[Objective] The aim was to build up a set of efficient and rapid models for laboratory to screen anti-hepatocellular carcinoma active substance in vitro. [ Method] By using MTT method, the activities of anti-hepatoce...[Objective] The aim was to build up a set of efficient and rapid models for laboratory to screen anti-hepatocellular carcinoma active substance in vitro. [ Method] By using MTT method, the activities of anti-hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 in vitro from Cymbopogon distans, Lobelia chinensis, Buddleja offlcinalis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Sanguisorba officinalis, Bupleurum chinense, Apium graveolen and Curuma zedoaria were tested. The growth curve of hepatoma cell was described, and the growth status in different periods were observed by inverted microscope. [ Result] Cells induced by active substance would be condensing, clear brim, which have significant differences from normal SMMC- 7721 cells. The results suggested that ESCG, ESCC, ESCB could inhibit proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells at the concentration of 1.0 -1.5 mg/ml, and the inhibition rate were 51.6%, 48.5%, 52.9% respectively. With the increasing of concentration, the inhibition strengthened. [ Conclusion] MTT method could be used as a basic model for screening important anti-hepatoma.展开更多
O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is one of essential mammalian enzymes, which catalyze the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) to hydroxyl groups of serines and threonines (Ser/Thr...O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is one of essential mammalian enzymes, which catalyze the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) to hydroxyl groups of serines and threonines (Ser/Thr) in proteins. Dysregulations of cellular O-GlcNAc have been implicated in diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer, which brings great interest in developing potent and specific small-molecular OGT inhibitors. In this work, we performed virtual screening on OGT catalytic site to identify potential inhibitors. 7134792 drug-like compounds from ZINC (a free database of commercially available compounds for virtual screening) and 4287550 compounds generated by FOG (fragment optimized growth program) were screened and the top 116 compounds ranked by docking score were analyzed. By comparing the screening results, we found FOG program can generate more compounds with better docking scores than ZINC. The top ZINC compounds ranked by docking score were grouped into two classes, which held the binding positions of UDP and GlcNAc of UDP- GlcNAc. Combined with individual fragments in binding pocket, de novo compounds were designed and proved to have better docking score. The screened and designed compounds may become a starting point for developing new drugs.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to Chicken Escherichia coli and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Methed] Conven- tional punch method, test tube method and plate dilution m...[Objective] This study aimed to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to Chicken Escherichia coli and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Methed] Conven- tional punch method, test tube method and plate dilution method were adopted for in vitro susceptibility test of chicken E, coil strains O5 and O8 using 13 kinds of Chi- nese herbal medicines including Sanguisorba officinalis, Coptis chinensis, Anemar- rhena asphodeloides, Strobilanthes cusia, Agastache rugosa, etc.; chicken embryo inoculation experiment was adopted to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to chicken infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Result] Sanguisorba officinalis, Fructus mume, Rheum officinale, Coptis chinensis, Herba Taraxaci, Anemarrhena asphode- Ioides, Scutellaria baicalensis and Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi had ideal antibacterial effect against chicken E. coil strain O5; Sanguisorba officinalis, Fructus mume, Rheum officinale, Coptis chinensis, Herba taraxaci and Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi had ideal antibacterial effect against chicken E. coil strain 08; other Chinese herbal medicines showed relatively poor or no antibacterial effect. Results of chicken embryo inoculation experiment showed that nine kinds of Chinese herbal medicines showed relatively strong anti-lLTV effect, including Forsythia suspensa, Radix Isatidis, Fofium isatidis, Flos Ionicerae, Radix codonopsis, Radix astragali, Atractylodes, Radix gly- cyrrhizae, and Pericarpium granati. [Conclusion] The study laid the foundation for fur- ther development of Chinese herbal compound preparations to treat chicken cofibacil- Iosis, infectious laryngotracheitis and other bacterial, viral diseases.展开更多
