The term allelopathy refers to biochemical interaction between all types of plants including microorganisms through production of chemical compounds that escape into the environment and exist widely in Quercus L. The ...The term allelopathy refers to biochemical interaction between all types of plants including microorganisms through production of chemical compounds that escape into the environment and exist widely in Quercus L. The development of investigations into types of allelochemicals, their compounding and spreading pathways, as well as expression of allelopathy in Quercus L. are reviewed in this paper： We have closely and systematically emphasized the functional mechanisms of allelopathy in forest plants for our next research project on allelopathy in Quercus L.展开更多
Acorn production in oaks(Quercus spp.)shows considerable inter-annual variation,known as masting.The effects of pollen sourced from trees within or outside the stand on acorn production were investigated in pedunculat...Acorn production in oaks(Quercus spp.)shows considerable inter-annual variation,known as masting.The effects of pollen sourced from trees within or outside the stand on acorn production were investigated in pedunculate oak(Quercus robur L.)in an ancient mixed woodland during two moderate masting years.Comparisons were made between natural pollination,hand pollinations with out-of-stand pollen,in-stand pollen or a 1:1 combination of the two pollen sources,and for bagged flowers left unpollinated.After all treatments,>85%of the flowers or developing acorns were aborted between May and August of both years.When flowers were protected with pollen bags and no pollen added,no acorns were produced.In contrast,hand pollination with out-of-stand pollen produced the most acorns both years and significantly more than within-stand pollen or natural pollination in 2022.Hand pollination with out-of-stand or within-stand pollen provided significantly more acorns than natural pollination in 2023.In 2022,hand pollination with a 1:1 mixture of out-of-stand and within-stand pollen yielded an intermediate number of mature acorns between those for the out-of-stand and within-stand pollination treatments.The study provides clear evidence of maternal choice during acorn development in pedunculate oak and of the benefits of pollen supplementation.It also confirms that pedunculate oak is a fruit-maturation masting species;abortion of pollinated flowers and immature acorns determines a mast year(rather than the number of flowers produced)at this site.展开更多
The nervous system function requires a precise but plastic neural architecture.The neuronal shape dictates how neurons interact with each other and with other cells,being the morphology of dendrites and axons the cent...The nervous system function requires a precise but plastic neural architecture.The neuronal shape dictates how neurons interact with each other and with other cells,being the morphology of dendrites and axons the central determinant of the functional properties of neurons and neural circuits.The topological and structural morphology of axons and dendrites defines and determines how synapses are conformed.The morphological diversity of axon and dendrite arborization governs the neuron’s inputs,synaptic integration,neuronal computation,signal transmission,and network circuitry,hence defining the particular connectivity and function of the different brain areas.展开更多
Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to i...Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to its therapeutic properties,but its exact role and molecular mechanisms in treatment of reproductive dysfunction remain unclear.Methods:During this study,36 rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=6):control,CYP-induced(60 mg/kg),standard(leuprolide 3 mg/kg)and three treatment groups receiving aqueous,ethanolic,and oil extracts(50 mg/kg or 20 mL/kg)for post-toxicity induction.Results:The finding represented that exposure of CYP significantly increased oxidative stress,disrupted testicular architecture,and markedly reduced testosterone levels(P<0.05).Importantly,Crocus sativus L.treatment alleviated these changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and enhancing testicular histomorphology.Surprisingly,molecular docking established a high binding affinity of Crocus sativus L.phytoconstituents such as gallic acid,cinnamic acid and quercetin to the Nrf2-Keap1 complex.It is worth noting that,Crocus sativus L.exhibited a high level of protection against reproductive toxicity caused by CYP in male rats,which was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 pathway,reduction of oxidative damage,and favorable ADMET characteristics.Conclusion:Notably,this research provides a more valid,safe,and effective method of developing new drugs for reproductive disorders,however,further investigation is needed to support the research findings and implement it in clinical practice.展开更多
In the words of the late Sir Colin Blakemore,neurologists have historically sought to infer brain functions in a manner akin to to king a hammer to a computeranalyzing localized anatomical lesions caused by trauma,tum...In the words of the late Sir Colin Blakemore,neurologists have historically sought to infer brain functions in a manner akin to to king a hammer to a computeranalyzing localized anatomical lesions caused by trauma,tumors,or strokes,noting deficits,and inferring what functions certain brain regions may be responsible for.This approach exemplifies a deletion heuristic,where the absence of a specific function reveals insights about the underlying structures or mechanisms responsible for it.By observing what is lost when a particular brain region is damaged,throughout the history of the field,neurologists have pieced together the intricate relationship between anatomy and function.展开更多
Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury,a severe form of spinal cord damage,can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction.This injury often occurs after traumatic events,spinal cord surgeries,or thoracoabdominal aortic su...Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury,a severe form of spinal cord damage,can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction.This injury often occurs after traumatic events,spinal cord surgeries,or thoracoabdominal aortic surgeries.The unpredictable nature of this condition,combined with limited treatment options,poses a significant burden on patients,their families,and society.Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury leads to reduced neuronal regenerative capacity and complex pathological processes.In contrast,mitophagy is crucial for degrading damaged mitochondria,thereby supporting neuronal metabolism and energy supply.However,while moderate mitophagy can be beneficial in the context of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury,excessive mitophagy may be detrimental.Therefore,this review aims to investigate the potential mechanisms and regulators of mitophagy involved in the pathological processes of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in mitophagy related to spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and clarify its potential clinical applications.展开更多
The spatial distribution and population dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis Koidz., Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance and Acer mono Maxim. were studied in three warm temperate deciduous forests in Dongling Mountain, Beijing....The spatial distribution and population dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis Koidz., Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance and Acer mono Maxim. were studied in three warm temperate deciduous forests in Dongling Mountain, Beijing. Clumped distributions appeared in most seedlings (≤0.4 m), short saplings (0.4-1 m) and tall saplings (1-2 m). Random distributions appeared in adults of Q. liaotungensis in Plot 1, F. rhynchophylla in Plot 3. The LSD method was used to discern the differences of different aged population. The class distribution of Q. liaotungensis was nearly a reverse-J shape for Plot 1 and Plot 3, suggesting that the population regenerates continuously. The age-structures of F. rhynchophylla and A. mono in Plot 1 and the test results indicated that they would increase continuously. In Plot 2, the class distribution and the test results showed that all populations would not regenerate continuously.展开更多
The seed shadow of oak ( Quercus liaotungensis Koidz.) was investigated in a broad_leaved deciduous forest in Dongling Mountain in 1997. The seed rain patterns under oak tree crown for three out of four oak trees fit...The seed shadow of oak ( Quercus liaotungensis Koidz.) was investigated in a broad_leaved deciduous forest in Dongling Mountain in 1997. The seed rain patterns under oak tree crown for three out of four oak trees fit quadratic distribution, with high coefficients of determination. For each of the four trees selected in this study the seed rain size estimated from the viable acorns collected from the traps deployed under the crown was low, ranging from 26 to 259. For each of the four oak trees, the average density of the seed rain under oak tree crown ranged from 0.76 to 7.26 seeds/m 2. The average seed rain density estimated from the acorns in the traps deployed randomly in the field was 1.57 seeds/m 2. After all viable acorns fell, the acorn ground density estimated from the acorns in the quadrats was 0.13 seeds/m 2, but no viable acorns were found on the ground under the tree crown of the four oak trees, although the area under the crown was over 5 folds than the area of the combined quadrats. These results indicated that a large number of acorns was removed or predated by vertebrates once the acorns fell on the ground and acorns predation was more intensive in the sites directly under the parent trees than the sites away from the parent trees; this supports the distance_dependent hypothesis. Of the total acorns of all four oak trees, the viable acorns only accounted for 18.1%, and 17.8% for acorns infected by insect larvae, 12.1% for immature acorns, 3.6% for decayed acorns, and the acorns predated by rodent directly in the crown was the highest, accounting for 48.4%. The proportion of acorns predated by animals including vertebrates and invertebrates amounts up to 78.3%, indicating that acorn predation by animals is a limiting factor affecting acorn survival before seed dispersal. The sustained time of viable acorn fall ranged from September 8 to October 3 for the four oak trees, with the peak between 16th and 26th September. The number of acorns was not significantly different among the four directions around the trunk base.展开更多
