Anti-HIV-1 activities of extracts from the medicinal plant Rhus chinensis

Rhus chinensis, a species used in folk medicine by Chinese native people, the anti-HIV-1 activities of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extract of Rhus chinensis, named as RC-1, RC-2, RC-3 and RC-4, respectively, was evaluated. The

Anti HIV-1 agents 5: Synthesis and anti-HIV-1 activity of some N-arylsulfonyl-3-acetylindoles in vitro

In continuation of our program aimed at the discovery and development of compounds with superior anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity, 21N-arylsulfonyl-3-acetylindole analogs (2a-u) were synthesized and preliminarily evaluated as HIV-1 inhibitors in vitro. Among of all the analogs, several compounds exhibited significant anti-HIV-1 activity, especially N-phenylsulfonyl-3-acetyl-6-methylindole (2j) and N-(p-ethyl)phenylsulfonyl-3-acetyl-6-methylindole (2n) showed the most potent anti-HIV-1 activity with EC50 values of 0.36 and 0.13 mu g/mL, and TI values of >555.55 and 791.85, respectively. It demonstrated that introduction of the acetyl group at the 3-position of N-arylsulfonyl-6-methylindoles could generally lead to the more potent analogs. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The genetic diversity of Acipenser stellatus populations in the Caspian Sea was studied using microsatellite technique

A total of 361 caudal fin samples were collected from adult A. stellatus specimens caught in the north Caspian Sea, including specimens from Kazakhstan (Ural River), Russia (Volga River), Azerbaijan (Kura River), specimens caught in the south Caspian Sea including specimens from Fishery Zone 1 (from Astara to Anzali), Fishery Zone 2 (from Anzali to Ramsar), Fishery Zone 3 (from Nowshahr to Babolsar), Fishery Zone 4 (from Miyankaleh to Gomishan) as well as from specimens caught in Turkmenistan (all specimens were collected during the sturgeon stock assessment survey). About 2 g of fin tissue was removed from each caudal fin sample, stored in 96% ethyl alcohol and transferred to the genetic laboratory of the International Sturgeon Research Institute. Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. The quality and quantity of DNA was assessed using 1% Agarose gel electrophoresis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted on the target DNA using 15 paired microsatellite primer. PCR products were electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels (6%) that were stained using silver nitrate. Electrophoretic patterns and DNA bands were analyzed with BioCapt software. Allele count and frequency, genetic diversity, expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity allele number, and the effective allele number, genetic similarity and genetic distance, FST and RST were calculated. The Hardy Wienberg Equilibrium based on X2 and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) at 10% confidence level was calculated using the Gene Alex software. Dendrogram for genetic distances and identities were calculated using TFPGA program for any level of the hierarchy. It is evident from the results obtained that the 15 paired primers studied, polymorphism was observed in 10 pairs in 12 loci, while one locus did not produce DNA bands. Mean allele number was 13.6. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.86 and 0.642, respectively. It was also seen that specimens from all regions were not in Hardy Wienberg Equilibrium in most of the loci (P≤0.001). Highest Fst (0.063) was observed when comparing specimens from Fishery Zone 2 and Fishery Zone 4 (Nm=3.7) and lowest FST (0.028) was observed when comparing specimens from the Volga River and those from the Ural River (8.7). Significant differences (P<0.01) were observed between RST recorded in the specimens studied. Highest genetic distance (0.604) and lowest genetic resemblance (0.547) were observed between specimens from Fishery zones 2 and 4. Lowest genetic distance (0.311) and highest genetic resemblance (0.733) was observed between specimens from Turkmenistan and specimens from Fishery zone 1. Based on the genetic dendrogeram tree derived by applying UPGMA algorithm, A. stellatus specimens from Fishery zone 2 or in other words specimens from the Sepidrud River belong to one cluster which divides into two clusters, one of which includes specimens from Fishery zones 1, 3 and 4 and specimens from Turkmenistan while the other cluster includes specimens from Ural, Volga and Kura Rivers. It is thus evident that the main population of this species belongs to the Sepidrud River. Results obtained from the present study show that at least eight different populations of A. stellatus are found in the north and south Caspian Sea, four of which are known populations including the Ural River population, the Volga River population, the Kura River population and the Sepidrud River populations. The four other populations identified belonging to Fishery zones 1, 3, and 4 and to Turkmenistan are most probably late or early spawners of the spring run and autumn run of each of the major rivers mentioned. Specific markers were also identified for each of the populations identified. The Ural River population can be identified using primers Spl-68, 54b and Spl-104, 163 170, 173, the Volga River population can be identified using primers LS-54b and Spl-104, 170, 173 113a and similarly the population from the Kura River can be identified using primers LS-34, 54b and Spl-163, 173 and that from the Sepidrud River can be identified using primers LS-19, 34, 54b and Spl-105, 113b. This study gives evidence of the presence of different populations of this species and calls for serious measures to be taken to protect the genetic stocks of these populations. Considering that the population of A. stellatus in Fishery zone 2 is an independent population of the Sepidrud River in the Gilan Province, the catch of these fishes in the region needs to be controlled and regulated in order to restore the declining stocks of this species.

