Cloning and Bioinformatics Analysis of Lfcin Gene of Datong Yak

[Objective] This study was to clone Lfcin gene from Datong yak, so as to provide reference for applying this gene in feed industry and breeding industry. [Method] Using PCR technology, the lactoferricin(Lfcin)-encoding gene was obtained from genome of Datong yak; then it was cloned into pGEM-T easy vector, and then sequenced; the sequencing results were subsequently aligned with the sequences of dairy cow accessed in GenBank. Moreover, amino acid sequences of Lfcin gene from various species including yak, dairy cow, human and mouse were used for sequence alignment and phylogenesis analysis. [Result] The second exon of lactoferrin(LF) from Datong yak, which is 778 bp in length, was obtained, within which the coding region of Lfcin gene is 75 bp (25 amino acid residues); sequence analysis showed that there is discrepancy of eleven bases between Datong yak and dairy cow; Lfcin proteins from various species shared high homeology, of which that from Datong yak and dairy cow were completely identical; phylogenesis analysis showed that cladogram based on Lfcin was consistent with species evolutionary law. [Conclusion] This study laid a foundation for the prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression of Lfcin gene and further understanding the activity of Lfcin protein.

Bioinformatic Analysis of an Aquaporin Gene from Upland Cotton

[Objective] The aim of this study was to identify the roles of an aquaporin gene GhNIP5.1 in upland cotton （Gossypium hirsutum） by bioinformatics method, so as to provide theoretical basis for further research on aquaporins in upland cotton. [Method] In silico molecular cloning was adopted to obtain an ORF sequence of GhNIP5.1 gene, which was then analyzed by the methods of bioinformatics. The coding region of GhNIP5.1 gene was obtained by analyzing the cotton genome se-quence published in NCBI. [Result] This cDNA sequence had a complete open reading frame of 897 bp and encoded 298 amino acid residues, including the con-served domain NPA （Asn-Pro-Ala） of MIP superfamily. The similarities of GhNIP5.1 deduced amino acid sequences from upland cotton with grape and Arabidopsis, were up to 89.3% and 83.2%, respectively. GhNIP5.1 was most similar in homology and 3-D structure of proteins to AtNIP5.1 among the nine members of NIP family in Arabidopsis. The coding region length of GhNIP5.1 gene was 2 067 bp, and it con-tained three introns and four exons. Al the exon-intron junctions of the gene con-tained the consensus splicing site pair GT-AG. [Conclusion] GhNIP5.1 gene probably has similar physiological functions with Arabidopsis AtNIP5.1.

特异功能在军事上的应用

人体特异功能是人的一种潜能,是一个尚待开发的领域。当前,美苏等国都在大力研究人体特异功能及其在军事上的应用。一些国外学者断言:谁能在特异功能研究方面首先取得突破,谁就能象美国当年垄断原子弹那样,在军事上占有巨大优势。西方国家的特异功能研究可追溯到上个世纪后半叶,迄今已有百余年的历史。特异功能最早称为灵学,美国《灵学杂志》给它下的定义是'心理学的一个分支,研究已知规律无法解释的心理现象'。1882年剑桥大学的一些学者在伦敦成立了'灵学研究会'。

工业、知识革命与现代民族素质——民族素质研究之二

本文在论述工业革命和知识革命过程的基础上,简要介绍了现代民族素质的发展状况。

Signaling pathway/molecular targets and new targeted agents under development in hepatocellular carcinoma

Advances in molecular cell biology over the last de- cade have clarified the mechanisms involved in can- cer growth, invasion, and metastasis, and enabled the development of molecular-targeted agents. To date, sorafenib is the only molecular-targeted agent whose survival benefit has been demonstrated in two global phase 111 randomized controlled trials, and has been approved worldwide. Phase 111 clinical trials of other molecular targeted agents comparing them with sorafenib as first-line treatment agents are ongoing. Those agents target the vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor receptors, as well as target the epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin- like growth factor receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin, in addition to other molecules targeting other components of the signal transduction pathways. In addition, the combination of sorafenib with standard treatment, such as resection, ablation, transarterial em- bolization, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy are ongoing. This review outlines the main pathways involved in the development and progression of hepato- cellular carcinoma and the new agents that target these pathways. Finally, the current statuses of clinical trials of new agents or combination therapy with sorafenib and standard treatment will also be discussed.

The simulation of electrostatic coupling intra-body communication based on the finite-element method

In this paper, investigation has been done in the computer simulation of the electrostatic coupling IBC by using the developed finite-element models, in which a.the incidence and reflection of electronic signal in the upper arm model were analyzed by using the theory of electromagnetic wave;b.the finite-element models of electrostatic coupling IBC were developed by using the electromagnetic analysis package of ANSYS software;c.the signal attenuation of electrostatic coupling IBC were simulated under the conditions of different signal frequencies, electrodes directions, electrodes sizes and transmission distances. Finally, some important conclusions are deduced on the basis of simulation results.

