Thermal behavior and physical properties of castables during curing and drying-out are associated with their binding system. In this work, five alumina based （ Al2O3 〉 87% ） castables with different combinations of...Thermal behavior and physical properties of castables during curing and drying-out are associated with their binding system. In this work, five alumina based （ Al2O3 〉 87% ） castables with different combinations of binding materials, i. e. , （ 1 ） CA cement （CA） ＋ Reactive alumina （ RA ） ＋ H2O ; （ 2 ） high level addi- tion of CA ＋ Microsilica （MS） ＋ H2O ; （ 3 ） low level addition of CA ＋ MS ＋ H2O ; （4） MS ＋ Hydratable alumina ＋ H20 and （ 5 ） MS ＋ Magnesia ＋ H2O, respectively, have been investigated on the flowability and thermal behavior during curing at room temperature, drying at 110% and heating from 200℃ to 1000℃ at an interval of 100℃ , in terms of water addition, vibration flow value, porosity, dehydration, explosion resistance, cold and hot bending strengths. Differences in dehydrating behavior and the mentioned properties have been revealed and correlated to the binding system.展开更多
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a key macromolecule in cell cycle regulation. In cancer cells, CDK2 is often overexpressed and its inhibition is an effective therapy of many cancers including breast carcinomas, le...Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a key macromolecule in cell cycle regulation. In cancer cells, CDK2 is often overexpressed and its inhibition is an effective therapy of many cancers including breast carcinomas, leukemia, and lymphomas. Quantitative characterization of the interactions between CDK2 and its inhibitors at atomic level may provide a deep understanding of protein-inhibitor interactions and clues for more effective drug discovery. In this study, we have used the computational alanine scanning approach in combination with an efficient interaction entropy method to study the microscopic mechanism of binding between CDK2 and its 13 inhibitors. The total binding free energy from the method shows a correlation of 0.76?0.83 with the experimental values. The free energy component reveals two binding mode in the 13 complexes, namely van der Waals dominant, and electrostatic dominant. Decomposition of the total energy to per-residue contribution allows us to identify five hydrophobic residues as hot spots during the binding. Residues that are responsible for determining the strength of the binding were also analyzed.展开更多
Ufmylation is an ubiquitin-like post-translational modification characterized by the covalent binding of mature UFM1 to target proteins.Although the consequences of ufmylation on target proteins are not fully understo...Ufmylation is an ubiquitin-like post-translational modification characterized by the covalent binding of mature UFM1 to target proteins.Although the consequences of ufmylation on target proteins are not fully understood,its importance is evident from the disorders resulting from its dysfunction.Numerous case reports have established a link between biallelic loss-of-function and/or hypomorphic variants in ufmylation-related genes and a spectrum of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.展开更多
Currently, some commercial software applications support users to work in an integrated environment. However, this is limited to the suite of models provided by the software vendor and consequently it forces all the p...Currently, some commercial software applications support users to work in an integrated environment. However, this is limited to the suite of models provided by the software vendor and consequently it forces all the parties to use the same software. In contrast, the research described in this paper investigates ways of using standard software applications, which may be specialized for different professional domains. These are linked for effective transfer of information and a binding mechanism is provided to support consistency. The proposed solution was implemented using a CAD application and an independent finite element application in order to verify the theoretical aspects of this work.展开更多
Background:To investigate SCL/TAL 1 interrupting locus(STIL)’s role and prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)progression,we examined STIL and E2 promoter binding factor 1(E2F1)expression and their impa...Background:To investigate SCL/TAL 1 interrupting locus(STIL)’s role and prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)progression,we examined STIL and E2 promoter binding factor 1(E2F1)expression and their impacts on LUAD prognosis using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA).Methods:Functional assays including CCK-8,wound-healing,5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU),Transwell assays,and flow cytometry,elucidated STIL and E2F1’s effects on cell viability,proliferation,apoptosis,and migration.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)identified potential pathways,while metabolic assays assessed glucose metabolism.Results:Our findings reveal that STIL and E2F1 are overexpressed in LUAD,correlating with adverse outcomes.It enhances cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,and suppresses apoptosis,activating downstream of E2F1.Silencing E2F1 reversed the promotion effect of the STIL overexpression on cell viability and invasiveness.Importantly,STIL modulates glycolysis,influencing glucose consumption,lactate production,and energy balance in LUAD cells.Conclusion:Our model,incorporating STIL,age,and disease stage,robustly predicts patient prognosis,underscored STIL’s pivotal role in LUAD pathogenesis through metabolic reprogramming.This comprehensive approach not only confirms STIL’s prognostic value but also highlights its potential as a therapeutic target in LUAD.展开更多
Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long...Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)and their downstream regulators are regarded to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of malignancies.Studies have shown that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4(SNHG4)serves as a tumor promoter in various malignancies,while its function in GC has yet to be characterized.Therefore,our study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SNHG4 in GC.Methods:We used qRT-PCR to analyze SNHG4 expression in GC tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the correlation between SNHG4 expression and the survival rate of GC patients.Cellular function experiments such as CCK-8,BrdU,colony formation,flow cytometry analysis,and transwell were performed to explore the effects of SNHG4 on GC cell proliferation,apoptosis,cell cycle,migration,and invasion.We also established xenograft mouse models to explore the effect of SNHG4 on GC tumor growth.Mechanically,dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between SNHG4 and miR-409-3p and between miR-409-3p and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1(CREB1).Results:The results indicated that SNHG4 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines,and was linked with poor survival rate of GC patients.SNHG4 promoted GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion while inhibiting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro.The in vivo experiment indicated that SNHG4 facilitated GC tumor growth.Furthermore,SNHG4 was demonstrated to bind to miR-409-3p.Moreover,CREB1 was directly targeted by miR-409-3p.Rescue assays demonstrated that miR-409-3p deficiency reversed the suppressive impact of SNHG4 knockdown on GC cell malignancy.Additionally,miR-409-3p was also revealed to inhibit GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by targeting CREB1.Conclusion:In conclusion,we verified that the SNHG4 promoted GC growth and metastasis by binding to miR-409-3p to upregulate CREB1,which may deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanism in GC development.展开更多
