Rational design of respiratory syncytial virus dimeric F-subunit vaccines in protein and mRNA forms.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant public health threat, particularly to children and the elderly. Two protein-based vaccines and one mRNA vaccine have been approved, all targeting the prefusion conformation of the fusion (F) trimer. However, it has been reported that the epitope activity of the F protein gradually declines during storage, resulting in a reduction of the vaccines' immunogenicity.

Innovative antifungal strategies to combat drug-resistant : recent advances and clinical implications.

is an invasive fungal pathogen recognized globally as a significant health threat due to its marked resistance to multiple classes of antifungal agents, including azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes. The associated high morbidity and mortality rates present considerable public health challenges. Research efforts have largely focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance and developing alternative therapies to counteract this issue.

The role of mother-infant interaction and infant temperament in predicting the rate of post-NICU physical development in low birth weight infants: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Low birth weight infants (LBWIs) discharged from NICU face significant growth retardation risks, however, their physical growth trajectories and the modifiable risk factors within mother-infant dyads remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to investigate how mother-infant interactions and infant temperament influence the rate of physical development in LBWIs.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort of 273 LBWIs and their mothers was enrolled between September 2021 and March 2023.

Mechanistic Study and Regulatory Effects of Chloride Ions on the B-Z Oscillating Reaction.

This work investigated the mechanistic role of chloride ions (Cl) in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (B-Z) oscillating reaction. We conducted a multivariate statistical analysis of the B-Z response, established a quadratic polynomial regression model, and determined the contributions of the experimental parameters to the induction time. The results indicate that the relationship between the experimental parameters and the induction time is often nonmonotonic, exhibiting secondary dependence.

SERBP1-PCIF1 complex-controlled m6Am modification in glutamatergic neurons of the primary somatosensory cortex is required for neuropathic pain in mice.

Nerve injury-induced changes in pain-associated genes contribute to genesis of neuropathic pain and comorbid anxiety. Phosphorylated CTD interacting factor-1 (PCIF1)-triggered N6, 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (mAm) mRNA modification represents an additional layer of gene regulation. However, the role of PCIF1 in these disorders is elusive.

Analysis of disease burden and trends in non-COVID-19 respiratory infections in China (1990-2021).

Background: Following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2019, there was a lack of systematic data on the disease burden and epidemiological trends of respiratory infections in China.

Methods: A systematic analysis of the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study was conducted to estimate the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years of upper respiratory infections (URIs) and lower respiratory infections (LRIs) in China. These estimates were stratified according to sex and age.

Global scientific trends in hypercholesterolemia research from 2003 to 2023: a data-driven bibliometric and visual analysis.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Hypercholesterolemia is a significant causal factor of ischemic heart disease, contributing to half of all cardiovascular fatalities.

Methods: This study utilized bibliometric tools to offer a comprehensive overview of the current research trends in hypercholesterolemia.

NAT10 inhibition alleviates astrocyte autophagy by impeding ac4C acetylation of mRNA in ischemic stroke.

Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for -acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA 4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice.

Sterilized protective immunity induced by DAM and DAM in mouse models for both VACV and MPXV.

The increasing prevalence of mpox calls for the development of safer and more accessible next-generation vaccines. Based on a structure-guided "two-in-one" immunogen design strategy, we have previously developed an innovative protein-based monkeypox virus (MPXV) vaccine, DAM (Double A35 and M1), which addresses the issues of imbalanced bioavailability associated with cocktail vaccines and elicits superior antiviral immunity with a safety profile. In this study, we iteratively designed two "four-in-one" chimeric immunogens, DAMs, using four MPXV antigens, M1, A29, A35, and B6.

Jasmonate activates a SlJAZ2/3-SlMYC3-like module regulating K uptake in tomato response to low K stress.

Potassium (K), an essential macronutrient, strongly influences myriad fundamental processes, while its deficiency inhibits plant growth. Jasmonic acid (JA) regulates plant growth; however, its role in plant growth inhibition under K deficiency remains nebulous. Herein, we determined that JA significantly inhibits low K tolerance and K uptake in tomato.

Gut microbes-spinal connection is required for itch sensation.

The gut microbiota has been linked to a number of neurological disorders. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiota is involved in the genesis of chronic itch, a refractory condition that afflicts patients both physically and mentally. Here, we report that depletion of gut microbiota enhances tolerance to itch in mice orally administered with antibiotics (ABX) and mice free of germ.

Dual emission ratiometric fluorescence probe based on N-doped carbon dots and coumarin derivatives for determination of moxifloxacin and copper ion.

