Self-Assembled Multiepitope Nanovaccine Provides Long-Lasting Cross-Protection against Influenza Virus

Seasonal influenza vaccines typically provide strain-specific protection and are reformulated annually, which is a complex and time-consuming process. Multiepitope vaccines, combining multiple conserved antigenic epitopes from a pathogen, can trigger more robust, diverse, and effective immune responses, providing a potential solution. However, their practical application is hindered by low immunogenicity and short-term effectiveness. In this study, multiple linear epitopes from the conserved stem domain of hemagglutinin and the ectodomain of matrix protein 2 are combined with the Helicobacter pylori ferritin, a stable self-assembled nanoplatform, to develop an influenza multiepitope nanovaccine, named MHF. MHF is prokaryotically expressed in a soluble form and self-assembles into uniform nanoparticles. The subcutaneous immunization of mice with adjuvanted MHF induces cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and cellular immunity, offering complete protection against H3N2 as well as partial protection against H1N1. Importantly, the vaccine cargo delivered by ferritin triggers epitope-specific memory B-cell responses, with antibody level persisting for over 6 months post-immunization. These findings indicate that self-assembled multiepitope nanovaccines elicit potent and long-lasting immune responses while significantly reducing the risk of vaccine escape mutants, and offer greater practicality in terms of scalable manufacturing and genetic manipulability, presenting a promising and effective strategy for future vaccine development.

Correlation of TBX21 gene polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese population

Genome-wide association studies analysis has revealed associations between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and loci on the TBX21 gene across various populations. This study aimed to investigate if there is a connection between a higher risk of AS in a Chinese population and two polymorphism loci on the TBX21 gene. To achieve this, we performed a case-control investigation involving 363 patients with AS and 907 healthy individuals. Genotyping was carried out using the iPLEX Gold genotyping assay. The analysis of genotypes and haplotypes was performed using SPSS 23.0 and SHEsis software. The results revealed no statistically significant correlation between the two specified single-nucleotide polymorphisms of TBX21 (rs11657479 C/T and rs4794067 C/T) and susceptibility to AS. However, upon conducting stratification analysis, our findings demonstrated a significant association between rs11657479 and susceptibility to human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27+ AS in allelic (C vs. T: odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95%CI = 1.09-2.11, corrected p [pc] = .028), heterozygous (CT vs. TT: OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.13-2.34, pc = .016) and dominant (CT + CC vs. TT: OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.12-2.28, pc = .018) models. Furthermore, the haplotype rs4794067/C-rs11657479/C of TBX21 was found to increase the risk of HLA-B27+ AS cases. In conclusion, our findings indicate a correlation between TBX21 gene polymorphism and HLA-B27+ AS patients within the Chinese population.

Full-thickness skin graft versus split-thickness skin graft for radial forearm free flap donor site closure: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) serves as a workhorse for a variety of reconstructions. Although there are a variety of surgical techniques for donor site closure after RFFF raising, the most common techniques are closure using a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) or a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG). The closure can result in wound complications and function and aesthetic compromise of the forearm and hand. The aim of the planned systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the wound-related, function-related and aesthetics-related outcome associated with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) and split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) in radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site closure.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed. Electronic databases and platforms (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)) and clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, the German Clinical Trials Register, the ISRCTN registry, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) will be searched using predefined search terms until 15 January 2024. A rerun of the search will be carried out within 12 months before publication of the review. Eligible studies should report on the occurrence of donor site complications after raising an RFFF and closure of the defect. Included closure techniques are techniques that use full-thickness skin grafts and split-thickness skin grafts. Excluded techniques for closure are primary wound closure without the use of skin graft. Outcomes are considered wound-, functional-, and aesthetics-related. Studies that will be included are randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective and retrospective comparative cohort studies. Case-control studies, studies without a control group, animal studies and cadaveric studies will be excluded. Screening will be performed in a blinded fashion by two reviewers per study. A third reviewer resolves discrepancies. The risk of bias in the original studies will be assessed using the ROBINS-I and RoB 2 tools. Data synthesis will be done using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4.1. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Between-study variability will be assessed using the I2 index. If necessary, R will be used. The quality of evidence for outcomes will eventually be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

DISCUSSION

This study's findings may help us understand both closure techniques' complication rates and may have important implications for developing future guidelines for RFFF donor site management. If available data is limited and several questions remain unanswered, additional comparative studies will be needed.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The protocol was developed in line with the PRISMA-P extension for protocols and was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 17 September 2023 (registration number CRD42023351903).

Regulation mechanisms of disulfidptosis-related genes in ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease

Introduction

Disulfidptosis is a recently identified form of cell death that contributes to maintaining the internal environment balance of an organism. However, the molecular basis of disulfidptosis in ulcerative colitis (UC), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and Crohn's disease (CD) has not been thoroughly explored.

Methods

Firstly, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and disulfidptosis-associated genes (DAGs) were obtained through differential analysis between diseases (AS, CD, and UC) and control groups. After the disulfidptosis score was acquired using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm, the DE-DAGs were screened by overlapping DAGs and DEGs of the three diseases. Next, the feature genes were selected through a combination of machine learning algorithms, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and expression analysis. Based on these feature genes, nomograms were created for AS, CD and UC. The co-feature genes were then identified by taking the intersections of the genes featured in all three diseases. Meanwhile, single-gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the TF-mRNA-miRNA network were utilized to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the co-feature genes. To validate the expression differences of the co-feature genes between healthy controls and patients (AS and IBD), RT-PCR was performed. Lastly, mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was utilized to explore the causality between genetic variants of S100A12 with AS, UC and CD.

