Background As a unique livestock adapted to the harsh environment,grazing yaks frequently suffer from malnutrition and even death because of the lower yield and quality of forage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during th...Background As a unique livestock adapted to the harsh environment,grazing yaks frequently suffer from malnutrition and even death because of the lower yield and quality of forage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the cold season.Certain stress conditions,such as environmental changes,disease,and malnutrition,can lead to a decrease in glutamine(Gln)synthesis,which fails to cover the physiological needs of the organism.Supplementation with exogenous Gln can promote nutrient digestion and improve rumen fermentation in ruminant animals under malnutrition.However,whether Gln could alleviate the barrier function injury induced by malnutrition and its mechanism is still unclear.Methods In the in vivo experiments,24 healthy yaks(31 months,265.35±25.81 kg)were randomly divided into 3 groups,namely control group(Con,free access to the basal diet),feed restriction group(FR,50% level of ad libitum feed intake),and feed restriction+Gln group(FR+Gln,50% level of ad libitum feed intake from d 1 to 30,50% level of ad libitum feed intake+1%Gln from d 31 to 60).In the in vitro experiments,the yak rumen epithelial cells(YRECs)were divided into 4 groups:Con group(complete medium),Gln group(complete medium+10 mmol/L Gln),Gln deficiency group(Gln-D,Gln-free medium),and Gln deficiency+Gln group(Gln-D+Gln,Gln-free medium+10 mmol/L Gln).Results In the in vivo experiments,FR significantly decreased the ruminal concentrations of acetate,propionate,butyrate,iso-butyrate,and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)(P<0.05).FR also reduced the m RNA expression of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase,and the concentrations of lactate,histone acetyltransferase(p300),histone deacetylase(HDAC),as well as the histone lysine lactylation level compared to Con group,while Gln supplementation alleviated them(P<0.05).In the in vitro experiments,Gln alleviated the Gln-D-induced down-regulation of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase m RNA expressions and reduction of lactate,p300,HDAC concentrations,and histone lysine lactylation level(P<0.05).Besides,p300 inhibitor abrogated Gln repair of barrier function damage in YRECs(P<0.05).Conclusions Overall,our results revealed the potential mechanism of Gln supplementation to repair malnutritioninduced damage of rumen epithelial barrier function in yaks,which might be related to histone lysine lactylation.However,because we do not have a control group receiving glutamine alone,we cannot determine the impact of Gln on the rumen epithelial function of normal yaks.展开更多
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread ...BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF.To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms,it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.AIM To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.METHODS Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study.Questionnaires,including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients.Based on their anxiety and depression scores,patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups,as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups.General patient data were collected,and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.RESULTS Statistically significant differences in age,New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients(P<0.05).Age,NYHA grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression.The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender,age,NYHA grading,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,monthly income,educational attainment,and family support(P<0.05).Gender,smoking,alcohol consumption,monthly income,and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients.The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%,and thirst sensation,anxiety,and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.CONCLUSION CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression,with multiple associated influencing factors.Moreover,anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.展开更多
The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phy...The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phytoseidae),the plasticity of life history traits,such as developmental time and size at maturity,is influenced by the quality and quantity of food.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages(i.e.,juvenile,early adulthood,and later adulthood)on the lifespan and fecundity of P persimilis.We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P persimilis.Furthermore,this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction:it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood.Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response.Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P persimilis,where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood.In addition,we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females,with higher prey availability increasing both.The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P persimilis,which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.展开更多