Background: Residues of moxifloxacin (MFX) and copper ions (Cu) can have detrimental health effects on humans. Thus, it is essential to develop a sensitive method for the detection of MFX and Cu. Fluorescence analysis is a potent technique, offering simplicity, speed, and efficiency.

SARS-CoV-2 serotyping based on spike antigenicity and its implications for host immune evasion.

Background: As SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread and evolve, new variants/sub-variants emerge, raising concerns about vaccine-induced immune escape. Here, we conducted a systematic analysis of the serology and immunogenicity of major circulating variants/sub-variants of SARS-CoV-2 since the outbreak.

Methods: We expressed and purified trimeric S proteins from 21 SARS-CoV-2 variants, with SARS-CoV included as an outgroup.

Biosafety and immunology: An interdisciplinary field for health priority.

Biosafety hazards can trigger a host immune response after infection, invasion, or contact with the host. Whether infection with a microorganism results in disease or biosafety concerns depends to a large extent on the immune status of the population. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the immunological characteristics of the host and the mechanisms of biological threats and agents to protect the host more effectively.

Targeted Screening of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors From Dendropanax dentiger Root Using Affinity Ultrafiltration Coupled With UHPLC-MS.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas Dendropanax dentiger root (DDR) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used to treat RA. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic effect remain unidentified. In this study, affinity ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (AUF-LC-MS) was employed to screen for COX-2 inhibitors in DDR.

Adsorption and Corrosion Inhibition Evaluation of Agro-Industrial Waste-Derived Sustainable Carbon Dots for Corrosion Protection of Q235 Steel in 5% HCl.

Nitrogen and sulfur codoped carbon dots (SB-CDs) were developed from sugar cane bagasse, an agro-industrial waste, and evaluated as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for Q235B steel in HCl solution. The surface coverage of the adsorbed SB-CDs is strongly influenced by immersion time (6 and 72 h, both in static and dynamic conditions) and inhibitor concentration (20-200 mg/L). Maximum and uniform coverage is achieved with 150 mg/L SB-CDs.

Cross-species recognition of two porcine coronaviruses to their cellular receptor aminopeptidase N of dogs and seven other species.

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) and transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV), the two causative agents of porcine diarrhea, have been reported to be at risk of cross-species transmission, including to humans. However, the potential host range in which these two CoVs interact remains unclear. We screened 16 animal counterparts for porcine aminopeptidase N (APN), the receptor of PDCoV and TGEV, and found that APNs from eight of 17 animals could bind to the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of PDCoV and TGEV.

Photothermal Effect and Biomineralization of Black Phosphorus Nanosheet-Composited Hydrogel Boosts Synergistic Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH), marked by exposed dentinal tubules, presents as a sharp toothache triggered by stimuli and subsides when the stimuli are removed. To address the limitations of current commercial desensitizers in terms of acid resistance, friction resistance, and stability, a black phosphorus nanosheet-composited methacrylate gelatin hydrogel (GelMA/BP) is developed for DH treatment, leveraging the synergistic effects of photothermal therapy and biomineralization. Incorporating the BP nanosheet provided GelMA/BP with a stable photothermal response and the continuous release of phosphate anions, which blocked dentinal tubules by converting light energy into heat and initiating biomineralization.

Establishment of epidemiological cut-off values of etimicin: a new fourth-generation aminoglycoside, against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective: To determine the epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values of etimicin against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus.

Methods: We selected 1500 isolates from five hospitals throughout five cities in China spanning from January 2018 to December 2021 in the study. Minimal inhibit concentrations (MICs) of etimicin were determined using the broth microdilution method.

A rapid dual-mode SERS/FL cytosensor assisted via DNA Walker-based plasmonic nanostructures.

Various surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensors offer powerful tools for the ultrasensitive detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor diagnosis. Despite their efficacy, the swift and precise preparation of SERS plasmonic nanostructures poses an ongoing challenge. In this study, we introduce DNA-assisted plasmonic nanostructures capable of producing dual signals and facilitating DNA Walker signal amplification, resulting in the development of a SERS/Fluorescent (FL) dual-mode cytosensor for CTCs detection.

Development of pH-sensitive chitosan/plant extract microcapsules: Enhanced corrosion protection for carbon steel in HCl solution.

In recent years, controlled-release green corrosion inhibitors have become a research hotspot in the field of corrosion. In this study, chitosan/plant extract microcapsules (GCI@CS) loaded with Ambrosia artemisiifolia extract (green corrosion inhibitor, GCI) were prepared by emulsification cross-linking. Both the functional groups and micromorphology of GCI@CS were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM).