Identification of multi-target anti-cancer agents from TCM formula by in silico prediction and in vitro validation / 中国天然药物

Cancer is a complex disease associated with multiple gene mutations and malignant phenotypes, and multi-target drugs provide a promising therapy idea for the treatment of cancer. Natural products with abundant chemical structure types and rich pharmacological characteristics could be ideal sources for screening multi-target antineoplastic drugs. In this paper, 50 tumor-related targets were collected by searching the Therapeutic Target Database and Thomson Reuters Integrity database, and a multi-target anti-cancer prediction system based on mt-QSAR models was constructed by using naïve Bayesian and recursive partitioning algorithm for the first time. Through the multi-target anti-cancer prediction system, some dominant fragments that act on multiple tumor-related targets were analyzed, which could be helpful in designing multi-target anti-cancer drugs. Anti-cancer traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its natural products were collected to form a TCM formula-based natural products library, and the potential targets of the natural products in the library were predicted by multi-target anti-cancer prediction system. As a result, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids were predicted to act on multiple tumor-related targets. The predicted targets of some representative compounds were verified according to literature review and most of the selected natural compounds were found to exert certain anti-cancer activity in vitro biological experiments. In conclusion, the multi-target anti-cancer prediction system is very effective and reliable, and it could be further used for elucidating the functional mechanism of anti-cancer TCM formula and screening for multi-target anti-cancer drugs. The anti-cancer natural compounds found in this paper will lay important information for further study.

Drivers of damselfishes distribution patterns in the southwestern Atlantic: tropical and subtropical reefs compared

Damselfishes are known keystone species of reef environments, however large-scale distribution patterns are poorly studied in the southwestern Atlantic. We evaluated main drivers of distribution of three conspicuous damselfishes, along tropical and subtropical coastal systems, in Brazil. Abundances were assessed against wave exposure, depth (within 1-7 m in tropical and 1-11 m in subtropical reefs) and benthic cover. Despite differences between systems, exposure and depth consistently explained damselfishes distribution. Stegastes fuscus, the larger damselfish species of the genus in the southwestern Atlantic, was dominant in both systems, inhabiting preferably shallow and sheltered reefs. Conversely, Stegastes variabilis occupied shallow habitats with higher exposure. Stegastes pictus was absent from tropical reefs sampled, inhabiting depths >7 m, in subtropical reefs. Species were weakly associated with benthic features, which poorly predicted changes in abundances. Regardless, S. fuscus showed association with articulated calcareous algae, and S. variabilis juveniles associated with erect macroalgae. Despite occurring in very distinctive reef systems, Brazilian damsels habitat requirements are consistent in both tropical and subtropical reefs. While highly persistent species, long term monitoring will inform us how they respond to pervasive global changes and human impacts along Brazilian reefs.(AU)

Os peixes donzela são espécies-chave em ambientes recifais, contudo seus padrões de distribuição em grande escala são pouco conhecidos no sudoeste do Atlântico. Avaliamos os principais descritores de distribuição para três espécies comuns em sistemas recifais tropicais e costões rochosos subtropicais costeiros no Brasil, em resposta a diferentes regimes de exposição a ondas, profundidade e cobertura bentônica. Apesar das grandes diferenças entre estes sistemas, a exposição das ondas e a profundidade consistentemente explicaram sua distribuição. Stegastes fuscus é numericamente dominante, sendo a maior espécie do gênero no Atlântico sudoeste, dominando recifes rasos e menos hidrodinâmicos, enquanto S. variabilis foi mais abundante em habitats com maior hidrodinamismo. Stegastes pictus foi ausente nos recifes rasos tropicais amostrados e, nos recifes rochosos subtropicais, foi mais abundante em profundidades acima de 7 m. Características do substrato influenciaram pouco a densidade, porem S. fuscus apresentou associação a algas calcárias articuladas, enquanto juvenis de S. variabilis se associaram a macroalgas eretas. Peixes donzelas são generalistas e persistentes, ocorrendo em ambientes distintos, e mesmo assim, regulados de forma especifica e consistente ao longo da costa. O monitoramento a longo prazo nos informará como elas responderão às constantes mudanças globais e impactos antrópicos nos recifes brasileiros.(AU)

Uso y selección de microhábitat en un ensamble de anuros del Chaco Serrano de Argentina

Introducción: El estudio de las estrategias de uso y partición del recurso espacial resulta importante para entender los mecanismos de coexistencia de especies de anfibios simpátricas, más aún cuando existen variaciones temporales en la disponibilidad de hábitats. Objetivo: Conocer los patrones de uso de microhábitat, sus variaciones estacionales y la posible influencia de la filogenia en un ensamble de anuros del Chaco Serrano de Argentina. Métodos: Los muestreos se realizaron en el área protegida Parque Natural Valle Fértil, Departamento Valle Fértil, San Juan, entre el 2012 y 2017. En campo, se registró el microhábitat donde se encontró cada ejemplar y se midieron variables del sitio. Además, se determinó la disponibilidad de microhábitats. Los datos se analizaron mediante el índice de selectividad de Manly. Para evaluar variaciones temporales en el uso de microhábitats se utilizaron modelos lineales generalizados (GLM). Resultados: Las especies evaluadas fueron: Rhinella arenarum arenarum, Leptodactylus latrans, Pleurodema tucumanum y Odontophrynus occidentalis. Todas las especies mostraron diferencias en las frecuencias de uso: R. a. arenarum mostró preferencias hacia los sitios rocosos y acuáticos, P. tucumanum exhibió preferencias hacia los sitios con suelo desnudo y rocas, L. latrans y O. occidentalis presentaron mayores preferencias hacia los sitios rocosos y acuáticos. Todas las especies excepto Odontophrynus exhibieron variaciones estacionales en la selección y uso de los microhábitats. Odontophrynus occidentalis presentó diferencias en las proporciones de uso entre microhábitats. Conclusiones: Este estudio muestra la plasticidad en el uso de microhábitats como un determinante importante en la distribución espacial de anuros, sin restricciones aparentes impuestas por la competencia, el espacio ni la filogenia. Cuando la actividad de las especies es coincidente, el recurso espacial puede distribuirse de manera que se reduzca el solapamiento entre especies.

