The effect of exon 7 deletion during the evolution of TRIMCyp fusion proteins on viral restriction, cytoplasmic body formation and multimerization.

TRIMCyp is a fusion protein consisting of the TRIM5 gene product and retrotransposed Cyclophilin A (CypA). Two primate TRIMCyp fusion proteins with varying anti-HIV-1 activities independently evolved in owl monkeys and Old World monkeys. In addition, Old World monkey TRIMCyps lack exon7, which encodes amino acids in the Linker2 region.

Daphnane-type diterpene esters with cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 activities from Daphne acutiloba Rehd.

Seven previously unreported daphnane-type diterpene esters named acutilobins A-G, together with 12 known ones, were isolated from EtOAc extract of Daphne acutiloba Rehd. Their structures were elucidated based on the spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 activities of these daphnane-type diterpene esters were evaluated through bioassays.

Phenols with anti-HIV activity from Daphne acutiloba.

The present paper describes the study of the phytochemical properties and anti-HIV activity of the phenolic isolates of the plateau medicinal plant Daphne acutiloba Rehd. (Thymelaeceae). Two new lignans named daphnenin (1) and daphnetone (2), along with 11 known ones, were isolated, and their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2DNMR spectroscopy aswell as HR‑ESI‑MS.

Natural selection on EPAS1 (HIF2alpha) associated with low hemoglobin concentration in Tibetan highlanders.

By impairing both function and survival, the severe reduction in oxygen availability associated with high-altitude environments is likely to act as an agent of natural selection. We used genomic and candidate gene approaches to search for evidence of such genetic selection. First, a genome-wide allelic differentiation scan (GWADS) comparing indigenous highlanders of the Tibetan Plateau (3,200-3,500 m) with closely related lowland Han revealed a genome-wide significant divergence across eight SNPs located near EPAS1.

Preparation and characterization of three monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 p24 capsid protein.

HIV-1 p24 detection provides a means to aid the early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, track the progression of disease and assess the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. In the present study, three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) p3JB9, p5F1 and p6F4 against HIV-1 p24 were generated. All mAbs could detect p24 of HIV-1IIIB, HIV-1Ada-M, HIV-174V mAbs p5F1 and p6F4 could detect HIV-1KM018, while p3JB9 could not.

Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases by ribotoxic stresses.

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are classic stress-activated protein kinases. Many cellular stresses have been shown to stimulate JNK activation. In this review, we focus on ribotoxic stresses based on their multiple biological potencies including anti-HIV-1 activity.

The incidence of urinary tract injury during hysterectomy: a prospective analysis based on universal cystoscopy.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of urinary tract injury due to hysterectomy for benign disease.

Study Design: Patients were enrolled prospectively from 3 sites. All patients undergoing abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease underwent diagnostic cystourethroscopy.

Levator contraction strength and genital hiatus as risk factors for recurrent pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective: To correlate levator ani contraction strength and genital hiatus measurements with surgical failure in prolapse.

Study Design: This retrospective study involved chart review for documentation of levator contraction strength, genital hiatus measurement, and recurrent pelvic floor disorders in women who underwent surgery for prolapse.

Results: The recurrent prolapse rate was 34.

Anti-HIV-1 property of trichosanthin correlates with its ribosome inactivating activity.

Trichosanthin (TCS) is a type I ribosome inactivating (RI) protein possessing anti-tumor and antiviral activity, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The mechanism of these actions is not entirely clear, but is generally attributed to its RI property. In order to study the relationship between the anti-HIV-1 activity of TCS and its RI activity, three TCS mutants with different RI activities were constructed by using site-directed mutagenesis.

Relationship between trichosanthin cytotoxicity and its intracellular concentration.

Trichosanthin (TCS) is a type I ribosome-inactivating protein with board spectrum of biological activity. Toxicity of this compound differs in different cell lines and this study examined the cause of such difference. It is generally believed that TCS toxicity is mediated through intracellular ribosome inactivation.

Antimicrobial peptides from skin secretions of Chinese red belly toad Bombina maxima.

Two groups of antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from skin secretions of Bombina maxima. Peptides in the first group, named maximins 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, are structurally related to bombinin-like peptides (BLPs). Unlike BLPs, sequence variations in maximins occurred all through the molecules.