Science Journal

 

 

 
Life Science Journal 
 
ISSN:1097-8135
 
Volume 7 - Number 2 (Cumulated No. 21), June 30, 2010
 
Cover Page, Introduction, Contents, Call for Papers, Author Index, lsj0702

CONTENTS  

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Titles / Authors /Abstracts

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1

Establishment of an Anti-HIV/AIDS Agents Screening Technique Based on Human CXCR4 Promoter

Yunyun Ma1, 2, Long Feng1, Ming Li1, Yanping Wei1, 3, Tingyu He1, Wentao Guo 1, Jin Jing1, 2, Ziming Dong1, and Guoqiang Zhao#1

1Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, henan 450001, China 2Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Henan Medical College for Stuff and Workers, Zhengzhou 451191, China 3Jiaozuo people’s Hospital, Jiaozuo, henan 454002, China

Abstract    Objective: To construct an anti-HIV/AIDS agents screening system by handling human CXCR4 promoter with medicated serum. Medthods: Human CXCR4 (CXC Chemokine Receptor 4) promoter gene was inserted into the reporter vector pGL4. Recombinant plasmid pGL4-CXCR4 was transfected into Jurkat cells (the cell line of acute T lymphocyte leukemia). The stable transfected cell were screened by G418. Thirteen kinds of traditional Chinese medicine were given to rats intragastrically and the medicated serum were collected. After the stable transfected cells were handling separately by medicated serum, CXCR4 promoter expression in the cells was detected. CXCR4 protein expression in change groups cells were tested by Western blotting analysis. Result: Cortex phellodendri chinensis and Herba houttuyniae can depress the activity of the transfected CXCR4 promoter in Jurkat cell, the luciferase activity of which is lower remarkably than of control group (p0.05). Herba lobeliae chinensis can enhance the activity of the transfected CXCR4 promoter in Jurkat cells, the luciferase activity of which is higher remarkably than that of the control group (p0.05). Conclusion: An anti-HIV/AIDS agents screening system based on Human CXCR4 promoter was constructed. Cortex phellodendri chinensis and Herba houttuynia were presumed to have the potential anti-AIDS effect. [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 1 – 7] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Key Words: Promoter of CXCR4, medicine screening,  anti-AIDS agents

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Taxonomic Diversity of Understorey Vegetation in Kumaun Himalayan Forests

Geeta Kharkwal 1, Poonam Mehrotra 2, Yaswant Singh Rawat 1

1 Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India

2 Department of Botany, Bundelkhand University, Jhasi, Uttarakhand 263002, India

geetakh@gmail.com

Abstract: Taxonomic diversity of understorey vegetation (herb species) was studied in two evergreen forests, viz. oak and pine in the Kumaun Himalaya. In terms of taxonomic diversity, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the two dominant families in the sampling forest types. Maximum number of species was found at hill base and minimum at hill top in both the forests. The number of families, genera and species ratio observed for pine forest was of course higher with compared to the oak forest showed about the higher taxonomic diversity. Perennials form had higher contribution as compared to annuals forms indicated better ability to store up soil. Very few species (9 species) were found to be common indicates higher dissimilarity in both type of forests. Species richness (per m2) was higher in the pine forest than the oak forest. A high value of beta-diversity in the oak forest point out that the species composition varied from one stand to another. However, low concentration of dominance value in the pine forest with compare to the oak forest point towards the dominance, which is shared by many species. [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 8 – 12] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Keywords: Species richness; beta-diversity; taxonomic diversity; forest

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Establishment and characterization of DNA pol β knockout human esophageal carcinoma cell line EC9706

Feng Long1,3, Ma Yunyun4, Zhao Guoqiang1, Li Min1, Sun Sajia2, Dong Ziming2*Huang Youtian2

1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; 2Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, P.R.China; 3Department of Pathogenic organism biology, Henan University of TCM, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, P.R.China; 4Henan Medical College for Staff and Workers, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan,  China. dongzmzzu@126.com

