Based on the theory of thematic complexity, a contrastive analysis on 2 sections selected from research articles-method and discussion, was conducted. The differences and similarities between the 2 sections in simple ...Based on the theory of thematic complexity, a contrastive analysis on 2 sections selected from research articles-method and discussion, was conducted. The differences and similarities between the 2 sections in simple theme, multiple theme, textual theme, interpersonal theme, topical theme and thematic progression were analyzed and concluded. The author believes that the causes of the differences and similarities are the different genre features of the 2 sections and the academic features of the materials selected.展开更多
The polymorphism of MHC class II B gene in 14 Chinese alligators was analyzed, which came from three different areas: a wild population from Xuancheng, Anhui, a captive population from Changxing, Zhejiang, and a capt...The polymorphism of MHC class II B gene in 14 Chinese alligators was analyzed, which came from three different areas: a wild population from Xuancheng, Anhui, a captive population from Changxing, Zhejiang, and a captive population from Anhui Research Center for Reproduction of Chinese Alligators. The gene fragment was amplified using a pair of specific primers designed from the MHC gene sequence of the spectacled caiman. A total of 34 sequence haplotypes of exon 3 were detected in the sampled Chinese alligators. The numbers of haplotypes of the 3 Chinese alligator populations were 15, 10, and 9, respectively. The overall estimation of the MHC polymorphism in the Chinese alligator population was higher than those in mammals and in cypdnid fish, The rates of nonsynonymous substitutions (dN) occurred at a significantly lower frequency than that of synonymous substitutions (ds), which were not consistent with the common rule. This result might suggest that the polymorphism of exon 3 seemed not to be maintained by the balancing selection. The neutrality test of Tajima excluded the null hypothesis that the polymorphism of exon 3 was generated by a random drift, and the fact that D = -0.401 indicated an excess of rare mutations in the Chinese alligator. The nucleotide diversity of the sequences and the phylogenetic relations were also analyzed, and the results suggested that there was no significant difference in genetic diversity among the 3 populations of Chinese alligator.展开更多
Two series monot ailed porphyrins, Cobalt-5- {4- [ω- (1-adamant aneamino) alkyloxy] phenyl }- 10,15,20-triphenyl porphyrinate (CoPCnA, n=4,5,6) and Nickel-5-{4-[ω-(1-adamantaneamino)alkyloxy]phenyl}-10,15.20- ...Two series monot ailed porphyrins, Cobalt-5- {4- [ω- (1-adamant aneamino) alkyloxy] phenyl }- 10,15,20-triphenyl porphyrinate (CoPCnA, n=4,5,6) and Nickel-5-{4-[ω-(1-adamantaneamino)alkyloxy]phenyl}-10,15.20- triphenyl porphyrinate (NiPCnA, n=4,5,6), were synthesized, in which the porphyrin moiety was connected to l-adamantanamine via a flexible hydrocarbon chain. The fluorescence quenching between these donor substrates and mono-6-p-nitrobenzoyl-β-cyclodextrin (NBCD) was studied in detail. Distinct fluorescence quenching occured in these supramolecular systems. This quenching was attributed to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) inside the supramolecular assembly between the porphyrin donors and cyclodextrin acceptors. Detailed Stern-Volmer constants were measured and they were partitioned into dynamic Stern- Volmer quenching constants and static binding constants. It was demonstrated that the PET interaction between the porphyrin subunits and NBCD is indeed effective.展开更多
Objective To compare the characterization and myocardial differentiation capacity of arnniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AF MSCs) and umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells ...Objective To compare the characterization and myocardial differentiation capacity of arnniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AF MSCs) and umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ MSCs). Methods The human AF MSCs were cultured from amniotic fluid samples obtained by amniocentesis. The umbilical cord WJ MSCs were obtained from Wharton's Jelly of umbilical cords of infants delivered full-term by normal labor. The morphology, growth curves, and analyses by flow cytometry of cell surface markers were compared between the two types of cells. Myocardial genes (GATA-4, c-TnT, a-actin, and Cx43) were detected by real-time PCR and the corresponding protein expressions were detected by Western blot analysis after myocardial induced in AF MSCs and WJ MSCs. Results Our findings revealed AF MSCs and WJ MSCs shared similar morphological characteristics of the fibroblastoid shape. The AF MSCs were easily obtained than