日本血吸虫尾蚴头器、腺体及体被超微结构的观察

本文报告用扫描与透射电镜观察大陆品系日本血吸虫(Schistosoma japonicum)尾蚴的头器、膆体及体被的超微结构。 从不同角度扫描电镜观察日本血吸虫的尾蚴头器前端,见有5对钻腺的开口,开口的周围有围褶,围褶的外侧分布有7对无鞘单纤毛的感觉乳突,这些结构靠近头器的腹侧围成马蹄形,顶端为无棘区。作者综合有关图像重建日本血吸虫尾蚴头器表面结构的示意图,供参考。 日本血吸虫尾蚴的体被、头腺及钻腺与曼氏血吸虫尾蚴基本相似,但在前钻腺分泌小体我们另见有连续性条索状透明物,对它的形成及其性质进行了讨论。     

中国后生耳蕨组的孢子形态研究

对国产耳蕨属后生耳蕨组２６种的孢子形态进行了研究。结果表明,后生耳蕨组的孢子周壁纹饰可大致分为粗糙、翅状、脊状、穴状和网状６类。各种的周壁纹饰均有一定差异,同种的孢子形态较为稳定。从孢子形态特征看,支持Ｐｏｌｙｓｔｉｃｈｕｍ ｙｕｎｎａｎｅｎｓｅ Ｃｈｒｉｓｔ和Ｐｊｉｚｈｕｓｈａｎｅｎｓｅ Ｃｈｉｎｇ为独立的种。本文还结合其它特征,讨论了后生耳蕨组孢子形态的演化趋势,进而从孢粉学的角度推测本组线鳞     

广西咖啡树两种虎天牛的研究

咖啡是我区解放以后栽植的热带经济作物,随着栽植时间的增长和咖啡园林的形成,各种害虫相继繁殖孳生为害。据多年调查,已发现我区咖啡树上害虫约有50种,其中钻蛀性的虎天牛发生普遍,具有毁灭性。幼虫钻蛀为害后,轻者叶黄枝枯,产量锐减;重则主干折断而至整株枯死,颗粒无收。因此,寻求经济有效的防治措施是急待解决的任务。1958年以来,我们即开始进行了调查试验,近又有所补充,今将结果报道如下。     

Zn(2+) modulation of neuronal transient K(+) current: fast and selective binding to the deactivated channels

Modulation of voltage-dependent transient K(+) currents (A type K(+) or K(A) current) by Zn(2+) was studied in rat hippocampal neurons by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. It is found that Zn(2+) selectively binds to the resting (deactivated or closed) K(A) channels with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of approximately 3 &mgr;M, whereas the affinity between Zn(2+) and the inactivated K(A) channels is 1000-fold lower. Zn(2+) therefore produces a concentration-dependent shift of the K(A) channel inactivation curve and enhances the K(A) current elicited from relatively positive holding potentials. It is also found that the kinetics of Zn(2+) action are fast enough to compete with the transition rates between different gating states of the channel. The rapid and selective binding of Zn(2+) to the closed K(A) channels keeps the channel in the closed state and explains the ion's concentration-dependent slowing effect on the activation of K(A) current. This in turn accounts for the inhibitory effect of Zn(2+) on the K(A) current elicited from hyperpolarized holding potentials. Because the molecular mechanisms underlying these gating changes are kinetic interactions between the binding-unbinding of Zn(2+) and the intrinsic gating processes of the channel, the shift of the inactivation curve and slowing of K(A) channel activation are quantitatively correlated with ambient Zn(2+) over a wide concentration range without "saturation"; i.e., The effects are already manifest in micromolar Zn(2+), yet are not saturated even in millimolar Zn(2+). Because the physiological concentration of Zn(2+) could vary over a similarly wide range according to neural activities, Zn(2+) may be a faithful physiological "fine tuner," controlling and controlled by neural activities through its effect on the K(A) current.     