Abstract- To construct a DNA polymerase β gene knockout model in human esophageal carcinoma cell EC9706 by homologous recombination for investigating its biological characterization and sensitivity upon damaging factors or chemotherapeutics. Methods: Based on the homologous recombination principle, the gene targeting vector was constructed to delete polβ gene. The vector was introduced into esophageal carcinoma cellline EC9706 by electroporation. PCR, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of polβ gene at DNA, mRNA and protein level in polβ knockout EC9706 cell. Flow cytometry and MTT were used to detect cell cycle and cell growth velocity. The sensitivity of the gene targeting cell line upon oxydizing agent and chemotherapeutics were detected by trypan blue anti-dyeing method. Results: In the targeting cell line, the DNA, mRNA and protein expression of polβ can not be detected and its biological characterization has marked disparation compared with the normal EC9706 cell.Conclusion: The polβ gene knockout EC9706 cell line was constructed successfully. It may lay a foundation for the further study of pol β gene. [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 13 – 18] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Key Words: DNA polymerase β; gene knockout; human esophageal carcinoma

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The Impact of Silicone Frontalis Suspension with Ptosis Probe R for the Correction of Congential ptosis on the Asian Eyelids in Taiwan

Chi-Ting Horng1,2, Han-Yin Sun3, Ming-Liang Tsai4, Shang-Tao Chien5 , Feng-Chi Lin1

1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Armed Force General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan ROC2Department of Pharmacy, Tajen University, Pintung, 907, Taiwan ROC;3School of Optometry, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan ROC;4Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, 114, Taiwan ROC ;5Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Armed Force General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan ROC

Abstract  — To evaluate the basic technique of Ptosis probe R and the impact of ptosis repair by silicone rod frontalis sling on the Asian eyelid. A retrospective interventional study including 30 patients (49 eyelids) who underwent silicone rod frontalis suspension by the same surgeon between 2005 and 2008. Cosmetic outcomes , marginal reflex distance (MRD), chin-up head posture and recurrence rate were evaluated. In all patients, MRD increased an average of 1.2 ± 1.5 mm after the operation (P 0.05). The score of cosmetic outcomes was 0.6 ± 0.4.(the most of the operated eyelids achieved to good-to-excellent final lid height). The rate of chin-up head posture deceased from 33.3% to 6.6% (P 0.05). Transient punctate keratopathy without corneal infection occurred postoperatively in 9 (18%) of 49 eyes. Extrusion of the sling node with or without infection occurred in 2 forehead. With a mean follow-up of 20.73 months (range6-41 months), no recurrence of the ptosis was found. Silicone rods is an effective material in frontalis suspension for the treatment of severe ptosis with poor levator function. It may increase the MRD of operated eyelid and decreased the rate of chi-up head posture. The procedure with Ptosis probe R is easy, fast, and leads to less tissue trauma on the Asian eyelids. . [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 19 – 24] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Key words: blepharoptosis, frontalis slings, silicone rod

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SusMiRTrain: ab initio SVM classifier for porcine microRNA precursor prediction

Peng-Fang Zhou, Fei Zhang, Zhen-Hua Zhao, Wen-Qian Zhang, Wen-Chao Lin, Yang Zhang, De-Li Zhang*

Investigation Group of Molecular Virology, Immunology, Oncology & Systems Biology, Center for Bioinformatics, and Research Laboratory of Virology, Immunology & Bioinformatics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, P.R.China. zhangdeli@tsinghua.org.cn

 