AIM: To clone and identify human genes transactivated by PSITP5 by constructing a cDNA subtractive library with suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique. METHODS: SSH and bioinformatics techniques wer...AIM: To clone and identify human genes transactivated by PSITP5 by constructing a cDNA subtractive library with suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique. METHODS: SSH and bioinformatics techniques were used for screening and cloning of the target genes transactivated by PS1TP5 protein. The mRNA was isolated from HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)- myc-his(A)-PS1TP5 and pcDNA3.1(-)-myc-his(A) empty vector, respectively, and SSH technique was employed to analyze the differentially expressed DNA sequence between the two groups. After digestion with restriction enzyme Rsa Ⅰ, small size cDNAs were obtained. Then tester cDNA was divided into two groups and ligated to the specific adaptor 1 and adaptor 2, respectively. The tester cDNA was hybridized with driver cDNA twice and subjected to nested PCR for two times, and then subcloned into T/A plasmid vectors to set up the subb-active library. Amplification of the library was carried out with E.. coil strain DH5α. The cDNA was sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with Vector NTI 9.1 and NCBI BLAST software after PCR amplification. RESULTS: The subtractive library of genes transactivated by PS1TP5 was constructed successfully. The amplified library contained 90 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 70 clones contained 200-1000-bp inserts. Sequence analysis was performed in 30 clones randomly, and the full-length sequences were obtained by bioinformatics technique. Altogether 24 coding sequences were obtained, which consisted of 23 known and 1 unknown.One novel gene with unknown functions was found and named as PSITP5TP1 after being electronically spliced, and deposited in GenBank (accession number: DQ487761). CONCLUSION: PSITP5 is closely correlated with immunoregulation, carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, formation mechanism of hepatic fibrosis, and occurrence and development of tumor. Understanding PSlTP5 transactive proteins may help to bring some new clues for further studying the biological functions of pre-S1 protein.展开更多
In searching for differentially expressed genes in human uterine leiomyomas (ULs), suppression sub-tractive hybridization was used to construct an UL up-regulated library, which turned out to represent 88genes. After ...In searching for differentially expressed genes in human uterine leiomyomas (ULs), suppression sub-tractive hybridization was used to construct an UL up-regulated library, which turned out to represent 88genes. After two rounds of screening by reverse Northern analysis, twenty genes were proved to be up-regulated, including seventeen known genes and three genes with unknown function. All these genes werefirstly associated with UL. Three genes with notable difference were selected for Northern confirmationOur results proved the authenticity of the twenty genes. One gene named Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) showedup-regulation in 4/6 of the patients and investigation of tissue distribution indicated that it had obviousexpression in prostate, testis, liver, heart and skeletal muscle.展开更多
In this study the authors compared the sequence types (STs) designed by sequence based typing (SBT) of 4 clinical and 12 environmental strains of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (LP1) which were isolated from...In this study the authors compared the sequence types (STs) designed by sequence based typing (SBT) of 4 clinical and 12 environmental strains of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (LP1) which were isolated from hospital facilities for the mentally disabled. The strains were selected after a retrospective surveillance of 565 clinical records (2002-2009) and investigations of water circuit. It was possible to correlate two clinical strains with the corresponding environment, which were collected from showers that had exposed the patients (ST685, ST16) and two clinical strains present in the same structure (STI). The other environmental strains were isolated from water in the department with confirmed or suspected clinical cases. All the strains (seven) from the first structure had ST188; two from the second structure had ST34; and the last from the third structure, gave an ST694. The results were compared with the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) database: the ST 1, 16, 34 and 188 were already known in literature, among clinical and nosocomial cases, especially for ST 1, the most distributed worldwide. Two STs were new to the database. ST685 was isolated both from a patient and from the water; ST694, which was found exclusively in the environmental compartment of a control structure (no cases of legionellosis and low number of nosocomial pneumonia), was unknown in the literature and the authors could only speculate on its possible minor virulence and/or distribution. The implementation of SBT and international comparisons may be useful to gain genotypic knowledge of circulating environmental strains, also verifying their presence in the clinical setting.展开更多
[Objective] To isolate and preserve a high-activity Douchi fibrinolytic enzyme producing strain from Douchi products. [Method] The Douchi flbrinolytic enzyme producing strain was screened on the selected medium prepar...[Objective] To isolate and preserve a high-activity Douchi fibrinolytic enzyme producing strain from Douchi products. [Method] The Douchi flbrinolytic enzyme producing strain was screened on the selected medium prepared with self-made pork blood powder, the strain with the highest activity was screened out according to the size of hydrolysis cycle, and then preserved in LB medium. [ Rebait] A Douchi fibrinolytic enzyme producing strain with high thrombolytic activity was successfully screened out from the Douchi produced in Hunan, Guangdong and Jiangxi Prov- inces. [ Ceadusioe] The study lays foundation for the development of new-type thrombolytic drugs.展开更多