the WJ MSCs and had a shorter time to reach adherence of 2.7 ± 1.6 days to WJ MSCs of 6.5 ± 1.8 days. The growth curves by MTT cytotoxic assay showed the AF MSCs had a similar proliferative capacity at passage 5 and passage 10. However, the proliferative capacities ofWJ MSCs were decreased at 5 passage relative to 10 passage. Both AF stem cells and WJ stem cells had the characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells with some characteristics of embryonic stem cells. They express CD29 and CD105, but not CD34. They were positive for Class I major histocompatibility (MHC I) antigens (HLA-ABC), and were negative, or mildly positive, for MHC Class II (HLA-DR) antigen. Oct-4 was positive in all the two cells types. Both AF MSCs and WJ MSCs could differentiate along myocardium. The differentiation capacities were detected by the expression of GATA-4, c-TnT, a-actin, Cx43 after myocardial induction. Conclusions Both AF MSCs and WJ MSCs have the potential clinical application for myogenesis in cardiac regenerative therapy.展开更多
The leading character, Alexandra Bergson, in Willa Cather's O, Pioneer! has aroused much discussion concerning her sexual orientation. By looking at how this character grows from a woman suffering from sexual ambigui...The leading character, Alexandra Bergson, in Willa Cather's O, Pioneer! has aroused much discussion concerning her sexual orientation. By looking at how this character grows from a woman suffering from sexual ambiguity to one who achieves an composite of masculinity and femininity, this essay means to prove that although the writer's lesbianism influences her characterization to a certain degree, by endowing her characters with androgyny, Cather always attempts to create a group of characters who are striving for human beings wholeness.展开更多
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B molecules play an important role in the adaptive immune response in fish. Previous study has reported that two highly polymorphic class II B genes, Cyse-DAB and Cyse...Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B molecules play an important role in the adaptive immune response in fish. Previous study has reported that two highly polymorphic class II B genes, Cyse-DAB and Cyse-DBB exist in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In this study, the polymorphism within exon 2 of the class II B genes following bacterial challenge was evaluated. Two hundred C. semilaevis individuals were injected intraperitoneally with Vibrio anguillarum. Muscle tissue from the first 20 dead and 20 of the survivors was collected for genotyping. Sixty alleles from the 40 individuals were isolated, of which 32 belonged to Cyse-DAB and 28 belonged to Cyse-DBB. The rate of dN (non-synonymous substitution) was higher than that of ds (synonymous substitution) in the PBRs (peptide binding residues) of both class I1 B genes. Conversely, the rate of ds was higher than dy in the non-PBRs and the complete exon 2 sequence. Thus, the results suggest that positive selection has occurred in the PBRs and purifying selection in the non-PBRs and exon 2. Thirteen class II B alleles were used to study the association between alleles and resistance to infection. Though not significant, alleles Cyse-DAB* 0601, Cyse-DAB * 0706, and Cyse-DBB*O 101, Cyse-DBB* 1301 were only found in surviving individuals and may represent alleles that have resistance against V. anguillarum infection. Alleles Cyse-DAB*0701 and Cyse-DAB*1301 were significantly more prevalent in dead individuals than in surviving ones and may represent alleles that are associated with increased susceptibility to V. anguillarum infection.展开更多
Abnormal bone metabolism and dysfunction of the calcium-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis have been reported in patients with viral hepatitis. Some studies suggested a relationship between vitamin D and viral hepatit...Abnormal bone metabolism and dysfunction of the calcium-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis have been reported in patients with viral hepatitis. Some studies suggested a relationship between vitamin D and viral hepatitis. Genetic studies have provided an opportunity to identify the proteins that link vitamin D to the pathology of viral hepatitis (i.e., the major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ molecules, the vitamin D receptor, cytochrome P 450 , the renin-angiotensin system, apolipoprotein E, liver X receptor, toll-like receptor, and the proteins regulated by the Sp1 promoter gene). Vitamin D also exerts its effects on viral hepatitis via non-genomic factors, i.e., matrix metalloproteinase, endothelial vascular growth factor, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, vitamin D could have a beneficial role in viral hepatitis. Calcitriol is best used for viral hepatitis because it is the active form of the vitamin D 3 metabolite.展开更多