Abstract: MicroRNA (miRNA), which is short non-coding RNA, plays important roles in almost all biological processes examined. Several classifiers have been applied to predict humans, mice and rats precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), but no classifier is applied to classify porcine pre-miRNAs only based on the porcine pre-miRNAs because of the little known miRNA component in the porcine genome. Here, we developed a novel classifier, called SusMiRTrain, to predict porcine pre-miRNAs. Trained on 60 porcine pre-miRNAs and 65 pseudo porcine hairpins, SusMiRTrain achieved 86.4% (5-fold cross-validation accuracy) and 0.9144 (ROC score). Tested on the remaining 14 porcine pre-miRNAs and 1000 pseudo hairpins, it reported 100% (sensitivity), 87.3% (specificity) and 87.5% (accuracy),respectively. Furthermore, a Java package, called SusMiRPred, was developed to filter out the short sequences which have not the pre-miRNAs structure features and to extract features for porcine pre-miRNAs prediction. . [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 25 – 27] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Key words: MicroRNA; Swine; SVM

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Analysis of Pulmonary Infection of Hospitalized Patients Injured in the Wenchuan Earthquake in China

 

Jing Xu1,2, Zi-Gui Liu1,2, Xia Zhu1,2, Xue-Bing Chen1,2, and Hong Tang1,2*

1 Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; 2 Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

htang6198@hotmail.com

Abstract-Background: On 12 May 2008, a devastating earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale hit Wenchuan County, Sichuan in China, and resulted in the casualties of thousands of people. Some of the hospitalized earthquake victims can occur pulmonary infection. However, few studies have been conducted on the clinical features of pulmonary infection in hospitalized casualty after Wenchuan Earthquake. Methods: To analyze retrospectively the clinical data of 115 pulmonary infection patients among wounded inpatients in West China Hospital of Sichuan University after the Wenchuan earthquake. Results: In our report, 76 cases (66.1%) of 115 hospitalized earthquake victims with pulmonary infection were patients with age > 60 years; 74 cases (64.3%) of them with long-term hospitalization(> 20 days); 23 cases (20.0%) of them with traumatic brain injury; 71 cases (61.7%) with torso trauma; 58 cases (50.4%) of them were patients with underlying disease; 25 cases(21.7%) of them were the patients treated with mechanical ventilation. A total of 143 nonduplicate clinical isolates from sputum specimen of 115 pulmonary infection patients were analyzed.  Gram-negative bacilli were the most commonly isolated pathogens (73.4%). Only 7.7% of total isolates were gram-positive bacteria; 18.9% of total isolates were fungi. There were high rates of multiple drug resistance in most bacteria isolates. The detection rates and resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii were higher than others and 81.8% of all Staphylococcus aureus detected from sputum culture were resistant to antibiotics but vancomycin in this group patients. There were 98 cases of recovery, 17 death cases due to lung infection. Conclusions: Most of earthquake inpatients with pulmonary infection were patients with age > 60 years, longer hospital stay or severe trauma. These factors might increase the risk of pulmonary infection in earthquake inpatients. Gram-negative bacilli play the most important role in these pulmonary infection patients. Pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Methicillin resistant S.aureus in this study might increase the risk of nosocomial infection. The prevention and control of pulmonary infection are crucial for earthquake survivors during hospitalization. . [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 28 – 34] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Key Words:    Wenchuan earthquake; Pulmonary infection; Pathogen; Drug sensitivity

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Differential Sensitivity Of Saggital Otolith Growth And Somatic Growth In  Oreochromis Niloticus  Exposed To Textile Industry Effluent

Adeogun A.O. and Chukwuka A.V

Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Hydrobiology Unit,University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT-A 30-day sublethal bioassay was carried out to investigate the relative sensitivity of saggital otolith and somatic growth indices in juvenile Oreochromis niloticus to textile factory effluents. Somatic indices (body weight, standard length, and condition index) were measured and saggital otoliths were extracted for morphometric (length, breadth and weight) examinations. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA which showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) between the weight (7.00x10-3±4.05x10-3g, 6.44x10-3±9.3x10-3 g) of the right saggita of the control fish and that of the exposed fish respectively. There were no significant differences in somatic indices and left saggita measurements for all experimental groups. Allometry as indicated by correlation analysis showed a stronger (p< 0.05) coupling of the right saggital growth with increase in standard length unlike the left saggita. The observed differences in otolith weight have probable implications on the choice of saggital otolith that may be suitable for daily growth-ring analysis. Also implied is the fact that otolith  weight show earlier sensitivity to environmental stressors than somatic indices.  Otolith morphometry holds the potential for an objective and more sensitive physiological indicator of stress in O. niloticus than somatic indices. [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 35 – 41] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Key words: toxicity of heavy metals

