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The introduction of α-helical structure with a specific helix–helix interaction into an amphipathic molecule enables the determination of the molecular packing in the assembly and the morphological control of peptide assemblies. We previously reported that the amphiphilic polypeptide SL12 with a polysarcosine (PSar) hydrophilic chain and hydrophobic α-helix (l-Leu-Aib)6 involving the LxxxLxxxL sequence, which induces homo-dimerization due to the concave–convex interaction, formed a nanotube with a uniform 80 nm diameter. In this study, we investigated the importance of the LxxxLxxxL sequence for tube formation by comparing amphiphilic polypeptide SL4A4L4 with hydrophobic α-helix (l-Leu-Aib)2-(l-Ala-Aib)2-(l-Leu-Aib)2 and SL12. SL4A4L4 formed spherical vesicles and micelles. The effect of the LxxxLxxxL sequence elongation on tube formation was demonstrated by studying assemblies of PSar-b-(l-Ala-Aib)-(l-Leu-Aib)6-(l-Ala-Aib) (SA2L12A2) and PSar-b-(l-Leu-Aib)8 (SL16). SA2L12A2 formed nanotubes with a uniform 123 nm diameter, while SL16 assembled into vesicles. These results showed that LxxxLxxxL is a necessary and sufficient sequence for the self-assembly of nanotubes. Furthermore, we fabricated a double-layer nanotube by combining two kinds of nanotubes with 80 and 120 nm diameters—SL12 and SA2L12A2. When SA2L12A2 self-assembled in SL12 nanotube dispersion, SA2L12A2 initially formed a rolled sheet, the sheet then wrapped the SL12 nanotube, and a double-layer nanotube was obtained.

SARS-CoV-2 represents the causative agent of the current pandemic (COVID-19). The drug repurposing technique is used to search for possible drugs that can bind to SARS-CoV-2 proteins and inhibit viral replication. In this study, the FDA-approved antiplatelets are tested against the main protease and spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 using in silico methods. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation are used in the current study. The results suggest the effectiveness of vorapaxar, ticagrelor, cilostazol, cangrelor, and prasugrel in binding the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, vorapaxar, ticagrelor, and cilostazol are the best binders of the spike protein. Therefore, these compounds could be successful candidates against COVID-19 that need to be tested experimentally.

Compared with traditional rain gauges and weather radars, hydrogel flexible electronic sensor capable of responding directly to rainfall events with promptness and authenticity, shows great prospects in real-time rainfall monitoring. Aluminum coordination hydrogel (Al-HG), one of the most qualified sensors suitable for rainfall monitoring, however, is currently impeded from widespread application by its weak mechanical properties due to the low binding strength between Al 3+ and functional ligands. Herein, inspired by the antifreeze proteins (AFPs) that protect those Patagonian toothfishes by strongly binding to ice crystals at freezing temperatures, a low temperature-induced strategy is introduced to promote more and stronger ligand carboxyls firm combination with Al 3+ , thus forming a high-coordinated structure to deal with this challenge. Expectedly, the whole mechanical performance of the product Al-HG F1/F2 obtained by the low temperature-induced strategy is improved. For example, the tensile fracture toughness and the maximum compressive stress of Al-HG F1/F2 are 1.66 MJ·m −3 and 12.01 MPa, approximately twice those of the sample Al-HG F3/F0 obtained by traditional soaking method (0.86 MJ·m −3 and 7.38 MPa, respectively). Coupled with its good biocompatibility, ionic conductivity, and sensing ability, Al-HG F1/F2 demonstrates promising application for real-time rainfall monitoring in discrepant rainfall intensities, different zones, and even under extreme environments. This work aims to offer a stride toward mechanically robust aluminum coordination hydrogel sensors for real-time rainfall monitoring as well as provide insights into flood prevention and disaster mitigation. The Al-HG F1/F2 is successfully constructed by a low-temperature induction strategy. Bearing a high-coordinated structure, the Al-HG F1/F2 exhibits excellent mechanical performance. The Al-HG F1/F2 shows a great potential in real-time rainfall monitoring. The Al-HG F1/F2 provides a new perspective for flood prevention and disaster mitigation.

Background: Na+/K+ ATPase enzyme is essential for nerve cell membrane integrity, and reduction in its activity, probably due to ATP1A1 gene polymorphisms, is related to diabetic neuropathy progression. Therefore, the goal of the existent study is to evaluate the Na+/K+ ATPase activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Egyptian patients with or without neuropathy, search for polymorphism(s) in the highly polymorphic region of ATP1A1 gene, exon 2, and study its (their) associations with T2DM with and without neuropathy. Materials and Methods: A total number of 150 individuals were subclassified into healthy controls (n = 30), T2DM without complications (n = 60), and T2DM with neuropathy (n = 60). Results: The biochemical results exhibited a significant reduction in fasting C-Peptide and activity of Na+/K+ ATPase in T2DM patients with neuropathy followed by T2DM without complication in comparison with healthy controls. ATP1A1 exon2 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) then digested by the PstI restriction enzyme, and the obtained data from restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR and sequencing revealed the existence of a novel synonymous G94A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at nucleotide 27 in exon 2 of ATP1A1 gene (rs1060366). Diabetic groups had only allele A, while the control group had G allele. Interestingly, individuals carrying AA genotype had a significantly lower Na+/K+ ATPase, C-peptide, and higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c %) than those having GG genotype, suggesting a possible association for this SNP, and this developed phenomenon of not only T2DM but also diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: Thus, allele A of G94A SNP (rs1060366) could be a risk allele for diabetes susceptibility among Egyptian patients.

Background: Na+/K+ ATPase enzyme is essential for nerve cell membrane integrity, and reduction in its activity, probably due to ATP1A1 gene polymorphisms, is related to diabetic neuropathy progression. Therefore, the goal of the existent study is to evaluate the Na+/K+ ATPase activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Egyptian patients with or without neuropathy, search for polymorphism(s) in the highly polymorphic region of ATP1A1 gene, exon 2, and study its (their) associations with T2DM with and without neuropathy. Materials and Methods: A total number of 150 individuals were subclassified into healthy controls (n = 30), T2DM without complications (n = 60), and T2DM with neuropathy (n = 60). Results: The biochemical results exhibited a significant reduction in fasting C-Peptide and activity of Na+/K+ ATPase in T2DM patients with neuropathy followed by T2DM without complication in comparison with healthy controls. ATP1A1 exon2 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) then digested by the PstI restriction enzyme, and the obtained data from restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR and sequencing revealed the existence of a novel synonymous G94A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at nucleotide 27 in exon 2 of ATP1A1 gene (rs1060366). Diabetic groups had only allele A, while the control group had G allele. Interestingly, individuals carrying AA genotype had a significantly lower Na+/K+ ATPase, C-peptide, and higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c %) than those having GG genotype, suggesting a possible association for this SNP, and this developed phenomenon of not only T2DM but also diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: Thus, allele A of G94A SNP (rs1060366) could be a risk allele for diabetes susceptibility among Egyptian patients.