Damage-associated molecular patterns in viral infection: potential therapeutic targets.

Frequent viral infections leading to infectious disease outbreaks have become a significant global health concern. Fully elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the immune response against viral infections is crucial for epidemic prevention and control. The innate immune response, the host's primary defense against viral infection, plays a pivotal role and has become a breakthrough in research mechanisms. A component of the innate immune system, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are involved in inducing inflammatory responses to viral infections. Numerous DAMPs are released from virally infected cells, activating downstream signaling pathways via internal and external receptors on immune cells. This activation triggers immune responses and helps regulate viral host invasion. This review examines the immune regulatory mechanisms of various DAMPs, such as the S100 protein family, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and heat shock proteins, in various viral infections to provide a theoretical basis for designing novel antiviral drugs.

CX3C chemokine: Hallmarks of fibrosis and ageing.

Fibrosis refers to the progressive tissue lesion process characterized by excessive secretion and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Abnormal fibrous tissue deposition distorts tissue architecture and leads to the progressive loss of organ function. Notably, fibrosis is one of the primary pathological appearances of many end stage illnesses, and considered as a lethal threat to human health, especially in the elderly with ageing-related diseases. CX3C ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is the only member of chemokine CX3C and binds specifically to CX3C receptor 1 (CX3CR1). Different from other chemokines, CX3CL1 possesses both chemotactic and adhesive activity. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis involves in various physiological and pathological processes, and exerts a critical role in cells from the immune system, vascular system and nervous system etc. Notably, increasing evidence has demonstrated that CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling pathway is closely related to the pathological process of fibrosis in multiple tissue and organs. We reviewed the crucial role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in fibrosis and ageing and systematically summarized the underlying mechanism, which offers prospective strategies of targeting the CX3C for the therapy of fibrosis and ageing-related diseases.

Electrochemical Na+/K+ Ion Exchange in Zeolitic Vanadium(IV) Borophosphate K1.33Na0.67[VO(B2O)(PO4)2(HPO4)]·1.63H2O as Cathode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Electrochemical ion exchange has recently been demonstrated to be a unique method for the preparation of novel cathode materials, which cannot be accessible by traditional direct synthesis routes. In this study, the vanadium borophosphate compound K1.33Na0.67[VO(B2O)(PO4)2(HPO4)]·1.63H2O (KNVBP) with zeolitic framework exhibits fast electrochemical Na+/K+ ion exchange when used as cathode material in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Ex situ structural analyses and electrochemical measurements confirm that most of the K+ ions in the parent KNVBP can be extracted and exchanged by Na+ ions after the first charge/discharge cycle. The in situ-generated Na-rich phase shows reversible electrochemical activity at approximately 3.9 V versus Na+/Na with a specific capacity of 52.9 mAh g-1, comparable to 96.2% of the theoretical capacity. Moreover, enhanced ionic diffusion kinetics can be achieved after the Na+/K+ exchange. This study provides a valuable insight into the electrochemical ion exchange in polyanion compounds toward application in metal-ion batteries.

Animal Models of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Vaccines: Current Status and Future Prospects.

Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer, making it a threat to human health. Despite the use of antibiotic therapy, the global prevalence of H. pylori infection remains high, necessitating early eradication measures. Immunotherapy, especially vaccine development, is a promising solution in this direction, albeit the selection of an appropriate animal model is critical in efficient vaccine production. Accordingly, we conducted a literature, search and summarized the commonly used H. pylori strains, H. pylori infection-related animal models, and models for evaluating H. pylori vaccines. Based on factors such as the ability to replicate human diseases, strain compatibility, vaccine types, and eliciting of immune responses, we systematically compared the advantages and disadvantages of different animal models, to obtain the informed recommendations. In addition, we have proposed novel perspectives on H. pylori-related animal models to advance research and vaccine evaluation for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as gastric cancer.

Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Laparoscopy Plus Choledochoscopy Combined With Holmium Laser Lithotripsy for Choledocholithiasis and Hepatolithiasis.

