Protective Effects of Flavonoid and Polyphenol from Lotus Leaf on Lung Damage Induced by Inhalation of N2O4 in mice

To study the protective effects of flavonoid and polyphenol (FP) from lotus leaf on the damage induced by N2O4 in mice. Constructing an animal damage model through exposing mice to 45μl N2O4 in a 120 L sealed cabinet for 30 minutes. ICR male mice were randomly divided into normal group, physiological saline+N2O4 group,1.25g/kgFP +N2O4 group, 2.50g/kgFP + N2O4 group, 3.75g/kg FP +N2O4 group. 1.25, 2.50, 3.75 g/kg FP were orally administered to mice respectively for 5 days, equal volume physiological saline for normal group and physiological saline+N2O4 group. Then, the three FP groups and the physiological saline+N2O4 group were exposed to N2O4 in the cabinet on 5th day. In an hour after N2O4 exposure, killing the mice by dislocation to measure the SOD, GSH-Px activity and MDA content in lung tissue, checking pathology change in lung tissue slice. Results were shown: the 1.25, 2.50g/kg FP increased SOD (U/mg pro) by 30.3% and 24.4%, GSH-Px (U/mg pro) by 77.4% and 60.9%, respectively. Pathological observation of lung tissue showed that three FP groups had lighter damage than the physiological saline+N2O4 group. So, FP has significant protective effects on damage caused by N2O4 in mice.

Defensive (anti-herbivory) Batesian mimicry in plants

Several types of defensive Batesian mimicry seem to be much more common in plants than was historically and is currently considered. It is based either on visual aspects (shape, coloration, and even movement), on odors, and on combinations of both these sensing modalities. Various characters that seem to function as defensive Batesian mimicry, may also simultaneously take part in pollination, physiological functions, or in other defensive mechanisms. The defended models for the visual Batesian mimics in plants belong to several categories: (1) spiny, thorny and prickly plant species, (2) mechanically or chemically defended parts of the same individual plant, or other members of the same species (auto mimicry), (3) colorful and chemically defended plants, (4) dangerous animals (aggressive, toxic), (5) fungal attacks, (6) animal action and animal damage cues, and (7) oozing defensive white latex. Olfactory defended models include: (1) toxic plants, (2) animal alarm pheromones, and (3) animal carrion and feces odors. Many more descriptive, genetic, phylogenetic and experimental studies have to be done in order to better understand the role of defensive Batesian mimicry in plant biology.

Effects of Stand Structure, Browsing, and Biophysical Conditions on Regeneration Following Mountain Pine Beetle in Mixed Lodgepole Pine and Aspen Forests of the Southern Rockies

Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) co-occur in the southern Rocky Mountains (USA), where mountain pine beetle (MPB, Dendroctonus ponderosae) has caused extensive lodgepole pine mortality since the late 1990s. Both species excel in post-disturbance high-light environments, but lodgepole pine has generally been thought to establish poorly on undisturbed seedbeds, and aspen suckering may be inhibited by intact aspen overstory. We ask whether lodgepole pine and aspen will regenerate in sufficient quantities to revegetate these forests. We visited a random sample of aspen and lodgepole pine stands across the affected landscape in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming to measure regeneration and overstory mortality. Lodgepole pine regeneration is occurring in 85% of stands, and most stands have >550 stems ha−1. The median aspen sucker density was 6175 stems ha−1. Surprisingly, neither lodgepole pine nor aspen regeneration density was related to overstory mortality level. Animal damage is currently affecting aspen in these forests. Over 50% of stands had damage to 60% or more of their suckers, but 30% of stands had <20% of their stems damaged. Browsed stems were significantly shorter for their ages and were shorter than the 2.5-m height threshold for possible elk browsing. However, the results suggest that sufficient quantities of down lodgepole pine may protect aspen from damage and allow aspen to successfully recruit to the overstory. Multiple regression analysis showed that down lodgepole pine basal area, followed by browsing pressure, were the most important predictors of sucker height and the proportion of suckers browsed. Although 15% of stands had no lodgepole pine regeneration, aspen and lodgepole pine forests are generally regenerating despite animal browsing on aspen. This study is the first to present a regional perspective on regeneration in MPB-affected lodgepole pine and aspen forests, and overall, intervention does not seem necessary to ensure a mix of both species in the future.

