The phytochemical investigation of the rainforest plant Croton argyratus (Euphorbiaceae) led to the isolation of two halimane-type diterpenes, crotargyolides A (1) and B (2), with an uncommon γ-lactone ring at C-5 and C-9, together with a crotofolane-type diterpene, 3-hydroxylated crotofolin C (3, crokocrotogenoid A), and the known clerodane diterpenes, junceic acid (4) and epoxyjunceic acid (5). The structures of the newly isolated compounds were elucidated by various NMR techniques, high resolution (HR)MS analysis, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. The proposed biosynthetic pathway of 1 from 4 was discussed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDifferential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) can be an effective high-throughput screening assay in drug discovery for detecting protein-compound interactions that stabilize or destabilize macromolecules. Due to the magnitude and quality of the data produced by this biophysical assay, analyzing and prioritizing compounds from large-scale DSF data sets has proven challenging to the research community. Here, we present ShiftScan-a powerful, stand-alone tool designed for the rapid analysis of DSF data and compound prioritization based on thermal transition patterns.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn anti-HIV screening of natural product extracts resulted in the discovery of a new antiviral protein through bioassay-guided fractionation of an aqueous extract of the ascidian Didemnum molle. The protein was sequenced through a combination of tandem mass spectroscopy and N-terminal Edman degradation of peptide fragments after a series of endoproteinase digestions. The primary amino acid sequence and disulfide bonding pattern of the 102-amino acid protein were closely related to the antiviral protein cyanovirin-N (CV-N).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Objectives: The global need for older persons' care, driven by demographic shifts such as an aging population and increased life expectancy, is outpacing the available care workforce. Nursing home operators face complex workforce challenges, including high turnover and low retention, particularly among personal care workers (PCW). The objective of this review was to understand the factors influencing PCWs' intention to leave.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInositol phosphates (IPs) and inositol pyrophosphate play critical roles in many biological processes such as signaling molecules in pathways responsible for cellular functions involved in growth and maintenance. The biosynthesis of IPs is carried out by a family of inositol phosphate kinases. In mammals, Inositol tetrakisphosphate kinase-1 (ITPK1) phosphorylates inositol-1,3,4-trisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4)P) and inositol-3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate (IP), generating inositol-1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (IP), which can be further phosphorylated to become inositol hexakisphosphate (IP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDF