Deepm5C: A deep-learning-based hybrid framework for identifying human RNA N5-methylcytosine sites using a stacking strategy

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Synthetic conjugate peptide Fba-Met6 (MP12) induces complement-mediated resistance against disseminated Candida albicans

The fungal genus Candida includes common commensals of the human mucosal membranes, and the most prevalently isolated species, C. albicans, poses a threat of candidemia and disseminated infection associated with an unacceptably high mortality rate and an immense $4 billion burden (US) yearly. Nevertheless, the demand for a vaccine remains wholly unfulfilled and increasingly pressing. We developed a double-peptide construct that is feasible for use in humans with the intention of preventing morbid infection by targeting epitopes derived from fructose bisphosphate aldolase (Fba) and methionine synthase (Met6) which are expressed on the C. albicans cell surface. To test the applicability of the design, we vaccinated mice via the intramuscular (IM) route with the conjugate denoted Fba-Met6 MP12 and showed that the vaccine enhanced survival against a lethal challenge. Because overall endpoint IgG1 and IgG2a antibody titers were robust and these mouse subclasses are associated with protective functionality, we investigated the potential of Fba and Met6 specific antibodies to facilitate the well-defined anti-Candida response by complement, which opsonizes fungi for degradation by primary effectors. Notably, reductions in the fungal burdens and enhanced survival were both abrogated in MP12-vaccinated mice that were pre-challenge dosed with cobra venom factor (CVF), a complement depleting factor. Altogether, we demonstrated that complement is relevant to MP12-based protection against disseminated C. albicans, delineating that a novel, multivalent targeted vaccine against proteins on the surface of C. albicans can enhance the natural response to infection.     

核酸及核苷酸用于营养及免疫调节治疗的早期卫生技术评估

目的 评价核酸或核苷酸用于临床营养支持和免疫调节治疗的安全性、有效性和经济学价值。方法 检索中国生物医学文献数据库、Cochrane图书馆、MEDLINE光盘数据库、EMBASE光盘数据库,并联机检索SCI数据库,鉴定有关随机对照试验(RCTs),采用RevMan4.l进行Meta-分析。结果 纳入46个随机对照试验,涉及核酸/核苷酸用于肠内营养支持、婴儿营养、免疫调节治疗。18个研究报告了含核苷酸组分的免疫增强型肠内营养对外科术后和危重症患者预后的影响,合并分析发现免疫营养对患者感染率、住院时间和费用有肯定意义。发现1个报告在母乳代用品中加入核苷酸对婴儿免疫功能影响的研究,但报告对临床结局无明显影响。27个对“免疫核酸”用于免疫调节治疗的随机对照试验均为低质量研究,合并分析无法肯定iRNA的临床价值。结论 在外科术后患者应用免疫肠内营养制剂可降低感染率、缩短住院时间并可能减少住院费用,但不能确定作为组分之一的核苷酸的作用。尚无证据支持在母乳代用品中添加核苷酸具有临床意义。不能肯定免疫核酸是否具有免疫调节作用,亦未发现核酸在延缓衰老、改善老年人健康状况方面的可用证据。建议对核酸、核苷酸用于营养支持治疗和免疫调节治疗进行进一步研究,严格规范“核酸营养品”的宣传和应用。     

Differential Regulation of RGS-2 by Constant and Oscillating PTH Concentrations

PTH has diverse effects on bone metabolism: anabolic when given intermittently, catabolic when given continuously. The cellular mechanisms underlying the varying target cell response are not clear yet. PTH induces RGS-2, a member of the Regulator of G-protein Signaling protein family, via cAMP/PKA, and inactivates PKC-mediated signaling. To investigate intracellular signaling pathways with different PTH concentration-time patterns, we treated UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells in a perfusion system. PTH was administered intermittently (4 min/h, 10⁻⁷ M) or continuously at an equivalent cumulative dose (6.6 × 10⁻⁹ M). cAMP was measured using radioimmunoassay, mRNA levels using real-time rtPCR and ribonuclease protection assay, and protein levels using Western immunoblotting. A single PTH pulse transiently increased cAMP levels by 2000% ± 1200%. In contrast to continuous PTH exposure, cAMP induction remained unchanged with intermittent PTH, ruling out desensitization of the PTH receptor. In continuously perfused cells, RGS-2 abundance was three to five times higher than in cells intermittently exposed to PTH for up to 12 h. MKP-1 and -3 were significantly less induced with pulsatile PTH; exposure-mode-dependent differences in MMP-13 and IGFBP-5 were small. Pulsatile but not continuous PTH administration prevents PTHrP receptor desensitization and accumulation of RGS-2 in osteoblasts, which should preserve PKC-dependent signaling.