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A modified lentiviral vector construction system

Bo Song, JingWei Liu, XiuFang Chen, YuMing Xu*

Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China

Xuyuming@zzu.edu.cn

Abstract: Objective: To develop a lentiviral vector system, which can be used to co-express multiple genes of interest, such as siRNAs cassettes, reporter gene and resistant gene simultaneously and to facilitate to titrate lentiviral vector stock with TCID50 method. Method: Synthesis new multiple cloning sitesMCSto replace the original MCS of pLKO-1-puro and produced an intermediate plasmid pLKO-1-puro-MCS; Destination plasmid pLKO-M was constructed through transfering the CMV promoter-GFP-IRES element into pLKO-1-puro-MCS; The support plasmid pENTR-U6-20 was produced through transfering the siRNA-Expression cassette of pSilencer 2.0 into pENTR-U6-con. pLKO-M was cotransfected with pCMV-dR8.2 dvpr and pCMV-VSVG into 293T cells to produce lentiviral vectors. Harvest the virus 72 hours after contransfection and titrate it on Vero cells with TCID50 method.Result: Restriction enzyme digestion analysis of pLKO-M showed that it was constructed successfully; restriction enzyme digestion analysis and sequencing result of pENTR-U6-20 indicated that it is constructed successfully. The GFP gene in pLKO-M can express normally and the titre caculated with TCID50 method is 6.47X106 IU/ml. Conclusion: The multiple gene coexpressing system which contains two plasmid, pLKO-M and pENTR-U6-20, was established and the titre of pLKO-M virus can be measured with TCID50 method. [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 42 – 46] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Keywords: gene therapy; lentiviral vector; siRNA; titration method

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Some Biochemical and Organoleptic changes due to Microbial growth in Minced Beef packaged in Alluminium polyethylene trays and Stored under Chilled condition

Agunbiade, Shedrach Oludare, Akintobi Olabiyi A. and Ighodaro, Osasenaga Macdonald

Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, +234, Nigeria. macigho@yahoo.com

Abstract -Changes in the quality of minced beef were studied under two refrigerated conditions (1-20C and 5-70C) using some biochemical organoleptic and bacterial assays during a six-day period. Meat’s crude protein concentration remained constant (19.7-19.8%) in 4 days and 3 days at 1-20C and 5-70C respectively. There was an increase of only 0.4 to 0.6% and 0.9 to 1.4% during the 6 day period at 1-20C and 5-70C respectively. Between the 4th-6th day under both chill temperatures the meat has spoilt turning dark brown, slimy and putrid. This period coincided with meat’s bacteria log number of 8.6/g and above, increased alkalinity from 0.5 in fresh meat to between 4.3 and 5.7 ml of 0.02N HCl/g sample and increased total volatile nitrogen (TVN) from 12.6mgN/100g protein in the fresh state to between 23.8 and 39.8 mgN/100g protein under the two chill temperatures. The gradual increase of meat’s pH from 5.4 in fresh state to 5.8 at 1-20C in 5 days and 5.7 at 5-70C in 3 days, and its subsequent pronounced increase to between 6.1 and 6.9 may be ascribed to proteolysis on one hand. Increased TVN may also be responsible for the elevated meat’s pH and alkalinity in the spoiling meat. Minced meat for use in hamburger, corn beef, hotdog and other meat products may enjoy a shelf stability of only 3 day holding period under chill temperatures otherwise it is deemed unsafe for human consumption. [Life Science Journal. 2010; 7(2): 47– 51] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).