Background Post-weaning diarrhea(PWD)in piglets,often caused by F4^(+)enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC),poses significant challenges in pig production.Traditional solutions like antibiotics and zinc oxide face in...Background Post-weaning diarrhea(PWD)in piglets,often caused by F4^(+)enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC),poses significant challenges in pig production.Traditional solutions like antibiotics and zinc oxide face increasing restrictions due to growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and environmental sustainability.This study investigates the application of bivalent heavy chain variable domain(V_(H)H)constructs(BL1.2 and BL2.2)targeting ETEC virulence factors,administered in feed to mitigate ETEC-induced PWD in weaned piglets.Results The supplementation of BL1.2 and BL2.2 in both mash and pelleted feed significantly reduced the diarrhea incidence and fecal shedding of F4^(+)ETEC in challenged piglets.Pelleted feed containing V_(H)H constructs helped to preserve gut barrier integrity by maintaining levels of the tight junction protein occludin in the small intestine.Additionally,the constructs maintained blood granulocyte counts at a similar level to the non-challenged control group,including neutrophils,and ameliorated the acute phase protein response after challenge.Notably,even at low feed intake immediately after weaning,V_(H)H constructs helped maintain piglet health by mitigating ETEC-induced inflammation and the resulting diarrhea.Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that using V_(H)H constructs as feed additives could serve as an effective strategy to help manage ETEC-associated PWD,by reducing F4^(+)ETEC gut colonization and supporting gut barrier function of weaned piglets.The high stability of these V_(H)H constructs supports their incorporation into industrial feed manufacturing processes,offering a more sustainable preventive strategy compared to traditional antimicrobial interventions,which could contribute to sustainable farming practices.展开更多
The proper flowering time of rose(Rosa hybrida)is vital for the market value of this horticultural crop,but the mechanism regulating this trait is largely unclear.Here,we found that the transcription factor SQUAMOSA P...The proper flowering time of rose(Rosa hybrida)is vital for the market value of this horticultural crop,but the mechanism regulating this trait is largely unclear.Here,we found that the transcription factor SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE4(RhSPL4)positively regulates flowering time in rose.Transient silencing or overexpression transgenic rose plants of RhSPL4 exhibited delayed or early flowering,respectively.Analysis of transcriptome data from transgenic lines overexpressing RhSPL4 compared to the wild type indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the circadian rhythm pathway.Among the proteins encoded by these genes,RhSPL4 binds to the promoter of PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 5-LIKE(RhPRR5L),as revealed in yeast one-hybrid,dual-Luciferase/Renilla luciferase reporter,chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Furthermore,RhSPL4 specifically binds to the478 to441 bp region of the RhPRR5L promoter and activates its transcription.The silencing of RhPRR5L delayed flowering time in rose,resembling the phenotype of RhSPL4-silenced plants.Together,these results indicate that the RhSPL4-RhPRR5L module positively regulates flowering time in rose,laying the foundation for the genetic improvement of flowering time in this important horticultural crop.展开更多
Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate.San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang(SZKJT),a Chinese herbal formula,has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical pract...Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate.San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang(SZKJT),a Chinese herbal formula,has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical practice.Although its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC have been previously elucidated,the potential interactions and mechanisms between the active phytochemicals and their therapeutic targets are still lacking.Methods The present study employed network pharmacology and topology approaches to establish a“herbal ingredients–active phytochemicals–target interaction”network to explore the potential therapeutic targets of SZKJT-active phytochemicals in the treatment of OSCC.The role of the target proteins in oncogenesis was assessed via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses,and their interactions with the active phytochemicals of SZKJT were calculated via molecular docking and dynamic simulations.The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the active phytochemicals were also predicted.Results A total of 171 active phytochemicals of SZKJT fulfilled the bioavailability and drug-likeness screening criteria,with the flavonoids quercetin,kaempferol,and naringenin having the greatest potential.The 4 crucial targets of these active phytochemicals are PTGS2,TNF,BCL2,and CASP3,which encode cyclooxygenase-2,tumor necrosis factor(TNF),BCL-2 apoptosis regulator,and caspase-3,respectively.The interactions between phytochemicals and target proteins were predicted to be thermodynamically feasible and stable via molecular docking and dynamics simulations.Finally,the results revealed that the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway and TNF signaling via NF-κB are the two prominent pathways targeted by SZKJT.Conclusion In summary,this study provides computational data for in-depth exploration of the mechanism by which SZKJT activates phytochemicals to treat OSCC.展开更多
The copper complexing of dissolved organic matter released from hydrochar(HDOM)affects the former’s environmental behavior.In this study,how hydrothermal temperatures(180,220 and 260℃)influence the molecular-level c...The copper complexing of dissolved organic matter released from hydrochar(HDOM)affects the former’s environmental behavior.In this study,how hydrothermal temperatures(180,220 and 260℃)influence the molecular-level constitutions and Cu(II)binding features of HDOM were elucidated via fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and multi-spectroscopic analysis.The findings demonstrated that the almost HDOM molecules had the traits of lower polarity and higher hydrophobicity.As the hydrothermal temperature increased,the molecules with particularly high relative strength gradually disappeared,average molecular weight,percentages of CHON and aliphatic compounds of HDOM reduced while the percentages of CHO and aromatic compounds increased.In general,the fluorescence quenching of Cu(II)weakened as hydrothermal temperature rose and the Cu(II)binding stability constants of fluorophores in HDOM were 4.50–5.31.In addition,the Cu(II) binding order of fluorophores in HDOM showed temperature heterogeneities, andpolysaccharides or aromatic rings of non-fluorescent substances had the fastest responsesto Cu(II) binding. Generally, fluorescent components tend to bind Cu(II) at relatively traceconcentrations (0–40 μmol/L), whereas non-fluorescent substances tend to the bind Cu(II)at relatively higher concentrations (50–100 μmol/L). This study contributed to the predictionof the potential environmental behaviors and risks of Cu(II) at the molecular level afterhydrochar application.展开更多