近40年艾比湖湿地自然保护区生态干扰度时空动态及景观格局变化

以新疆艾比湖湿地为研究区,利用1972、1998、2007年及2013年4个时期的Landsat遥感影像作为数据源,并结合湿地的土地覆被状况,参考《全国土地利用分类》建立艾比湖湿地生态干扰类型分类系统。借助生态干扰度指数、景观格局指数以及GIS空间分析方法,探讨艾比湖湿地的生态干扰度的时空动态及景观响应机制。结果表明:(1)1972—2013年,研究区的生态干扰度总体呈现较为稳定的趋势,但其空间分布发生变化。生态干扰度类型之间的转化速率有加快的趋势。(2)1972—2013年,边缘密度指数(ED),平均形状指数(MSI),面积加权的平均斑块分形指数(AWMPFD)及景观分离度(DIVISION)4项景观格局指数大体呈上升的趋势,2013年区域的景观指数较为稳定。(3)景观格局指数与生态干扰程度有密切的一致性。生态干扰度与景观格局指数空间分布相关性大小依次为:边缘密度指数(ED)景观丰度密度(PRD)香农多样性指数(SHDI)平均形状指数(MSI)面积加权的平均斑块分形指数(AWMPFD)景观分离度(DIVISION)。客观系统的认识和评价艾比湖湿地的生态系统及环境,可为干旱区实现自然环境的保护,协调土地利用及环境保护之间的关系提供较为实用的参考。     

The reclassification of Lycopodiaceae (s. str.) in China

The fern-allied family Lycopodiaceae(s. str. ) in China is reclassified in the present paper. Six genera, fifteen species and three forms are recorded. The genus Pseudolycopodiella Holub (1983) is adopted, one new name, Lycopodium neopungens H. S. Kung et L. B. Zhang, is given to replace the invalid name L. pungens Desv., one new form is described: Palhinhaea hainanensis C. Y. Yang f. glabra H. S. Kung et L. B. Zhang, and nine names are treated for the first time as synonyms: L. annotinum L. var. brevifolium Christ( = L. zonatum Ching), L. annotinum L. var. aciculare Christ( = L. zonatum Ching), L. alticola Ching( = L. zonatum Ching), L. simulans Ching et H. S. Kung ex Ching( = L. japonicum Thunb. ex Murray), L. interjectum Ching et H. S. Kung ex Ching( = L. japonicum Thunb. ex Murray), L. taliense Ching(＝L. japonicum Thunb. ex Murray), L. pseudoclavatum Ching( = L. japonicm Thunb. ex Murray.), L. pseudoclavatum Ching var. yunnanense Ching( = L. japonicum Thunb. ex Murray), and L. centro-chinense Ching( = L. japonicum Thunb. ex Murray). The distribution of all the taxa is also given. Additionally, some taxonomic discussions are made and it is considered that there is no Diphasiastrum wightianum (Wall. ex Grev. et Hook. ) Holub( = Lycopodium wightianum Wall. ex Grev.et Hook. ) in the flora.     

Genetic variation in TIMP1 but not MMPs predict excess FEV1 decline in two general population-based cohorts

Background

An imbalance in Matrix MetalloProteases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) contributes to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) development. Longitudinal studies investigating Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in MMPs and TIMPs with respect to COPD development and lung function decline in the general population are lacking.

Methods

We genotyped SNPs in MMP1 (G-1607GG), MMP2 (-1306 C/T), MMP9 (3 tagging SNPs), MMP12 (A-82G and Asn357Ser) and TIMP1 (Phe124Phe and Ile158Ile) in 1390 Caucasians with multiple FEV₁ measurements from a prospective cohort study in the general population. FEV₁ decline was analyzed using linear mixed effect models adjusted for confounders. Analyses of the X-chromosomal TIMP1 gene were stratified according to sex. All significant associations were repeated in an independent general population cohort (n = 1152).

Results

MMP2 -1306 TT genotype carriers had excess FEV₁ decline (-4.0 ml/yr, p = 0.03) compared to wild type carriers. TIMP1 Ile158Ile predicted significant excess FEV₁ decline in both males and females. TIMP1 Phe124Phe predicted significant excess FEV₁ decline in males only, which was replicated (p = 0.10) in the second cohort. The MMP2 and TIMP1 Ile158Ile associations were not replicated. Although power was limited, we did not find associations with COPD development.

