胸腺激素与细胞免疫

哺乳动物的胸腺既是免疫器官,又是内分泌器官.胸腺是T淋巴细胞发育、分化和成熟的场所.它所产生的胸腺激素作用于胸腺或外周血中的不成熟淋巴细胞,使之转变为成熟T淋巴细胞,从而参与机体的细胞免疫.胸腺激素是一族多肽和蛋白质激素,已经分离和命名的就有20多种.胸腺激素作为免疫调节剂,配合其他药物,对治疗一些原发性或继发性免疫缺陷病,具有令人鼓舞的前景.     

The major players in adaptive immunity

How do we remain healthy, for the most parts, in the midst of an environment teeming with opportunistic and infectious microbes, potential carcinogens and allergens? The fact is that our immune system, by and large, does a fine job in protecting us. It is therefore important to understand the organization of the immune network, which is broadly categorized into two groups: innate and adaptive. Cells involved in innate immunity are the first to come into contact with invading microbes, similar to the border security force, and respond rapidly but in a non-specific manner. On the other hand, the cells involved in adaptive immunity are slower to respond but act in a very specific manner. Though the primary response is slow, the secondary response is much faster and demonstrates memory. This article will focus on some important features and key players involved in the adaptive immune response. The first part deals with the humoral immune response mediated mainly by immunoglobulins produced by the B cells. The second part deals with T cells, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-encoded molecules, and Recombination Activating Genes (RAG) responsible for generating diverse B-cell receptors (BCR) and T-cell receptors (TCR). With the advent of newer and smarter infectious agents, it is important to understand the working of the immune network as more research in this area may facilitate the development of better protective strategies.     

Developing a pan-university professional learning community

Professional learning communities (PLCs) support students’ learning in pre-tertiary education, but have not been sufficiently explored at the tertiary level. Drawing on the literature on PLCs across broader educational contexts, we explore the development of a PLC within our University using analysis of survey responses and through document analyses. Key themes from our data collectively reveal the core features of our evolving PLC – Building community; Ground-up design; Creating a safe space – and demonstrate both the broader impacts of the community and the on-going challenges faced as we seek to develop a sustainable PLC. Recommendations for academic developers interested in the development of PLCs within their contexts are offered.     

Leadership for professional development and learning: enhancing our understanding of how teachers develop

The educational research community has made great strides in clarifying and enhancing our understanding of professional development and how it occurs. Yet in relation to one question – How do people develop professionally? – this knowledge base falls short, for while much research has been directed at addressing the question, findings have tended to lack the specificity that offers the kind of elucidation that may usefully inform professional development-focused leadership policy and practice. In particular, the micro-level cognitive process of professional development – what occurs inside an individual’s head in order for her/him to experience a professional development ‘episode’ – remains under-examined in educational research. This article makes a contribution towards addressing this short-fall. It presents the author’s conceptual analyses of professionalism and professional development – revealing the multidimensional componential structure of each – and examines how understanding of this multidimensionality may help school leaders promote and facilitate professional development.     

The major players in adaptive immunity

Our immune system, by and large, does a fine job in protecting us from opportunistic and infectious microbes, potential carcinogens and allergens. It is therefore crucial to understand the organization of the immune network. This article focuses on some important features and key players involved in adaptive immune response. The first part of the article dealt with the humoral immune response mediated mainly by immunoglobulins produced by the B cells. The second part deals with T cells, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-encoded molecules, and Recombination Activating Genes (RAG) responsible for generating diverse B-cell receptors (BCR) and T-cell receptors (TCR). With the advent of newer and smarter infectious agents, it is important to understand the working of the immune network as more research in this area may facilitate the development of better protective strategies.     

睡眠剥夺对小鼠学习记忆和免疫功能的影响

应用水迷宫学习模型测试慢性不完全睡眠剥夺组动物和正常对照组动物的空间学习记忆能力,并计算出两组小鼠的胸腺指数和脾脏指数.结果发现,慢性不完全睡眠剥夺组动物与正常对照组相比,动物到达水下平台的时间和游程明显增加（P＜0.01）;动物的胸腺指数显著减小（P＜0.001）.说明慢性不完全睡眠剥夺导致小鼠学习记忆能力下降和免疫功能减弱.     

优生素对草杂鸡淋巴器官发育的影响

本试验研究了优生素对雏鸡淋巴器官发育的影响.试验选用100只1日龄草杂雏鸡,随机分为两组,即对照组和试验组,50只/组.基础日粮相同,优生素按照500g/t添加到基础日粮中.试验结束时,每组取10只鸡解剖采取胸腺、腔上囊、脾脏等样品置于Bouin固定液中,制作组织切片,HE染色,奥林巴斯显微镜观察拍照.结果表明,试验组鸡的胸腺小叶皮质增厚,胸腺小体增多;腔上囊皱襞发达,退化延缓;脾动脉周围淋巴鞘增厚,脾小结体积大.结论,优生素可促进胸腺和腔上囊的早期发育,延缓腔上囊的退化,增强脾的免疫应答反应.     

Extending the apprenticeship of observation: how mentee experiences shape mentors

Although the importance of mentor teachers in clinical teacher preparation is well established, few researchers explore the social identity development of these individuals. Through our study we contribute to the body of research by exploring mentor teachers’ social identity development through the concept of Apprenticeship of Observation – specifically, how they felt their own mentoring experiences influenced their approaches to mentoring. The multi-case study includes findings about mentoring beliefs and practices during the laboratory school component of an Alternate Route to Licensure program. Incorporating semi-structured interviews and video analysis, the findings demonstrate how four mentor teachers’ prior experiences as mentees – including Alternate Route to Licensure, traditional teacher preparation programs, and inservice teaching – influenced their interactions with teacher candidates as mentors. Recommendations for practice and implications for future research are provided.     

MicroRNA在肿瘤免疫中的作用：对肿瘤相关巨噬细胞的功能调控（英文）

肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(TAM)是肿瘤微环境中比例最高的免疫细胞,对肿瘤的发生和发展起着重要的作用。在肿瘤的进展过程中,microRNA可以通过转录后调控的方式作用于多种靶点与信号通路来影响TAM的表型。本文主要讨论了microRNA对巨噬细胞分化、功能性极化和细胞间信息交流的调控作用。首先,microRNA参与了从髓样细胞向成熟巨噬细胞的分化过程,这一过程直接影响了肿瘤微环境中肿瘤细胞对巨噬细胞的招募。其次,microRNA参与了TAM的功能极化,使之表现为促癌或抑癌表型,影响了肿瘤的生长和转移。第三,肿瘤细胞与巨噬细胞间的相互作用对肿瘤微环境的形成和肿瘤的进展而言是必要的,microRNA可以通过胞外颗粒的形式作为交流的媒介。此外,本文还讨论了巨噬细胞相关microRNA作为肿瘤诊断和预后标志物的潜在价值,以及基于巨噬细胞相关microRNA的肿瘤治疗新策略的应用前景。     

Seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2: effects of preexisting immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is still ongoing, vaccination rates are rising slowly and related treatments and drugs are being developed. At the same time, there is increasing evidence of preexisting immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in humans, mainly consisting of preexisting antibodies and immune cells (including T cells and B cells). The presence of these antibodies is mainly due to the seasonal prevalence of four common coronavirus types, especially OC43 and HKU1. The accumulated relevant evidence has suggested that the target of antibodies is mainly the S2 subunit of S protein, followed by evolutionary conservative regions such as the nucleocapsid (N) protein. Additionally, preexisting memory T and B cells are also present in the population. Preexisting antibodies can help the body protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection, reduce the severity of COVID-19, and rapidly increase the immune response post-infection. These multiple effects can directly affect disease progression and even the likelihood of death in certain individuals. Besides the positive effects, preexisting immunity may also have negative consequences, such as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and original antigenic sin (OAS), the prevalence of which needs to be further established. In the future, more research should be focused on evaluating the role of preexisting immunity in COVID-19 outcomes, adopting appropriate policies and strategies for fighting the pandemic, and vaccine development that considers preexisting immunity.     