Influenza,a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus,is a threat to public health worldwide.Avian influenza viruses(AIVs)have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing t...Influenza,a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus,is a threat to public health worldwide.Avian influenza viruses(AIVs)have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing the species barrier through mutation of viral genome.Here,we investigated the pathogenicity of AIVs obtained from South Korea and Mongolia during 2018–2019 by measuring viral titers in the lungs and extrapulmonary organs of mouse models.In addition,we assessed the pathogenicity of AIVs in ferret models.Moreover,we compared the ability of viruses to replicate in mammalian cells,as well as the receptor-binding preferences of AIV isolates.Genetic analyses were finally performed to identify the genetic relationships and amino acid substitutions between viral proteins during mammalian adaptation.Of the 24 AIV isolates tested,A/Mallard/South Korea/KNU2019-34/2019(KNU19-34;H1N1)caused severe bodyweight loss and high mortality in mice.The virus replicated in the lungs,kidneys,and heart.Importantly,KNU19-34-infected ferrets showed high viral loads in both nasal washes and lungs.KNU19-34 replicated rapidly in A549 and bound preferentially to human likeα2,6-linked sialic acids rather than to avian-likeα2,3-linked sialic acids,similar to the pandemic A/California/04/2009(H1N1)strain.Gene segments of KNU19-34 were distributed in Egypt and Asia lineages from 2015 to 2018,and the virus had several amino acid substitutions compared to H1N1 AIV isolates that were non-pathogenic in mice.Collectively,the data suggest that KNU19-34 has zoonotic potential and the possibility of new mutations responsible for mammalian adaptation.展开更多
Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant...Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticoagulant,and anti-diabetic effects.Growth/differentiation factor-15(GDF-15),a member of the transforming growth factorβsuperfamily,is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism.The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo,and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress signaling in this process.Luciferase reporter assays,chromatin immunoprecipitation,and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),CCAAT enhancer binding proteinγ(CEBPG),and CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF).The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene,as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity.Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells(ECs),hepatoma cell line G2(HepG2)and hepatoma cell line 3B(Hep3B)cell lines,and primary mouse hepatocytes.The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene.SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15.In high-fat diet ApoE^(-/-)mice,administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15.These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity,indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.展开更多
Chloride ions(Cl^(-))have been shown to impact the long-lasting nature of reinforced concrete.However,Cl^(-)that are already bound inside the concrete will not lead to the deterioration of the concrete’s characterist...Chloride ions(Cl^(-))have been shown to impact the long-lasting nature of reinforced concrete.However,Cl^(-)that are already bound inside the concrete will not lead to the deterioration of the concrete’s characteristics.The composition of the cement-based material,including the type of cement and auxiliary materials,greatly influences the ability of the material to bind Cl^(-),and varied components result in varying binding beha-vior of the Cl^(-).Simultaneously,the Cl^(-)binding process in concrete is influenced by both the internal and exterior surroundings,as well as the curing practices.These factors impact the hydration process of the cement and the internal pore structure of the concrete.Currently,mathematical theories and molecular dynamics simulations have increasingly been employed as the prevalent methods for examining the binding behaviors of Cl^(-)in concrete.These techniques are extensively utilized for predicting the lifespan and conducting microscopic studies of reinforced concrete in Cl^(-)settings.This work proposes recommendations for future research based on a summary of experimental and simulation investigations on Cl^(-)binding.Which will offer theoretical guidance for studying the binding of Cl^(-)in cement-based materials.展开更多
Objective Junctophilin-2(JPH2)is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum,thereby facilitating ...Objective Junctophilin-2(JPH2)is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum,thereby facilitating excitationcontraction(E-C)coupling.Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM),but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus(MORN)repeat motifs remain incompletely understood.This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis.Methods A recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2(residues 1-440),encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region,was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain.Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features.Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells.In addition,site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations,including R347C,was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization.Results The crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6Å,revealing a compact,elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration,forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues.A C-terminalα-helix further reinforced structural integrity.Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface,suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface.A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues,located adjacent to the MORN motifs,was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes.Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association,while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays,despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling.Conclusion This study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2,highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions.The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis.These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.展开更多
