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Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (EC 3.4.14.5; DPP IV), also known as the leukocyte differentiation antigen CD26 when found as an extracellular membrane-bound proline specific serine protease, cleaves a dipeptide from the N terminus of a polypeptide chain containing a proline residue in the penultimate position. Here we report that known (Z)-Ala-[CF‫؍‬C]-Pro dipeptide isosteres 1 and 2, which contain O-acylhydroxylamines, were isolated as diastereomeric pairs u-1, l-1, and l-2. The effect of each diastereomeric pair as an inhibitor of human placental dipeptidyl peptidase DPP IV has been examined. The inhibition of DPP IV by these compounds is rapid and efficient. The diastereomeric pair u-1 exhibits very potent inhibitory activity with a K i of 188 nM. Fluoroolefin containing N-peptidyl-O-hydroxylamine peptidomimetics, by virtue of their inhibitory potency and stability, are superior to N-peptidyl-O-hydroxylamine inhibitors derived from an Ala-Pro dipeptide.

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Lysozymes are naturally occurring enzymes present in a variety of biological organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and animal bodily secretions and tissues. It is also the main ingredient of many ethnomedicines. It is well known that lysozymes and lysozyme-like enzymes can be used as anti-bacterial agents by degrading bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan that leads to cell death, and can also inhibit fungi, yeasts, and viruses. In addition to its direct antimicrobial activity, lysozyme is also an important component of the innate immune system in most mammals. Increasing evidence has shown the immune-modulatory effects of lysozymes against infection and inflammation. More recently, studies have revealed the anti-cancer activities of lysozyme in multiple types of tumors, potentially through its immune-modulatory activities. In this review, we summarized the major functions and underlying mechanisms of lysozymes derived from animal and plant sources. We highlighted the therapeutic applications and recent advances of lysozymes in cancers, hypertension, and viral diseases, aiming toseeking alternative therapies for standard medical treatment bypassing side effects. We also evaluated the role of lysozyme as a promising cancer marker for prognosis to indicate the outcomes recurrence for patients.

Once, in 2007, the authors had written: regarding to the endangerment of the White-eared Night Heron (Gorsachius magnificus), it would be evidentially to say that no longer the status of the bird is to meet the Criteria EN C1 but more likely still marginally meet EN C2a(i), and hence the bird might be currently remained amongst those Endangered (EN), with caveats that, if any bird could have been found in an area outside the range of any known subpopulation, it will then warrant a lower threat status. Now, it is time for due consideration.

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BackgroundPredatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are the most important beneficial arthropods used in augmentative biological pest control of protected crops around the world. However, the genomes of mites are far less well understood than those of insects and the evolutionary relationships among mite and other chelicerate orders are contested, with the enigmatic origin of mites at one of the centres in discussion of the evolution of Arachnida.ResultsWe here report the 173 Mb nuclear genome (from 51.75 Gb pairs of Illumina reads) of the predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris, a biocontrol agent against pests such as mites and thrips worldwide. We identified nearly 20.6 Mb (~ 11.93% of this genome) of repetitive sequences and annotated 18,735 protein-coding genes (a typical gene 2888 bp in size); the total length of protein-coding genes was about 50.55 Mb (29.2% of this assembly). About 37% (6981) of the genes are unique to N. cucumeris based on comparison with other arachnid genomes. Our phylogenomic analysis supported the monophyly of Acari, therefore rejecting the biphyletic origin of mites advocated by other studies based on limited gene fragments or few taxa in recent years. Our transcriptomic analyses of different life stages of N. cucumeris provide new insights into genes involved in its development. Putative genes involved in vitellogenesis, regulation of oviposition, sex determination, development of legs, signal perception, detoxification and stress-resistance, and innate immune systems are identified.ConclusionsOur genomics and developmental transcriptomics analyses of N. cucumeris provide invaluable resources for further research on the development, reproduction, and fitness of this economically important mite in particular and Arachnida in general.