It reveals that the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) gene product always involved in the control of immune response and disease resistance. Nowadays many studies have indicated the OLA (ovine lymphocyte anti...It reveals that the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) gene product always involved in the control of immune response and disease resistance. Nowadays many studies have indicated the OLA (ovine lymphocyte antigen) DRB1 gene is associated with some sheep diseases. Tibetan sheep is one of the three major shag sheep breeds in China, and also have the largest number of China's sheep breeds. But till now no report has been seen on studying DRB1 gene in Tibetan sheep of China. To understand the evolution and provide the basis for sheep disease resistance, polymorphism in the exon2 ofDRB1 gene in Tibetan sheep was analyzed. The PCR-SSCP, cloning and sequencing were used to analyse DRB1 gene variation in 600 Tibetan sheep of China. And the genetic relationship and evolutionary significance of the alleles had also been analyzed. Total of 31 alleles were identified, in which 15 alleles had not been reported before. And there were 70 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) sites in 31 sheep DRB1 gene haplotypes, the proportion was 29.5% to the whole exort2 sequence. All of this indicated that DRB1 exon2 is highly polymorphic in Tibetan sheep. The variation identified here might have an impact on both the function and level of expression of the OLA-DRB1.展开更多
Objective To study the relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 and DQ alleles and the genetic susceptibility of type 1 diabetes in North Chinese children Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tec...Objective To study the relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 and DQ alleles and the genetic susceptibility of type 1 diabetes in North Chinese children Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to amplify the second exon of DRB1 and DQ alleles, after which sequence specific olignucleotide probe (SSOP) dot blot hybridization techniques were used to analyze the amplified products Results DRB1*0301, DQA1*0301, DQB1*0201 alleles and DRB1*0301 DQA1*0501 DQB1*0201 haplotype were significantly increased in patients, while DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0601 alleles were significantly increased in controls The distribution of DR4 and DR9 haplotypes in patients and controls were not significantly different, but DR3/DR4 and DR4/DR9 heterozygotes were significantly increased in patients Conclusions DRB1*0301, DQA1*0301 and DQB1*0201 confer susceptibility while DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0601 confer protection to type 1 diabetes DRB1*0301 DQA1*0501 DQB1*0201 haplotype offers a predisposition to type 1 diabetes in North Chinese Although the distribution of DR4 and DR9 in patients and controls had no significant difference, DR3/DR4 and DR3/DR9 heterozygotes were significantly increased in patients, showing that the susceptive effects of DR3 and DR4 or DR4 and DR9 haplotypes could be added up展开更多
Given the high alpine grassland coverage and intensive animal grazing activity, the ecosystem and livelihood of the herders are extremely vulnerable in the headwater region of the Yellow River. A series of programs ha...Given the high alpine grassland coverage and intensive animal grazing activity, the ecosystem and livelihood of the herders are extremely vulnerable in the headwater region of the Yellow River. A series of programs have been implemented by the Chinese government to restore degraded grasslands in this region, and major function-oriented zones(MFOZs) applied in 2014, have divided the region into three zones, i.e., the development prioritized, restricted, and prohibited zones, based on environmental carrying capacity, as well as the utilization intensity of grassland. This study identified various restoration approaches adopted in different MFOZs, and assessed the effects of the approaches in order to determine the most effective approaches. We collected 195 questionnaires from herders to analyze the effects of the various restoration approaches, and additional remote sensing and statistical data were also used for the analysis. Four distinct differences in the ecological and socioeconomic characteristics were found in three MFOZs.(1) Five technologies were applied in the study areas.(2) The grassland recovery rate was higher in development prioritized zones than in restricted and prohibited zones during 2000 and 2016, and especially high and very high coverage grasslands increased in the areas where crop-forage cultivation and grass seeding dominated in the prioritized zones.