The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote,while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus.Meanwhile,a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of...The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote,while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus.Meanwhile,a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of events from embryo implantation to sustained decidualization of the uterus to placental development and childbirth.The decidual reaction,a pivotal process occurring within the endometrium during pregnancy,is finely regulated by sex steroids and cytokines.Notably,fibroblast growth factors(FGFs),particularly FGF2,play a critical role in this physiological cascade.Dysregulated FGF expression may trigger inadequate decidualization,precipitating a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes,including preeclampsia,recurrent implantation failure,and miscarriage.Furthermore,the human decidua,distinct from most mammalian species and similar to great apes,undergoes regular cycles of formation and shedding,independent of the presence of the embryo in the endometrium.This process is also tightly controlled by various FGFs.In this review,we comprehensively compare diverse research decidualization models,delineate the trend of endometrial FGFs during the menstrual cycle,and provide a synopsis of endometrial diseases triggered by FGF dysregulation.展开更多
Preeclampsia(PE)poses a grave threat to both maternal and fetal health,yet its intricate cellular and molecular mecha-nisms remain shrouded in mystery.^(1)Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of matern...Preeclampsia(PE)poses a grave threat to both maternal and fetal health,yet its intricate cellular and molecular mecha-nisms remain shrouded in mystery.^(1)Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of maternal-impaired decidualization in the development of PE.^(2)In this context.展开更多
Embryo implantation and decidualization are crucial for successful pregnancy,which include multiple genes and signaling pathways,while the precise mechanism regarding embryo implantation and decidualization has yet to...Embryo implantation and decidualization are crucial for successful pregnancy,which include multiple genes and signaling pathways,while the precise mechanism regarding embryo implantation and decidualization has yet to be explored.The GABA which activates GABA_(A)or GABA_(B)receptors has been found playing an important role in early pregnancy.Here we seek to investigate whether GABA_(B)receptors participate in embryo implantation in mice.This study first characterized the spatiotemporal expression pattern of GABA_(B)receptors in the uterus during the peri-implantation period and found that GABA_(B1)expression was drastically upregulated in stromal cells on days 4e6,a period of embryo implantation and early stages of decidualization.Embryo delayed implantation and oil-induced decidualization models were further used to confirm that the GABA_(B1)was associated with embryo implantation and decidualization.We also found estrogen or progesterone had no directly effect on expression of GABA_(B1)in ovariectomized model.Because we were unable to detect significant GABA_(B2)which couples with GABA_(B1)to form whole GABA_(B)receptors,and the agonist and antagonist of whole GABA_(B)receptors had weak effect on the proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells as well,we excluded the possibility whole GABA_(B)receptors function,and concluded it should be non-classical signals of GABA_(B1)involving in embryo implantation and decidualization.Future studies should focus on investigating the roles and mechanisms of GABA_(B1)during embryo implantation and decidualization.展开更多
Decidualization is a special type of differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory decidualized cells,which is closely related to the occurrence of menstruation and establishment of pregnancy.Decidualiza...Decidualization is a special type of differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory decidualized cells,which is closely related to the occurrence of menstruation and establishment of pregnancy.Decidualization abnormalities can cause female infertility and abortion,and the decidualization modelin vitro is an important tool for studying relevant mechanisms.This article summarizes severalin vitro decidualization models in recent research from three aspects,including the selection of model cells and culture systems,evaluation of decidualization markers,and induction schemes.These models can be appropriately selected and applied in specific endometrium-related disease models,such as endometriosis,recurrent pregnancy loss,and preeclampsia.展开更多
Endometrial stromal cell decidualization is a crucial step in endometrial remodeling during pregnancy.Decidualization is controlled by orchestrated ovarian hormones,followed by the activation of various downstream sig...Endometrial stromal cell decidualization is a crucial step in endometrial remodeling during pregnancy.Decidualization is controlled by orchestrated ovarian hormones,followed by the activation of various downstream signaling pathways.Accumulating evidence has shown multiple functions of decidualized endometrial stromal cells during embryo implantation,including tissue remodeling,antioxidative stress,angiogenesis,and immune tolerance.The distinct secretomes of decidualized stromal cells also reveal their intensive interactions with epithelial,endothelial,and immune cells.However,aberrant decidualization leads to pregnancy failures,such as recurrent pregnancy loss and repeated implantation failure.This review aimed to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the divergent functions of decidualized endometrial stromal cells and their potential clinical applications.Moreover,the use of single-cell RNA sequencing data further enhances our understanding of these biological processes.This review discusses decidualization-related signaling pathways that serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating implantation failure in in vitro fertilization and provides novel approaches to investigate the underlying causes of female infertility.展开更多