Keywords: Beef, organoleptic, bacterial, chill temperatures,biochemical, volatile nitrogen, alkalinity,protein, pH

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Connectance and Reliability Computation of Wireless Body Area Networks using Signal Flow Graphs

Ali Peiravi

Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IRAN. ali_peiravi@yahoo.com

Abstract: Ambulatory monitoring and health care using wireless body area networks is an active area of applied research. In this study, a new method is presented to compute the connectance and reliability of wireless body area networks based on an improved approach to the topological analysis of the network's digraph using Mason's rule. The procedure outlined is simple and fast and may be used to compute quantitative measures of a wireless body area network's reliability. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):52-56]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Connectance, reliability, wireless body area network, signal flow graph

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Role of Entophytic Microorganisms in Biocontrol of Plant Diseases

Wafaa M. Haggag

Department of Plant Pathology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.

Wafaa_hagggag@yahoo.com

Abstract: Endophytic microorganisms are to be found in virtually every plant on earth.  Endophytic microorganisms exist within the living tissues of most plant species and do so in a variety of relationships, ranging from symbiotic to slightly pathogenic. Root endophytic microorganisms are seen as promising alternatives to replace chemical pesticides and fertilizers in sustainable and organic agriculture systems. The capability of colonizing internal host tissues has made endophytes valuable for agriculture as a tool to improve crop performance. This association is often mutualistic: endophytes provide the plant with antagonism against diseases.  Once inside the plant, an endophyte occupies a niche with relatively low competition from other microorganisms, provided the endophyte gets there first. Novel endophytes usually have associated with them novel secondary natural products and/or processes. Identifying, understanding and utilizing endophytes or its products to control of plant diseases and to enhance crop production are integral parts of sustainable agriculture.  In this review, we addressed the major topics concerning the control of plant diseases by entophytic microorganisms mediated by specific metabolites of microbial origin. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):57-62]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Biological control, Entophytic  microorganisms, pathogens

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Prognostic Value of Active Movement of Hemiplegic Upper Limb in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Bo Song, Shuo Li, Yuan Gao, Yuming Xu*

Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China

E-mail: Xuyuming@zzu.edu.cn

Abstract-Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the prognostic value of active movement of affected upper limb on daily life in patients after acute ischemic stroke onset. Method: 165 consecutive patients with arm plegia in acute ischemic stroke were evaluated by four bedside tests to evaluate active movement of plegic arm (active finger extension, active finger flexion, shoulder abduction and shoulder shrug) on admission, day 14 and 30. Activity of daily life was assessed by Barthel Index on month 3, 6 and 12 after stroke onset. Result: Score of finger flexion and extension on day 30 was associated with 3 month and 12 month prognosis after stroke onset, and the expectation rate declined from 6.022 at 3 month to 2.919 at 12 month. Total score of four tests was associated with medium-term (6 month) prognosis (p=0.000). Conclusion: Active movement of hemiplegic upper limb in acute ischemic stroke has good predictive value on activity of daily life. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):63-66]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Key words: ischemic stroke; prognosis; rehabilitation

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Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer after subtotal gastrectomy

 

Pan Xue 1, Li Xiang-nan 2

1The Nursing College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.