Results

In this study, 11 DE-DAGs were obtained. Functional enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in cytokine production and fatty acid biosynthesis. Latterly, AS/CD/UC -feature genes were derived, and they all had decent diagnostic performance. Through evaluation, the performance of the nomogram was decent for three diseases. Then, 2 co-feature genes (S100A12 and LILRA5) were obtained. The GSEA enrichment results indicated that the co-feature genes were mainly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and drug metabolism cytochrome P450. As shown by functional experiments, there was a correlation between the mRNA expression of S100A12 with AS, UC and CD. Additionally, a causal connection between S100A12 and IBD was detected through MR analysis.

Discussion

In this study, 2 co-feature genes (S100A12 and LILRA5) were screened, and their functions were investigated in AS, CD and UC, providing a basis for further research into diagnosis and treatment.

Self-adjuvant multiepitope nanovaccine based on ferritin induced long-lasting and effective mucosal immunity against H3N2 and H1N1 viruses in mice

The influenza A virus (IAV) is a ubiquitous and continuously evolving respiratory pathogen. The intranasal vaccination mimicking natural infections is an attractive strategy for controlling IAVs. Multiepitope vaccines accurately targeting multiple conserved domains have the potential to broaden the protective scope of current seasonal influenza vaccines and reduce the risk of generating escape mutants. Here, multiple linear epitopes from the matrix protein 2 ectodomain (M2e) and the hemagglutinin stem domain (HA2) are fused with the Helicobacter pylori ferritin, a self-assembled nanocarrier and mucosal adjuvant, to develop a multiepitope nanovaccine. Through intranasal delivery, the prokaryotically expressed multiepitope nanovaccine elicits long-lasting mucosal immunity, broad humoral immunity, and robust cellular immunity without any adjuvants, and confers complete protection against H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes of IAV in mice. Importantly, this intranasal multiepitope nanovaccine triggers memory B-cell responses, resulting in secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels persisting for more than five months post-immunization. Therefore, this intranasal ferritin-based multiepitope nanovaccine represents a promising approach to combating respiratory pathogens.

Deterioration of sludge characteristics and promotion of antibiotic resistance genes spread with the co-existing of polyvinylchloride microplastics and tetracycline in the sequencing batch reactor

With the continuous increase in microplastics (MPs) and tetracycline (TC) entering wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) along with sewage, the co-existence of MPs and TC in the biological treatment of wastewater has attracted extensive attention. This study investigated the effect of 1 mg/L polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs and 100 ng/L TC co-existing on sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) (S2) treating phenol wastewater in contrast to the control with TC alone (S1). The phenol removal efficiency was significantly inhibited by the co-existence of PVC MPs and TC. Sludge characteristics were also distinctively influenced. The decreased zone sludge velocity (ZSV) and increased sludge volume index (SVI) indicated that the combined effect of PVC MPs and TC deteriorated sludge settleability, which had positive and negative linear correlations with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content and the protein (PN)/polysaccharide (PS) ratio, respectively. Moreover, the decreased and increased relative abundances of potential phenol-degraders and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) carriers may elucidate the inhibition of phenol removal and promotion of ARGs propagation with the co-occurrence of PVC MPs and TC. In addition, the enhanced potential ARGs hosts, loss of the EPS protective effect, and increased membrane permeability induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) jointly promoted ARGs dissemination in the co-existence of PVC MPs and TC. Notably, the co-occurrence of ARGs and mobile genetic element (MGEs) indicated that the co-existence of PVC MPs and TC promoted the spread of some transposase-associated ARGs mediated by horizontal gene transfer (HGT).

The correlation of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 polymorphisms with Behçet's disease: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Substantial evidence has highlighted the mediation of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) in the onset of Behçet's disease (BD), which can be differentially converted by ERAP1 variants. To comprehensively elaborate this issue, we undertook the meta-analysis to estimate the liaison of ERAP1 polymorphisms with BD risk.

METHODS

Literatures were retrieved in a standardised fashion and data underwent multi-perspective analyses utilizing STATA Statistical Software. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of manifold comparisons between BD sufferers and healthy masses were exploited to evaluate the extent of relevance.

RESULTS

Overall analyses suggested that the meanings of ERAP1 polymorphisms in BD susceptibility varied among plentiful variations, where rs10050860, rs17482078, rs2287987, rs1065407 and rs72773968 presented pathogenic influence and rs26618 acted out beneficial function, while rs27044, rs26653, rs27895 and rs3734016 had no pronounced biological significance. Additionally, the effect of rs30187 is not yet determined. Moreover, race appeared a crucial ingredient as Mongolian were more susceptible to suffering from BD than Caucasian, while the diagnostic criteria of BD exerted a relative inconspicuous role, where the International Study Group criteria slightly attenuated the pathogenicity of ERAP1 polymorphisms compared with the International Criteria for Behçet's Disease. Finally, an exceeding importance was attached to the proceeding analysis based on disparities in BD symptoms, ERAP1 haplotypes and HLA-B*51 in computing the hazard zonation of ERAP1 polymorphisms on BD tendency.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis prompted the heterogeneous influences of ERAP1 polymorphisms on BD development, which were malleable under the discrepancies in genetic grounds and disease diagnoses.

Relationship between Uveitis and the Differential Reactivity of Retinal Microglia

Uveitis, a complicated group of ocular inflammatory diseases, can be affected by massive pathogenic contributors such as infection, autoimmunity, and genetics. Although it is well known that many pathological changes, including disorders of the immune system and disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, count much in the onset and progression of uveitis, there is a paucity of safe and effective treatments, which has exceedingly hindered the appropriate treatment of uveitis. As innate immune cells in the retina, microglia occupy a salient position in retinal homeostasis. Many studies have reported the activation of microglia in uveitis and the mitigation of uveitis by interfering with microglial reactivity, which strongly implicates microglia as a therapeutic target. However, it has been increasingly recognized that microglia are a nonhomogeneous population under different physiological and pathological conditions, which makes it essential to thoroughly have knowledge of their specific characteristics. The paper outlines the various properties of activated microglia in uveitis, summarizes the connections between their polarization patterns and the manifestations of uveitis, and ultimately is intended to enhance the understanding of microglial versatility and expedite the exploration of promising strategies for visual protection.

Evaluation of myopia-associated genes in a Han Chinese population with high myopia

BACKGROUND

High myopia is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. However, the exact etiology and mechanism of high myopia remain unclear. Previous genome-wide association study has demonstrated that nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in East and Southeast Asian populations were associated with high myopia and proved that the nervous system was involved in the pathogenesis of high myopia. The present study was conducted to investigate whether these genetic variants retinal nervous system-related were associated with high myopia among Han Chinese.

METHODS

Seven SNPs were genotyped by the MassARRAY iPLEX Gold method in a Han Chinese cohort with the majority from Henan region (central China), which included 361 patients with high myopia and 749 healthy controls.

RESULTS

In terms of genotyped SNPs, the allele frequency of rs698047 locus of the HIVEP3 gene were statistically different between myopia and control groups initially, but the difference disappeared after Bonferroni method correction. When the genetic model analysis was performed, the rs698047 locus additive model 2 of the HIVEP3 gene was found to be different between the case and control groups in the Han Chinese population (Pc = 0. 049, OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.14-2.36).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no demonstrated association between the occurrence of high myopia in the Chinese Han population and polymorphisms in the following loci: HIVEP3 (rs698047), NFASC/CNTN2 (rs2246661), ZC3H11B (rs12032649), CNTN4/CNTN6 (rs17029206), FRMD4B (rs74633073), AKAP13 (rs72748160), and GJD2 (rs589135).

The genetic spectrum and clinical features of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in Central China

PURPOSE

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is the most common congenital retinoschisis in rare vitreoretinopathy and causes visual disturbances. The study aimed to explore possible genetic mutations associated with XLRS and assess the clinical characteristics in Chinese families.

METHODS

Seventeen cases and thirty-four eyes of probands and thirty-nine cases and seventy-eight eyes of their guardians were recruited. Peripheral blood DNA was extracted and PCR-amplified for retinal disease second-generation panel sequencing to screen for mutated genes. Pathogenicity was referred to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG).

RESULTS

A total of 17 male patients were included, with an average age of 9.73 years (range, 5 ~ 27 years). Clinical data indicate typical macular retinoschisis (97.06%), peripheral retinoschisis (46.67%), retinal holes (32.35%). Fifteen mutations (10 missense mutations, 4 shift mutations, and 3 nonsense mutations) of RS1 gene were identified, including 5 novel mutations. In novel mutations, amino acid conservation analysis shows W33, W50, E62, and G70 were highly conserved, and software predicts mutations to be pathogenic. SWISS-MODEL protein prediction software showed protein structural changes in proband 13.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified and described five novel mutations in the RS1 gene and their corresponding clinical manifestations. These findings not only expand the range of known RS1 mutations and associated clinical phenotypes but also provide a basis for mechanistic studies and diagnosis of XLRS.

TikTok and adolescent vision health: Content and information quality assessment of the top short videos related to myopia

Background

Despite the increasing recognition of the public health value of social media platforms, TikTok short videos focusing on adolescent vision health have not received much attention. We aimed to evaluate the content, sources, and information quality of myopia-related videos on TikTok.

Methods

The top 200 most-liked myopia-related videos on the Chinese version of TikTok were queried and screened on March 12, 2022. The descriptive characteristics, contents, and sources of the selected 168 videos were obtained, and their overall quality, reliability, understandability, and actionability were assessed using the validated scoring instruments DISCERN and PEMAT-A/V.

Results

Medical professionals were the main source (45.8%, 77/168) of videos. Misinformation (10.1%, 17/168) was mainly attributable to for-profit organizations (20%, 3/15) and individual non-medical users (31.3%, 10/32). However, their videos enjoyed the highest numbers of "likes," "comments," and "shares" (P < 0.05). The mean reliability and overall quality regarding treatment choice were (2.5 ± 0.5) and (3.1 ± 0.9), respectively. Videos on TikTok showed relatively high understandability (84.7%) and moderate actionability (74.9%). Video producers tended to partly or fully provide information regarding management (81.5%, 137/168) and outcome (82.1%, 138/168), and to ignore or only slightly mention content related to definition (86.9%, 146/169) and signs (82.1%, 138/168). The five video sources showed significant differences in the prevalence of misleading information (P < 0.001), publication reliability (P < 0.001), overall quality (P = 0.039), content score (P = 0.019), and understandability (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Considering the moderate-to-poor reliability and variable quality across video sources, the substantial myopia-related content on TikTok should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, TikTok videos may serve as a surrogate or supplement for information dissemination if providers can ensure more comprehensive and accurate content.

Quantitative multi-image analysis in metals research

Quantitative multi-image analysis (QMA) is the systematic extraction of new information and insight through the simultaneous analysis of multiple, related images. We present examples illustrating the potential for QMA to advance materials research in multi-image characterization, automatic feature identification, and discovery of novel processing-structure-property relationships. We conclude by discussing opportunities and challenges for continued advancement of QMA, including instrumentation development, uncertainty quantification, and automatic parsing of literature data.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1557/s43579-022-00265-7.

