Tetra­kis(1-allyl-1H-imidazole-κN 3)bis­(thio­cyanato-κN)manganese(II)

The structure of the title compound, [Mn(NCS)2(C6H8N2)4], consists of isolated mol­ecules of [Mn(NCS)2(Aim)4] (Aim = 1-allyl­imidazole), which contain a compressed octa­hedral MnN6 chromophore (site symmetry ). The NCS− anions are trans and four N atoms from the Aim ligands define the equatorial plane. The mean Mn—N(Aim) and Mn—N(NCS) distances are 2.270 and 2.229 Å, respectively. Weak C—H⋯N inter­actions contribute to the crystal packing stability

trans-Tetra­kis(1-allyl-1H-imidazole-κN 3)bis­(thio­cyanato-κN)nickel(II)

The structure of the title compound, [Ni(NCS)2(C6H8N2)4], consists of isolated mol­ecules of [Ni(NCS)2(Aim)4] (Aim = 1-allyl­imidazole), which contain a distorted octa­hedral NiN6 chromophore. The NCS− anions are trans and four N atoms from the 1-allyl­imidazole ligands define the equatorial plane. The mean Mn—N(Aim) and Mn—N(NCS) distances are 2.105 (2) and 2.098 (2) Å, respectively. Weak C—H⋯N inter­actions contribute to the crystal packing stability

14-3-3τ Regulates Beclin 1 and Is Required for Autophagy

Beclin 1 plays an essential role in autophagy; however, the regulation of Beclin 1 expression remains largely unexplored. An earlier ChIP-on-chip study suggested Beclin 1 could be an E2F target. Previously, we also reported that 14-3-3tau regulates E2F1 stability, and is required for the expression of several E2F1 target genes. 14-3-3 proteins mediate many cellular signaling processes, but its role in autophagy has not been investigated. We hypothesize that 14-3-3tau could regulate Beclin 1 expression through E2F1 and thus regulate autophagy.Using the RNAi technique we demonstrate a novel role for one of 14-3-3 isoforms, 14-3-3tau, in the regulation of Beclin 1 expression and autophagy. Depletion of 14-3-3tau inhibits the expression of Beclin 1 in many different cell lines; whereas, upregulation of 14-3-3tau induces Beclin 1. The regulation is physiologically relevant as an extracellular matrix protein tenascin-C, a known 14-3-3tau inducer, can induce Beclin 1 through 14-3-3tau. Moreover, rapamycin-induced, serum free-induced and amino acid starvation-induced autophagy depends on 14-3-3tau. We also show the expression of Beclin 1 depends on E2F, and E2F can transactivate the Beclin 1 promoter in a promoter reporter assay. Upregulation of Beclin 1 by 14-3-3tau requires E2F1. Depletion of E2F1, like 14-3-3tau, also inhibits autophagy.Taken together, this study uncovers a role for 14-3-3tau in Beclin 1 and autophagy regulation probably through regulation of E2F1

The Connotation of Kidney Stores Essence Theory and Kidney Endocrine Substance

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a traditional healing system with unique theoretical system. The Zang‐Fu theory is the closest mapping to body\u27s physiological and pathological changes. Kidney is the most vital Zang organ in TCM system. However, the material basis of kidney essence is still undefined. In this chapter, we propose the idea that kidney endocrine substances, such as renin, kallikrein, erythropoietin (EPO), calcitriol, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐7, and klotho, are potential candidates of the material basis of kidney essence. In addition, kidney‐nourishing therapy and related Chinese medicinal herbs are also introduced

Thermal stability and inactivation of hepatitis C virus grown in cell culture

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne flavivirus that infects many millions of people worldwide. Relatively little is known, however, concerning the stability of HCV and reliable procedures for inactivating this virus.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In the current study, the thermostability of cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc, JFH-1 strain) under different environmental temperatures (37°C, room temperature, and 4°C) and the ability of heat, UVC light irradiation, and aldehyde and detergent treatments to inactivate HCVcc were evaluated. The infectious titers of treated viral samples were determined by focus-forming unit (FFU) assay using an indirect immunofluorescence assay for HCV NS3 in hepatoma Huh7-25-CD81 cells highly permissive for HCVcc infection. MTT cytotoxicity assay was performed to determine the concentrations of aldehydes or detergents at which they were no longer cytotoxic.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>HCVcc in culture medium was found to survive 37°C and room temperature (RT, 25 ± 2°C) for 2 and 16 days, respectively, while the virus was relatively stable at 4°C without drastic loss of infectivity for at least 6 weeks. HCVcc in culture medium was sensitive to heat and could be inactivated in 8 and 4 min when incubated at 60°C and 65°C, respectively. However, at 56°C, 40 min were required to eliminate HCVcc infectivity. Addition of normal human serum to HCVcc did not significantly alter viral stability at RT or its susceptibility to heat. UVC light irradiation (wavelength = 253.7 nm) with an intensity of 450 μW/cm²efficiently inactivated HCVcc within 2 min. Exposures to formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ionic or nonionic detergents all destroyed HCVcc infectivity effectively, regardless of whether the treatments were conducted in the presence of cell culture medium or human serum.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results provide quantitative evidence for the potential use of a variety of approaches for inactivating HCV. The ability of HCVcc to survive ambient temperatures warrants precautions in handling and disposing of objects and materials that may have been contaminated with HCV.</p

3,3′-Dibenzyl-2,2′-dimethyl-1,1′-methyl­enediimidazolium dipicrate

In the title salt, C23H26N4 2+·2C6H2N3O7 −, the dihedral angle between the imidazolium rings in the dication is 69.9 (1)°. The aromatic ring of the benzyl group is almost perpendicular to the N-heterocyclic ring that is directly connected to it [dihedral angles = 83.2 (2) and 77.3 (3)°]