This study was conducted to screen the commercial herbicides for algae control in the aquarium. Three herbicides of ametryn, atrazine and metribuzine were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.00 ppm. It i...This study was conducted to screen the commercial herbicides for algae control in the aquarium. Three herbicides of ametryn, atrazine and metribuzine were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.00 ppm. It is found that ametryn was the most effective herbicide that inhibited algal growth. Ametryn concentration that caused 50% inhibition on algae growth after exposure for 21 days was 0.335 ppm. Survival rate of oruamental fish, Harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and growth rate of aquatic plant (Elodea canadensis) exposed to 10 ppm ametryn were compared with those exposed to algaecide. The result showed that there was no significant difference in survival rate of Harlequin rasbora when exposed to ametryn, algaecide and dechlorinized tap water (control). However, growth rate of E. canadensis was lower after exposure of ametryn compared to those exposed to algaecide and tap water. These results suggest that ametryn has potential to be used as an algal inhibitor in aquarium.展开更多
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cell signal transduction pathways play a key role in determining the survival of cells. If these pathways can be controlled, they will prohibit the proliferation of cancer...The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cell signal transduction pathways play a key role in determining the survival of cells. If these pathways can be controlled, they will prohibit the proliferation of cancer cells. To attain this goal, the authors utilize many drugs to interact with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 (MEK1) in MAPK, and use computer aided drug design (CADD) to analyze the ligand activities of proteins in MEKL The results show that in these drugs, the aromatic group in the terminal of the protein and the PHE209 will induce the stacking force, which is highly related to the actual activities of these drugs.展开更多
As a type II or III transmembrane glycoprotein, human CD38 is ubiquitously expressed in all mammalian tissues. CD38 is a multi-functional enzyme and a member of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family, and it catalyzes nicotin...As a type II or III transmembrane glycoprotein, human CD38 is ubiquitously expressed in all mammalian tissues. CD38 is a multi-functional enzyme and a member of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family, and it catalyzes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD^+) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) to two distinct Ca^2+ messengers as follows: cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), respectively. Moreover, both cADPR and NAADP mediate mobilization of intracellular Ca^2+ targeting endoplasmic stores and the lysosomes, respectively. In this study, we combined ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening strategies to compare the inhibitor discovery efficacy based on natural substrates and the known inhibitors. The similarity queries towards SPECS database were carried out using ROCS and EON modules of OpenEye software. The hits were further docked to CD38 using AutoDock 4.05 program. In addition, ADME studies were also processed considering solubility in water and membrane permeability. Finally, we identified 17 compotmds-based on natural substrates and 10 compounds based on known inhibitor models. The results showed that the known inhibitor H2-based model was more efficient in virtual screening of CD38 non-covalent inhibitors.展开更多
Sphingolipids, a new class of lipid mediators, are involved in a variety of important physiological and pathological processes. Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is an enzyme to convert the ceramide (Cer.) and phosphat...Sphingolipids, a new class of lipid mediators, are involved in a variety of important physiological and pathological processes. Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is an enzyme to convert the ceramide (Cer.) and phosphatidylcholine into sphingomyelin (SM) and diacylglycerol, which plays a key role in sphingolipid biosynthesis. Two SMS isoforms, SMS1 and SMS2, have been identified with different subceUular localizations and expression level in tissues. Previous studies have shown that SMS may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need for a rapid and sensitive method for SMS activity analysis. In our study, we developed a novel method for SMS activity by monitoring the appearance of the product, NBD-SM, in the tissue culture medium or blood and applied this method in cells and mice. In Huh7 cells, the interassay coefficient of variation of the SMS activity assay was (3.60±0.07)% . In wild type (WT) mice, we observed accumulation of NBD-SM in blood in a time dependent fashion. In SMS2 KO mice, NBD-SM in plasma collected at 5- (0%, P〈0.01), 30- (16%, P〈0.01), and 60 min (21%, P〈0.01) after injection of fluorescence liposome solution was significantly decreased compared with WT mice. However, in SMS1 KO mice, NBD-SM in plasma collected 5- and 30 min is similar to that in WT mice. Our results suggest that this method could be used for SMS activity measurement in vitro and in vivo.展开更多