Inhibition Effect of Phosphorus Poisoning on the Dynamics and Redox of Cu Active Sites in a Cu-SSZ-13 NH3-SCR Catalyst for NOx Reduction

Phosphorus (P) stemming from biodiesel and/or lubricant oil additives is unavoidable in real diesel exhausts and deactivates gradually the Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite catalyst for ammonia-assisted selective catalytic NO_x reduction (NH₃-SCR). Here, the deactivation mechanism of Cu-SSZ-13 by P-poisoning was investigated by ex situ examination of the structural changes and by in situ probing the dynamics and redox of Cu active sites via a combination of impedance spectroscopy, diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. We unveiled that strong interactions between Cu and P led to not only a loss of Cu active sites for catalytic turnovers but also a restricted dynamic motion of Cu species during low-temperature NH₃-SCR catalysis. Furthermore, the Cu^II ↔ Cu^I redox cycling of Cu sites, especially the Cu^I → Cu^II reoxidation half-cycle, was significantly inhibited, which can be attributed to the restricted Cu motion by P-poisoning disabling the formation of key dimeric Cu intermediates. As a result, the NH₃-SCR activity at low temperatures (200 °C and below) decreased slightly for the mildly poisoned Cu-SSZ-13 and considerably for the severely poisoned Cu-SSZ-13.

From collections of independent, mindless robots to flexible, mobile, and directional superstructures

A swarm of simple active particles confined in a flexible scaffold is a promising system to make mobile and deformable superstructures. These soft structures can perform tasks that are difficult to carry out for monolithic robots because they can infiltrate narrow spaces, smaller than their size, and move around obstacles. To achieve such tasks, the origin of the forces the superstructures develop, how they can be guided, and the effects of external environment, especially geometry and the presence of obstacles, need to be understood. Here, we report measurements of the forces developed by such superstructures, enclosing a number of mindless active rod-like robots, as well as the forces exerted by these structures to achieve a simple function, crossing a constriction. We relate these forces to the self-organization of the individual entities. Furthermore, and based on a physical understanding of what controls the mobility of these superstructures and the role of geometry in such a process, we devise a simple strategy where the environment can be designed to bias the mobility of the superstructure, giving rise to directional motion. Simple tasks-such as pulling a load, moving through an obstacle course, or cleaning up an arena-are demonstrated. Rudimentary control of the superstructures using light is also proposed. The results are of relevance to the making of robust flexible superstructures with nontrivial space exploration properties out of a swarm of simpler and cheaper robots.

Evaluation of a novel artificial intelligence-based screening system for diabetic retinopathy in community of China: a real-world study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of an AI-based diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading model in real-world community clinical setting.

METHODS

Participants with diabetes on record in the chosen community were recruited by health care staffs in a primary clinic of Zhengzhou city, China. Retinal images were prospectively collected during December 2018 and April 2019 based on intent-to-screen principle. A pre-validated AI system based on deep learning algorithm was deployed to screen DR graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy scale. Kappa value of DR severity, the sensitivity, specificity of detecting referable DR (RDR) and any DR were generated based on the standard of the majority manual grading decision of a retina specialist panel.

RESULTS

Of the 193 eligible participants, 173 (89.6%) were readable with at least one eye image. Mean [SD] age was 69.3 (9.0) years old. Total of 321 eyes (83.2%) were graded both by AI and the specialist panel. The κ value in eye image grading was 0.715. The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve for detection of RDR were 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6- 98.1%), 98.0% (95% CI: 94.3-99.6%) and 0.913 (95% CI: 0.797-1.000), respectively. For detection of any DR, the upper indicators were 90.0% (95% CI: 68.3-98.8), 96.6% (95% CI: 92.1-98.9) and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.933-1.000), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The AI system showed relatively good consistency with ophthalmologist diagnosis in DR grading, high specificity and acceptable sensitivity for identifying RDR and any DR.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

It is feasible to apply AI-based DR screening in community.

PRECIS

Deployed in community real-world clinic setting, AI-based DR screening system showed high specificity and acceptable sensitivity in identifying RDR and any DR. Good DR diagnostic consistency was found between AI and manual grading. These prospective evidences were essential for regulatory approval.

Ferulic acid (FA) protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells from H2 O2 -induced oxidative injuries

The aim of present study is to investigate whether Ferulic acid (FA), a natural polyphenol antioxidant, was able to protect ARPE‑19 cells from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)‑induced damage, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our results revealed that FA pre‐treatment for 24 hours can reverse cell loss of H₂O₂‐induced ARPE‐19 cells via the promotion of cell proliferation and prevention of apoptosis, as evidenced by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Moreover, the addition of FA (5 mM) can decrease Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 protein expression, but increase Bcl‐2 protein expression in ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, H₂O₂‐induced oxidative stress in ARPE‐19 cells was significantly alleviated by FA, illustrated by reduced levels of ROS and MDA. In addition, the attenuated antioxidant enzymes activities of (SOD, CAT and GPX) and GSH level were reversed almost to the normal base level by the pre‐addition of FA for 24 hours. In all assays, FA itself did not exert any effect on the change of the above parameters. These novel findings indicated that FA effectively protected human ARPE‐19 cells from H₂O₂‐induced oxidative damage through its pro‐proliferation, anti‐apoptosis and antioxidant activity, suggesting that FA has a therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of AMD.