Leaf litter decomposition of liaotong oak (Quercus liaotungensis Koize) under temperate, subtropical and tropical forests was examined using a litter bag technique. Decomposition rates and release dynamics of nutrient...Leaf litter decomposition of liaotong oak (Quercus liaotungensis Koize) under temperate, subtropical and tropical forests was examined using a litter bag technique. Decomposition rates and release dynamics of nutrients Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and P were observed separately at all three sites for I to 2 a periods. The leaf litter mass loss of liaotong oak was simulated with Olson's exponential model. Significant differences of leaf litter mass loss were found in forests of all three climate zones. Litter decomposition was accelerated with the increase of both annual mean precipitation and temperature. Our results agreed with other studies demonstrating that litter decomposition processes were greatly affected not only by soil organisms (including soil fauna and microorganisms), but also by chemical factors. These chemical factors were important for controlling the release of nutrients, especially elements of Fe and Mn. We also found that Fe and Mn content increased in semi-decayed leaf litter as litter mass decreased. This result was presumably due to chelating process which accumulated soil Fe and Mn ions into the decomposing litter. In conclusion, our study allowed us to determine the classification of the characteristics of different nutrient release patterns.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to compare the content changes between the non-structural carbohydrates（NSC）and the total nitrogen in various growing seasons,and to explore the response relationship between altitude and the...[Objective] The aim was to compare the content changes between the non-structural carbohydrates（NSC）and the total nitrogen in various growing seasons,and to explore the response relationship between altitude and the contents.[Method] Taking Quercus aquifolioides scrub which widely distributed in Zheduoshan in the west of Sichuan as the experimental objects,the changes between NSC and the toal nitrogen in various growing seasons at different altitude were studied.[Result] The results showed that the content of NSC in Quercus aquifolioides underground increased with the lift of elevation in the dormancy,but decreased in the early germination,growing period and growth stage.The content of NSC in the ground tissue changed non-linearly with increasing elevation.In addition,the total nitrogen of Quercus aquifolioides organizations was decreasing with increasing elevation in the dormant period,which did not change significantly in the other periods.This result implied that the content of NSC in Quercus aquifolioides underground was more sensitive to temperature.[Conclusion] The experiment laid basis for the exploration of the physical and ecological mechanism of underground plants adaptability to highland environment,their response to global climate changes and adjustment to high altitude ecological system.展开更多
文摘The term allelopathy refers to biochemical interaction between all types of plants including microorganisms through production of chemical compounds that escape into the environment and exist widely in Quercus L. The development of investigations into types of allelochemicals, their compounding and spreading pathways, as well as expression of allelopathy in Quercus L. are reviewed in this paper： We have closely and systematically emphasized the functional mechanisms of allelopathy in forest plants for our next research project on allelopathy in Quercus L.
基金supported by Future Trees TrustThe Patsy Wood Trust+2 种基金Scottish Forestry TrustAitchinson Tait TrustAction Oak
文摘Acorn production in oaks(Quercus spp.)shows considerable inter-annual variation,known as masting.The effects of pollen sourced from trees within or outside the stand on acorn production were investigated in pedunculate oak(Quercus robur L.)in an ancient mixed woodland during two moderate masting years.Comparisons were made between natural pollination,hand pollinations with out-of-stand pollen,in-stand pollen or a 1:1 combination of the two pollen sources,and for bagged flowers left unpollinated.After all treatments,>85%of the flowers or developing acorns were aborted between May and August of both years.When flowers were protected with pollen bags and no pollen added,no acorns were produced.In contrast,hand pollination with out-of-stand pollen produced the most acorns both years and significantly more than within-stand pollen or natural pollination in 2022.Hand pollination with out-of-stand or within-stand pollen provided significantly more acorns than natural pollination in 2023.In 2022,hand pollination with a 1:1 mixture of out-of-stand and within-stand pollen yielded an intermediate number of mature acorns between those for the out-of-stand and within-stand pollination treatments.The study provides clear evidence of maternal choice during acorn development in pedunculate oak and of the benefits of pollen supplementation.It also confirms that pedunculate oak is a fruit-maturation masting species;abortion of pollinated flowers and immature acorns determines a mast year(rather than the number of flowers produced)at this site.
基金supported by the Wellcome Trust(grant No.103852).
文摘The nervous system function requires a precise but plastic neural architecture.The neuronal shape dictates how neurons interact with each other and with other cells,being the morphology of dendrites and axons the central determinant of the functional properties of neurons and neural circuits.The topological and structural morphology of axons and dendrites defines and determines how synapses are conformed.The morphological diversity of axon and dendrite arborization governs the neuron’s inputs,synaptic integration,neuronal computation,signal transmission,and network circuitry,hence defining the particular connectivity and function of the different brain areas.
文摘Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to its therapeutic properties,but its exact role and molecular mechanisms in treatment of reproductive dysfunction remain unclear.Methods:During this study,36 rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=6):control,CYP-induced(60 mg/kg),standard(leuprolide 3 mg/kg)and three treatment groups receiving aqueous,ethanolic,and oil extracts(50 mg/kg or 20 mL/kg)for post-toxicity induction.Results:The finding represented that exposure of CYP significantly increased oxidative stress,disrupted testicular architecture,and markedly reduced testosterone levels(P<0.05).Importantly,Crocus sativus L.treatment alleviated these changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and enhancing testicular histomorphology.Surprisingly,molecular docking established a high binding affinity of Crocus sativus L.phytoconstituents such as gallic acid,cinnamic acid and quercetin to the Nrf2-Keap1 complex.It is worth noting that,Crocus sativus L.exhibited a high level of protection against reproductive toxicity caused by CYP in male rats,which was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 pathway,reduction of oxidative damage,and favorable ADMET characteristics.Conclusion:Notably,this research provides a more valid,safe,and effective method of developing new drugs for reproductive disorders,however,further investigation is needed to support the research findings and implement it in clinical practice.
文摘In the words of the late Sir Colin Blakemore,neurologists have historically sought to infer brain functions in a manner akin to to king a hammer to a computeranalyzing localized anatomical lesions caused by trauma,tumors,or strokes,noting deficits,and inferring what functions certain brain regions may be responsible for.This approach exemplifies a deletion heuristic,where the absence of a specific function reveals insights about the underlying structures or mechanisms responsible for it.By observing what is lost when a particular brain region is damaged,throughout the history of the field,neurologists have pieced together the intricate relationship between anatomy and function.
基金supported by Cuiying Scientific and Technological Innovation Program of Second Hospital of Lanzhou University,Nos.CY2023-QN-B18(to YD),2020QN-16(to YZ)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province,No.22JR11RA082(to YZ)Key R&D Plan of Gansu Provincial Department of Science and Technology-Social Development Projects,No.23YFFA0043(to XK).
文摘Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury,a severe form of spinal cord damage,can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction.This injury often occurs after traumatic events,spinal cord surgeries,or thoracoabdominal aortic surgeries.The unpredictable nature of this condition,combined with limited treatment options,poses a significant burden on patients,their families,and society.Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury leads to reduced neuronal regenerative capacity and complex pathological processes.In contrast,mitophagy is crucial for degrading damaged mitochondria,thereby supporting neuronal metabolism and energy supply.However,while moderate mitophagy can be beneficial in the context of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury,excessive mitophagy may be detrimental.Therefore,this review aims to investigate the potential mechanisms and regulators of mitophagy involved in the pathological processes of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in mitophagy related to spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and clarify its potential clinical applications.
文摘The spatial distribution and population dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis Koidz., Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance and Acer mono Maxim. were studied in three warm temperate deciduous forests in Dongling Mountain, Beijing. Clumped distributions appeared in most seedlings (≤0.4 m), short saplings (0.4-1 m) and tall saplings (1-2 m). Random distributions appeared in adults of Q. liaotungensis in Plot 1, F. rhynchophylla in Plot 3. The LSD method was used to discern the differences of different aged population. The class distribution of Q. liaotungensis was nearly a reverse-J shape for Plot 1 and Plot 3, suggesting that the population regenerates continuously. The age-structures of F. rhynchophylla and A. mono in Plot 1 and the test results indicated that they would increase continuously. In Plot 2, the class distribution and the test results showed that all populations would not regenerate continuously.