The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, has been demonstrated to be critical for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). All aggregation inhibitors are thus considered to be drug candidates for AD the...The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, has been demonstrated to be critical for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). All aggregation inhibitors are thus considered to be drug candidates for AD therapy. In the present study, we developed a novel screening tool based on the yeast two-hybrid system to screen Aβ aggregation inhibitors. The human Aβ42 peptide cDNA was cloned using assembly PCR and inserted into each of the yeast expression plasmids containing either the GAL4 activation domain (GAL4AD) or the DNA-binding domain (GAL4BD). Co-transformation of the above plasmids led to the expression of the fusion proteins GAL4AD-Aβ42 and GAL4BD-Aβ42 in the AH 109 yeast strain. The self interaction of Aβ42 fragments reconstructed the GAL4 transcriptor and thus activated the GAL4 responsive transcription of four reporter genes including HIS3, ADE2, lacZ and MEL1. The expression of the reporter genes rendered the multiple auxotrophic yeast cells capable of growing on the synthetic SD media lacking adenine and histidine. Growth arrest was used as a marker for screening Aβ aggregation inhibitors in this system, and the evaluation of Rhodiola species revealed potential resources for the development of Aβ aggregation inhibitors.展开更多
High-throughput(HTP)experiments play key roles in accelerating the discovery of advanced materials,but the HTP preparation and characterization,especially for bulk samples,are extremely difficult.In this work,we devel...High-throughput(HTP)experiments play key roles in accelerating the discovery of advanced materials,but the HTP preparation and characterization,especially for bulk samples,are extremely difficult.In this work,we developed a novel and general strategy for HTP screening of high-performance bulk thermoelectric materials.The performed fullchain HTP experiments cover rapid synthesis of the bulk sample with quasi-continuous composition,microarea phase identification and structure analysis,and measurement of the spatial distribution of the sample composition,electrical and thermal transport properties.According to our experiments,bulk Bi_(2-x)Sb_(x)Te_(3)(x=1-2)and Bi_(2)Te_(3-x)Se_(x)(x=0-1.5)samples with quasi-continuous compositions have been rapidly fabricated by this HTP method.The target thermoelectric materials with the best Sb/Bi and Te/Se ratios are successfully screened out based on subsequent HTP characterization results,demonstrating that this HTP technique is effective in speeding up the exploration of novel high-performance thermoelectric materials.展开更多
As a zinc-dependent enzyme, metal-β-lactamase L1 contributes to the development of β-lactam antibiotic resistance. The metal-β-lactamase inhibitor can restore the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics, and its developm...As a zinc-dependent enzyme, metal-β-lactamase L1 contributes to the development of β-lactam antibiotic resistance. The metal-β-lactamase inhibitor can restore the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics, and its development has attracted much attention. In the present study, we used four widely-used virtual screening programs to screen 7035 small molecules to identify potential L1 inhibitors, and a high-throughput experimental model of L1 inhibitors was established. In this high-throughput testing model, the inhibition rate of 163 compounds on L1 exceeded 40%. The results of virtual screening of 7035 small molecules using the following four programs showed that among the top 1.35% of the compounds, their hit rates were ranked as Schr?dinger’s(5.26%), DS(1.05%), and Sybyl-x 2.0(1.05%), and Smina(2.11%).展开更多
基金Supported by Class A Project of Fujian Educational Committee(JA08054)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to build up a set of efficient and rapid models for laboratory to screen anti-hepatocellular carcinoma active substance in vitro. [ Method] By using MTT method, the activities of anti-hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 in vitro from Cymbopogon distans, Lobelia chinensis, Buddleja offlcinalis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Sanguisorba officinalis, Bupleurum chinense, Apium graveolen and Curuma zedoaria were tested. The growth curve of hepatoma cell was described, and the growth status in different periods were observed by inverted microscope. [ Result] Cells induced by active substance would be condensing, clear brim, which have significant differences from normal SMMC- 7721 cells. The results suggested that ESCG, ESCC, ESCB could inhibit proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells at the concentration of 1.0 -1.5 mg/ml, and the inhibition rate were 51.6%, 48.5%, 52.9% respectively. With the increasing of concentration, the inhibition strengthened. [ Conclusion] MTT method could be used as a basic model for screening important anti-hepatoma.
