A unique transition-metal-free C(sp3)–H/C(sp3)–H dehydrocoupling of N-benzylimines with saturated heterocycles is presented using 2-azaallyl anions as super electron donors to initiate the generation of hydrogen atom abstracting aryl radicals.

Objective To define and characterize the subpopulation of platelets capable of regulating the functional interactions of factors Va (FVa) and Xa (FXa) on the thrombin-activated platelet surface. Methods and Results Flow cytometric analyses were used to define and characterize platelet subpopulations. At a concentration of thrombin known to elicit maximal platelet activation, platelet-derived FVa release, and prothrombinase assembly/function, only a subpopulation of platelets were positive for FVa and FXa binding. An additional subpopulation bound lower levels of FVa, but little, if any, FXa. Fluorescence microscopy analyses confirmed these data. Phenotypically, platelets capable of binding FXa were more highly reticulated and demonstrated significantly increased expression of several key adhesion molecules, including P-selectin, GPIbα, and integrins αIIb and β3. This platelet subpopulation was also defined by the expression of a non-dissociable, membrane-bound pool of functional platelet-derived FVa which comprised ~35–50% of the total membrane-bound cofactor. Conclusions The ability of activated platelets to support thrombin generation is defined by a subpopulation of platelets expressing a non-dissociable pool of platelet-derived FVa and increased adhesive receptor density. This subpopulation is hypothesized to play a significant role in regulating both normal hemostasis and pathological thrombus formation since the adherent properties of platelets and their ability to mount and sustain a procoagulant response are crucial steps in both of these processes.

Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) has greatly affected public health in recent decades. Accumulating data indicated that host microRNAs (miRNAs) were related to IAV replication. The present study mainly focused on the effects of microRNA-21-3p (miR-21-3p) on H5N1 replication. Methods: The levels of miR-21-3p, virus structural factors (matrix 1 (M1), nucleoprotein (NP)), type I interferon (IFN) response markers (IFN-β, IFN-α), IFN-stimulated genes (protein kinase R (PKR), myxovirus resistance A (MxA), 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS)), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of M1, NP, and FGF2 were tested by Western blot assay. The virus titer was assessed by tissue culture infective dose 50% (TCID50) assay. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and ribonucleic acid (RNA) immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to verify the interaction between miR-21-3p and FGF2. Results: MiR-21-3p was reduced in H5N1-infected patients and A549 cells. MiR-21-3p overexpression facilitated the levels of M1, NP, TCID50 value, and reduced the levels of IFN-β, IFN-α, PKR, MxA, and OAS in H5N1-infected A549 cells. FGF2 was verified as a direct target of miR-21-3p. The introduction of FGF2 counteracted miR-21-3p-mediated decrease in the levels of M1, NP, and TCID50 value, as well as reduction in the levels of IFN-β, IFN-α, PKR, MxA, and OAS in H5N1-infected A549 cells. Conclusion: MiR-21-3p down-regulated FGF2 expression to accelerate H5N1 replication and confine IFN response.

The technique of enzyme treatment on the water-soluble proteins and mechanical properties of natural rubber latex (NRL) films was studied. The main aim was to introduce an enzymic catalysis method to tackle the protein allergy problem in NRL product. The suitable pH value, the temperature, and the best proportion of transglutaminase to deal with NRL were found. The protein spillage of modified NRL films was greatly lower than that of unmodified NRL, and the tensile strength and the elongation at break of the modified NRL films almost had been scarcely changed. The compactness of the NRL films was improved simultaneously. These suggest that the modified NRL can be used as a kind of latex with low-allergy personal barrier products such as surgical gloves.