2The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.

lxn-2000@163.com

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To reconstruct the digestive tract using the remaining stomach and part of the colon for the esophageal cancer after subtotal gastrectomy to investigate the surgical treatment and long-term survival. METHODS: 20 patients presenting with esophageal carcinoma after gastrectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Left postero-lateral thoracotomy incision was used in patients with esophageal cancer in the middle but not close to aortic arch and patients with lower thoracic segment. The digestive tract was reconstructed by the remaining stomach. Right postero-lateral thoracotomy, upper abdominal and left neck incisions were used in patients with upper thoracic segment lesions and esophageal cancer in the middle but close to aortic arch. Transverse and descending colon were used for the digestive tract reconstruction. RESULTS: All cases had successful operation and no serious postoperative complications,no death. CONCLUSIONS: Residual stomach and colon can be used for reconstruction of digestive tract, the key lies in the choice of appropriate surgical methods for different patients. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):67-68]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Key words: subtotal gastrectomy; esophageal cancer

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Assemblage structure of stream fishes in the Kumaon Himalaya of Uttarakhand  State, India

Ram Krishan Negi1 and Tarana Negi2
1Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Gurukula Kangri University, Hardwar U.K. India  249404
2Department of Zoology, Govt. P.G. College,  Panchkula (HR)
Email: negi_gkv@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The fish assemblage structure was analyzed in the streams of Kumaon Himalaya of Uttarkhand State, India. Seven sites were sampled by using different fishing gears during Jan, 2007 to December 2008. The physical features like stream  habitat, stream classifications, fish assemblage at different sites, habitat preference and riparian vegetations were registered for each site.  In the present investigations a total of ten species belonging to three orders and four families were recorded, of which the cyprinides were the most dominant group at all the sites. According to Shannon Weaver diversity  index the pool habitat support maximum fish diversity ( ‘H’ 0.164-0.292). [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):69-74]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Key words: Classification, cyprinids, fish diversity,  substrate, preference

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The Gag Specific T lymphocyte Response of Chinese HIV-1 B/C Infectors at different stages

Peichang Yang1, Hongwei Liu2, Yuan Yuan2, Chunhua liu2, Xiaojin Wang3*, Zhe Wang2

1The Nursing School of Zhengzhou University, ZhengzhouHenan450052. China, 2Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and PreventionZhengzhou 450016China,3The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, ZhengzhouHenan450052. China. ypch@zzu.edu.cn

Abstract: Background Gag is very important structural protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and could be detected in early infection. Specific T lymphocyte immune response was regarded as essential in controlling the production and infection. HIV-1 subtype B/C epidemic is speeding in China but limited data is available on the T cell responses covering Gag in the HIV-1 subtype B/C infectors at different stages. Materials and Methods.10 antiretroviral treatmentART naïve HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors with infected time in 1 year, 25 ART-naive infectors with infected time more than 3 years and 10 HIV-1-seronegative healthy individuals were enrolled. HIV-1-specific T lymphocyte responses were analyzed by an IFN-γ Elispot assay against 123 overlapping peptides spanning HIV-1 Gag protein in the present study. Results Gag-specific T lymphocyte responses of interferon-gamma secretion were identified in 8(80) Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors with infected time in 1 year, the specific T lymphocytes are mainly targeted at five peptides: GAG7895 in Gag p17, GAG7912, GAG7951 in p24, GAG7979 in p7and GAG7992 in p6. Responses were identified in 17(68) infectors with infected time more than 3 years, the specific T lymphocytes are mainly targeted at seven peptides: GAG7896 in Gag p17and GAG7911, GAG7912, GAG7917, GAG7923, GAG7924 and GAG7945 in p24. There was obviously positive correlation (P=0.0318r2 =0.269) between the magnitude of IFN-γ secretion T lymphocyte responses and plasma viremia in infectors infected time more than 3 years. The magnitude of response in infectors infected in 1 year was significantly higher than that in infectors with infected time more than 3 years (P=0.021). None of the seronegative healthy individuals gave the positive responses. Conclusions HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C Infectors at different stages of diseases recognize different region of Gag. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):75-79]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Gag; Specific T lymphocyte ResponseElispotIFN-γ

 

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Mechanisms of extracellular NO and Ca2+ regulating the growth of wheat seedling roots

Xiang Zhao, Xiao-wei Zhao, Hui He, Yan-xiao Wang and Xiao Zhang*

Henan Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China, xzhang@henu.edu.cn

