Case Document Diagnosis of Man Alveolar Echinococcosis through NextGeneration Sequencing Investigation
Proteins containing nuclear localization signals (NLSs) are actively transported into the nucleus via the classic importin-α/β-mediated pathway, and NLSs are recognized by members of the importin-α family. Most studies of insect importin-αs have focused on Drosophila to date, little is known about the importin-α proteins in Lepidoptera insects. In this study, we identified four putative importin-α homologues, Spodoptera frugiperda importin-α1 (SfIMA1), SfIMA2, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7, from Sf9 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that SfIMA2, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 localized to the nucleus, while SfIMA1 distributed in cytoplasm. Additionally, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 were also detected in the nuclear membrane of Sf9 cells. SfIMA1, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7, but not SfIMA2, were found to associate with the C terminus of AcMNPV DNA polymerase (DNApol) that harbours a typical monopartite NLS and a classic bipartite NLS. Further analysis of protein-protein interactions revealed that SfIMA1 specifically recognizes the bipartite NLS, while SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 bind to both monopartite and bipartite NLSs. Together, our results suggested that SfIMA1, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 play important roles in the nuclear import of AcMNPV DNApol C terminus in Sf9 cells.The COVID-19 pandemic, induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused great impact on the global economy and people's daily life. In the clinic, most patients with COVID-19 show none or mild symptoms, while approximately 20% of them develop severe pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or septic shock due to infection-induced cytokine release syndrome (the so-called "cytokine storm"). Neutralizing antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines may potentially curb immunopathology caused by COVID-19; however, the complexity of cytokine interactions and the multiplicity of cytokine targets make attenuating the cytokine storm challenging. Nonspecific in vivo biodistribution and dose-limiting side effects further limit the broad application of those free antibodies. Recent advances in biomaterials and nanotechnology have offered many promising opportunities for infectious and inflammatory diseases. Here, potential mechanisms of COVID-19 cytokine storm are first discussed, and relevant therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials are then reviewed. Furthermore, recent research involving emerging biomaterials for improving antibody-based and broad-spectrum cytokine neutralization is summarized. It is anticipated that this work will provide insights on the development of novel therapeutics toward efficacious management of COVID-19 cytokine storm and other inflammatory diseases.
Syringa pubescens Turcz. was reported to be abundant in the Funiu Mountains of Henan Province and can be used to treat hepatitis and cirrhosis. In order to develop and utilise the resource, a fast and simple technique to extract bioactive compounds is needed.
Our aims were to provide an extraction technique of glycosides from S. pubescens and study the antioxidant activity of this material.
Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed with three factors at three levels. The process parameters such as ethanol concentration (X
), temperature (X
), and solvent-solid ratio (X
) could significantly influence efficiency and yield of target compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the content of glycosides. DPPH (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and reducing power were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of S. pubescens extract.
The optimal parameters for the maximal extraction yield were obtained with ethanol concentration of 68%, temperature of 89°C, solvent-solid ratio of 46 mL/g, and time of 20 min. The S. pubescens extract showed strong antioxidant properties in vitro.
The findings indicated the potential application of solvothermal extraction method to extract bioactive compounds from S. pubescens Turcz. Furthermore, the S. pubescens extract could be used as an important resource of antioxidant activity.
The findings indicated the potential application of solvothermal extraction method to extract bioactive compounds from S. pubescens Turcz. Furthermore, the S. pubescens extract could be used as an important resource of antioxidant activity.The canonical view of a 3-domain (3D) tree of life was recently challenged by the discovery of Asgardarchaeota encoding eukaryote signature proteins (ESPs), which were treated as missing links of a 2-domain (2D) tree. Here we revisit the debate. We discuss methodological limitations of building trees with alignment-dependent approaches, which often fail to satisfactorily address the problem of gaps. In addition, most phylogenies are reconstructed unrooted, neglecting the power of direct rooting methods. Alignment-free methodologies lift most difficulties but require employing realistic evolutionary models. We argue that the discoveries of Asgards and ESPs, by themselves, do not rule out the 3D tree, which is strongly supported by comparative and evolutionary genomic analyses and vast genomic and biochemical superkingdom distinctions. Given uncertainties of retrodiction and interpretation difficulties, we conclude that the 3D view has not been falsified but instead has been strengthened by genomic analyses. In turn, the objections to the 2D model have not been lifted. The debate remains open. Also see the video abstract here https//youtu.be/-6TBN0bubI8.Plants are the world's most consumed goods. They are of high economic value and bring many health benefits. In most countries in Africa, the supply and quality of food will rise to meet the growing population's increasing demand. Genomics and other biotechnology tools offer the opportunity to improve subsistence crops and medicinal herbs in the continent. Significant advances have been made in plant genomics, which have enhanced our knowledge of the molecular processes underlying both plant quality and yield. Capivasertib The sequencing of complex genomes of African plant species, facilitated by the continuously evolving next-generation sequencing technologies and advanced bioinformatics approaches, has provided new opportunities for crop improvement. This review summarizes the achievements of genome sequencing projects of endemic African plants in the last two decades. We also present perspectives and challenges for future plant genomic studies that will accelerate important plant breeding programs for African communities.