Introduction: Research on spatial resource usage and partition strategies is important to understand the mechanisms of coexistence in sympatric amphibian species, even more when there are temporal variations in habitat availability. Objective: To learn about the patterns of microhabitat use, its seasonal variations and the possible influence of phylogeny on an anuran assembly of the Chaco Serrano in Argentina. Methods: Samplings were carried out in the Valle Fértil Natural Park protected area, Valle Fértil Department, San Juan, between 2012 and 2017. In the field, we recorded the microhabitat where each specimen was found, and we also measured site variables. In addition, microhabitats availability was determined. Data were analyzed using Manly's selectivity index. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to assess temporal variations in microhabitat use. Results: The species evaluated were: Rhinella arenarum arenarum, Leptodactylus latrans, Pleurodema tucumanum and Odontophrynus occidentalis. All species showed differences in usage frequencies: R. a. arenarum showed preferences for rocky and aquatic sites, P. tucumanum showed preferences towards bare soil and rocky sites, L. latrans and O. occidentalis showed greater preferences for rocky and aquatic sites. All species but Odontophrynus exhibited seasonal variations in microhabitat selection and usage. Odontophrynusoccidentalis showed differences in usage proportions among microhabitats. Conclusions: This study shows plasticity in microhabitat usage as an important determinant of anuran spatial distribution, without apparent restrictions imposed by space competition or phylogeny. When species activity is coincident, the space resource may be distributed in a way that species overlap is reduced.

Differences in ecomorphology and trophic niche segregation of two sympatric heptapterids (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

Morphological similarity, resource sharing, and differences in habitat use by species are factors that favor their coexistence. The objective of this study was to test possible differences in ecomorphology and diet composition of two Heptapterids (Imparfinis mirini and Cetopsorhamdia iherengi) to identify patterns related to resource use. Samplings were carried out in ten streams in Southern Brazil and 123 individuals were caught. A total of 21 ecomorphological indices were calculated for each individual and the volumetric and occurrence methods were used to quantify stomach contents. Both species presented significant differences in some ecomorphological traits, mainly related to foraging behavior. Even though both species were considered insectivorous, the consumed feeding resources differed between them. Cetopsorhamdia iheringi diet was dominated by Simuliidae and terrestrial Coleoptera larvae, while Imparfinis mirini, presented a diet dominated mainly by Trichoptera larvae, Ephemeroptera nymph, and Annelida. Although ecomorphological patterns cannot be used as an absolute factor to explain diet variations, they provide relevant information about how species share resources. These mechanisms allow us to obtain important subsidies for the conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems since they provide an effective understanding on the interactions that occur between the species.

Spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of two species of Persephona (Decapoda: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) on the southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Distribuição espacial e temporal e abundância de duas espécies do gênero Persephona (Decapoda: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) no litoral sul do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract: Crabs of the genus Persephona are intensely captured in shrimp fisheries as bycatch in the Cananéia region off the coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of Persephona punctata and Persephona mediterranea could provide information about variation in the abundance of these species, as well as the environmental variables affecting their distribution and the existence of a possible habitat partitioning. Using a shrimp fishery boat equipped with double-rig nets, crabs were monthly captured from July 2012 to June 2014 in seven sites: four in the coastal area adjacent to the Cananéia region and three in the Mar Pequeno estuarine area. The abundances of both species were compared according to spatial (among sites) and temporal (years and seasons) scale distribution. A total of 396 individuals of P. punctata and 64 of P. mediterranea were captured. The abundance of both species was higher in the second sampling year (July 2013-June 2014) and in coastal areas; only one individual of each species was captured in the estuarine area due to the low salinity at this location (approximately 27.7‰). The temperature was the environmental variable that most affected the distribution of both species, which was more abundant in warmer periods. The temporal variation in abundance was modulated by temperature, while salinity modulated the spatial distribution of P. punctata and P. mediterranea. The spatial-temporal distribution of both species differered in Cananéia, pointing to a similar use of the environment's resources.

Resumo: Os caranguejos Persephona são intensamente capturados na pesca do camarão como fauna acompanhante, inclusive na região de Cananéia no litoral do estado de São Paulo, no Brasil. A avaliação da distribuição espaço-temporal pode, consequentemente, fornecer informações sobre variações na abundância de Persephona punctata e Persephona mediterranea, bem como as variáveis ambientais que afetam suas distribuições e uma possível partilha de habitat desses congêneres. Com um barco de pesca de camarão equipado com redes de arrasto duplo, os indivíduos foram coletados mensalmente de julho de 2012 a junho de 2014 em sete locais: quatro na área costeira adjacente à região de Cananéia e três na área estuarina Mar Pequeno. A abundância dessas espécies foi comparada de acordo com a distribuição espacial (entre sítios) bem como entre anos e estações. Um total de 396 indivíduos de P. punctata e de 64 de P. mediterranea foram capturados. A abundância de ambas as espécies foi maior no segundo ano de coleta (julho de 2013 a junho de 2014). A abundância de ambas as espécies foi maior na área costeira, e apenas um indivíduo de cada espécie foi capturado na área estuarina devido à baixa salinidade neste local (27.7‰ aproximadamente). A temperatura foi o fator ambiental que afetou significativamente a distribuição das espécies, com maiores abundâncias em períodos mais quentes. A variação temporal da abundância foi modulada pela temperatura, enquanto a salinidade modulou a distribuição espacial de P. punctata e P. mediterranea. Em Cananéia as espécies não apresentaram diferenças na distribuição espaço-temporal, o que nos permite assumir elas habitam a área de uma forma muito similar.