A key characteristic to be elucidated,to address the harmful health risks of environmental perfluorinated alkyl substances(PFAS),is their binding modes to serum albumin,the most abundant protein in blood.Hexafluoropro...A key characteristic to be elucidated,to address the harmful health risks of environmental perfluorinated alkyl substances(PFAS),is their binding modes to serum albumin,the most abundant protein in blood.Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid(GenX or HFPO-DA)is a new industrial replacement for the widespread linear long-chain PFAS.However,the detailed interaction of new-generation short-chain PFAS with albumin is still lacking.Herein,the binding characteristics of bovine serum albumin(BSA)to GenX were explored at the molecular and cellular levels.Itwas found that this branched short-chain GenX could bind to BSA with affinity lower than that of legacy linear long-chain perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA).Site marker competitive study and molecular docking simulation revealed that GenX interacted with subdomain IIIA to form BSA-GenX complex.Consistent with its weaker affinity to albumin protein,the cytotoxicity of branched short-chain GenX was less susceptible to BSA binding compared with that of the linear long-chain PFOA.In contrast to the significant effects of strong BSA-PFOA interaction,the weak affinity of BSA-GenX binding did not influence the structure of protein and the cytotoxicity of GenX.The detailed characterization and direct comparisons of serum albumin interaction with new generation short-chain GenX will provide a better understanding for the toxicological properties of this new alternative.展开更多
Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) serves as the ultimate mediator of fever induced by infiammatory factors. In contrast to cyclooxygenase inhibitors that suppress arachidonic acid metabolism, antipyretic herbs possess a well-est...Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) serves as the ultimate mediator of fever induced by infiammatory factors. In contrast to cyclooxygenase inhibitors that suppress arachidonic acid metabolism, antipyretic herbs possess a well-established clinical history in effectively managing fever. However, the specific mechanisms underlying their efficacy remain unclear. Following the screening for lead compounds that inhibit PGE2from antipyretic herbs, alkynylated active molecule probes were designed and synthesized to track and identify potential targets. The target investigation revealed that three antipyretic compounds, namely cinnamaldehyde, 2,4-decadienal, and perillaldehyde, containing α,β-unsaturated aldehyde groups irreversibly targeted the microsomal PGES1-TM4 helix(m PGES1-TM4) at Ser139. This specific interaction effectually inhibited PGE2 production in the cerebral vasculature, leading to exert potent antipyretic effects.α,β-Unsaturated aldehydes targeting m PGES1-TM4 offer a new approach for antipyretic effects with significant potential for various applications.展开更多
Iron removal from zinc leachate in hydrometallurgy produces large volumes of low-grade,impurity-laden iron waste,posing significant environmental challenges.Magnetite precipitation offers a novel method for iron remov...Iron removal from zinc leachate in hydrometallurgy produces large volumes of low-grade,impurity-laden iron waste,posing significant environmental challenges.Magnetite precipitation offers a novel method for iron removal and resource recycling in zinc hydrometallurgy.However,the chemical similarity between ferrous and zinc ions,along with high zinc concentrations,causes zinc co-precipitation,challenging its application.To address this issue,this study utilized electron microscopy to observe key intermediate products in magnetite crystallization and employed EXAFS(extended X-ray absorption fine structure)to analyze their evolutionary mechanisms and zinc-binding configurations.The results indicate that the intermediate products during magnetite formation are sequentially green rust,feroxyhyte(δ-FeOOH),and weakly crystalline nanoparticles,and further analysis revealed that their transformation follows the dissolution-recrystallization mechanism.Furthermore,it was found that intermediate products such as green rust exhibit strong binding with zinc(via adsorption and lattice substitution),which was confirmed as a significant reason for the difficulty in separating zinc from magnetite.This study elucidates the transformation process of intermediate products during magnetite formation and,for the first time,reveals the binding configurations of zinc with these key intermediate products.This has significant implications for the development and optimization of new technologies for the efficient separation of iron and zinc during the magnetite precipitation process.展开更多
BACKGROUND Pancreatic surgery has markedly evolved during the past several years with the development of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy.pancreaticojejunostomy(PJ),also known as pancreatoenterostomy,...BACKGROUND Pancreatic surgery has markedly evolved during the past several years with the development of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy.pancreaticojejunostomy(PJ),also known as pancreatoenterostomy,is a critical step in surgical reconstruction after pancreatic resection.However,the laparoscopic performance of PJ presents additional technical challenges,especially in achieving a secure anastomosis while preserving the integrity of pancreatic tissue.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of binding and interlocking PJ(BIPJ)as a novel technique in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.METHODS Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic surgery from 2018 to 2023 were obtained from the hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery database of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and retrospectively analyzed.According to the different PJ methods used during surgery,the patients were divided into two groups:The BIPJ group and the ductto-mucosa PJ(DMPJ)group.RESULTS BIPJ was performed in 33 patients,and DMPJ was performed in 34 patients.The operative time was significantly shorter in the BIPJ group(median,340 minutes;interquartile range,310-350)than in the DMPJ group(median,388 minutes;interquartile range,341-464)(P=0.004).No significant differences were found between the DMPJ and BIPJ groups in terms of the rates of pancreatic fistula,intra-abdominal hemorrhage,intra-abdominal abscess,postoperative biliary fistula,reoperation,or postoperative hospital stay.CONCLUSION The suitability of laparoscopic PJ for all pancreatic textures,ability to perform full laparoscopy,shorter operation time,and comparable safety with traditional PJ make BIPJ a promising option for both surgeons and patients.展开更多
Bioinformatics,an interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science,biology,information technology,and statistics,plays a pivotal role in analyzing and interpreting biological data.It has become an indispensabl...Bioinformatics,an interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science,biology,information technology,and statistics,plays a pivotal role in analyzing and interpreting biological data.It has become an indispensable tool in the design and discovery of novel drugs by facilitating the analysis of biological datasets and aiding in the identification of potential therapeutic targets.With the rise of antibiotic resistance among bacterial species,the demand for new drug development has intensified.However,the process of drug discovery remains labor-intensive,costly,and time-consuming.The identification of new drugs involves multiple critical stages,including target identification,structural analysis of the target protein,selection of potential drug candidates,safety and efficacy assessments,drug optimization,and ultimately,validation.Bioinformatics contributes significantly to each of these phases.For instance,through the analysis of protein sequences and genetic data,researchers can pinpoint potential drug targets.Once a target protein is identified,bioinformatics tools enable detailed structural analysis of the protein.Upon locating the potential ligand-binding site,large compound databases can be screened to discover viable drug candidates.Simulations further aid in examining the interaction between the target protein and biomolecules,providing valuable insights into the drug’s safety and efficacy.Moreover,bioinformatics-driven drug optimization helps improve both safety and effectiveness.Recent advances,such as pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking techniques,have accelerated the screening process,narrowing thousands of candidate molecules down to a select few with promising therapeutic potential.In this study,bioinformatics was leveraged within the framework of network pharmacology to design and discover new drugs.展开更多
