Carnosine to Combat Novel Coronavirus (nCoV): Molecular Docking and Modeling to Cocrystallized Host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Viral Spike Protein

Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role in the entry of coronaviruses into host cells. The current paper described how carnosine, a naturally occurring supplement, can be an effective drug candidate for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the basis of molecular docking and modeling to host ACE2 cocrystallized with nCoV spike protein. Methods: First, the starting point was ACE2 inhibitors and their structure–activity relationship (SAR). Next, chemical similarity (or diversity) and PubMed searches made it possible to repurpose and assess approved or experimental drugs for COVID-19. Parallel, at all stages, the authors performed bioactivity scoring to assess potential repurposed inhibitors at ACE2. Finally, investigators performed molecular docking and modeling of the identified drug candidate to host ACE2 with nCoV spike protein. Results: Carnosine emerged as the best-known drug candidate to match ACE2 inhibitor structure. Preliminary docking was more optimal to ACE2 than the known typical angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibitor (enalapril) and quite comparable to known or presumed ACE2 inhibitors. Viral spike protein elements binding to ACE2 were retained in the best carnosine pose in SwissDock at 1.75 Angstroms. Out of the three main areas of attachment expected to the protein–protein structure, carnosine bound with higher affinity to two compared to the known ACE2 active site. LibDock score was 92.40 for site 3, 90.88 for site 1, and inside the active site 85.49. Conclusion: Carnosine has promising inhibitory interactions with host ACE2 and nCoV spike protein and hence could offer a potential mitigating effect against the current COVID-19 pandemic.     

肺部超声、机械功与重症肺炎肺水肿及ARDS关系分析

回顾性选取95例重症肺炎(SP)患者,根据是否发生急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)分为ARDS组(n=38)、无ARDS组(n=57),比较两组治疗前、治疗24 h后、治疗48 h后肺部超声评分(LUS)、机械功(MP),比较不同LUS评分、MP水平者肺水肿发生率,采用Spearman分析LUS评分、MP与ARDS严重程度关系,采用多因素Logistic回归方程分析ARDS的相关影响因素,采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线及ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分析各指标的预测价值。结果显示,ARDS组治疗24 h、48 h后LUS评分、MP高于无ARDS组(P<0.05);LUS评分、MP高水平者肺水肿发生率高于低水平者(P<0.05);治疗24 h、48 h后LUS评分、MP与ARDS发病及其严重程度呈正相关(P<0.05);治疗24 h、48 h后LUS评分联合MP预测ARDS的AUC分别为0.874、0.915(P<0.05)。提示LUS评分、MP有助于反映SP患者肺水肿发生风险,联合上述指标可为临床预测ARDS提供参考。     

A molecular docking model of SARS-CoV S1 protein in complex with its receptor, human ACE2

The exact residues within severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) S1 protein and its receptor, human ACE2, involved in their interaction still remain largely undetermined. Identification of exact amino acid residues that are crucial for the interaction of S1 with ACE2 could provide working hypotheses for experimental studies and might be helpful for the development of antiviral inhibitor. In this paper, a molecular docking model of SARS-CoV S1 protein in complex with human ACE2 was constructed. The interacting residue pairs within this complex model and their contact types were also identified. Our model, supported by significant biochemical evidence, suggested receptor-binding residues were concentrated in two segments of S1 protein. In contrast, the interfacial residues in ACE2, though close to each other in tertiary structure, were found to be widely scattered in the primary sequence. In particular, the S1 residue ARG453 and ACE2 residue LYS341 might be the key residues in the complex formation.     

The Pathophysiology of Long COVID throughout the Renin-Angiotensin System

COVID-19 has expanded across the world since its discovery in Wuhan (China) and has had a significant impact on people’s lives and health. Long COVID is a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a variety of persistent symptoms after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long COVID has been demonstrated to affect various SARS-CoV-2-infected persons, independently of the acute disease severity. The symptoms of long COVID, like acute COVID-19, consist in the set of damage to various organs and systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, urinary, and immune systems. Fatigue, dyspnea, cardiac abnormalities, cognitive and attention impairments, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle pain, concentration problems, and headache were all reported as symptoms of long COVID. At the molecular level, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is heavily involved in the pathogenesis of this illness, much as it is in the acute phase of the viral infection. In this review, we summarize the impact of long COVID on several organs and tissues, with a special focus on the significance of the RAS in the disease pathogenesis. Long COVID risk factors and potential therapy approaches are also explored.     

