Sodium dodecyl sulfate-capillary gel electrophoresis analysis of rotavirus-like particles

This work describes the application of a sodium dodecyl sulfate-capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS-CGE) method for the analysis of triple 2/6/7 and double-layered 2/6 rotavirus-like particles (RLPs), candidate vaccines against rotavirus infection. SDS-CGE analysis of RLPs resulted in peaks that could be attributed to the viral proteins (VP2, VP6 and VP7) according to their apparent molecular mass (MWapp). Samples containing the glycoprotein VP7 were analysed after deglycosylation with PNGase F. Upon deglycosylation, VP7 MWapp decreased 4-7kDa consistent with a degree of glycosylation of approximately 12-21%. VP2 was eventually detected in the form of more than one related proteins, despite the small areas due to the relative low mass proportion of this protein in the particle (16%). The effect of analytical parameters such as capillary temperature on method performance was evaluated. MWapp values estimated by SDS-CGE were compared with values obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The method described in this work proved to be fast, consistent and reproducible, representing a feasible alternative to the laborious conventional electrophoresis for the characterization of RLPs.     

Alpha4/3 conotoxins: phylogenetic distribution, functional properties, and structure-function insights

This review examines the alpha4/3 conotoxins as an example of molecular diversity in a class of compounds that have evolved in a group of closely related species in a single phylogenetic lineage. The species examined belong to Stephanoconus, a clade of Conus, a genus that contains 500-700 different species of carnivorous marine snails. We examine earlier work that describes the identification and characterization of alpha-ImI, the founding alpha4/3 toxin, and two other alpha4/3 toxins, alpha-ImII and alpha-RgIA. These three toxins all inhibit nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) belonging to a subset of nAChRs that are composed of only alpha subunits; they are, however, diverse in terms of the all-alpha subtype they preferentially antagonize and the receptor site that they bind to. We thus speculate that the alpha4/3 toxins may be a rich source of functionally diverse all-alpha subunit nAChR inhibitors. We review extensive work that has established a detailed model for alpha-ImI binding to one of its preferred nAChR subtypes (the alpha7 nAChR) and, by comparing the alpha-ImI, alpha-ImII and alpha-RgIA sequences demonstrate how structural features of alpha4/3 peptides that account for their diverse functional properties can be identified. This approach is extended to derive models of receptor-toxin binding that may account for the different subtype specificities of alpha4/3 peptides. We also speculate on how rational modification of alpha4/3 toxins may allow engineering of ligands with desired subtype specificities. The chemical diversity produced by the closely related animals in Stephanoconus is thus functionally differentiated, although structurally homologous.     

Construction of B7x Gene Overexpression Lentiviral-based Vector

To construct overexpression lentiviral-based vector carrying rat B7x gene,B7x gene precursor sequences amplified by polymerse chain reaction(PCR) were ligated with pLVTHM to generate pLVTHM-B7x gene expression lentiviral-based vector.The positive clones were selected to be submitted to DNA sequencing.HEK293T cells were co-transfected with pLVTHM-B7x and two packaging plasmids psPAX2 and pMD2G to produce lentivirus which express B7x gene.The mRNA expression levels of B7x gene and virus titer were detected by...     

Identification of Persuasive Antiviral Natural Compounds for COVID-19 by Targeting Endoribonuclease NSP15: A Structural-Bioinformatics Approach

SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-stranded RNA virus that bundles its genomic material as messenger-sense RNA in infectious virions and replicates these genomes through RNA intermediates. Several virus-encoded nonstructural proteins play a key role during the viral life cycle. Endoribonuclease NSP15 is vital for the replication and life cycle of the virus, and is thus considered a compelling druggable target. Here, we performed a combination of multiscoring virtual screening and molecular docking of a library of 1624 natural compounds (Nuclei of Bioassays, Ecophysiology and Biosynthesis of Natural Products (NuBBE) database) on the active sites of NSP15 (PDB:6VWW). After sequential high-throughput screening by LibDock and GOLD, docking optimization by CDOCKER, and final scoring by calculating binding energies, top-ranked compounds NuBBE-1970 and NuBBE-242 were further investigated via an indepth molecular-docking and molecular-dynamics simulation of 60 ns, which revealed that the binding of these two compounds with active site residues of NSP15 was sufficiently strong and stable. The findings strongly suggest that further optimization and clinical investigations of these potent compounds may lead to effective SARS-CoV-2 treatment.     