The genetic structure and phylogenetics of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) Anzali and Amirkolaye wetlands and perch (Perca fluviatilis) populations in Aras Dam and south-west of the Caspian Sea

The genetic structure of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) populations was studied using microsatellite technique. A total of 207 specimens of adult pikeperch were collected from Aras dam (57 specimens), Anzali wetland (50 specimens), Talesh (50 specimens) and Chaboksar (50 specimens) coasts. Also a total of 158 specimens of adult perch were collected from Anzali (Abkenar (50 specimens)and Hendekhale(48 specimens)) and Amirkolaye(60 specimens) wetlands. About 2 g of each specimen's dorsal fin was removed, stored in 96% ethyl alcohol and transferred to the genetic laboratory of the International Sturgeon Research Institute. Genomic DNA was extracted using ammonium-acetate method. The quality and quantity of DNA was assessed using 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted on the target DNA using 15 pairs of microsatellite primers. PCR products were electrophoresed on poly acryl amide gels (6%) that were stained that were stained using silver nitrate. DNA bands were analyzed with BioCapt software. Allele count and frequency, genetic diversity, expected and observed heterozygosity , allele number and the effective allele number, genetic similarity and genetic distance, Fst, Rst, Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium based on X2 and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) at 10% confidence level was calculated using the Gene Alex software. Dendogram for genetic distances and identities were calculated using TFPGA program for any level of hierarchy. The results for P. fluviatilis showed that from 15 pair of primers that were examined 6 polymorphic and 7 monomorphic loci were produced, while 2 loci didn't produce any DNA bands. Mean allele number was 4.1±1.1 and mean observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.56±0.12 and 0.58±0.14 respectively. It was also seen that specimens from all regions were not in Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium in some of loci (P<0.001). Highest Fst (0.095) with Nm=2.37 was observed between Hendekhale and Amirkolaye and the lowest Fst (0.004) with Nm=59.31 was observed between Abkenar and Hendekhale. According to AMOVA Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between recorded Rst in the studied regions in Anzali and Amirkolaye lagoons. In another words there are two distinct populations of this species in Anzali and Amirkolaye lagoons. The highest genetic distance (0.181) and lowest genetic resemblance (0.834) were observed between specimens from Hendekhale and Amirkolaye and the lowest genetic distance (0.099) and highest genetic 176 resemblance (0.981) were observed between specimens from Abkenar and Hendekhale. Based on the genetic dendogram tree derived by applying UPGMA algorithm, specimens from Anzali and Amirkolaye wetlands have the same ancestor. On the other hand there is no noticeable genetic distance between the specimens of these two regions. Also the results for S. lucioperca showed that from 15 pair of primers that were examined 6 polymorphic and 7 monomorphic loci were produced, while 2 loci didn't produce any DNA bands. Mean allele number was 3.0±0.6 and mean observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.52±0.21 and 0.50±0.14 respectively. It was also seen that specimens from all regions were not in Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium in some of loci (P<0.001). Highest Fst (0.093) with Nm=2.43 was observed between Aras dam and Anzali wetland and the lowest Fst (0.022) with Nm=11.27 was observed between Talesh and Chaboksar coasts. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between recorded Rst in the studied regions exept for Talesh and Chaboksar Coasts. In another words there are three distinct populations of this species in Caspian sea, Anzali wetland and Aras dam. Highest genetic distance (0.110) and lowest genetic resemblance (0.896) were observed between specimens from Aras dam and Anzali wetland and the lowest genetic distance (0.034) and highest genetic resemblance (0.966) were observed between specimens from Talesh and Chaboksar coasts. Based on the genetic dendogram tree derived by applying UPGMA algorithm, specimens from Talesh and Chaboksar coasts have the lowest genetic distance. On the other hand the main population of this species belongs to Anzali wetland. Phylogenetic relationship of these two species was inferred using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing. For this purpose 2 specimens of P. fluviatilis from Anzali wetland, 2 specimens of S. lucioperca from Aras dam and 2 specimens of S. lucioperca from Anzali wetland were sequenced and submitted in Gene Bank. These sequences were aligned with Clustal W. The phylogenic relationships were assessed with Mega 4. The results of evolutionary history studies of these species using Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Parsimony methods showed that the evolutionary origin of pikeperch in Aras Dam and Anzali wetland is common. On the other hand these two species had common ancestor in about 4 million years ago. Also different sequences of any region specimens are supposed as different haplotypes. 177 As a conclusion the results of this study showed that microsatellite and mtDNA sequencing methods respectively are effective in genetic structure and phylogenic studies of P. fluviatilis and S. lucioperca.