基于成簇的规则间隔短回文重复序列的严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2检测的最新进展北大核心CSCD

严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)导致的新冠肺炎(COVID-19)迅速蔓延全球,给全球公共卫生系统带来了挑战。由于逆转录-定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)和抗原测试的普遍适用性和灵敏度较差,并且具有不同突变的SARS-CoV-2变体持续的出现,给疫情防控带来了更大的挑战,因此,高灵敏度、无需设备并且能够区分SARS-CoV-2变体的诊断方法亟须发展。基于成簇的规则间隔短回文重复序列(CRISPR)的诊断对设备要求低,具有可编程性、灵敏性和易用性,已经发展出多种核酸检测工具用于传染病的诊断,其在临床上具有巨大的应用潜力。文章聚焦于近期发表的基于CRISPR实现SARS-CoV-2检测和变体区分的最新技术,总结其特点并对其发展进行了展望。     

Plants and Natural Products with Activity against Various Types of Coronaviruses: A Review with Focus on SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is potentially fatal for vulnerable individuals. Disease management represents a challenge for many countries, given the shortage of medicines and hospital resources. The objective of this work was to review the medicinal plants, foods and natural products showing scientific evidence for host protection against various types of coronaviruses, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products that mitigate the symptoms caused by various coronaviruses are also presented. Particular attention was placed on natural products that stabilize the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS), which has been associated with the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into human cells.     

分离技术在新型冠状病毒研究和防疫检测中的应用

新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)疫情的爆发给世界公共卫生安全带来前所未有的挑战.随着新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)相关研究的不断深入,众多分析检测技术相继被应用,推动了病毒检测、疫苗和创新疗法的研发,从而使疫情早日得到控制.分离技术作为生命科学、医学、药学领域的关键技术,操作简单,分离效率高,选择性强,在新型...     

Actions of Novel Angiotensin Receptor Blocking Drugs,Bisartans, Relevant for COVID-19 Therapy: Biased Agonism at Angiotensin Receptors and the Beneficial Effects of Neprilysin in the Renin Angiotensin System

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) used in the treatment of hypertension and potentially in SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibit inverse agonist effects at angiotensin AR1 receptors, suggesting the receptor may have evolved to accommodate naturally occurring angiotensin ‘antipeptides’. Screening of the human genome has identified a peptide (EGVYVHPV) encoded by mRNA, complementary to that encoding ANG II itself, which is an inverse agonist. Thus, opposite strands of DNA encode peptides with opposite effects at AR1 receptors. Agonism and inverse agonism at AR1 receptors can be explained by a receptor ‘switching’ between an activated state invoking receptor dimerization/G protein coupling and an inverse agonist state mediated by an alternative/second messenger that is slow to reverse. Both receptor states appear to be driven by the formation of the ANG II charge-relay system involving TyrOH-His/imidazole-Carboxylate (analogous to serine proteases). In this system, tyrosinate species formed are essential for activating AT1 and AT2 receptors. ANGII is also known to bind to the zinc-coordinated metalloprotease angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) used by the COVID-19 virus to enter cells. Here we report in silico results demonstrating the binding of a new class of anionic biphenyl-tetrazole sartans (‘Bisartans’) to the active site zinc atom of the endopeptidase Neprilysin (NEP) involved in regulating hypertension, by modulating humoral levels of beneficial vasoactive peptides in the RAS such as vasodilator angiotensin (1–7). In vivo and modeling evidence further suggest Bisartans can inhibit ANG II-induced pulmonary edema and may be useful in combatting SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2-mediated viral entry to cells.     

Properties of the Reactants and Their Interactions within and with the Enzyme Binding Cavity Determine Reaction Selectivities. The Case of Fe(II)/2-Oxoglutarate Dependent Enzymes

Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenases (ODDs) share a double stranded beta helix (DSBH) fold and utilise a common reactive intermediate, ferryl species, to catalyse oxidative transformations of substrates. Despite the structural similarities, ODDs accept a variety of substrates and facilitate a wide range of reactions, that is hydroxylations, desaturations, (oxa)cyclisations and ring rearrangements. In this review we present and discuss the factors contributing to the observed (regio)selectivities of ODDs. They span from inherent properties of the reactants, that is, substrate molecule and iron cofactor, to the interactions between the substrate and the enzyme's binding cavity; the latter can counterbalance the effect of the former. Based on results of both experimental and computational studies dedicated to ODDs, we also line out the properties of the reactants which promote reaction outcomes other than the “default” hydroxylation. It turns out that the reaction selectivity depends on a delicate balance of interactions between the components of the investigated system.     

