Identification of a PCSK9-LDLR disruptor peptide with in vivo function.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by promoting hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) degradation. Therapeutic antibodies that disrupt PCSK9-LDLR binding reduce LDL-C concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk. The epidermal growth factor precursor homology domain A (EGF-A) of the LDLR serves as a primary contact with PCSK9 via a flat interface, presenting a challenge for identifying small molecule PCSK9-LDLR disruptors.

Isolation and Antibacterial Activity of Indole Alkaloids from UWI-1.

In this study, we report the first isolation of three antibiotic indole alkaloid compounds from a Pseudomonad bacterium, UWI-1. The bacterium was batch fermented in a modified Luria Broth medium and compounds were solvent extracted and isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The three compounds were identified as () tris(1H-indol-3-yl) methylium, () bis(indol-3-yl) phenylmethane, and () indolo (2, 1b) quinazoline-6, 12 dione.

Impact of a Pediatric Cardiology Clinical Program on Congenital Heart Disease Outcomes in Guyana.

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Guyana have not historically been managed with timely intervention, increasing the likelihood of serious, irreversible complications. In 2014, a pediatric cardiology clinical program (Guyana Paediatric Cardiology Steering Committee [GPCSC]) and partnership with International Children's Heart Foundation (BabyHeart) was developed to improve CHD care. To describe the characteristics of CHD in Guyanese children and to determine the impact of GPCSC on CHD outcomes.

A preliminary assessment of heavy metals in sediments from the Cipero and South Oropouche Rivers in Trinidad, West Indies.

The increasing urbanization and industrial processes in Trinidad within recent years could pose a possible contamination threat to the aquatic environment. The southwestern part of the island houses numerous industrial activities, and the recent sightings of schools of dead fish and other marine organisms in that locality is cause for concern prompting research into this occurrence. Sediment and surface water samples from the Cipero and South Oropouche Rivers in South Trinidad were analyzed for their heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn).

Identification of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds and assessment of the druggability of their target for efficacy against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The search for novel therapeutic interventions for viral disease is a challenging pursuit, hallmarked by the paucity of antiviral agents currently prescribed. Targeting of viral proteins has the inextricable challenge of rise of resistance. Safe and effective vaccines are not possible for many viral pathogens.

Obstruction of the duodenum by a preduodenal portal vein in situs inversus.

Mirror image transposition of abdominal and thoracic viscera is termed situs inversus. Duodenal obstruction in situs inversus is rare. A preduodenal portal vein, though not uncommon in situs inversus, rarely causes duodenal obstruction.

Inhibition of HIV-1 nuclear import via schiff base formation with arylene bis(methylketone) compounds.

Arylene bis(methylketone) compounds specifically block nuclear translocation of the HIV-1 pre-integration complex by forming Schiff-base adducts with contiguous lysines within nuclear localization signal.

3 beta-aminospirosolane steroidal alkaloids from Solanum triste.

The alkaloid fraction of the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Solanum triste afforded the new steroidal alkaloid, (22R,25R)-3 beta-amino-5-spirosolene [2], and its previously synthesized dihydro derivative, (22R,24R)-3 beta-amino-5 alpha-spirosolane [3], which is reported here for the first time as a natural product. The structures were elucidated by spectral techniques including 1H-nmr, 13C-nmr, and 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY nmr experiments.