ABSTRACT There is increasing evidence that bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) plays critical roles in regulating various stages of ovarian follicle development in mammals. However, the mechanisms of regulation of BMP6 in the chicken ovary remain unclear. In this study, mRNA and protein expression level of BMP6 in chicken ovarian follicles at different development stages were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot separately. Different concentrations of BMP6 protein and FSH were added to the culture medium, and the effects to proliferation of granulose cells were detected, further effect on expression pattern of progesterone synthesis associated genes were also analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting and the secretion of progesterone was detected by ELISA. The results showed that mRNA and protein expression level of BMP6 increased significantly in the follicle with the development of follicle (p<0.05) and reached a peak at F1 follicle. Adding concentration of 50ng/ml and 100ng/ml of BMP6 protein promoted significantly the proliferation of granulosa cells (p<0.05), as well as up-regulated the expression of Steroid hormone synthesis acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) genes in mRNA and protein level. Meanwhile, the secretion of progesterone was significantly higher in the group that added BMP6 and FSH separately than blank control group (p<0.05) and reached a peak in the group that both added BMP6 and FSH. Collectively, these findings highlight that BMP6 is associated with proliferation of follicular cells and the synthesis of progesterone, which indicated that it took an important role in the follicular development of chicken.

RESUMO: Estresses abióticos e baixo acúmulo de biomassa são as principais restrições para se atingir o potencial de rendimento de Leymus chinensis. Foi conduzido um experimento para melhorar a biomassa e a correlação de atributos de acúmulo de biomassa com pigmentos fotossintéticos, substâncias osmóticas e antioxidantes sob aplicação foliar de diferentes fitorreguladores. O experimento foi conduzido em Xilinguole, Mongólia Interior, China, usando um delineamento em blocos completamente casualizados com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de água (controle); BA5 = aplicação de BA (6-benzilaminopurina) a 5 mg L-1; BA25 = aplicação de BA a 25 mg L-1; BA50 = aplicação de BA a 50 mg L-1; BR0,02 = aplicação de BR (brassinosteroide) a 0,02 mg L-1; BR0,2 = aplicação de BR a 0,2 mg L-1; BR2 = aplicação de BR a 2 mg L-1; AG10 = aplicação de AG (ácido giberélico) a 10 mg L-1; AG50 = aplicação de AG a 50 mg L-1; e AG100 = aplicação de AG a 100 mg L-1. A aplicação de todos os fitorreguladores melhorou significativamente a biomassa, os ajustes osmóticos, os pigmentos fotossintéticos e as atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o controle. No entanto, os resultados mais promissores foram encontrados com a aplicação de BR a 0,2 mg L-1. As maiores atividades de clorofila a/b, glutationa e ascorbato peroxidase foram registradas com 25 mg L-1 BA. Em conclusão, 25 mg L-1 BA, 0,2 mg L-1 BR e 10 mg L-1 AG apresentaram resultados mais promissores que os de outras concentrações para os atributos avaliados.

ABSTRACT: Abiotic stresses and poor biomass accumulation are chief constraints to accomplish potential yield in Leymus chinensis. An experiment was conducted to improve biomass and correlation of biomass accumulating attributes with photosynthetic pigments, osmotic substances and antioxidants under foliar application of different plant growth substances. The experiment was conducted at inner Mongolia Xilinguole, China, using a Randomized Complete Block Design and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of water (control); BA5 = application of BA (6-benzylaminopurine) at 5 mg L-1; BA25 = application of BA at 25 mg L-1; BA50 = application of BA at 50 mg L-1; BR0.02 = application of BR (brassinosteroid) at 0.02 g L-1; BR0.2 = application of BR at 0.2 mg L 1; BR2 = application of BR at 2 mg L-1; GA10 = application of GA (gibberellic acid) at 10 mg L-1; GA50 = application of GA at 50 mg L-1 and GA100 = application of GA at 100 mg L-1. Application of all plant growth substances significantly improved biomass, osmotic adjustments, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activities compared to control. However, the most promising results were found with 0.2 mg L-1 BR. The highest chlorophyll a/b, glutathione and ascorbate peroxidase activities were recorded with 25 mg L-1 BA. Conclusively, 25 mg L-1 BA, 0.2 mg L-1 BR and 10 mg L-1 GA exhibited more promising results than other concentrations for the evaluated attributes.

