollutants removal”,and“heavy metals immobilization”.While in 2016-2018,beside these five main research hotspots,“biochar and composting”topic had also received greater attention,indicating that biochar utilization in organic solid waste composting is the current research hotspot.Moreover,updated reactors(e.g.,microwave reactor,fixed-bed reactor,screw-feeding reactor,bubbling fluidized bed reactor,etc.)or technologies(e.g.,solar pyrolysis,Thermo-Catalytic Reforming process,liquefaction technology,etc.)applied for efficient energy production and modified biochar for environmental remediation have been extensively studied recently.The findings may help the new researchers to seize the research frontier in the biochar field.展开更多
A complex mucosal barrier protects as the first line of defense the surface of the healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview about the major ...A complex mucosal barrier protects as the first line of defense the surface of the healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview about the major components of this protective system as for example an intact epithelium, the synthesis of various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the formation of the mucus layer. We highlight the crucial importance of their correct functioning for the maintenance of a proper intestinal function and the prevention of dysbiosis and disease. Barrier disturbances including a defective production of AMPs, alterations in thickness or composition of the intestinal mucus layer, alterations of pattern-recognition receptors, defects in the process of autophagy as well as unresolved endoplasmic reticulum stress result in an inadequate host protection and are thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.展开更多
Soil organic carbon (SOC) has great impacts on global warming, land degradation and food security. Classic statistical and geostatistical methods were used to characterize and compare the spatial heterogeneity of SOC ...Soil organic carbon (SOC) has great impacts on global warming, land degradation and food security. Classic statistical and geostatistical methods were used to characterize and compare the spatial heterogeneity of SOC and related factors, such as topography, soil type and land use, in the Liudaogou watershed on the Loess Plateau of North China. SOC concentrations followed a log-normal distribution with an arithmetic and geometric means of 23.4 and 21.3 g kg-1, respectively, were moderately variable (CV = 75.9%), and demonstrated a moderate spatial dependence according to the nugget ratio (34.7%). The experimental variogram of SOC was best-fitted by a spherical model, after the spatial outliers had been detected and subsequently eliminated. Lower SOC concentrations were associated with higher elevations. Warp soils and farmland had the highest SOC concentrations, while aeolian sand soil and shrublands had the lowest SOC values. The geostatistical characteristics of SOC for the different soil and land use types were different. These patterns were closely related to the spatial structure of topography, and soil and land use types.展开更多
Dear Editor,Gynoecism has been extensively exploited in cucumber breeding. The utilization of a gynoecious line permits earlier pro- duction of hybrids, higher yield, and more concentrated fruit set. In addition, the ...Dear Editor,Gynoecism has been extensively exploited in cucumber breeding. The utilization of a gynoecious line permits earlier pro- duction of hybrids, higher yield, and more concentrated fruit set. In addition, the utilization of a gynoecious line eliminates the need for hand emasculation and reduces the labor cost of crossing （Robinson, 2000）. Therefore, the development of gynoeoious inbred lines is instrumental for cucumber breeding. Gynoecious inbreds can be produced by selection from crosses of monoecious inbreds, or can arise spontaneously from natural variation. However, both methods have disadvantages. For instance, the time-consuming and laborious process of crossing can also lead to the introduction of undesirable traits,展开更多
BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia initiated early in labor (when the cervix is less than 4.0 cm dilated) has been associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery. It is unclear, however, whether this increase in r...BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia initiated early in labor (when the cervix is less than 4.0 cm dilated) has been associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery. It is unclear, however, whether this increase in risk is due to the analgesia or is attributable to other factors. METH- ODS: We conducted a randomized trial of 750 nulliparous women at term who were in spontaneous labor or had spontaneous rupture of the membranes and who had a cervical dilatation of less than 4.0 cm. Women were randomly assigned to receive intrathecal fentanyl or systemic hydromorphone at the first request for analgesia. Epidural analgesia was initiated in the intrathecal group at the second request for analgesia and in the systemic group at a cervical dilatation of 4.0 cm or greater or at the third request for analgesia. The primary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery. RESULTS: The rate of cesarean delivery was not significantly different between the groups (17.8 percent after intrathecal analgesia vs. 20.7 percent after systemic analgesia; 95 percent confidence interval for the difference, - 9.0 to 3.0 percentage points; P=0.31). The median time from the initiation of analgesia to complete dilatation was significantly shorter after intrathecal analgesia than after systemic analgesia (295 minutes vs. 385 minutes, P<0.001), as was the time to vaginal delivery (398 minutes vs. 479 minutes, P<0.001). Pain scores after the first intervention were significantly lower after intrathecal analgesia than after systemic analgesia (2 vs. 6 on a 0- to- 10 scale, P<0.001). The incidence of one- minute Apgar scores below 7 was significantly higher after systemic analgesia (24.0 percent vs. 16.7 percent, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Neuraxial analgesia in early labor did not increase the rate of cesarean delivery, and it provided better analgesia and resulted in a shorter duration of labor than systemic analgesia.展开更多