文摘Thermal behavior and physical properties of castables during curing and drying-out are associated with their binding system. In this work, five alumina based （ Al2O3 〉 87% ） castables with different combinations of binding materials, i. e. , （ 1 ） CA cement （CA） ＋ Reactive alumina （ RA ） ＋ H2O ; （ 2 ） high level addi- tion of CA ＋ Microsilica （MS） ＋ H2O ; （ 3 ） low level addition of CA ＋ MS ＋ H2O ; （4） MS ＋ Hydratable alumina ＋ H20 and （ 5 ） MS ＋ Magnesia ＋ H2O, respectively, have been investigated on the flowability and thermal behavior during curing at room temperature, drying at 110% and heating from 200℃ to 1000℃ at an interval of 100℃ , in terms of water addition, vibration flow value, porosity, dehydration, explosion resistance, cold and hot bending strengths. Differences in dehydrating behavior and the mentioned properties have been revealed and correlated to the binding system.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China (No.2016YFA0501700)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.21433004, No.31700646, No.91753103)+1 种基金Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (201701070005E00020)NYU Global Seed Grant
文摘Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a key macromolecule in cell cycle regulation. In cancer cells, CDK2 is often overexpressed and its inhibition is an effective therapy of many cancers including breast carcinomas, leukemia, and lymphomas. Quantitative characterization of the interactions between CDK2 and its inhibitors at atomic level may provide a deep understanding of protein-inhibitor interactions and clues for more effective drug discovery. In this study, we have used the computational alanine scanning approach in combination with an efficient interaction entropy method to study the microscopic mechanism of binding between CDK2 and its 13 inhibitors. The total binding free energy from the method shows a correlation of 0.76?0.83 with the experimental values. The free energy component reveals two binding mode in the 13 complexes, namely van der Waals dominant, and electrostatic dominant. Decomposition of the total energy to per-residue contribution allows us to identify five hydrophobic residues as hot spots during the binding. Residues that are responsible for determining the strength of the binding were also analyzed.
文摘Ufmylation is an ubiquitin-like post-translational modification characterized by the covalent binding of mature UFM1 to target proteins.Although the consequences of ufmylation on target proteins are not fully understood,its importance is evident from the disorders resulting from its dysfunction.Numerous case reports have established a link between biallelic loss-of-function and/or hypomorphic variants in ufmylation-related genes and a spectrum of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
文摘Currently, some commercial software applications support users to work in an integrated environment. However, this is limited to the suite of models provided by the software vendor and consequently it forces all the parties to use the same software. In contrast, the research described in this paper investigates ways of using standard software applications, which may be specialized for different professional domains. These are linked for effective transfer of information and a binding mechanism is provided to support consistency. The proposed solution was implemented using a CAD application and an independent finite element application in order to verify the theoretical aspects of this work.
文摘Background:To investigate SCL/TAL 1 interrupting locus(STIL)’s role and prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)progression,we examined STIL and E2 promoter binding factor 1(E2F1)expression and their impacts on LUAD prognosis using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA).Methods:Functional assays including CCK-8,wound-healing,5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU),Transwell assays,and flow cytometry,elucidated STIL and E2F1’s effects on cell viability,proliferation,apoptosis,and migration.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)identified potential pathways,while metabolic assays assessed glucose metabolism.Results:Our findings reveal that STIL and E2F1 are overexpressed in LUAD,correlating with adverse outcomes.It enhances cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,and suppresses apoptosis,activating downstream of E2F1.Silencing E2F1 reversed the promotion effect of the STIL overexpression on cell viability and invasiveness.Importantly,STIL modulates glycolysis,influencing glucose consumption,lactate production,and energy balance in LUAD cells.Conclusion:Our model,incorporating STIL,age,and disease stage,robustly predicts patient prognosis,underscored STIL’s pivotal role in LUAD pathogenesis through metabolic reprogramming.This comprehensive approach not only confirms STIL’s prognostic value but also highlights its potential as a therapeutic target in LUAD.
文摘Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)and their downstream regulators are regarded to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of malignancies.Studies have shown that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4(SNHG4)serves as a tumor promoter in various malignancies,while its function in GC has yet to be characterized.Therefore,our study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SNHG4 in GC.Methods:We used qRT-PCR to analyze SNHG4 expression in GC tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the correlation between SNHG4 expression and the survival rate of GC patients.Cellular function experiments such as CCK-8,BrdU,colony formation,flow cytometry analysis,and transwell were performed to explore the effects of SNHG4 on GC cell proliferation,apoptosis,cell cycle,migration,and invasion.We also established xenograft mouse models to explore the effect of SNHG4 on GC tumor growth.Mechanically,dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between SNHG4 and miR-409-3p and between miR-409-3p and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1(CREB1).Results:The results indicated that SNHG4 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines,and was linked with poor survival rate of GC patients.SNHG4 promoted GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion while inhibiting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro.The in vivo experiment indicated that SNHG4 facilitated GC tumor growth.Furthermore,SNHG4 was demonstrated to bind to miR-409-3p.Moreover,CREB1 was directly targeted by miR-409-3p.Rescue assays demonstrated that miR-409-3p deficiency reversed the suppressive impact of SNHG4 knockdown on GC cell malignancy.Additionally,miR-409-3p was also revealed to inhibit GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by targeting CREB1.Conclusion:In conclusion,we verified that the SNHG4 promoted GC growth and metastasis by binding to miR-409-3p to upregulate CREB1,which may deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanism in GC development.