Time partitioning among jaguar Panthera onca, puma Puma concolor and ocelot Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora: Felidae) in Costa Rica's dry and rainforests / Separación temporal del jaguar Panthera onca, puma Puma concolor y ocelote Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora: Felidae) en los bosques tropicales húmedos y secos de Costa Rica

Abstract Segregation of daily activity patterns is considered an important mechanism facilitating the coexistance of competing species. Here, we evaluated if temporal separation existed among jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and if their activity patterns were related to that of a particular prey. We used camera trap records to estimate the activity schedules of these predators and their prey. We used the coefficient of overlapping (Δ; ranging from 0 to 1) to quantify the temporal interactions between predators and prey, and calculated confidence intervals from bootstrap samples. Strong temporal overlap occurred among the three felids (Δ = 0.63 - 0.82) in both dry and rainforests. However, a greater temporal separation was observed between the closest competitors (jaguar and puma, puma and ocelot). Jaguar and puma had a strong temporal overlap with medium and large-sized prey, while ocelots' activity matched that of smallsized prey. High overlapping coefficients among the felids suggest that temporal segregation is not the main mechanism facilitating their coexistence in these areas. However, fine-scale or spatiotemporal differences in their activity patterns might contribute to their coexistence in tropical environments.(AU)

Resumen La segregación de los patrones de actividad diaria es considerado un importante mecanismo para la coexistencia de especies competidoras. En este estudio, evaluamos si existía separación temporal entre el jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor) y ocelote (Leopardus pardalis), y si sus patrones de actividad se relacionaban con los de sus presas potenciales. Utilizamos registros de cámaras trampa para estimar los patrones de actividad de los felinos y sus presas. Usamos el coeficiente de traslape (Δ; de 0 a 1) para cuantificar las interacciones temporales entre depredadores y presas y calculamos los intervalos de confianza mediante bootstrapping. Observamos un fuerte traslape temporal (Δ= 0.63-0.82) entre los felinos tanto en el bosque seco como en el lluvioso. La mayor segregación temporal ocurrió entre los competidores más cercanos (jaguar y puma, puma y ocelote). El jaguar y el puma tuvieron un fuerte traslape con las presas medianas y grandes, mientras que el ocelote se traslapó con presas más pequeñas. Los altos coeficientes de traslape entre los felinos sugieren que la segregación temporal no es el mecanismo principal de coexistencia en estos sitios. Sin embargo, pequeñas diferencias en los patrones de actividad (e.g. picos de actividad desfasados) podrían contribuir a su coexistencia en ambientes tropicales.(AU)

Elevated CO2 concentration improves functional traits and early growth of the widespread species Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell. ) Morong / Elevada concentração de CO2 melhora as características funcionais e o crescimento inicial da espécie generalista Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell. ) Morong

Enterolobium contortisiliquum is a neotropical widespread species that occurs in native AtlanticForest, Cerrado and Caatinga vegetation in Brazil. Outside Brazil, it occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of high carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] on leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, growth, and biomass allocation among roots, stems, and leaves in young plants of E. contortisiliquum. After germination, twenty days old individuals of E. contortisiliquum were grown in open-top chambers (OTC) at two different [CO2] (400 ppm and 700 ppm). Physiological measurements were made when the plants had been grown in OTC for 170, 200, 230, and 260 days. The higher [CO2] favored the early growth of E. contortisiliquum by increasing maximum net photosynthesis (PN) and water use efficiency. Under high [CO2], root dry mass increased in E. contortisiliquum, which might be a trait that will benefit this species by enhancing water uptake, particularly in seasonally dry environments.

Enterolobium contortisiliquum é uma espécie neotropical generalista, encontrada na vegetação nativa da Mata Atlântica do Brasil, no Cerrado e na Caatinga. Fora do país, também pode ser encontrada empaíses como Argentina, Bolívia, Paraguai e Uruguai. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência da alta concentração de dióxido de carbono [CO2] nas trocas gasosas foliares, no teor de clorofila, na fluorescência da clorofila a, no crescimento e alocação de biomassa entre raízes, caules e folhas em plantas jovens de E. contortisiliquum. Após a germinação, indivíduos de E. contortisiliquum de 20 dias de idade foram cultivados em câmaras de topo aberto (CTA), em duas diferentes [CO2] (400 ppm e 700 ppm). Asmedições fisiológicas foram realizadas no momento do cultivo das plantas em CTA por 170, 200, 230 e 260 dias. A alta [CO2] favoreceu o crescimento inicial de E. contortisiliquum aumentando a fotossíntese líquida máxima (PN) e a eficiência do uso da água. Sob alta [CO2], a massa seca da raiz aumentou em E. contortisiliquum, o que pode ser uma característica que beneficiará esta espécie, aumentando a absorção de água, particularmente em ambientes sazonalmente secos.

