Efficacy and safety of oral and vaginal administration of misoprostol for induction of labor in high-risk obese pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of misoprostol administered orally and vaginally in obese pregnant women at term with either gestational hypertension or diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 264 pregnant women were enrolled and categorized into two groups based on their primary condition: hypertension (134 cases) or diabetes mellitus (130 cases) and were further divided into subgroups for misoprostol administration: orally (Oral group) or vaginally (Vaginal group). The primary outcomes measured were changes in the Bishop score following treatment, induction of labor (IOL) success rates, requirement for oxytocin augmentation, duration of labor, mode of delivery, and cesarean section rates.

RESULTS

Significant enhancements in Bishop scores, decreased cesarean section rates and increased success rates of IOL were noted in both administration groups. The incidence of vaginal delivery within 24 h was significantly higher in the Vaginal group compared to the Oral group. Adverse effects, including nausea, uterine overcontraction, hyperfrequency of uterine contraction and uterine hyperstimulation without fetal heart rate deceleration, were significantly more prevalent in the Vaginal group than in the Oral group.

CONCLUSION

Misoprostol administration, both orally and vaginally, proves effective for labor induction in obese pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes. However, the oral route presents a lower risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, suggesting its preference for safer labor induction in this demographic.

Phylogenomics and biogeographical diversification of Collabieae (Orchidaceae) and its implication in the reconstruction of the dynamic history of Asian evergreen broadleaved forests

The tribe Collabieae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) comprises approximately 500 species. Generic delimitation within Collabieae are confusing and phylogenetic interrelationships within the Collabieae have not been well resolved. Plastid genomes and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were used to estimate the phylogenetic relationships, ancestral ranges, and diversification rates of Collabieae. The results showed that Collabieae was subdivided into nine clades with high support. We proposed to combine Ancistrochilus and Pachystoma into Spathoglottis, merge Collabium and Chrysoglossum into Diglyphosa, and separate Pilophyllum and Hancockia as distinctive genera. The diversification of the nine clades of Collabieae might be associated with the uplift of the Himalayas during the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene. The enhanced East Asian summer monsoon in the Late Miocene may have promoted the rapid diversification of Collabieae at a sustained high diversification rate. The increased size of terrestrial pseudobulbs may be one of the drivers of Collabieae diversification. Our results suggest that the establishment and development of evergreen broadleaved forests facilitated the diversification of Collabieae.

[A multicenter prospective study on early identification of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children]

Objective: To explore potential predictors of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in early stage. Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted in Zhejiang, China from May 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020. A total of 1 428 patients with fever >48 hours to <120 hours were studied. Their clinical data and oral pharyngeal swab samples were collected; Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in pharyngeal swab specimens was detected. Patients with positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA results underwent a series of tests, including chest X-ray, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. According to the occurrence of RMPP, the patients were divided into two groups, RMPP group and general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group. Measurement data between the 2 groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between clinical data and RMPP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the power of the markers for predicting RMPP. Results: A total of 1 428 patients finished the study, with 801 boys and 627 girls, aged 4.3 (2.7, 6.3) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was positive in 534 cases (37.4%), of whom 446 cases (83.5%) were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, including 251 boys and 195 girls, aged 5.2 (3.3, 6.9) years. Macrolides-resistant variation was positive in 410 cases (91.9%). Fifty-five cases were with RMPP, 391 cases with GMPP. The peak body temperature before the first visit and LDH levels in RMPP patients were higher than that in GMPP patients (39.6 (39.1, 40.0) vs. 39.2 (38.9, 39.7) ℃, 333 (279, 392) vs. 311 (259, 359) U/L, both P<0.05). Logistic regression showed the prediction probability π=exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004×LDH (U/L))/(1+exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004 × LDH (U/L))), the cut-off value to predict RMPP was 0.12, with a consensus of probability forecast of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.89, and specificity of 0.67; and the area under ROC curve was 0.682 (95%CI 0.593-0.771, P<0.01). Conclusion: In MPP patients with fever over 48 to <120 hours, a prediction probability π of RMPP can be calculated based on the peak body temperature and LDH level before the first visit, which can facilitate early identification of RMPP.

Casp11 Deficiency Alters Subgingival Microbiota and Attenuates Periodontitis

Periodontitis (PD) is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), a keystone pathogen, has been identified as a crucial contributor to this process. Pyroptosis activation in PD is acknowledged, with accumulating evidence underscoring the crucial role of Caspase-11 (described as Caspase-4/5 in humans)-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis. However, the mechanism behind its impact on PD remains unclear. In this study, we delved into the interplay between the Caspase-11-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis, subgingival microbiota alteration, and macrophage polarization. Clinical samples from PD patients revealed heightened expression of Caspase-4, gasdermin-D, and their active fragments, pointing to the activation of the noncanonical pyroptosis. Single-cell sequencing analysis linked Caspase-4 with gingival macrophages, emphasizing their involvement in PD. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that P.g-induced pyroptosis was activated in macrophages, with Casp11 deficiency attenuating these effects. In an experimental PD mouse model, Casp11 deficiency led to an alteration in subgingival microbiota composition and reduced alveolar bone resorption. Casp11-/- mice cohousing with wild-type mice confirmed the alteration of the subgingival microbiota and aggravated the alveolar bone resorption. Notably, Casp11 deficiency led to decreased M1-polarized macrophages, corresponding with reduced alveolar bone resorption, uncovering a connection between subgingival microbiota alteration, macrophage M1 polarization, and alveolar bone resorption. Taken together, we showed that Caspase-11 fulfilled a crucial role in the noncanonical pyroptosis in PD, potentially influencing the subgingival microbiota and linking to M1 polarization, which was associated with alveolar bone resorption. These findings underscored the pivotal role of the Caspase-11-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis in PD pathogenesis and may provide critical insights into potential therapeutic avenues for mitigating PD.