Biochar(BC), known as the new black gold, is a stable, novel carbonaceous by-product that is synthesized through pyrolysis of biological materials in the absence of O_2.Recently, an emerging interest in the applicatio...Biochar(BC), known as the new black gold, is a stable, novel carbonaceous by-product that is synthesized through pyrolysis of biological materials in the absence of O_2.Recently, an emerging interest in the application of BC as a robust soil amendment has given rise to a broad research area in science and technology.It is considered a promising remediation option for heavy metal(HM)-contaminated soils to reduce HM bioavailability to plants.Remediation efficacy of BC depends on the porosity, composition,pyrolysis temperature, feedstock, and residence time of pyrolysis.This review article aimed to present an overview of BC use in the immobilization of HMs, i.e., Cd, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Sb, in contaminated soils.The remaining uncertain factors, including the specific soil HM immobilization mechanisms, long-term beneficial effects, and potential environmental risks associated with BC application are analyzed.Future research must be conducted to ensure that the management of environmental pollution is in accord with ecological sustainability and adaptation of the black gold biotechnology on a commercial basis for immobilization of HMs in contaminated soils.展开更多
Living plants and plant roots can reduce runoff and soil erosion. Using a rain simulator, a series of soil erosion experiments were conducted to study the influence of living roots and canopies of ryegrasses （Lolium ...Living plants and plant roots can reduce runoff and soil erosion. Using a rain simulator, a series of soil erosion experiments were conducted to study the influence of living roots and canopies of ryegrasses （Lolium perenne L.） during the growing season on sediment yields and runoff of a silt loam soil. The results indicated that during the growing season, decrements in runoff and sediment yields increased with time. Sediment yields （τ^2 = 0.999） and decrements in runoff （τ2 = 0.946） were closely related to the root surface area density. The contributions of roots and canopies of ryegrasses to the reductions in runoff and sediment yields were different. Canopies usually contributed more to the runoff decrement than the roots, whereas roots contributed up to 96% of the decrease in sediment yields in the late stage of the growing season.展开更多
文摘The authors focused on the current surgical treatment of resectable gastric cancer, and significance of peri- and post-operative chemo or chemoradiation. Gastric cancer is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery remains the only curative therapy, while perioperative and adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as chemoradiation, can improve outcome of resectable gastric cancer with extended lymph node dissection. More than half of radically resected gastric cancer patients relapse locally or with distant metastases, or receive the diagnosis of gastric cancer when tumor is disseminated; therefore, median survival rarely exceeds 12 mo, and 5-years survival is less than 10%. Cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, with addition of trastuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive patients, is the widely used treatment in stage IV patients fit for chemotherapy. Recent evidence supports the use of second-line chemotherapy after progression in patients with good performance status
文摘Phenylpropanoid-derived compounds represent a diverse family of secondary metabolites that originate from phenylalanine. These compounds have roles in plant growth and development, and in defense against biotic and abiotic stress. Many of these compounds are also beneficial to human health and welfare. V-myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog （MYB） proteins belong to a large family of transcription factors and are key regulators of the synthesis of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds. This review summarizes the current understanding of MYB proteins and their roles in the regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism in plants.
文摘Since the inception of industrial revolution, metal refining plants using pyrometallurgical processes have generated the prodigious emissions of lead(Pb) and cadmium(Cd). As the core target of such pollutants, a large number of soils are nowadays contaminated over widespread areas, posing a great threat to public health worldwide. Unlike organic pollutants, Pb and Cd do not undergo chemical or microbial breakdown and stay likely in site for longer duration after their release. Immobilization is an in-situ remediation technique that uses cost-effective soil amendments to reduce Pb and Cd availability in the contaminated soils. The Pb and Cd contamination in the soil environment is reviewed with focus on source enrichment, speciation and associated health risks, and immobilization options using various soil amendments. Commonly applied and emerging cost-effective soil amendments for Pb and Cd immobilization include phosphate compounds, liming, animal manure, biosolids, metal oxides, and biochar. These immobilizing agents could reduce the transfer of metal pollutants or residues to food web(plant uptake and leaching to subsurface water) and their long-term sustainability in heavy metal fixation needs further assessment.