Conclusions

We for the first time show that TIMP1 Phe124Phe contributes to excess FEV₁ decline in two independent prospective cohorts, albeit not quite reaching conventional statistical significance in the replication cohort. SNPs in MMPs evidently do not contribute to FEV₁ decline in the general population.     

A tetravalent dengue nanoparticle stimulates antibody production in mice

Background

Dengue is a major public health problem worldwide, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Infection with a single Dengue virus (DENV) serotype causes a mild, self-limiting febrile illness called dengue fever. However, a subset of patients experiencing secondary infection with a different serotype progresses to the severe form of the disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral drugs to prevent or treat dengue infections. Biodegradable nanoparticles coated with proteins represent a promising method for in vivo delivery of vaccines.

Findings

Here, we used a murine model to evaluate the IgG production after administration of inactivated DENV corresponding to all four serotypes adsorbed to bovine serum albumin nanoparticles. This formulation induced a production of anti-DENV IgG antibodies (p < 0.001). However, plaque reduction neutralization assays with the four DENV serotypes revealed that these antibodies have no neutralizing activity in the dilutions tested.

Conclusions

Our results show that while the nanoparticle system induces humoral responses against DENV, further investigation with different DENV antigens will be required to improve immunogenicity, epitope specicity, and functional activity to make this platform a viable option for DENV vaccines.     

Distribution and natural infection status of synantrophic triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi,reveals new epidemiological scenarios for chagas disease in the Highlands of Colombia

IntroductionUpdating the distribution and natural infection status of triatomine bugs is critical for planning, prioritizing, and implementing strategies to control Chagas disease (CD), especially after vector reduction programs. After carrying out a control program, the Department of Boyaca contains the highest number of Colombian municipalities certified by PAHO to be free of intradomiciliary transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi by Rhodnius prolixus. The present work describes the spatial distribution, natural infection (NI), and molecular characterization of T. cruzi in synanthropic triatomines from the Department of Boyaca in 2017 and 2018.Materials and methodsAn entomological survey was conducted in 52 municipalities in Boyaca known to have had previous infestations of triatomine bugs. Insects were collected through active searches carried out by technical personnel from the Secretary of Health and community members using Triatomine Collection Stations (PITs-acronym in Spanish). For evaluation of natural infection, triatomines were identified morphologically and grouped in pools of one to five individuals of the same species collected in the same household. DNA derived from the feces of each pool of insects was analyzed by PCR for the presence of T. cruzi using primers flanking the satellite DNA of the parasite. SL-IR primers were used to differentiate TCI from the other DTUs and to identify different genotypes. The distribution of the collected triatomines was analyzed to determine any vector hotspots using spatial recreation.ResultsA total of 670 triatomine bugs was collected, belonging to five species: Triatoma dimidiata (73.2%), Triatoma venosa (16.7%), Panstrongylus geniculatus (5.7%), Rhodnius prolixus (4.4%), and Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus (0.4%), from 29 of the 52 municipalities. In total, 71.6% of the bugs were collected within houses (intradomiciliary) and the rest around the houses (peridomiciliary). Triatoma dimidiata was the most widely distributed species and had the highest natural infection index (37.8%), followed by T. venosa and P. geniculatus. TcI was the only DTU found, with the TcI Dom genotype identified in 80% of positive samples and TcI sylvatic in the other insects. Spatial analysis showed clusters of T. dimidiata and T. venosa in the northeast and southwest regions of Boyaca.ConclusionsAfter some municipalities were certified free of natural transmission within houses (intradomiciliary transmission) of T. cruzi by R. prolixus, T. dimidiata has become the most prevalent vector present, and represents a significant risk of resurgent CD transmission. However, T. venosa, P. geniculatus, and P. rufotuberculatus also contribute to the increased risk of transmission. The presence of residual R. prolixus may undo the successes achieved through vector elimination programs. The molecular and spatial analysis used here allows us to identify areas with an ongoing threat of parasite transmission and improve entomological surveillance strategies.