Habitat-related plastome evolution in the mycoheterotrophic Neottia listeroides complex (Orchidaceae, Neottieae)

BACKGROUND

Mycoheterotrophs, acquiring organic carbon and other nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi, have evolved repeatedly with substantial plastid genome (plastome) variations. To date, the fine-scale evolution of mycoheterotrophic plastomes at the intraspecific level is not well-characterized. A few studies have revealed unexpected plastome divergence among species complex members, possibly driven by various biotic/abiotic factors. To illustrate evolutionary mechanisms underlying such divergence, we analyzed plastome features and molecular evolution of 15 plastomes of Neottia listeroides complex from different forest habitats.

RESULTS

These 15 samples of Neottia listeroides complex split into three clades according to their habitats approximately 6 million years ago: Pine Clade, including ten samples from pine-broadleaf mixed forests, Fir Clade, including four samples from alpine fir forests and Fir-willow Clade with one sample. Compared with those of Pine Clade members, plastomes of Fir Clade members show smaller size and higher substitution rates. Plastome size, substitution rates, loss and retention of plastid-encoded genes are clade-specific. We propose to recognized six species in N. listeroides complex and slightly modify the path of plastome degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide insight into the evolutionary dynamics and discrepancy of closely related mycoheterotrophic orchid lineages at a high phylogenetic resolution.

Phalaenopsismedogensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae, Vandeae), a new species from Xizang, China

A new species of Orchidaceae, Phalaenopsismedogensis, from Motuo, Xizang, is described and illustrated based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetics analysis. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters indicate that P.medogensis is close to P.deliciosa, P.gibbosa and P.lobbii, but differs from them by having triangular wings on the column foot, rhombic lip mid-lobe with a fleshy-horned appendage at the base, and concave lip lateral lobes, the lower part white with a deep purplish-red spot and hairy, the upper part pale yellow with dense rust spots.

Phylogenetic analysis and character evolution of tribe Arethuseae (Orchidaceae) reveal a new genus Mengzia

Delimitation of the tribe Arethuseae has varied considerably since it was first defined. The relationships within Arethuseae, particularly within the subtribe Arethusinae, remain poorly elucidated. In this study, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Arethuseae, using six plastid markers (matK, ycf1, rbcL rpoc1, rpl32-trnL and trnL-F) from 83 taxa. The ancestral state reconstruction of 11 selected morphological characters was also conducted to identify synapomorphies and assess potential evolutionary transitions. Morphological character comparision between the distinct species Bletilla foliosa and other species are conducted. Our results unequivocally supported the monophyly of Arethuseae, which included highly supported clades and a clear synapomorphy of non-trichome-like lamellae. Furthermore, B. foliosa formed a separate clade in the subtribe Arethusinae, instead of clustering with the other Bletilla species in the subtribe Coelogyninae. The morphological characters comparision further showed that the B. foliosa clade could be distinguished from other genera in Arethuseae by multiple characters, including presence of lateral inflorescence, three lamellae with trichome-like apex and four pollinia. In light of these molecular and morphological evidences, we propose Mengzia as a new genus to accommodate B. foliosa and accordingly provide descriptions of this new genus and combination.

Four new species and a new record of Orchidinae (Orchidaceae: Orchideae) from China

Four new species of Orchidaceae from China, Heminium lijiangense, Peristylus fasciculatus, Platanthera milinensis, and Ponerorchis gongshanensis, together with a new country record, Peristylus tenuicallus, are described and illustrated based on morphological and/or phylogenetic analyses. Heminium lijiangense is closely related to H. elisabethae but differs from it by having the dorsal sepal ovate-orbicular and lip mid-lobe distinctly shorter than lateral lobes. P. fasciculatus is close to Peristylus tradescantifolius but is distinguished from it by having several fascicled and straight, root-like tubers (vs. one or two oblongoid tubers), old stems usually persistent, middle lobe of lip narrowly ligulate-lanceolate and half as long as the lateral lobes (vs. middle lobe deltoid, about a third as long as the lateral lobes or less), a raised callus at the base of each lateral lobe (vs. callus absent), spur gradually attenuate toward the apex (vs. spur clavate). Platanthera milinensis is similar to P. stenochila by sharing small green flowers and lip without a spur, but differs in having a creeping rhizome, a corymbose inflorescence, and a broadly ovate and slightly 3-lobed lip. Ponerochis gongshanensis is similar to P. faberi in its small flowers, but differs in having a linear leaf c. 3 mm wide (vs. leaf 5-13 mm wide), in the lip having collar-like raised margins on the sides of the spur entrance, and a mid-lobe which is notched at the apex but not divided into two divergent lobules that are nearly as large as the lateral lobes, as in P. faberi. All the proposed species obtained high support in phylogenetic analysis as new species. The recently described genus Apetalanthe is reduced to synonymy of Ponerorchis and a new combination is made.

Three new species of Liparis s.l. (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae) from Southwest China based on morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence

Liparis aureolabella and L. mengziensis, two new species from the karst region of southwestern China, and L. bingzhongluoensis, a new species from montane region in Yunnan, are described and illustrated. L. aureolabella is easily distinguished from its relatives by having abaxially purple leave with purple reticulate veins prominent adaxially, a lip auriculate at base, and falcate-lanceolate pollinia. Liparis mengziensis is closely related to L. petiolata and L. auriculata, but differs from them by having an ovate to broadly ovate leaf, purple lip and apex connate along the margins. Liparis bingzhongluoensis is similar to Liparis nanlingensis, but the new species is characterized by having a lip with two transparent ridges on its disc, longitudinally concave basal callus and triangular column wings. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK sequences showed that L. aureolabella and L. mengziensis are nested with L. petiolata or L. auriculata in a monophyletic clade. L. bingzhongluoensis is sister to a clade formed by L. nanlingensis, L. tsii, L. sasakii and L. krameri. Moreover, morphological comparisons strongly support that the three species as separated species newly to science.