Decidualization is the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory decidual stromal cells.Human decidualization involves some amount of signaling molecules and pathways as well as genetic reprogramming...Decidualization is the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory decidual stromal cells.Human decidualization involves some amount of signaling molecules and pathways as well as genetic reprogramming,which is driven by the postovulatory rise in progesterone levels and local cyclic adenosine monophosphate production.Decidualization extends from the primary decidual zone to the secondary decidual zone,and then exits through apoptosis.Evidences support that decidual fibroblasts function as the pool of decidual stromal cells during pregnancy.Decidualization undergoes an acute inflammatory phase,an anti-inflammatory secretory phase to the final recession phase.The decidualization of the inner layer of endometrium,termed decidua,is the most critical determinant of pregnancy success,which can promote placenta formation,modulate immune tolerance,foster resistance to oxidative stress,sense embryo quality,and control labor.Failure to adequate decidualization in terms of hormones,biochemistry,and immunology leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes,including diseases such as preeclampsia,miscarriage,premature labor,repeated implantation failures,and some age-related decline in reproductive capacity.The development of animal models and in vitro culture systems combined with emerging technologies provides a powerful system to explore the mechanism of decidualization.However,decidualization is a dynamic,multi-step process,and translating of current research progress into disease predictions and interventions for pregnancy complications remains to be achieved.The study of periodic regeneration and spontaneous decidualization of the endometrium will be beneficial to the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy diseases.展开更多
Short rotation plantation forestry(SRF)is being widely adopted to increase wood production,in order to meet global demand for wood products.However,to ensure maximum gains from SRF,optimised management regimes need to...Short rotation plantation forestry(SRF)is being widely adopted to increase wood production,in order to meet global demand for wood products.However,to ensure maximum gains from SRF,optimised management regimes need to be established by integrating robust predictions and an understanding of mechanisms underlying tree growth.Hybrid ecophysiological models,such as potentially useable light sum equation(PULSE)models,are useful tools requiring minimal input data that meet the requirements of SRF.PULSE models have been tested and calibrated for different evergreen conifers and broadleaves at both juvenile and mature stages of tree growth with coarse soil and climate data.Therefore,it is prudent to question:can adding detailed soil and climatic data reduce errors in this type of model?In addition,PULSE techniques have not been used to model deciduous species,which are a challenge for ecophysiological models due to their phenology.This study developed a PULSE model for a clonal Populus tomentosa plantation in northern China using detailed edaphic and climatic data.The results showed high precision and low bias in height(m)and basal area(m^(2)·ha^(-1))predictions.While detailed edaphoclimatic data produce highly precise predictions and a good mechanistic understanding,the study suggested that local climatic data could also be employed.The study showed that PULSE modelling in combination with coarse level of edaphic and local climate data resulted in reasonably precise tree growth prediction and minimal bias.展开更多
Forest structural complexity influences arthropod communities by shaping habitat availability,microclimatic conditions,and resource distribution.However,the extent to which structural complexity and specific structura...Forest structural complexity influences arthropod communities by shaping habitat availability,microclimatic conditions,and resource distribution.However,the extent to which structural complexity and specific structural components drive arthropod abundance and biomass remains poorly understood in temperate forests.This study examined how local and landscape-scale forest characteristics influence arthropod communities across vertical strata(forest floor(FF),herb layer(HL),and shrub layer(SL))in 19 temperate deciduous forests in Belgium,dominated by pedunculate oak,European beech,or Canadian poplar.At the local scale,we assessed dominant tree species identity,overall forest structural complexity,and its components(vertical and horizontal structure,woody layer,herbal layer,and deadwood).At the landscape scale,we evaluated forest area,edge length,forest cover,and vegetation greenness(normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)).Contrary to expectation,arthropod biomass and abundance did not consistently increase with higher structural complexity.Instead,woody layer complexity,dominant tree species,and NDVI emerged as key drivers,with effects varying by context and stratum.Arthropod abundance and biomass were the highest in oak-and poplar-dominated forests and the lowest in beech forests,likely due to differences in litter quality,microhabitat availability,and understory development.Woody layer complexity positively influenced forest floor arthropods in poplar forests but had a negative effect in oak forests.At the landscape scale,NDVI unexpectedly showed negative relationships with arthropod abundance across strata and with arthropod biomass in the herb layer,likely reflecting dense canopy suppression of understory productivity.Arthropod biomass on the forest floor increased with forest cover,while abundance in the shrub layer decreased with forest cover but increased with forest area.These findings highlight the complex interplay between forest structural attributes,dominant tree species,and landscape factors in shaping arthropod communities.By identifying the key drivers of arthropod abundance and biomass,this study contributes to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns in temperate forests and their ecological dynamics.展开更多
Gross primary production(GPP)is a crucial indicator representing the absorption of atmospheric CO_(2) by vegetation.At present,the estimation of GPP by remote sensing is mainly based on leaf-related vegetation indexes...Gross primary production(GPP)is a crucial indicator representing the absorption of atmospheric CO_(2) by vegetation.At present,the estimation of GPP by remote sensing is mainly based on leaf-related vegetation indexes and leaf-related biophysical para-meter leaf area index(LAI),which are not completely synchronized in seasonality with GPP.In this study,we proposed chlorophyll content-based light use efficiency model(CC-LUE)to improve GPP estimates,as chlorophyll is the direct site of photosynthesis,and only the light absorbed by chlorophyll is used in the photosynthetic process.The CC-LUE model is constructed by establishing a linear correlation between satellite-derived canopy chlorophyll content(Chlcanopy)and FPAR.This method was calibrated and validated utiliz-ing 7-d averaged in-situ GPP data from 14 eddy covariance flux towers covering deciduous broadleaf forest ecosystems across five dif-ferent climate zones.Results showed a relatively robust