Role of Recursive Partitioning Analysis and Graded Prognostic Assessment on Identifying Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases Who May Benefit from Postradiation Systemic Therapy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>The role of postradiation systemic therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis (BM) was controversial. Thus, we explored the role of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RTOG-RPA) and graded prognostic assessment (GPA) in identifying population who may benefit from postradiation systemic therapy.</p><p><b>Methods</b>The clinical data of NSCLC patients with documented BM from August 2007 to April 2015 of two hospitals were studied retrospectively. Cox regression was used for multivariate analysis. Survival of patients with or without postradiation systemic therapy was compared in subgroups stratified according to RTOG-RPA or GPA.</p><p><b>Results</b>Of 216 included patients, 67.1% received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), 24.1% received whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), and 8.8% received both. After radiotherapy, systemic therapy was administered in 58.3% of patients. Multivariate analysis found that postradiation systemic therapy (yes vs. no) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.361, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.202-0.648, P = 0.001), radiation technique (SRS vs. WBRT) (HR = 0.462, 95% CI = 0.238-0.849, P = 0.022), extracranial metastasis (yes vs. no) (HR = 3.970, 95% CI = 1.757-8.970, P = 0.001), and Karnofsky performance status (<70 vs. ≥70) (HR = 5.338, 95% CI = 2.829-10.072, P < 0.001) were independent factors for survival. Further analysis found that subsequent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy could significantly reduce the risk of mortality of patients in RTOG-RPA Class II (HR = 0.411, 95% CI = 0.183-0.923, P = 0.031) or with a GPA score of 1.5-2.5 (HR = 0.420, 95% CI = 0.182-0.968, P = 0.042). However, none of the subgroups stratified according to RTOG-RPA or GPA benefited from the additional conventional chemotherapy.</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>RTOG-RPA and GPA may be useful to identify beneficial populations in NSCLC patients with BM if TKIs were chosen as postradiation systemic therapy.</p>

Simulation of soil water balance and partitioning of evapotranspiration of maize grown in two growing seasons in Southern Brazil / Simulação do balanço hídrico do solo e particionamento da evapotranspiração do milho cultivado em duas épocas de semeadura no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to simulate the variation of the available soil water during maize crop growth, in two different sowing times (first and second growing season), using a drip irrigation system. The treatments consisted of different irrigation strategies (full to deficit). The SIMDualKc simulation model was used to determine the daily soil water balance and crop evapotranspiration using the dual crop coefficient approach. Soil, climate, crop and irrigation parameters were used as input data. Two experiments were carried out in a rainout shelter composed of two metallic structures (16x10m) in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during 2010/11 (second crop, season 1) and 2011/12 (first crop, season 2) growing seasons, under no-tillage system. The simulations showed that all the irrigation management strategies used in season 2 resulted in soil water deficit, while only two strategies showed deficit in season 1. Results showed good agreement between observed and simulated soil water data, with an R2 ranging from 0.86 to 0.99 and the root mean square error ranging from 2.7 to 5.6% of the total available water for seasons 1 and 2, respectively. The observed results of water balance showed that maize grown in season 2 presented higher water consumption compared to season 1, due to the higher atmospheric demand of season 2. The SIMDualKc model allowed the partitioning of crop evapotranspiration into soil evaporation and crop transpiration, demonstrating that the vegetative growth subperiod presented the greatest differences between the two seasons compared to the others growth phases.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi simular a variação da água disponível no solo durante o desenvolvimento da cultura do milho, em duas épocas de semeadura diferentes (primeira e segunda safra), utilizando sistema de irrigação por gotejamento. Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes estratégias de irrigação (plena e deficitária). O modelo de simulação SIMDualKc foi utilizado para determinar o balanço hídrico diário do solo e a evapotranspiração da cultura usando a abordagem do coeficiente cultura dual. Os parâmetros de solo, clima, cultura e irrigação foram utilizados como dados de entrada. Dois experimentos foram realizados em uma cobertura móvel composta por duas estruturas metálicas (16x10m) na cidade de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, nas safras 2010/11 (segunda safra, época 1) e 2011/12 (primeira safra, época 2), sob sistema de plantio direto. As simulações mostraram que todas as estratégias de manejo de irrigação usadas na época 2 resultaram em déficit hídrico, enquanto que apenas duas estratégias apresentaram déficit na época 1. Os resultados mostraram boa concordância entre os dados de água no solo observados e simulados, com um R2 variando de 0.86 a 0.99 e raiz quadrada do erro médio variando de 2,7 a 5,6% da água total disponível para as épocas 1 e 2, respectivamente. Os resultados observados do balanço hídrico mostraram que o milho cultivado na época 2 apresentou maior consumo de água em comparação com a época 1, devido à maior demanda atmosférica da época 2. O modelo SIMDualKc permitiu a partição da evapotranspiração da cultura em evaporação do solo e transpiração da cultura, demonstrando que o subperíodo de crescimento vegetativo apresentou as maiores diferenças entre as duas épocas em relação às demais fases de crescimento.

Feeding habits of billfishes (Carangaria: Istiophoriformes) in the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean

The feeding habits of Makaira nigricans, Kajikia audax, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoridae), and Xiphias gladius (Xiphiidae) in the southeast Pacific Ocean were examined in Manta and Santa Rosa, Ecuador. This study describes the diets of these billfish species, evaluates dietary differences between species, and assesses seasonal differences in diet. A total of 274 M. nigricans, 321 K. audax, 267 I. platypterus, and 252 X. gladius were collected between February 2014 and April 2015. The scombrid Auxis spp. was the most important prey for M. nigricans, K. audax and I. platypterus, while the squid Dosidicus gigas was the most important prey for X. gladius. The results of the ANOSIM confirmed significant differences in feeding habits between the members of the family Istiophoridae and X. gladius. Seasonal differences for I. platypterus also were observed. Billfishes are specialist consumers with a narrow niche breadth (B a: M. nigricans and K. audax=0.1, I. platypterus=0.05, and X. gladius=0.04).(AU)