New taxa of tribe Gastrodieae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) from Yunnan, China and its conservation implication

Gastrodia longistyla, a new species of Orchidaceae from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to Gastrodia peichatieniana, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by having a rhombic epichile, long column (6.0-7.5 mm long), and a needle-shaped appendage (1.8-3.2 mm in length) at the base of the stigma. Identification key and colour photographs are provided. A preliminary risk-of-extinction assessment, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, is given for the new species. The plastome of G. longistyla is 30464 bp in length with GC content approximately 24.8%, and the plastome does not contain some housekeeping genes, such as matK, rpl16, or all photosynthesis genes. In addition, the G. longistyla plastome lacks an IR region. This indicates that the plastome is in the last stage of degradation.

Neottia wuyishanensis (Orchidaceae: Neottieae), a new species from Fujian, China

A new species, Neottia wuyishanensis (Neottieae, Orchidaceae), is described and illustrated from Wuyishan, Fujian, eastern China, based on morphological characters and molecular data. Molecular phylogenetics indicate that N. wuyishanensis is nested within the clade formed by Neottia fugongensis and Neottia nujiangensis. Morphologically, N. wuyishanensis is similar to N. fugongensis and N. pseudonipponica, but differs from them by having indistinct auricles at the base, and in the shape and size of lobelets.

Taxonomy notes on Vandeae (Orchidaceae) from China: Five new species and two new records

Five new species (Gastrochilus yei, Gastrochilus minimus, Luisia simaoensis, Taeniophyllum xizangense, Tuberolabium subulatum) and two newly recorded species (Cleisostoma tricornutum, Luisia inconspicua) of Vandeae (Orchidaceae) from China are described and illustrated. Gastrochilus yei is similar to G. affinis and G. nepalensis, but differs from them by having an epichile not lobed, the apex of the hypochile not bilobed, and a tine on the apex of the leaf. Gastrochilus minimus is similar to G. acinacifolius, but can be distinguished from the latter by having a flabellate epichile that is densely hirsute on the adaxial surface and an inconspicuous central cushion; in addition, the hypochile of G. minimus has a keel that extends to the apex of the epichile. Taeniophyllum xizangense is similar to T. stella and T. radiatum, but it is distinguished from them by having much bigger flowers, inflorescences densely covered with short-bristly hairs, papillae on the external surface of sepals, and bigger triangular-ovate viscidium. Luisia simaoensis is similar to L. magniflora and L. ramosii, but can be easily distinguished from them by having lateral sepals longer than dorsal sepals and petals, lip with irregular and waved margins, and lip with bilobed apex. Luisia inconspicua is moved from Gastrochilus to Luisia based on phylogenetic analyses of plastid matK sequence data. Tuberolabium subulatum is similar to T. carnosum, but it can be easily distinguished from the latter by having an inflorescence much shorter than the leaves, yellow sepals and petals, and many small papillae outside the lip lobes.

Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Resurrection Plant Acanthochlamys bracteata (Velloziaceae)

Acanthochlamys bracteata (Velloziaceae) is a resurrection plant with cold tolerance. Herein, a chromosome-level reference genome of A. bracteata based on Nanopore, Illumina, and Hi-C data is reported. The high-quality assembled genome was 197.97 Mb, with a scaffold N50 value of 8.64 Mb and a contig N50 value of 6.96 Mb. We annotated 23,509 protein-coding genes. Eight contracted gene families and three expanded gene families were detected. Repeat sequences accounted for approximately 28.63% of the genome. The LEA1 and Dehydrin gene families, which are involved in desiccation resistance, expanded in A. bracteata. We identified genes involved in chilling tolerance, COLD1.

Taxonomic revision of Habenaria josephi group (sect. Diphyllae s.l.) in the Pan-Himalaya

Species of the Habenaria josephi group in the Pan-Himalaya region are revised, based on their morphological characters and results of previous molecular phylogenetics. Eight distinctive species are recognised; key to the species, taxonomic descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps are provided. Habenaria josephi is re-instated, based on morphological and molecular evidence; H. wolongensis is synonymised with H. aitchisonii, a neotype for H. tibetica and the lectotypes for H. balfouriana, H. fargesii, H. glaucifolia and H. clarkei are designated.

Diversification in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Orchidinae (Orchidaceae) clades exhibiting pre-adaptations play critical role

We explore the origins of the extraordinary plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) using Orchidinae (Orchidaceae) as a model. Our results indicate that six major clades in Orchidinae exhibited substantial variation in the temporal and spatial sequence of diversification. Our time-calibrated phylogenetic model suggests that the species-richness of Orchidinae arose through a combination of in situ diversification, colonisation, and local recruitment. There are multiple origins of species-richness of Orchidinae in the QTP, and pre-adaptations in clades from North Temperate and alpine regions were crucial for in situ diversification. The geographic analysis identified 29 dispersals from Asia, Africa and Europe into the QTP and 15 dispersals out. Most endemic species of Orchidinae evolved within the past six million years.

Plastid Genome Evolution in the Subtribe Calypsoinae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae)

Calypsoinae is a small subtribe in Orchidaceae (Epidendroideae) characterized by diverse trophic strategies and morphological characters. Calypsoinae includes 13 genera, four of which are leafless and mycoheterotrophic. Mycoheterotrophic species in the leafless genus Corallorhiza are well suited to studies of plastome evolution. However, the lack of plastome sequences for other genera in Calypsoinae limits the scope of comparative and phylogenetic analyses, in particular our understanding of plastome evolution. To understand plastid genome evolution in Calypsoinae, we newly sequenced the plastomes of 12 species in the subtribe, including representatives of three mycoheterotrophic genera as well as five autotrophic genera. We detected two parallel photosynthetic losses in Corallorhiza. Evolutionary analyses indicated that the transition to obligate mycoheterotrophy leads to the relaxation of selection in a highly gene-specific pattern.

Bulbophyllum papuaense (Orchidaceae), a new species from Indonesia

A new species, Bulbophyllum papuaense, was described and illustrated from Indonesia. Bulbophyllum papuaense is similar to Bulbophyllum tortuosum and B. muscohaerens but differs from them by having rhizome and pseudobulbs covered with papillose scales, caudate and ciliate petals, linear and ciliate lip.