基金financially supported by the Green Development and Demonstration Programme(GUDP)(case number 34009-19-1585)。
文摘Background Post-weaning diarrhea(PWD)in piglets,often caused by F4^(+)enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC),poses significant challenges in pig production.Traditional solutions like antibiotics and zinc oxide face increasing restrictions due to growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and environmental sustainability.This study investigates the application of bivalent heavy chain variable domain(V_(H)H)constructs(BL1.2 and BL2.2)targeting ETEC virulence factors,administered in feed to mitigate ETEC-induced PWD in weaned piglets.Results The supplementation of BL1.2 and BL2.2 in both mash and pelleted feed significantly reduced the diarrhea incidence and fecal shedding of F4^(+)ETEC in challenged piglets.Pelleted feed containing V_(H)H constructs helped to preserve gut barrier integrity by maintaining levels of the tight junction protein occludin in the small intestine.Additionally,the constructs maintained blood granulocyte counts at a similar level to the non-challenged control group,including neutrophils,and ameliorated the acute phase protein response after challenge.Notably,even at low feed intake immediately after weaning,V_(H)H constructs helped maintain piglet health by mitigating ETEC-induced inflammation and the resulting diarrhea.Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that using V_(H)H constructs as feed additives could serve as an effective strategy to help manage ETEC-associated PWD,by reducing F4^(+)ETEC gut colonization and supporting gut barrier function of weaned piglets.The high stability of these V_(H)H constructs supports their incorporation into industrial feed manufacturing processes,offering a more sustainable preventive strategy compared to traditional antimicrobial interventions,which could contribute to sustainable farming practices.
基金supported by Yunnan Province Agricultural Joint Key Project(Grant No.202401BD070001-016)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32202530)+3 种基金Talent Introduction and Training Project of Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.2024RCYP-09)Fundamental Research Project(Grant No.202401CF070046)Xingdian Talent support program(XDYC-QNRC-2023-0457)Yunnan Technology Innovation Center of Flower Technique.
文摘The proper flowering time of rose(Rosa hybrida)is vital for the market value of this horticultural crop,but the mechanism regulating this trait is largely unclear.Here,we found that the transcription factor SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE4(RhSPL4)positively regulates flowering time in rose.Transient silencing or overexpression transgenic rose plants of RhSPL4 exhibited delayed or early flowering,respectively.Analysis of transcriptome data from transgenic lines overexpressing RhSPL4 compared to the wild type indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the circadian rhythm pathway.Among the proteins encoded by these genes,RhSPL4 binds to the promoter of PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 5-LIKE(RhPRR5L),as revealed in yeast one-hybrid,dual-Luciferase/Renilla luciferase reporter,chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Furthermore,RhSPL4 specifically binds to the478 to441 bp region of the RhPRR5L promoter and activates its transcription.The silencing of RhPRR5L delayed flowering time in rose,resembling the phenotype of RhSPL4-silenced plants.Together,these results indicate that the RhSPL4-RhPRR5L module positively regulates flowering time in rose,laying the foundation for the genetic improvement of flowering time in this important horticultural crop.
文摘Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate.San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang(SZKJT),a Chinese herbal formula,has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical practice.Although its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC have been previously elucidated,the potential interactions and mechanisms between the active phytochemicals and their therapeutic targets are still lacking.Methods The present study employed network pharmacology and topology approaches to establish a“herbal ingredients–active phytochemicals–target interaction”network to explore the potential therapeutic targets of SZKJT-active phytochemicals in the treatment of OSCC.The role of the target proteins in oncogenesis was assessed via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses,and their interactions with the active phytochemicals of SZKJT were calculated via molecular docking and dynamic simulations.The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the active phytochemicals were also predicted.Results A total of 171 active phytochemicals of SZKJT fulfilled the bioavailability and drug-likeness screening criteria,with the flavonoids quercetin,kaempferol,and naringenin having the greatest potential.The 4 crucial targets of these active phytochemicals are PTGS2,TNF,BCL2,and CASP3,which encode cyclooxygenase-2,tumor necrosis factor(TNF),BCL-2 apoptosis regulator,and caspase-3,respectively.The interactions between phytochemicals and target proteins were predicted to be thermodynamically feasible and stable via molecular docking and dynamics simulations.Finally,the results revealed that the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway and TNF signaling via NF-κB are the two prominent pathways targeted by SZKJT.Conclusion In summary,this study provides computational data for in-depth exploration of the mechanism by which SZKJT activates phytochemicals to treat OSCC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42307090)the Open Subject from State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Aquatic Ecosystem Health in theMiddle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River(No.AEHKF2023008).