文摘O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is one of essential mammalian enzymes, which catalyze the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) to hydroxyl groups of serines and threonines (Ser/Thr) in proteins. Dysregulations of cellular O-GlcNAc have been implicated in diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer, which brings great interest in developing potent and specific small-molecular OGT inhibitors. In this work, we performed virtual screening on OGT catalytic site to identify potential inhibitors. 7134792 drug-like compounds from ZINC (a free database of commercially available compounds for virtual screening) and 4287550 compounds generated by FOG (fragment optimized growth program) were screened and the top 116 compounds ranked by docking score were analyzed. By comparing the screening results, we found FOG program can generate more compounds with better docking scores than ZINC. The top ZINC compounds ranked by docking score were grouped into two classes, which held the binding positions of UDP and GlcNAc of UDP- GlcNAc. Combined with individual fragments in binding pocket, de novo compounds were designed and proved to have better docking score. The screened and designed compounds may become a starting point for developing new drugs.
基金Supported by Project from Science Technology Department of Hebei Province(08820412D,1220408D,12820421D)Project from Science and Technology Bureau of Shijiazhuang(07150193A)PhD Fund of Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology(2007YB002)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to Chicken Escherichia coli and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Methed] Conven- tional punch method, test tube method and plate dilution method were adopted for in vitro susceptibility test of chicken E, coil strains O5 and O8 using 13 kinds of Chi- nese herbal medicines including Sanguisorba officinalis, Coptis chinensis, Anemar- rhena asphodeloides, Strobilanthes cusia, Agastache rugosa, etc.; chicken embryo inoculation experiment was adopted to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to chicken infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Result] Sanguisorba officinalis, Fructus mume, Rheum officinale, Coptis chinensis, Herba Taraxaci, Anemarrhena asphode- Ioides, Scutellaria baicalensis and Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi had ideal antibacterial effect against chicken E. coil strain O5; Sanguisorba officinalis, Fructus mume, Rheum officinale, Coptis chinensis, Herba taraxaci and Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi had ideal antibacterial effect against chicken E. coil strain 08; other Chinese herbal medicines showed relatively poor or no antibacterial effect. Results of chicken embryo inoculation experiment showed that nine kinds of Chinese herbal medicines showed relatively strong anti-lLTV effect, including Forsythia suspensa, Radix Isatidis, Fofium isatidis, Flos Ionicerae, Radix codonopsis, Radix astragali, Atractylodes, Radix gly- cyrrhizae, and Pericarpium granati. [Conclusion] The study laid the foundation for fur- ther development of Chinese herbal compound preparations to treat chicken cofibacil- Iosis, infectious laryngotracheitis and other bacterial, viral diseases.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation,No. 30371288Beijing Natural Science Foundation,No. 5042024
文摘AIM: To clone and identify human genes transactivated by PSITP5 by constructing a cDNA subtractive library with suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique. METHODS: SSH and bioinformatics techniques were used for screening and cloning of the target genes transactivated by PS1TP5 protein. The mRNA was isolated from HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)- myc-his(A)-PS1TP5 and pcDNA3.1(-)-myc-his(A) empty vector, respectively, and SSH technique was employed to analyze the differentially expressed DNA sequence between the two groups. After digestion with restriction enzyme Rsa Ⅰ, small size cDNAs were obtained. Then tester cDNA was divided into two groups and ligated to the specific adaptor 1 and adaptor 2, respectively. The tester cDNA was hybridized with driver cDNA twice and subjected to nested PCR for two times, and then subcloned into T/A plasmid vectors to set up the subb-active library. Amplification of the library was carried out with E.. coil strain DH5α. The cDNA was sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with Vector NTI 9.1 and NCBI BLAST software after PCR amplification. RESULTS: The subtractive library of genes transactivated by PS1TP5 was constructed successfully. The amplified library contained 90 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 70 clones contained 200-1000-bp inserts. Sequence analysis was performed in 30 clones randomly, and the full-length sequences were obtained by bioinformatics technique. Altogether 24 coding sequences were obtained, which consisted of 23 known and 1 unknown.One novel gene with unknown functions was found and named as PSITP5TP1 after being electronically spliced, and deposited in GenBank (accession number: DQ487761). CONCLUSION: PSITP5 is closely correlated with immunoregulation, carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, formation mechanism of hepatic fibrosis, and occurrence and development of tumor. Understanding PSlTP5 transactive proteins may help to bring some new clues for further studying the biological functions of pre-S1 protein.
文摘In searching for differentially expressed genes in human uterine leiomyomas (ULs), suppression sub-tractive hybridization was used to construct an UL up-regulated library, which turned out to represent 88genes. After two rounds of screening by reverse Northern analysis, twenty genes were proved to be up-regulated, including seventeen known genes and three genes with unknown function. All these genes werefirstly associated with UL. Three genes with notable difference were selected for Northern confirmationOur results proved the authenticity of the twenty genes. One gene named Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) showedup-regulation in 4/6 of the patients and investigation of tissue distribution indicated that it had obviousexpression in prostate, testis, liver, heart and skeletal muscle.