Two new species of Cylindrolobus (Orchidaceae) from the eastern Himalayas

Two new species, Cylindrolobus motuoensis and C. glabriflorus (Orchidaceae), from Southwestern China and north of Myanmar are described and illustrated with detailed photos. Cylindrolobus motuoensis is morphologically similar to C. gloensis and C. foetidus, but can be distinguished from them by having amplexicaul sterile bracts, dark red floral bracts, white flowers, falcate-lanceolate lateral sepals and central keel of lip running from base to the tip of mid-lobe. Cylindrolobus glabriflorus is similar to C. hegdei and C. tenuicaulis but differs from them by having longer and wider leaves, obovate bracts, and the reddish brown central papillate keel of lip.

CD28 deficiency attenuates primary blast-induced renal injury in mice via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Primary blast affects the kidneys due to direct shock wave damage and the production of proinflammatory cytokines without effective treatment. CD28 has been reported to be involved in regulating T cell activation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of primary blast on the kidney and the effect of CD28 in mice.

METHODS

A mouse model of primary blast-induced kidney injury was established using a custom-made explosive device. The severity of kidney injury was investigated by H&E staining. ELISA was applied to study serum inflammation factors' expression. Western blot assays were used to analyse the primary blast-induced inflammatory factors' expression in the kidney. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to examine the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

RESULTS

Histological examination demonstrated that compared with the primary blast group, CD28 deficiency caused a significant decrease in the severity of the primary blast-induced renal injury. Moreover, ELISA and western blotting revealed that CD28 deficiency significantly reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4 and IL-6, and increased the IL-10 level (p<0.05). Finally, immunofluorescence analysis indicated that PI3K/Akt expression also changed.

CONCLUSIONS

CD28 deficiency had protective effects on primary blast-induced kidney injury via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. These findings improve the knowledge on primary blast injury and provide theoretical basis for primary blast injury treatment.

Evolution of plastid genomes of Holcoglossum (Orchidaceae) with recent radiation

BACKGROUND

The plastid is a semiautonomous organelle with its own genome. Plastid genomes have been widely used as models for studying phylogeny, speciation and adaptive evolution. However, most studies focus on comparisons of plastid genome evolution at high taxonomic levels, and comparative studies of the process of plastome evolution at the infrageneric or intraspecific level remain elusive. Holcoglossum is a small genus of Orchidaceae, consisting of approximately 20 species of recent radiation. This made it an ideal group to explore the plastome mutation mode at the infrageneric or intraspecific level.

RESULTS

In this paper, we reported 15 complete plastid genomes from 12 species of Holcoglossum and 1 species of Vanda. The plastid genomes of Holcoglossum have a total length range between 145 kb and 148 kb, encoding a set of 102 genes. The whole set of ndh-gene families in Holcoglossum have been truncated or pseudogenized. Hairpin inversion in the coding region of the plastid gene ycf2 has been found.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a comprehensive comparative plastome analysis, we found that all the indels between different individuals of the same species resulted from the copy number variation of the short repeat sequence, which may be caused by replication slippage. Annotation of tandem repeats shows that the variation introduced by tandem repeats is widespread in plastid genomes. The hairpin inversion found in the plastid gene ycf2 occurred randomly in the Orchidaceae.

Begonia medogensis, a new species of Begoniaceae from Western China and Northern Myanmar

Begonia medogensis JianW.Li, Y.H.Tan & X.H.Jin, a new species of Begoniaceae, is described and illustrated by colour photographs. Begonia medogensis is distributed in western China and northern Myanmar. It has erect stems, is tuberless, has many triangular to lanceolate leaves, base slightly asymmetric, margins remotely and irregularly denticulate; staminate flowers have 4 perianth segments, with outer 2 segments broadly ovate, inner 2 spathulate; pistillate flowers have 5 perianth segments, unequal, outer 4 broadly ovate, inner 1 spathulate. The new species is assigned to section Platycentrum and can easily be distinguished from the other species in the section.

Coelogyne victoria-reginae (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae, Arethuseae), a new species from Chin State, Myanmar

Coelogyne victoria-reginae, a new species of section Proliferae, from Natma Taung (Mt.Victoria) National Park, Chin State, Myanmar, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. prolifera, but the clustered pseudobulbs, pure brownish- red flowers and column wing with irregular notches at the apex of the new species differ from the other species. A preliminary risk-of-extinction assessment shows that the new species is regarded as EN C2a[i] according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Molecular systematics and the evolution of mycoheterotrophy of tribe Neottieae (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae)

Neottieae comprise about 150-200 species and are distributed mainly in temperate and subtropical zones of the northern hemisphere. Mycoheterotrophy is common in Neottieae. Based on three DNA markers and a broad sampling of Neottieae, these results indicate that Neottieae is strongly supported as monophyletic and Palmorchis is sister to the remaining genera of Neottieae. Holopogon and Neottia s.s. are deeply nested within Listera. The habit of leafless mycotrophy has independently evolved at least three times in Neottieae, one in Cephalanthera, another in Neottia s.l. and the third in the clade formed by Limodorum and Aphyllorchis.

Rediscovery and amended descriptions of Begonia kingdon-wardii (Begoniaceae) from North Myanmar

Begonia kingdon-wardii Tebbitt was rediscovered in 2014 from Myanmar after 67 years based on its last collection in 1937. Its previously unknown female flower and inaccurate morphology of leaf and ovary have been additionally described. This species belongs to Begonia sect. Sphenanthera (Hassk.) Warb. due to its dioecious habit, 3-locular ovary, berry fruits and thick placenta segments. Morphologically, it is similar to Begonia gulinqingensis S. H. Huang & Y. M. Shui in the leaf shape, placentation and fruit shape, but different in its dioecious plants, pliciform leaves, two-petalled female flowers and berry fruits. The rediscovery of this amazing living species will attract significant interest for scientific research and horticultural application.