文摘The copper complexing of dissolved organic matter released from hydrochar(HDOM)affects the former’s environmental behavior.In this study,how hydrothermal temperatures(180,220 and 260℃)influence the molecular-level constitutions and Cu(II)binding features of HDOM were elucidated via fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and multi-spectroscopic analysis.The findings demonstrated that the almost HDOM molecules had the traits of lower polarity and higher hydrophobicity.As the hydrothermal temperature increased,the molecules with particularly high relative strength gradually disappeared,average molecular weight,percentages of CHON and aliphatic compounds of HDOM reduced while the percentages of CHO and aromatic compounds increased.In general,the fluorescence quenching of Cu(II)weakened as hydrothermal temperature rose and the Cu(II)binding stability constants of fluorophores in HDOM were 4.50–5.31.In addition,the Cu(II) binding order of fluorophores in HDOM showed temperature heterogeneities, andpolysaccharides or aromatic rings of non-fluorescent substances had the fastest responsesto Cu(II) binding. Generally, fluorescent components tend to bind Cu(II) at relatively traceconcentrations (0–40 μmol/L), whereas non-fluorescent substances tend to the bind Cu(II)at relatively higher concentrations (50–100 μmol/L). This study contributed to the predictionof the potential environmental behaviors and risks of Cu(II) at the molecular level afterhydrochar application.
基金funded by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(2018M3A9H4055203 and 2023R1A2C2003679)from the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI),funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(HV23C1857)from KRIBB Research Initiative Program(KGM9942421).
文摘Influenza,a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus,is a threat to public health worldwide.Avian influenza viruses(AIVs)have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing the species barrier through mutation of viral genome.Here,we investigated the pathogenicity of AIVs obtained from South Korea and Mongolia during 2018–2019 by measuring viral titers in the lungs and extrapulmonary organs of mouse models.In addition,we assessed the pathogenicity of AIVs in ferret models.Moreover,we compared the ability of viruses to replicate in mammalian cells,as well as the receptor-binding preferences of AIV isolates.Genetic analyses were finally performed to identify the genetic relationships and amino acid substitutions between viral proteins during mammalian adaptation.Of the 24 AIV isolates tested,A/Mallard/South Korea/KNU2019-34/2019(KNU19-34;H1N1)caused severe bodyweight loss and high mortality in mice.The virus replicated in the lungs,kidneys,and heart.Importantly,KNU19-34-infected ferrets showed high viral loads in both nasal washes and lungs.KNU19-34 replicated rapidly in A549 and bound preferentially to human likeα2,6-linked sialic acids rather than to avian-likeα2,3-linked sialic acids,similar to the pandemic A/California/04/2009(H1N1)strain.Gene segments of KNU19-34 were distributed in Egypt and Asia lineages from 2015 to 2018,and the virus had several amino acid substitutions compared to H1N1 AIV isolates that were non-pathogenic in mice.Collectively,the data suggest that KNU19-34 has zoonotic potential and the possibility of new mutations responsible for mammalian adaptation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82171552 and 82170479)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Ctiy(No.21ZR1457500)the Science and Technology Bureau of Shanghai Putuo District(No.ptkwws202102).
文摘Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticoagulant,and anti-diabetic effects.Growth/differentiation factor-15(GDF-15),a member of the transforming growth factorβsuperfamily,is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism.The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo,and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress signaling in this process.Luciferase reporter assays,chromatin immunoprecipitation,and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),CCAAT enhancer binding proteinγ(CEBPG),and CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF).The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene,as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity.Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells(ECs),hepatoma cell line G2(HepG2)and hepatoma cell line 3B(Hep3B)cell lines,and primary mouse hepatocytes.The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene.SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15.In high-fat diet ApoE^(-/-)mice,administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15.These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity,indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
文摘Chloride ions(Cl^(-))have been shown to impact the long-lasting nature of reinforced concrete.However,Cl^(-)that are already bound inside the concrete will not lead to the deterioration of the concrete’s characteristics.The composition of the cement-based material,including the type of cement and auxiliary materials,greatly influences the ability of the material to bind Cl^(-),and varied components result in varying binding beha-vior of the Cl^(-).Simultaneously,the Cl^(-)binding process in concrete is influenced by both the internal and exterior surroundings,as well as the curing practices.These factors impact the hydration process of the cement and the internal pore structure of the concrete.Currently,mathematical theories and molecular dynamics simulations have increasingly been employed as the prevalent methods for examining the binding behaviors of Cl^(-)in concrete.These techniques are extensively utilized for predicting the lifespan and conducting microscopic studies of reinforced concrete in Cl^(-)settings.This work proposes recommendations for future research based on a summary of experimental and simulation investigations on Cl^(-)binding.Which will offer theoretical guidance for studying the binding of Cl^(-)in cement-based materials.
文摘Objective Junctophilin-2(JPH2)is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum,thereby facilitating excitationcontraction(E-C)coupling.Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM),but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus(MORN)repeat motifs remain incompletely understood.This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis.Methods A recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2(residues 1-440),encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region,was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain.Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features.Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells.In addition,site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations,including R347C,was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization.Results The crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6Å,revealing a compact,elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration,forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues.A C-terminalα-helix further reinforced structural integrity.Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface,suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface.A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues,located adjacent to the MORN motifs,was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes.Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association,while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays,despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling.Conclusion This study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2,highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions.The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis.These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31960196,31760255,and 82260637)Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.20212BAB205016).
