Conservation Strategy for African Medicinal Species: In Vitro Biotechnological Approach

The use of medicinal plants for different therapeutic values is well documented in African continent.African diverse biodiversity hotspots provide a wide range of endemic species,which ensures a potential medicinal value.The feasible conservation approach and sustainable harvesting for the medicinal species remains a huge challenge.However,conservation approach through different biotechnological tools such as micropropagation,somatic embryogenesis,synthetic seed production,hairy root culture,molecular markers based study and cryopreservation of endemic African medicinal species is much crucial.In this review,an attempt has been made to provide different in vitro biotechnological approaches for the conservation of African medicinal species.The present review will be helpful in further technology development and deciding the priorities at decision-making levels for in vitro conservation and sustainable use of African medicinal species.

<i>In Vitro</i>and <i>in Vivo</i>Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Biotechnologically Modified Borage Seed Extract: Evidence for Lipid Pro-Resolving Mediators’ Implication in the Enhancement of Psoriatic and Atopic Dermatitis Lesions

Aim: Resolvins, maresins and lipoxins are lipid mediators issued from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids which are the first anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving signals identified during the resolution phase of inflammation. As borage oil and/or borage seed extracts have shown beneficial action in treatment of atopic dermatitis or eczema in human and canine, we have modified a borage oil component by using biotechnology in order to get a compound structurally related to a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and we have studied its ability to reduce inflammation mediators production through the generation of resolvins, maresins and/or lipoxins. Additionally, we have demonstrated the potent anti-inflammatory effect of this new compound which consists in borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides, through an in vivo study concerning subjects suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Study Design/Methods: For the in vitro study, inflammation was induced in co-cultures of human dendritic cells and normal keratinocytes by the addition of PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187. Ability of our borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides to increase resolvin D2, maresin 1 and lipoxins A4 and B4 synthesis was then measured. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and PGE2 productions were also quantified. For the in vivo study, 36 subjects suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis have used twice a day during 30 days, a formulation containing borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides. Before the beginning of the study and after 30 days’ treatment, the severity of psoriasis and of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by using the PGA and the SCORAD scoring scales, respectively. Results: Borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides were able to significantly increase the resolvin D2, maresin 1 and lipoxins A4 and B4 synthesis. Concomitantly, they were also able to significantly inhibit the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and PGE2 induced by the PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187 in the in vitro co-culture model used. Introduced in formulation, borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides significantly reduced the clinical manifestations of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: Our in vitro and in vivo study clearly showed the anti-inflammatory activity of borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides and emphasized the putative role of pro-resolving lipid mediators in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or other inflammation-induced skin diseases.

The biotechnological potential of using mono-and co-cultures of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem and Trichoderma viride Pers ex Fr.to enhance the protein content of cassava(Manihot esculenta Crantz)peels by solid substrate fermentation

The application of fungal biotechnology for nutrient value addition and improvement of agro-industrial wastes is critical in the development of protein-rich feed for livestock.This study evaluated conventional methods for protein enrichment of cassava peels by solid substrate fermentation using mono-and co-cultures of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride.Sterile and non-sterile cassava peels inoculated with mono-cultures of A.niger or T.viride and co-cultures of A.niger and T.viride were spontaneously fermented for 21 days at 24℃.Fermented substrates were harvested at 0,7,14,and 21 days intervals,then oven-dried at 60℃,milled in a blender and further assayed for ash,carbohydrate,crude fibre,fat,and protein contents.Results showed that percentage increase in protein contents after 21 days incubation of sterile cassava peels were 71.02%(for mono-culture of A.niger)and 71.64%(for mono-culture of T.viride);co-culture of A.niger and T.viride yielded a 129.00%increase in protein.Enhanced percentage increase in protein content of the non-sterile cassava peels was 126.80%(for mono-culture of A.niger)and 168.34%(for mono-culture of T.viride)in contrast with 63.47%obtained for the co-culture of A.niger and T.viride in non-sterile cassava peels,which was attributable to possible antibiosis due to microbial competition.Ash content significantly(p≤0.05)increased for 21 days while carbohydrate,crude fibre and fat contents in both sterile and non-sterile cassava peels decreased over the same period.These findings underscore the fact that protein content of cassava peels can be significantly(p≤0.05)enriched through fungal biotechnology to produce value-added feed supplement for livestock.The practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Potentials of ribosomopathy gene as pharmaceutical targets for cancer treatment