(3) The net income of households in the development prioritized zone was the best of all three zones.(4) The degree of awareness and willingness of herders to restore grassland was more positive in development prioritized zones than in restricted zones, where more herders adopted approaches with a combination of enclosure + deratization + crop-forage cultivation + warm shed. Based on these findings, it is recommended that decision-makers need to increase their efforts to narrow the gap of willingness and behavior between herders and other stakeholders, such as researchers and grassland administrators, in order to ensure grassland sustainability in the MFOZs. It is also beneficial to understand the effects of restoration on the ecological carrying capacities in different zones depending on the different development goals.展开更多
Natural killer(NK) cells, which recognize and kill target cells independent of antigen specificity and major histocompatibility complex(MHC) matching, play pivotal roles in immune defence against tumors. However, tumo...Natural killer(NK) cells, which recognize and kill target cells independent of antigen specificity and major histocompatibility complex(MHC) matching, play pivotal roles in immune defence against tumors. However, tumor cells often acquire the ability to escape NK cell-mediated immune surveillance. Thus, understanding mechanisms underlying regulation of NK cell phenotype and function within the tumor environment is instrumental for designing new approaches to improve the current cell-based immunotherapy. In this review, we elaborate the main biological features and molecular mechanisms of NK cells that pertain to regulation of NK cell-mediated anti-tumor activity. We further overview current clinical approaches regarding NK cell-based cancer therapy, including cytokine infusion, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells, applications of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-expressing NK cells and adoptive transfer of memory-like NK cells. With these promising clinical outcomes and fuller understanding the basic questions raised in this review, we foresee that NK cell-based approaches may hold great potential for future cancer immunotherapy.展开更多
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are critical members in both innate and adaptive immunity, and the association between their polymorphism and disease resistance has been reported in many teleosts. In th...Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are critical members in both innate and adaptive immunity, and the association between their polymorphism and disease resistance has been reported in many teleosts. In the present study, we first investigated the genetic variation at the MHC II β gene in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) after a challenge with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). The results reveal that a high polymorphism level of the MHC II β gene (H = 1.000; K = 20.206; π=0.081) and at least three loci exist in grouper. The rate of dN/dS in the peptide-binding region (PBR) and non-PBR were both 〉1, suggesting the loci were evolving under positive selection. A high ratio of heterozygous individuals (37.26 %) and high rate of dN/dS were discovered, suggesting that both heterozygote advantage and frequency-dependent selection might result in the high polymorphism levels in MHC II β genes in grouper. A total of 33 MHC II β alleles were identified from 40 high-susceptibility (HS) and 40 high-re- sistance group (HR) individuals, and 15 alleles were used in the association analysis. Three alleles, EPCO-DBB*0302, EPCO-DBB*0307, EPCO-DBB*0603, and EPCO- DBB*1001 were significantly associated with resistance ability to SG1V, and the EPCO-DBB*0607 and EPCO-DBB*1303 alleles were associated with susceptibility (P 〈 0.05). To further confirm the association, another independent challenge experiment was performed. The result of association analysis in the verification test found that only EPCO-DBB*1001 alleles were significantly asso- ciated with resistance to SGIV (P 〈 0.05), while the other alleles showed no significance (P 〉 0.05) in the frequency distribution between HR and HS groups. Therefore, the EPCO-DBB* 1001 alleles could be used as a disease resis- tance-related MHC marker in the molecular marker-assisted selective breeding program of grouper.展开更多