Dendrobium naungmungense (Orchidaceae, Dendrobieae), a new species from Kachin State, Myanmar

Dendrobium naungmungense, a new species from Naungmung, Kachin State, North Myanmar, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to D. ciliatilabellum and D. vexabile, but the epichile is oblong with three long-ciliate laminae and the column wing has significant denticulation. A preliminary risk-of-extinction assessment shows that the new species should be regarded as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Phylogenetics of subtribe Orchidinae s.l. (Orchidaceae; Orchidoideae) based on seven markers (plastid matK, psaB, rbcL, trnL-F, trnH-psba, and nuclear nrITS, Xdh): implications for generic delimitation

BACKGROUND

Subtribe Orchidinae (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) are a nearly cosmopolitan taxon of terrestrial orchids, comprising about 1800 species in 47 to 60 genera. Although much progress has been made in recent years of phylogenetics of Orchidinae, considerable problems remain to be addressed. Based on molecular phylogenetics, we attempt to illustrate the phylogenetic relationships and discuss generic delimitation within Orchidinae. Seven DNA markers (five plastid and two nuclear), a broad sampling of Orchidinae (400 species in 52 genera) and three methods of phylogenetic analysis (maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference) were used.

RESULTS

Orchidinae s.l. are monophyletic. Satyrium is sister to the rest of Orchidinae s.l. Brachycorythis and Schizochilus are successive sister to Asian-European Orchidinae s.s. Sirindhornia and Shizhenia are successive sister to clade formed by Tsaiorchis-Hemipilia-Ponerorchis alliance. Stenoglottis is sister to the Habenaria-Herminium-Peristylus alliance. Habenaria, currently the largest genus in Orchidinae, is polyphyletic and split into two distant clades: one Asian-Australian and the other African-American-Asian. Diplomeris is sister to Herminium s.l. plus Asian-Australian Habenaria.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose to recognize five genera in the Ponerorchis alliance: Hemipilia, Ponerorchis s.l., Sirindhornia, Shizhenia and Tsaiorchis. Splitting Habenaria into two genera based on morphological characters and geographical distribution may be the least disruptive approach, and it is reasonable to keep Satyrium in Orchidinae.

DNA barcoding of invasive plants in China: A resource for identifying invasive plants

Invasive plants have aroused attention globally for causing ecological damage and having a negative impact on the economy and human health. However, it can be extremely challenging to rapidly and accurately identify invasive plants based on morphology because they are an assemblage of many different families and many plant materials lack sufficient diagnostic characteristics during border inspections. It is therefore urgent to evaluate candidate loci and build a reliable genetic library to prevent invasive plants from entering China. In this study, five common single markers (ITS, ITS2, matK, rbcL and trnH-psbA) were evaluated using 634 species (including 469 invasive plant species in China, 10 new records to China, 16 potentially invasive plant species around the world but not introduced into China yet and 139 plant species native to China) based on three different methods. Our results indicated that ITS2 displayed largest intra- and interspecific divergence (1.72% and 91.46%). Based on NJ tree method, ITS2, ITS, matK, rbcL and trnH-psbA provided 76.84%, 76.5%, 63.21%, 52.86% and 50.68% discrimination rates, respectively. The combination of ITS + matK performed best and provided 91.03% discriminatory power, followed by ITS2 + matK (85.78%). For identifying unknown individuals, ITS + matK had 100% correct identification rate based on our database, followed by ITS/ITS2 (both 93.33%) and ITS2 + matK (91.67%). Thus, we propose ITS/ITS2 + matK as the most suitable barcode for invasive plants in China. This study also demonstrated that DNA barcoding is an efficient tool for identifying invasive species.

Effects of different space allowances on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality in a grow-to-finish production system

Objective

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the optimal space allowance on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs.

Methods

A total of ninety crossbred pigs [(Yorkshire×Landrace)×Duroc, 30.25±1.13 kg] were allocated into three treatments (0.96: four pigs/pen, 0.96 m²/pig; 0.80: five pigs/pen, 0.80 m²/pig; 0.69: six pigs/pen, 0.69 m²/pig) in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were housed in balanced sex and had free access to feed in all phases for 14 weeks (growing phase I, growing phase II, finishing phase I, and finishing phase II).

Results

There was no statistical difference in growing phase, but a linear decrease was observed on average daily gain (ADG, p<0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI, p<0.01), and body weight (BW, p<0.01) with decreasing space allowance in late finishing phase. On the other hand, a quadratic effect was observed on gain to feed ratio in early finishing phase (p<0.03). Consequently, overall ADG, ADFI, and final BW linearly declined in response to decreased space allowance (p<0.01). The pH of pork had no significant difference in 1 hour after slaughter, whereas there was a linear decrease in 24 h after slaughter with decreasing space allowance. Floor area allowance did not affect pork colors, but shear force linearly increased as floor space decreased (p<0.01). There was a linear increase in serum cortisol concentration on 14 week (p<0.05) with decreased space allocation. Serum IgG was linearly ameliorated as space allowance increased on 10 week (p<0.05) and 14 week (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Data from current study indicated that stress derived from reduced space allowance deteriorates the immune system as well as growth performance of pigs, resulting in poor pork quality. Recommended adequate space allowance in a grow-to-finish production system is more than 0.80 m²/pig for maximizing growth performance and production efficiency.

Concomitant loss of NDH complex-related genes within chloroplast and nuclear genomes in some orchids

The chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase-like (NDH) complex consists of about 30 subunits from both the nuclear and chloroplast genomes and is ubiquitous across most land plants. In some orchids, such as Phalaenopsis equestris, Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium catenatum, most of the 11 chloroplast genome-encoded ndh genes (cp-ndh) have been lost. Here we investigated whether functional cp-ndh genes have been completely lost in these orchids or whether they have been transferred and retained in the nuclear genome. Further, we assessed whether both cp-ndh genes and nucleus-encoded NDH-related genes can be lost, resulting in the absence of the NDH complex. Comparative analyses of the genome of Apostasia odorata, an orchid species with a complete complement of cp-ndh genes which represents the sister lineage to all other orchids, and three published orchid genome sequences for P. equestris, D. officinale and D. catenatum, which are all missing cp-ndh genes, indicated that copies of cp-ndh genes are not present in any of these four nuclear genomes. This observation suggests that the NDH complex is not necessary for some plants. Comparative genomic/transcriptomic analyses of currently available plastid genome sequences and nuclear transcriptome data showed that 47 out of 660 photoautotrophic plants and all the heterotrophic plants are missing plastid-encoded cp-ndh genes and exhibit no evidence for maintenance of a functional NDH complex. Our data indicate that the NDH complex can be lost in photoautotrophic plant species. Further, the loss of the NDH complex may increase the probability of transition from a photoautotrophic to a heterotrophic life history.