文摘In this study the authors compared the sequence types (STs) designed by sequence based typing (SBT) of 4 clinical and 12 environmental strains of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (LP1) which were isolated from hospital facilities for the mentally disabled. The strains were selected after a retrospective surveillance of 565 clinical records (2002-2009) and investigations of water circuit. It was possible to correlate two clinical strains with the corresponding environment, which were collected from showers that had exposed the patients (ST685, ST16) and two clinical strains present in the same structure (STI). The other environmental strains were isolated from water in the department with confirmed or suspected clinical cases. All the strains (seven) from the first structure had ST188; two from the second structure had ST34; and the last from the third structure, gave an ST694. The results were compared with the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) database: the ST 1, 16, 34 and 188 were already known in literature, among clinical and nosocomial cases, especially for ST 1, the most distributed worldwide. Two STs were new to the database. ST685 was isolated both from a patient and from the water; ST694, which was found exclusively in the environmental compartment of a control structure (no cases of legionellosis and low number of nosocomial pneumonia), was unknown in the literature and the authors could only speculate on its possible minor virulence and/or distribution. The implementation of SBT and international comparisons may be useful to gain genotypic knowledge of circulating environmental strains, also verifying their presence in the clinical setting.
文摘[Objective] To isolate and preserve a high-activity Douchi fibrinolytic enzyme producing strain from Douchi products. [Method] The Douchi flbrinolytic enzyme producing strain was screened on the selected medium prepared with self-made pork blood powder, the strain with the highest activity was screened out according to the size of hydrolysis cycle, and then preserved in LB medium. [ Rebait] A Douchi fibrinolytic enzyme producing strain with high thrombolytic activity was successfully screened out from the Douchi produced in Hunan, Guangdong and Jiangxi Prov- inces. [ Ceadusioe] The study lays foundation for the development of new-type thrombolytic drugs.
文摘This study was conducted to screen the commercial herbicides for algae control in the aquarium. Three herbicides of ametryn, atrazine and metribuzine were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.00 ppm. It is found that ametryn was the most effective herbicide that inhibited algal growth. Ametryn concentration that caused 50% inhibition on algae growth after exposure for 21 days was 0.335 ppm. Survival rate of oruamental fish, Harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and growth rate of aquatic plant (Elodea canadensis) exposed to 10 ppm ametryn were compared with those exposed to algaecide. The result showed that there was no significant difference in survival rate of Harlequin rasbora when exposed to ametryn, algaecide and dechlorinized tap water (control). However, growth rate of E. canadensis was lower after exposure of ametryn compared to those exposed to algaecide and tap water. These results suggest that ametryn has potential to be used as an algal inhibitor in aquarium.
文摘The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cell signal transduction pathways play a key role in determining the survival of cells. If these pathways can be controlled, they will prohibit the proliferation of cancer cells. To attain this goal, the authors utilize many drugs to interact with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 (MEK1) in MAPK, and use computer aided drug design (CADD) to analyze the ligand activities of proteins in MEKL The results show that in these drugs, the aromatic group in the terminal of the protein and the PHE209 will induce the stacking force, which is highly related to the actual activities of these drugs.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.21272017 and 81172917)
文摘As a type II or III transmembrane glycoprotein, human CD38 is ubiquitously expressed in all mammalian tissues. CD38 is a multi-functional enzyme and a member of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family, and it catalyzes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD^+) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) to two distinct Ca^2+ messengers as follows: cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), respectively. Moreover, both cADPR and NAADP mediate mobilization of intracellular Ca^2+ targeting endoplasmic stores and the lysosomes, respectively. In this study, we combined ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening strategies to compare the inhibitor discovery efficacy based on natural substrates and the known inhibitors. The similarity queries towards SPECS database were carried out using ROCS and EON modules of OpenEye software. The hits were further docked to CD38 using AutoDock 4.05 program. In addition, ADME studies were also processed considering solubility in water and membrane permeability. Finally, we identified 17 compotmds-based on natural substrates and 10 compounds based on known inhibitor models. The results showed that the known inhibitor H2-based model was more efficient in virtual screening of CD38 non-covalent inhibitors.
