The general Randi c index of a (molecular) graph G is dened as the sum of the weights (d(u)d(v)) of all edges uv of G, where d(u) denotes the degree of a vertex u in G and is an arbitrary real number. In this paper we obtain the lower and upper bounds for the general Randi c index among graphs with n vertices and characterize the graphs whose general Randi c indices reach the maximum and minimum. We give a clear picture depending on the real number in dieren t intervals.
Objective: Amino acyl modification of lysine residues is an essential mechanism of nutrient sensing that regulates various biological functions including reproduction. At present, the lack of pan-specific antibodies for a recently identified lysine valylation hinders the characterization and detection of this modification. The objective of this study is to raise pan-specific antibodies that may facilitate the identification of novel expression patterns of lysine valylation. Methods: Chicken ovalbumin was valylated as an immunogen to raise polyclonal antibodies (PcAbs) in rabbits. The population of the pan-specific antibodies recognizing valylated lysine was purified using the chemically synthesized valylated peptides consisting of random amino acids. The specificity of the antibodies was evaluated using ELISA, dot blots, Western blots, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in human epididymis as well. Results: A preliminary and simple strategy to make an anti-valylated lysine PcAb was developed. The recognition of the antibodies to valyllysine was evaluated as pan specific. This was useful for the detection of the newly identified valyl modification using ELISA, dot blots, and Western blots. The antibodies were also successfully utilized in IHC assays, which revealed novel valyllysine modification patterns in epididymis tissues of human. Conclusions: A new antibody tool was provided for the study of lysine valylation. The novel expression patterns of valyllysine in the epididymis suggest that this modification may be involved in sperm maturation.
Two novel natural flavonoid substituted polysaccharides (MBAP-1 and MBAP-2) were obtained from Tamarix chinensis Lour. and characterized by HPGPC, methylation, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-IT-MSn), and NMR analysis. The results showed that MBAP-1 was a homogenous heteropolysaccharide with a backbone of 4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→ and →3,4,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→. MBAP-2 was also a homogenous polysaccharide which possessed a backbone of →3)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→ and →3,4)-β-d-Glcp-2-OMe-(1→. Both the two polysaccharides were substituted by quercetin and exhibited anticomplement activities in vitro. However, MBAP-1 (CH50: 0.075 ± 0.004 mg/mL) was more potent than MBAP-2 (CH50: 0.249 ± 0.006 mg/mL) and its reduced product, MBAP-1R (CH50: 0.207 ± 0.008 mg/mL), indicating that multiple monosaccharides and uronic acids might contribute to the anticomplement activity of the flavonoid substituted polysaccharides of T. chinensis. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of MBAP-1 was also more potent than that of MBAP-2. In conclusion, these two flavonoid substituted polysaccharides from T. chinensis were found to be potential oxidant and complement inhibitors.
Abstract Rationale: The diagnosis of anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK )-negative inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT) remains challenging because of their morphological resemblance with spindle cell sarcoma with myofibroblastic characteristics. Patient concerns: A 69-year-old female patient presented with loco-regional recurrent IMT several times within 8 years after primary treatment and neck lymph node metastasis 3.5 years after last recurrence. Diagnosis: The primary, recurrence, and lymph node metastasis lesions were diagnosed as ALK-negative IMTs based on the histopathological features. Interventions: Biopsy samples were obtained during repeated surgeries and evaluated for genomic alterations during first and recurrent presentations. The evaluation was done using pathway-driven massive parallel sequencing, and genomic alterations between primary and recurrent tumors were compared. Outcomes: Copy number gains and overexpression of mouse double minute 2 homolog ( MDM2 ) and cyclin dependent kinase 4 ( CDK4 ) were observed in the primary lesion, and additional gene amplification of Discoidin Domain Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 ( DDR2 ), Succinate Dehydrogenase Complex II subunit C ( SDHC ), and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor ( TSHR ) Q720H were found in the recurrent tumors. Metastases to the neck lymph node were observed 3.5 years after recurrence. Lessons: Our results indicated genetic evolution in a microscopically benign condition and highlighted the importance of molecular characterization of fibro-inflammatory lesions of uncertain malignant potential.