Myricetin antagonizes semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI) formation and influences its infection-enhancing activity.

BACKGROUND: Semen is a critical vector for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sexual transmission and harbors seminal amyloid fibrils that can markedly enhance HIV infection. Semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI) is one of the best-characterized seminal amyloid fibrils. Due to their highly cationic properties, SEVI fibrils can capture HIV virions, increase viral attachment to target cells, and augment viral fusion. Some studies have reported that myricetin antagonizes amyloid ß-protein (Aß) formation; myricetin also displays strong anti-HIV activity in vitro. RESULTS: Here, we report that myricetin inhibits the formation of SEVI fibrils by binding to the amyloidogenic region of the SEVI precursor peptide (PAP248-286) and disrupting PAP248-286 oligomerization. In addition, myricetin was found to remodel preformed SEVI fibrils and to influence the activity of SEVI in promoting HIV-1 infection. Moreover, myricetin showed synergistic effects against HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs in semen. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of myricetin into a combination bifunctional microbicide with both anti-SEVI and anti-HIV activities is a highly promising approach to preventing sexual transmission of HIV.

Penetrating chest trauma caused by a falling metallic bar: a case report.

Background: Impaling injuries to the chest are relatively rare and often lethal. Initial evaluation, resuscitation, and surgical planning can be challenging for emergency physicians and surgeons. Chest trauma can be classified as either closed or penetrating, depending on whether or not the pleural cavity is open. Penetrating objects entering chest cavity frequently make an entrance and exit and are often accompanied by visceral/vascular damage. Open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are considered the first-line approaches for severe penetrating chest trauma. Case Description: A 63-year-old male patient sustained a penetrating chest trauma caused by a T-shaped metallic bar falling from a height of 16 meters above the ground. After laboratory and imaging tests, as well as pre-operative preparation, the object was pulled out from the entry site after disinfection with surgical standby. Closed chest tube drainage was promptly performed, with chest tubes inserted through the entry and exit sites. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 14 in a good condition. Regular telephone follow-ups over 3 years showed that the patient recovered well after discharge. Conclusions: For penetrating non-cardiac chest trauma patients in stable condition, it is necessary to complete an exhaustive imaging evaluation to determine the specific position of the foreign body and identify any injuries to major vessels and organs. If the condition permits, direct removal of foreign bodies is allowed, ideally under VATS control. Surgeons should evaluate the best option for each case based on the available resources.