Abstract The objective of this work was to establish and validate the dry matter distribution and yield prediction models based on physiological developmental timing, to compare the differences between the dry mass distribution index model and the dry mass distribution coefficient model, for the simulation of ear dry mass and to improve the accuracy of maize growth models for predicting yield. The experiments were conducted in three tropical sites (Longchuan, Mangshi, and Ruili) in the tropical region of Yunnan Province, China. The NRMS of ear dry mass and yield were generally less than 10. The dry mass distribution index method (NRMS = 5.44% and RMSE = 807.22 kg ha-1 for ear dry mass; and NRMS = 7.32% and RMSE = 707.67 kg ha-1 for grain yield) is better than the dry mass distribution coefficient method (NRMS = 7.52% and RMSE = 1115.31 kg ha-1 for ear dry mass; NRMS = 8.6% and RMSE = 830.76 kgha-1 for grain yield) to simulate maize ear dry mass and grain yield. The distribution index model improves the accuracy of the model, which is valuable for future maize production and management in Yunnan.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer e validar um modelo de previsão de distribuição de massa de matéria seca e de rendimento, com base no tempo de desenvolvimento fisiológico, para comparar as diferenças entre o modelo de índice de distribuição de matéria seca e o modelo de coeficiente de distribuição de matéria seca, para a simulação da massa de matéria seca da espiga e para melhorar a precisão de modelos de crescimento do milho para a previsão de rendimento. Os experimentos foram realizados em três locais (Longchuan, Mangshi e Ruili), na região tropical da província de Yunnan, China. O NRMS da massa de matéria seca e o rendimento da espiga foram geralmente menores que 10. O método do índice de distribuição da massa de matéria seca (NRMS = 5,44% e RMSE = 807,22 kg ha-1 para massa de matéria seca da espiga; e o NRMS = 7,32% e RMSE = 707,67 kg ha-1 para rendimento de grãos) é melhor do que o método do coeficiente de distribuição de massa de matéria seca (NRMS = 7,52% e RMSE = 1115,31 kg ha-1 para massa de matéria seca de espiga; NRMS = 8,6% e RMSE = 830,76 kg ha-1 para rendimento de grãos) para a simulação da massa de matéria seca de espiga e o rendimento de grãos de milho. O modelo do índice de distribuição melhora a precisão do modelo, o que é valioso para o futura produção de milho e seu manejo em Yunnan.

Abstract To investigate the effect of corosolic acid treatment on erectile function in metabolic syndrome induced rat model. Fifty male 3-week-old SD rats were fed a high fat and high sugar diet. Six months later, metabolic variables were determined. Metabolic syndrome induced erectile function (MED) rats were confirmed by an apomorphine test. Then MED rats were treated with corosolic acid daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. To evaluate erectile function, intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) ratio was measured. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and dihydroethidium staining were used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Protein expressions of gp91phox and eNOS were examined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol and insulin were markedly increased in metabolic syndrome rats compared with those of the control rats (p < 0.05). The ratios of max ICP/MAP and area under curve (AUC)/MAP was markedly reduced in MED rats compared with the control rats (p < 0.05). The concentration of cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (cGMP) and the expression of eNOS were significantly decreased in MED rats compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, ROS level and the expression of gp91phox were significantly increased in MED rats. Treatment with corosolic acid reversed these changes (each p < 0.05). Corosolic acid reduces the level of ROS, ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and improvement of erectile function in MED rats.

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to explore promoting effect of external applying Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) on fractures. For this analysis 18 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control group, splintage group and PNS group. All rabbits were performed left radius fractures and natural healing, splintage healing and splintage coated with PNS healing. 2 rabbits in each group were sacrificed on day 14, day 28 and day 42 after surgery, separately. Atomic force microscope scanning and nanoindentation tests were performed on the callus sections. The particle size and roughness in PNS group was both less than that in splintage group. The elastic modulus of callus in PNS group was consistent with normal bone tissue started from day 28 after surgery, two weeks earlier than that in splintage group. PNS could significantly reduce fracture healing time and increase strength of callus.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación externa de Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) en fracturas óseas. Se usaron 18 conejos machos de raza Nueva Zelanda divididos en grupos control, entablillado y PNS. Se realizaron fracturas del radio izquierdo y cicatrización natural en todos los animales, además de la cicatrización con entablillado y entablillado recubierto con PNS. Se sacrificaron, posterior a la cirugía, dos conejos de cada grupo los día 14, 28 y 42. Se realizaron pruebas de escaneo con microscopio de fuerza atómica y nanoindentación en las secciones de callos. El tamaño de la partícula y la rugosidad en el grupo de PNS fue menor que en el grupo entablillado. El módulo elástico del callo en el grupo de PNS fue consistente con el tejido óseo normal iniciado el día 28 después de la cirugía, dos semanas antes que en el grupo de entablillado. El PNS podría redu- cir significativamente el tiempo de curación de la fractura y aumentar la fuerza del callo.

