Universal two-dimensional labelled probe-mediated melting curve analysis based on multiplex PCR for rapid typing of Plasmodium in a single closed tube

Currently, malaria is still one of the major public health problems commonly caused by the four Plasmodium species. The similar symptoms of malaria and the COVID-19 epidemic of fever or fatigue lead to frequent misdiagnosis. The disadvantages of existing detection methods, such as time-consuming, costly, complicated operation, need for experienced technicians, and indistinguishable typing, lead to difficulties in meeting the clinical requirements of rapid, easy, and accurate typing of common Plasmodium species. In this study, we developed and optimized a universal two-dimensional labelled probe-mediated melting curve analysis (UP-MCA) assay based on multiplex and asymmetric PCR for rapid and accurate typing of five Plasmodium species, including novel human Plasmodium, Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk), in a single closed tube following genome extraction. The assay showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 copies per reaction and could accurately distinguish Plasmodium species from intra-plasmodium and other pathogens. Additionally, we proposed and validated different methods of fluorescence quenching and tag design for probes that are suitable for UP-MCA assays. Moreover, the clinical performance of the Plasmodium UP-MCA assay using a base-quenched universal probe was evaluated using 226 samples and showed a sensitivity of 100% (164/164) and specificity of 100% (62/62) at a 99% confidence interval, with the microscopy method as the gold standard. In summary, the UP-MCA assay showed excellent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for genotyping Plasmodium species spp. Additionally, it facilitates convenient and rapid Plasmodium detection in routine clinical practice and has great potential for clinical translation.     

Purification, properties, and immunological characterization of GalT-3 (UDP-galactose: GM2 ganglioside, β1-3 galactosyltransferase) from embryonic chicken brain

A 1-3 galactosyltransferase (GalT-3; UDP-Gal; GM2 1-3galactosyltransferase) was purified over 5100-fold from 19-day-old embryonic chicken brain homogenate employing detergent solubilization, -lactalbumin Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, UDP-hexanolamine Sepharose, and GalNAc1-4Gal-Synsorb column chromatography. The purified enzyme was resolved into two bands on reducing gels with apparent molecular weights of 62 kDa and 65 kDa, respectively. GalT-3 activity was also localized in the same regions by activity gel analysis and sucrose-density gradient centrifugation of a detergent-solubilized extract of 19-day-old embryonic chicken brain. Purified GalT-3 exhibited apparentK _mS of 33 µm, 22 µm and 14.4mM with respect to the substrates GM2, UDP-galactose, and MnCl₂, respectively. Substrate specificity studies with the purified enzyme and a variety of glycosphingolipids, glycoproteins, and synthetic substrates revealed that the enzyme was highly specific only for the glycosphingolipid acceptors, GM2 and GgOse3Cer (asialo-GM2). Ovine-asialo-agalacto submaxillary mucin inhibited the transfer of galactose to GM2 but did not act as an acceptor in the range of concentrations tested. Polyclonal antibodies raised against purified GalT-3 inhibited GalT-3 activityin vitro and Western-immunoblot analysis of purified GalT-3 showed immunopositive bands at 62 and 65 kDa.Abbreviations CNS central nervous system - GM1 monosialotetraosylganglioside, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4(NeuAc2-3)Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - GM2 monosialotriaosylganglioside, GalNAc1-4(NeuAc2-3)Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - DSS detergent solubilized supernatant - ECB embryonic chicken brain - TBS Tris-buffered saline     

洞庭湖区外来入侵植物调查分析及防治对策

[目的] 了解洞庭湖区入侵植物分布规律及其危害,对洞庭湖区入侵植物区系、种类组成、类型、生活型和原产地进行较为深入的研究。[方法] 通过实地调查、采集标本、查阅资料进行统计分析。[结果] 洞庭湖区外来入侵植物共有86种,隶属于24科64属,原产于美洲的有51种,占总数的58.6%,双子叶植物有21科53属73种,单子叶植物仅有5科12属13种,草本植物共84种,占97.6%,洞庭湖区入侵植物科的区系类型主要为世界广布;入侵植物属的区系类型以泛热带分布和世界广布为主。[结论] 洞庭湖区入侵植物种类较多、适应性强、繁殖速度快、繁殖能力强、传播途径多样、区系成分复杂且危害严重,应根据入侵现状对洞庭湖区外来入侵植物采取相应的的防治措施。     