BACKGROUND Poor musculoskeletal recovery following foot and ankle injury can result in chronic instability and persistent muscle weakness.Preliminary evidence has shown that blood flow restriction(BFR)rehabilitation c...BACKGROUND Poor musculoskeletal recovery following foot and ankle injury can result in chronic instability and persistent muscle weakness.Preliminary evidence has shown that blood flow restriction(BFR)rehabilitation can increase muscle strength and stability,helping to restore physical function and prevent repeated injury.AIM To determine whether BFR is more effective than traditional rehabilitation in improving muscle strength,size,and stability after foot and ankle injury.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.Articles were retrieved from MEDLINE,EMBASE,and CENTRAL databases.Included studies compared the effectiveness of BFR rehabilitation to traditional foot and ankle rehabilitation exercises.Eligible patients were those with a history of foot or ankle injury.Muscle strength,size,and dynamic balance were assessed by comparing impro vements in peak torque,cross-sectional area,and percent muscle activation.Methodological quality assessments were performed using the PEDro scale and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies(MINORS).RESULTS Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.Five studies were of good to excellent quality according to the PEDro scale,and 5 studies were of moderate quality as per the MINORS criteria.Two studies compared the effect of BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation on muscle strength;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Two studies analyzed muscle activation following BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Data on dynamic balance was synthesized from two studies;the mean difference between the BFR and control groups was 1.23[95%CI:(-1.55,4.01);P=0.39].CONCLUSION BFR rehabilitation is more effective than non-BFR rehabilitation at improving muscle strength and activation following foot and ankle injury.Additional studies are needed to develop a standardized BFR training protocol.展开更多
Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A...Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A single-arm intervention of supervised BFR resistance training was performed three times per week for six weeks.Participants(n=24;aged 65+years)were categorized into early morning(n=13;05:00–08:59)or late morning(n=11;09:00–12:00)groups.Primary outcomes were changes in body composition,total work,average peak power,average peak torque,muscle strength,and physical function.Results:Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant within-subject effect of time for all strength measures(p ranging from 0.017 to<0.001)and some physical function measures including the 30 s chair stand test,30 s bicep curl test,and grip strength(p ranging from 0.015 to<0.001).No between-group or time by group interaction effect was observed for all outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that only six weeks of BFR training,performed at different time of the morning,did not enhance muscle mass and performance,but provided similar changes in muscle strength and some physical function tests in older adults.展开更多
This review elucidates the impact of electrical stimulation(ES)and blood flow restriction(BFR)training on muscle function.ES induces a transformation in muscle fibers type by rearranging myosin heavy chain isoform pat...This review elucidates the impact of electrical stimulation(ES)and blood flow restriction(BFR)training on muscle function.ES induces a transformation in muscle fibers type by rearranging myosin heavy chain isoform patterns.Additionally,it influences muscle protein synthesis and degradation through specific signaling pathways such as protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin(Akt/mTOR),as well as via autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system,thereby effectively maintaining muscle mass.BFR,on the other hand,restricts muscle blood flow,leading to metabolic products accumulation and localized hypoxia,which not only promotes the recruitment of fast-twitch fibers but also activates the mTOR signaling pathway,enhancing muscle protein synthesis.The combination of ES and BFR synergistically facilitates muscle protein synthesis through the mTOR pathway,thereby accelerating the recovery of muscle function following peripheral nerve injury.展开更多
Article 51 of the Constitution of China stipulates that“When exercising their freedoms and rights,citizens of the People’s Republic of China shall not undermine the interests of the state,society or collectives,or i...Article 51 of the Constitution of China stipulates that“When exercising their freedoms and rights,citizens of the People’s Republic of China shall not undermine the interests of the state,society or collectives,or infringe upon the lawful freedoms and rights of other citizens.”The mainstream academic view holds that Article 51 of the Constitution is a general restrictive clause on fundamental rights.Nevertheless,from the perspectives of literal meaning,systematic interpretation and original intent,Article 51,rather than emphasizing the restriction of fundamental rights,affirms the inherent limits of fundamental rights.Article 51 does not authorize legislators to restrict fundamental rights;instead,it stresses that citizens shall not abuse their fundamental rights.Article 51 implies that fundamental rights have intrinsic boundaries,and the exercise of fundamental rights beyond such boundaries may result in the deprivation of fundamental rights.展开更多
The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lain.) was analyzed using DNA restriction fingerprinting. The cpDNA fingerprints of hybrids from reciprocal crosses between Xushu18 and AB78-...The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lain.) was analyzed using DNA restriction fingerprinting. The cpDNA fingerprints of hybrids from reciprocal crosses between Xushu18 and AB78-1 were found to be identical to those of their female parents, which reveals that cpDNA of sweet potato is maternally inherited in this intervarietal crossing. This maternal cpDNA transmission pattern does not accord with the putative one based on former cytological studies. The plastid inheritance in Convolvulaceae has been briefly reviewed in this study, and the utility of DNA restriction fingerprinting analysis in the study of plastid inheritance is also discussed.展开更多
In this study, non radioactive Digoxigenin labeled ribosomal DNA(rDNA) probes were used for Southern blotting analysis to study the molecular phylogeny of the giant panda and related species. Restriction maps in the ...In this study, non radioactive Digoxigenin labeled ribosomal DNA(rDNA) probes were used for Southern blotting analysis to study the molecular phylogeny of the giant panda and related species. Restriction maps in the regions of rDNA spacers were compared between giant panda( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ), lesser panda( Ailurus fulgens ), Asiatic black bear( Selenarctos thibetanus ), sun bear( Helarctos malayanus ), raccoon( Procyon lotor ) and lynx( Felis lynx ). Phylogenetic trees for these species were constructed using maximum likelihood and parsimony method. The results show that in respect to rDNA RFLPs, the giant panda is more closely related to bear than to lesser panda; while the lesser panda is slightly related to the raccoon.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC),Grant/Award Number:32272909Discipline Construction Program in Sichuan Agricultural University(2221993012)China Agriculture(Beef Cattle/Yak)Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-37)。
文摘Background As a unique livestock adapted to the harsh environment,grazing yaks frequently suffer from malnutrition and even death because of the lower yield and quality of forage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the cold season.Certain stress conditions,such as environmental changes,disease,and malnutrition,can lead to a decrease in glutamine(Gln)synthesis,which fails to cover the physiological needs of the organism.Supplementation with exogenous Gln can promote nutrient digestion and improve rumen fermentation in ruminant animals under malnutrition.However,whether Gln could alleviate the barrier function injury induced by malnutrition and its mechanism is still unclear.Methods In the in vivo experiments,24 healthy yaks(31 months,265.35±25.81 kg)were randomly divided into 3 groups,namely control group(Con,free access to the basal diet),feed restriction group(FR,50% level of ad libitum feed intake),and feed restriction+Gln group(FR+Gln,50% level of ad libitum feed intake from d 1 to 30,50% level of ad libitum feed intake+1%Gln from d 31 to 60).In the in vitro experiments,the yak rumen epithelial cells(YRECs)were divided into 4 groups:Con group(complete medium),Gln group(complete medium+10 mmol/L Gln),Gln deficiency group(Gln-D,Gln-free medium),and Gln deficiency+Gln group(Gln-D+Gln,Gln-free medium+10 mmol/L Gln).Results In the in vivo experiments,FR significantly decreased the ruminal concentrations of acetate,propionate,butyrate,iso-butyrate,and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)(P<0.05).FR also reduced the m RNA expression of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase,and the concentrations of lactate,histone acetyltransferase(p300),histone deacetylase(HDAC),as well as the histone lysine lactylation level compared to Con group,while Gln supplementation alleviated them(P<0.05).In the in vitro experiments,Gln alleviated the Gln-D-induced down-regulation of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase m RNA expressions and reduction of lactate,p300,HDAC concentrations,and histone lysine lactylation level(P<0.05).Besides,p300 inhibitor abrogated Gln repair of barrier function damage in YRECs(P<0.05).Conclusions Overall,our results revealed the potential mechanism of Gln supplementation to repair malnutritioninduced damage of rumen epithelial barrier function in yaks,which might be related to histone lysine lactylation.However,because we do not have a control group receiving glutamine alone,we cannot determine the impact of Gln on the rumen epithelial function of normal yaks.
基金Huxiang TCM Physique Intervention Clinical Research Center,No.2023SK4061Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Project of Hunan Province,No.B2023065+4 种基金Hunan Province"14th Five-Year Plan"key specialty of TCM,No.[2023]4Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hospital Joint Foundation,No.2023XYLH019 and 2024XYLH365R&D Plan for Key Areas of Hunan Provincial Department of Science and Technology,No.2019SK2321Excellent Youth Program of Hunan Education Department,No.24B0346Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists,No.2025JJ60626.
文摘BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF.To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms,it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.AIM To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.METHODS Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study.Questionnaires,including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients.Based on their anxiety and depression scores,patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups,as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups.General patient data were collected,and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.RESULTS Statistically significant differences in age,New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients(P<0.05).Age,NYHA grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression.The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender,age,NYHA grading,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,monthly income,educational attainment,and family support(P<0.05).Gender,smoking,alcohol consumption,monthly income,and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients.The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%,and thirst sensation,anxiety,and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.CONCLUSION CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression,with multiple associated influencing factors.Moreover,anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.
基金supported in part by New Zealand Government core funding for Crown Research Institutes from the Ministry of Business,Innovation,and Employment's Science and Innovation Group.
文摘The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phytoseidae),the plasticity of life history traits,such as developmental time and size at maturity,is influenced by the quality and quantity of food.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages(i.e.,juvenile,early adulthood,and later adulthood)on the lifespan and fecundity of P persimilis.We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P persimilis.Furthermore,this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction:it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood.Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response.Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P persimilis,where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood.In addition,we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females,with higher prey availability increasing both.The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P persimilis,which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.
文摘BACKGROUND Poor musculoskeletal recovery following foot and ankle injury can result in chronic instability and persistent muscle weakness.Preliminary evidence has shown that blood flow restriction(BFR)rehabilitation can increase muscle strength and stability,helping to restore physical function and prevent repeated injury.AIM To determine whether BFR is more effective than traditional rehabilitation in improving muscle strength,size,and stability after foot and ankle injury.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.Articles were retrieved from MEDLINE,EMBASE,and CENTRAL databases.Included studies compared the effectiveness of BFR rehabilitation to traditional foot and ankle rehabilitation exercises.Eligible patients were those with a history of foot or ankle injury.Muscle strength,size,and dynamic balance were assessed by comparing impro vements in peak torque,cross-sectional area,and percent muscle activation.Methodological quality assessments were performed using the PEDro scale and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies(MINORS).RESULTS Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.Five studies were of good to excellent quality according to the PEDro scale,and 5 studies were of moderate quality as per the MINORS criteria.Two studies compared the effect of BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation on muscle strength;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Two studies analyzed muscle activation following BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Data on dynamic balance was synthesized from two studies;the mean difference between the BFR and control groups was 1.23[95%CI:(-1.55,4.01);P=0.39].CONCLUSION BFR rehabilitation is more effective than non-BFR rehabilitation at improving muscle strength and activation following foot and ankle injury.Additional studies are needed to develop a standardized BFR training protocol.
基金Public Health Agency of Canada:Healthy Seniors Pilot Project(project number:C0089).
文摘Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A single-arm intervention of supervised BFR resistance training was performed three times per week for six weeks.Participants(n=24;aged 65+years)were categorized into early morning(n=13;05:00–08:59)or late morning(n=11;09:00–12:00)groups.Primary outcomes were changes in body composition,total work,average peak power,average peak torque,muscle strength,and physical function.Results:Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant within-subject effect of time for all strength measures(p ranging from 0.017 to<0.001)and some physical function measures including the 30 s chair stand test,30 s bicep curl test,and grip strength(p ranging from 0.015 to<0.001).No between-group or time by group interaction effect was observed for all outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that only six weeks of BFR training,performed at different time of the morning,did not enhance muscle mass and performance,but provided similar changes in muscle strength and some physical function tests in older adults.
文摘This review elucidates the impact of electrical stimulation(ES)and blood flow restriction(BFR)training on muscle function.ES induces a transformation in muscle fibers type by rearranging myosin heavy chain isoform patterns.Additionally,it influences muscle protein synthesis and degradation through specific signaling pathways such as protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin(Akt/mTOR),as well as via autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system,thereby effectively maintaining muscle mass.BFR,on the other hand,restricts muscle blood flow,leading to metabolic products accumulation and localized hypoxia,which not only promotes the recruitment of fast-twitch fibers but also activates the mTOR signaling pathway,enhancing muscle protein synthesis.The combination of ES and BFR synergistically facilitates muscle protein synthesis through the mTOR pathway,thereby accelerating the recovery of muscle function following peripheral nerve injury.
文摘Article 51 of the Constitution of China stipulates that“When exercising their freedoms and rights,citizens of the People’s Republic of China shall not undermine the interests of the state,society or collectives,or infringe upon the lawful freedoms and rights of other citizens.”The mainstream academic view holds that Article 51 of the Constitution is a general restrictive clause on fundamental rights.Nevertheless,from the perspectives of literal meaning,systematic interpretation and original intent,Article 51,rather than emphasizing the restriction of fundamental rights,affirms the inherent limits of fundamental rights.Article 51 does not authorize legislators to restrict fundamental rights;instead,it stresses that citizens shall not abuse their fundamental rights.Article 51 implies that fundamental rights have intrinsic boundaries,and the exercise of fundamental rights beyond such boundaries may result in the deprivation of fundamental rights.
文摘The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lain.) was analyzed using DNA restriction fingerprinting. The cpDNA fingerprints of hybrids from reciprocal crosses between Xushu18 and AB78-1 were found to be identical to those of their female parents, which reveals that cpDNA of sweet potato is maternally inherited in this intervarietal crossing. This maternal cpDNA transmission pattern does not accord with the putative one based on former cytological studies. The plastid inheritance in Convolvulaceae has been briefly reviewed in this study, and the utility of DNA restriction fingerprinting analysis in the study of plastid inheritance is also discussed.
文摘In this study, non radioactive Digoxigenin labeled ribosomal DNA(rDNA) probes were used for Southern blotting analysis to study the molecular phylogeny of the giant panda and related species. Restriction maps in the regions of rDNA spacers were compared between giant panda( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ), lesser panda( Ailurus fulgens ), Asiatic black bear( Selenarctos thibetanus ), sun bear( Helarctos malayanus ), raccoon( Procyon lotor ) and lynx( Felis lynx ). Phylogenetic trees for these species were constructed using maximum likelihood and parsimony method. The results show that in respect to rDNA RFLPs, the giant panda is more closely related to bear than to lesser panda; while the lesser panda is slightly related to the raccoon.