Comparison of intravitreal dexamethasone implant and anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion-induced oedema: a meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in the treatment of macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis based on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov registry were searched from inception to 10 December 2019, without language restrictions.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world observation studies comparing the efficacy of DEX implant and anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of patients with RVO, naïve or almost naïve to both arms, were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data for mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST) and product safety. Review Manager V.5.3 and GRADE were used to synthesise the data and validate the evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

Four RCTs and 12 real-world studies were included. An average lower letter gain in BCVA was determined for the DEX implant (mean difference (MD) = -6.59; 95% CI -8.87 to -4.22 letters) administered at a retreatment interval of 5-6 months. Results were similar (MD_{6 months}=-12.68; 95% CI -21.98 to -3.37 letters; MD_{12 months}=-9.69; 95% CI -12.01 to -7.37 letters) at 6 and 12 months. The DEX implant resulted in comparable or marginally less CST reduction at months 6 and 12 but introduced relatively higher risks of elevated intraocular pressure (RR=3.89; 95% CI 2.16 to 7.03) and cataract induction (RR=5.22; 95% CI 1.67 to 16.29). Most real-life studies reported an insignificant numerical gain in letters for anti-VEGF drugs relative to that for DEX implant. However, the latter achieved comparable efficacy with a 4-month dosage interval.

CONCLUSION

Compared with anti-VEGF agents, DEX implant required fewer injections but had inferior functional efficacy and safety. Real-life trials supplemented the efficacy data for DEX implant.

A deactivation mechanism study of phosphorus-poisoned diesel oxidation catalysts: model and supplier catalysts

The effect of phosphorus poisoning on the catalytic behavior of diesel oxidation catalysts was investigated over model and supplier monolith catalysts, i.e., Pd–Pt/Al₂O₃.

[Investigation of treatment and analysis of prognostic risk on enterocutaneous fistula in China: a multicenter prospective study]

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment for enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) in China, and to explore the prognostic factors of ECF. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Registration System of Chinese Gastrointestinal Fistula and Intra-Abdominal Infections to collect the clinical data of ECF patients from 54 medical centers in 22 provinces/municipalities from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The clinical data included patient gender, age, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, underlying diseases, primary diseases, direct causes of ECF, location and type of ECF, complications, treatment and outcomes. All medical records were carefully filled in by the attending physicians, and then re-examined by more than two specialists. The diagnosis of ECF was based on the clinical manifestations, laboratory/imaging findings and intraoperative exploration. Results: A total of 1521 patients with ECF were enrolled, including 1099 males and 422 females, with a median age of 55 years. The top three primary diseases of ECF were malignant tumors in 626 cases (41.2%, including 540 gastrointestinal tumors, accounting for 86.3% of malignant tumors), gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations in 202 cases (13.3%), and trauma in 157 cases (10.3%). The direct causes of ECF were mainly surgical operation in 1194 cases (78.5%), followed by trauma in 156 (10.3%), spontaneous fistula due to Crohn's disease in 92 (6.0%), radiation intestinal injury in 41 (2.7%), severe pancreatitis in 20 (1.3%), endoscopic treatment in 13 (0.9%) and 5 cases (0.3%) of unknown reasons. All the patients were divided into three groups: 1350 cases (88.7%) with simple ECF, 150 (9.9%) with multiple ECF, and 21 (1.4%) with combined internal fistula. Among the patients with simple ECF, 438 cases (28.8%) were jejuno-ileal fistula, 313 (20.6%) colon fistula, 170 (11.2%) rectal fistula, 111 (7.3%) duodenal fistula, 76 (5.0%) ileocecal fistula, 65 (4.3%) ileocolic anastomotic fistula, 55 (3.6%) duodenal stump fistula, 36 (2.4%) gastrointestinal anastomotic fistula, 36 (2.4%) esophagogastric/esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula, 29 (1.9%) gastric fistula and 21 (1.4%) cholangiopancreatiointestinal. Among all the simple ECF patients, 991 were tubular fistula and 359 were labial fistula. A total of 1146 patients finished the treatment, of whom 1061 (92.6%) were healed (586 by surgery and 475 self-healing) and 85 (7.4%) died. A total of 1043 patients (91.0%) received nutritional support therapy, and 77 (6.7%) received fistuloclysis. Infectious source control procedures were applied to 1042 patients, including 711 (62.0%) with active lavage and drainage and 331 (28.9%) with passive drainage. Among them, 841 patients (73.4%) underwent minimally invasive procedures of infectious source control (replacement of drainage tube through sinus tract, puncture drainage, etc.), 201 (17.5%) underwent laparotomy drainage, while 104 (9.1%) did not undergo any drainage measures. A total of 610 patients (53.2%) received definitive operation, 24 patients died within postoperative 30-day with mortality of 3.9% (24/610), 69 (11.3%) developed surgical site infection (SSI), and 24 (3.9%) had a relapse of fistula. The highest cure rate was achieved in ileocecal fistula (100%), followed by rectal fistula (96.2%, 128/133) and duodenal stump fistula (95.7%,44/46). The highest mortality was found in combined internal fistula (3/12) and no death in ileocecal fistula. Univariate prognostic analysis showed that primary diseases as Crohn's disease (χ(2)=6.570, P=0.010) and appendicitis/appendiceal abscess (P=0.012), intestinal fistula combining with internal fistula (χ(2)=5.460, P=0.019), multiple ECF (χ(2)=7.135, P=0.008), esophagogastric / esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula (χ(2)=9.501, P=0.002), ECF at ileocecal junction (P=0.012), non-drainage/passive drainage before the diagnosis of intestinal fistula (χ(2)=9.688, P=0.008), non-drainage/passive drainage after the diagnosis of intestinal fistula (χ(2)=9.711, P=0.008), complicating with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (χ(2)=179.699, P<0.001), sepsis (χ(2)=211.851, P<0.001), hemorrhage (χ(2)=85.300, P<0.001), pulmonary infection (χ(2)=60.096, P<0.001), catheter-associated infection (χ(2)=10.617, P=0.001) and malnutrition (χ(2)=21.199, P<0.001) were associated with mortality. Multivariate prognostic analysis cofirmed that sepsis (OR=7.103, 95%CI:3.694-13.657, P<0.001), complicating with MODS (OR=5.018, 95%CI:2.170-11.604, P<0.001), and hemorrhage (OR=4.703, 95%CI: 2.300-9.618, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of the death for ECF patients. Meanwhile, active lavage and drainage after the definite ECF diagnosis was the protective factor (OR=0.223, 95%CI: 0.067-0.745, P=0.015). Conclusions: The overall mortality of ECF is still high. Surgical operation is the most common cause of ECF. Complications e.g. sepsis, MODS, hemorrhage, and catheter-associated infection, are the main causes of death. Active lavage and drainage is important to improve the prognosis of ECF.