Abstract: Our previous studies suggested that crosstalk of nitric oxide (NO) with Ca2+ in regulating stomatal movement. However, its mechanisms of action is not well defined in plant roots. Here, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) showed inhibitory effects on the growth of wheat seedling roots at concentration of 10, 50 or 100 mmol L-1 respectively,which was alleviated through reducing extracellular Ca2+concentration. Analysising the content of Ca2+ and K+ in wheat seedling roots shows that SNP significantly promotes Ca2+ accumulation and inhibites K+ accumulation at higher concentration of Ca2+, but 10 mmol L-1 SNP promotes K+ accumulation in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. To gain further insights into Ca2+ function in NO-regulated the growth of wheat seedling roots, we patch-clamped protoplasts of wheat seedling roots in a whole-cell configuration. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, NO activates inward rectifying K+ channels, but has little effects on outward rectifying K+ channels. Adding 2 mmol L-1 CaCl2 to the bath solution, NO significantly activates outward rectifying K+ channels, which was partially alleviated by LaCl3 (a Ca2+channel inhibitor). In contrast, 2 mmol L-1 CaCl2 alone has little effects on inward or outward rectifying K+ channels. Thus, NO inhibits the growth of wheat seedling roots likely by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx excessively. The increase in cytosolic Ca2+ appears to inhibit K+ influx, promote K+ outflux across plasma membrane, and finally reduces the content of K+ in root cells. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):80-85]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Key words: wheat seedling; Nitric oxide; Calcium; Plasma membrane K+ channels

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Pharmacokinetic comparison of orally disintegrating, β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and conventional tablets of nicardipine in rats

Bin Du*, Xiaotian Li, Qiuying Yu, Youmei A, Chengqun Chen

Pharmacy SchoolZhengzhou UniversityChina

Abstract: The goal of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with its conventional tablets. Forty-five rats were divided into three groups evaluating the effect of dosage forms on the pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride. Blood samples were taken at predefined sampling points 0–24h after medication, and the plasma concentrations of nicardipine hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets, β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and its conventional tablets were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The orally disintegrating tablets increased in Cmax, AUC and tβ1/2 were observed, tmax occurred at 1.0 and 2.0h with orally disintegrating tablets and conventional tablets. The orally disintegrating tablets exhibited a longer elimination half-life (t 1/2 β 5.5h) compared with its conventional tablets (t1/2 β 1.4 h ). The mean dose corrected area under the plasma concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity AUC (0−∞) of orally disintegrating tablets was 5.60 times greater than its conventional tablets. This research showed that formulation of nicardipine hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets and β-cyclodextrins inclusion complex resulted in increase of bioavailability and prolong its activity time. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):86-90]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Nicardipine hydrochloride; orally disintegrating; Pharmacokinetics; HPLC

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Reliability of Wireless Body Area Networks used for

Ambulatory Monitoring and Health Care

Ali Peiravi1, Maria Farahi2

Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineerinf, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Mashhad IRAN. 1Ali_peiravi@yahoo.com, 2 mari.252@gmail.com

Abstract: Ambulatory monitoring and health care using wireless sensor networks is an active area of applied research. The general network topology used for wireless body area networks is the star topology with the sensor nodes sending their data to a central processing node for data fusion. Reliability of these networks is very important since they deal with human life. Reported applications have had performance and reliability problems. In this paper, several reported applications of wireless body area networks are reviewed and the reliability of a sample WBAN is computed. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):91-97]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Reliability, wireless body area network, ambulatory monitoring, MEMS sensors

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Black mulberries (Morus nigra) as natural dyes for animal whole mount staining