Isolatin [sic] the bacteria produced biactive [sic] metabolits [sic] cytotoxic compound in order to prduction [sic] anticancer substance in the coral regin [sic] the Persian Gulf (Larak Island)

In the present investigation the marine bacteria isolated from corals, sponges sea water and sediments of coral regions in the larak Island located in the Persian Gulf and were examined for ability to produce cytotoxic metabolits in order to use as an anticancer compounds. Cytotoxic effect were isolated bacteria from different samples and were examined by Artemia Cytotoxic Bioassay test, in which 4.5 percent of sea waters, 12 percent of sediments and 28 percent of marine invertebrat showed cytotoxic activity, using Brine Shrimp Bioassay test. Streptomyces S-2004 isolated from soft coral specified as Sinularia erecta had LC50=0.5mg/m1 in Brine Shrimp Bioaassay test. The streptomyces S-2004 produced cytotoxic metabolits in low nutrient condition and sea water medium after 7 days on 250 rpm shaken in vitro condition. The extract partially were semipurified. Then ethyl acetate extraction from aceton extracted of bacterial plate had cytotoxic effect (LC50=4.19ktg/m1) in Human epidermoid carcinoma of mouth cells (KB) by using neutral red assay. Morphological effects of this extract on KB cells showed turgescence, cellular blebs and apoptosis which was a proof for anticancer compounds of the extract. It is seems that streptomyces S-2004 is a new strain and could be introduced as a talented bacteria, which produced cytotoxic metabolits.

青蛙蝌蚪微核试验——一种水体诱变剂检测系统的建立

以青蛙蝌蚪为实验生物,利用甲基磺酸乙酯(EMS)和亚硝基胍(MNNG)探讨其化合物浓度、暴露时间和蝌蚪发育阶段等因素对诱发青蛙蝌蚪红细胞微核的影响,不同统计单位的特点和相互关系;提出了青蛙蝌蚪微核试验作为一种水体诱变剂检测系统的基本实验程序和一般原则。此外,还描述了“小体M”——一种特殊的细胞学现象,并初步讨论了微核代谢机制。

Rapid patterning of 1-D collagenous topography as an ECM protein fibril platform for image cytometry.

Cellular behavior is strongly influenced by the architecture and pattern of its interfacing extracellular matrix (ECM). For an artificial culture system which could eventually benefit the translation of scientific findings into therapeutic development, the system should capture the key characteristics of a physiological microenvironment. At the same time, it should also enable standardized, high throughput data acquisition. Since an ECM is composed of different fibrous proteins, studying cellular interaction with individual fibrils will be of physiological relevance. In this study, we employ near-field electrospinning to create ordered patterns of collagenous fibrils of gelatin, based on an acetic acid and ethyl acetate aqueous co-solvent system. Tunable conformations of micro-fibrils were directly deposited onto soft polymeric substrates in a single step. We observe that global topographical features of straight lines, beads-on-strings, and curls are dictated by solution conductivity; whereas the finer details such as the fiber cross-sectional profile are tuned by solution viscosity. Using these fibril constructs as cellular assays, we study EA.hy926 endothelial cells' response to ROCK inhibition, because of ROCK's key role in the regulation of cell shape. The fibril array was shown to modulate the cellular morphology towards a pre-capillary cord-like phenotype, which was otherwise not observed on a flat 2-D substrate. Further facilitated by quantitative analysis of morphological parameters, the fibril platform also provides better dissection in the cells' response to a H1152 ROCK inhibitor. In conclusion, the near-field electrospun fibril constructs provide a more physiologically-relevant platform compared to a featureless 2-D surface, and simultaneously permit statistical single-cell image cytometry using conventional microscopy systems. The patterning approach described here is also expected to form the basics for depositing other protein fibrils, seen among potential applications as culture platforms for drug screening.