seasonal consistency between Chlcanopy with GPP in deciduous broadleaf forests under different climatic conditions.The CC-LUE model explained 88% of the in-situ GPP seasonality for all validation site-year and 56.0% of in-situ GPP variations through the growing season,outperforming the three widely used LUE models(MODIS-GPP algorithm,Vegetation Photosynthesis Model(VPM),and the eddy covariance-light use efficiency model(EC-LUE)).Additionally,the CC-LUE model(RMSE=0.50 g C/(m^(2)·d))significantly improved the underestimation of GPP during the growing season in semi-arid region,re-markably decreasing the root mean square error of averaged growing season GPP simulation and in-situ GPP by 75.4%,73.4%,and 37.5%,compared with MOD17(RMSE=2.03 g C/(m^(2)·d)),VPM(RMSE=1.88 g C/(m^(2)·d)),and EC-LUE(RMSE=0.80 g C/(m^(2)·d))model.The chlorophyll-based method proved superior in capturing the seasonal variations of GPP in forest ecosystems,thereby provid-ing the possibility of a more precise depiction of forest seasonal carbon uptake.展开更多
Embryo implantation is a complicated physiological process tightly regulated by multiple biological molecules including growth factors.Transforming growth factor-betas(TGF-βs)and their most specific signal transducti...Embryo implantation is a complicated physiological process tightly regulated by multiple biological molecules including growth factors.Transforming growth factor-betas(TGF-βs)and their most specific signal transduction factors,Smads,are expressed in the endometrium during the window of implantation.Recent researches indicated that Smad dependent TGF-β signaling may play an important role in the process of embryo implantation.In this study,we measured the expression of TGF-β1,TGF-β receptor type I(TpRI),Smad3 and p-Smad3 in the endometrium of mice and observed their elevation on day 4,5 and 6 of pseudopregnancy.Then we administrated a specific Smad3 inhibitor(Sis3)into the uterine cavity of mice on day 3 of pregnancy.The results showed a reduction in insulin-like growth factor-1(IGFBP-1)expression and the decreased number of implanted embryo after the administration.In addition,Sis3 was found to reduce the IGFBP-1 secretion in decidualized endometrial stromal cells.Taken all together,our findings demonstrated that TGF-β/Smad3 signaling is involved in the process of embryo implantation.展开更多
Transforming growth factor β （TGFβ） superfamily is evolutionarily conserved and plays fundamental roles in cell growth and differentiation. Mounting evidence supports its important role in female reproduction and ...Transforming growth factor β （TGFβ） superfamily is evolutionarily conserved and plays fundamental roles in cell growth and differentiation. Mounting evidence supports its important role in female reproduction and development. TGFBs1-3 are founding members of this growth factor family, however, the in vivo function of TGFβ signaling in the uterus remains poorly defined. By drawing on mouse and human studies as a main source, this review focuses on the recent progress on understanding TGFβ signaling in the uterus. The review also considers the involvement of dysregulated TGFβ signaling in pathological conditions that cause pregnancy loss and fertility problems in women.展开更多
On all terms of pregnancy, insolvency of decidual reaction of endometrial cells is one of the reasons of miscarriages and fetal growth delay. The insufficient decidualization of endometrum leads to infertility in such...On all terms of pregnancy, insolvency of decidual reaction of endometrial cells is one of the reasons of miscarriages and fetal growth delay. The insufficient decidualization of endometrum leads to infertility in such pathologies, as Asherman’s syndrome and an endometrium atrophy. However, there are data on successful application of autologous bone marrow MSCs for Asherman’s syndrome treatment. The aim of this work was to assay the effect of endometrial mesenchymal stem cell (eMSC) transplantation for decidualization process in pseudopregnant rat. Our study showed that injection of human eMSC suspension into the uterine lumen of pseudopregnant rats facilitated more intensive development of decidua in comparison with phosphate buffed saline (PBS) injection in the control uterine horn. Histological analysis of decidua sections did not reveal any alterations in cell differentiation or tissue structure. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that eMSC transplantation assists the development of all decidual tissue elements. It opens the possibility that eMSCs may be applied for cell therapy of infertility associated with decidualzation insufficiency.展开更多
To assess levels of contamination and human health risk, we analyzed the concentrations of the heavy metals lead （Pb）, cadmium （Cd）, chromium （Cr）, and nickel （Ni） in China’s main deciduous fruits-apple, pear...To assess levels of contamination and human health risk, we analyzed the concentrations of the heavy metals lead （Pb）, cadmium （Cd）, chromium （Cr）, and nickel （Ni） in China’s main deciduous fruits-apple, pear, peach, grape, and jujube. The concentration order of the heavy metals was Ni〉Cr〉Pb〉Cd. In 97.5% of the samples, heavy metal concentrations were within the maximum permissible limits. Among the fruits studied, the heavy metal concentrations in jujube and peach proved to be the highest, and those in grape proved to be the lowest. Only 2.2% of the samples were poluted by Ni, only 0.4% of the samples were poluted by Pb, and no samples were poluted by Cd or Cr. Compared with the other fruits, the combined heavy metal polution was signiifcantly higher （P〈0.05） in peach and signiifcantly lower （P〈0.05） in grape. For the combined heavy metal polution, 96.9% of the samples were at safe level, 2.32% at warning level, 0.65% at light level, and 0.13% at moderate level. In the fruits studied, the contribution of heavy metals to the daily intake rates （DIR） folowed the order of Ni〉Cr〉Pb〉Cd. The highest DIR came from apple, while the lowest DIR came from grape. For each of the heavy metals, the total DIR from ifve studied fruits corresponded to no more than 1.1% of the tolerable daily intake, indicating that no signiifcant adverse health effects are expected from the heavy metals and the fruits studied. The target hazard quotients and the total target hazard quotients demonstrated that none of the analyzed heavy metals may pose risk to consumers through the fruits studied. The highest risk was posed by apple, folowed in decreasing order by peach and pear, jujube, and grape. We suggest that the main deciduous fruits （apple, pear, peach, grape, and jujube） of China’s main producing areas are safe to eat.展开更多