Sevoflurane induces temporary spatial working memory deficits and synaptic ultrastructure impairments in the hippocampus of neonatal rats

OBJECTIVE

Exposure to volatile anesthetics in neonatal rats could induce neurotoxicity, learning deficits and abnormal social behaviors. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postnatal day 7 (P7) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were continuously exposed to 2% sevoflurane plus 40% oxygen/air for 2 h. We used Morris water maze (MWM) to examine subsequent neurobehavioral performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the histopathological changes in the hippocampus.

RESULTS

Neonatal exposure to 2% sevoflurane for 2 hours impaired short-term spatial working memory but not reference memory at P25. It induced synaptic ultrastructure impairments in the CA3 region of hippocampal, including fewer numbers of synapses, thinner thickness of postsynaptic dense, broader synaptic cleft width and smaller synaptic curvature. Our results also showed that all synaptic ultrastructure impairments and neurocognitive deficits had almost completely recovered at P53.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that a single sevoflurane exposure to neonatal rats led to temporary spatial working memory deficits. It might be associated with synaptic ultrastructure impairments in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, including fewer numbers of synapses, thinner thickness of PSD and broader synaptic cleft width. Fortunately, all the neurotoxicity and neurocognitive deficits were reversible.

Mechanistic Understanding of Cu-CHA Catalyst as Sensor for Direct NH3-SCR Monitoring: The Role of Cu Mobility

The concept to utilize a catalyst directly as a sensor is fundamentally and technically attractive for a number of catalytic applications, in particular, for the catalytic abatement of automotive emission. Here, we explore the potential of microporous copper-exchanged chabazite (Cu-CHA, including Cu-SSZ-13 and Cu-SAPO-34) zeolite catalysts, which are used commercially in the selective catalytic reduction of automotive nitrogen oxide emission by NH₃ (NH₃-SCR), as impedance sensor elements to monitor directly the NH₃-SCR process. The NH₃-SCR sensing behavior of commercial Cu-SSZ-13 and Cu-SAPO-34 catalysts at typical reaction temperatures (i.e., 200 and 350 °C) was evaluated according to the change of ionic conductivity and was mechanistically investigated by complex impedance-based in situ modulus spectroscopy. Short-range (local) movement of Cu ions within the zeolite structure was found to determine largely the NH₃-SCR sensing behavior of both catalysts. Formation of NH₃-solvated, highly mobile Cu^I species showed a predominant influence on the ionic conductivity of both catalysts and, consequently, hindered NH₃-SCR sensing at 200 °C. Density functional theory calculations over a model Cu-SAPO-34 system revealed that Cu^II reduction to Cu^I by coadsorbed NH₃ and NO weakened significantly the coordination of the Cu site to the CHA framework, enabling high mobility of Cu^I species that influences substantially the NH₃-SCR sensing. The in situ spectroscopic and theoretical investigations not only unveil the mechanisms of Cu-CHA catalyst as sensor elements for direct NH₃-SCR monitoring but also allow us to get insights into the speciation of active Cu sites in NH₃-SCR under different reaction conditions with varied temperatures and gas compositions.

Erythropoietin Ameliorates Lung Injury by Accelerating Pulmonary Endothelium Cell Proliferation via Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Pathway After Kidney Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Kidney ischemia and reperfusion injury could cause microvascular barrier dysfunction, lung inflammatory cascades activation, and programmed cell death of pulmonary endothelium, leading to acute lung injury. Our study aimed at determining whether erythropoietin (EPO) can ameliorate lung dysfunction following renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury and explored the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In vivo, C57BL/6 mice received EPO (6000 U/kg) before right renal vascular pedicles clamping for 30 minutes, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. The lung histopathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines expression were assessed. In vitro, cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with EPO, and apoptosis rate, proliferation capacity, and phosphorylation status of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Jak-STAT3) pathway were measured respectively in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide stimulation.

RESULTS

In vivo, EPO remarkably attenuated pulmonary interstitial and alveolar epithelial edema caused by renal IR injury. In vitro, the proliferation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was significantly increased under EPO stimulation, which correlated with changes in Jak-STAT3 signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicated that EPO is able to ameliorate acute lung tissue damage induced by renal IR, and at least in part, via the Jak-STAT3 pathway.

Tracking mobile active sites and intermediates in NH3-SCR over zeolite catalysts by impedance-based in situ spectroscopy

Impedance-based in situ spectroscopy allows direct tracking of the mobile active sites and reaction intermediates in NH₃-SCR over zeolite catalysts.

Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To summarize updated evidences on the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) in the treatment of patients with non-infectious uveitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic search between January 2000 and September 2017 was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries. We investigated control of inflammation, improvement of visual acuity (VA), corticosteroid-sparing effect, and adverse events (AEs) or serious adverse events.