基金Shanghai Natural Science Fund(Grant No.09ZR140430)partially supported by grants National Institute of Health(Grant No.HL69817),VA Merit 00090001
文摘Sphingolipids, a new class of lipid mediators, are involved in a variety of important physiological and pathological processes. Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is an enzyme to convert the ceramide (Cer.) and phosphatidylcholine into sphingomyelin (SM) and diacylglycerol, which plays a key role in sphingolipid biosynthesis. Two SMS isoforms, SMS1 and SMS2, have been identified with different subceUular localizations and expression level in tissues. Previous studies have shown that SMS may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need for a rapid and sensitive method for SMS activity analysis. In our study, we developed a novel method for SMS activity by monitoring the appearance of the product, NBD-SM, in the tissue culture medium or blood and applied this method in cells and mice. In Huh7 cells, the interassay coefficient of variation of the SMS activity assay was (3.60±0.07)% . In wild type (WT) mice, we observed accumulation of NBD-SM in blood in a time dependent fashion. In SMS2 KO mice, NBD-SM in plasma collected at 5- (0%, P〈0.01), 30- (16%, P〈0.01), and 60 min (21%, P〈0.01) after injection of fluorescence liposome solution was significantly decreased compared with WT mice. However, in SMS1 KO mice, NBD-SM in plasma collected 5- and 30 min is similar to that in WT mice. Our results suggest that this method could be used for SMS activity measurement in vitro and in vivo.
文摘The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, has been demonstrated to be critical for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). All aggregation inhibitors are thus considered to be drug candidates for AD therapy. In the present study, we developed a novel screening tool based on the yeast two-hybrid system to screen Aβ aggregation inhibitors. The human Aβ42 peptide cDNA was cloned using assembly PCR and inserted into each of the yeast expression plasmids containing either the GAL4 activation domain (GAL4AD) or the DNA-binding domain (GAL4BD). Co-transformation of the above plasmids led to the expression of the fusion proteins GAL4AD-Aβ42 and GAL4BD-Aβ42 in the AH 109 yeast strain. The self interaction of Aβ42 fragments reconstructed the GAL4 transcriptor and thus activated the GAL4 responsive transcription of four reporter genes including HIS3, ADE2, lacZ and MEL1. The expression of the reporter genes rendered the multiple auxotrophic yeast cells capable of growing on the synthetic SD media lacking adenine and histidine. Growth arrest was used as a marker for screening Aβ aggregation inhibitors in this system, and the evaluation of Rhodiola species revealed potential resources for the development of Aβ aggregation inhibitors.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFB0703600 and 2018YFA0702100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51772186,51632005 and 51371194)。
文摘High-throughput(HTP)experiments play key roles in accelerating the discovery of advanced materials,but the HTP preparation and characterization,especially for bulk samples,are extremely difficult.In this work,we developed a novel and general strategy for HTP screening of high-performance bulk thermoelectric materials.The performed fullchain HTP experiments cover rapid synthesis of the bulk sample with quasi-continuous composition,microarea phase identification and structure analysis,and measurement of the spatial distribution of the sample composition,electrical and thermal transport properties.According to our experiments,bulk Bi_(2-x)Sb_(x)Te_(3)(x=1-2)and Bi_(2)Te_(3-x)Se_(x)(x=0-1.5)samples with quasi-continuous compositions have been rapidly fabricated by this HTP method.The target thermoelectric materials with the best Sb/Bi and Te/Se ratios are successfully screened out based on subsequent HTP characterization results,demonstrating that this HTP technique is effective in speeding up the exploration of novel high-performance thermoelectric materials.
基金Natural Sciences Foundation of China (Grant No. 81872913)National High-tech R&D Program (863 Program, Grant No. 2015AA020911)。
文摘As a zinc-dependent enzyme, metal-β-lactamase L1 contributes to the development of β-lactam antibiotic resistance. The metal-β-lactamase inhibitor can restore the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics, and its development has attracted much attention. In the present study, we used four widely-used virtual screening programs to screen 7035 small molecules to identify potential L1 inhibitors, and a high-throughput experimental model of L1 inhibitors was established. In this high-throughput testing model, the inhibition rate of 163 compounds on L1 exceeded 40%. The results of virtual screening of 7035 small molecules using the following four programs showed that among the top 1.35% of the compounds, their hit rates were ranked as Schr?dinger’s(5.26%), DS(1.05%), and Sybyl-x 2.0(1.05%), and Smina(2.11%).