Current research status of immunology in the genomic era

This review updates the current status of immunology research under the influence of genomics, both conceptually and technologically. It particularly highlights the advantages of employing the high-throughput and large-scale technology, the large genomic database, and bioinformatic power in the immunology research. The fast development in the fields of basic immunology, clinical immunology (tumor and infectious immunology) and vaccine designing is illustrated with respect to the successful usage of genomic strategy. We also speculate the future research directions of immunology in the era of genomics and post-genomics. Supported by the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China (Grant No.2006AA02A252), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.30771965) and Shanghai Pujiang Program (Grant No.07pj14066).     

Need for gerodontology education in India

Objectives: To evaluate the status and need for education in Geriatric Dentistry in India. Materials and methods: The status of dental education in India was studied. India has 185 dental schools producing 12 000 dental graduates every year. At postgraduate level, there are nine recognised specialities in Dentistry, and approximately 58 institutions offer 1160 places for postgraduate degree courses. Dental education is shaped and administered by the Dental Council of India. Results: So far, Geriatric dentistry has not developed as a separate, independent speciality at postgraduate level. The undergraduate curriculum does not have any significant component of geriatric dentistry. The lack of training results in poor understanding of special needs of older adults in young graduates. Without adequate training and personal experience of growing old, young graduates may not be able to understand the physical, socio‐economic and psychological problems of the elderly and the complexities involved in treatment planning for patients with multiple chronic diseases and medication. Conclusions: It is emphasized that geriatric dentistry should be included in each of the pre‐clinical, para‐clinical and clinical subjects at the undergraduate level. Graduate students should be encouraged to treat elderly patients in clinics under supervision using a multi‐disciplinary approach. Also, postgraduate diploma and degree courses in geriatric dentistry should be developed to address the needs of the vast elderly population in India.     

HIV infection in India: Epidemiology, molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis

The year 1986 saw first case of HIV infection as well as first report of AIDS case in India. Since then the epidemic has spread throughout the country. In the recent years there is evidence of epidemic being stabilized with decrease in new infections reported from some parts of the country. The absolute number of HIV infections in the country is expected to be close to 2.5 million and National AIDS Control Programme, phase III is geared to contain the epidemic. HIV viruses circulating in India predominantly belong to HIV-1 subtype C. However, there have been occasional reports of HIV-1 subtype A and B. Matter of concern is reports of A/C and B/C mosaic viruses that are being reported from different parts of the country. The data on HIV drug resistance from India is rather limited. Most of the studies have shown that the virus strains from drug naïve patients do not show significant level of drug resistance mutations. The few immunological studies in Indian patients show that the Indian HIV infected patients show both HIV-specific CTL responses as well as neutralizing antibody response. Mapping of CTL epitopes showed that while Indian patients identify same regions of Gag antigen as recognized by South African subtype C infected patients, some regions are uniquely recognized by Indian patients. There are very few studies on host genetic factors in India in context with HIV infection. However there are evidences reported of association of host genetic factors such as HLA types and haplotypes and HIV disease.     

Current status of Potyvirus in India

Potyvirus particles are flexuous rods of 700–900?nm in length and contain one positive sense single-stranded genomic RNA molecule of approximately 10?kb, which is encapsidated by a single type of coat protein. According to available NCBI database, Potyvirus infection is prominently present in Solanaceae, Leguminosae and Cucurbitaceae families in India. Potyviruses can induce a wide range of different symptoms in infected host plants including mosaic, stripe, mottling, vein clearing, vein banding, ringspots, necrotic or chlorotic lesions, flower breaking, stunting, wilting, and most commonly lead tostunting and yield losses. PCR-based methods for the detection and identification of potyviruses rely on degenerate primers designed for conserved regions. Potyvirus infection requires the interaction of host factors with viral proteins and RNA for its replication and systemic spread, i.e interaction between VPg and eIF4E is required for Potyvirus genome translation. Mutations in host translational initiation factor eIF4E cause the conformational shift in encoded proteins which are unable to bind with viral protein (VPg), resulting in broad-spectrum Potyvirus resistance.     