The use of a polymer inclusion membrane in flow injection analysis for the on-line separation and determination of zinc

This paper reports the first use of a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) for on-line separation in flow injection analysis (FIA) involving simultaneous extraction and back-extraction. The FIA system containing the PIM separation module was used for the determination of Zn(II) in aqueous samples in the presence of Mg(II), Ca(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Fe(III). The Fe(III) and Cu(II) interferences were eliminated by off-line precipitation with phosphate and on-line complexation with chloride, respectively. The concentration of Zn(II) was determined spectrophotometrically using 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR). The optimal composition of the PIM consisted of 40% (m/m) di(2-ethlyhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as carrier, 10% (m/m) dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizer and 50% (m/m) poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as the base polymer. The optimized FIA system was characterized by a linear calibration curve in the range from 1.0 to 30.0 mg L⁻¹ Zn(II), a detection limit of 0.05 mg L⁻¹ and a relative standard deviation of 3.4% with a sampling rate of 4 h⁻¹. Reproducible results were obtained for 20 replicate injections over a 5 h period which demonstrated a good membrane stability. The FIA system was applied to the determination of Zn(II) in pharmaceuticals and samples from the galvanizing industry and very good agreement with atomic absorption spectrometry was obtained.     

Novel crystal engineering in the crown ether nickel maleonitriledithiolate complexes,synthesis and crystal structures of [Na(N15C5)2]2[Ni(mnt)2] and [Na(N15C5)]2[Ni(mnt)2]

Reactions of N15C5 (2,3-naphtho-15-crown-5) with nickel maleonitriledithiolate sodium complex, Na₂[Ni(mnt)₂] (mnt?=?maleonitriledithiolate) using different molar ratios (2?:?1 and 4?:?1) afforded two structurally different complexes [Na(N15C5)₂]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] (1) and [Na(N15C5)]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] (2). The sandwich [Na(N15C5)₂]⁺ and mono-capped [Na(N15C5)]⁺ organic cations are observed in the crystals of 1 and 2, respectively, with the same [Ni(mnt)₂]^2? inorganic conteranions. It is these structurally different organic cations that lead to the dissimilar structures. Complex 1 exhibits a one-dimensional (1D) chain-like structure assembled by intercantionic {[Na(N15C5)₂]⁺}_∞ π–π stacking interactions and electrostatic interactions, while 2 displays a novel two-dimensional (2D) corrugated sheet-like structure constructed by Na–N interactions which occur between the [Na(N15C5)]⁺ inorganic cations and [Ni(mnt)₂]^2? inorganic anions.     

原发肾病综合征患儿超声颈动脉参数、血清sTREM-1、suPAR水平变化及与急性肾损伤的相关性

选取原发性肾病综合征(PNS)患儿96例作为研究组,选取同期96例健康体检儿童作为对照组,开展前瞻性队列研究,均行超声颈动脉参数、血清可溶性髓系细胞表达的触发受体-1(sTREM-1)、可溶性尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物受体(suPAR)水平检测,并进行对比分析.本研究发现,研究组患儿颈动脉内中膜厚度(cIMT)、平均管壁横...     

Color Reaction Between 4-(2-Pyridylazo)Resorcinol and Mercury (II) in the Presence of Surfactant,and Improved Spectrophotometric Determinations of Mercury(II) and Cyanide Ion with its Coloring

Abstract

The reactions among 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR), mercury(II) and/or cyanide ion in the presence of water soluble surfactants alone or combination were systematically investigated at about pH 9. The spectrophotometric determinations of mercury(II) and cyanide ion were investigated by using the PAR-mercury(II)-HPC complex (3:2:2 molar ratio) in the presence of N-hexadecylpyridinium chloride (HPC) alone; calibration graphs were rectilinear in the ranges of 0 – 40 μg mercury(II) and 0 –10 μg cyanide ion in a final 10 ml with the apparent molar absorptivities of 5.9 × 10⁴ for mercury(II) and 2.5 × 10⁴ 1 mol^?1 cm^?1 for cyanide ion at 590 nm. The proposed method had advantages—rapidity, simplicity without solvent extraction, and sensitivity in comparison with reported solvent extraction methods. The interference of foreign ions decreased 1/2–l//4-fold compared with that in the presence of non-ionic surfactant alone.     

The Role of Single-Nucleotide Variants of NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3 Genes in the Comorbidity of Arterial Hypertension and Tension-Type Headache

Patients with tension-type headache (TTH) have an increased risk of developing arterial hypertension (AH), while hypertensive subjects do seem to have an increased risk of TTH. We searched for full-text English publications in databases using keywords and combined word searches over the past 15 years. In addition, earlier publications of historical interest were included in the review. In our review, we summed up the single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOSs) genes involved in the development of essential AH and TTH. The results of studies we discussed in this review are contradictory. This might be due to different designs of the studies, small sample sizes in some of them, as well as different social and geographical characteristics. However, the contribution of genetic and environmental factors remains understudied. This makes the issue interesting for researchers, as understanding these mechanisms can contribute to a search for new approaches to pathogenetic and disease-modifying treatment of the AH and TTH phenotype. New drugs against AH and TTH can be based on inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, blockade of steps in the NO-cGMP pathway, or NO scavenging. Indeed, selective neuronal NOS (n-NOS) and inducible NOS (i-NOS) inhibitors are already in early clinical development.     

