Technology Resource,Distribution, and Development Characteristics of Global Influenza Virus Vaccine: A Patent Bibliometric Analysis

Influenza virus vaccine (IVV) is a promising research domain that is closely related to global health matters, which has been acknowledged not only by scientists and technology developers, but also by policy-makers. Meanwhile, patents encompass valuable technological information and reflect the latest technological inventions as well as the innovative capability of a nation. However, little research has examined this up-and-coming research field using patent bibliometric method. Thus, this paper (a) designs the technology classification system and search strategy for the identification of IVV; and (b) presents a longitudinal analysis of the global IVV development based on the European Patent Office (EPO) patents. Bibliometric analysis is used to rank countries, institutions, inventors and technology subfields contributing to IVV technical progress. The results show that the global trends of IVV are a multi-developing feature of variety but an uneven technical resource distribution. Although the synthetic peptide vaccine is a comparatively young field, it already demonstrates the powerful vitality and the enormous development space. With the worldwide competition increasing, all nations especially China should be looking to increase devotion, enhance capability and regard effectiveness of technological innovation.     

Expression,purification, and characterization of recombinant lumbrokinase PI239 in Escherichia coli

Lumbrokinase (LK) is an important fibrinolytic enzyme derived from earthworms. It has been found that LK is composed of a group of isoenzymes. To construct and express the mature peptide of LK PI239 in Escherichia coli, we amplified and optimized the gene of LK which was then cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-22b(?). The recombinant LK (rLK) protein was expressed as inclusion bodies and we have developed a purification process of rLK from these inclusion bodies. A step-down urea concentration strategy was applied to the rLK renaturation process. The purified and renatured rLK apparently ameliorated the conditions of the model thrombosis rats used, and may be developed into a therapeutic agent for thrombotic-associated diseases.     

Identification of NBS-Type Resistance Gene Homologs in Tobacco Genome

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is an important cash crop and an ideal experimental system for studies on plant–pathogen interaction. The sequenced tobacco genome provides an opportunity for examining resistance gene homologs (RGHs) in the tobacco genome. Thirty nucleotide-binding site-type RGHs were annotated from genomic data, and another 281 putative RGHs were identified via PCR amplification from wild and cultivated tobacco. The newly identified RGHs are similar to other known RGHs, and some were categorized into new groups or branches that are different from known Nicotiana R genes or RGHs. Of the 281RGHs, 146 were identified from a single tobacco genome. We did not find any polymorphism at the RGHs in cultivated accessions, implying that strong domestication selection and/or demographic effects might have caused a sharp reduction in nucleotide diversity. Three positive selection sites were found in several RGH groups, while purifying selection is pervasive in the RGH family. Our results provide a primary RGH pool and several positively selected sites for the further functional validation of resistance genes in tobacco.     

Pleiotropic function of intersectin homologue Cin1 in Cryptococcus neoformans

The manifestation of virulence traits in Cryptococcus neoformans is thought to rely on intracellular transport, a process not fully explored in this pathogenic fungus. Through interaction cloning, we identified a multi‐modular protein, Cin1 (cryptococcal intersectin 1), whose domain structure is similar to that of the human endocytic protein ITSN1. Cin1 contains an N‐terminal EH domain, a central coiled‐coil region, a WH2 domain, two SH3 domains and a C‐terminal RhoGEF (DH)‐PH domain. Interestingly, alternative mRNA splicing resulted in two Cin1 isoforms, and Cin1 homologues are also restricted to basidiomycetous fungi. Disruption of the CIN1 gene had a pleiotropic effect on growth, normal cytokinesis, intracellular transports and the production of several virulence factors. Additionally, Cin1 interacts with cryptococcal Cdc42 and Wsp1 (a WASP homologue) proteins in vitro, suggesting a conserved role in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. However, deletion of RhoGEF or SH3 and RhoGEF domains did not result in any phenotypic changes, suggesting that functional redundancy exists in proteins containing similar domains or that the activities by other domains are necessary for Cin1 function. Our study presents the first evidence of a multi‐modular protein whose function in intracellular transport underlies the growth, differentiation and virulence of a pathogenic microorganism.     