Adenosine Monophosphate Affects Competence Development and Plasmid DNA Transformation in Escherichia coli

Artificial plasmid DNA transformation of Escherichia coli induced by calcium chloride is a routine technique in molecular biology and genetic engineering processes, but its mechanism has remained elusive. Because adenosine monophosphate (AMP) has been found to regulate natural transformation in Haemophilus influenza, we aimed to investigate the effects of AMP and its derivatives on E. coli transformation by treating competence with different concentrations of them. Analysis of the transformation efficiencies revealed that AMP inhibited the artificial plasmid DNA transformation of E. coli in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that AMP had no effect on the expression of the transformed gene but that the intracellular AMP level of the competent cells rose after a 6 h treatment. These results suggested that the intracellular AMP level had an important role in E. coli transformation. And these have useful implications for the further investigation of the mechanism of E. coli transformation.     

PSCA和Oct-4蛋白在眼睑基底细胞癌组织中的表达及其意义

目的 探讨PSCA和Oct-4蛋白在眼睑基底细胞癌组织中的表达及其意义.方法 收集武汉市中心医院和武汉大学人民医院病理科2002～2009年手术切除及活检的眼睑基底细胞癌（basal cell carcinoma,BCC）标本共20例,另取癌周围组织5例作对照.采用免疫组织化学方法观察各组细胞内PSCA和Oct-4蛋白的表达.利用图像分析系统测定PSCA和Oct-4蛋白在以上各组中表达的平均光密度和平均阳性面积率.结果 （1）PSCA的表达在眼睑基底细胞癌中,PSCA呈高表达,而癌周围组织中PSCA呈低表达.经q 检验,眼睑基底细胞癌组织与癌旁组织之间PSCA的平均光密度及阳性面积率的差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）.（2）Oct-4的表达眼睑基底细胞癌组织中Oct-4蛋白呈高表达;癌旁组织中Oct-4蛋白呈低表达.图像分析结果显示：眼睑基底细胞癌组织与癌旁组织之间Oct-4蛋白的平均光密度及阳性面积率的差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）.结论 在眼睑基底细胞癌组织中PSCA和Oct-4蛋白的高表达可能是＂癌干细胞＂,PSCA和Oct-4蛋白也许参与了眼睑基底细胞癌的发生和发展.     

Ezrin蛋白在眼睑基底细胞癌组织中的表达及其意义

目的探讨Ezrin蛋白在眼睑基底细胞癌组织中的表达。方法收集武汉市中心医院和武汉大学人民医院病理科2002—2009年手术切除及活检的眼睑基底细胞癌（basalcellcarcinoma,BCC）标本共20例,另取癌周围组织5例作对照。采用免疫组织化学方法观察各组细胞内Ezrin蛋白表达。利用图像分析系统测定Ezrin蛋白在以上各组中表达的平均光密度和平均阳性面积率。结果眼睑基底细胞癌组织中Ezrin蛋白呈高表达;癌旁组织中Ezrin蛋白呈低表达。图像分析结果显示：眼睑基底细胞癌组织与癌旁组织之间Ezrin蛋白的平均光密度及阳性面积率的差异有显著性意义（P〈0．05）。结论Ezrin蛋白在眼睑基底细胞癌的发生、发展过程中起了重要作用。     

雄性猕猴血清中促黄体素的分泌水平

本文采用促黄体素（ＬＨ）体外生物测定法，对不同年龄组雄性猴血清中促黄体素分泌水平进行了分析。结果表明：幼年组为５．４±１．７ｎｇ／ｍｌ，成年组为４５．６±１２．８ｎｇ／ｍｌ，老年组为６９．２±２１．５ｎｇ／ｍｌ。提示雄性猕猴ＬＨ分泌模式与人很相似。     

Exploring permeability of Escherichia coli competence using quantum dots as fluorescent probes

Though people had recognized the pivotal function of CaCl(2) during DNA transformation into Escherichia coli, the mechanism of divalent Ca(2+) cation inducing E. coli competence development is still unknowable. Quantum dots (QDs), as a new fluorescent probe, being applied in biology research, had aroused great interest. We explored the penetrability of E. coli competent cells membrane using QDs and proved directly that competent cells were more permeable than that of noncompetent. The results are significant on understanding the problems of the microbiological genetics.