Mechanism of Pingyang Jiangya Formula in treating hypertension based on network pharmacology and in vivo study

Objective This study aimed to analyze the mechanism of action of the Pingyang Jiangya Formula(平阳降压方,PYJYF)in treating hypertension,based on network pharmacology,and to verify the subsequent predictions through animal experiments.Methods The active components and related target genes of PYJYF were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM),Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM),and Drug Bank databases and available literature.The hypertension target genes were screened based on Therapeutic Target Database(TTD),GeneCards,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),UniProt,and relevant literature.The component-disease-target network intersection target genes were inputted into the STRING database,and the key target genes were selected according to the degree algorithm.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the multitarget mechanism of action and molecular regulatory network of PYJYF in the treatment of hypertension.To verify this prediction,we used PYJYF to intervene in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs)and Wistar–Kyoto rats(WKY)as normal control,and the noninvasive tail artery manometry method was used to measure systolic blood pressure(SBP)in the rat tail before PYJYF intervention.After drug intervention,the SBP of each group rats were measured and compared every week.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to test plasma renin,angiotensin II(Ang II),and aldosterone(Ald)levels,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe pathological damage to the renal vessels in each group of rats.Western blot and reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR(RT-PCR)were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3 K,AKT1,BAX,and Bcl-2,respectively.Results A total of 4123 hypertension targets were obtained from related databases.From the TCMSP and chemical databases,78 active components of PYJYF and the corresponding 401 drug targets were retrieved.Data analysis revealed that 208 drug targets directly interacted with the hypertension targets in PYJYF.The 10 targets most closely related to hypertension target proteins in PYJYF were directly retrieved from relevant databases.GO analysis revealed that 10 direct target proteins were involved in all aspects of the antihypertensive effects of PYJYF,as well as molecular biological processes,such as the regulation of blood pressure,renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS),angiotensin-mediated ligand reactions,and biological stimulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that PYJYF directly affected 20 signaling pathways associated with hypertension.In animal experiments,PYJYF reduced the protein and m RNA levels of PI3 K,Akt,and Bax and upregulated the expression of the protein and m RNA levels of Bcl-2,reduced plasma renin,Ang II,and Ald levels,improved the hyperactivity of RAAS,and significantly reduced SBP in SHRs.Conclusion PYJYF is effective for hypertension therapy that acts through multiple compounds and targets.The possible underlying molecular mechanism includes regulating the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway to suppress RAAS,increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax proteins,and inhibiting apoptosis,thereby mediating the repair of renal and renal vascular damage caused by hypertension.These findings warrant further research for use in clinical settings.

Gadolinium-promoted angiogenesis involves the activation of PKCα/β_2 and MAPKs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Gadolinium has been widely used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice. Recently, it was reported that gadolinium is involved in nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, although the exact mechanism by which gadolinium triggers nephrogenic systemic fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we show that gadolinium chloride （GdC13） induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） to migrate in Matrigel and tubulogenesis during wound healing. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assay confirmed that GdC13 stimulates angiogenesis. Under the optimal angiogenic concentration of GdC13 （1 0 ~tM）, intracellular calcium concentration and reactive oxygen species generation were elevated. Moreover, western blotting results indicate that in cells treated with GdC13, Ca2＋-dependent PKCa/132 was phosphorylated, and MAPKs pathways were also activated. Taken together, GdC13 has a potential effect on angiogenesis in HUVECs, and the possible mechanisms may involve oxidative stress and calcium-related signalin~ pathways.

Artificial Anal Sphincter with Sensor Feedback Powered by Transcutaneous Energy Transmission

This artificial anal sphincter (AAS) is used to help patients who are in severe incontinence. It consists of two parts. The first part is taken outside with patients. The second is implanted in the bodies to provide independent evacuation for patients. It is powered through transcutaneous energy transmission by the first part. There are two sensors in the second part. One sensor measures the pressure in the cuff-clamp around the recta. The other measures the pressure of the recta. As soon as the pressure measured by the later reaches the threshold, a signal is sent out to patients through wireless communication to alarm patients preparing defecation. Patients can give a start signal to begin defecating after they are ready. And they can also give a signal to stop defecating like a healthy person. With the aids of the novel medical device, patients can defecate as a healthy person. The first generation of this AAS is presented.

Microbe social skill:the cell-to-cell communication between microorganisms

Although microbes primarily are single-cell organisms,they are not isolated individuals.Microbes use various means to communicate with one another.Based on the communication,microbes establish a social interaction with their neighbors in a specific ecological niche,and cooperative behaviors are normally performed to provide benefits on the population and species levels.In the microbiome era,in order to better understand the behaviors of microbes,deep understanding of the social communication between microbes hence becomes a key to interpret microbe behaviors.Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms that underlie the cell-to-cell communication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms,the recent discoveries and novel technologies in understanding the interspecies and interkingdom communication,and discuss new concepts of the sociomicrobiology.