Abstract The mechanisms by which GnIH regulates the steroid synthesis pathway in duck granulosa cells remain poorly understood. In this study, we measured steroid hormone secretion by ELISA and reproduction-associated gene expression by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) in duck granulosa cells treated with different concentrations of GnIH (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL) for 24 h. The genome-wide expression profiles of GnIH-treated cells (0 and 10 ng/mL) were evaluated by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Compared with untreated cells, the secretion of the steroid hormones E2, E1, P4, and T was downregulated, with that of E1 and P4 reaching statistical significance (P<0.05); in contrast, the secretion of ACV and INH was significantly upregulated (P<0.05) after treatment with 10 and 100 ng/mL GnIH. The expression of encoding steroidogenic proteins and enzymes genes (STAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, and 3-β-HSD) and encoding gonadotropin receptors genes (FSHR, LHR) were significantly declined (P<0.05) in the 10 and 100 ng/mL GnIH treatments. Transcriptome sequencing identified 348 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 253 upregulated and 95 downregulated genes. The DEGs were mainly involved in cell growth and death, immune response, and steroid biosynthesis pathways. We identified four novel DEGs (MROH5, LOC113840576, SDR42E1, and LOC113841457) with key roles in the regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis. Our study revealed changes in gonadal steroid hormone secretion and steroid biosynthesis pathway-related gene expression in duck granulosa cells under the inhibitory effect of GnIH. These data contribute to our understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction in ducks.

Abstract Background Deinagkistrodon acutus envenomation is associated with severe hematological and wound complications but is rarely described. Case presentation Herein, we report three cases of victims bitten by D. acutus and indicate that rapid-onset severe coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia are distinct features of D. acutus snakebite, which are not observed in other crotaline snakebites (i.e., Trimeresurus stejnegeri and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus) in Taiwan. The toxic effects could occur as early as 2 to 3 h following D. acutus envenomation and persist if the administration of specific antivenom is delayed or even not commenced. Based on our findings, 2 to 4 vials of specific antivenom as the first dose should be administered to victims and repeated at 6 to 8 h intervals if coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia persists. Fresh frozen plasma or platelet replacement is probably safe as an adjunct therapy for D. acutus bite in the presence of venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy. Conclusion Severe coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia could occur as early as 2 to 3 h after D. acutus envenomation. The current recommendation for antivenom is 2 to 4 vials as the first dose and repeated every 6– to 8 h if coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia persists. These cases studied may be helpful to first-line medical personnel in the early diagnosis and management of D. acutus envenomation among other crotaline snakebites in Taiwan.

Se presenta la estructura de la nueva red de registro sismológico cubana, haciendo énfasis en su actualización tecnológica y detallando los elementos que conforman las redes de banda ancha, corto periodo y acelerométricas. Se especifican las características técnicas de los instrumentos utilizados, calibración de los canales sismográficos, instalación, interconexión y puesta a punto de las redes de registro. Finalmente se muestran ejemplos de terremotos registrados por la red sísmica cubana.

The main structure of the new Cuban seismic network is presented, emphasizing on the technological update and detailing the elements which are part of the broadband, short period and strong motion networks. Technical specifications of the instruments, seismometers calibration, installation, networking and tuning are specified. Finally, some examples of earthquakes recorded by this network are presented.

Raman spectroscopy was applied to different-impurities-doped 6H-SiC crystals. It had been found that the first-order Raman spectra of N-, Al- and B-doped 6H-SiC were shifted to higher frequency when comparing with undoped samples. However, the first-order Raman spectra of V-doped sample was shifted to lower frequency, revealing that there existed low free carrier concentration, which might be induced by the deep energy level effect of V impurity. Meanwhile, the second-order Raman spectra are independent of polytype and impurity type.

Background: Based on the conserved sequences of a known NBS resistance gene, a pair of degenerate primers was designed to amplify the NBS-LRR resistance gene from peanut using PCR and RACE methods. Results: Analyzing the amino acid sequence by BLAST on NCBI, which was deduced from the 1088bp-long gene named PnAG1-2, showed that it had a certain homology with some resistance proteins, among which Arachis cardenasii resistance protein gene had the highest homology (66%). Relative quantification PCR analysis indicated that PnAG1-2 gene expresses more in J11 (an A. flavus-resistant variety) than in JH1012 (an A. flavus-susceptible variety) when the harvest time was coming. Conclusions: In this study, the NBS-LRR resistance sequence was successfully cloned from peanut and prokaryotic expression was done on the gene, which provided a foundation for cultivating anti-A. flavus peanut varieties.