医学研究伦理学的发展现状与前景

创新技术的开展和转化医学的注重给医学的发展注入了新的活力,但同时,也带来了一系列社会伦理问题和法律问题。生命医学伦理学的兴起和发展催生了医学研究伦理学分支学科形成,目的在于推进解决涉及人体的医学研究的伦理问题。当前,面临的最突出的伦理问题在于,对医学研究合法性、先进性及伦理性的把握,对医学研究伦理审查必要性的认知,对医学研究方案设计与伦理道德的匹配,对医学研究知情同意的告知,对医学研究风险与受益的平衡。逐步与国际接轨,加强伦理委员会制度建设;提高伦理审查能力建设,形成高水平的伦理审查队伍;学术组织和团体共同努力,推进医学研究伦理学的发展,这将助推医学研究伦理学的发展。     

An approach to modelling in immunology

Like most other fields in biology, immunology has been revolutionised by the techniques of molecular biology and the resulting explosion in available experimental data. It is argued that efforts to integrate the data to gain insight into how various subsystems in the immune system interact and function require mathematical modelling and computer simulation in close collaboration with experimentalists. This paper illustrates some of the techniques available for modelling immune systems, and highlights the issues that should be borne in mind by anyone starting down the modelling path.     

Current status of fertility control methods in India

Approximately 48.2% of couples of 15 to 49 years of age practice family planning methods in India. Female sterilization accounts for 34.2%, with male sterilization declining from 3·4% in 1992–93 to 1·9% in 1998–99. Use of the condom increased to 3·1% from 2·4%. There is an urgent need for research to develop new contraceptive modalities especially for men and also for women and to make existing methods more safe, affordable and acceptable. Current efforts in India to develop a male contraceptive are mainly directed towards (i) development of antispermatogenic agents to suppress sperm production, (ii) prevention of sperm maturation, (iii) prevention of sperm transport through vas deferens or rendering these sperm infertile and (iv) prevention of sperm deposition. Research work in the field of prevention of sperm transport through vas deferens has made significant advances. Styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) disturbed the electrical charge of spermatozoa leading to acrosome rupture and consequent loss in fertilizing ability of sperm. A multicentre phase-III clinical trial using SMA is continuing and it is hoped that the SMA approach would be available in the near future as an indigenously developed injectable intra-vasal male contraceptive. The safety and efficacy of available oral contraceptives were evaluated. An indigenously developed oral contraceptive ‘Centchorman’, which is a nonsteroidal, weakly estrogenic but potently antiestrogenic, was found to be safe and effective and is now being marketed in India since 1991 as a ‘once a week’ pill. Cyclofem and Mesigyna have been recommended as injectable contraceptives with proper counselling and service delivery by Indian studies. It has been recommended that these injectable contraceptives be added to the existing range of contraceptive methods available in the National Family Planning Programme. Based on the Indian studies CuT 200 was also recommended. Studies have indicated the advantage of intrauterine devices (IUD); they are long acting, relatively easily removed and fertility returns rapidly after their removal. Recent studies have recommended CuT 200 for use up to 5 years. The combination of some plant products i.e.Embelia ribes, Borax andPiper longum has been found to be safe and effective as a female contraceptive and the results of phase-I clinical trials are encouraging. Research work is going on in the country in various areas with special reference to hormonal contraceptive — a three monthly injectable contraceptive, immuno-contraceptives, antiprogestins, etc.     

Current genetic research in cotton in India

Genetic research on cotton in India in recent times is reviewed. Establishment of a gene bank with global accessions of the four cultivated species, as well as wild relatives, has facilitated genetic improvement of cotton in India. Genetic control of the economic traits has been studied by biometrical approaches, particularly the line x tester analysis, diallel cross and generation mean analysis. Both additive and non-additive gene actions have been reported for most of the traits. Heritability estimates are low to high. Studies on G×E interaction and stability parameters indicate availability of lines which are stable in their performance over locations and seasons. Genetic improvement of yield, fibre properties, lint percent, seed oil, earliness and resistance to key pests and diseases has been targeted and considerable success has been achieved. Single cross, three-way cross, multiple cross, back cross, biparental mating, mutation breeding and heterosis breeding are the main procedures employed for improvement of yield. Heterosis breeding has, however, made the most significant contributions in improvement of both yield and fibre quality in recent times. While resistant genotypes have been developed for most of the pests and diseases, resistance against cotton bollworms has not been achieved. Genetic engineering to incorporate the Bt gene in cotton to impart resistance to bollworms is in progress. Keeping in view the increased requirements of cotton in the future, thrust areas in genetic research have been indicated.     

