Research of pollution-free and precision cultivation system of Chinese herbal medicines / 中国中药杂志

The issues of disordering production and non-standard pesticide application are common in the production of Chinese herbal medicines. Aimed to above problems, research groups built the pollution-free and precision cultivation system of medicinal plants. This system mainly included the precise site selection of medicinal plants based on the GIS technology, modern omics-assisted breeding, metagenomics guiding the soil complex improvement, and the precise field management based on rational application of fertilizer and comprehensive control of disease. At present, the production and distribution of medicinal plants were performed in the many poor counties of the whole nation. The breeding platform of resistant varieties was built, and certificates of new and well-bred varieties were received, in the base of genetic backgrounds of the original species of medicinal plants. The disease incidences were declined after application of these resistant varieties. Additionally, chemical pesticide consumption of medicinal plants (such as Panax ginseng, P. notoginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, P. quinquefolium, Schisandra chinensis, Platycodon grandiflorum and P. grandiflorus etc.) reduced by 20%-80% based on the genetic testing technologies of plant diseases and insect pests and safety evaluation of pollution-free pesticides. The application of pollution-free and precision cultivation system of Chinese herbal medicines achieve significantly social, economic and ecological benefits.

Selección de sitios de anidación de Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Cheloniidae) en el Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica / Nest-site selection of Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Cheloniidae) in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica

Resumen La selección del sitio de anidación en tortugas marinas es determinante para la sobrevivencia de la progenie, sin embargo para Lepidochelys olivacea existe poca información al respecto. Este trabajo se enfocó en determinar si L. olivacea selecciona sus sitios de anidación de acuerdo a un patrón o preferencia espacial determinada, o si por el contrario distribuye sus nidos aleatoriamente en la playa. La recolección de datos se realizó entre julio y setiembre del 2011, en las playas de Piro y Pejeperro, Península de Osa, Costa Rica. La ubicación del nido se evaluó midiendo las distancias entre la línea de marea y el nido, entre el nido y la vegetación, y determinando la posición del nido con respecto a los sectores marcados cada 100m en la playa. En ambas playas, las tortugas mostraron una marcada preferencia por anidar lo más lejos posible de la línea de marea, lo cual protege a sus nidos de inundación pero los expone a un mayor riesgo de depredación. Además, en playa Piro se detectó una mayor concentración de nidos cerca de la desembocadura del río, y en las cercanías de un estero en el caso de Pejeperro. Si estas zonas están asociadas a un mayor éxito de eclosión, es posible que las tortugas estén regresando y seleccionado esos sitios por impronta o filopatría. Futuras investigaciones deberán enfocarse en determinar si en eventos de anidación sucesivos, L. olivacea muestra repetibilidad y mantiene sus preferencias de anidación a nivel de individuo.

Abstract In sea turtles, nest-site selection plays a key role in the survival of the offspring, with a direct influence on the sex of the hatchlings, incubation period, embryonic mortality, and hatchling size. Nest-site choice has been studied for most sea turtle species, but the information for Lepidochelys olivacea, the most abundant sea turtle species, is scarce. The present work explores the spatial nesting patterns of L. olivacea and seeks to determine whether this species employs a scatter nesting strategy or chooses to clump its nests based on a specific spatial preference. Night patrols were conducted between July and September 2011 at the beaches of Piro and Pejeperro, located in the Osa Peninsula, in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica. Nest-site location was evaluated by measuring the distance from the tide line to the nest, distance from nest to vegetation, and by noting beach sector according to beach-marker setup. In total, 84 nesting turtles were observed. Sea turtles in both beaches showed a strong preference to locate their nests as far from the tide line as possible, crawling longer distances when presented with wider stretches of beach. Turtles nesting at Piro beach also favored areas that were close to the river mouth, while turtles at Pejeperro preferred to nest near an estuary. It seems that the main driving force that influences L. olivacea to choose a nest site is to protect the eggs from tidal inundation, even if this means a higher predation risk from nesting too close to the vegetation, in addition to a longer trip to the ocean for both the female adult and the hatchlings. Nests near rivers and estuaries may have higher hatching success, which could prompt females to return and select these areas due to imprinting or philopatry. Future research focused on recapture could provide valuable information on individual behavior, and prove whether or not L. olivacea shows strong nest-site fidelity and repeatability of nesting preferences at the individual level. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 375-381. Epub 2015 April 01.

Mathematical modeling for selecting center locations for medical and health supplies reserve in Hainan Province

OBJECTIVE@#To explore how to choose the center locations to build the medical and health supplies reserve among many island towns.@*METHODS@#The center locations were selected from 18 towns Hainan Province, it's maximum service range (distance) was required to reach the minimum, or to minimize.@*RESULTS@#Three scenarios were considered, the center locations included only one town, two towns, three towns. By the use of graph theory and MATLAB programming, a mathematical model was established to obtain the shortest distance and the shortest path between arbitrary two towns.@*CONCLUSIONS@#We find out the center sites under certain conditions, and determine the specific service ranges of the center sites.

Gene polymorphism loci influencing valproic acid interindividual differences by bioinformatic methods / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To look for gene polymorphism loci influencing valproic acid interindividual differences, thus to provide support for treating epilepsy patients with valproic acid. METHODS: Through the KEGG Database, genes and their loci influencing valproic acid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were inquired from the perspective of pathway: literature was searched about valproic acid-related gene polymorphisms: the FastSNP was used to estimate the risk of the genes found from KEGG Database and literature: the dbSNP database was used to find the distribution of the gene loci with higher risk in Chinese and then to select the loci for the experimental study. RESULTS: The related gene inquired from the perspective of pathway were ABAT, CACNA1I, CACNA1H, CACNA1G, CDY2B, CDY1B, CDY1, CDY2A, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. Through literature search and bioinformatics methods, 29 influencing loci on valproic acid were identified, including rs1641021, rs1731017, and rs1057910, and so on. CONCLUSION: From this bioinformatics research, the gene polymorphism loci affecting valproic acid interindividual difference are successfully screened. This study provides genetics basis for individual treatments of epileptic patients.

Surface electromyography: proposal of a protocol for cervical muscles / Eletromiografia de superfície: proposta de um protocolo para músculos cervicais

PURPOSE: to present a proposal of a surface electromyography evaluation method for cervical muscles specific and detailed protocol, with a standardized collection method of electrical signal in these muscles. METHODS: the researchers took as reference the existing publications about this subject which evidenced a need for standardization, clarity, better reproducibility and greater specificity for the surface electromyography evaluation of the upper trapezium and sternocleidomastoid muscles fibers. The proposal preparation process for the current protocol included the cleaning of the target area, placing the electrodes, required tasks in order to collect and register the electrical signal and interpretation of the electromyography signal parameters. This evaluation method was carried out in 24 healthy volunteers of both genders, with an average age of 26 years. We used the electromyography Miotool 400 with 4 channels. RESULT: an evaluation surface electromyography method for upper trapezium and sternocleidomastoid muscles fibers was developed and tested in order to determine the best form of electrical signal data collection for these muscles. CONCLUSION: we submitted a protocol proposal to evaluate the cervical muscles by a surface electromyography, allowing the healthy professionals and researchers to get more information about this electrical potential evaluation method for the sternocleidomastoid and the upper trapezium muscles fibers. This knowledge will be an adjuvant in a more specific therapy.