RESULTS

Three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 20 non-RCTs were included and analyzed. The pooled proportions of inflammation control were 74% (95% CI 64%-82%) and 79% (95% CI 69%-87%) in groups of ≤6- and ≥12-months follow-up durations. No significant difference was found between the two groups (χ2 = 0.920, p = 0.337). Analysis of subgroups classified by degree of being treatment-naïve for anti-TNFα agents showed the inflammation control reached a high of 87% (95% CI 80%-92%) when subjects were "almost naïve" to anti-TNFα before ADA treatment. VA was improved by three or more lines in 41.3% (52/126) eyes, and was equal to or better than the baseline in 88.8% (142/160) eyes. Corticosteroid sparing was observed in 82.0% (91/111) of the patients; among them, 48.8% (40/82) discontinued use of corticosteroid completely. Minor drug-related adverse events were reported. The treatment effects of ADA were generally consistent in the three RCTs, and ADA reduced the risk of treatment failure by 43%-75%.

CONCLUSION

The current review provided evidences that ADA might be a promising choice in reducing inflammatory activity, gaining VA, and sparing corticosteroid use with minor AEs when applied in treating non-infectious uveitis.

Inhibitory effects of silybin on the efflux pump of methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial multidrug resistance efflux systems serve an important role in antimicrobial resistance. Thus, identifying novel and effective efflux pump inhibitors that are safe with no adverse side effects is urgently required. Silybin is a flavonolignan component of the extract from the milk thistle seed. To order to investigate the mechanism by which silybin inhibits the efflux system of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the double-plate method were used to evaluate the effect of silybin on MRSA41577. The ability of silybin to inhibit the efflux of ciprofloxacin from MRSA was evaluated by performing a fluorescence assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that silybin reduced the expression of the quinolone resistance protein NorA (norA) and quaternary ammonium resistance proteins A/B (qacA/B) efflux genes in MRSA. This suggested that silybin may effectively inhibit the efflux system of MRSA41577. Compared with the control, MRSA41577 treated with silybin for 16 h exhibited a 36 and 49% reduction in the expression of norA and qacA/B, respectively. Inhibition of the expression of these genes by silybin restored the sensitivity of MRSA41577 to antibiotics, indicating that efflux pump inhibitors, which act by inhibiting the efflux system of MRSA, may disrupt the MRSA resistance to antibiotics, rendering the bacteria sensitive to these drugs.

A paternal methyl donor-rich diet altered cognitive and neural functions in offspring mice

Dietary intake of methyl donors, such as folic acid and methionine, shows considerable intra-individual variation in human populations. While it is recognized that maternal departures from the optimum of dietary methyl donor intake can increase the risk for mental health issues and neurological disorders in offspring, it has not been explored whether paternal dietary methyl donor intake influences behavioral and cognitive functions in the next generation. Here, we report that elevated paternal dietary methyl donor intake in a mouse model, transiently applied prior to mating, resulted in offspring animals (methyl donor-rich diet (MD) F1 mice) with deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and reduced hippocampal theta oscillations. Gene expression analyses revealed altered expression of the methionine adenosyltransferase Mat2a and BK channel subunit Kcnmb2, which was associated with changes in Kcnmb2 promoter methylation in MD F1 mice. Hippocampal overexpression of Kcnmb2 in MD F1 mice ameliorated altered spatial learning and memory, supporting a role of this BK channel subunit in the MD F1 behavioral phenotype. Behavioral and gene expression changes did not extend into the F2 offspring generation. Together, our data indicate that paternal dietary factors influence cognitive and neural functions in the offspring generation.

Improved apple latent spherical virus-induced gene silencing in multiple soybean genotypes through direct inoculation of agro-infiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana extract

BACKGROUND

Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful genomics tool for interrogating the function of plant genes. Unfortunately, VIGS vectors often produce disease symptoms that interfere with the silencing phenotypes of target genes, or are frequently ineffective in certain plant genotypes or tissue types. This is especially true in crop plants like soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]. To address these shortcomings, we modified the inoculation procedure of a VIGS vector based on Apple latent spherical virus (ALSV). The efficacy of this new procedure was assessed in 19 soybean genotypes using a soybean Phytoene desaturase (GmPDS1) gene as the VIGS target. Silencing of GmPDS1 was easily scored as photo-bleached leaves and/or stems.

RESULTS

In this report, the ALSV VIGS vector was modified by mobilizing ALSV cDNAs into a binary vector compatible with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated delivery, so that VIGS-triggering ALSV variants could be propagated in agro-infiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Homogenate of these N. benthamiana leaves was then applied directly onto the unifoliate of young soybean seedlings to initiate systemic gene silencing. This rapid inoculation method bypassed the need for a particle bombardment apparatus. Among the 19 soybean genotypes evaluated with this new method, photo-bleaching indicative of GmPDS1 silencing was observed in nine, with two exhibiting photo-bleaching in 100% of the inoculated individuals. ALSV RNA was detected in pods, embryos, stems, leaves, and roots in symptomatic plants of four genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

This modified protocol allowed for inoculation of soybean plants via simple mechanical rubbing with the homogenate of N. benthamiana leaves agro-infiltrated with ALSV VIGS constructs. More importantly, inoculated plants showed no apparent virus disease symptoms which could otherwise interfere with VIGS phenotypes. This streamlined procedure expanded this functional genomics tool to nine soybean genotypes.

New Understanding on Photocatalytic Mechanism of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots-Decorated BiVO4 Nanojunction Photocatalysts

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) is a promising candidate as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst in the aspect of practical applications. To investigate the origin of active species from BiVO₄ and understand the influence of the variations of the photocatalytic process, comparative studies on zero-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-decorated BiVO₄ have been carried out for methylene blue photodegradation. It was found that the hydroxyl group-rich NGQD surface and the established heterojunction structure between NGQDs and BiVO₄ were greatly beneficial for the conversion of the ^•OH radical. With NGQD decoration, the dominant oxidant species for NGQDs/BiVO₄ were confirmed to be ^•OH and H₂O₂, rather than holes originating from the valence band of unmodified BiVO₄. The synergistic photocatalytic mechanism with respect to the interfacial charge transport and the conversion of active species was proposed. The achievement of the controllable active species significantly altering the activity may be applied for different photocatalytic reactions.

