Cloning, Heterologous Expression, and Characterization of a Neutral Uricase from Arthrobacter sp. CSAJ-16 in Cangshan Mountain.

Uricase (or Urate oxidase), a key enzyme involved in purine metabolism, is commonly used in treating conditions such as gout, hyperuricemia, and tumor lysis syndrome. In this study, a uricase-producing strain (named CSAJ-16) was isolated from the soil sample of Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan Province, China. This strain was identified as Arthrobacter sp. CSAJ-16. Based on the gene sequence alignment, the uricase gene (named aruox) of Arthrobacter sp. CSAJ-16 was amplified and heterologously expressed. The recombinant uricase (ArUOX) was about 32 kDa. The optimal pH and temperature of ArUOX were pH 7 and 20°C, respectively. The ArUOX remained above 50% relative activity after incubation at 37°C for 100 min or at pH 6.0-8.6 for 24 h. Moreover, metal ions such as K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+ and Pb2+ can significantly enhance the activity of ArUOX (> 200%). These enzymatic properties indicate that ArUOX has potential applications in pharmaceutical enzymes and uric acid detection kits.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Status and the Analysis of Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency in Twin Pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Optimization of maternal vitamin D (VD) status has beneficial effects on pregnancies, but little is known about it of twin pregnancies (TP). Our aim was to promote the current understanding of VD status and its associated factors in TP. METHODS: We performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and used the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to detect vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in 218 singleton pregnancies (SP) and 236 TP. RESULTS: Levels of 25(OH)D and VDBP were higher in TP than SP. The 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, C-3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [epi-25(OH)D], and VDBP all increased with gestational progress. Age, body mass index, and hemoglobin level were associated with VD deficiency (VDD). Analysis of covariance demonstrated that the 25(OH)D and VDBP of TP and SP still showed differences after adjusting for the above associated factors. CONCLUSION: Differences in VD status were found in SP and TP, suggesting that the assessment of VD status in TP should be treated with caution. High VDD prevalence is observed among pregnant Chinese women, and it is recommended to promote evaluation for VDD.

Characterization of a thermophilic and glucose-tolerant GH1 ß-glucosidase from hot springs and its prospective application in corn stover degradation.

Introduction: ß-Glucosidase serves as the pivotal rate-limiting enzyme in the cellulose degradation process, facilitating the hydrolysis of cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides into glucose. However, the widespread application of numerous ß-glucosidases is hindered by their limited thermostability and low glucose tolerance, particularly in elevated-temperature and high-glucose environments. Methods: This study presents an analysis of a ß-glucosidase gene belonging to the GH1 family, denoted lqbg8, which was isolated from the metagenomic repository of Hehua hot spring located in Tengchong, China. Subsequently, the gene was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Post expression, the recombinant ß-glucosidase (LQBG8) underwent purification through a Ni affinity chromatography column, thereby enabling the in-depth exploration of its enzymatic properties. Results: LQBG8 had an optimal temperature of 70°C and an optimum pH of 5.6. LQBG8 retained 100 and 70% of its maximum activity after 2-h incubation periods at 65°C and 70°C, respectively. Moreover, even following exposure to pH ranges of 3.0-10.0 for 24 h, LQBG8 retained approximately 80% of its initial activity. Notably, the enzymatic prowess of LQBG8 remained substantial at glucose concentrations of up to 3 M, with a retention of over 60% relative activity. The kinetic parameters of LQBG8 were characterized using cellobiose as substrate, with Km and Vmax values of 28 ± 1.9 mg/mL and 55 ± 3.2 µmol/min/mg, respectively. Furthermore, the introduction of LQBG8 (at a concentration of 0.03 mg/mL) into a conventional cellulase reaction system led to an impressive 43.7% augmentation in glucose yield from corn stover over a 24-h period. Molecular dynamics simulations offered valuable insights into LQBG8's thermophilic nature, attributing its robust stability to reduced fluctuations, conformational changes, and heightened structural rigidity in comparison to mesophilic ß-glucosidases. Discussion: In summation, its thermophilic, thermostable, and glucose-tolerant attributes, render LQBG8 ripe for potential applications across diverse domains encompassing food, feed, and the production of lignocellulosic ethanol.