Current genetic research on groundnut in India

The progress in genetic improvement of groundnut in India during the last five decades has been possible largely due to understanding and utilizing the information generated on the genetics of various characters of the plant. The current genetic studies on groundnut in India are carried out both on qualitative and agronomically important quantitative characters. Research accomplishments which are noteworthy in these areas have been reported in this paper. However, the genetics of several characters of economic importance has not been analyzed so far. Efforts to incorporate resistance to abiotic and biotic factors have gained momentum and a large number of resistant sources have been identified for each of these constraints. Additional efforts are expected to be made on gaining insight into the genetics of resistance to abiotic stresses and insect pests among biotic stresses, where the available information is meagre. Future studies are also expected to concentrate on unravelling the relationship of economic yield with various other characters, including the physiological and biochemical ones. Molecular marker techniques hold promise for genetic analysis of groundnut, as in other crop plants.     

棘皮动物免疫学研究进展

棘皮动物属原始后口动物、无脊椎动物的最高等类群,它处于由无脊椎动物向脊椎动物开始分支进化的阶段．研究棘皮动物的免疫功能和作用机理,对从比较免疫学角度探讨动物免疫系统进化过程有承前启后的重要意义．因此,有必要对棘皮动物的免疫学研究进展作一个较全面的综述,并理清未来的研究热点和方向．棘皮动物与其他无脊椎动物一样具有先天性免疫系统,但未发现脊椎动物所具有的获得性免疫．其免疫应答是由参与免疫反应的效应细胞——体腔细胞和多种体液免疫因子共同介导的．比较免疫学分析表明,棘皮动物存在脊椎动物补体系统的替代途径和凝集素途径,但未发现经典途径和明确的终端途径．棘皮动物先天性免疫系统存在数量庞大的基因家族．今后应加强对未知免疫相关基因、蛋白质、信号传导途径及效应分子的研究,回答免疫系统的起源、功能和进化等问题．     

A primer on cancer immunology and immunotherapy

The role of immunity in cancer has been abundantly demonstrated in murine tumor models as well as in man. Induction of clinically effective antitumor immune responses, based on this information, in patients with cancer however, remains elusive. This is not because tumors lack recognizable antigens [in fact there is evidence that there are thousands of potential novel targets in each tumor cell] but rather due to the fact that the induction of responses is not adequate nor particularly well understood. Tumors seem to be rather effective at limiting immune responses. Many of the molecularly defined antigens that have been detected on tumor cells are derived from self-proteins and as such are subject to tolerizing mechanisms. Such tumors have also developed escape mechanisms capable of evading or suppressing immune responses. Understanding the role of dendritic cells during the effector phase of the immune response and the complex interactions of stromal, immune, and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment represent the next challenges to be understood for tumor immunology.This is a summary of the work presented at the First Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Summer School, 8–13 September 2003, Ionian Village, Peloponnese, Greece     

生态免疫学研究进展

随着整合生物学思想的发展,生态学与免疫学的相互渗透与交叉,产生了生态免疫学这一崭新的学科,自从其诞生虽然只有短短的十几年时间,但发展迅速。生态免疫学主要从免疫代价的视角来解释生活史权衡、性选择和种群动态变化等生态学问题。动物的免疫功能对其抵抗疾病和最终的生存起至关重要的作用,影响动物免疫的因素具有多样性和复杂性的特点,而研究动物免疫功能变化的原因和结果一直是生态免疫学研究的重要内容。免疫防御是否具有能量或资源代价,这种代价是否昂贵是生态免疫学需要回答的基本问题之一,大量的实验已表明免疫防御的代价是昂贵的。由于能量或资源不是无限的,有限的能量或资源必须在多种经常相互竞争的生理功能间进行分配,这导致了免疫功能与动物的生长、繁殖等生活史组分之间的权衡,很多的研究表明增加一个过程的投资会降低对另一过程的投资。免疫同样在性选择特征进化以及维持雌性偏爱性修饰的雄性中发挥至关重要的作用,免疫功能障碍假说认为睾丸激素负责第二性征的产生并同时具有免疫抑制作用,表达性征的代价是降低了免疫功能,这使得宿主对病原体或寄生物攻击的易感性增加,因此只有高质量的雄性个体才能充分表达性征同时又不遭受大量寄生负荷。综述了生态免疫学的概念、研究内容以及未来研究需要关注的领域。     