Ribosomopathies encompass a spectrum of disorders arising from impaired ribosome biogenesis and reduced functionality.Mutation or dysexpression of the genes that disturb any finely regulated steps of ribosome biogenesis can result in different types of ribosomopathies in clinic,collectively known as ribosomopathy genes.Emerging data suggest that ribosomopathy patients exhibit a significantly heightened susceptibility to cancer.Abnormal ribosome biogenesis and dysregulation of some ribosomopathy genes have also been found to be intimately associated with cancer development.The correlation between ribosome biogenesis or ribosomopathy and the development of malignancies has been well established.This work aims to review the recent advances in the research of ribosomopathy genes among human cancers and meanwhile,to excavate the potential role of these genes,which have not or rarely been reported in cancer,in the disease development across cancers.We plan to establish a theoretical framework between the ribosomopathy gene and cancer development,to further facilitate the potential of these genes as diagnostic biomarker as well as pharmaceutical targets for cancer treatment.

Biotechnological potential of agro-industrial wastes for protein enrichment by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger

This study is to assess the biotechnological potential of agro-industrial wastes of pineapple(Ananas comosus),sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas)and watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)for protein enrichment by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger.Spore suspensions of A.niger were prepared with potato dextrose broth that had been supplemented with sodium chloride,ammonium nitrate and thiamine,and adjusted to pH of 5.Initial protein contents of sterile and non-sterile wastes of the pineapple,sweet potato,and watermelon were determined by the Kjeldahl method.The remaining sterile and non-sterile wastes was inoculated with spore suspensions of A.niger and incubated at temperature of 24℃ under conditions of solid-state fermentation for 14 days.Protein contents of the inoculated sterile and non-sterile wastes were determined after 7 and 14 days.The sterile wastes of pineapple,sweet potato and watermelon recorded initial percentage protein contents of 4.37,4.39,and 10.89,respectively,whereas their corresponding non-sterile wastes recorded initial percentage protein contents of 3.76,4.00,and 10.16,respectively.The results further show that percentage increase in protein content of sterile wastes after 14 days of fermentation were pineapple,35.01%;sweet potato,27.60%;and watermelon,64.40%.Percentage increase in protein content of non-sterile wastes after 14 days of fermentation were pineapple,72.34%;sweet potato,85.25%;and watermelon,80.51%.These findings affirm the biotechnological potential of pineapple,sweet potato and watermelon wastes and the importance of fungi as agents for protein enrichment of agro-industrial wastes.

How to promote cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly technology:a case of agricultural biotechnology in China

This study explored the factors influencing cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly agricultural biotechnology in China.First,we constructed an evolutionary game model comprising the factors of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies.Using MATLAB simulation,we assigned different values to the aforementioned variables to explore the evolutionary trend of innovators’willingness to cooperate.Results showed that when the values of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies exceeded the threshold,innovators’willingness to cooperate was significantly enhanced.Furthermore,the proportion of innovators who cooperated with others gradually increased to 100%;otherwise,it gradually decreased to 0%.Comparing the simulation curve with the real evolution curve of cooperative innovation in agricultural biotechnology in China,we found that the gradual decline in the willingness to cooperate could be due to insufficient subsidies for cooperative innovation,low income from cooperative innovation,weak profitability of innovators,and weak market constraints.

Tapping Wet Potential China and Malaysia join hands to develop marine biotechnology

Kappaphycus alvarezii(K.alvarezii)is a perennial large algae native to tropical and subtropical regions.With a slender thallus,it branches better at the upper part than the lower end.The sea moss is mainly found in Hainan Province,China,and Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines because it grows best in the subtidal zone of clean.