Genetic relationships between resistances to Fusarium head blight and crown rot in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and crown rot (CR) are two wheat diseases caused by the same Fusarium pathogens. Progress towards CR resistance could benefit from FHB-resistant germplasm if the same genes are involved in resistance to these two different diseases. Two independent studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between host resistances to these two diseases. In the first study 32 genotypes were assessed and no significant correlation between their reactions to FHB and CR was detected. The second study was based on a QTL analysis of a doubled haploid population derived from a variety with resistance to both diseases. Results from this study showed that loci conferring resistance to FHB and CR are located on different chromosomes. Together, these results suggest that, despite a common aetiology, different host genes are involved in the resistance against FHB and CR in wheat. Thus, although it is possible that genes affecting both diseases may exist in other germplasm or under different conditions, separate screening seems to be needed in identifying sources of CR resistance.     

A new carbazole-based phenanthrenyl ruthenium complex as sensitizer for a dye-sensitized solar cell

Three new amphiphilic ruthenium complexes (Ru-1, Ru-2 and Ru-3) based on phenanthrenyl derivatives have been synthesized and used as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The ruthenium complex Ru-1 containing a carbazole group showed especially improved photophysical properties (red-shifted metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition absorptions and enhanced molar extinction coefficients) and interesting electrochemical properties, resulting in its improved open circuit potential and high overall light-to-electric power conversion efficiency of 5.3% (AM1.5, 75 mW/cm²). These facts indicate that the carbazole-based phenanthrenyl ruthenium complex is a promising candidate for improving the conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.     

A new study of cell disruption to release recombinant thermostable enzyme from Escherichia coli by thermolysis

Extraction of intracellular protein from Escherichia coli is traditionally achieved by mechanical, chemical or enzymatic disruption technology. In this study, a novel thermolysis method was used to disrupt E. coli cells to release a recombinant thermostable esterase. We found that heat treatment of E. coli was highly effective to destroy the integrity of bacterial cell walls and release the recombinant hyperthermophilic esterase at temperatures above 60 degrees C. The effects of temperature, pH and cell concentration on the efficiency of cell disruption were examined. The most effective temperature for cell disruption was at 80 degrees C. The pH and cell concentration had only minor effect on the release of the hyperthermophilic esterase. In addition, we found that the hyperthermophilic esterase could be purified at the early stage of the thermolysis, which is a major advantage of the thermolysis method. Finally, a comparison between thermolysis and traditional methods for the disruption of cells and the release of the thermostable enzyme was made.     

Dissolved organic carbon concentrations in four Norway spruce stands of different ages

Boreal forests are increasing in age partly due to reduced logging and efficient wildfire control. As a result, they also stock more carbon. Whether increased forest C stock causes greater production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is uncertain. DOC in bulk precipitation, throughfall and soil water was studied in 10-, 30-, 60- and 120-year-old stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) DOC concentrations in throughfall and O horizon soil water followed the order 10 < 30 < 60 = 120 and 10 = 30 < 120 < 60, respectively. DOC fluxes followed the order 10 = 30 < 60 = 120 in throughfall, while no significant difference between stands was found for O horizon soil water. Above-ground tree litter varied according to 10 < 30 < 60 = 120, a pattern identical to that for DOC concentrations in throughfall and resembling but not identical to that for DOC concentrations in O horizon soil water. This indicates additional sources for DOC in soil water. Seasonality in DOC concentrations was observed at the base of the O horizon, and seasonality in DOC fluxes in both throughfall and O horizon soil water. Our results suggest differences in the polarity of DOC between the 10-year stand and the others, which we interpret as reflecting the lack of grown trees and possibly the different vegetation on the 10-year stand.