Trichothecin Inhibits Cancer-Related Features in Colorectal Cancer Development by Targeting STAT3.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that contributes to cancer progression through multiple processes of cancer development, which makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. The IL-6/STAT3 pathway is associated with an advanced stage in colorectal cancer patients. In this study, we identified trichothecin (TCN) as a novel STAT3 inhibitor. TCN was found to bind to the SH2 domain of STAT3 and inhibit STAT3 activation and dimerization, thereby blocking STAT3 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. TCN did not affect phosphorylation levels of STAT1. TCN significantly inhibited cell growth, arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and induced apoptosis in HCT 116 cells. In addition, the capacities of colony formation, migration, and invasion of HCT 116 cells were impaired upon exposure to TCN with or without IL-6 stimulation. In addition, TCN treatment abolished the tube formation of HUVEC cells in vitro. Taken together, these results highlight that TCN inhibits various cancer-related features in colorectal cancer development in vitro by targeting STAT3, indicating that TCN is a promising STAT3 inhibitor that deserves further exploration in the future.

Chronological Changes of Viral Shedding in Adult Inpatients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported, but the relationships between laboratory features and viral load has not been comprehensively described. METHODS: Adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with COVID-19 who underwent multiple (≥5 times) nucleic acid tests with nasal and pharyngeal swabs were recruited from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, including general patients (n = 70), severe patients (n = 195), and critical patients (n = 43). Laboratory data, demographic data, and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The fitted polynomial curve was used to explore the association between serial viral loads and illness severity. RESULTS: Viral load of SARS-CoV-2 peaked within the first few days (2-4 days) after admission, then decreased rapidly along with virus rebound under treatment. Critical patients had the highest viral loads, in contrast to the general patients showing the lowest viral loads. The viral loads were higher in sputum compared with nasal and pharyngeal swab (P = .026). The positive rate of respiratory tract samples was significantly higher than that of gastrointestinal tract samples (P < .001). The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was negatively correlated with portion parameters of blood routine and lymphocyte subsets and was positively associated with laboratory features of cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: The serial viral loads of patients revealed whole viral shedding during hospitalization and the resurgence of virus during the treatment, which could be used for early warning of illness severity, thus improve antiviral interventions.

Association between serum free fatty acid levels and possible related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Free fatty acids (FFAs) play importance roles in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We measured serum FFA levels from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and assay the correlation between serum FFA levels and related factors. The present study was undertaken to investigate a possible relation between the changes in serum free fatty acid concentration with acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The study population consisted of 540 healthy individuals and 103 patients with T2DM, 59 patients with AMI and 21 volunteers. Serum FFAs were measured with high pressure liquid chromatography. Blood urea nitrogen and uric acid were measured in clinical laboratory, as were glycemic, lipid and blood routine parameters. We selected 242 individuals with age over 60 years, 143 healthy individuals and 52 patients with T2DM, 47 patients with AMI were incorporated into three groups as control group, T2DM group and AMI group. Associations were analyzed with stepwise regression analysis with adjusted for age, sex, body mass index. RESULTS: Serum FFA levels were significantly higher in the age over 60 years individuals compared to 20 ~ 50 years (logFFA µmmol/L:2.60 ± 0.16 vs. 2.73 ± 0.18, P < .001) in the healthy group. We found lower FFA levels in the AMI compared to the T2DM and control group (2.64 ± 0.22 vs. 2.72 ± 0.13&2.72 ± 0.16, respectively, P < .05&P < 0.01) in the age over 60, fasting blood glucose level higher in the AMI and T2DM (5.78 ± 1.32&7.75 ± 2.93 mmol/L vs. 4.90 ± 0.47 mmol/L, P < .01&P < .001) compared with the normal group, HDL level (1.01 ± 0.22&0.98 ± 0.18 mmol/L vs.1.30 ± 0.22 mmol/L, P < .001&P < .001). With stepwise regression analysis, the serum FFA levels was positively associated with the HDL in the control group (YlogFFA = 2.32 + 0.33XHDL, R = 0.26, P < .01) and T2MD (YlogFFA = 2.46 + 0.27XHDL, R = 0.36, P < .05), AST in AMI (YlogFFA =2.24 + 0. 015XAST, R = 0.49, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to control group, serum FFA levels were decreased only in AMI group, while HDL level was increased in both AMI and T2DM group. The serum FFA levels were positive association with the HDL level in both T2DM and control group, FFA levels were positive association with AST in AMI.

Identification and analysis of an impurity inducing clinical adverse effect in anti-adhesion carboxymethyl chitosan products.

Controlling and minimizing the adverse effects of drugs are the key issues in ensuring the safety of drug therapy. Carboxymethyl chitosan has been widely used as an anti-adhesion material. However, recently in China there have been several reported instances of conjunctival hyperemia associated with the use of carboxymethyl chitosan containing products. Through MS, FTIR, and GC analysis, an impurity, diglycolic acid, was discovered in carboxylmethyl chitosan products. Pharmacological tests further indicated diglycolic acid has antithrombogenicity properties and induces vasodilation, both of which can cause conjunctival hyperemia. Thus, through these tests it was ascertained that diglycolic acid was the culprit responsible for the adverse clinical effects. Next, emphasis shifted to trying to discover the mechanism responsible for generating the diglycolic acid. Under strong basic conditions, chloroacetic acid can generate glycolic acid, which, upon etherification, can become diglycolic acid. In order to avoid future adverse effects, we have established an HPLC method to detect and determine diglycolic acid in carboxymethyl chitosan products. This method is specific, accurate, and precise, and can be easily implemented into routine monitoring practice. Concurrently, a refined method has also been established in order to eliminate diglycolic acid from carboxymethyl chitosan.

Immobilized capillary tyrosinase microreactor for inhibitor screening in natural extracts by capillary electrophoresis.

A method for creating an immobilized capillary tyrosinase (TRS) reactor based on a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly for inhibitor screening is described. Tyrosinase was immobilized on the surface of fused-silica capillary via ionic binding technique with cationic polyelectrolyte hexadimethrine bromide (HDB). Then, HDB solution with the same plug length as the TRS was injected again into the capillary to cover the immobilized enzyme by forming HDB-TRS-HDB sandwich-like structure. Then, the substrate of l-tyrosine was introduced into the capillary and on-line enzyme inhibition study was performed by capillary electrophoresis (CE). The enzyme activity was determined by the quantification of peak area of the product of l-DOPA. Enzyme inhibition can be read out directly from the reduced peak area of the product in comparison with a reference electropherogram obtained in the absence of any inhibitor. The immobilized enzyme could withstand 25 consecutive assays by only losing 12% activity. A known TRS inhibitor, kojic acid was employed as a model compound for the validation of the inhibitor screening method. Finally, screening 19 natural extracts of traditional Chinese drugs was demonstrated. The results indicated that inhibition activity could be straightforwardly identified with the system.

High-density extraction solvent-based solvent de-emulsification dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with MEKC for detection of chlorophenols in water samples.

For the first time, the high-density solvent-based solvent de-emulsification dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (HSD-DLLME) was developed for the fast, simple, and efficient determination of chlorophenols in water samples followed by field-enhanced sample injection with reverse migrating micelles in CE. The extraction of chlorophenols in the aqueous sample solution was performed in the presence of extraction solvent (chloroform) and dispersive solvent (acetone). A de-emulsification solvent (ACN) was then injected into the aqueous solution to break up the emulsion, the obtained emulsion cleared into two phases quickly. The lower layer (chloroform) was collected and analyzed by field-enhanced sample injection with reverse migrating micelles in CE. Several important parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of HSD-DLLME such as the type and volume of extraction solvent, disperser solvent and de-emulsification solvent, sample pH, extraction time as well as salting-out effects were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method provided a good linearity in the range of 0.02-4 µg/mL, low LODs (4 ng/mL), and good repeatability of the extractions (RSDs below 9.3%, n = 5). And enrichment factors for three phenols were 684, 797, and 233, respectively. This method was then utilized to analyze two real environmental samples from wastewater and tap water and obtained satisfactory results. The obtained results indicated that the developed method is an excellent alternative for the routine analysis in the environmental field.

[Association of metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was conducted. A total of 1506 cases of colorectal cancer (936 males and 570 females), whose clinical data were complete and aged from 30 to 75, were collected in the Third, First and Second People's Hospital of Jingdezhen between 2000 and 2009. A total of 3354 controls (1766 males and 1588 females) were subjects admitted to the above 3 hospitals as cases with acute non-malignant non-digestive diseases. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between metabolic syndrome and its components and colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Forty-eight cases of colorectal cancer (3.2%) and 59 controls (1.8%) were diagnosed as metabolic syndrome. Colorectal cancer risk was increased in cases with metabolic syndrome (OR=1.64, 95% CI:1.14-2.49, P<0.05) and in men with metabolic syndrome (OR=1.92, 95% CI:1.27-3.78, P<0.05), but not in women (P>0.05). As the number of component of metabolic syndrome increased, the risk of colorectal cancer increased in men (P<0.01), but not in women (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Association between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer exists in men, but not in women.

Screening α-glucosidase inhibitors from traditional Chinese drugs by capillary electrophoresis with electrophoretically mediated microanalysis.

In the present study, we report the study by a combination of electrophoretically mediated microanalysis method with a partial technique for screening alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from 21 traditional Chinese drugs. In the setup, substrates and enzymes were introduced into the capillary as distinct plugs, the electrophoretic conditions for enzyme reaction and separation of substrates and products were different in the composition and pH of the background electrolyte, which make more enzyme reactions possible. Part of the capillary was filled with the optimal buffer for the enzyme reaction, whereas the rest was filled with the background electrolyte optimal for the separation of substrates and products. With the optimal condition, the Michaelis-Menten constant and the inhibitive mechanism of acarbose were studied, which were in the same range as previous literature data. Furthermore, the inhibitory ratios of enzymatic activity (IRE) of 21 traditional Chinese drugs were determined. The classical method has superiorities over traditional assay methods, which not only minimizes the false-positive results but also simplifies the experimental processes. It could be used for screening inhibitors in natural extract.

On-line concentration by field-enhanced sample injection with reverse migrating micelles in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for the analysis of coumarins from traditional Chinese medicine and human serum.

In this work, a simple, reproducible and sensitive micellar electrokinetic chromatography method was developed for the separation and determination of three coumarins, imperatorin (IM), isoimperatorin (IO) and osthole (OS) from traditional Chinese medicine and human serum. Field-enhanced sample injection with reverse migrating micelles was used for on-line concentration of the coumarins. The optimum buffer contained 50 mM H(3)PO(4), 160 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate, 20% acetonitrile and 15% 2-propanol, and the pH of buffer was 2.0. The sample solution was diluted with water containing 5 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and injected for 15 s with -8 kV after injection of 2 s water plug. The effects of concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate and organic modifier, the sample matrix, the injection time of water plug, the injection voltage and injection time of sample on the separation and stacking efficiency were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the analytes were well separated and by optimizing the stacking conditions, about 93, 195 and 136 fold improvement in the detection sensitivity was obtained for IM, IO and OS. The contents of three coumarins in Angelica dahurica Benth, Radix Angelicae Pubescentis and Fructus Cnidii were successfully determined with satisfactory repeatability and recovery. The possibilities of using this method for the determination of three coumarins in spiked human serum were also tested.

Separation and determination of nitrofuran antibiotics in turbot fish by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.

A microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) method has been developed for the determination of four nitrofuran antibiotics (furazolidone (FZD), furaltadone (FTD), nitrofurazone (NFZ) and nitrofurantoin (NFT)) in turbot fish. The effect of buffer the pH, the concentration of SDS and the concentrations of octane and butan-1-ol were studied systematically. With the optimized experimental conditions (octane, 0.82% (w/w); SDS, 3.48% (w/w); butan-1-ol, 6.48% (w/w); and 10 mM sodium tetraborate buffer (pH 9.70), with 30 kV as the applied voltage) all four analytes were baseline-separated within 8 min. Regression equations revealed a good linear relationship between the peak area of each compound and its concentration. The correlation coefficients of the four analytes were from 0.9945 to 0.9999. The relative standard deviations of the migration times and the peak areas were <1.84 and 5.16% (intra-day). The obtained recovery ranged between 97 and 104%. Moreover, the method was successfully validated and applied to the determination of nitrofuran antibiotics in contaminated fish.

Determination of kava lactones and flavonoid glycoside in Scorzonera austriaca by capillary zone electrophoresis.