Phase contrast imaging of preclinical portal vein embolization with CO2microbubbles

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is employed clinically to avoid postoperative liver insufficiency. Animal models are usually used to study PVE in terms of mechanisms and pathophysiological changes. PVE is formerly monitored by conventional absorption contrast imaging (ACI) with iodine contrast agent. However, the side effects induced by iodine can give rise to animal damage and death. In this study, the feasibility of using phase contrast imaging (PCI) to show PVE using homemade CO2microbubbles in living rats has been investigated. CO2gas was first formed from the reaction between citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. The CO2gas was then encapsulated by egg white to fabricate CO2microbubbles. ACI and PCI of CO2microbubbles were performed and comparedin vitro. An additional increase in contrast was detected in PCI. PCI showed that CO2microbubbles gradually dissolved over time, and the remaining CO2microbubbles became larger. By PCI, the CO2microbubbles were found to have certain stability, suggesting their potential use as embolic agents. CO2microbubbles were injected into the main portal trunk to perform PVE in living rats. PCI exploited the differences in the refractive index and facilitated clear visualization of the PVE after the injection of CO2microbubbles. Findings from this study suggest that homemade CO2microbubbles-based PCI is a novel modality for preclinical PVE research.

Assess the Effect of the Foot and Mouth Disease Type O Inactivated Vaccine (O/MYA98/BY/2010 Strain) for Pigs

Recently, O-type foot and mouth disease epidemic situation has changed, there has been MYA98 epidemic strains, has caused many Asian countries for many kinds of animal damage. In January 2011, a new matching vaccine developed, namely Foot and mouth disease type O inactivated vaccine (O/MYA98/BY/2010 strain). In order to master this vaccine effectiveness in pig production, all the individual pigs in the ten farms had been immunized.A total of 97786 individuals or times immunized pigs were observed. All pigs were traced surveillance for foot and mouth clinical signs. A total of 295 serum samples were detected for antibody titers.The results show that although there adverse side effects, but other than the vaccine adverse reactions and extent has significantly decreased, pigs immunized were non-occurrence of type O foot and mouth disease, the antibody titer is eligible. So here we show , the vaccine is safe and effective, can be widely used.

Innovative Solutions to Human-Wildlife Conflicts: National Wildlife Research Center Accomplishments, 2010

As the research arm of Wildlife Services, a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), NWRC develops methods and information to address human-wildlife conflicts related to agriculture, human health and safety, property damage, invasive species, and threatened and endangered species. The NWRC is the only Federal research facility in the United States devoted entirely to the development of methods for effective wildlife damage management, and it’s research authority comes from the Animal Damage Control Act of 1931. The NWRC’s research priorities are based on nationwide research needs assessments, congressional directives, APHIS Wildlife Services program needs, and stakeholder input. The Center is committed to helping resolve the ever-expanding and changing issues associated with human-wildlife conflict management and remains well positioned to address new issues through proactive efforts and strategic planning activities. NWRC research falls under four principal areas that reflect APHIS’ commitment to “protecting agricultural and natural resources from agricultural animal and plant health threats, zoonotic diseases, invasive species, and wildlife conflicts and diseases”. In addition to the four main research areas, the NWRC maintains support functions related to animal care, administration, information transfer, archives, quality assurance, facility development, and legislative and public affairs.

The Effects of Forestry Site Preparation on Mountain Beaver Demographics and Associated Damage to Tree Seedlings

Timber resources are a vital part of the economy in the Pacific Northwest, yet reforestation efforts are often hampered by animal damage. Understanding the factors that influence seedling damage can assist managers in implementing appropriate techniques to reduce species-specific damage. I radio-collared and monitored mountain beavers (Aplodontia rufa) from preharvest to seedling planting to determine the impacts of forest management practices on demographics. In addition, I monitored Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings on 28 plots on two harvest units (Vesta and Schoolhouse) to determine the effects of chemical site preparation on mountain beaver foraging and subsequent seedling damage. Mountain beaver densities differed between silvicultural treatments (F3,39 = 3.58, P < 0.02), although reproductive success did not (χ2 = 0.14, df = 1, P = 0.70). Larger mountain beaver home ranges were documented in the mature timber compared with those following harvest. Home ranges were also larger in the chemical site preparation portion of the unit (mean = 3.37 ± 0.9 ha) than in the nontreated portion of the unit (mean = 0.82 ± 0.17 ha) on Vesta. Herbicide treatment did not promote seedling damage on either unit. Vegetation does not appear to be the only factor influencing mountain beaver movements and seedling damage. Availability of water is very important for mountain beavers and may also influence their foraging choice, as well as contributing to their increased movements in mature timber (reduced groundwater) versus clearcut areas. Understanding the effects of vegetation on population demographics and subsequent seedling damage may allow for initiating a nonlethal management method using alternative forage.

Innovative Solutions to Human-Wildlife Conflicts: National Wildlife Research Center Accomplishments, 2009

As the research arm of Wildlife Services (WS) program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, NWRC develops methods and information to address human-wildlife conflicts related to agriculture, human health and safety, property damage, invasive species, and threatened and endangered species. NWRC is the only Federal research facility in the United States devoted entirely to the development of methods for effective wildlife damage management. NWRS's research authority comes from the Animal Damage Control Act of 1931.The Center is committed to helping resolve the ever-expanding and changing issues associated with human-wildlife conflicts management and remains well positioned to address new issues through proactive efforts and strategic planning activities.