A taxonomic revision of Herminium L. (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae)

Herminium (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) is a medium-sized genus widespread in the northern hemisphere, with a clear centre of diversity in the Himalayas. We present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Herminium based on field observations and morphological studies, for which we examined about 2500 specimens. We recognize 49 species grouped into six formal sections, including one new species, Herminium tibeticum, from Tibet. We provide an identification key to the species, descriptions of the species, notes on ecology and distribution, and complete nomenclature for each species, including typifications. We here designate lectotypes for five species and reduce four taxa to synonymy.

Evaluation of DNA barcodes in Codonopsis (Campanulaceae) and in some large angiosperm plant genera

DNA barcoding is expected to be one of the most promising tools in biological taxonomy. However, there have been no agreements on which core barcode should be used in plants, especially in species-rich genera with wide geographical distributions. To evaluate their discriminatory power in large genera, four of the most widely used DNA barcodes, including three plastid regions (matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), were tested in seven species-rich genera (Ficus, Pedicularis, Rhodiola, Rhododendron,Viburnum, Dendrobium and Lysimachia) and a moderate size genus, Codonopsis. All of the sequences from the aforementioned seven large genera were downloaded from NCBI. The related barcodes for Codonopsis were newly generated in this study. Genetics distances, DNA barcoding gaps and phylogenetic trees of the four single barcodes and their combinations were calculated and compared in the seven genera. As for single barcode, nrITS has the most variable sites, the clearest intra- and inter-specific divergences and the highest discrimination rates in the seven genera. Among the combinations of barcodes, ITS+matK performed better than all the single barcodes in most cases and even the three- and four-loci combinations in the seven genera. Therefore, we recommend ITS+matK as the core barcodes for large plant genera.

Effect of dietary energy levels and phase feeding by protein levels on growth performance, blood profiles and carcass characteristics in growing-finishing pigs

Background

Providing of insufficient nutrients limits the potential growth of pig, while feeding of excessive nutrients increases the economic loss and causes environment pollution. For these reasons, phase feeding had been introduced in swine farm for improving animal production. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary energy levels and phase feeding by protein levels on growth performance, blood profiles and carcass characteristics in growing-finishing pigs.

Methods

A total of 128 growing pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc), averaging 26.62 ± 3.07 kg body weight, were assigned in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with 4 pigs per pen. The first factor was two dietary energy level (3,265 kcal of ME/kg or 3,365 kcal of ME/kg), and the second factor was four different levels of dietary protein by phase feeding (1growing(G)-2finishing(F) phases, 2G-2F phases, 2G-3F phases and 2G-3F phases with low CP requirement).

Results

In feeding trial, there was no significant difference in growth performance. The BUN concentration was decreased as dietary protein level decreased in 6 week and blood creatinine was increased in 13 week when pigs were fed diets with different dietary energy level. The digestibility of crude fat was improved as dietary energy levels increased and excretion of urinary nitrogen was reduced when low protein diet was provided. Chemical compositions of longissimus muscle were not affected by dietary treatments. In backfat thickness (P₂) at 13 week, pigs fed high energy diet had thicker backfat thickness (P = 0.06) and pigs fed low protein diet showed the trend of backfat thinness reduction (P = 0.09). In addition, water holding capacity was decreased (P = 0.01) and cooking loss was increased (P = 0.07) as dietary protein level reduced. When pigs were fed high energy diet with low subdivision of phase feeding, days to 120 kg market weight was reached earlier compared to other treatments.

Conclusion

Feeding the low energy diet and subdivision of growing-finishing phase by dietary protein levels had no significant effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Also, phase feeding with low energy and low protein diet had no negative effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics but economical profits was improved.

Lineage-Specific Reductions of Plastid Genomes in an Orchid Tribe with Partially and Fully Mycoheterotrophic Species

The plastid genome (plastome) of heterotrophic plants like mycoheterotrophs and parasites shows massive gene losses in consequence to the relaxation of functional constraints on photosynthesis. To understand the patterns of this convergent plastome reduction syndrome in heterotrophic plants, we studied 12 closely related orchids of three different lifeforms from the tribe Neottieae (Orchidaceae). We employ a comparative genomics approach to examine structural and selectional changes in plastomes within Neottieae. Both leafy and leafless heterotrophic species have functionally reduced plastid genome. Our analyses show that genes for the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex, the photosystems, and the RNA polymerase have been lost functionally multiple times independently. The physical reduction proceeds in a highly lineage-specific manner, accompanied by structural reconfigurations such as inversions or modifications of the large inverted repeats. Despite significant but minor selectional changes, all retained genes continue to evolve under purifying selection. All leafless Neottia species, including both visibly green and nongreen members, are fully mycoheterotrophic, likely evolved from leafy and partially mycoheterotrophic species. The plastomes of Neottieae span many stages of plastome degradation, including the longest plastome of a mycoheterotroph, providing invaluable insights into the mechanisms of plastome evolution along the transition from autotrophy to full mycoheterotrophy.