Self‐assembled complexes of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine)

Polymer complexes were prepared from high molecular weight poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) in dimethyl formamide (DMF). The hydrogen bonding interactions, phase behavior, and morphology of the complexes were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this A‐b‐B/C type block copolymer/homopolymer system, P4VP block of the block copolymer has strong intermolecular interaction with PAA which led to the formation of nanostructured micelles at various PAA concentrations. The pure PS‐b‐P4VP block copolymer showed a cylindrical rodlike morphology. Spherical micelles were observed in the complexes and the size of the micelles increased with increasing PAA concentration. The micelles are composed of hydrogen‐bonded PAA/P4VP core and non‐bonded PS corona. Finally, a model was proposed to explain the microphase morphology of complex based on the experimental results obtained. The selective swelling of the PS‐b‐P4VP block copolymer by PAA resulted in the formation of different micelles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1192–1202, 2009     

Autoinflammation et stabilite thermique de la poly(vinyl 4 pyridine) quaternisee—III: Autoinflammation du bromure de poly(N(oxo 3 butyl) vinyl 4 pyridinium)

The self-ignition of quaternized poly(4 vinyl pyridines) (P4VP) has been studied for three series of compounds prepared by reaction of vinyl methyl ketone (VMC) with P4VP quaternized by HBr. The self-ignition temperatures (θ_s,i) have been determined in air at atmospheric pressure as a function of the bromine and VMC concentrations. The results are similar to those for P4VP quaternized by bromoalkanes. They exhibit in particular a dependence of θ_s,i on Br content. The general shape of the self-ignition curves is qualitatively explained on the basis of a competing mechanism involving radicals and molecular brominated species in the gaseous phase. Such species have been identified by mass spectrometry, performed during the thermal decomposition of these compounds under N₂. Addition of the bromide derivatives to VMC evolved during the pyrolysis is also suggested.     

One-pot synthesis of orthogonally protected sugars through sequential base-promoted/acid-catalyzed steps: A solvent-free approach with self-generation of a catalytic species

A varied set of solvent-free, one-pot synthetic sequences were developed to carry out the orthogonal protection of saccharide polyols. These sequences are composed of an initial regioselective benzylation, silylation or iodination (under mildly basic conditions), followed by an acid catalyzed protection of two further hydroxyl sites via the generation of a cyclic acetal. These processes allow recycling of the ammonium or pyridinium side products generated in the former step as effective catalytic species for the latter step.     

Reverse genetic platform for inactivated and live-attenuated influenza vaccine

Influenza vaccine strains have been traditionally developed by annual reassortment between vaccine donor strain and the epidemic virulent strains. The classical method requires screening and genotyping of the vaccine strain among various reassortant viruses, which are usually laborious and time-consuming. Here we developed an efficient reverse genetic system to generate the 6:2 reassortant vaccine virus from cDNAs derived from the influenza RNAs. Thus, cDNAs of the two RNAs coding for surface antigens, haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from the epidemic virus and the 6 internal genes from the donor strain were transfected into cells and the infectious viruses of 6:2 defined RNA ratio were rescued. X-31 virus (a high-growth virus in embryonated eggs) and its cold-adapted strain X-31 ca were judiciously chosen as donor strains for the generation of inactivated vaccine and live-attenuated vaccine, respectively. The growth properties of these recombinant viruses in embryonated chicken eggs and MDCK cell were indistinguishable as compared to those generated by classical reassortment process. Based on the reverse genetic system, we generated 6 + 2 reassortant avian influenza vaccine strains corresponding to the A/Chicken/Korea/MS96 (H9N2) and A/Indonesia/5/2005 (H5N1). The results would serve as technical platform for the generation of both injectable inactivated vaccine and the nasal spray live attenuated vaccine for the prevention of influenza epidemics and pandemics.     