Immune response of T cells during herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a neurotropic member of the alphaherpes virus family, is among the most prevalent and successful human pathogens. HSV-1 can cause serious diseases at every stage of life including fatal disseminated disease in newborns, cold sores, eye disease, and fatal encephalitis in adults. HSV-1 infection can trigger rapid immune responses, and efficient inhibition and clearance of HSV-1 infection rely on both the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host. Multiple strategies have been used to restrict host innate immune responses by HSV-1 to facilitate its infection in host cells. The adaptive immunity of the host plays an important role in inhibiting HSV-1 infections. The activation and regulation of T cells are the important aspects of the adaptive immunity. They play a crucial role in host-mediated immunity and are important for clearing HSV-1. In this review, we examine the findings on T cell immune responses during HSV-1 infection, which hold promise in the design of new vaccine candidates for HSV-1.     

The ecology of interactive learning environments: situating traditional theory

In educational discourse on human learning (i.e. the result of experience) and development (i.e. the result of maturation), there are three fundamental theoretical frameworks, – behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism, each of which have been applied, with varying degrees of success, in online environments. An ecological framework of human learning and development in interactive learning environments is proposed. Such an inclusive paradigm organizes the fundamental theoretical assumptions of behaviourism (i.e. automated learning), cognitivism (i.e. recall, understanding, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, creativity, problem solving) and constructivism (i.e. private and shared meaning). Based on review of the literature, behaviourism is best conceptualized as a learning theory; constructivist theoretical assumptions are best applied to cognitive development including private online experience (cognitive constructivism) and shared online experience (social constructivism). Cognitivism is a particularly relevant theoretical orientation in understanding both human learning and development in interactive learning environments.     

Regulatory T cells and asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of airway inflammation due to excessive T helper cell type 2 (Th2) response. Present treatment based on inhalation of synthetic glucocorticoids can only control Th2-driven chronic eosinophilic inflammation, but cannot change the immune tolerance of the body to external allergens. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the main negative regulatory cells of the immune response. Tregs play a great role in regulating allergic, autoimmune, graft-versus-host responses, and other immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the classification and biological characteristics, the established immunomodulatory mechanisms, and the characteristics of induced differentiation of Tregs. We will also discuss the progress of Tregs in the field of asthma. We believe that further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of Tregs will provide better treatments and control strategies for asthma.     

Refining Educational Psychology: The Case of the Missing Links

The discipline of educational psychology approaches the new millennium with a distinguished history, a compelling mission, and a sense of anxiety: given the prevailing turmoil in both education and psychology, what should be the shape of our field in the decades to come? I argue for refinement rather than redefinition. Our foundations as an applied science are sound, in my opinion. The challenge ahead is to bring together the scattershot elements of our accomplishments to date. A cornerstone for coherence can be found in the object of our investigation: the institution of schooling. In an effort to satisfy diverse clientele, American schools have virtually "disintegrated" during the past 50 years. By focusing our efforts – theoretical, methodological, and empirical, – on the reintegration of schooling, we can both assist education and re-establish a sense of disciplinary integrity. Examples are presented in three domains of practical importance: (a) curriculum and the architecture of knowledge, (b) instruction and discourse, and (c) development and learning.     