文摘A key characteristic to be elucidated,to address the harmful health risks of environmental perfluorinated alkyl substances(PFAS),is their binding modes to serum albumin,the most abundant protein in blood.Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid(GenX or HFPO-DA)is a new industrial replacement for the widespread linear long-chain PFAS.However,the detailed interaction of new-generation short-chain PFAS with albumin is still lacking.Herein,the binding characteristics of bovine serum albumin(BSA)to GenX were explored at the molecular and cellular levels.Itwas found that this branched short-chain GenX could bind to BSA with affinity lower than that of legacy linear long-chain perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA).Site marker competitive study and molecular docking simulation revealed that GenX interacted with subdomain IIIA to form BSA-GenX complex.Consistent with its weaker affinity to albumin protein,the cytotoxicity of branched short-chain GenX was less susceptible to BSA binding compared with that of the linear long-chain PFOA.In contrast to the significant effects of strong BSA-PFOA interaction,the weak affinity of BSA-GenX binding did not influence the structure of protein and the cytotoxicity of GenX.The detailed characterization and direct comparisons of serum albumin interaction with new generation short-chain GenX will provide a better understanding for the toxicological properties of this new alternative.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Nos. 2022YFC3500800 and 2022YFC3500805)。
文摘Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) serves as the ultimate mediator of fever induced by infiammatory factors. In contrast to cyclooxygenase inhibitors that suppress arachidonic acid metabolism, antipyretic herbs possess a well-established clinical history in effectively managing fever. However, the specific mechanisms underlying their efficacy remain unclear. Following the screening for lead compounds that inhibit PGE2from antipyretic herbs, alkynylated active molecule probes were designed and synthesized to track and identify potential targets. The target investigation revealed that three antipyretic compounds, namely cinnamaldehyde, 2,4-decadienal, and perillaldehyde, containing α,β-unsaturated aldehyde groups irreversibly targeted the microsomal PGES1-TM4 helix(m PGES1-TM4) at Ser139. This specific interaction effectually inhibited PGE2 production in the cerebral vasculature, leading to exert potent antipyretic effects.α,β-Unsaturated aldehydes targeting m PGES1-TM4 offer a new approach for antipyretic effects with significant potential for various applications.
基金Project(2022YFC3900200)supported by the Foundation for the National Key R&D Program of ChinaProjects(52404375,22276218)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(52121004)supported by the Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China。
文摘Iron removal from zinc leachate in hydrometallurgy produces large volumes of low-grade,impurity-laden iron waste,posing significant environmental challenges.Magnetite precipitation offers a novel method for iron removal and resource recycling in zinc hydrometallurgy.However,the chemical similarity between ferrous and zinc ions,along with high zinc concentrations,causes zinc co-precipitation,challenging its application.To address this issue,this study utilized electron microscopy to observe key intermediate products in magnetite crystallization and employed EXAFS(extended X-ray absorption fine structure)to analyze their evolutionary mechanisms and zinc-binding configurations.The results indicate that the intermediate products during magnetite formation are sequentially green rust,feroxyhyte(δ-FeOOH),and weakly crystalline nanoparticles,and further analysis revealed that their transformation follows the dissolution-recrystallization mechanism.Furthermore,it was found that intermediate products such as green rust exhibit strong binding with zinc(via adsorption and lattice substitution),which was confirmed as a significant reason for the difficulty in separating zinc from magnetite.This study elucidates the transformation process of intermediate products during magnetite formation and,for the first time,reveals the binding configurations of zinc with these key intermediate products.This has significant implications for the development and optimization of new technologies for the efficient separation of iron and zinc during the magnetite precipitation process.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82272634 and No.62233016.
文摘BACKGROUND Pancreatic surgery has markedly evolved during the past several years with the development of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy.pancreaticojejunostomy(PJ),also known as pancreatoenterostomy,is a critical step in surgical reconstruction after pancreatic resection.However,the laparoscopic performance of PJ presents additional technical challenges,especially in achieving a secure anastomosis while preserving the integrity of pancreatic tissue.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of binding and interlocking PJ(BIPJ)as a novel technique in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.METHODS Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic surgery from 2018 to 2023 were obtained from the hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery database of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and retrospectively analyzed.According to the different PJ methods used during surgery,the patients were divided into two groups:The BIPJ group and the ductto-mucosa PJ(DMPJ)group.RESULTS BIPJ was performed in 33 patients,and DMPJ was performed in 34 patients.The operative time was significantly shorter in the BIPJ group(median,340 minutes;interquartile range,310-350)than in the DMPJ group(median,388 minutes;interquartile range,341-464)(P=0.004).No significant differences were found between the DMPJ and BIPJ groups in terms of the rates of pancreatic fistula,intra-abdominal hemorrhage,intra-abdominal abscess,postoperative biliary fistula,reoperation,or postoperative hospital stay.CONCLUSION The suitability of laparoscopic PJ for all pancreatic textures,ability to perform full laparoscopy,shorter operation time,and comparable safety with traditional PJ make BIPJ a promising option for both surgeons and patients.
文摘Bioinformatics,an interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science,biology,information technology,and statistics,plays a pivotal role in analyzing and interpreting biological data.It has become an indispensable tool in the design and discovery of novel drugs by facilitating the analysis of biological datasets and aiding in the identification of potential therapeutic targets.With the rise of antibiotic resistance among bacterial species,the demand for new drug development has intensified.However,the process of drug discovery remains labor-intensive,costly,and time-consuming.The identification of new drugs involves multiple critical stages,including target identification,structural analysis of the target protein,selection of potential drug candidates,safety and efficacy assessments,drug optimization,and ultimately,validation.Bioinformatics contributes significantly to each of these phases.For instance,through the analysis of protein sequences and genetic data,researchers can pinpoint potential drug targets.Once a target protein is identified,bioinformatics tools enable detailed structural analysis of the protein.Upon locating the potential ligand-binding site,large compound databases can be screened to discover viable drug candidates.Simulations further aid in examining the interaction between the target protein and biomolecules,providing valuable insights into the drug’s safety and efficacy.Moreover,bioinformatics-driven drug optimization helps improve both safety and effectiveness.Recent advances,such as pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking techniques,have accelerated the screening process,narrowing thousands of candidate molecules down to a select few with promising therapeutic potential.In this study,bioinformatics was leveraged within the framework of network pharmacology to design and discover new drugs.