Variations in microbial biomass C (MB-C),N (MB-N) and P (MB-P) along a gradient of different dominant vegeta- tion covers (natural forest,mixed deciduous forest,disturbed savanna and grassland ecosystems) in dry tropi...Variations in microbial biomass C (MB-C),N (MB-N) and P (MB-P) along a gradient of different dominant vegeta- tion covers (natural forest,mixed deciduous forest,disturbed savanna and grassland ecosystems) in dry tropical soils of Vindhyan Plateau,India were studied from January 2005 to December 2005.The water holding capacity,organic C,total N,total P and soil moisture content were comparatively higher in forest soils than in the savanna and grassland sites.Across different study sites the mean annual MB-C,MB-N and MB-P at 0-15 cm soil depth varied from 312.05 ± 4.22 to 653.40 ± 3.17,32.16 ± 6.25 to 75.66 ± 7.21 and 18.94 ± 2.94 to 30.83 ± 23.08 μg g ?1 dry soil,respectively.At all the investigated sites,the maximum MB-C,MB-N and MB-P occurred during the dry period (summer season) and the minimum in wet period (rainy season).In the present study,soil MB-C,MB-N and MB-P were higher at the forest sites compared to savanna and grassland sites.The differences in MB-C,MB-N and MB-P were significant (P < 0.001) among sites and seasons.The MB-C (P < 0.0001),MB-N (P < 0.001) and MB-P (P < 0.0001) were positively correlated with organic C,while the relationship between soil moisture and MB-C,MB-N and MB-P (P < 0.001,P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001,respectively) was negative.The decreasing order of MB-C,MB-N and MB-P along study ecosystems was natural forest > mixed deciduous forest > savanna > grassland.The results suggested that deforestation and land use practices (conversion of forest into savanna and grassland) caused the alterations in soil properties,which as a consequence,led to reduction in soil nutrients and MB-C,MB-N and MB-P in the soil of disturbed sites (grassland and savanna) compared to undisturbed forest ecosystems.展开更多
This paper deals with a study on the effects of Chinese fir, loblolly pine and deciduous oak forests on thenutrient status of soils in northern subtropics of China, adopting the principle of forest ecology in the case...This paper deals with a study on the effects of Chinese fir, loblolly pine and deciduous oak forests on thenutrient status of soils in northern subtropics of China, adopting the principle of forest ecology in the caseof similar climate and soil type. The experimental area was situated in the Xiashu Experimental Centre ofForest, where the soil is yellow-brown soil derived from siliceous slope wash. Sample plots of these 3 standswere established to study the nutrient status in litter, the amount of nutrient uptake by roots, the quantityof nutrient output by percolating water outside the deep layer of soil, and the seasonal dynamics of availablenutrient in surface soil. It was shown that the intensity of nutrient cycling in soil under deciduous oak wasthe highest, and the effect of oak in improving soil fertility was the best. The result of improving soil fertilityby Chinese fir was the most inferior, though the intensity of nutrient cycling under that stand was higherthan that under loblolly pine stand. The influence of loblolly pine on the improvement of soil fertility wasbetter than that of Chinese fir, in spite of its lowest intensity of nutrient cycling.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth(SHED) transplanted for bone regeneration in the dog mandibular defect.METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, SHEDs had been i...AIM: To investigate the effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth(SHED) transplanted for bone regeneration in the dog mandibular defect.METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, SHEDs had been isolated 5 years ago from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. The undifferentiated stem cells were seeded into mandibular bone through-andthrough defects of 4 dogs. Similar defects in control group were filled with cell-free collagen scaffold. After 12 wk, biopsies were taken and morphometric analysis was performed. The percentage of new bone formation and foreign body reaction were measured in each case. The data were subject to statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskalwalis statistical tests. Differences at P < 0.05 was considered as significant level.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between control and SHED-seeded groups in connective tissue(P = 0.248), woven bone(P = 0.248) and compact bone(P = 0.082). There were not any side effects in transplanted SHED group such as teratoma or malignancy and abnormalities in this period.CONCLUSION: SHEDs which had been isolated and characterized 5 years ago and stored with cryopreservation banking were capable of proliferation and osteogenesis after 5 years, and no immune response was observed after three months of seeded SHEDs.展开更多
Objective： To discuss possible relationships between class In malocclusion and perioral forces by measuring the pressure from the lips and the tongue of children with class nI malocclusion. Methods： Thirty-one child...Objective： To discuss possible relationships between class In malocclusion and perioral forces by measuring the pressure from the lips and the tongue of children with class nI malocclusion. Methods： Thirty-one children with class In malocclusion were investigated and their perioral forces were measured at rest and during swallowing under natural head position by a custom-made miniperioral force computer measuring system. Results： The resting pressures exerted on the labial side and palatine side of the upper lett incisor, as well as the labial side and lingual side of the lower lett incisor, were 0 g/cm^2, 0 g/cm^2, 0.57 g/cm^2 and 0.23 g/cm^2, respectively. Correspondingly, the swallowing forces were 2.87 g/cm^2, 5.97 g/cm^2, 4.09 g/cm^2 and 7.89 g/cm^2, respectively. No statistical difference between muscular pressure and gender existed. During swallowing, the lingual forces were significantly higher than the labial forces （P〈0.01）, however, at rest there was no significantly different force between these two sides. Compared to the normal occlusion patients, children with class Ⅲ malocclusion had lower pedoral forces. The upper labial resting forces （P〈0.01）, the lower labial resting forces （P〈0.05） and all the swallowing pressures from the lips and the tongue （P〈0.01） showed statistical differences between the two different occlusion conditions. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found for the resting pressure from the tongue between class Ⅲ malocclusion and normal occlusion. Conclusion： Patients with class Ⅲ malocclusion have lower perioral forces and this muscle hypofunction may be secondary to the spatial relations of the jaws. The findings support the spatial matrix hypothesis.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.91949123 and 81871155).
文摘The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote,while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus.Meanwhile,a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of events from embryo implantation to sustained decidualization of the uterus to placental development and childbirth.The decidual reaction,a pivotal process occurring within the endometrium during pregnancy,is finely regulated by sex steroids and cytokines.Notably,fibroblast growth factors(FGFs),particularly FGF2,play a critical role in this physiological cascade.Dysregulated FGF expression may trigger inadequate decidualization,precipitating a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes,including preeclampsia,recurrent implantation failure,and miscarriage.Furthermore,the human decidua,distinct from most mammalian species and similar to great apes,undergoes regular cycles of formation and shedding,independent of the presence of the embryo in the endometrium.This process is also tightly controlled by various FGFs.In this review,we comprehensively compare diverse research decidualization models,delineate the trend of endometrial FGFs during the menstrual cycle,and provide a synopsis of endometrial diseases triggered by FGF dysregulation.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2019YFA0802600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32170863,31871512)to Cong Zhang+1 种基金Support was also received from grants from the Shanghai Commission of Science and Technology(China)(No.20DZ2270900)the Open Project of Shan-dong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine(China)(No.SDKL2017018).
文摘Preeclampsia(PE)poses a grave threat to both maternal and fetal health,yet its intricate cellular and molecular mecha-nisms remain shrouded in mystery.^(1)Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of maternal-impaired decidualization in the development of PE.^(2)In this context.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of China(#31601206,31171436).
文摘Embryo implantation and decidualization are crucial for successful pregnancy,which include multiple genes and signaling pathways,while the precise mechanism regarding embryo implantation and decidualization has yet to be explored.The GABA which activates GABA_(A)or GABA_(B)receptors has been found playing an important role in early pregnancy.Here we seek to investigate whether GABA_(B)receptors participate in embryo implantation in mice.This study first characterized the spatiotemporal expression pattern of GABA_(B)receptors in the uterus during the peri-implantation period and found that GABA_(B1)expression was drastically upregulated in stromal cells on days 4e6,a period of embryo implantation and early stages of decidualization.Embryo delayed implantation and oil-induced decidualization models were further used to confirm that the GABA_(B1)was associated with embryo implantation and decidualization.We also found estrogen or progesterone had no directly effect on expression of GABA_(B1)in ovariectomized model.Because we were unable to detect significant GABA_(B2)which couples with GABA_(B1)to form whole GABA_(B)receptors,and the agonist and antagonist of whole GABA_(B)receptors had weak effect on the proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells as well,we excluded the possibility whole GABA_(B)receptors function,and concluded it should be non-classical signals of GABA_(B1)involving in embryo implantation and decidualization.Future studies should focus on investigating the roles and mechanisms of GABA_(B1)during embryo implantation and decidualization.
基金The work was supported by grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81771587).
文摘Decidualization is a special type of differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory decidualized cells,which is closely related to the occurrence of menstruation and establishment of pregnancy.Decidualization abnormalities can cause female infertility and abortion,and the decidualization modelin vitro is an important tool for studying relevant mechanisms.This article summarizes severalin vitro decidualization models in recent research from three aspects,including the selection of model cells and culture systems,evaluation of decidualization markers,and induction schemes.These models can be appropriately selected and applied in specific endometrium-related disease models,such as endometriosis,recurrent pregnancy loss,and preeclampsia.
基金supported by the RGC General Research Fund(17120720 to K.F.L.)the Professor PC Ho Research and Development Fund in Reproductive Medicine from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,University of Hong Kong and Health and Medical Research Fund,Hong Kong(L.H.J.)a Conference and Research Committee grant from the University of Hong Kong(K.F.L.).
文摘Endometrial stromal cell decidualization is a crucial step in endometrial remodeling during pregnancy.Decidualization is controlled by orchestrated ovarian hormones,followed by the activation of various downstream signaling pathways.Accumulating evidence has shown multiple functions of decidualized endometrial stromal cells during embryo implantation,including tissue remodeling,antioxidative stress,angiogenesis,and immune tolerance.The distinct secretomes of decidualized stromal cells also reveal their intensive interactions with epithelial,endothelial,and immune cells.However,aberrant decidualization leads to pregnancy failures,such as recurrent pregnancy loss and repeated implantation failure.This review aimed to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the divergent functions of decidualized endometrial stromal cells and their potential clinical applications.Moreover,the use of single-cell RNA sequencing data further enhances our understanding of these biological processes.This review discusses decidualization-related signaling pathways that serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating implantation failure in in vitro fertilization and provides novel approaches to investigate the underlying causes of female infertility.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFA0802600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170863,31871512,and 31671199)to C.Z.Support was also received from grants from the Shanghai Commission of Science and Technology(17DZ2271100)Open Project of Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine(SDKL2017018).