Los hábitos alimentarios de Makaira nigricans, Kajikia audax, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoridae) y Xiphias gladius (Xiphiidae) en el Océano Pacífico sudeste se examinaron en Manta y Santa Rosa, Ecuador. Este estudio describe las dietas de estas especies de peces de pico, evalúa las diferencias de la dieta entre especies y las diferencias estacionales en la dieta. Se obtuvo un total de 274 M. nigricans, 321 K. audax, 267 I. platypterus y 252 X. gladius entre febrero 2014 y abril 2015. El escómbrido Auxis spp. fue la presa más importante para M. nigricans, K. audax y I. platypterus, mientras que el calamar Dosidicus gigas fue la presa más importante para X. gladius. Los resultados de ANOSIM confirmaron diferencias significativas en los hábitos alimentarios entre los miembros de la familia Istiophoridae y X. gladius. También se observaron diferencias estacionales para I. platypterus. Los peces de pico son consumidores especialistas con una amplitud de nicho estrecha (B a: M. nigricans y K. audax=0.1, I. platypterus=0.05 y X.gladius=0.04).(AU)

Immediate effect of percutaneous ventricular restoration on cardiac output of ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with apical aneurysm / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the immediate effect of percutaneous ventricular restoration (PVR) using the PARACHUTE system in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with apical aneurysm.Methods The study included 25 patients who received PARACHUTE partitioning device (PVD) implantation in the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital between January 2015 to December 2016.Invasive left ventricular hemodynamic assessments as well as cardiac output and cardiac output index were analyzed.Results Twenty-five patients [mean age (65.4±11.9) years] suffered from left ventricular aneurysm and heart failure patients after anterior myocardial infarction were enrolled.Ventricular partitioning device implantation was successful in 24/25 (96.0%) patients.PVR was failed in 1 patient due to unable to land the PVD in a satisfactory location.After implantation, a significant increase in cardiac output [(3.83±0.72) L/min vs.(4.85±0.93) L/min, P<0.01] and cardiac index [(2.32±0.74) L/(min·m2) vs.(2.90±0.82) L/(min·m2), P<0.01] was found.Conclusions Our preliminary experience on percutaneous ventricular restoration using PARACHUTE system demonstrates its feasibility and safety with increase in cardiac output and cardiac index immediately following the device implantation.

A Research on the Discovery Methods in Prescription and Medication Based on Professor Xue Boshou's Clinical Prescription Data / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

How to discover the valuable knowledge from the large amount of prescription data accumulated in the long-term medical practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the important contents of TCM modernization.Based on the prescription data of Xue' s clinical practice of many years,this paper explored the method of combining TCM network and prescription network to find out Xue' s common core drug combination.Based on 9,584 prescriptions in the Hospital Information System of Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,prescription network and drug network were constructed according to the similarity of prescription composition and drug co-occurrence relationship.Using the complex network analysis methods,such as community analysis method,to analyze the prescription and drug compatibility,the results were evaluated and analyzed by Xue and his successors.As a result,through complex network analysis,126 modular prescriptions and 4 TCM modules were obtained.One of the core components of the prescription module included Xiao Chai Hu decoction,Yin Qiao powder,and Sheng Jiang powder compound addition and subtraction.It was in consistent with the drug composition of exogenous febrile prescriptions excavated earlier.In conclusion,using the complex network methods,we can get some core drug combinations prescribed by Prof.Xue,and achieve the common compound core drug combination for treating diseases with certain vantages,laying a foundation for further inheriting and excavating Xue' s effective experience.

Canopy cover negatively affects arboreal ant species richness in a tropical open habitat / A cobertura de dossel afeta negativamente a riqueza de formigas arborícolas em um hábitat tropical aberto

Abstract We tested the hypothesis of a negative relationship between vegetation characteristics and ant species richness in a Brazilian open vegetation habitat, called candeial. We set up arboreal pitfalls to sample arboreal ants and measured the following environmental variables, which were used as surrogate of environmental heterogeneity: tree richness, tree density, tree height, circumference at the base of the plants, and canopy cover. Only canopy cover had a negative effect on the arboreal ant species richness. Vegetation characteristics and plant species composition are probably homogeneous in candeial, which explains the lack of relationship between other environmental variables and ant richness. Open vegetation habitats harbor a large number of opportunistic and generalist species, besides specialist ants from habitats with high temperatures. An increase in canopy cover decreases sunlight incidence and may cause local microclimatic differences, which negatively affect the species richness of specialist ants from open areas. Canopy cover regulates the richness of arboreal ants in open areas, since only few ant species are able to colonize sites with dense vegetation; most species are present in sites with high temperature and luminosity. Within open vegetation habitats the relationship between vegetation characteristics and species richness seems to be the opposite from closed vegetation areas, like forests.

Resumo Nós testamos a hipótese de que há uma relação negativa entre as características da vegetação e a riqueza de espécies de formigas em habitats abertos como o candeial. Para isto, nós instalamos pitfalls arborícolas para a captura de formigas e mensuramos as seguintes variáveis ambientais: riqueza de árvores, densidade de árvores, altura de árvores, circunferência basal das plantas e cobertura de dossel. Somente a cobertura de dossel apresentou efeito negativo na riqueza de formigas arborícolas. Provavelmente, as características da vegetação e a composição de espécies de plantas são mais homogêneas no candeial, o que explica a ausência de relação entre a riqueza de formigas e as outras variáveis ambientais. Formações abertas abrigam um grande número de espécies oportunistas e generalistas, além de formigas especialistas de climas quentes. O aumento na cobertura de dossel diminui a incidência solar o que pode causar diferenças microclimáticas que afetam negativamente as espécies de formigas especialistas de hábitats abertos. A cobertura de dossel regula a riqueza de espécies de formigas arborícolas em áreas abertas e poucas espécies nestes locais estão aptas a colonizar locais com a vegetação densa. Assim, a maioria das espécies estão presentes em locais com alta temperatura e luminosidade. Em outras palavras, em hábitats de vegetação aberta a relação entre características da vegetação e a riqueza de espécies pode ser oposta em comparação ao que é encontrado em áreas que apresentam a vegetação mais fechada, como florestas.