Background: With the advancement of laparoscopic technology, the combination of laparoscopy, choledochoscopy, and holmium laser lithotripsy has emerged as an effective treatment modality for both choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this approach. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 76 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis between April 2021 and March 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment plan: the control group, which underwent traditional laparotomy and choledochoscopy lithotripsy (n = 38), and the experimental group, which underwent laparoscopy combined with choledochoscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy (n = 38). Comparative analysis was performed on various operation-related parameters, stone-free rate, complication rates, and changes in biochemical, liver function, inflammatory, stress response indicators, and pain scores between the two groups. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly shorter stone removal time, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the experimental group exhibited lower incidence of postoperative complications and lower pain scores at 2 weeks to 3 months post-operation (P < 0.05). Biochemical indicators including total bile acid (TBA), total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, stress and inflammation indicators were also lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The combination of laparoscopy, choledochoscopy, and holmium laser lithotripsy presents favorable therapeutic outcomes in the management of choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis, indicating its potential for widespread clinical application.

Sulfur-doped Bi2O2CO3 nanosheet for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO with ultra-high selectivity.

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a compelling strategy for the conversion of renewable energy. However, the expeditious recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and the inadequate light absorption capabilities are currently predominant challenges. Herein, we developed a facile hydrothermal approach to synthesize a sulfur doped Bi2O2CO3 nanosheet with a tunable energy band structure designed to enhance visible light absorption. Our findings indicate that the incorporation of sulfur into the catalytic sites induces an electron sink effect, significantly improving the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. Consequently, this sulfur-doped Bi2O2CO3 catalyst exhibits a remarkable carbon monoxide (CO) yield of 16.64 µmol gcat-1 h-1 with nearly 100 % selectivity under illumination ranging from 420 to 780 nm. Through in-situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations, it was revealed that sulfur-coordinated bismuth sites greatly enhance CO2 adsorption and decrease the energy barrier for critical intermediates formation (*COOH), thus selectively driving the reaction towards CO production. This work not only advances our understanding of mechanisms underlying photocatalytic reduction of CO2 on sulfur-doped bismuth-based catalysts but also sets a precedent for developing sophisticated photocatalytic systems for enhanced photoreduction reactions.

Effect of long-term use of antipsychotics on the ventricular repolarization index.

BACKGROUND: The risk of arrhythmia is usually assessed by the length of the corrected QT interval (QTc) when patients use antipsychotics. Prolonged QTc intervals are thought to increase the probability of malignant ventricular arrhythmias, and if we focus only on the QTc interval, we may be influenced by a single factor and make decisions that are not conducive to effective treatment. The index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) is considered more valuable than the QTc for predicting drug-induced arrhythmias. It has been used in clinical practice, but no studies have observed changes in this index after the use of antipsychotics. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in ventricular repolarization indices and the occurrence of arrhythmias in patients who have been using antipsychotic drugs for a long time, to compare the changes in iCEBc and QTc and to predict abnormal iCEBc values. METHODS: Patients with schizophrenia who had been hospitalized for more than 4 years and who were receiving atypical antipsychotics underwent a 12-lead synchronized electrocardiogram (ECG) every 2-4 weeks. The baseline data were measured at admission, defined as the baseline (time0), and the most obvious abnormal changes in ventricular depolarization and repolarization measured every 12 months were one-year follow-up (time1), two-year follow-up (time2), three-year follow-up (time3), and four-year follow-up (time4). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparisons. The types and doses of drugs taken at 5 time points were recorded and converted into chlorpromazine equivalents for comparison. The incidence of arrhythmia during the observation cycle was recorded. RESULTS: The patients had been treated with antipsychotic medication for 4 years, and the duration of the QRS wave was longer in males than in females. TpTe, TpTe/QRS, TpTe/QT, TpTe/QTc, iCEB, and iCEBc increased significantly with hospital stay, while TpTe, TpTe/QRS, TpTe/QT, and TpTe/QTc exhibited more obvious changes in these indicators in female patients (P < 0.01). The changes in iCEB and iCEBc were more significant in males (P < 0.01). The incidences of arrhythmia (arrhythmic events included premature ventricular beats and premature atrial beats) within 5 time points were 2.5%, 6.25%, 6.25%, 6.25% and 5%, respectively. More than 90% of patients treated with antipsychotics did not have any arrhythmias. No TdP syncope or other cardiovascular symptoms were found in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: After long-term use of antipsychotics, the ventricular repolarization index gradually increased with time. The new ventricular repolarization indices iCEB and iCEBc were more sensitive than the QTc at predicting arrhythmia. According to the abnormal QTc values in men and women, we predict that the abnormal value of the iCEBc in males is 4.528 and that in females is 5.315.