The preparation of a stable 2-pyridylboronate and its reactivity in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction

The preparation and reactivity of a 2-pyridylboronate stabilised by N-phenyldiethanolamine is described. In Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions employing this boronate, significant aryl-aryl exchange from the phosphine ligand was observed with some combinations of ligand and substrates. The amount of the exchange by-product can be minimised by appropriate choice of phosphine ligand.     

The influence of P/As substitution in the melilite‐like Na2Co(P2–xAsx)O7 (x = 0.40 and 0.93) solid solutions

To investigate the influence of P/As substitution on structures and electrical properties, e.g. the effect on material densities, two new solid P/As‐doped solutions, Na₂CoP_1.60As_0.40O₇ (disodium cobalt diphosphorus arsenic heptaoxide) and Na₂CoP_1.07As_0.93O₇ (disodium cobalt phosphorus arsenic heptaoxide), with melilite‐like structures have been synthesized by solid‐state reactions. Their unit‐cell parameters are in agreement with Vegard's law. The obtained structural models were investigated by the bond valence sum (BVS) and charge distribution (CHARDI) validation tools and, for the latter, the structures are described as being built on anion‐centred polyhedra. The frameworks can be described as layered and formed by {[Co(P,As)₂O₇]²⁻}_∞ slabs, with alkali cations sandwiched between the layers and with the interlayer spaces increased due to P/As substitution. The BVS model was extended to a preliminary simulation of the sodium conduction properties in the studied structural type and suggests that the most probable sodium conduction pathways are bidimensional, at the (002) planes.     

The homogeneity range of lyonsite-type phase existing in the CrVO4 - Co3V2O8 system

In the work presented here, the way of obtaining the phase with general formula Co_3+1.5xCr_2–x(VO₄)₄ (0 ≤ × < 0.4) is demonstrated. A new phase is detected in CrVO₄ - Co₃V₂O₈ that is formed in one of the intersection of the ternary CoO - V₂O₅ - Cr₂O₃ system. Monophasic Co₃Cr₂(VO₄)₄ (Co_3+1.5xCr_2−x(VO₄)₄, where × = 0) was obtained from both a mixture comprising CrVO₄ and Co₃V₂O₈ as well as from the mixture of CoV₂O₆ with CoCr₂O₄. The Co_3+1.5xCr_2−x(VO₄)₄ is isotypic with the those demonstrating the lyonsite-type structure. The temperature of melting for the new compound was established using the DTA methods.      

超声弹性成像联合BI-RADS对微小(≤2cm)乳腺良恶性病变的鉴别价值

本文对超声弹性成像（UE）联合乳腺影像报告和数据系统（BI-RADS）对微小（≤2 cm）乳腺良恶性病变的鉴别价值进行了分析。研究对象选取2018年3月~2019年3月期间本院80例乳腺病变患者共112个病灶,所有患者均给予UE和BI-RADS检查,以病理检查为参照,分析UE、BI-RADS及二者联合对微小（≤2 cm）乳腺良恶性病变的鉴别价值。病理检查结果显示,112个病灶中,良性60个（53.57%）、恶性52个（46.43%）;恶性乳腺病变患者UE和BI-RADS评分明显高于良性患者,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。UE鉴别微小乳腺良恶性病变（≤2 cm）的敏感度为76.92%、特异度为76.67%、准确度为76.79%,BI-RADS的敏感度为80.77%、特异度为80.00%、准确度为80.36%,UE联合BI-RADS的敏感度、特异度、准确度分别为96.15%、95.00%、95.54%,可见UE联合BI-RADS的鉴别效果明显优异,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。本文证实了UE、BI-RADS对微小（≤2 cm）乳腺良恶性病变具有良好的鉴别价值,且二者联合的鉴别价值更高。     

The reaction of N-isocyaniminotriphenylphosphorane (NICITPP) with some of cyclic ketones and a primary amine in the presence of 3-phenyl-2-propynoic acid

The 1:1 imine intermediate generated by the addition of a primary amine to a cyclic ketone is trapped by N-isocyaniminotriphenylphosphorane in the presence of 3-phenyl-2-propynoic acid and the corresponding iminophosphorane intermediate was formed. Disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives are formed via intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction of the iminophosphorane intermediate. The reactions were completed in neutral conditions at room temperature (18–26°C). The disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were produced in excellent yields.