文摘Decidualization is the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory decidual stromal cells.Human decidualization involves some amount of signaling molecules and pathways as well as genetic reprogramming,which is driven by the postovulatory rise in progesterone levels and local cyclic adenosine monophosphate production.Decidualization extends from the primary decidual zone to the secondary decidual zone,and then exits through apoptosis.Evidences support that decidual fibroblasts function as the pool of decidual stromal cells during pregnancy.Decidualization undergoes an acute inflammatory phase,an anti-inflammatory secretory phase to the final recession phase.The decidualization of the inner layer of endometrium,termed decidua,is the most critical determinant of pregnancy success,which can promote placenta formation,modulate immune tolerance,foster resistance to oxidative stress,sense embryo quality,and control labor.Failure to adequate decidualization in terms of hormones,biochemistry,and immunology leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes,including diseases such as preeclampsia,miscarriage,premature labor,repeated implantation failures,and some age-related decline in reproductive capacity.The development of animal models and in vitro culture systems combined with emerging technologies provides a powerful system to explore the mechanism of decidualization.However,decidualization is a dynamic,multi-step process,and translating of current research progress into disease predictions and interventions for pregnancy complications remains to be achieved.The study of periodic regeneration and spontaneous decidualization of the endometrium will be beneficial to the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy diseases.
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021YFD2201203)the 5·5 Engineering Research&Innovation Team Project of Beijing Forestry University(No.BLRC2023C05)the Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province(No.2021SFGC02050102)。
文摘Short rotation plantation forestry(SRF)is being widely adopted to increase wood production,in order to meet global demand for wood products.However,to ensure maximum gains from SRF,optimised management regimes need to be established by integrating robust predictions and an understanding of mechanisms underlying tree growth.Hybrid ecophysiological models,such as potentially useable light sum equation(PULSE)models,are useful tools requiring minimal input data that meet the requirements of SRF.PULSE models have been tested and calibrated for different evergreen conifers and broadleaves at both juvenile and mature stages of tree growth with coarse soil and climate data.Therefore,it is prudent to question:can adding detailed soil and climatic data reduce errors in this type of model?In addition,PULSE techniques have not been used to model deciduous species,which are a challenge for ecophysiological models due to their phenology.This study developed a PULSE model for a clonal Populus tomentosa plantation in northern China using detailed edaphic and climatic data.The results showed high precision and low bias in height(m)and basal area(m^(2)·ha^(-1))predictions.While detailed edaphoclimatic data produce highly precise predictions and a good mechanistic understanding,the study suggested that local climatic data could also be employed.The study showed that PULSE modelling in combination with coarse level of edaphic and local climate data resulted in reasonably precise tree growth prediction and minimal bias.
基金supported by the UGent GOA project“Forest biodiversity and multifunctionality drive chronic stress-mediated dynamics in pathogen reservoirs(FORESTER)”(No.BOF20/GOA/009).
文摘Forest structural complexity influences arthropod communities by shaping habitat availability,microclimatic conditions,and resource distribution.However,the extent to which structural complexity and specific structural components drive arthropod abundance and biomass remains poorly understood in temperate forests.This study examined how local and landscape-scale forest characteristics influence arthropod communities across vertical strata(forest floor(FF),herb layer(HL),and shrub layer(SL))in 19 temperate deciduous forests in Belgium,dominated by pedunculate oak,European beech,or Canadian poplar.At the local scale,we assessed dominant tree species identity,overall forest structural complexity,and its components(vertical and horizontal structure,woody layer,herbal layer,and deadwood).At the landscape scale,we evaluated forest area,edge length,forest cover,and vegetation greenness(normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)).Contrary to expectation,arthropod biomass and abundance did not consistently increase with higher structural complexity.Instead,woody layer complexity,dominant tree species,and NDVI emerged as key drivers,with effects varying by context and stratum.Arthropod abundance and biomass were the highest in oak-and poplar-dominated forests and the lowest in beech forests,likely due to differences in litter quality,microhabitat availability,and understory development.Woody layer complexity positively influenced forest floor arthropods in poplar forests but had a negative effect in oak forests.At the landscape scale,NDVI unexpectedly showed negative relationships with arthropod abundance across strata and with arthropod biomass in the herb layer,likely reflecting dense canopy suppression of understory productivity.Arthropod biomass on the forest floor increased with forest cover,while abundance in the shrub layer decreased with forest cover but increased with forest area.These findings highlight the complex interplay between forest structural attributes,dominant tree species,and landscape factors in shaping arthropod communities.By identifying the key drivers of arthropod abundance and biomass,this study contributes to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns in temperate forests and their ecological dynamics.
基金Under the auspices of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2019YFA0606603)。
文摘Gross primary production(GPP)is a crucial indicator representing the absorption of atmospheric CO_(2) by vegetation.At present,the estimation of GPP by remote sensing is mainly based on leaf-related vegetation indexes and leaf-related biophysical para-meter leaf area index(LAI),which are not completely synchronized in seasonality with GPP.In this study,we proposed chlorophyll content-based light use efficiency model(CC-LUE)to improve GPP estimates,as chlorophyll is the direct site of photosynthesis,and only the light absorbed by chlorophyll is used in the photosynthetic process.The CC-LUE model is constructed by establishing a linear correlation between satellite-derived canopy chlorophyll content(Chlcanopy)and FPAR.This method was calibrated and validated utiliz-ing 7-d averaged in-situ GPP data from 14 eddy covariance flux towers covering deciduous broadleaf forest ecosystems across five dif-ferent climate zones.Results showed a relatively robust seasonal consistency between Chlcanopy with GPP in deciduous broadleaf forests under different climatic conditions.The CC-LUE model explained 88% of the in-situ GPP seasonality for all validation site-year and 56.0% of in-situ GPP variations through the growing season,outperforming the three widely used LUE models(MODIS-GPP algorithm,Vegetation Photosynthesis Model(VPM),and the eddy covariance-light use efficiency model(EC-LUE)).Additionally,the CC-LUE model(RMSE=0.50 g C/(m^(2)·d))significantly improved the underestimation of GPP during the growing season in semi-arid region,re-markably decreasing the root mean square error of averaged growing season GPP simulation and in-situ GPP by 75.4%,73.4%,and 37.5%,compared with MOD17(RMSE=2.03 g C/(m^(2)·d)),VPM(RMSE=1.88 g C/(m^(2)·d)),and EC-LUE(RMSE=0.80 g C/(m^(2)·d))model.The chlorophyll-based method proved superior in capturing the seasonal variations of GPP in forest ecosystems,thereby provid-ing the possibility of a more precise depiction of forest seasonal carbon uptake.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81701450).
文摘Embryo implantation is a complicated physiological process tightly regulated by multiple biological molecules including growth factors.Transforming growth factor-betas(TGF-βs)and their most specific signal transduction factors,Smads,are expressed in the endometrium during the window of implantation.Recent researches indicated that Smad dependent TGF-β signaling may play an important role in the process of embryo implantation.In this study,we measured the expression of TGF-β1,TGF-β receptor type I(TpRI),Smad3 and p-Smad3 in the endometrium of mice and observed their elevation on day 4,5 and 6 of pseudopregnancy.Then we administrated a specific Smad3 inhibitor(Sis3)into the uterine cavity of mice on day 3 of pregnancy.The results showed a reduction in insulin-like growth factor-1(IGFBP-1)expression and the decreased number of implanted embryo after the administration.In addition,Sis3 was found to reduce the IGFBP-1 secretion in decidualized endometrial stromal cells.Taken all together,our findings demonstrated that TGF-β/Smad3 signaling is involved in the process of embryo implantation.
基金supported by the National Institutes of Health grant R21HD073756 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards from Oak Ridge Associated Universities
文摘Transforming growth factor β （TGFβ） superfamily is evolutionarily conserved and plays fundamental roles in cell growth and differentiation. Mounting evidence supports its important role in female reproduction and development. TGFBs1-3 are founding members of this growth factor family, however, the in vivo function of TGFβ signaling in the uterus remains poorly defined. By drawing on mouse and human studies as a main source, this review focuses on the recent progress on understanding TGFβ signaling in the uterus. The review also considers the involvement of dysregulated TGFβ signaling in pathological conditions that cause pregnancy loss and fertility problems in women.
文摘On all terms of pregnancy, insolvency of decidual reaction of endometrial cells is one of the reasons of miscarriages and fetal growth delay. The insufficient decidualization of endometrum leads to infertility in such pathologies, as Asherman’s syndrome and an endometrium atrophy. However, there are data on successful application of autologous bone marrow MSCs for Asherman’s syndrome treatment. The aim of this work was to assay the effect of endometrial mesenchymal stem cell (eMSC) transplantation for decidualization process in pseudopregnant rat. Our study showed that injection of human eMSC suspension into the uterine lumen of pseudopregnant rats facilitated more intensive development of decidua in comparison with phosphate buffed saline (PBS) injection in the control uterine horn. Histological analysis of decidua sections did not reveal any alterations in cell differentiation or tissue structure. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that eMSC transplantation assists the development of all decidual tissue elements. It opens the possibility that eMSCs may be applied for cell therapy of infertility associated with decidualzation insufficiency.
基金financially supported by the National Program for Quality and Safety Risk Assessment of Agricultural Products of China(GJFP2014002,GJFP2015002,and GJFP2016003)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ASTIP)the Core Research Budget of the Non-Profit Governmental Research Institution of China(0032014013)
文摘To assess levels of contamination and human health risk, we analyzed the concentrations of the heavy metals lead （Pb）, cadmium （Cd）, chromium （Cr）, and nickel （Ni） in China’s main deciduous fruits-apple, pear, peach, grape, and jujube. The concentration order of the heavy metals was Ni〉Cr〉Pb〉Cd. In 97.5% of the samples, heavy metal concentrations were within the maximum permissible limits. Among the fruits studied, the heavy metal concentrations in jujube and peach proved to be the highest, and those in grape proved to be the lowest. Only 2.2% of the samples were poluted by Ni, only 0.4% of the samples were poluted by Pb, and no samples were poluted by Cd or Cr. Compared with the other fruits, the combined heavy metal polution was signiifcantly higher （P〈0.05） in peach and signiifcantly lower （P〈0.05） in grape. For the combined heavy metal polution, 96.9% of the samples were at safe level, 2.32% at warning level, 0.65% at light level, and 0.13% at moderate level. In the fruits studied, the contribution of heavy metals to the daily intake rates （DIR） folowed the order of Ni〉Cr〉Pb〉Cd. The highest DIR came from apple, while the lowest DIR came from grape. For each of the heavy metals, the total DIR from ifve studied fruits corresponded to no more than 1.1% of the tolerable daily intake, indicating that no signiifcant adverse health effects are expected from the heavy metals and the fruits studied. The target hazard quotients and the total target hazard quotients demonstrated that none of the analyzed heavy metals may pose risk to consumers through the fruits studied. The highest risk was posed by apple, folowed in decreasing order by peach and pear, jujube, and grape. We suggest that the main deciduous fruits （apple, pear, peach, grape, and jujube） of China’s main producing areas are safe to eat.
基金Supported by the Scientist’s Pool Scheme of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, Government of India (No. 13(8243)/Pool-2008)
文摘Variations in microbial biomass C (MB-C),N (MB-N) and P (MB-P) along a gradient of different dominant vegeta- tion covers (natural forest,mixed deciduous forest,disturbed savanna and grassland ecosystems) in dry tropical soils of Vindhyan Plateau,India were studied from January 2005 to December 2005.The water holding capacity,organic C,total N,total P and soil moisture content were comparatively higher in forest soils than in the savanna and grassland sites.Across different study sites the mean annual MB-C,MB-N and MB-P at 0-15 cm soil depth varied from 312.05 ± 4.22 to 653.40 ± 3.17,32.16 ± 6.25 to 75.66 ± 7.21 and 18.94 ± 2.94 to 30.83 ± 23.08 μg g ?1 dry soil,respectively.At all the investigated sites,the maximum MB-C,MB-N and MB-P occurred during the dry period (summer season) and the minimum in wet period (rainy season).In the present study,soil MB-C,MB-N and MB-P were higher at the forest sites compared to savanna and grassland sites.The differences in MB-C,MB-N and MB-P were significant (P < 0.001) among sites and seasons.The MB-C (P < 0.0001),MB-N (P < 0.001) and MB-P (P < 0.0001) were positively correlated with organic C,while the relationship between soil moisture and MB-C,MB-N and MB-P (P < 0.001,P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001,respectively) was negative.The decreasing order of MB-C,MB-N and MB-P along study ecosystems was natural forest > mixed deciduous forest > savanna > grassland.The results suggested that deforestation and land use practices (conversion of forest into savanna and grassland) caused the alterations in soil properties,which as a consequence,led to reduction in soil nutrients and MB-C,MB-N and MB-P in the soil of disturbed sites (grassland and savanna) compared to undisturbed forest ecosystems.
文摘This paper deals with a study on the effects of Chinese fir, loblolly pine and deciduous oak forests on thenutrient status of soils in northern subtropics of China, adopting the principle of forest ecology in the caseof similar climate and soil type. The experimental area was situated in the Xiashu Experimental Centre ofForest, where the soil is yellow-brown soil derived from siliceous slope wash. Sample plots of these 3 standswere established to study the nutrient status in litter, the amount of nutrient uptake by roots, the quantityof nutrient output by percolating water outside the deep layer of soil, and the seasonal dynamics of availablenutrient in surface soil. It was shown that the intensity of nutrient cycling in soil under deciduous oak wasthe highest, and the effect of oak in improving soil fertility was the best. The result of improving soil fertilityby Chinese fir was the most inferior, though the intensity of nutrient cycling under that stand was higherthan that under loblolly pine stand. The influence of loblolly pine on the improvement of soil fertility wasbetter than that of Chinese fir, in spite of its lowest intensity of nutrient cycling.
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth(SHED) transplanted for bone regeneration in the dog mandibular defect.METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, SHEDs had been isolated 5 years ago from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. The undifferentiated stem cells were seeded into mandibular bone through-andthrough defects of 4 dogs. Similar defects in control group were filled with cell-free collagen scaffold. After 12 wk, biopsies were taken and morphometric analysis was performed. The percentage of new bone formation and foreign body reaction were measured in each case. The data were subject to statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskalwalis statistical tests. Differences at P < 0.05 was considered as significant level.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between control and SHED-seeded groups in connective tissue(P = 0.248), woven bone(P = 0.248) and compact bone(P = 0.082). There were not any side effects in transplanted SHED group such as teratoma or malignancy and abnormalities in this period.CONCLUSION: SHEDs which had been isolated and characterized 5 years ago and stored with cryopreservation banking were capable of proliferation and osteogenesis after 5 years, and no immune response was observed after three months of seeded SHEDs.
基金Project (No.2002ZX040) supported by the Health Bureau of Zhejiang Province,China
文摘Objective： To discuss possible relationships between class In malocclusion and perioral forces by measuring the pressure from the lips and the tongue of children with class nI malocclusion. Methods： Thirty-one children with class In malocclusion were investigated and their perioral forces were measured at rest and during swallowing under natural head position by a custom-made miniperioral force computer measuring system. Results： The resting pressures exerted on the labial side and palatine side of the upper lett incisor, as well as the labial side and lingual side of the lower lett incisor, were 0 g/cm^2, 0 g/cm^2, 0.57 g/cm^2 and 0.23 g/cm^2, respectively. Correspondingly, the swallowing forces were 2.87 g/cm^2, 5.97 g/cm^2, 4.09 g/cm^2 and 7.89 g/cm^2, respectively. No statistical difference between muscular pressure and gender existed. During swallowing, the lingual forces were significantly higher than the labial forces （P〈0.01）, however, at rest there was no significantly different force between these two sides. Compared to the normal occlusion patients, children with class Ⅲ malocclusion had lower pedoral forces. The upper labial resting forces （P〈0.01）, the lower labial resting forces （P〈0.05） and all the swallowing pressures from the lips and the tongue （P〈0.01） showed statistical differences between the two different occlusion conditions. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found for the resting pressure from the tongue between class Ⅲ malocclusion and normal occlusion. Conclusion： Patients with class Ⅲ malocclusion have lower perioral forces and this muscle hypofunction may be secondary to the spatial relations of the jaws. The findings support the spatial matrix hypothesis.