Research on acupuncture and glial cells: A bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are a growing number of studies on the effect of acupuncture on glial cells in the central nervous system; however, there are few related bibliometric analyses in this area. Therefore, the purpose of this bibliometric study was to visualize the literature on acupuncture-regulated glial cells. METHODS: On November 23, 2022, regular and review articles on acupuncture and glial cell-related research were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The R package "bibliometrix" was used to summarize the main findings, count the occurrences of the top keywords, visualize the international collaboration network, and generate a 3-field plot. The VOSviewer software was used to conduct both co-authorship and co-occurrence analyses. CiteSpace was used to identify the best references and keywords with the highest citation rates. RESULTS: Overall, 348 publications on acupuncture and glial cells were included. The publications were primarily from China, Korea, and the United States of America. The majority of publications were found in relevant journals. Apart from "acupuncture" and "glial cells," the most frequently used keywords were "neuroinflammation," "hyperalgesia," and "pain." CONCLUSION: This bibliometric study mapped a fundamental knowledge structure comprising countries, institutions, authors, journals, and articles in the research fields of acupuncture and glial cells over the last 3 decades. These results provide a comprehensive perspective on the wider landscape of this research area.

Green Synthesis of Alzheimer's Disease Probes Aftobetin and Analogues Enabled by Flow Technology and Heterogeneous Photocatalysis.

Aftobetin is a non-invasive diagnosis probe of Alzheimer's disease, that can bind with aggregated ß-amyloid peptide in eye's lenses, used for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a rapid and painless mode. The reported synthesis of this probe fell short in the aspects of greenness and economy due to the involvement of toxic Chromium(IV) oxidant, noble palladium catalyst, elevated reaction temperature, the long reaction time as well as the cumbersome workup. Herein, a holistic optimization of the synthetic process was achieved via the employment of flow technology and heterogenous photocatalysis. Firstly, the integration of heterogenous carbon nitrides photocatalysis and circulation flow technology furnished the air oxidation of alcohol and nickel catalyzed C-N coupling at 20-g scale, thus avoiding the use of toxic Chromium and precious palladium species respectively. Flow-intensified esterification between acyl chloride and alcohol, just taking 30 seconds replaced the Steglich esterification of 6 hours, also avoiding the generation of difficult-to-remove dicyclohexylurea. Finally, C-N coupling, esterification and Knoevenagel condensation were telescoped together, thus simplifying the reaction workup. This fully-flow protocol led to the on-demand synthesis of eight probes.

Heat stroke: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current treatment.

Recently, the incidence of heat-related illnesses has exhibited a steadily upward trend, which is closely associated with several environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution. The progression of heat-related illnesses is a continuous process and can progress to the terminal period when it transforms into heat stroke, the most severe form. Heat stroke is markedly by a core body temperature above 40°C and central nervous system dysfunction. Current knowledge suggests that the pathogenesis of heat stroke is complex and varied, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cell death, and coagulation dysfunction. This review consolidated recent research progress on the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of heat stroke, with a focus on the related molecular mechanisms. In addition, we reviewed common strategies and sorted out the drugs in various preclinical stages for heat stroke, aiming to offer a comprehensive research roadmap for more in-depth researches into the mechanisms of heat stroke and the reduction in the mortality of heat stroke in the future.