基于文献计量的牡蛎礁研究现状与热点分析

牡蛎礁作为重要的海岸带生态系统,具备水质净化、提供栖息地等多种生态系统服务功能。为了解国内外牡蛎礁研究的现状与热点,分别以Web of Science 核心合集数据库和中国期刊全文数据库为数据源,通过国内外发文趋势分析、高频关键词分析、关键词共现和聚类分析及主题时间演变分析等,分析牡蛎礁研究热点与趋势。研究结果表明：（1）国际与国内牡蛎礁研究发文量总体呈现上升趋势,但国内研究增长速率低于国际研究;（2）牡蛎礁生态恢复研究是国内外研究的共同关注点,但国内相关研究起步较晚;（3）以外,国际上对牡蛎礁的研究更加关注生态系统服务功能、气候变化等,而国内主要倾向于从地质学角度进行研究;（4）近年来,气候变化成为国际牡蛎礁研究新的热点,但国内对此关注较少。本研究将为了解当前国内外牡蛎礁研究现状及发展态势提供借鉴,并为我国牡蛎礁保护与修复方面的政策制定、科学研究等工作的开展提供情报参考。     

Towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis in India

The global initiatives to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem by the year 2020 have generated a great deal of debate in India, the largest endemic country. This has led to a shift in the focus from control to elimination of the disease. Although the campaign to eliminate filariasis has begun, much more needs to be done. Several recent research studies have provided an insight into various operational issues and prospects of elimination of lymphatic filariasis. In this article, the current scenario, recent research results, logistics and the prospects of eliminating lymphatic filariasis in India will be discussed.     

区域生态学研究热点及进展

区域生态学是近年才发展起来的一门新兴学科,综述了区域生态学的学科特点、近期研究进展,以及区域生态学发展中存在的主要问题及其主要的研究热点。其研究热点主要集中在物种分布-多度模型、体型与分布范围、物种多样性纬度梯度格局、区域生态学与生物保护及区域生态学的新陈代谢理论等几个方面。尽管目前区域生态学研究中还存在研究方法、数据质量限制、数据统计、研究尺度不确定等一系列问题,它对于解决目前紧迫的区域环境问题及生物保护仍然具有重要意义,而且随着其研究方法和手段的进步,将发挥越来越重要的作用。     

基于优慕课混合式教学在“兽医免疫学”课程中的探索北大核心CSCD

探究基于内蒙古民族大学优慕课平台混合式教学模式在“兽医免疫学”课程中的教学效果。选取内蒙古民族大学动物医学专业两个班级本科生为研究对象,分别对传统教学(对照组)和混合式教学(实验组)的教学效果进行比较分析。分析结果表明,混合式教学模式可以有效提升课程内容的掌握能力。通过问卷调查得知,大部分学生赞成今后继续以混合式教学模式授课。优慕课混合式教学模式在本门课程中激励了学生主动学习态度,有助于培养创新意识和自我管理能力较强的高校人才。     

Current aging research in China

The mini-review stemmed from a recent meeting on national aging research strategies in China discusses the components and challenges of aging research in China. Highlighted are the major efforts of a number of research teams, funding situations and outstanding examples of recent major research achievements. Finally, authors discuss potential targets and strategies of aging research in China.     

Lipid and carbohydrate based adjuvant/carriers in immunology.

This review discusses various issues regarding vaccines; what are they and how they work, safety aspects, the role of adjuvants and carriers in vaccination, synthetic peptides as immunogens, and new technologies for vaccine development and delivery including the identification of novel adjuvants for mucosal vaccine delivery. There has been a recent increase of interest in the use of lipids and carbohydrates as adjuvants, and so a particular emphasis is placed on adjuvants derived from lipids or carbohydrates, or from both.     

香菇多糖微波辅助提取及体外免疫学活性研究

利用微波辅助水浸提法优化影响香菇多糖提取的单因子试验(料液比、浸提温度、浸提时间、微波处理时间等)和多因子的正交试验[L9(34)]。结果表明,香菇多糖的最佳提取条件为:料液比1∶30,浸提温度90℃,浸提时间2h,微波处理3m in。在此条件下,香菇多糖提取率为4.75%。香菇多糖粗品的体外免疫学研究的结果表明,在25~1600μg/mL的浓度范围内,多糖都具有促进小鼠脾淋巴细胞体外增殖的作用;在25~400μg/mL的浓度范围内,多糖对脾淋巴细胞增殖活性呈现一定的剂量依赖性。