Ehab Tousson1 and Bahija Al-Behbehani2

1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

2Science Department, College of Basic Education, PAAET, Kuwait

toussonehab@yahoo.com    bshm7000@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: Natural dyes have been used for staining wool, silk, carpet and cotton. Black mulberry (Morus nigra) has strong staining activity and a distinct flavor with juicy and acidic characteristics making them attractive for use in the processing industry in products such as fruit juice, ice cream, jelly, and jam. Aim of this study was to investigate a new staining method using black mulberry as natural source of dye for whole mount staining in the parasitological studied. Whole mount of adult liver flukes (Fasciola sp.) were collected from the livers of naturally infected cows at slaughterhouse, washed with physiological saline solution and then stained by the new method (dye extracted form black mulberry). By using the dye extracted from black mulberry, zoologists and parasitologists can make identification and differentiation between different parasites. This dye method can be an alternative to cost and time consuming current chemical staining methods. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):98-101]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Natural dyes; Black mulberry; Whole mount staining; Liver flukes

 

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The Role of Entophytic Microorganisms in Biocontrol of Plant Diseases

Wafaa M. Haggag

Department of Plant Pathology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt

Wafaa_hagggag@yahoo.com

Abstract: Endophytic microorganisms are to be found in virtually every plant on earth. Endophytic microorganisms exist within the living tissues of most plant species and do so in a variety of relationships, ranging from symbiotic to slightly pathogenic. Root endophytic microorganisms are seen as promising alternatives to replace chemical pesticides and fertilizers in sustainable and organic agriculture systems. The capability of colonizing internal host tissues has made endophytes valuable for agriculture as a tool to improve crop performance. This association is often mutualistic: endophytes provide the plant with antagonism against diseases. Once inside the plant, an endophyte occupies a niche with relatively low competition from other microorganisms, provided the endophyte gets there first. Novel endophytes usually have associated with them novel secondary natural products and/or processes. Identifying, understanding and utilizing endophytes or its products to control of plant diseases and to enhance crop production are integral parts of sustainable agriculture.  In this review, we addressed the major topics concerning the control of plant diseases by entophytic microorganisms mediated by specific metabolites of microbial origin. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):102-107]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords: Biological control, Entophytic  microorganisms, pathogens

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Sports injury and the role of medical diagnostic devices

Szu-Ming Wu1, Kuo-Chen Wu2, Hsiang-Chi Wu3,4*, Ching-Hui Yeh4

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cheng Shiu University,2 Department of Computer Science, National Chung Hsing University,3 Department of Kinesiology, Health, and Leisure Studies, National University of Kaohsiung,4  Department of Family Medicine, Tzuo-Ying Armed Forces General Hospital

*Corresponding Author: Hsiang-Chi Wu, E-mail: wu533833@gmail.com

Abstract:  Objectives: Sport participation always carries the risk of injury. The aim of this paper is to investigate the incidence of sports injury, the role of medical diagnostic devices and concepts of sports injury prevention. Various medical diagnostic devices are not always helpful without any damage. The conclusion of this study gives viewpoints of clinical medicine and biomedical engineering on sports injury. Highlighting the importance of sports injury with regard to incidence rates and risk factor is also the main goal of the study [1]. Results: The study population includes patients and their family members from the outpatient department of Tzuo-Ying Armed Forces General Hospital in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. The data demonstrates the most common sites of injuries are ankles (34.4%). Regarding the knowledge of sports injury prevention, 38.3 % believe that sports protective devices using can decrease risk of injury and 51.5 % think that enough warm-up exercise will make exercise course smoothly. Regarding actions taken by persons after the occurrence of a sports injury, more than half (54.7%) of them attempt to treat the condition themselves at the initial stage, and only 33.6% look for medical attention immediately .It warns policy makers that the high rate of people ignore the sports injury and taking no thoughts about sports injury may result in more costs of the medical service at the later stage. Conclusions: The results show that increasing population levels of the knowledge about sports injury prevention and providing realistic medical diagnostic devices are important. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):108-111]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).

Keywords sports injury; medical diagnostic device; X-ray radiation

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