Partial replacement of corn with glycerin: digestibility and ruminal fermentation kinetics by in vitro gas production / Sustitución parcial de maíz con glicerina: digestibilidad y cinética de la fermentación ruminal mediante producción de gas in vitro / Substituição parcial do milho pela glicerina: digestibilidade e cinética da fermentação ruminal através da produção de gases in vitro

Summary Background: glycerin, a co-product of biodiesel production, could be included in animal feeds. Objective: to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of corn with glycerin on digestibility and ruminal fermentation kinetics, estimated by the in vitro gas production technique. Methods: dietary treatments consisted of corn substitution with crude glycerin (0, 4, 8, and 12% on a dry matter basis). In vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and organic matter were calculated as the difference between the amount of incubated and undigested substrate. Cumulative gas pressure was measured in vitro using automatic equipment. Gas production kinetics was analyzed using a dual-pool logistic model. Results: increasing levels of crude glycerin to replace corn did not affect in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, organic matter, ammonia nitrogen content, or degradation rates. A negative linear effect on the partitioning factor and a linear increase in the rapidly degradable fraction were observed with the inclusion of crude glycerin. Conclusions: dietary inclusion of up to 12% crude glycerin (dry matter basis) replacing corn did not affect diet digestibility. A greater volume of gas was observed with the highest inclusion level of glycerin, indicating that alfalfa hay, corn and crude glycerin combination could affect fermentation, suggesting the occurrence of associative effects.

Resumen Antecedentes: una alternativa al uso de la glicerina, generada como residuo de la producción de biodiesel, es su utilización en la alimentación animal. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de la sustitución parcial de maíz con glicerina sobre la digestibilidad de la dieta y la cinética de la fermentación ruminal, usando la técnica de producción de gas in vitro. Métodos: los tratamientos consistieron en la substitución de maíz por glicerina cruda (0, 4, 8 y 12% en base seca). La digestibilidad in vitro de la fibra detergente neutra y la materia orgánica fue calculada por la diferencia entre la cantidad del sustrato incubado y el no digerido. La presión acumulativa de gas in vitro fue medida por un equipo automático. La cinética de la producción de gas fue analizada empleando un modelo logístico bicompartimental. Resultados: la inclusión de niveles crecientes de glicerina en substitución del maíz no afectó la digestibilidad in vitro de la fibra detergente neutra, la materia orgánica, la tasa de nitrógeno amoniacal o las tasas de degradación. Se observó un efecto lineal negativo en el factor de partición y un aumento lineal en la fracción de rápida degradación por la inclusión de glicerina. Conclusión: la inclusión dietaria de hasta 12% de glicerina (base seca) para reemplazar al maíz no afectó la digestibilidad de la misma. Se observó una mayor produccion de gas con el mayor nivel de inclusión de glicerina, lo que indica que la combinación de heno de alfalfa, maíz y glicerina podría alterar la fermentación, lo que sugiere la existencia de efectos asociativos.

Resumo Antecedentes: um uso alternativo da glicerina gerado como um coproduto da produção de biodiesel pode ser a sua inclusão na alimentação animal. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito da substituição parcial do milho pela glicerina sobre a digestibilidade da dieta e a cinética de fermentação através da técnica in vitro de produção de gás. Métodos: os tratamentos consistiram na substituição do milho por glicerina bruta (0, 4, 8 e 12%) com base na matéria seca. A digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro e da matéria orgânica foi calculada como a diferença entre a quantidade de substrato incubado e o não digerido. A pressão acumulativa de gás foi mensurada in vitro utilizando um equipamento automático de medição de gás. A cinéticas da produção de gás foi analisada utilizando o modelo logístico bicompartimental. Resultados: o aumento dos níveis de inclusão da glicerina bruta para substituir o milho na dieta não afetou a digestibilidade in vitro da fibra em detergente neutro, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica, teor de nitrogênio amoniacal e a taxa de degradação. Foram observados efeito linear negativo no fator de partição e aumento linear na fração rapidmente degradável com a inclusão da glicerina bruta na dieta. Conclusão: a inclusão dietética de até 12% da glicerina bruta (na matéria seca) para substituir o milho não afetou a digestibilidade da dieta. O maior volume de gás produzido foi observado para o maior nível de inclusão de glicerina indicando que a combinação de feno de alfafa, milho e glicerina bruta poderia alterar a fermentação, sugerindo a ocorrência de efeitos associativos.

Feeding ecology of three juvenile mojarras (Gerreidae) in a tropical estuary of northeastern Brazil

Distributions and feeding ecology of mojarra species from shallow water of a tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil were observed aiming to investigate differences in distribution and resource partitioning among juveniles of three species of mojarras. Fishes were collected with a beach seine across four sites along a salinity gradient from January to December of 2011. Highest abundances were recorded during the rainy season in the upper and middle estuary. Microcrustaceans, mainly copepods, were the preferential prey items of all mojarras, irrespective of size or hydrological season, suggesting these areas may be important nursery habitats. Juveniles of mojarra used two important mechanisms for exploitation of resources: (1) spatial segregation along the salinity and temperature gradient, such as abundance of Eucinostomus melanopterus increased from downstream to upstream estuary, while Eugerres brasilianus displayed an opposite pattern; (2) differences related to the volumetric proportion of the main prey items, with indications that E. melanopterus and Diapterus rhombeus fed predominantly on Calanoida and Cyclopoida, while the diet of E. brasilianus was dominated by items of infauna. Such strategies were important for resource partitioning, favouring the coexistence of these three species in the estuary.

