Four Aromatic Sulfates with an Inhibitory Effect against HCV NS3 Helicase from the Crinoid Alloeocomatella polycladia.

Bioassay-guided separation of a lipophilic extract of the crinoid , inhibiting the activity of HCV NS3 helicase, yielded two groups of molecules: cholesterol sulfate and four new aromatic sulfates -. The structures of the aromatics were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis in addition to theoretical studies. The aromatic sulfates - showed moderate inhibition against NS3 helicase with IC values of 71, 95, 7, and 5 μM, respectively.

Investigation of 5-(3-Trifluoromethylbenzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione as a Matrix for Analyses of Biogenic Monoamine Transmitters Using MALDI-MS.

In order to discover new matrices suitable for the analyses of low molecular-weight compounds using positive-ion mode matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS), 5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (3-CF3-BTD) was synthesized, and its effectiveness was compared with that when commercially available α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid was used. 3-CF3-BTD was sufficiently sensitive to analyze neurotransmitters, i.e.

Evaluation of lanthanide salts as alternative stains to uranyl acetate.

Uranyl acetate (UAc) has been generally used not only as a superb staining reagent for ultrathin sections of plastic-embedded biological materials, but also as high-contrast negative stains for biological macromolecules such as particles of protein or virus. However, the use and purchase of radioactive UAc have been restricted. In this study, we determine the performance of ytterbium triacetate, lutetium triacetate, samarium triacetate and gadolinium triacetate as new staining reagents for biological electron microscopy.

Identification of Hydroxyanthraquinones as Novel Inhibitors of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Helicase.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important etiological agent of severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV genome encodes nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) helicase, which is a potential anti-HCV drug target because its enzymatic activity is essential for viral replication. Some anthracyclines are known to be NS3 helicase inhibitors and have a hydroxyanthraquinone moiety in their structures; mitoxantrone, a hydroxyanthraquinone analogue, is also known to inhibit NS3 helicase.

Spectroscopic investigation for the interaction of mycophenolate mofetil with ferrous ions.

The interaction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with ferrous ions (Fe(2+)) in the solid state, in water, and in polar organic solvents was investigated using (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, IR, and UV-visible (Vis) spectroscopies. A red-purple colored substance was formed after grinding solid MMF and FeSO4·7H2O in a mortar. The IR spectrum of taken as a KBr tablet of the colored substance showed a new absorption band at 1651 cm(-1).