Modeling the Hydration Layer around Proteins: HyPred

Protein hydration plays an integral role in determining protein function and stability. We develop a simple method with atomic level precision for predicting the solvent density near the surface of a protein. A set of proximal radial distribution functions are defined and calculated for a series of different atom types in proteins using all-atom, explicit solvent molecular dynamic simulations for three globular proteins. A major improvement in predicting the hydration layer is found when the protein is held immobile during the simulations. The distribution functions are used to develop a model for predicting the hydration layer with sub-1-Ångstrom resolution without the need for additional simulations. The model and the distribution functions for a given protein are tested in their ability to reproduce the hydration layer from the simulations for that protein, as well as those for other proteins and for simulations in which the protein atoms are mobile. Predictions for the density of water in the hydration shells are then compared with high occupancy sites observed in crystal structures. The accuracy of both tests demonstrates that the solvation model provides a basis for quantitatively understanding protein solvation and thereby predicting the hydration layer without additional simulations.     

Effect of magnesium sulfate on bronchoconstriction in the lung periphery

Magnesium sulfate has been shown to be effective clinically as a bronchodilator, but its mechanism of action is unknown. We used a wedged bronchoscope technique to study the ability of MgSO4 at clinically relevant concentrations to attenuate hypocapnia-, acetylcholine- (ACh), and dry air-induced bronchoconstriction in the canine lung periphery. Control experiments demonstrated that consecutive challenges of either hypocapnia or ACh resulted in greater collateral system resistance (Rcs) after the second challenge compared with the first. Intravenous infusion of MgSO4 diminished the maximum response to a second hypocapnic challenge (Rcs = 1.59 +/- 0.29 cmH2O.ml-1.s prechallenge vs. 1.12 +/- 0.20 postchallenge) but had no effect on either ACh- or dry air-induced bronchoconstriction. Serum magnesium levels before MgSO4 administration were 1.59 +/- 0.04 meq/l and rose to 6.20 +/- 0.13 during the infusion. Previous studies demonstrated that nifedipine, like MgSO4 in this study, attenuates hypocapnia-induced bronchoconstriction in the canine lung periphery but has no effect on ACh- or dry air-induced bronchoconstriction. We conclude that these results are consistent with the idea that, like nifedipine, magnesium acts in the airway as a voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker.     

A new host and locality record for Mesocestoides sp. tetrathyridia (Cestoidea: Cyclophyllidea), with a summary of the genus from snakes of the world

A new host and distribution record is reported for tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp. One of 5 (20%) Namib tiger snakes, Telescopus beetzi, from South Africa was infected. Numerous tetrathyridia were found encapsulated in mesentery attached to the small intestine. Morphological examination of tetrathyridia revealed absence of buds, multiple scoleces, or any other evidence of asexual proliferation. A summary of the snakes of the world reported as hosts of tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp. is presented.