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24 marzo 2009 - 19:59

Disegnare velocemente Primer con CLC…

Differentiating Between Natural and Synthetic Nootropics

In the world of nootropics, there are two main categories: natural compounds derived from plants and synthetic drugs created in laboratories. Understanding the differences between these options can help individuals make informed choices here https://www.timesunion.com/.

Natural Nootropics: Traditional Use without Extensive Research

Natural nootropics are often derived from herbs or other plant-based sources. These ingredients have a long history of traditional use in various cultures for their cognitive-enhancing properties. However, it’s important to note that while they may have been used for centuries, extensive scientific research on their effectiveness is often lacking.

Pros:

Long history of traditional use

Generally considered safe with minimal side effects

Availability as dietary supplements without prescription

Cons:

Limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy

Varying potency and quality among different brands or sources

Lack of standardized dosages and formulations

Examples of herbal nootropics include ginkgo biloba, bacopa monnieri, and rhodiola rosea. These natural compounds are believed to improve memory, concentration, and overall brain function. While anecdotal evidence suggests positive effects, more research is needed to validate these claims.

Synthetic Nootropics: Designed for Cognitive Enhancement

On the other hand, synthetic nootropics are specifically designed in laboratories with the goal of enhancing cognitive function. These compounds undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. They are typically created to target specific areas of cognition such as memory retention or mental focus.

Pros:

Extensive scientific research supporting their effectiveness

Precise control over dosage and formulation

Potential for targeted cognitive enhancement

Cons:

Increased risk of side effects compared to natural options

May require a prescription or medical supervision

Limited availability due to regulatory restrictions

Synthetic nootropics include compounds like modafinil, piracetam, and aniracetam. These drugs have been studied extensively and are known to enhance cognitive abilities in specific ways. For example, modafinil is often prescribed to treat sleep disorders and has gained popularity as a cognitive enhancer due to its ability to promote wakefulness and increase focus.

It’s important to note that while synthetic nootropics may offer more targeted effects and scientific evidence, they also come with a higher risk of side effects compared to natural options. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals considering synthetic compounds to consult with a healthcare professional before use.

Understanding the Mechanism of Weight Loss Drugs

Weight loss drugs can be a helpful tool for individuals looking to shed those extra pounds. But have you ever wondered how these medications actually work in your body? Let’s dive into the mechanisms behind different types of weight loss drugs and how they contribute to overall weight management more information https://www.timesofisrael.com/.

Different Types of Weight Loss Drugs

There are various types of weight loss drugs available on the market, each with its own unique mechanism of action. Some common categories include appetite suppressants, fat absorption inhibitors, and metabolism enhancers.

Appetite Suppressants

One popular mechanism used by weight loss drugs is appetite suppression. These medications work by targeting specific receptors in the brain that regulate hunger and satiety. By activating these receptors, appetite suppressants help reduce feelings of hunger and increase feelings of fullness, leading to decreased food intake.

Pros:

Can help individuals control their portion sizes and reduce calorie intake.

May lead to more sustainable weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Cons:

Potential side effects such as dry mouth, insomnia, or increased heart rate.

Not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications.

Fat Absorption Inhibitors

Another type of weight loss drug inhibits the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. These medications work by blocking enzymes responsible for breaking down fats during digestion. As a result, less fat is absorbed into the bloodstream, reducing overall calorie intake.

Pros:

Can be effective in reducing body weight when combined with a low-fat diet.

May also improve cholesterol levels.

Cons:

Can cause gastrointestinal side effects like oily stools or diarrhea.

Not recommended for individuals with certain digestive disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

Metabolism Enhancers

Metabolism-enhancing weight loss drugs aim to increase the body’s energy expenditure by boosting metabolism. These medications work by targeting specific receptors or enzymes involved in metabolic processes, such as the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) or the inhibition of monoamine oxidase.

