Distribution of the Rubredoxin Gene Among the Clostridium butyricum Species

With PCR methods, the rubredoxin gene was systematically identified among 11 strains of Clostridium butyricum; this ubiquity means major functions in the metabolism of the Clostridia. The 11 PCR products allowed deduction of a sequence of 26 amino acids corresponding to positions 11–36 of the rubredoxin. They all contained the tyrosines at positions 11 and 13 and the phenylalanine at position 30 characteristic of the rubredoxin, but differed at positions 14–17, 20, 25, 29, and 31, allowing determination of three types of rubredoxins among these 11 strains of C. butyricum. Received: 13 October 1998 / Accepted: 23 November 1998     

Therapeutic development by repurposing drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions by simulation studies

The human-to-human transmitted respiratory illness in COVID-19 affected by the pathogenic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which appeared in the last of December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread in many countries. Thereon, based on the urgent need for therapeutic molecules, we conducted in silico based docking and simulation molecular interaction studies on repurposing drugs, targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Further, the best binding energy of doxorubicin interacting with virus spike protein (PDB: 6VYB) was observed to be −6.38 kcal/mol and it was followed by exemestane and gatifloxacin. The molecular simulation dynamics analysis of doxorubicin, Reference Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of Gyration (Rg), and formation of hydrogen bonds plot interpretation suggested, a significant deviation and fluctuation of Doxorubicin-Spike RBD complex during the whole simulation period. The Rg analysis has stated that the Doxorubicin-Spike RBD complex was stable during 15,000–35,000 ps MDS. The results have suggested that doxorubicin could inhibit the virus spike protein and prevent the access of the SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell. Thus, in-vitro/in-vivo research on these drugs could be advantageous to evaluate significant molecules that control the COVID-19 disease.     

Pure choriocarcinoma of the testis presenting with jaundice: a case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men 15- to 35-years-old. The North American standard classification divides testicular cancers into germ cell tumors and non-germ cell tumors. The lymphatic spread of germ cell tumors usually involves the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. However, this spread to the retroperitoneum rarely involves the hepatic hilum. We describe an unusual case of metastatic choriocarcinoma of the testis that was clinically mimicked by a cholestatic jaundice. This is an unusual presentation of testicular cancer and, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of this kind in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old Moroccan man presented with a four-week history of progressive obstructive jaundice, and weight loss to our emergency department. Abdominal ultrasound showed a dilatation of the biliary ducts due to pathologically enlarged lymph nodes of the hepatic hilum. A complete clinical and radiologic assessment to discover the primary tumor was negative except for pulmonary metastasis. In the laboratory findings at admission there were signs of cholestasis with an abnormal increase in the rate of testicular tumor markers (serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 11,000IU/ml), which subsequently led to the suspicion of a testicular tumor. Further evaluation included testicular palpation and ultrasound which revealed a testicular nodule. The patient underwent an inguinal orchidectomy of the right testis and histopathological examination confirmed a pure choriocarcinoma. The prognosis was poor due to lymph node involvement at the hepatic hilum. He died one month later, despite general chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of the disease and the rarity of this entity are two remarkable characteristics described in this case report which are rarely reported in literature.     

An Immuno-informatics driven Epitope study from the molecular interaction of JEV non-structural (NS) proteins with Ribophorin (RPN)

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an acute viral infection of the central nervous system where the JE virus infects the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and rapidly accumulates substantial amount of seven different nonstructural proteins (NS). These NS proteins tend to bind on a glycoprotein receptor, ribophorin (RPN) resulting in the malfunctioning of ER in host cells, subsequently triggering an unfolded protein response. Therefore, it is of interest to predict the best possible antigenic determinants in the NS protein capable of eliciting immune response as a strategy to combat JE. Hence, it is our interest to explore the most potent NS protein among all showing the best possible molecular interaction with the RPN receptor present on ER. However, the structures of these NS protein and RPN are currently unknown. Thus, we modeled their structures using the established homology modeling techniques in the MODELLER 9v10 software. The molecular docking of NS proteins with RPN was subsequently completed using the Discovery Studio 2.5 software suite. The docked conformations of RPN with NS were further analyzed and its graphical interpretations were presented for identifying the most potential NS protein for efficient epitope activity. Further, the B cell epitopes were mapped using BCPred and the predicted epitope regions are documented. The data presented in this report provides useful insights towards the design and development of potential epitopes to generate a vaccine candidate against JEV.     

The effect of redox signaling on extracellular matrix changes in diabetic wounds leading to amputation

Introduction& Objectives: Redox signaling is a critical regulator in the process of wound healing. This signaling pathway can be effective in the development or healing of diabetic ulcers through the ECM.In this study, the structure of extracellular matrix investigated in relation to redox signaling in the tissue of patients with diabetic ulcers that lead to organ amputation.Materials and methodsThe case-control design on diabetic patients ulcers as case group and non-diabetic limb ischemia as control were used.Hematoxylin-eosin, trichrome, and elastin staining methods were used for pathological evaluations of ECM. MDA, total thiol, and SOD levels were measured using ELISA kits to assess the oxidative stress level. Also, NO level was measured by using ELISA kits in both groups. Expression levels of genes MMP2, MMP9, and HIF were detected using real-time PCR with SYBR-green assay.ResultsThe pathological results showed an increase in the thickness of collagen and elastin fibers. Lipids atrophy was visible in the tissue isolated from the diabetic wound group. The amount of MAD to evaluate the level of lipid oxidation in patients with diabetic Ulcer was significantly higher than the control group(p < 0.01). Thiol level was significantly lower in the diabetic ulcer group than in the control group(p < 0.0001). The expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 genes in the tissues isolated from diabetic ulcers was lower than the control group(p < 0.0001). While the expression of the HIF gene in this group was higher than the control group(p < 0.0001).ConclutionIn the diabetic wound, the HIF secretion due to hypoxic conditions is beneficial for matrix deposition and prevents protease activity, but if the hypoxia persists, it can lead to ECM deposition subsequently increases the tissue pressure, increases of the collagen I-to-collagen III ratio in collagen accumulation that due to more hypoxia , lipidsAtrophy and eventually amputation.