Synthesis of 1-ethylpyrrolidone-2 by hydrogenation of 1-vinylpyrrolidone-2 over a Pd/C catalyst

A selective catalytic system for the hydrogenation of 1-vinylpyrrolidone-2 (VP) to 1-ethylpyrrolidone-2 (EP) is found. The factors responsible for the formation of by-products in the conversion of VP are studied. The presence of acid sites or radical species in a catalytic system results in the fast polymerization of VP. The resulting by-product, poly vinylpyrrolidone, may deactivate the hydrogenation catalyst by surface blocking. VP can be hydrogenated to EP under mild conditions and with a high selectivity using a palladium catalyst supported on a porous carbon material Sibunit. The kinetics of VP hydrogenation over the Pd/C catalyst is studied.     

Concentrating rotaviruses from water samples using monolithic chromatographic supports

Rotaviruses are the leading cause of diarrhoea in infants around the globe and, under certain conditions they can be present in drinking water sources and systems. Ingestion of 10–100 viral particles is enough to cause disease, emphasizing the need for sensitive diagnostic methods. In this study we have optimized the concentration of rotavirus particles using methacrylate monolithic chromatographic supports. Different surface chemistries and mobile phases were tested. A strong anion exchanger and phosphate buffer (pH 7) resulted in the highest recoveries after elution of the bound virus with 1 M NaCl. Using this approach, rotavirus particles spiked in 1 l volumes of tap or river water were efficiently concentrated. The developed concentration method in combination with a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay detected rotavirus concentrations as low as 100 rotavirus particles/ml.     

Ab Initio/IGLO/NMR Investigation of nido-C(4)B(7)H(11) Configurations: Structural Assignment of the Three Known Isomers and Reconfirmation of Empirical Carbon Placement Patterns

The ab initio/IGLO/NMR method has been successfully applied to establish the structures of the three known isomers of nido-C(4)B(7)H(11). The method confirms the previously proposed structure, nido-7,8,9,10-C(4)B(7)H(11), 1a, as one of the three known isomers. Of four candidates considered for the second isomer, one of the previously proposed structures, nido-1,7,8,10-C(4)B(7)H(11), 2b, is selected. Of four candidates considered for the third isomer, structure nido-2,7,9,10-C(4)B(7)H(11), 3b, which had not been previously proposed, is established. The relative order of stability is 1a > 2b > 3b. A comparison of the relative energies of the nine cage structures considered in this study shows that, in complete agreement with previous empirically determined patterns, the most stable structures are those in which the carbons occupy low coordinate sites. This preference is more important than avoiding carbon-carbon connections.     

Radioiodination of the envelope proteins of Newcastle disease virus.

Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination selectively labels the two glycoproteins (VP1 and VP2) of Newcastle disease virus. The low-molecular-weight, nonglycosylated major viral protein, VP6, was not iodinated in the intact virus but was iodinated in disrupted virions, suggesting a localization on the inner, rather than the outer, envelope surface. Studies on the distribution of virion proteins labeled with 125-I and 3-H-isoleucine between detergent-soluble and detergent-insoluble fractions show that the virion proteins VP4, VP5, and VP6 are solubilized to a much lesser extent than are VP1 and VP2.     

Two highly similar LAEDDTNAQKT and LTDKIGTEI epitopes in G glycoprotein may be useful for effective epitope based vaccine design against pathogenic Henipavirus