Reform of Teaching Practice of Modern Instrumental Analysis in Biotechnology Programs

Through the online and offline practical reform of the Modern Instrumental Analysis course of biotechnology majors from teaching content,teaching method,teaching demonstration to teaching effect,the traditional single offline lecture is transformed into diversified and interactive modern teaching.The practical reform enriches and optimizes the course content,perfects and improves the course assessment system,and improves the teaching quality.It achieves the student-centered and application-oriented teaching goal,and also provides reference for further cultivating high-quality applied talents.

Digital Transformation Trend of the Pharmaceutical Distribution Industry in the Context of New Infrastructure in China

Objective To study the pharmaceutical distribution industry against the background of new infrastructure construction since it is vital to the health and life of the public,and to offer some suggestions to further improve the industry quality and achieve industry upgrading.Methods The national strategies for new infrastructure as well as the underlying logic for enterprise digital transformation were analyzed to provide the outlook on the digital transformation trend of the pharmaceutical distribution industry.Results and Conclusion In the future,the pharmaceutical distribution industry shall transform the pattern,channel,management and control,and experience in the entire business chain in a digital way by focusing on connection efficiency,data efficiency and decision-making efficiency.

Research on the Improvement of Incentive Mechanism for Pharmaceutical Sales Personnel - Taking Company A as an Example

Objective To analyze the improvement of the incentive mechanism of sales personnel in pharmaceutical company A,and to promote the smooth operation and further development of the company in a long term.Methods Compensation incentive,performance appraisal,welfare benefit,training incentive,promotion motivation and enterprise cultural inspiration were explored through questionnaires,telephone interviews and in-person interviews.Results and Conclusion This company’s incentive mechanism has problems in two aspects:Material incentives and spiritual incentives.As to the company’s characteristics and strategic development,the optimization countermeasures of incentive mechanism are proposed from the following three aspects:constructing a reasonable incentive system,establishing an efficient spiritual incentive mechanism,and implementing the dynamic incentive and differentiated incentive simultaneously.

Countermeasures and Suggestions for Strengthening Human Resource Management in China’s Pharmaceutical Industry

Objective To provide reference and enlightenment for the development of human resource management in China’s pharmaceutical industry and to put forward some suggestions to promote the further development of pharmaceutical industry.Methods The method of literature review was used to analyze the current situation and existing problems of human resource management in China’s pharmaceutical industry.Results and Conclusion Only by continuously improving the human resource management skills and innovating management methods can pharmaceutical enterprises achieve long-term benefits with sustainable development.The formulation of human resource management strategy in pharmaceutical industry must be conducive to the realization of the business goals of enterprises.To achieve this overall goal,the human resources management department of enterprises must make the plan from a strategic perspective,formulate talent strategic planning which serves the overall strategic goal of the enterprise.As a result,human resource management will play an important role in the development of China’s pharmaceutical industry.

Comparative Analysis of Profit Model of Typical Pharmaceutical O2O Enterprises in China

Objective To study the profit model of Chinese pharmaceutical O2O enterprises.Methods A case study of three typical pharmaceutical O2O enterprises was conducted,and their profit models were compared.Results and Conclusion The pharmaceutical O2O enterprises in China are divided into three categories according to the profit models.It is found that the current pharmaceutical O2O enterprises have problems such as simple profit model and low corporate profits.Based on these problems,it is recommended that relevant enterprises develop various business models to increase profit channels.Besides,they should establish and improve internal cost control systems.

Research on the Threshold Effect of China’s Pharmaceutical Export Trade on Internal and External R&D Investment

Objective To study the threshold effect of export trade on internal and external R&D investment in China’s pharmaceutical industry,and to provide reference for some pharmaceutical enterprises to improve the investment.Methods The panel data of pharmaceutical industry in 25 provinces and cities in China from 2009 to 2019 were selected to conduct empirical analysis by establishing a threshold regression model,and a better export trade interval was obtained.Results and Conclusion There is a threshold value for the effect of new product export on both internal and external R&D expenditures,and the threshold values are 845.2788 million yuan and 318.4198 million yuan,respectively.There is a single threshold effect of export trade on both internal and external R&D investment in China’s pharmaceutical industry,and the effect of export trade on internal and external R&D investment changes from negative to positive as the export trade develops from low to high.