Selection and ultrastructural observation of a high-CO2-requiring mutant of cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp PCC7942

A high-CO2-requiring mutant of Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 las been isolated after chemical mutagenesis of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). It was able to grow at 4% CO2, but not under ambient CO2. The initial screening of the mutant showed that the genetic reversion rate was about 10(-7) and death occurred 2 -3 days after being transferred from 4% CO2 to the ambient air. Its photosynthetic dependence on external dissolved inorganic carbon was higher than that of the wild type cells, but its carbonic anhydrase activity was comparatively low. In the ultrastructural level, various types of aberrant carboxysomes appeared in the mutant cells: rod-shaped carboxysomes, irregular carboxysomes and the "empty-inclusion carboxysomes" with increasing number of glycogen granules surrounding the thylakoids. All these alterations indicated that the mutant was defective in utilizing the external CO2. The induction of carboxysomes by lower levels of CO2 and the biogenesis of carboxysomes are herein discussed.

Growth of heavily Zn-doped InGaAs at low temperature by LP-MOCVD

Epitaxial growth of Zn-doped InGaAs on InP substrates has been carried out at 550degreesC by LP-MOCVD. Hole concentration as high as 6 x 10(19)cm(-3) has been achieved at the H-2 flow rate of 20 sccm through DEZn bubbler. The lattice constant of Zn-doped InGaAs was found to be dependent on the flow rate of DEZn, and the tensile strain mismatch increases with increasing H-2 flow rate of DEZn. The negative lattice mismatch of heavily Zn-dopped InGaAs may be due to, the small covalent bonding radius of zinc and the combination of butane from ethyl of DEZn,and TEGa. And the latter accelerates the pyrolysis of TEGa, which is the dominant mechanism in determining the negative mismatch of Zn-doped InGaAs. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of the macroscopic optical properties for the NAEC/PEK-c guest-host polymer films

The polyetherketone (PEK-c) guest-host polymer films doped with (4'-nitro)-3-azo-9-ethyl-carbazole (NAEC) were prepared. The films were poled by corona-onset poling at elevated temperature (COPET). The orientational order parameter of the chromophores NAEC in poled polymer film was determined by measuring the absorption spectra of the films before and after being poled. By using the two-level model, the measured dispersion of the refractive index of the polymer film, and the dispersion of the first hyperpolarizability of chromophore NAEC, the dispersion of the macroscopic second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) and linear electrooptic (EO) coefficients was evaluated for the NAEC/PEK-c guest-host polymer film. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of the optical transmission modes and losses of the poled guest-host polymer NAEC/PEK-c planar waveguides

The polyetherketone (PEK-c) guest-host polymer planar waveguides doped with (4'-nitro)-3-azo-9-ethyl-carbazole (NAEC) were prepared. The waveguide films were poled by corona-onset poling at elevated temperature (COPET), and the corona poling setup includes a grid voltage making the surface-charge distribution uniform. By using the prism-in coupling method, the dark-line spectrum given by the reflected intensity versus the angle of incidence have been obtained, and the optical transmission losses of mth modes have been measured for the poled polymer waveguides at lambda = 632.8 nm. The measurement result showed that the optical loss of the fundamental mode is less than 0.7 dB cm(-1) for the TE polarization. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

MoNi/gamma-Al2O3 Catalyst: Preparation and Catalytic Activity for Acetic Acid Hydrotreating

MoNi/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. The catalyst samples were characterized by XRD and TPR. The effects of Mo promoter content and the catalyst reducing temperature Oil hydrotreatment activity of the catalyst were studied under 200 degrees C and 3 MPa hydrogen pressure using acetic acid as the model compound. The XRD results indicate that the addition of Mo promoter is beneficial to the uniformity of nickel species on the catalyst and decreases the Interaction between nickel species and the support Which results in the decrease the of NiAl2O4 spinel formation. The addition of Mo promoter also decreases the reducing temperature of the catalyst. After the catalyst of 0.06 MoNi/gamma-Al2O3 being reduced Under the atmosphere of H-2/N-2(5/95, V/V), nickel oxide was reduced to Ni-0. The reaction was promoted obviously upon the addition of the MoNi/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst reduced at 600 degrees C. The Mo-modified Ni/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst reduced at 600 degrees C displayed the highest activity during the reaction, the conversion of acetic acid reached the highest point of 33.2%. The products included ethyl acetate and water.

6-(1H-吲哚-3-甲基)-5-乙基-3H-嘧啶-4-酮类化合物的合成及抗HIV活性研究

基于二氢烷氧苄基嘧啶酮(DABO)类非核苷类逆转录酶抑制剂(NNRTIs)的构效关系研究,设计合成了2个新的6-(1H-吲哚-3-甲基)-5-乙基-3H-嘧啶-4-酮类化合物,并采用C8166细胞进行了体外抗HIV活性测试,为新型S-DABO类非核苷类逆转录酶抑制剂结构修饰提出了新的设想.