文摘The risk of colorectal cancer for any patient with ulcer-ative colitis is known to be elevated, and is estimated to be 2% after 10 years, 8% after 20 years and 18% after 30 years of disease. Risk factors for cancer in-clude extent and duration of ulcerative colitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, a family history of sporadic colorectal cancer, severity of histologic bowel inflam-mation, and in some studies, young age at onset of colitis. In this review, the authors discuss recent epide-miological trends and causes for the observed chang-es. Population-based studies published within the past 5 years suggest that this risk has decreased over time, despite the low frequency of colectomies. The crude annual incidence rate of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis ranges from approximately 0.06% to 0.16% with a relative risk of 1.0-2.75. The exact mechanism for this change is unknown; it may partly be explained by the more widespread use of maintenance therapy and surveillance colonoscopy.
基金partially funded by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry,Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadaprojects of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No.:2017M611930)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China (No.:BK20170494)China Agriculture Research System (CARS-36)
文摘Naturally occurring plant compounds including tannins, saponins and essential oils are extensively assessed as natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics.Tannins are a group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely present in plant region and possess various biological activities including antimicrobial,anti-parasitic, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, etc.Therefore, tannins are the major research subject in developing natural alternative to in-feed antibiotics.Strong protein affinity is the well-recognized property of plant tannins, which has successfully been applied to ruminant nutrition to decrease protein degradation in the rumen, and thereby improve protein utilization and animal production efficiency.Incorporations of tannin-containing forage in ruminant diets to control animal pasture bloat, intestinal parasite and pathogenic bacteria load are another 3 important applications of tannins in ruminant animals.Tannins have traditionally been regarded as "anti-nutritional factor" for monogastric animals and poultry, but recent researches have revealed some of them, when applied in appropriate manner, improved intestinal microbial ecosystem, enhanced gut health and hence increased productive performance.The applicability of plant tannins as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics depends on many factors that contribute to the great variability in their observed efficacies.
基金Supported by NIH KO8 DK093578CCFA Career Development Award 3467(DQS)F Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important roles in the development of IBD either by causing inflammation directly or indirectly through an altered immune system. New technologies have allowed researchers to be able to quantify the various components of the microbiome, which will allow for future developments in the etiology of IBD. Various components of the mucosal immune system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and include intestinal epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, cells of the innate (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T-cells and B-cells) immune system, and their secreted mediators (cytokines and chemokines). Either a mucosal susceptibility or defect in sampling of gut luminal antigen, possibly through the process of autophagy, leads to activation of innate immune response that may be mediated by enhanced toll-like receptor activity. The antigen presenting cells then mediate the differentiation of naïve T-cells into effector T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, which alter gut homeostasis and lead to IBD. In this review, the effects of these components in the immunopathogenesis of IBD will be discussed.
文摘Application of biochar to soils changes soil physicochemical properties and stimulates the activities of soil microorganisms that influence soil quality and plant performance.Studying the response of soil microbial communities to biochar amendments is important for better understanding interactions of biochar with soil,as well as plants.However,the effect of biochar on soil microorganisms has received less attention than its influences on soil physicochemical properties.In this review,the following key questions are discussed:(i)how does biochar affect soil microbial activities,in particular soil carbon(C)mineralization,nutrient cycling,and enzyme activities?(ii)how do microorganisms respond to biochar amendment in contaminated soils?and(iii)what is the role of biochar as a growth promoter for soil microorganisms?Many studies have demonstrated that biochar-soil application enhances the soil microbial biomass with substantial changes in microbial community composition.Biochar amendment changes microbial habitats,directly or indirectly affects microbial metabolic activities,and modifies the soil microbial community in terms of their diversity and abundance.However,chemical properties of biochar,(especially pH and nutrient content),and physical properties such as pore size,pore volume,and specific surface area play significant roles in determining the efficacy of biochar on microbial performance as biochar provides suitable habitats for microorgan-isms.The mode of action of biochar leading to stimulation of microbial activities is complex and is influenced by the nature of biochar as well as soil conditions.
基金supported by the International Cooperation Project of Zhejiang Province(No.2012C14031)Innovative Research Team Program of Zhejiang Province(No.2011R50025)
文摘Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at
基金Horticulture Australia LimitedNational Program for Sustainable Irrigation,AustraliaNational Natural Science Foundation of China(no.50779059).
文摘Oxygation refers to irrigation of crops with aerated water,through air injection using the venturi principle or the supply of hydrogen peroxide in the root zone,both using subsurface drip irrigation(SDI)system.Oxygation improves water use efficiency(WUE),producing more yield and,and therefore,optimizes the use of drip and SDI.But the efficiency of oxygation is quite possibly dependent on a number of factors.The primary objective of this study was,therefore,to quantify the effects of oxygation,emitter depths and soil type on crop root zone oxygen content,soil respiration,plant physiological response,biomass yield,quality and WUE of three crop species.Methods This study investigated the potential of oxygation to enhance soil respiration,plant growth,yield and water use efficiencies(WUE)of cotton and wheat in experiments in enclosed heavy-duty concrete troughs(tubs)and pineapple and cotton in field experiments.Experimental treatments in tubs for wheat included comparisons between two soil types(vertisol and ferrosol)and superimposed were two oxygation methods(Mazzei air injector and Seair Diffusion System)compared to a control,and for cotton,emitters at two depths using Mazzei air injectors were compared to a control.The field experiments compared Mazzei air injectors and a control for cotton in Emerald and pineapple in Yeppoon,both in central Queensland,Australia.Important findings In all experiments,soil oxygen content and soil respiration markedly increased in response to the oxygation treatments.The O2 concentration in the crop root zone increased by 2.4–32.6%,for oxygation compared to control at the same depth.The soil respiration increased by 42–100%.The number of wheat ears,leaf dry weight and total dry matter were significantly greater in Mazzei and Seair oxygation compared to the control.Fresh biomass of wheat increased by 11 and 8%,and dry weight of wheat increased by 8 and 3%in Mazzei and Seair oxygation treatments compared to the control,respectively.Likewise,the irrigation water use efficiency incre
基金support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21537002,41422105,41671478)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,China(Project No.BK20130050).
文摘Biochar is the carbon-rich product obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions.Biochar has attained extensive attention due to its agronomical and environmental benefits in agro-ecosystems.This work adopts the scientometric analysis method to assess the development trends of biochar research based on the literature data retrieved from the Web of Science over the period of 1998-2018.By analysing the basic characteristics of 6934 publications,we found that the number of publications grew rapidly since 2010.Based on a keyword analysis,it is concluded that scholars have had a fundamental recognition of biochar and preliminarily found that biochar application had agronomic and environmental benefits during the period of 1998-2010.The clustering results of keywords in documents published during 2011-2015 showed that the main research hotspots were“biochar production”,“biochar and global climate change”,“soil quality and plant growth”,“organic pollutants removal”,and“heavy metals immobilization”.While in 2016-2018,beside these five main research hotspots,“biochar and composting”topic had also received greater attention,indicating that biochar utilization in organic solid waste composting is the current research hotspot.Moreover,updated reactors(e.g.,microwave reactor,fixed-bed reactor,screw-feeding reactor,bubbling fluidized bed reactor,etc.)or technologies(e.g.,solar pyrolysis,Thermo-Catalytic Reforming process,liquefaction technology,etc.)applied for efficient energy production and modified biochar for environmental remediation have been extensively studied recently.The findings may help the new researchers to seize the research frontier in the biochar field.
基金Supported by Robert Bosch Foundation,Stuttgart,Germany
文摘A complex mucosal barrier protects as the first line of defense the surface of the healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview about the major components of this protective system as for example an intact epithelium, the synthesis of various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the formation of the mucus layer. We highlight the crucial importance of their correct functioning for the maintenance of a proper intestinal function and the prevention of dysbiosis and disease. Barrier disturbances including a defective production of AMPs, alterations in thickness or composition of the intestinal mucus layer, alterations of pattern-recognition receptors, defects in the process of autophagy as well as unresolved endoplasmic reticulum stress result in an inadequate host protection and are thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
基金Project supported by the National Key Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China (No.2007CB106803)the National Programs for Science and Technology Development of China (No.2006BAD09B06)the Scientific ResearchInnovation Team Support Program of the Northwest A&F University, China
文摘Soil organic carbon (SOC) has great impacts on global warming, land degradation and food security. Classic statistical and geostatistical methods were used to characterize and compare the spatial heterogeneity of SOC and related factors, such as topography, soil type and land use, in the Liudaogou watershed on the Loess Plateau of North China. SOC concentrations followed a log-normal distribution with an arithmetic and geometric means of 23.4 and 21.3 g kg-1, respectively, were moderately variable (CV = 75.9%), and demonstrated a moderate spatial dependence according to the nugget ratio (34.7%). The experimental variogram of SOC was best-fitted by a spherical model, after the spatial outliers had been detected and subsequently eliminated. Lower SOC concentrations were associated with higher elevations. Warp soils and farmland had the highest SOC concentrations, while aeolian sand soil and shrublands had the lowest SOC values. The geostatistical characteristics of SOC for the different soil and land use types were different. These patterns were closely related to the spatial structure of topography, and soil and land use types.