Intestinal obstruction leads to blockage of the movement of intestinal contents. After relieving the obstruction, patients might still suffer with compromised immune function and nutritional deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Sijunzi decoction on restoring the immune function and nutritional status after relieving the obstruction. Experimental rabbits (2.5±0.2 kg) were randomly divided into normal control group, 2-day intestinal obstruction group, 2-day natural recovery group, 4-day natural recovery group, 2-day treated group, and 4-day treated group. Sijunzi decoction was given twice a day to the treated groups. The concentration of markers was analyzed to evaluate the immune function and nutritional status. The concentration of interleukin-2, immunoglobulins and complement components of the treated groups were significantly higher than the natural recovery group (P<0.05). The levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ increased then decreased in the treated groups. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and CD8+ were significantly lower than the natural recovery group. The level of total protein in the treated groups also increased then decreased after relieving the obstruction. The levels of albumin, prealbumin and insulin-like growth factor-1 were significantly higher in the treated groups than in the natural recovery group (P<0.05). Transferrin level in the treated groups was significantly higher than the obstruction group (P<0.05). Sijunzi decoction can lessen the inflammatory response and improve the nutrition absorption after relieving the obstruction.

This paper studies the crashworthiness characteristics of a fuselage section and its improvement. A full-scale three-dimensional finite element model of the fuselage section is developed using a nonlinear finite element code, PAM-CRASH. The simulation is implemented to determine the structural deformation and impact response in terms of peak loads and acceleration peaks at the floor-level, deformation mode, energy absorption, and structural integrity, and then to assess the crashworthiness of the fuselage section. By partitioning the total energy dissipated, it is shown that the frames and the supports of the cargo floor play important roles in the process of energy dissipation. Based on the results, an effective approach to improve the crashworthiness of the fuselage section is presented. The paper also provides an in-depth analysis in the deformation mechanism of the fuselage section under a vertical crash, which will be helpful to effectively prevent the cabin floor from heavily damage and maintain the integrity of the fuselage section.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-6 expression in the regeneration and repair process after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and the relationship with skeletal muscle regeneration and repair. METHODS: The expression of FGF-6 at different time points was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry staining after a downhill treadmill exercise. Skeletal muscle injury and regeneration at different times after EIMD was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. RESULTS: The FGF-6 protein expression was initially elevated, followed by a gradual reduction, while the changes of FGF-6 mRNA were almost all raised after the treadmill exercise. CONCLUSION: The results point out that FGF-6 is closely related to skeletal muscle regeneration and repair, probably implying a dual function in muscle regeneration.

OBJETIVO: Investigar los cambios de expresión del factor de crecimiento fibroblástico (FGF)-6 en el proceso de regeneración y reparación después de daño muscular inducido por el ejercicio (DMIE) y la relación con la reparación y regeneración del músculo esquelético. MÉTODOS: La expresión de FGF-6 en diferentes tiempos fue examinada mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa (RT-PCR) y tinción inmunohistoquímica, después de un ejercicio de carrera descendente en cinta rodante. La lesión del músculo esquelético y la regeneración en diferentes momentos después del DMIE, fueron evaluadas mediante hematoxilina y eosina (H & E). RESULTADOS: La expresión de la proteína FGF-6 fue elevada al principio, seguida por una reducción gradual, mientras que los cambios de FGF-6 mRNA fueron casi todos incrementados tras los ejercicios en la cinta rodante. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros resultados señalan que FGF-6 se relaciona estrechamente con la regeneración del músculo esquelético, lo que probablemente implica una función dual en la regeneración muscular.

We report a case of a 76-year old female presenting with symptomatic severe hypercalcaemia, and subsequently diagnosed with late onset SLE due to the presence of anaemia, leucopenia, antibodies of antinuclear (ANA), anti-dsDNA, and also kidney impairment. Serum levels of FGF23 and intact-parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were low in this patient. Serum calcium, FGF23 and iPTH levels responded to steroids, which occurred simultaneously with disease activity. On follow-up, the faster increase in FGF23 than in parathyroid hormone suggested that FGF23 might be involved in the pathogenesis of hypercalcaemia in SLE.

Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 76 años de edad que se presentó con hipercalcemia sintomática severa, y a la que posteriormente le fuera diagnosticada LES de inicio tardío con presencia de anemia, leucopenia, anticuerpos antinucleares (ANA), anti-dsDNA, e insuficiencia del riñón. Los niveles séricos del factor de crecimiento fibroblástico 23 (FGF23) y la hormona paratiroidea intacta (iPTH) fueron bajos en este paciente. Los niveles de calcio séricos, FGF23 e iPTH respondieron a los esteroides, que ocurrieron simultáneamente con la actividad de la enfermedad. En el seguimiento, el hecho de que el factor FGF23 aumentara más rápidamente que la hormona paratiroidea, sugiere que el FGF23 podría estar involucrado en la patogénesis de la hipercalcemia en LES.