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a family of highly polymorphic genes activating adaptive immunity in vertebrates. However, the underlying mecha- nism of MHC evolution is still not fully understood. In this...Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a family of highly polymorphic genes activating adaptive immunity in vertebrates. However, the underlying mecha- nism of MHC evolution is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated genetic variation of three classical MHC class I genes in the giant panda (Ailuropoda mela- noleuca) and tested for selection effect and recombination event across exonic and intronic sequences to understand maintenance mechanism of polymorphism at Aime-MHC class I genes. In total, we isolated 21 MHC class I haplotypes (exon 2-intron 2-exon 3) from 46 captive giant pandas, of which eight were for Aime-C, seven for Aime-I and six for Aime-L; however, we only identified six unique sequences from these haplotypes. The subsequent maximum-likeli- hood and Chi-square analyses both detected evidence of recombination acting on the 21 haplotypes. These results indicate that the giant panda still retains a relatively high adaptive variation at Aime-MHC-I genes, and that the intronic segments have been homogenized along evolu- tionary time by recombination and subsequent genetic drift.We calculated nucleotide substitution rates of the antigen- binding regions (exons 2 and 3) and the noncoding intron 2, and found two pieces of evidence supporting the presence of balancing selection in the giant panda: an excess of nonsynonymous over synonymous substitutions at the antigen-binding sites, and an obviously higher synonymous substitutions in the exons than nucleotide substitutions in the intron. Thus, this study reveals that balancing selection and recombination together shape the diversity pattern at Aime- MHC-I loci of the giant panda.展开更多
文摘Based on the theory of thematic complexity, a contrastive analysis on 2 sections selected from research articles-method and discussion, was conducted. The differences and similarities between the 2 sections in simple theme, multiple theme, textual theme, interpersonal theme, topical theme and thematic progression were analyzed and concluded. The author believes that the causes of the differences and similarities are the different genre features of the 2 sections and the academic features of the materials selected.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30270213 and 30470244)a grant of Special Scholar Foundation from Anhui Province (No. 04043049)the Key Laboratory of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety in Anhui Province.
文摘The polymorphism of MHC class II B gene in 14 Chinese alligators was analyzed, which came from three different areas: a wild population from Xuancheng, Anhui, a captive population from Changxing, Zhejiang, and a captive population from Anhui Research Center for Reproduction of Chinese Alligators. The gene fragment was amplified using a pair of specific primers designed from the MHC gene sequence of the spectacled caiman. A total of 34 sequence haplotypes of exon 3 were detected in the sampled Chinese alligators. The numbers of haplotypes of the 3 Chinese alligator populations were 15, 10, and 9, respectively. The overall estimation of the MHC polymorphism in the Chinese alligator population was higher than those in mammals and in cypdnid fish, The rates of nonsynonymous substitutions (dN) occurred at a significantly lower frequency than that of synonymous substitutions (ds), which were not consistent with the common rule. This result might suggest that the polymorphism of exon 3 seemed not to be maintained by the balancing selection. The neutrality test of Tajima excluded the null hypothesis that the polymorphism of exon 3 was generated by a random drift, and the fact that D = -0.401 indicated an excess of rare mutations in the Chinese alligator. The nucleotide diversity of the sequences and the phylogenetic relations were also analyzed, and the results suggested that there was no significant difference in genetic diversity among the 3 populations of Chinese alligator.
基金V. ACKN0WLEDGMENT This work was supported Science Foundation of China by the National Natural (No.20472079).
文摘Two series monot ailed porphyrins, Cobalt-5- {4- [ω- (1-adamant aneamino) alkyloxy] phenyl }- 10,15,20-triphenyl porphyrinate (CoPCnA, n=4,5,6) and Nickel-5-{4-[ω-(1-adamantaneamino)alkyloxy]phenyl}-10,15.20- triphenyl porphyrinate (NiPCnA, n=4,5,6), were synthesized, in which the porphyrin moiety was connected to l-adamantanamine via a flexible hydrocarbon chain. The fluorescence quenching between these donor substrates and mono-6-p-nitrobenzoyl-β-cyclodextrin (NBCD) was studied in detail. Distinct fluorescence quenching occured in these supramolecular systems. This quenching was attributed to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) inside the supramolecular assembly between the porphyrin donors and cyclodextrin acceptors. Detailed Stern-Volmer constants were measured and they were partitioned into dynamic Stern- Volmer quenching constants and static binding constants. It was demonstrated that the PET interaction between the porphyrin subunits and NBCD is indeed effective.