Trithiocarbonates as intrinsic photoredox catalysts and RAFT agents for oxygen tolerant controlled radical polymerization

In this study, we reported on the discovery that trithiocarbonates (RAFT agents) can act as intrinsic photocatalyst to significantly reduce the oxygen level in a controlled radical polymerization under visible light irridation.

[Inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm by honokiol]

OBJECTIVE

To study the inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) biofilm by honokiol.

METHODS

We used triphenyl tetrazolium chloride method to evaluate the inhibition of biofilm formation and mature by honokiol. We used congo red agar and spectrophotometer to detect the influence of honokiol on polysaccharide intercellular adhesion formation and extracellular DNA release. RT-PCR analysis was used to determine the effect of honokiol on expression of icaA, cidA and agrA.

RESULTS

Honokiol showed strong antimicrobial activity both on biofilm formation and mature biofilm of MRSA 41573. Minimum inhibitory concentration was 10 μg/mL for biofilm formation and 50 μg/mL for mature biofilm. Minimum bactericidal concentration was 20 μg/mL for biofilm formation and 100 μg/mL for mature biofilm. Honokiol showed synergy effect with vancomycin and it significantly increased the sensitivity of mature biofilm to vancomycin. Polysaccharide intercellular adhesion formation and extracellular DNA release were effectively inhibited by honokiol. Extracellular DNA release decreased by 28.3% when honokiol at 1/8 MIC. After incubated with 1/2 MIC of honokiol for 16 h, the relative expression of icaA, cidA and agrA of MRSA41573 was reduced by 59.1%, 56% and 72.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Honokiol can significantly inhibit biofilm formation of MRSA41573 and its mechanism is mainly the inhibited expression of icaA and cidA to influence the synthesis of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion and extracellular DNA. Moreover, it also affect biofilm formation by QS system.

HGF/Met and FOXM1 form a positive feedback loop and render pancreatic cancer cells resistance to Met inhibition and aggressive phenotypes

Purpose

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/Met signaling plays critical roles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) development and progression and is considered a potential therapeutic target for this disease. However, the mechanism of aberrant activation of HGF/Met signaling and resistance to Met inhibition in PDA remains unclear.

Experimental Design

The mechanistic role of cross-talk between Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and HGF/Met signaling in promotion of PDA growth and resistance to Met inhibition was examined using cell culture, molecular biology and mouse models; and the relevance of our experimental and mechanistic findings were validated using human PDA tissues.

Results

Met was markedly overexpressed in both PDA cell lines and pancreatic tumor specimens, and the expression of Met correlated directly with that of FOXM1 in human tumor specimens. Mechanistically, FOXM1 bound to the promoter region of the Met gene and transcriptionally increased the expression of Met. Increased expression of FOXM1 enhanced the activation of HGF/Met signaling and its downstream pathways, including RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Furthermore, activation of HGF/Met signaling increased the expression and transcriptional activity of FOXM1, and the cross-talk between FOXM1 and HGF/Met signaling promoted PDA growth and resistance to Met inhibition.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings identified a positive feedback loop formed by FOXM1 and HGF/Met and revealed that this loop is a potentially effective therapeutic target for PDA.

The use of reduced copper metal–organic frameworks to facilitate CuAAC click chemistry

A reduced copper metal–organic framework (rCu-MOF) containing Cu^I ions was prepared and employed as a catalyst for ‘Click’ reactions. The rCu-MOF presents higher catalytic activity, good structural stability as well as facile recyclability compared to traditional copper halide catalysts.

Effect of ORF119 gene deletion on the replication and virulence of orf virus

Orf is a severe infectious disease of sheep and goats caused by orf virus (ORFV). To investigate the role of ORF119 gene of ORFV, we constructed ORFV with deleted ORF119 gene and LacZ as reporter gene (ORFV-Δ119-LacZ) via homologous recombination. The results showed that wild-type ORF-SHZ1 and ORFV-Δ119-LacZ deletion viruses replicated in Vero cells to similar titers. Relative transcriptional levels of virulence genes OVIFNR, GIF, VEGF and VIL-10 of ORFV-Δ119-LacZ deletion virus were slightly but not significantly lower after 24 hr compared with the wtORF-SHZ1 virus. In vivo experiments showed that 2-month-old lambs inoculated with ORFV-Δ119-LacZ deletion virus exhibited a similar total clinical score compared with those inoculated with wtORF-SHZ1 virus. Based on these results, we conclude that deletion of the ORF119 gene has no significant effect on ORFV replication and virulence.

[Progress in gene regulation mechanisms of Staphylococcus biofilm development--A review]

Bacterial resistance is a threat to public health. Bacterial biofilm formation is one of the main reasons for persistent infection caused by bacteria. Biofilm development is a complex process that involves many factors and genes which play various roles in all stages of the biofilm formation. This review focuses on the gene regulatory mechanisms relate to the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus, the most common pathogen that causes nosocomial infection, as well as the latest developments of pharmacological anti-biofilm therapies. We also address new strategy to treat bacterial infection and the development of drugs and vaccines against biofilm resistance.

Synthesis of well dispersed polymer grafted metal–organic framework nanoparticles

We prepared novel polymer grafted MOF nanoparticles for the first time with excellent water dispersity and significantly enhanced catalytic effect.