Nipah virus and Hendra virus, two members of the genus Henipavirus, are newly emerging zoonotic pathogens which cause acute respiratory illness and severe encephalitis in human. Lack of the effective antiviral therapy endorses the urgency for the development of vaccine against these deadly viruses. In this study, we employed various computational approaches to identify epitopes which has the potential for vaccine development. By analyzing the immune parameters of the conserved sequences of G glycoprotein using various databases and bioinformatics tools, we identified two potential epitopes which may be used as peptide vaccines. Using different B cell epitope prediction servers, four highly similar B cell epitopes were identified. Immunoinformatics analyses revealed that LAEDDTNAQKT is a highly flexible and accessible B-cell epitope to antibody. Highly similar putative CTL epitopes were analyzed for their binding with the HLA-C 12*03 molecule. Docking simulation assay revealed that LTDKIGTEI has significantly lower binding energy, which bolstered its potential as epitope-based vaccine design. Finally, cytotoxicity analysis has also justified their potential as promising epitope-based vaccine candidate. In sum, our computational analysis indicates that either LAEDDTNAQKT or LTDKIGTEI epitope holds a promise for the development of universal vaccine against all kinds of pathogenic Henipavirus. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are necessary to validate the obtained findings.     

β分子筛中BrΦnsted酸分布及酸性强度的量子化学ONIOM理论计算研究

基于量子化学ONIOM [B3LYP/6-31G(d,p):UFF]计算方法,研究了β分子筛中BrΦnsted酸的落位及其酸性强度.计算采用22T簇模型,得到了不同酸性位的(Al,H)/Si替代能和质子亲和势.研究结果表明,BrΦnsted酸最有可能落位在Al(8)-O(11).Si(4),Al(8)-O(4)-Si(1),Al(7)-O(7)-Si(2)和Al(9)-O(6)-Si(3)位置.根据去质化能的计算,Al(7)-O(7)-Si(2)位置的酸性最强,A1(8)-O(11)-Si(4)的酸性最弱.酸性的强弱顺序为Al(7)-O(7)-Si(2)＞Al(9)-O(6)-Si(3)＞Al(8)-0(4)-Si(1)＞Al(8)-O(11)-Si(4).     

新型1-(1,3,5-三嗪-6-基)-3-甲基-4-(5-苯基-1,3,4-噁二唑-2-基)吡唑的合成及活性评价

设计合成了18个以吡唑桥连1,3,4-噁二唑和1,3,5-三嗪的新型多杂环分子[7A(a~f),7B(a~f)和7C(a~f)];通过红外光谱(IR)、核磁共振波谱(NMR)和高分辨质谱(HRMS)等对目标分子进行了结构表征;评价了目标分子对蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酯酶1B(PTP1B)和细胞分裂周期25磷酸酯酶B(Cdc25B)的抑制活性.结果表明,所有目标分子对PTP1B和Cdc25B均有较好的抑制活性,其中,9个目标分子表现出优异的PTP1B和Cdc25B抑制效果,IC50值低于齐墩果酸(PTP1B抑制活性测试参照物)和正钒酸钠(Cdc25B抑制活性测试阳性参照物),有望成为潜在的PTP1B和Cdc25B抑制剂.     

Hydrogen bond mediated supramolecular micellization of diblock copolymer mixture in common solvents

We report a new approach toward preparing self-assembled hydrogen-bonded complexes having vesicle and patched spherical structures from two species of block copolymers in nonselective solvents. Two diblock copolymers, poly(styrene-b-vinyl phenol) (PS-b-PVPh) and poly(methyl methacrylate-b-4-vinylpyridine) (PMMA-b-P4VP), were synthesized through anionic polymerization. The assembly of vesicles from the intermolecular complex formed after mixing PS-b-PVPH with PMMA-b-P4VP in THF was driven by strong hydrogen bonding between the complementary binding sites on the PVPH and P4VP blocks. In contrast, well-defined patched spherical micelles formed after blending PS-b-PVPh with PMMA-b-P4VP in DMF: the weaker hydrogen bonds formed between the PVPh and P4VP blocks in DMF, relative to those in THF, resulted in the formation of spherical micelles having compartmentalized coronas consisting of PS and PMMA blocks.     