文摘Objective To compare the characterization and myocardial differentiation capacity of arnniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AF MSCs) and umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ MSCs). Methods The human AF MSCs were cultured from amniotic fluid samples obtained by amniocentesis. The umbilical cord WJ MSCs were obtained from Wharton's Jelly of umbilical cords of infants delivered full-term by normal labor. The morphology, growth curves, and analyses by flow cytometry of cell surface markers were compared between the two types of cells. Myocardial genes (GATA-4, c-TnT, a-actin, and Cx43) were detected by real-time PCR and the corresponding protein expressions were detected by Western blot analysis after myocardial induced in AF MSCs and WJ MSCs. Results Our findings revealed AF MSCs and WJ MSCs shared similar morphological characteristics of the fibroblastoid shape. The AF MSCs were easily obtained than the WJ MSCs and had a shorter time to reach adherence of 2.7 ± 1.6 days to WJ MSCs of 6.5 ± 1.8 days. The growth curves by MTT cytotoxic assay showed the AF MSCs had a similar proliferative capacity at passage 5 and passage 10. However, the proliferative capacities ofWJ MSCs were decreased at 5 passage relative to 10 passage. Both AF stem cells and WJ stem cells had the characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells with some characteristics of embryonic stem cells. They express CD29 and CD105, but not CD34. They were positive for Class I major histocompatibility (MHC I) antigens (HLA-ABC), and were negative, or mildly positive, for MHC Class II (HLA-DR) antigen. Oct-4 was positive in all the two cells types. Both AF MSCs and WJ MSCs could differentiate along myocardium. The differentiation capacities were detected by the expression of GATA-4, c-TnT, a-actin, Cx43 after myocardial induction. Conclusions Both AF MSCs and WJ MSCs have the potential clinical application for myogenesis in cardiac regenerative therapy.
文摘The leading character, Alexandra Bergson, in Willa Cather's O, Pioneer! has aroused much discussion concerning her sexual orientation. By looking at how this character grows from a woman suffering from sexual ambiguity to one who achieves an composite of masculinity and femininity, this essay means to prove that although the writer's lesbianism influences her characterization to a certain degree, by endowing her characters with androgyny, Cather always attempts to create a group of characters who are striving for human beings wholeness.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30901098)
文摘Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B molecules play an important role in the adaptive immune response in fish. Previous study has reported that two highly polymorphic class II B genes, Cyse-DAB and Cyse-DBB exist in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In this study, the polymorphism within exon 2 of the class II B genes following bacterial challenge was evaluated. Two hundred C. semilaevis individuals were injected intraperitoneally with Vibrio anguillarum. Muscle tissue from the first 20 dead and 20 of the survivors was collected for genotyping. Sixty alleles from the 40 individuals were isolated, of which 32 belonged to Cyse-DAB and 28 belonged to Cyse-DBB. The rate of dN (non-synonymous substitution) was higher than that of ds (synonymous substitution) in the PBRs (peptide binding residues) of both class I1 B genes. Conversely, the rate of ds was higher than dy in the non-PBRs and the complete exon 2 sequence. Thus, the results suggest that positive selection has occurred in the PBRs and purifying selection in the non-PBRs and exon 2. Thirteen class II B alleles were used to study the association between alleles and resistance to infection. Though not significant, alleles Cyse-DAB* 0601, Cyse-DAB * 0706, and Cyse-DBB*O 101, Cyse-DBB* 1301 were only found in surviving individuals and may represent alleles that have resistance against V. anguillarum infection. Alleles Cyse-DAB*0701 and Cyse-DAB*1301 were significantly more prevalent in dead individuals than in surviving ones and may represent alleles that are associated with increased susceptibility to V. anguillarum infection.
文摘Abnormal bone metabolism and dysfunction of the calcium-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis have been reported in patients with viral hepatitis. Some studies suggested a relationship between vitamin D and viral hepatitis. Genetic studies have provided an opportunity to identify the proteins that link vitamin D to the pathology of viral hepatitis (i.e., the major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ molecules, the vitamin D receptor, cytochrome P 450 , the renin-angiotensin system, apolipoprotein E, liver X receptor, toll-like receptor, and the proteins regulated by the Sp1 promoter gene). Vitamin D also exerts its effects on viral hepatitis via non-genomic factors, i.e., matrix metalloproteinase, endothelial vascular growth factor, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, vitamin D could have a beneficial role in viral hepatitis. Calcitriol is best used for viral hepatitis because it is the active form of the vitamin D 3 metabolite.