文摘The seed shadow of oak ( Quercus liaotungensis Koidz.) was investigated in a broad_leaved deciduous forest in Dongling Mountain in 1997. The seed rain patterns under oak tree crown for three out of four oak trees fit quadratic distribution, with high coefficients of determination. For each of the four trees selected in this study the seed rain size estimated from the viable acorns collected from the traps deployed under the crown was low, ranging from 26 to 259. For each of the four oak trees, the average density of the seed rain under oak tree crown ranged from 0.76 to 7.26 seeds/m 2. The average seed rain density estimated from the acorns in the traps deployed randomly in the field was 1.57 seeds/m 2. After all viable acorns fell, the acorn ground density estimated from the acorns in the quadrats was 0.13 seeds/m 2, but no viable acorns were found on the ground under the tree crown of the four oak trees, although the area under the crown was over 5 folds than the area of the combined quadrats. These results indicated that a large number of acorns was removed or predated by vertebrates once the acorns fell on the ground and acorns predation was more intensive in the sites directly under the parent trees than the sites away from the parent trees; this supports the distance_dependent hypothesis. Of the total acorns of all four oak trees, the viable acorns only accounted for 18.1%, and 17.8% for acorns infected by insect larvae, 12.1% for immature acorns, 3.6% for decayed acorns, and the acorns predated by rodent directly in the crown was the highest, accounting for 48.4%. The proportion of acorns predated by animals including vertebrates and invertebrates amounts up to 78.3%, indicating that acorn predation by animals is a limiting factor affecting acorn survival before seed dispersal. The sustained time of viable acorn fall ranged from September 8 to October 3 for the four oak trees, with the peak between 16th and 26th September. The number of acorns was not significantly different among the four directions around the trunk base.
文摘Leaf litter decomposition of liaotong oak (Quercus liaotungensis Koize) under temperate, subtropical and tropical forests was examined using a litter bag technique. Decomposition rates and release dynamics of nutrients Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and P were observed separately at all three sites for I to 2 a periods. The leaf litter mass loss of liaotong oak was simulated with Olson's exponential model. Significant differences of leaf litter mass loss were found in forests of all three climate zones. Litter decomposition was accelerated with the increase of both annual mean precipitation and temperature. Our results agreed with other studies demonstrating that litter decomposition processes were greatly affected not only by soil organisms (including soil fauna and microorganisms), but also by chemical factors. These chemical factors were important for controlling the release of nutrients, especially elements of Fe and Mn. We also found that Fe and Mn content increased in semi-decayed leaf litter as litter mass decreased. This result was presumably due to chelating process which accumulated soil Fe and Mn ions into the decomposing litter. In conclusion, our study allowed us to determine the classification of the characteristics of different nutrient release patterns.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Fund(30872017)China Science Academy Knowledge Innovation Engineering Project Important Direction Program(KZCX2-YW-331-3,KSCX2-YW-N-066)Central University Basic Science Research Operation Special Fund(XDJK2009C110)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to compare the content changes between the non-structural carbohydrates（NSC）and the total nitrogen in various growing seasons,and to explore the response relationship between altitude and the contents.[Method] Taking Quercus aquifolioides scrub which widely distributed in Zheduoshan in the west of Sichuan as the experimental objects,the changes between NSC and the toal nitrogen in various growing seasons at different altitude were studied.[Result] The results showed that the content of NSC in Quercus aquifolioides underground increased with the lift of elevation in the dormancy,but decreased in the early germination,growing period and growth stage.The content of NSC in the ground tissue changed non-linearly with increasing elevation.In addition,the total nitrogen of Quercus aquifolioides organizations was decreasing with increasing elevation in the dormant period,which did not change significantly in the other periods.This result implied that the content of NSC in Quercus aquifolioides underground was more sensitive to temperature.[Conclusion] The experiment laid basis for the exploration of the physical and ecological mechanism of underground plants adaptability to highland environment,their response to global climate changes and adjustment to high altitude ecological system.