文摘Dear Editor,Gynoecism has been extensively exploited in cucumber breeding. The utilization of a gynoecious line permits earlier pro- duction of hybrids, higher yield, and more concentrated fruit set. In addition, the utilization of a gynoecious line eliminates the need for hand emasculation and reduces the labor cost of crossing （Robinson, 2000）. Therefore, the development of gynoeoious inbred lines is instrumental for cucumber breeding. Gynoecious inbreds can be produced by selection from crosses of monoecious inbreds, or can arise spontaneously from natural variation. However, both methods have disadvantages. For instance, the time-consuming and laborious process of crossing can also lead to the introduction of undesirable traits,
文摘BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia initiated early in labor (when the cervix is less than 4.0 cm dilated) has been associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery. It is unclear, however, whether this increase in risk is due to the analgesia or is attributable to other factors. METH- ODS: We conducted a randomized trial of 750 nulliparous women at term who were in spontaneous labor or had spontaneous rupture of the membranes and who had a cervical dilatation of less than 4.0 cm. Women were randomly assigned to receive intrathecal fentanyl or systemic hydromorphone at the first request for analgesia. Epidural analgesia was initiated in the intrathecal group at the second request for analgesia and in the systemic group at a cervical dilatation of 4.0 cm or greater or at the third request for analgesia. The primary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery. RESULTS: The rate of cesarean delivery was not significantly different between the groups (17.8 percent after intrathecal analgesia vs. 20.7 percent after systemic analgesia; 95 percent confidence interval for the difference, - 9.0 to 3.0 percentage points; P=0.31). The median time from the initiation of analgesia to complete dilatation was significantly shorter after intrathecal analgesia than after systemic analgesia (295 minutes vs. 385 minutes, P<0.001), as was the time to vaginal delivery (398 minutes vs. 479 minutes, P<0.001). Pain scores after the first intervention were significantly lower after intrathecal analgesia than after systemic analgesia (2 vs. 6 on a 0- to- 10 scale, P<0.001). The incidence of one- minute Apgar scores below 7 was significantly higher after systemic analgesia (24.0 percent vs. 16.7 percent, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Neuraxial analgesia in early labor did not increase the rate of cesarean delivery, and it provided better analgesia and resulted in a shorter duration of labor than systemic analgesia.
基金supported by the China Scholarship Council(No.2014070067)the Science and Technology Overall Innovation Project of Shaanxi Province of China(No.2016KTCQ03-20)
文摘Biochar(BC), known as the new black gold, is a stable, novel carbonaceous by-product that is synthesized through pyrolysis of biological materials in the absence of O_2.Recently, an emerging interest in the application of BC as a robust soil amendment has given rise to a broad research area in science and technology.It is considered a promising remediation option for heavy metal(HM)-contaminated soils to reduce HM bioavailability to plants.Remediation efficacy of BC depends on the porosity, composition,pyrolysis temperature, feedstock, and residence time of pyrolysis.This review article aimed to present an overview of BC use in the immobilization of HMs, i.e., Cd, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Sb, in contaminated soils.The remaining uncertain factors, including the specific soil HM immobilization mechanisms, long-term beneficial effects, and potential environmental risks associated with BC application are analyzed.Future research must be conducted to ensure that the management of environmental pollution is in accord with ecological sustainability and adaptation of the black gold biotechnology on a commercial basis for immobilization of HMs in contaminated soils.
基金Project supported by the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (No.2002CB111502)the Key Project of the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No.KZCX2-XB2-05)the National Sci-Tech Support Program of China (No.2006BAD09B04).
文摘Living plants and plant roots can reduce runoff and soil erosion. Using a rain simulator, a series of soil erosion experiments were conducted to study the influence of living roots and canopies of ryegrasses （Lolium perenne L.） during the growing season on sediment yields and runoff of a silt loam soil. The results indicated that during the growing season, decrements in runoff and sediment yields increased with time. Sediment yields （τ^2 = 0.999） and decrements in runoff （τ2 = 0.946） were closely related to the root surface area density. The contributions of roots and canopies of ryegrasses to the reductions in runoff and sediment yields were different. Canopies usually contributed more to the runoff decrement than the roots, whereas roots contributed up to 96% of the decrease in sediment yields in the late stage of the growing season.