文摘It reveals that the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) gene product always involved in the control of immune response and disease resistance. Nowadays many studies have indicated the OLA (ovine lymphocyte antigen) DRB1 gene is associated with some sheep diseases. Tibetan sheep is one of the three major shag sheep breeds in China, and also have the largest number of China's sheep breeds. But till now no report has been seen on studying DRB1 gene in Tibetan sheep of China. To understand the evolution and provide the basis for sheep disease resistance, polymorphism in the exon2 ofDRB1 gene in Tibetan sheep was analyzed. The PCR-SSCP, cloning and sequencing were used to analyse DRB1 gene variation in 600 Tibetan sheep of China. And the genetic relationship and evolutionary significance of the alleles had also been analyzed. Total of 31 alleles were identified, in which 15 alleles had not been reported before. And there were 70 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) sites in 31 sheep DRB1 gene haplotypes, the proportion was 29.5% to the whole exort2 sequence. All of this indicated that DRB1 exon2 is highly polymorphic in Tibetan sheep. The variation identified here might have an impact on both the function and level of expression of the OLA-DRB1.
基金ThisstudywassupportedbygrantsofNationalNaturalScienceFoundationofChina (No 3 93 70 717)
文摘Objective To study the relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 and DQ alleles and the genetic susceptibility of type 1 diabetes in North Chinese children Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to amplify the second exon of DRB1 and DQ alleles, after which sequence specific olignucleotide probe (SSOP) dot blot hybridization techniques were used to analyze the amplified products Results DRB1*0301, DQA1*0301, DQB1*0201 alleles and DRB1*0301 DQA1*0501 DQB1*0201 haplotype were significantly increased in patients, while DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0601 alleles were significantly increased in controls The distribution of DR4 and DR9 haplotypes in patients and controls were not significantly different, but DR3/DR4 and DR4/DR9 heterozygotes were significantly increased in patients Conclusions DRB1*0301, DQA1*0301 and DQB1*0201 confer susceptibility while DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0601 confer protection to type 1 diabetes DRB1*0301 DQA1*0501 DQB1*0201 haplotype offers a predisposition to type 1 diabetes in North Chinese Although the distribution of DR4 and DR9 in patients and controls had no significant difference, DR3/DR4 and DR3/DR9 heterozygotes were significantly increased in patients, showing that the susceptive effects of DR3 and DR4 or DR4 and DR9 haplotypes could be added up
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFC0501906,2016YFC0503700).
文摘Given the high alpine grassland coverage and intensive animal grazing activity, the ecosystem and livelihood of the herders are extremely vulnerable in the headwater region of the Yellow River. A series of programs have been implemented by the Chinese government to restore degraded grasslands in this region, and major function-oriented zones(MFOZs) applied in 2014, have divided the region into three zones, i.e., the development prioritized, restricted, and prohibited zones, based on environmental carrying capacity, as well as the utilization intensity of grassland. This study identified various restoration approaches adopted in different MFOZs, and assessed the effects of the approaches in order to determine the most effective approaches. We collected 195 questionnaires from herders to analyze the effects of the various restoration approaches, and additional remote sensing and statistical data were also used for the analysis. Four distinct differences in the ecological and socioeconomic characteristics were found in three MFOZs.(1) Five technologies were applied in the study areas.(2) The grassland recovery rate was higher in development prioritized zones than in restricted and prohibited zones during 2000 and 2016, and especially high and very high coverage grasslands increased in the areas where crop-forage cultivation and grass seeding dominated in the prioritized zones.(3) The net income of households in the development prioritized zone was the best of all three zones.(4) The degree of awareness and willingness of herders to restore grassland was more positive in development prioritized zones than in restricted zones, where more herders adopted approaches with a combination of enclosure + deratization + crop-forage cultivation + warm shed. Based on these findings, it is recommended that decision-makers need to increase their efforts to narrow the gap of willingness and behavior between herders and other stakeholders, such as researchers and grassland administrators, in order to ensure grassland sustainability in the MFOZs. It is also beneficial to understand the effects of restoration on the ecological carrying capacities in different zones depending on the different development goals.