A distribuição e a ecologia alimentar de gerreídeos capturados em águas rasas de um estuário tropical no nordeste do Brasil foram abordados com o objetivo de investigar diferenças na distribuição e partição de recursos entre três espécies de gerreídeos juvenis. Arrastos de praia foram realizados ao longo de quatro locais ao longo do gradiente de salinidade entre janeiro e dezembro de 2011. Maiores abundâncias foram registradas durante a estação chuvosa na zona superior e média do estuário. Microcrustáceos, principalmente copépodos, foram as principais presas para as três espécies, independente do tamanho ou do período hidrológico, sugerindo que essas áreas são importantes para o recrutamento. Gerreídeos juvenis usaram dois importantes mecanismos para exploração dos recursos: (1) segregação espacial no uso dos habitats ao longo do gradiente de salinidade e temperatura, com a abundância de Eucinostomus melanopterus aumentando em direção a parte inferior para porção superior do estuário, enquanto Eugerres brasilianus apresentou um padrão oposto; e (2) diferenças relacionadas com a proporção volumétrica das principais presas ingeridas, com indicações que E. melanopterus e Diapterus rhombeus alimentaram-se principalmente de Calanoida e Cyclpoida, enquanto a dieta de E. brasilianus foi dominada por itens da infauna. Tais estratégias foram importantes para partição dos recursos, favorecendo a coexistência dessas três espécies no estuário.

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Ventricular Partitioning in Ischemic Heart Failure Patients With Apical Aneurysm / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efifcacy of percutaneous ventricular partitioning (PVP) in ischemic heart failure (IHF) patients with apical aneurysm. Methods: A total of 19 IHF patients with apical aneurysm at the age of (68.1 ± 8.2) years were enrolled. The patients received PVP operation with adequate clinical and medical imaging examinations; the safety of operation was evaluated and post-operative clinical events with cardiac function were followed-up. Results: There were 18/19 (95%) patients with successful PVP and 1 had to stop the operation due to unsatisfactory landing of ventricular partitioning device. 2 patients suffered from vessel access related complication and received femoral artery stent implantation. With (252 ± 170) days follow-up study, no post-operative device failure, cardiac death, thromboembolism and HF re-hospitalization occurred. At 3 months after operation, the patients had improved NYHA classiifcation (2.72 ± 0.67) vs (1.67 ± 0.59) and 6 min walk test (462 ± 96) m vs (484 ± 87) m, bothP<0.01. Echocardiography indicated that post-operative left ventricle end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) decreased form (137.4 ± 19.1) ml/m2 to (125.6 ± 18.5) ml/m2,P=0.0056 and LVESVI decreased from (89.7 ± 22.3) ml/m2 to (78.8 ± 20.7) ml/m2,P=0.0019; while LVEF increased from (34.8 ± 8.13) % to (41.3 ± 6.2) %, P=0.031. Conclusion: Our preliminary experience showed that with adequate evaluation, PVP was safe and effective in IHF patients with apical aneurysm; short-term follow-up study implied the improved hemodynamic and cardiac function.

Ecomorphology and resource use by dominant species of tropical estuarine juvenile fishes

Eleven ecomorphological attributes and diet of seventeen juvenile fish species were examined to test the hypothesis that morphological patterns determine resource uses in estuarine habitats. Species were separated according to the apparatus to food capture and habitat use (benthic or pelagic) in three different groups: (1) a group with depressed fish body, strong caudal peduncle and enlarged pectoral fins; (2) a second group laterally flattened with a wide protruding mouth, and (3) a third group strongly flattened with small pectorals fins. The following six trophic groups were organized based on prey categories: Zooplanktivores, Benthivores, Omnivores, Detritivores, Macrocarnivores and Insectivores. Significant results (PERMANOVA) between ecomorphological indices and habitat and between ecomorphological indices and trophic groups were found. These data indicate that similarity of ecomorphological forms, which minimize the influence of environment and partitioning of food, would help facilitate the co-existence of these fish when they are abundant in this tropical estuary.

Onze atributos ecomorfológicos e a dieta de dezessete espécies de peixes juvenis foram examinados para testar a hipótese de que os padrões morfológicos determinam a utilização dos recursos em habitats estuarinos. As espécies foram separadas de acordo com o modo de captura do alimento e uso do habitat (bentônicos ou pelágicos) em três grupos distintos: (1) um grupo de peixes depressiformes, com forte pedúnculo caudal e nadadeiras peitorais alargadas; (2) um segundo grupo, compressiforme, com ampla boca protrusível, e (3) um terceiro grupo, fortemente achatado e com pequenas nadadeiras peitorais. Seis grupos tróficos foram organizados com base nas categorias de presas: Zooplanctívoros, Bentívoros, Omnívoros, Detritívoros, Macrocarnívoros e Insetívoros. Foram encontrados resultados significativos (PERMANOVA) entre os índices ecomorfológicos e o habitat e entre os índices ecomorfológicos e os grupos tróficos. Estes dados indicam que a similaridade ecomorfológica, que reflete o ambiente e o tipo de alimento consumido, facilitaria a coexistência desses peixes quando estes são abundantes neste estuário tropical.