A capillary zone electrophoretic method has been developed for the quantitative analysis of three active comppounds, 12-hydroxy-desmethoxyyangonin (HD), 12-beta-d-glucopyranoside-desmethoxyyangonin (GD) and luteolin 3'-(6-E-p-coumaroyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside) (LG) in Scorzonera austriaca with UV detection at 254 nm. The applied voltage was 25 kV and the capillary temperature was kept constant at 25 degrees C. The effect of buffer pH, the concentration of electrolyte and organic modifier on migration were studied systematically. Optimum separation was achieved with 20 mM borate buffer at pH 10.00 containing 10% (v/v) methanol. Daphnetin was used as internal standard for quantification. Regression equations revealed good linear relationship between the ratios of the peak area of each compound and its the ratios of concentration. All the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.9990. The relative standard deviations of migration time and the peak area were <1.46% and 5.13% (inter-day), and <1.65% and 5.16% (intra-day), respectively. The contents of the three compounds in S. austriaca were successfully determined with satisfactory repeatability and recovery.

Purification and characterization of alginate lyase from marine Vibrio sp. YWA.

Extracellular alginate lyase secreted by marine Vibrio sp. YWA, isolated from decayed Laminaria japonica, was purified by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel column chromatography. The results show that the molecular mass of alginate lyase was approximately 62.5 kDa, with an optimal pH and temperature at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C, respectively. K(m) was approximately 72.73 g/L. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced by EDTA and Zn(2+), but inhibited by Ba(2+). The substrates specificity analysis shows that it was specific for hydrolyzing poly-beta-D-1,4-mannuronate in alginate.

Separation of plant hormones from biofertilizer by capillary electrophoresis using a capillary coated dynamically with polycationic polymers.

A new, simple and rapid capillary electrophoresis (CE) method, using hexadimethrine bromide (HDB) as electroosmotic flow (EOF) modifier, was developed for the identification and quantitative determination of four plant hormones, including gibberellin A3 (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CA). The optimum separation was achieved with 20 mM borate buffer at pH 10.00 containing 0.005% (w/v) of HDB. The applied voltage was -25 kV and the capillary temperature was kept constant at 25 degrees C. Salicylic acid was used as internal standard for quantification. The calibration dependencies exhibited good linearity within the ratios of the concentrations of standard samples and internal standard and the ratios of the peak areas of samples and internal standard. The correlation coefficients were from 0.9952 to 0.9997. The relative standard deviations of migration times and peak areas were < 1.93 and 6.84%, respectively. The effects of buffer pH, the concentration of HDB and the voltage on the resolution were studied systematically. By this method, the contents of plant hormone in biofertilizer were successfully determined within 7 min, with satisfactory repeatability and recovery.

Separation and determination of anthraquinones in Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae) by micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis.

An MEKC method was developed for the determination of the five pharmaceutically important anthraquinones: chrysophanol (1), physcion (2), emodin (3), aloe-emodinin (4), and rhein (5) in Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae). A buffer solution (pH 9.00) composed of 20 mM sodium borate, 20 mM sodium deoxycholate (DOC), and 15% ACN was found to be the most suitable electrolyte for this separation. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients: 0.9993, 0.9992, 0.9996, 0.9989, and 0.9991) between the peak area of each compound (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and its concentration. The RSDs of migration times and peak areas were <1.23 and 2.72% within 1 day, respectively. The effects of pH value, surfactant (DOC) concentration, and organic modifier on the migration were also studied. By this way, the contents of five anthraquinones in the extracts of the seed of C. obtusifolia (Leguminosae) from different sources were successfully determined within 14 min.

Separation and determination of chalcones from Carthamus tinctorius L. and its medicinal preparation by capillary zone electrophoresis.

A new capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was developed for simultaneous assay of four chalcones, hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflor yellow A, safflamin C, and safflamin A, in the Chinese herbal extract from Carthamus tinctorius L. The optimum buffer system was 30 mM borate buffer (Na2B407/HCl, pH 9.00) with 10% (v/v) methanol. The voltage was 15 kV and detection was at 270 nm. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients: 0.9973, 0.9992, 0.9989, and 0.9996) between the peak area of each compound and its concentration. The within-day relative standard deviations of migration times and peak areas were < 1.53 and 4.14%, respectively. The effects of several CE parameters on the resolution were studied systematically. The contents of four chalcones in Carthamus tinctorius L. were successfully determined with satisfactory repeatability and recovery. The possibilities of using this method for the determination of chalcones in Chinese medicinal preparation was also tested.