Lead is a toxic heavy metal whose detoxification in organisms is mainly carried out by its coordination with some metalloproteins such as metallothioneins (MTs). Two Pb-MT complexes, named as Pb7-MT2(I) and Pb7-MT2(II), form under neutral and weakly acidic conditions, respectively. However, the structures of the two complexes, which are crucial for a better understanding of the detoxification m...

The current work examines the effects of model allochtonous (humic substances) and autochtonous (microbial polysaccharides) natural organic matter (NOM) on Pb speciation and bioaccumulation. The results demonstrated that polysaccharides, in particular alginic acid, had complexing properties and effects on Pb bioaccumulation by the green alga Chlorella kesslerii that were similar to equivalent c...

Influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is a heterotrimeric complex of PB1, PB2, and PA. We show that the individually expressed PB2 subunit can be assembled with the coexpressed PB1-PA dimer in vitro into a transcriptionally active complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a model viral RNA promoter can bind to the PB1-PA dimer prior to assembly with PB2. Our results are consistent with a...

The study of binding affinity is essential in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing because it allows researchers to quantify the affinity between the analyte and immobilised ligands of an SPR sensor. In this study, we demonstrate the derivation of the binding affinity constant, K, for Pb2+ and Hg2+ ions according to their SPR response using a gold/silver/gold/chitosan-graphene oxide (Au/Ag/A...

Pandemic outbreaks of highly virulent influenza strains can cause widespread morbidity and mortality in human populations worldwide. In the United States alone, an average of 41,400 deaths and 1.86 million hospitalizations are caused by influenza virus infection each year (1). Point mutations in the polymerase basic protein 2 subunit (PB2) have been linked to the adaptation of the viral infecti...

BACKGROUND Genetic reassortment plays a critical role in the generation of pandemic strains of influenza virus. The influenza virus RNA polymerase, composed of PB1, PB2 and PA subunits, has been suggested to influence the efficiency of genetic reassortment. However, the role of the RNA polymerase in the genetic reassortment is not well understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here, we recon...

Lead (Pb2+) ions are considered as one of the primary environmental pollutants and have a profound effect on human health. In this work, we developed hybrid organic–inorganic optical nanochemosensor for selective ultrasensitive detection Pb2+ based energy transfer (ET), involving sensitive rhodamine-derived named (E)-4-(((3′,6′-bis(diethylamino)-3-oxospiro[isoindoline-1,9′-xanthen]-2-yl)imino)m...

BACKGROUND Influenza A subtype H9N2 is widespread and prevalent in poultry. It has repeatedly transmitted zoonotically to cause mild influenza-like illness in humans and is regarded as a potential pandemic candidate. In additon, the six internal genes of H7N9 and H10N8 viruses which caused infection in human in China as well as some of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strains are origined from H9N2. ...

In this report, we present a method for the detection of Pb2+ based on the different adsorption capacity on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) between ssDNA (single-stranded DNA) and G-quartet. In the absence of Pb2+, the DNA oligonucleotides probe, which is guanine-rich ssDNA, can be adsorbed on the surface of AuNPs protecting them from aggregation. After adding Pb2+, the DNA oligonucle...

Well-defined crystalline PbSe nanocubes and nanospheres have been synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method by using Pb2+- EDTA and Pb2+- oleylamine complexes at 180°C for different reaction times. Composition and morphology of the samples have been characterized by means of XRD and SEM. Gradual release process of Pb2+ from Pb2+-EDTA and Pb2+-oleylamine complexes can adjust the growth ra...