Function and mechanism of PAR6 gene in the occurrence and development of tumor / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Cell polarity is a common feature of many different types of cells,and it is essential to the normal differentiation and function of cells. Partitioning defective 6( PAR6)gene encodes PAR6 protein, which is crucial to asymmetric cell division and polarized growth. PAR6 protein as a member of the PAR6 polarity complex,affects the synthetic of centrosome and protein recruitment to the centrosome. The abnormal number of centrosomal and the loss of cell polarity may eventually lead to the occurrence of tumor.

Diversidad genérica de Trichoptera (Insecta) en dos microcuencas del Páramo Rabanal (Cundinamarca-Boyacá, Colombia)

Generic diversity of Trichoptera (Insecta) of Paramo Rabanal (Cundinamarca-Boyacá, Colombia). Trichopterans are considered an important and diverse biotic element in continental aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the assemblages of the order Trichoptera in two subwatersheds with a gradient of disturbance. Four sampling events were conducted in two subwatersheds in the Eastern Mountain Range of the Colombian Andes. For the analysis we used rarefaction curves, Bray-Curtis’ Index and Partitioning Diversity and total richness and Shannon’s diversity as metrics. Although total richness was similar between both subwatersheds, abundance was always highest in streams within the conserved subwatershed. Each subwatershed was dominated by different genera, except Ochrotrichia, which was abundant at all sites. Alpha diversity was similar among streams in the conserved watershed, while a reduction in diversity potentially associated with the disturbance gradient was observed in streams of the disturbed subwatershed. Beta diversity (0D and ¹D) between subwatersheds and among conserved streams was similar, while in disturbed streams a similar gradient to that of alpha diversity was found. The similitude analysis clustered streams according to their conservation status. Differences found in trichopteran assemblages do confirm that the use of their attributes is adequate to assess the conservation status of stream ecosystems. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 2): 97-110. Epub 2014 April 01.

Los tricópteros son considerados un componente biótico importante y diverso de los ecosistemas acuáticos continentales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la comunidad del orden Trichoptera en dos microcuencas con diferente grado de perturbación. Se realizaron cuatro campañas de muestreo en dos microcuencas de la Cordillera Oriental de los Andes colombianos. Se realizaron análisis mediante curvas de rarefacción, el índice de Bray Curtis y partición de la diversidad, usando como medidas la riqueza y la diversidad de Shannon. Se encontró que, aunque la riqueza fue similar entre las dos microcuencas, la abundancia siempre fue mayor en los arroyos de la microcuenca conservada. En cada microcuenca dominaron géneros diferentes, excepto Ochrotrichia que fue abundante en todos los sitios. La diversidad alfa entre los arroyos de la microcuenca conservada fue similar, mientras que en la perturbada se observó una reducción de la diversidad asociada a un gradiente de perturbación de los arroyos. La diversidad beta (0D y ¹D) entre microcuencas y entre arroyos conservados fue similar, mientras que en los perturbados también mostró un gradiente similar al de la diversidad alfa. El análisis de similitud agrupó los arroyos según su estado de conservación. Las diferencias encontradas en los atributos de los comunidades de tricópteros confirman que su uso es adecuado para conocer el estado de conservación de los sistemas que habita.

Disentangling the influences of habitat structure and limnological predictors on stream fish communities of a coastal basin, southeastern Brazil

In stream environments habitat structure and limnological factors interact regulating patterns of energy and material transfer and affecting fish communities. In the coastal basins of Southeastern Brazil, limnological and structural characteristics differ between clear and blackwaters streams. The former have a diversity of substrate types, higher water velocities, and lower water conductivity, while the latter have sandy substrate, tea-colored and acidic waters, and low water velocities. In this study, we verified the relative importance of habitat structure and limnological variables in predicting patterns of variation in stream fish communities. Eight first to third order streams were sampled in the coastal plain of Itanhaém River basin. We captured 34 fish species and verified that community structure was influenced by physical habitat and limnology, being the former more important. A fraction of the variation could not be totally decomposed, and it was assigned to the joint influence of limnology and habitat structure. Some species that were restricted to blackwater streams, may have physiological and behavioral adaptations to deal with the lower pH levels. When we examined only the clearwater streams, all the explained variation in fish community composition was assigned to structural factors, which express specific preferences for different types of habitats. Em ambientes de riacho, fatores relacionados à estrutura dos habitats e limnologia interagem regulando os padrões de transferência de energia e matéria, afetando a composição da comunidade de peixes. Em bacias costeiras do sudeste do Brasil as características limnológicas e estrutura dos habitats diferem entre riachos de águas claras e pretas. Os primeiros são compostos por uma variedade de tipos de substrato, possuem velocidades de corrente mais elevadas e baixa condutividade, enquanto os últimos apresentam substrato arenoso, baixas velocidades de corrente e águas escuras e ácidas. Neste trabalho analisamos a importância relativa da estrutura dos habitats e das variáveis limnológicas como preditores dos padrões de composição em comunidades de peixes de riachos. Oito riachos de primeira a terceira ordem foram amostrados na planície costeira da bacia do rio Itanhaém. Capturamos 34 espécies e verificamos que a composição das comunidades foi influenciada por fatores estruturais e limnológicos, sendo os primeiros mais importantes. Uma fração de variação que não pode ser totalmente decomposta, deve-se à influência conjunta da limnologia e estrutura dos habitats. Algumas das espécies restritas aos riachos de águas pretas provavelmente apresentam adaptações fisiológicas e comportamentais para lidar com os baixos níveis de pH. Quando foram examinados somente os riachos de águas claras, toda a variação explicada na composição da comunidade de peixes foi atribuída aos fatores estruturais, devido a preferências específicas por diferentes características de hábitats.