A seconda del tipo di PCR che si deve fare (Real Time Pcr o no, da genomico o da plasmide) si devono costruire primer più o meno “accurati”. Se si deve fare una Pcr da genomico ad esempio bisogna stare attenti che i primer non vadano anche ad annilare in altri punti del genoma, oltre a quello di interesse…

Nel mio caso faccio molte PCR da plasmidi. In questo caso le coppie di basi non sono molte, quindi è altamente improbabile che primer lunghi 15-20 nucleotidi vadano ad annilare in più punti.

In questo caso disegnare dei primer è molto semplice…Ma troppe volte vedo persone che disegnano su carta i primer, sia forward che reverse (perdendo tempo e rischiando di fare errori).

La cosa è molto più semplice con CLC Sequence Viewer:

  • (Ovviamente) Importare la sequenza del gene su cui fare la PCR in CLC Sequence Viewer
  • Selezionare lo spaziamento ogni 3 nucleotidi scegliendo il frame appropiato (Potete anche salvare questa opzione in modo da non selezionarla ogni volta).

schermata-clc-sequence-viewer-save-setting1

  • Selezionare i 15-20 nucleotidi che formeranno il primer FW (tenendo conto del frame e che devono terminare con una C o G), poi tasto dx -> Open Selection in new view
  • Tasto dx sul primer appena creato -> Select Sequence, di nuovo tasto dx -> Edit. In questo modo potete modificare la sequenza, aggiungere codoni di start, enzimi di restrizione.
  • Tornando sulla sequenza del gene selezionate il segmento che andrà a formare il primer Reverse. In questo caso non c’è bisogno di tenere conto del frame. Fate in modo che cominci con una G o una C (l’inizio che selezionate diventerà il 3?, quindi rappresenta la fine del primer). Al solito, fate tasto dx -> Open Selection in new view. Poi modificate il primer a vostro piacere aggiungendo codone di STOP o siti di restrizione.
  • A questo punto nella toolbox “Reverse Complemente Sequence” e avrete il vostro primer Reverse pronto.

schermata-clc-sequence-viewer-toolbox

I primer possono essere copiati-incollati sul sito dove ordinate i primer (evitate errori di battitura), possono essere stampati o salvati in una cartella. Vi ricordo che se si deve fare una Pcr da genomico bisogna stare attenti che i primer non vadano anche ad annilare in altri punti del genoma, quindi questo metodo non va bene (in questo caso c’è il sistema descritto da Nico).

Spero però sia utile a qualcuno!!

Alla prossima…

Link: MyBioinformatica

Tags: bioinformatica, how-to
9 dicembre 2008 - 09:00

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House, in Your Yard, and More

Fleas are some of the most annoying pests to deal with. They’re small, jumpy, and multiply quickly. Pets can pick up fleas from being outside in nature, around other animals, or when humans track in the insects on our shoes or clothes.

Excessive itching and scratching is a telltale sign your pet may have fleas. You may even spot the little acrobats. On average, fleas are 2-4 millimeters long, making them visible to the naked eye.

If your family pet has fleas, it’s likely that your yard and house will become a breeding ground. Acting quickly is key to preventing spread.

A flea infestation can test your patience and require persistence. But you can eradicate the problem with a combination of cleaning methods, sprays, and pet-friendly topical medications among other options.

Do fleas bite people, too?

Yes! Fleas are after blood and can bite people or latch onto our clothes or shoes. However, they really do prefer animals. Pets are ideal hosts because thick fur provides plenty of shelter for fleas to latch onto skin and feed, or lay eggs.

If fleas do bite you during an infestation, it will likely be around your ankles, or in folds of skin. Flea bites can cause an allergic reaction in the form of hives.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the life cycle of the fleaTrusted Source depends on a lot on environmental conditions. Fleas flourish in warm climates and usually (but not always) die in the winter season.

Flea eggs are small but can be seen if you’re looking closely. They are smooth and white or light in color. A single adult female flea can produce up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. These eggs may be laid in your pet’s fur, deep in the carpet, or in tall grass.

In ideal conditions, fleas will evolve from egg to adult within 2 to 3 weeks. Adult fleas can live up to 100 days.

Fleas are ready to feed within a day of hatching, and begin to suck blood within 10 seconds of landing on a host.

