Taurine transporter is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells

Summary. The regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) function by taurine has been a subject of increasing interest and investigation, and taurine is taken up into cells through a specific transporter system, the taurine transporter (TAUT). In the present study, we examined the expression of TAUT in VSMCs and the kinetic parameters of the uptake process of TAUT in VSMCs. RT-PCR and western blot demonstrated that the mRNA and protein of TAUT was expressed in VSMCs in vitro. Immunohistochemistry using antibody for TAUT revealed the expression of this protein in rat thoracic aorta. The maximal [³H]taurine uptake rate in VSMCs was 37.75 ± 3.13 pmol/min per mg of protein, with a K _m value of 5.42 ± 0.81 μM. Thus, VSMCs are able to express a functional taurine transporter. The regulation and detailed function of taurine and TAUT in VSMCs remain unclear, but our findings suggest a functional role for them in VSMCs metabolism.     

融合位置特征与序列进化信息的磷酸化位点预测

磷酸化是蛋白质翻译后的主要修饰,可分为激酶特异性和非激酶特异性两种类型．以非激酶特异性磷酸化位点Dou数据集为基础,本文发展了一种基于位置的卡方差表特征χ²-pos,融合伪氨基酸序列进化信息PsePSSM表征序列,构建正负样本均衡的支持向量机分类器,S, T, Y独立测试Matthew相关系数、ROC曲线下面积分及准确率分别达到了(0.59、0.87、79.74%),(0.55、0.85、77.68%)和(0.50、0.81、75.22%),明显优于文献报道结果． χ²-pos、PsePSSM两种特征的融合在蛋白质磷酸化位点预测中有广泛应用前景．     

Boundary-Free Metal–Organic Framework Glasses Enable Highly Stable All-Solid-State Lithium–Oxygen Battery

Rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) are considered to be one of the most promising energy storage systems. However, the use of reactive lithium (Li) metal and the formation of Li dendrites during battery operation would lead to serious safety concerns, especially when flammable liquid electrolytes are utilized. Herein, superior metal–organic framework (MOF) glass-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) is developed for stable all-solid-state LOBs (SSLOBs). These non-flammable and boundary-free MOF glass SSEs are capable of suppressing the dendrite growth and exhibiting long-term Li stripping/plating stability, contributing to superior Li⁺ conductivity (5 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 20 °C), high Li⁺ transference number (0.86), and good electrochemical stability. It is discovered that discharge product deposition behavior in the solid-solid interface can be well regulated by the ion/electron mixed conducted cathode fabricated with MOF glass SSEs and electronic conductive polymers. As a result, the SSLOBs can be stably recharged for 400 cycles with a low polarization gap and deliver a high capacity of 13552 mAh g⁻¹. The development of this proposed MOF glass displays great application potential in energy storage systems with good safety and high energy density.     

A Dexamethasone Prodrug Reduces the Renal Macrophage Response and Provides Enhanced Resolution of Established Murine Lupus Nephritis

We evaluated the ability of a macromolecular prodrug of dexamethasone (P-Dex) to treat lupus nephritis in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice. We also explored the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of this prodrug. P-Dex eliminated albuminuria in most (NZB × NZW)F1 mice. Furthermore, P-Dex reduced the incidence of severe nephritis and extended lifespan in these mice. P-Dex treatment also prevented the development of lupus-associated hypertension and vasculitis. Although P-Dex did not reduce serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies or glomerular immune complexes, P-Dex reduced macrophage recruitment to the kidney and attenuated tubulointerstitial injury. In contrast to what was observed with free dexamethasone, P-Dex did not induce any deterioration of bone quality. However, P-Dex did lead to reduced peripheral white blood cell counts and adrenal gland atrophy. These results suggest that P-Dex is more effective and less toxic than free dexamethasone for the treatment of lupus nephritis in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice. Furthermore, the data suggest that P-Dex may treat nephritis by attenuating the renal inflammatory response to immune complexes, leading to decreased immune cell infiltration and diminished renal inflammation and injury.     

石香薷挥发油抑菌和免疫应答作用

对石香薷挥发油(简称香薷油)的抑菌和对机体免疫功能影响进行了初步的研究。结果表明:香薷油具有广谱的抑菌作用,能增强机体特异性和非特异性免疫应答,提高机体的防御机制。     

甘露醇微生物转化的研究

研究了碳源、pH及添加西红柿汁对发酵乳杆菌生产甘露醇的影响。结果表明：以果糖为碳源,浓度为150g／L时,Lactobacillus Ferm101能够生产相当量的甘露醇而无山梨醇产生。在培养过程中通过调控pH并添加西红柿汁可使甘露醇收率达到51％．