β分子筛中Brønsted酸分布及酸性强度的量子化学ONIOM 理论计算研究

基于量子化学ONIOM [B3LYP/6-31G(d,p):UFF]计算方法, 研究了β分子筛中Brønsted酸的落位及其酸性强度. 计算采用22T簇模型, 得到了不同酸性位的(Al, H)/Si替代能和质子亲和势. 研究结果表明, Brønsted酸最有可能落位在Al(8)-O(11)-Si(4), Al(8)-O(4)-Si(1), Al(7)-O(7)-Si(2)和Al(9)-O(6)-Si(3)位置. 根据去质化能的计算, Al(7)-O(7)-Si(2)位置的酸性最强, Al(8)-O(11)-Si(4)的酸性最弱. 酸性的强弱顺序为Al(7)-O(7)-Si(2)＞Al(9)-O(6)-Si(3)＞Al(8)-O(4)-Si(1)＞Al(8)-O(11)-Si(4).     

硅胶负载的双高分子-钯催化剂的研究——Ⅰ.硅胶负载的聚[4(2)-乙烯吡啶]-聚[苯乙烯-顺丁烯二酸]-钯催化剂的合成及其催化加氢性能

合成了硅胶负载的聚(4-乙烯吡啶)或聚(2-乙烯吡啶)-聚(苯乙烯-顺丁烯二酸)-钯催化剂(P4VP-PSM-Pd/SiO_2和P2VP-PSM-Pd/SiO_2),研究了合成条件、组成等对其催化性能的影响及对丙烯酸甲酯的催化加氢性能。发现,同时含两种高分子的催化剂比只含一种高分子的催化剂具有较高的催化活性,催化剂在常温常压下对丙烯酸甲酯的氢化反应具有很高的催化活性和选择性,且能重复使用,表现出良好的稳定性。同时还研究了其它因素对催化剂性能的影响。     

Hepatitis A Synthetic Peptide VP3(110-121) Miscibility with Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, Dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol, and Stearylamine Monolayers

To prepare liposomes containing a synthetic hepatitis A virus antigen (HAV) [VP3(110-121)] as a vaccine, the miscibility of this peptide (with negative net charge) with a neutral lipid [dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)], a negatively charged lipid [dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG)], and a positively charged lipid [Stearylamine (SA)] was studied through compression isotherms of monolayers. Mixtures with DPPC and SA showed a low degree of interaction with the peptide, the composition of the monolayer being stable through compression. For DPPG-containing monolayers larger positive deviations from ideality were found, and the peptide was squeezed out from the monolayer at a DPPG/VP3(110-121) mole fraction of 0.8/0.2. All this suggests that besides hydrophobic interactions between the peptide and the lipid, electrostatic forces also play a role; thus it seems that neutral and positively charged lipids would be more suitable for preparing stable liposomes with VP3(110-121). Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Valorization of a Waste Product of Edible Flowers: Volatile Characterization of Leaves

(1) Background: The leaves of some plants are reported for their culinary uses, while in edible flowers, they are one of the discarded products in the supply chain. We investigated the volatile profile (VP) and the essential oil (EO) compositions of leaves from 12 Lamiaceae species, of which nine belong to the Mentheae tribe and three to the Ocimeae tribe. (2) Methods: Phytochemical analyses were performed using a GC-MS instrument. (3) Results: More than 53% of the Ocimeae tribe VP was represented by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (SH), followed by phenylpropanoids, except for O. × citriodorum, where oxygenated monoterpenes (OM) were the second main class. OM prevailed in six species of the Mentheae tribe except for Agastache ‘Arcado Pink’, Salvia discolor, and S. microphylla, where SH dominated. The EO composition of Ocimeae tribe showed a similar behavior to that of VP concerning the predominant classes. O. basilicum ‘Blue Spice’ (Ob-BS) was an exception, since it showed oxygenated sesquiterpenes (OS: 29.6%) as a second principal class. Sesquiterpene compounds were also present in a high amount in two species of the Salviinae subtribe (S. microphylla and S. discolor) and two of the Nepetinae subtribe (Nepeta × faasenii and A. ‘Arcado Pink’). The remaining species of the Mentheae tribe were characterized by OM. (4) Conclusions: Many of the main compounds found were reported for their importance in human health and thus are important as ingredients in several new industrial products.