Establishment of a human cell line with a surface display system for screening and optimizing Na-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide-binding peptides.

One of the most desirable targets for HBV medications is the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), an entry receptor for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). N-myristoylated preS1 2-48 (Myrcludex B or Hepcludex), an NTCP-binding peptide from the large surface protein of HBV, has been developed as the first-in-class entry inhibitor. However, its relatively large molecular weight contributes to increased immunogenicity and antibody production.

Identification of STAU1 as a regulator of HBV replication by TurboID-based proximity labeling.

The core promoter (CP) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is critical for HBV replication by controlling the transcription of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Host factors regulating the activity of the CP can be identified by different methods. Biotin-based proximity labeling, a powerful method with the capability to capture weak or dynamic interactions, has not yet been used to map proteins interacting with the CP.

Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase inhibits HBV replication by suppressing NR5A1 expression invitro.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Investigating host factors that regulate HBV replication helps to identify antiviral targets. In the current study, we identified Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase gene (NNMT) as a novel factor that regulates HBV transcription.

Crosstalk among Jasmonate, Salicylate and Ethylene Signaling Pathways in Plant Disease and Immune Responses.

Phytohormone crosstalk is crucial for plant defenses against pathogens and insects in which salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) play key roles. These low molecular mass signals critically trigger and modulate plant resistance against biotrophic as well as necrotrophic pathogens through a complex signaling network that even involves participation of other hormones. Crosstalk among SA, JA and ET is mediated by different molecular players, considered as integral part of these crosscommunicating signal transduction pathways.

Alprostadil liposome microsphere preparation stabilizes vascular plaques and inhibits intra-plaque inflammation.

Background: Vulnerable plaques play an important role in the onset of sudden cardiac events and strokes. How to stabilize vulnerable plaques is still a challenge to medical science. Alprostadil is a biologically active substance with strong activity on vessel.

[Antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from 181 children with complicated urinary tract infection].

Objective: To investigate the distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from children with complicated urinary tract infection.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from 181 children with complicated urinary tract infection (positive urine culture). The antibiotic resistance of common pathogens was determined by the antimicrobial susceptibility test.

[Comparison of immunomagnetic beads and hespan precipitation for isolation of mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood].

Objective: To compare the characteristics of immunomagnetic beads and hespan precipitation for isolation of mononuclear cells (MNCs) from umbilical cord blood and try to find a better isolation method for MNCs.

Methods: Fifteen umbilical cord blood samples from healthy parturiens were collected between December 2007 and March 2008. MNCs were isolated using hespan precipitation and CD133 immunomagnetic beads, respectively.

[The effects of various beta-blockers on myocardial gap junction structure in rat with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury].

Objective: To compare the effects of carvedilol, metoprolol and propranolol on myocardial gap junction (GJ) structure in rat with myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Methods: Rats were divided randomly into five groups: sham operation group (SO), myocardial ischemia and reperfusion group (IR), IR + carvedilol group (CV), IR + metoprolol group (MT), and IR + propranolol group (PP). The left anterior descending branch was ligated for 30 minutes and reperfused for 4 hours (IR).

[Fosinopril but not metoprolol attenuated the increased matrix metallo-proteinases 9 expression at mRNA and protein levels of human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to oscillatory flow].

Objective: To investigate the effect of fosinopril and metoprolol on metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by oscillatory flow.

Methods: HUVECs were exposed to steady laminar flow or oscillatory flow, laminar flow or oscillatory flow plus various concentrations (1 x 10(-7) mol/L, 1 x 10(-5) mol/L) of fosinopril and metoprolol for 4 and 24 hours. MMP9 mRNA and protein expressions of HUVECs were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.

[Role of gap junction in ischemic preconditioning].

Objective: To investigate the role of gap junction in ischemic preconditioning (IPC).

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 4 h of reperfusion (I/R). Rats were divided into seven groups: I/R, IPC/R, IPC/R + 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel antagonist), I/R + diazoxide (mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel agonist), I/R + 5-hydroxydecanoic acid + diazoxide, I/R + 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (gap junction blocker) and I/R + 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid + 5-hydroxydecanoic acid.

Clinical study on effect of Garlicin in stabilizing the carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque in patients with primary hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Objective: To investigate the effect of garlicin in treating carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque (CAAP) in patients with primary hypertension and coronary heart disease (PHT-CHD).

Methods: Seventy-nine patients with PHT-CHD were randomly divided into the treated group (39 patients) treated with garlicin and fosinopril and the control group (40 patients) treated with fosinopril alone. The change of CAAP was evaluated by high frequency ultrasonic examination every six months, and the changes of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured by ELISA, with the observation proceeding for 52 weeks totally.

[Bacterial pathogens and resistance patterns in community acquired pediatric urinary tract infection: experience of 152 cases].

Objective: This study investigated the pathogen distribution and resistance patterns in childhood urinary tract infection in order to provide references for optimal use of antibiotics in the treatment of this disorder.

Methods: The clinical data of 152 children with community acquired urinary tract infection (urinary culture positive) between December 2001 and December 2004 were studied retrospectively. The bacterial pathogens of urinary tract infection and antimicrobial resistance were analyzed.

[Effects and the mechanism of carvedilol on gap junctional intercellular communication in rat myocardium].

Objective: To examine the effects of carvedilol on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury and on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC).

Methods: The left coronary artery was occluded for 30 min and reperfused for 4 h. The activity of creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the infarct size were measured.