Research on the Status Quo and Countermeasures of Human Resource Management Outsourcing in China’s Pharmaceutical Enterprises

Objective To explore the current situation of human resource management outsourcing in China’s pharmaceutical enterprises,and to put forward some suggestions for enterprises and the government.Methods The current situation of human resource management outsourcing in China’s pharmaceutical enterprises was analyzed through the method of literature research.Results and Conclusion At present,the status of human resource management outsourcing in China’s pharmaceutical companies is that the level of human resource outsourcing companies is not high,and there are no relevant industry norms and laws.The information asymmetry between pharmaceutical enterprises and outsourcing companies results in adverse selection and moral hazard.Besides,the different culture of pharmaceutical enterprises and outsourcing companies leads to inefficient communication between enterprises and employee.To solve these problems,the government should promote and improve industry norms and laws to regulate the market.In addition,enterprises should clarify the motivation for outsourcing and make good decision on the outsourcing content.Meanwhile,enterprises should strengthen communication with employees to eliminate employees’concerns.

The Development and Experience of American Pharmaceutical Industry Associations and Its Enlightenment to China

Objective To study the development history and current situation of pharmaceutical industry associations in the United State and to provide reference for China’s pharmaceutical industry associations.Methods Literature research and comparative study were used to investigate the development history and current situation of pharmaceutical associations in the United States.Then,their characteristics and experiences were summarized.Some countermeasures and suggestions were put forward for the existing problems of pharmaceutical associations in China.Results and Conclusion The institutional environment of pharmaceutical associations in the United States is relatively good,reflecting the characteristics of emphasizing process management and neglecting entrance management with and the help of public supervision.At the same time,the government advocates market competition by adhering to the market-oriented services for the public.American pharmaceutical industry associations have strong innovation capacity and perfect credit system.Drawing on the experience of pharmaceutical industry associations in the United States,China should strengthen the construction of pharmaceutical industry associations.Firstly,the supervision mechanism should be improved.Secondly,these associations should have good partnerships with the government and offer the public the best services.Finally,the fund-raising mechanism of pharmaceutical industry associations should be optimized to ensure the innovative development of the pharmaceutical industry.

Production of Biotechnology Fulvic Acid from Fermented Corn Straw by Microbial Community LCM9 and Its Application Effect

[Objective] The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of biotechnology fulvic acid produced by microbial community LCM9 by the use of corn straws as substrate and its application effect.[Method]Microbial community was obtained from the nature samples,and corn straws were used as fermentation substrate.The yield of biotechnology fulvic acid and its application effect was evaluated.[Result]The yield of biotechnology fulvic acid was up to 15.7% when the water content was 75.0% and fermented after 7 d using corn straws as the only source of nutrition.After 500 mg/kg of biotechnology fulvic acid was added for 5 d,the root length and bud length could be increased by 59.1% and 97.1%,respectively.[Conclusion]A higher yield of biotechnology fulvic acid could be obtained by the method in this experiment and the product could enhance the growth of wheat seedlings.

“Essentials of Biotechnology”来华留学英语授课品牌课程建设纪实

经过十多年的建设,"Essentials of Biotechnology"已建设成为江南大学乃至江苏省来华留学生英语授课品牌课程。该课程针对来华留学生学科背景有较大差异,英语能力参差不齐和课程知识涉及面广,知识点较多,理论性强等问题,在原有双语课程教学的基础上,通过优化教材和教学内容,打造双向教学模式和建设多元评价体系并持续改进,构建了多层次启发式、互动、研讨相结合的复合教学体系,显著增强留学生专业基础知识水平和自主学习能力,为后续课程学习和研究工作的开展奠定了良好的基础。教学实践结果表明,该教学体系对提高该类课程的学习成效和课程质量,具有较为显著的示范效应。

超越pharmaceutical care,呼唤中国特色的药学实践规范

本文将各种药学实践模式及中国药学实践规范加以阐述。药学实践在美国可分为 5个阶段 ,Pharmaceuticalcare (PC)是美国药学发展的一个新阶段 ,此概念已进入国内药学。虽然国外药学已走上规范化发展 ,但国内药学存在许多问题 ,药学工作离规范化发展相距甚远 ,因而建立中国药学实践规范极有必要。为此 ,我们提出了中国药学实践规范的初步建议。