OBJETIVO: apresentar uma proposta de avaliação da eletromiografia de superfície em músculos cervicais de forma específica e detalhada, com a finalidade de padronizar o método de coleta do sinal elétrico nesta musculatura. MÉTODO: os pesquisadores tomaram como referência as publicações já existentes, acerca do tema proposto, na qual foi evidenciada a necessidade de padronização, maior reprodutibilidade, clareza e maior especificidade para a avaliação eletromiográfica de superfície dos músculos esternocleidomastóideo e das fibras superiores do trapézio. O processo de elaboração da proposta do protocolo abrangeu a limpeza da região avaliada, a colocação e posicionamento dos eletrodos, as tarefas realizadas para a coleta do sinal elétrico, e os parâmetros a serem registrados e interpretados do sinal eletromiográfico. Este método de avaliação aplicou-se em 24 voluntários saudáveis de ambos os sexos, com média de idade em 26 anos, sendo utilizado o eletromiógrafo da marca Miotool 400 com 4 canais. RESULTADO: um método de avaliação eletromiográfico de superfície nos músculos esternocleidomastídeo e fibras superiores do trapézio foi elaborado, e testado para demonstrar a melhor forma de coleta do sinal elétrico para estes músculos. CONCLUSÃO: apresentamos uma proposta de protocolo para a avaliação da eletomiografia de superfície nos músculos cervicais, permitindo aos profissionais da saúde e estudiosos do tema, maiores informações sobre o método de avaliação do potencial elétrico dos músculos esternocleidomastóideo e das fibras superiores do trapézio. Estes conhecimentos servirão como coadjuvantes numa terapia mais específica.

Use of geographic information systems (GIS) to identify adequate sites for cultivation of the seaweed Gracilaria birdiae in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil

This study was designed to select potential areas for cultivation of the seaweed Gracilaria birdiae Plastino & E.C. Oliveira (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. The Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) were used to identify the most suitable areas. The Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) was applied to establish MCE weights, thereby generating viable areas for species cultivation. From a total of 3316.82 ha, around 53.67% (1780.06 ha) were indicated as highly suitable areas, 40.93% (1357.58 ha) as moderately suitable and 5.40% (179.18 ha) as scarcely suitable for seaweed cultivation. Seven areas (1084.62 ha) are located on the northern coast and 20 (2232.20 ha) on the eastern coast. The results show that GIS can be used as an effective instrument for selecting seaweed cultivation areas.

Analysis of phage Mu DNA transposition by whole-genome Escherichia coli tiling arrays reveals a complex relationship to distribution of target selection protein B, transcription and chromosome architectural elements.

Of all known transposable elements, phage Mu exhibits the highest transposition efficiency and the lowest target specificity. In vitro, MuB protein is responsible for target choice. In this work, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the genome-wide distribution of MuB and its relationship to Mu target selection using high-resolution Escherichia coli tiling DNA arrays. We have also assessed how MuB binding and Mu transposition are influenced by chromosome-organizing elements such as AT-rich DNA signatures, or the binding of the nucleoid-associated protein Fis, or processes such as transcription. The results confirm and extend previous biochemical and lower resolution in vivo data. Despite the generally random nature of Mu transposition and MuB binding, there were hot and cold insertion sites and MuB binding sites in the genome, and differences between the hottest and coldest sites were large. The new data also suggest that MuB distribution and subsequent Mu integration is responsive to DNA sequences that contribute to the structural organization of the chromosome.

Beach erosion and nest site selection by the leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Testudines: Dermochelyidae) and implications for management practices at Playa Gandoca, Costa Rica

Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) nest on dynamic, erosion-prone beaches. Erosive processes and resulting nest loss have long been presumed to be a hindrance to clutch survival. In order to better understand how leatherbacks cope with unstable nesting beaches, I investigated the role of beach erosion in leatherback nest site selection at Playa Gandoca, Costa Rica. I also examined the potential effect of nest relocation, a conservation strategy in place at Playa Gandoca to prevent nest loss to erosion, on the temperature of incubating clutches. I monitored changes in beach structure as a result of erosion at natural nest sites during the time the nest was laid, as well as in subsequent weeks. To investigate slope as a cue for nest site selection, I measured the slope of the beach where turtles ascended from the sea to nest, as well as the slopes at other random locations on the beach for comparison. I examined temperature differences between natural and relocated nest sites with thermocouples placed in the sand at depths typical of leatherback nests. Nests were distributed non-randomly in a clumped distribution along the length of the beach and laid at locations that were not undergoing erosion. The slope at nest sites was significantly different than at randomly chosen locations on the beach. The sand temperature at nest depths was significantly warmer at natural nest sites than at locations of relocated nests. The findings of this study suggest leatherbacks actively select nest sites that are not undergoing erosive processes, with slope potentially being used as a cue for site selection. The relocation of nests appears to be inadvertently cooling the nest environment. Due to the fact that leatherback clutches undergo temperaturedependent sex determination, the relocation of nests may be producing an unnatural male biasing of hatchlings. The results of this study suggest that the necessity of relocation practices, largely in place to protect nests from erosion, should be reevaluated to ensure the proper conservation of this critically endangered species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1237-1246. Epub 2010 December 01.

Identificação de áreas alternativas para disposição de resíduos sólidos na região do Baixo Ribeira do Iguape - SP / Identification of alternative areas for solid waste disposal in Baixo Ribeira do Iguape - SP

Este trabalho teve por objetivo a proposição de cenários para o equacionamento da disposição de resíduos sólidos gerados por áreas urbanas da região do Baixo Ribeira de Iguape, localizado no estado de São Paulo. Utilizou-se a análise multicritério, que requer a identificação de critérios que podem ser restrições e fatores. Como critérios de agregação optou-se pela Combinação Linear Ponderada e pela Média Ponderada Ordenada. Para cada um dos municípios calculou-se a área necessária para a disposição final de seus resíduos sólidos. Os resultados mostraram que a melhor área para o município de Cajati está localizada a aproximadamente 3,0km da sede do mesmo, para Jacupiranga a 2,7km e para Pariqüera-Açu a 2,4km. A metodologia mostrou-se adequada ao propósito em questão, levando-se em consideração 18 fatores e restrições influentes no processo de decisão.

This paper addresses the proposition of scenarios for the equation of the disposal of solid residues generated by urban areas of the region of the Baixo Ribeira de Iguape, located in the São Paulo State, Brazil. Multicriterion analysis requiring identification of criteria that can play restrictions and factors roles were used. Aggregation Criteria was represented by the Weighed Linear Combination and the Ordered Weighed Mean. For each one of the selected cities it was calculated the required area for the final disposal of its solid residues. The results had shown that the best area for the city of Cajati is located approximately 3,0 km of its headquarters, for Jacupiranga 2,7 km and for Pariqüera-Açu 2,4 km. The applied methodology revealed adequate to the objective of this research, taking into account 18 influential factors and restrictions in the decision process.

Basic principles of selecting the site of blood reserve bank for preparedness against war / 医学研究生学报

The blood reserve bank for preparedness against war,as a store of blood products and a base of blood supply,bears the responsibility of wartime emergency blood supply.Site selection is the basis of the construction of the blood reserve bank and directly related with its capacity of blood supply in both peace and wartime.The decision-making process concerning site selection is complicated and multi-aimed with various factors mutually related and conditioned.This paper proposes some basic principles of selecting the site of the blood reserve bank for preparedness against war,which are hoped to be beneficial for the demonstration of its site selection.

Study on Selecting the Drugstore Site for Pharmaceutical Retail Chain Enterprises / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the method of selecting the site of drugstore for pharmaceutical reail chain enterpris?es.METHODS:To introduce the theory of selecting the site of retail chain store in other business.RESULTS&CONCLU?SION:Pharmaceutical retail chain enterprises should select the site of drugstore by four steps:judging feasibility of opening a drugstore in a region,analyzing the site and area of the drugstore,forecasting the sales volumn and profit of the adding drug?store,starting the business and carrying out periodical estimation.