基金supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2014CB910104)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81171899+1 种基金81372230)the Claudia Adams Barr Program for Innovative Cancer Research
文摘Natural killer(NK) cells, which recognize and kill target cells independent of antigen specificity and major histocompatibility complex(MHC) matching, play pivotal roles in immune defence against tumors. However, tumor cells often acquire the ability to escape NK cell-mediated immune surveillance. Thus, understanding mechanisms underlying regulation of NK cell phenotype and function within the tumor environment is instrumental for designing new approaches to improve the current cell-based immunotherapy. In this review, we elaborate the main biological features and molecular mechanisms of NK cells that pertain to regulation of NK cell-mediated anti-tumor activity. We further overview current clinical approaches regarding NK cell-based cancer therapy, including cytokine infusion, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells, applications of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-expressing NK cells and adoptive transfer of memory-like NK cells. With these promising clinical outcomes and fuller understanding the basic questions raised in this review, we foresee that NK cell-based approaches may hold great potential for future cancer immunotherapy.
基金supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project(2015M572380)National Basic Research Program of China(973)(2012CB114402)
文摘Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are critical members in both innate and adaptive immunity, and the association between their polymorphism and disease resistance has been reported in many teleosts. In the present study, we first investigated the genetic variation at the MHC II β gene in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) after a challenge with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). The results reveal that a high polymorphism level of the MHC II β gene (H = 1.000; K = 20.206; π=0.081) and at least three loci exist in grouper. The rate of dN/dS in the peptide-binding region (PBR) and non-PBR were both 〉1, suggesting the loci were evolving under positive selection. A high ratio of heterozygous individuals (37.26 %) and high rate of dN/dS were discovered, suggesting that both heterozygote advantage and frequency-dependent selection might result in the high polymorphism levels in MHC II β genes in grouper. A total of 33 MHC II β alleles were identified from 40 high-susceptibility (HS) and 40 high-re- sistance group (HR) individuals, and 15 alleles were used in the association analysis. Three alleles, EPCO-DBB*0302, EPCO-DBB*0307, EPCO-DBB*0603, and EPCO- DBB*1001 were significantly associated with resistance ability to SG1V, and the EPCO-DBB*0607 and EPCO-DBB*1303 alleles were associated with susceptibility (P 〈 0.05). To further confirm the association, another independent challenge experiment was performed. The result of association analysis in the verification test found that only EPCO-DBB*1001 alleles were significantly asso- ciated with resistance to SGIV (P 〈 0.05), while the other alleles showed no significance (P 〉 0.05) in the frequency distribution between HR and HS groups. Therefore, the EPCO-DBB* 1001 alleles could be used as a disease resis- tance-related MHC marker in the molecular marker-assisted selective breeding program of grouper.
基金supported by a special grant(SG1411)for the giant panda from the State Forestry Administration of China
文摘Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a family of highly polymorphic genes activating adaptive immunity in vertebrates. However, the underlying mecha- nism of MHC evolution is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated genetic variation of three classical MHC class I genes in the giant panda (Ailuropoda mela- noleuca) and tested for selection effect and recombination event across exonic and intronic sequences to understand maintenance mechanism of polymorphism at Aime-MHC class I genes. In total, we isolated 21 MHC class I haplotypes (exon 2-intron 2-exon 3) from 46 captive giant pandas, of which eight were for Aime-C, seven for Aime-I and six for Aime-L; however, we only identified six unique sequences from these haplotypes. The subsequent maximum-likeli- hood and Chi-square analyses both detected evidence of recombination acting on the 21 haplotypes. These results indicate that the giant panda still retains a relatively high adaptive variation at Aime-MHC-I genes, and that the intronic segments have been homogenized along evolu- tionary time by recombination and subsequent genetic drift.We calculated nucleotide substitution rates of the antigen- binding regions (exons 2 and 3) and the noncoding intron 2, and found two pieces of evidence supporting the presence of balancing selection in the giant panda: an excess of nonsynonymous over synonymous substitutions at the antigen-binding sites, and an obviously higher synonymous substitutions in the exons than nucleotide substitutions in the intron. Thus, this study reveals that balancing selection and recombination together shape the diversity pattern at Aime- MHC-I loci of the giant panda.