Supplementation of Dried Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Profiles in Weaning Pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dried mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood profiles in weaning pigs. A total of 120 weaning pigs (28±3 days and 8.04±0.08 kg of body weight) were allotted to one of five treatments, based on sex and body weight, in 6 replicates with 4 pigs per pen by a randomized complete block design. Supplementation level of dried mealworm was 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, or 6.0% in experimental diet as treatment. Two phase feeding programs (phase I from 0 day to 14 day, phase II from 14 day to 35 day) were used in this experiment. All animals were allowed to access diet and water ad libitum. During phase I, increasing level of dried mealworm in diet linearly improved the body weight (p<0.01), average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.01) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.01). During phase II, ADG also tended to increase linearly when pigs were fed higher level of dried mealworm (p = 0.08). In addition, increasing level of dried mealworm improved the ADG (p<0.01), ADFI (p<0.05) and tended to increase gain to feed ratio (p = 0.07) during the whole experimental period. As dried mealworm level was increased, nitrogen retention and digestibility of dry matter as well as crude protein were linearly increased (p = 0.05). In the results of blood profiles, decrease of blood urea nitrogen (linear, p = 0.05) and increase of insulin-like growth factor (linear, p = 0.03) were observed as dried mealworm was increased in diet during phase II. However, there were no significant differences in immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG concentration by addition of dried mealworm in the growth trial. Consequently, supplementation of dried mealworm up to 6% in weaning pigs’ diet improves growth performance and nutrient digestibility without any detrimental effect on immune responses.

MiR-143 and rat embryo implantation

BACKGROUND

To study the role of miR-143 during embryo implantation in rat.

METHODS

MiR-143 expression in rat early pregnancy was detected by Northern blot. The relation between miR-143 and Lifr predicted and confirmed by bioinformatics method, dual-luciferase activity assay, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The role of miR-143 was detected by MTS, Edu and ranswell chamber assays.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-143 on gestation day 5-8 (g.d. 5-8) was higher than on g.d. 3-4 in uteri of pregnant rat. MiR-143 was mainly localized in the superficial stroma/primary decidual zone, luminal and glandular epithelia. The expression of miR-143 was not significantly influenced by pseudopregnancy, but the activation of delayed implantation and experimentally induced decidualization significantly promoted miR-143 expression. Over-expression of miR-143 in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Knockdown of miR-143 promoted cell proliferation and invasion. The results of recombinant luciferase reporters showed that miR-143 could bind to the 3¢-untranslated region (UTR) of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (Lifr) to inhibit Lifr translation.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine miR-143 may be involved in the successful pregnancy, especially during the process of blastocyst implantation through regulating Lifr.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study may have the potential to provide new insights into the understanding of miR-143 function during embryo implantation.

Begonia wuzhishanensis (sect. Diploclinium, Begoniaceae), a new species from Hainan Island, China

BACKGROUND

Hainan is the largest island of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and has the best preserved and most extensive tropical forests in China. A recent study on distribution of endangered species in China identifies southern Hainan as one of eight hotspots for plant conservation in the country. In continuation of our studies of Asian Begonia, we report the discovery of an attractive undescribed species, B. wuzhishanensis C.-I Peng, X.H. Jin & S.M. Ku, from Hainan Island.

RESULTS

Living plant of the new species, Begonia wuzhishanensis, was collected in 2009 and cultivated in the experimental greenhouse for morphological and cytological studies. It flowered consecutively in 2012 and 2013 in the experimental greenhouse, Academia Sinica. It was assigned to the large, heterogeneous sect. Diploclinium. The chromosome number of this new species was determined to be 2n = 26.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful study of literature, herbarium specimens and living plants, both in the wild and in cultivation, support the recognition of the new species Begonia wuzhishanensis, which is described in this paper. Begonia wuzhishanensis is currently known only from Fanyang, Wuzhishan Mountain in the center of the island. A line drawing, color plate, and a distribution map are provided to aid in identification.

[Key problems in development of molecular identification in traditional Chinese medicine]

Molecular identification of Chinese traditional medicine has come from laboratory research into application, but there are some misunderstandings and problems emerging after rapid development. In this paper, we discuss the usage principle, hot field and technology innovation in molecular identification of Chinese traditional medicine. And molecular identification of traditional Chinese medicine has scientific and objective basis, follows the certain systematic research background, and adopts practical principles to establish case by case multi-class identification system. In order to achieve rapid, on-site, high throughput, low cost of traditional Chinese medicine identification purpose, molecular identification technology is further developing for meet the actual needs and the laboratory results further transformation in the service of traditional Chinese medicine industry.

Stakeholders' Attributes, Behaviors, and Decision-Making Strategies in Construction Projects: Importance and Correlations in Practice

Project managers need to make decisions on how to balance competing claims between the different stakeholders in projects. Previous studies have suggested that the choice of decision-making strategies is highly related to stakeholders' attributes and behaviors in practice; however, limited studies have been conducted in the construction field to analyze the importance of stakeholders' attributes, behaviors, and decision-making strategies, and validate the correlations between the factors and decision-making strategies. To analyze the underlying meanings of stakeholders' attributes, behaviors, and decision-making strategies from the practitioners' perspectives, and indicate the influence of stakeholder-related factors on decision-making strategies, an interview, questionnaire survey, and case study were adopted. Empirical studies suggest that three stakeholder attributes (power, urgency, and proximity), and four types of stakeholder behaviors (cooperative potential, competitive threat, opposite position, and neutral attitude) are perceived by the practitioners as important to dealing with stakeholder claims. Depending on stakeholders' salience levels and behavior types, strategies of defense, compromise, or concession/adaptation are chosen and applied by project managers in practice. The findings can help project managers to proactively understand stakeholder performance, place emphasis on particular attributes and behaviors, and formulate appropriate schemes under different circumstances.

The evolution of floral deception in Epipactis veratrifolia (Orchidaceae): from indirect defense to pollination

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that floral deception has evolved in at least 7500 species of angiosperms, of which two thirds are orchids. Epipactis veratrifolia (Orchidaceae) is a model system of aphid mimicry as aphidophagous hoverflies lay eggs on false brood sites on their flowers. To understand the evolutionary ecology of floral deception, we investigated the pollination biology of E. veratrifolia across 10 populations in the Eastern Himalayas. We reconstructed the phylogeny of Epipactis and mapped the known pollination systems of previously studied species onto the tree.

RESULTS

Some inflorescences of E. veratrifolia were so infested with aphids while they were still in bud that the some larvae of hoverflies developed to the third instar while flower buds opened. This indicated that adult female hoverflies were partly rewarded for oviposition. Although flowers failed to secrete nectar, they mimicked both alarm pheromones and aphid coloring of to attract female hoverflies as their exclusive pollinators. Phylogenetic mapping indicate that pollination by aphidophagous hoverflies is likely an ancestral condition in the genus Epipactis. We suggest that the biological interaction of aphid (prey), orchid (primary producer) and hoverfly (predator) may represent an intermediate stage between mutualism and deception in the evolution of pollination-by-deceit in E. veratrifolia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses indicate that this intermediate stage may be used as a model system to interpret the origin of oviposition (brood site) mimicry in Epipactis. We propose the hypothesis that some deceptive pollination systems evolved directly from earlier (partly) mutualistic systems that maintained the fidelity of the original pollinator(s) even though rewards (nectar/ brood site) were lost.

MicroRNA expression and regulation in the uterus during embryo implantation in rat

Embryo implantation is a complex initial step in establishment of a successful pregnancy. Many mRNAs have been shown to be differentially expressed in the rat uterus during embryo implantation. However, the expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs), a key post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression, in the rat uterus between the pre-receptive and receptive phases are still unknown. Here, an miRNA microarray was used to examine differential expression of miRNAs in the rat uterus between the pre-receptive and receptive phases. Twenty-eight miRNAs were up-regulated and 29 miRNAs were down-regulated at least twofold during the receptive phase in rat uterus; these results were confirmed by Northern blotting. miR-29a was only highly expressed in rat uterus during the implantation period, and activation of delayed implantation and artificial decidualization enhanced the miR-29a level. Further investigation revealed that both the pro-apoptotic factor genes Bak1 and Bmf and the anti-apoptotic factor gene Bcl-w are targets of miR-29a. There was weak binding between miR-29a and the 3' UTR of the anti-apoptotic factor gene Mcl1. Over-expression of miR-29a inhibited the late apoptosis of endometrial stromal cells, which may be due to the stronger binding capacity between miR-29a and the 3' UTR of pro-apoptotic factors than that between miR-29a and the 3' UTR of anti-apoptotic factors. Collectively, miR-29a plays an important role during embryo implantation by regulating both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors. miR-29a may predominantly bind pro-apoptotic factors, leading to inhibition of cell apoptosis.

Phylogenetics of tribe Collabieae (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) based on four chloroplast genes with morphological appraisal

Collabieae (Orchidaceae) is a long neglected tribe with confusing tribal and generic delimitation and little-understood phylogenetic relationships. Using plastid matK, psaB, rbcL, and trnH-psbA DNA sequences and morphological evidence, the phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Collabieae were assessed as a basis for revising their tribal and generic delimitation. Collabieae (including the previously misplaced mycoheterotrophic Risleya) is supported as monophyletic and nested within a superclade that also includes Epidendreae, Podochileae, Cymbidieae and Vandeae. Risleya is nested in Collabiinae and sister to Chrysoglossum, a relationship which, despite their great vegetative differences, is supported by floral characters. Ania is a distinct genus supported by both morphological and molecular evidence, while redefined Tainia includes Nephelaphyllum and Mischobulbum. Calanthe is paraphyletic and consists four clades; the genera Gastrorchis, Phaius and Cephalantheropsis should be subsumed within Calanthe. Calanthe sect. Ghiesbreghtia is nested within sect. Calanthe, to which the disputed Calanthe delavayi belongs as well. Our results indicate that, in Collabieae, habit evolved from being epiphytic to terrestrial.

MiR199a is implicated in embryo implantation by regulating Grb10 in rat

MiR199a was found to be differentially expressed in rat uteri between the prereceptive and receptive phase via microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis in our previous study. However, the role of miR199a in rat embryo implantation remained unknown. In the study, northern blot results showed that the expression levels of miR199a were higher on gestation days 5 and 6 (g.d.5-6) in rat uteri than on g.d.3-4 and g.d.7-8. In situ localization of miR199a in rat uteri showed that miR199a was mainly localized in the stroma or decidua. The expression of miR199a was not significantly different in the uteri of pseudopregnant rats and evidently increased in the uteri of rats subjected to activation of delayed implantation and experimentally induced decidualization. Treatment with 17β-estradiol or both 17β-estradiol and progesterone significantly diminished miR199a levels. Gain of function of miR199a in endometrial stromal cells isolated from rat uteri inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Loss of function of miR199a displayed opposite roles on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Further investigation uncovered a significant inverse association between the expression of miR199a and growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (Grb10), an imprinted gene, and miR199a could bind to the 3'UTR of Grb10 to inhibit Grb10 translation. In addition, in vivo analysis found that the immunostaining of GRB10 was attenuated in the stroma or decidua from g.d.4 to 6, contrary to the enhancement of miR199a. Collectively, upregulation of miR199a in rat uterus during the receptive phase is regulated by blastocyst activation and uterine decidualization. Enforced miR199a expression suppresses cell proliferation partially through targeting Grb10.

The effects of the late 2000s global financial crisis on Australia’s construction demand

An accurate measurement of the impacts of external shocks on construction demand will enable construction industry policymakers and developers to make allowances for future occurrences and advance the construction industry in a sustainable manner. This paper aims to measurethe dynamic effects of the late 2000s global financial crisis on the level of demand in the Australian construction industry. The vector error correction (VEC) model with intervention indicators is employed to estimate the external impact from the crisis on a macro-level construction economic indicator, namely construction demand. The methodology comprises six main stages to produce appropriate VEC models that describe the characteristics of the underlying process. Research findings suggestthat overall residential and non-residential construction demand were affected significantly by the recent crisis and seasonality. Non-residentialconstruction demand was disrupted more than residential construction demand at the crisis onset. The residential constructionindustry is more reactive and is able to recover faster following the crisis in comparison with the non-residential industry. The VEC model with intervention indicators developed in this study can be used as an experiment for an advanced econometric method. This can be used to analyse the effects of special eventsand factors not only on construction but also on other industries.