If the weather isn’t ideal and there isn’t a host to feed on, flea larvae may remain dormant for months while waiting for better conditions to develop. This is a key reason dealing with infestations can be so difficult.

How long does it take to get rid of fleas?

The length of time required to get rid of a flea infestation depends on your environment, and how long the fleas have been there.

Prompt cleaning and using topical flea medications for your pet may get rid of the majority of fleas within a day or two. However, it can take days to weeks for all the fleas present in an environment to die, even with the most conscientious approach.

Fleas lay a lot of eggs very quickly, and some fleas have developed resistance to medications and insecticides. If you have a large property or multiple pets with fleas, it may take longer to get rid of the problem. The key to handling fleas is persistence.

How to get rid of fleas in your home

If your pet is a walking carrier of mature fleas, your home can become the nursery.

Since the flea has multiple life stages (egg, larvae, cocoon, adult), when adult fleas are present, it is assumed all of these stages are also present throughout your house. This means that you have to tackle the problem from all angles in order to truly eradicate the infestation. Learn more detailed information from this flea and tick prevention for dogs article.

To do this, you must treat your pet and its living environment at the same time. Depending on your pet’s boundaries, this may include your whole house or yard.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following cleaning approaches:

  1. Use a powerful vacuum on any floors, upholstery, and mattresses. Cracks and other tight spaces are usually good hiding places for fleas and their cohort of eggs, larvae, and cocoons. If you can, use a vacuum with a bag you can dispose of without coming into contact with its contents.
  2. Employ a steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery, including pet beds. The combination of high heat and soap is the enemy of fleas in all stages of life. Pay special attention to any spots where your pet usually lies down or spends a lot of time.
  3. Wash all bedding, including your pet’s, in hot water and detergent. Dry it at the highest heat setting. If the infestation is severe, consider getting rid of old bedding and starting anew.

The advent of topical flea treatmentsTrusted Source for pets have made insecticides pretty outdated. Topical prescriptions stop or augment the flea’s reproductive cycle and rapidly kill an infestation.

If you do aim to use an insecticide or other chemical cleaning treatment, please proceed with caution. Many are toxic to humans, pets, and the environment.

Here are some tips:

  • Aerosol sprays are recommended over foggers, as you can direct the spray under beds or other places that the foggers may be unable to reach.
  • Choose an insecticide that contains both an adulticide (kills adult fleas), such as permethrin, and an insect growth regulator (kills the eggs, larvae, and pupae), such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen.
  • People and pets shouldn’t come into contact with an insecticide or chemical treatment until it has dried. Be sure to wear gloves when you apply the spray, and only do it when everyone is out of the room or house.
How to get rid of fleas in your yard

The best way to eliminate fleas from your yard is to think about where they’re most like to hide.

Fleas love places that are:

  • shaded
  • humid
  • warm

Direct sun-exposed areas can get too hot, so you probably won’t find many fleas there. Problem areas will likely be found by observing where your pet likes to lie down.

Once you have your target zones, here’s what you can do to eliminate the fleas:

  1. Mow your lawn regularly and rake the exposed surfaces thoroughly. Fleas like to hide in tall grass. Make sure to bag the contents rather than add them to your compost pile.
  2. Remove debris, such as dead leaves and twigs, from flower beds and from under any bushes. Expose as much of the shady areas to sunlight as you can.
  3. Spread cedar chips on the areas where your pet likes to lie down, under the bushes, and on flower beds. Fleas hate the smell! Sulphur (powder or liquid) is also known to repel fleas and prevent hatching.
  4. Ask your local gardening center about nematodes, small worms that can eat insect larvae.
  5. Avoid overwatering. This can create the exact humid conditions for fleas to thrive in.
  6. Evict wildlife. Animals like opossum, mice, and squirrels can all carry fleas. It’s possible to repel these animals from your yard without trapping or killing them. The Humane Society recommends “gently harassing” animals to get them to move. This can include setting up barriers in the yard, putting up bright lights, playing loud music, and leaving rags soaked in cider vinegar.
Tags: bioinformatica, how-to