Unsettling orthodoxies: education for the environment/for sustainability

In this paper I employ Foucault's notion of governmentality to reflect on a debate that occurred in the pages of this journal some 10 years ago. I argue that their exchanges indicate ways in which various positions are engaged in a struggle for dominance in this field, and how particular strategies are used to legitimate and maintain these positions. My purpose is not to propose a new orthodoxy – or even to critique those we have – but rather to raise questions about how the unquestioned ‘that‐which‐is’ of orthodoxies comes to be, and their effects. I also suggest that as environmental educators and researchers, we need to work harder to unsettle more often the taken‐for‐granted in environmental education so that we remain alert to our own easy acceptance of orthodoxies. Without this, we risk our exhortations to those we seek to educate – to think critically, to question assumptions, and so forth – becoming empty rhetoric if we are not practising these ourselves – examining our own, as well as others', assumptions and practices.     

Lymphotactin enhances the in-vitro immune efficacy of dendritoma formed by dendritic cells and mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Objective: To investigate the in-vitro antitumor immune responses of dendritoma formed by mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and lymphotactin (Lptn) gene modified dendritic cells (DCs). Method: DCs prepared from mouse bone marrow were genetically modified by lymphotactin adenovirus, and fused with H22 cells by polyethylene glycol (PEG). RT-PCR and ELISA were employed to identify lymphotactin expression at mRNA and protein level. Cell phenotypes and fusion efficiency was detected by FACS. The stimulatory effect of DC on T cells was detected by mixed lymphocyte reaction. The cytotoxicity activity against H22 cells was assayed by LDH method. Results: Lymphotactin could be efficiently expressed by DCLptn/H22 hybridoma. DCLptn/H22 cells could induce potent T cell proliferation effect and generate strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) reaction against allogenic H22 cells. Conclusion: Lymphotactin genetic modification could enhance the in vitro immune activity of the dendritoma.     

The unexpected journey: renewing our commitment to students through educational action research

This article presents four cases of journeys of discovery and renewal, and the unexpected learning that results from exploring our practice with others. The authors are three classroom teachers – Steve, Stephanie and Bennyce – all of whom took part in a year-long action research sequence and the two professors – Helen and Mary – who co-taught these courses. Taking part in this process, whether as teachers or students, we gained new insights into important relationships that are too frequently taken for granted in busy teaching days, and discovered, in doing so, a renewed commitment to both our students and to the power of action research to bring about change     

几种先天畸形胎儿胸腺的解剖及组织观察

目的:探讨先天畸形胎儿胸腺的解剖及组织学结构特征和不同畸形与胸腺的发育关系。方法:解剖观察胸腺的形态,常规取材,苏木精———伊红染色,光学显微镜下观察胸腺组织。结果:三类、10例先天畸形胎儿中,并、缺指畸形和联体畸形胎儿胸腺的大体形态和组织学观察无明显异常,无脑畸形胎儿胸腺的大体形态和组织学观察出现明显异常。结论:不同先天畸形对胎儿胸腺发育影响不一。     

How IT workers learn in the workplace

The professional development needs of early career academics (ECAs) are increasingly subject to scrutiny. The literature notes writing groups can be successful in increasing research outputs and improving research track records – a core concern for ECAs. However, the pressure on ECAs to publish takes the pleasure out of writing for many. We argue writing groups, created by and for ECAs, can provide an environment for ECAs to (re)produce pleasure in writing and participation in the processes of academic review and debate. In addition, our experience of a writing group was that it provided a platform of social and emotional support contributing to our personal well-being and professional development.     

Innate immunity and the 2011 Nobel Prize

The 2011 Nobel Prize inMedicine or Physiology was awarded to Jules Hoffmann, Bruce Beutler and Ralph Steinman for their contributions in the area of Innate Immunity. This review introduces the readers to innate immunity and links the studies of the awardees to this area of research. The cells and mechanisms involved in the innate immune response are reviewed with a special emphasis on the discovery of the Toll receptors in Drosophila and the Toll-like receptors in mammals. The importance of the innate response during inflammatory conditions is discussed and examples of genes related to innate immunity that cause disease are also highlighted. Finally, the roles of innate immunity in modulating adaptive immune response, especially with respect to dendritic cells, are discussed. Further studies in this area are likely to enhance our understanding of the immune response and may lead to drugs to ameliorate excessive inflammatory responses.