Six RNA Viruses and Forty-One Hosts: Viral Small RNAs and Modulation of Small RNA Repertoires in Vertebrate and Invertebrate Systems

We have used multiplexed high-throughput sequencing to characterize changes in small RNA populations that occur during viral infection in animal cells. Small RNA-based mechanisms such as RNA interference (RNAi) have been shown in plant and invertebrate systems to play a key role in host responses to viral infection. Although homologs of the key RNAi effector pathways are present in mammalian cells, and can launch an RNAi-mediated degradation of experimentally targeted mRNAs, any role for such responses in mammalian host-virus interactions remains to be characterized. Six different viruses were examined in 41 experimentally susceptible and resistant host systems. We identified virus-derived small RNAs (vsRNAs) from all six viruses, with total abundance varying from “vanishingly rare” (less than 0.1% of cellular small RNA) to highly abundant (comparable to abundant micro-RNAs “miRNAs”). In addition to the appearance of vsRNAs during infection, we saw a number of specific changes in host miRNA profiles. For several infection models investigated in more detail, the RNAi and Interferon pathways modulated the abundance of vsRNAs. We also found evidence for populations of vsRNAs that exist as duplexed siRNAs with zero to three nucleotide 3′ overhangs. Using populations of cells carrying a Hepatitis C replicon, we observed strand-selective loading of siRNAs onto Argonaute complexes. These experiments define vsRNAs as one possible component of the interplay between animal viruses and their hosts

The dominant Anopheles vectors of human malaria in the Asia-Pacific region: occurrence data, distribution maps and bionomic précis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The final article in a series of three publications examining the global distribution of 41 dominant vector species (DVS) of malaria is presented here. The first publication examined the DVS from the Americas, with the second covering those species present in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Here we discuss the 19 DVS of the Asian-Pacific region. This region experiences a high diversity of vector species, many occurring sympatrically, which, combined with the occurrence of a high number of species complexes and suspected species complexes, and behavioural plasticity of many of these major vectors, adds a level of entomological complexity not comparable elsewhere globally. To try and untangle the intricacy of the vectors of this region and to increase the effectiveness of vector control interventions, an understanding of the contemporary distribution of each species, combined with a synthesis of the current knowledge of their behaviour and ecology is needed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Expert opinion (EO) range maps, created with the most up-to-date expert knowledge of each DVS distribution, were combined with a contemporary database of occurrence data and a suite of open access, environmental and climatic variables. Using the Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) modelling method, distribution maps of each DVS were produced. The occurrence data were abstracted from the formal, published literature, plus other relevant sources, resulting in the collation of DVS occurrence at 10116 locations across 31 countries, of which 8853 were successfully geo-referenced and 7430 were resolved to spatial areas that could be included in the BRT model. A detailed summary of the information on the bionomics of each species and species complex is also presented.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This article concludes a project aimed to establish the contemporary global distribution of the DVS of malaria. The three articles produced are intended as a detailed reference for scientists continuing research into the aspects of taxonomy, biology and ecology relevant to species-specific vector control. This research is particularly relevant to help unravel the complicated taxonomic status, ecology and epidemiology of the vectors of the Asia-Pacific region. All the occurrence data, predictive maps and EO-shape files generated during the production of these publications will be made available in the public domain. We hope that this will encourage data sharing to improve future iterations of the distribution maps.</p

Blends of synthetic plastic-derived polypeptide with Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol: unraveling the specific interaction parameters, morphology and thermal stability of the polymers couple

The medleys of the plastic-derived polypeptide with commercially available polymers believably the suitable candidate for pharmaceutical and biomedical importance. The current research is focussed on the synthesis of a novel plastic-mimetic polypeptide (PLP), poly(IPAVG) by the solution phase method (where I, P, A, V, and G represent Isoleucine, Proline, Alanine, Valine, and Glycine, respectively). The miscibility attributes of PLP/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PLP/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) blends were examined by viscometry and by other advanced analytical tools for different weight proportions. It is shown by the viscometry that the PLP/HPMC and PLP/PVA form an immiscible blend system at 10(omicron)C and further, the FTIR spectra of poly (IPAVG) /HPMC and poly (IPAVG) /PVA blend membranes manifest the lack of intermolecular interactions. DSC results proved the dual Tg for one blend proportion and lower Tg values for all other blend systems. The thermal property of the blends with different compositions was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA results showed that the blends possess inferior thermal stability to the native ones. The surface morphology was analyzed by SEM indicated the heterogeneity and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the absence of any change in crystallinity advocated the immiscibility of the blends. Further, we ventured to prepare the non-woven fabrics from the solutions of 1-10 wt% concentrations at the voltages within 20-30 kV by electrospinning. The droplet formed at the spinneret failed to reach the collector plate, and consequently, no films developed for the collector device