Selenoprotein W modulates tau homeostasis in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Lower selenium levels are observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, while supplementation shows multiple benefits. Selenoprotein W (SELENOW) is sensitive to selenium changes and binds to tau, reducing tau accumulation. However, whether restoration of SELENOW has any protective effect in AD models and its underlying mechanism remain unknown. Here, we confirm the association between SELENOW downregulation and tau pathology, revealing SELENOW's role in promoting tau degradation through the ubiquitin‒proteasome system. SELENOW competes with Hsp70 to interact with tau, promoting its ubiquitination and inhibiting tau acetylation at K281. SELENOW deficiency leads to synaptic defects, tau dysregulation and impaired long-term potentiation, resulting in memory deficits in mice. Conversely, SELENOW overexpression in the triple transgenic AD mice ameliorates memory impairment and tau-related pathologies, featuring decreased 4-repeat tau isoform, phosphorylation at Ser396 and Ser404, neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation. Thus, SELENOW contributes to the regulation of tau homeostasis and synaptic maintenance, implicating its potential role in AD.

M/BiOCl-(M = Pt, Pd, and Au) Boosted Selective Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to C2 Hydrocarbons via *CHO Intermediate Manipulation.

Selective CO2 photoreduction to C2 hydrocarbons is significant but limited by the inadequate adsorption strength of the reaction intermediates and low efficiency of proton transfer. Herein, an ameliorative *CO adsorption and H2O activation strategy is realized via decorating bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanostructures with different metal (Pt, Pd, and Au) species. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that distinct *CO binding energies and *H acquisition abilities of the metal cocatalysts mediate the CO2 reduction activity and hydrocarbon selectivity. The relatively moderate *CO adsorption and *H supply over Pd/BiOCl endows it with the lowest free energy to generate *CHO, leading to its highest activity of hydrocarbon production. Specifically, the Pt cocatalyst can efficiently participate in H2O dissociation to deliver more *H for facilitating the protonation of the *CHO and *CHOH, thereby favoring CH4 production with 76.51% selectivity. A lower *H supply over Pd/BiOCl and Au/BiOCl results in a large energy barrier for *CHO or *CHOH protonation and thus a more thermodynamically favored OC─CHO coupling pathway, which endows them with vastly increased C2 hydrocarbon selectivity of 81.21% and 92.81%, respectively. The understanding of efficient C2 hydrocarbon production in this study sheds light on how materials can be engineered for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Exploring Dimethylsulfoniopropionate as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease: A study using the 3 × Tg-AD mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, affects a broad spectrum of aging populations. AD is characterized by pathological amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neural degeneration and cognitive decline. The lack of effective treatments for AD highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents, particularly in the early stages. Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a natural marine compound with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, studies on the efficacy of DMSP in the treatment of AD and its associated mechanisms are limited. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of DMSP as an AD treatment using a preclinical 3 × Tg-AD mouse model. METHODS: The research involved administering DMSP (7 µg/mL and 11 µg/mL in drinking water) to four-month-old 3 × Tg-AD mice consecutively for three months. The Y-maze test, novel object recognition test, and Morris water maze test were used to assess memory and learning ability. The relative expression levels and distribution of proteins relevant to Aß and tau pathology, synapses, and glial cells were analyzed using western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, proteomic and bioinformatics approaches were used to explore the potential targets of DMSP treatment. RESULTS: DMSP-treated AD mice showed significantly enhanced cognitive function, suggesting that DMSP mitigates memory and learning impairments in AD. Moreover, DMSP diminished the abnormal accumulation of Aß and phosphorylated tau in both the cortex and hippocampus, which are crucial hallmarks of AD pathology. In addition to its neuroprotective properties, DMSP restored synaptic density and the expression of synaptic and neuronal proteins, which are essential for proper brain function. DMSP displayed anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by its ability to suppress inflammatory astrocytes and maintain microglial homeostasis. Notably, DMSP facilitated the maturation of oligodendrocytes (OLs) from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), a critical process in the development of the brain myelination architecture. Proteomic analysis revealed that DMSP positively influenced biological processes crucial for oligodendrocyte development, myelination, and axonal ensheathment, which are often compromised in patients with AD. Protein validation and brain tissue staining supported the role of DMSP in preserving myelin enrichment and sheath integrity. These therapeutic effects were largely attributed to the enhanced expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein (Mag) and tetraspanin Cd9. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings highlight DMSP as a promising novel therapeutic candidate for AD, offering multifaceted benefits in cognitive and memory enhancement, reduction of Aß and tau pathology, neuronal synapse protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and myelin sheath restoration as an innovative target compared to other studies. In addition to being a potentially effective treatment for AD, DMSP may also have the potential to address other neurodegenerative diseases that are closely associated with myelin impairment.

NR2E3 inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy by regulating the AHR/IL-17A signaling pathway.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, and it is the primary cause of blindness in the working-age population worldwide. Nevertheless, the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of DR remain elusive. Hub genes were identified through bioinformatics analysis in the GSE102485 and GSE60436 datasets. The DR mouse model was induced using streptozotocin (STZ, 150 mg/kg), and pathological changes in retinal tissue were assessed via HE staining. Apoptosis in retinal tissue cells was evaluated by the TUNEL assay. RT-qPCR and ELISA assays were employed to measure hub genes and inflammatory factor levels, respectively. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/interleukin (IL)-17A (AHR/IL-17A) pathway-associated proteins were detected by western blot. In the high glucose (HG)-induced ARPE-19 cells, CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to perform cell function studies. Six hub genes associated with DR were screened. The expression levels of RHO, PRPH2, CRX, RCVRN, and NR2E3 were reduced, while the COL1A2 was elevated. NR2E3 overexpression reduced inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and cell apoptosis levels in DR. Furthermore, NR2E3 overexpression promoted HG-induced ARPE-19 cell proliferation. Mechanistically, NR2E3 overexpression facilitated the protein expression of AHR, while suppressing the IL-17 and ACT1 expressions. The introduction of Kyn-101, an AHR inhibitor, notably reversed the inhibitory effects of NR2E3 overexpression on inflammation and apoptosis, which were validated both in vivo and in vitro. NR2E3 inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the AHR/IL-17A pathway, providing new insights into the DR treatment.

[Research progress on the pathogenic mechanisms and treatment strategies of heat stroke].

Heat stroke (HS), also known as severe sunstroke, is one of the most serious heat-related disorders, characterized by rapid onset, rapid progression, aggressive condition, and high morbidity and mortality. The occurrence and development of HS are closely related to pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death, and coagulation failure. With the gradual discovery of the pathogenic mechanisms of HS, some drugs or therapeutic approaches targeting its molecular regulatory pathways have shown clinical promise. This review intends to provide an overview of research advances in HS types, pathogenic mechanisms, preclinical and clinically relevant therapeutic strategies, as well as to highlight the potential clinical applications of HS-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets with a view to informing the clinical management of HS.

Molten salt synthesis of porous graphene-like carbons as peroxydisulfate catalyst for the efficient removal of rhodamine B dye.

Carbon materials have been receiving considerable attention as effective green catalysts for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation to degrade organic pollutants. Herein, the porous graphene-like carbons (PGCs) were synthesized by pyrolyzing a nitrogen-rich biomass (peanut shell, PS) in the eutectic mixture of FeCl3 and ZnCl2. The results suggested that involvement of molten salts attributed the biochar the amazing properties such as high specific surface area (SBET = 2529.4 m2 g-1), abundant structural defects, high nitrogen content (6.5%), and oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface. Especially when pyrolyzed at activation temperature of 800 °C, mass ratio of 1:3:15 (PS:ZnCl2:FeCl3), and activation time of 2 h, the optimized PGCs-op exhibited outstanding performance in the catalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). Almost all of RhB (99.02%) was removed in 40 min and basically not influenced by initial pH in the range of 3.00 to 9.98. Although the RhB degradation was influenced by anions (Cl-, HCO3-, HPO42-), the inhibition would be significantly alleviated within 120 min unless these substances were high in concentration. Furthermore, the quenching tests revealed that the reactive species were involved in RhB degradation in the sequence of 1O2 > O2∙- > SO4∙- > ∙OH, among which singlet oxygen played a crucial role. Combined with characterization analysis, a possible mechanism of RhB degradation in PGCs-op/PDS system was proposed. Overall, this study provided a promising metal-free catalyst for the removal of organic pollutants while achieving reutilization of the waste biomass.

Outer membrane vesicles from genetically engineered Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium presenting Helicobacter pylori antigens UreB and CagA induce protection against Helicobacter pylori infection in mice.

Helicobacter pylori causes globally prevalent infections that are highly related to chronic gastritis and even development of gastric carcinomas. With the increase of antibiotic resistance, scientists have begun to search for better vaccine design strategies to eradicate H. pylori colonization. However, while current strategies prefer to formulate vaccines with a single H. pylori antigen, their potential has not yet been fully realized. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are a potential platform since they could deliver multiple antigens. In this study, we engineered three crucial H. pylori antigen proteins (UreB, CagA, and VacA) onto the surface of OMVs derived from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) mutant strains using the hemoglobin protease (Hbp) autotransporter system. In various knockout strategies, we found that OMVs isolated from the ΔrfbP ΔfliC ΔfljB ΔompA mutants could cause distinct increases in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and A (IgA) levels and effectively trigger T helper 1- and 17-biased cellular immune responses, which perform a vital role in protecting against H. pylori. Next, OMVs derived from ΔrfbP ΔfliC ΔfljB ΔompA mutants were used as a vector to deliver different combinations of H. pylori antigens. The antibody and cytokine levels and challenge experiments in mice model indicated that co-delivering UreB and CagA could protect against H. pylori and antigen-specific T cell responses. In summary, OMVs derived from the S. Typhimurium ΔrfbP ΔfliC ΔfljB ΔompA mutant strain as the vector while importing H. pylori UreB and CagA as antigenic proteins using the Hbp autotransporter system would greatly benefit controlling H. pylori infection.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), as a novel antigen delivery platform, has been used in vaccine design for various pathogens and even tumors. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), as a bacterium that is easy to engineer and has both adjuvant efficacy and immune stimulation capacity, has become the preferred bacterial vector for purifying OMVs after Escherichia coli. This study focuses on the design of Helicobacter pylori ;(H. pylori) vaccines, utilizing genetically modified Salmonella OMVs to present several major antigens of H. pylori, including UreB, VacA and CagA. The optimal Salmonella OMV delivery vector and antigen combinations are screened and identified, providing new ideas for the development of H. pylori vaccines and an integrated antigen delivery platform for other difficult to develop vaccines for bacteria, viruses, and even tumors.

Protecting primary teeth from dental erosion through bioactive glass.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bioactive glass (BAG) in preventing dental erosion in primary teeth. METHODS: Enamel and dentin specimens (2 × 2 × 2 mm) were obtained from extracted primary teeth, which were randomly divided into the following groups based on the pretreatments (n = 12): DW (deionized water), NaF (2 % sodium fluoride), 2BAG (2 % BAG), 4BAG (4 % BAG), 6BAG (6 % BAG), and 8BAG (8 % BAG). The specimens were immersed in the respective solutions for 2 min and subjected to in vitro erosive challenges (4 × 5 min/d) for 5 d. The erosive enamel loss (EEL), erosive dentin loss (EDL), and the thickness of the demineralized organic matrix (DOM) were measured using a contact profilometer. The surface microhardness (SMH) was measured, and the percentage of SMH loss (%SMHL) was calculated. The surface morphology and mineral composition were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. RESULTS: After the erosive challenges, the EEL, EDL, and%SMHL of the 2BAG, 4BAG, 6BAG, and 8BAG groups significantly reduced, with the greatest reduction was observed in the 6BAG (EEL: 6.5 ± 0.2 µm;%SMHL in enamel: 12.8 ± 2.6; EDL: 7.9 ± 0.3 µm; %SMHL in dentin: 22.1 ± 2.7) and 8BAG groups (EEL: 6.4 ± 0.4 µm;%SMHL in enamel: 11.0 ± 1.9; EDL: 7.8 ± 0.5 µm; %SMHL in dentin: 22.0 ± 2.5) (P < 0.05). With increasing BAG concentrations, the number of surface deposits containing Ca, P, and Si increased. CONCLUSIONS: 6BAG was the most effective for preventing dental erosion in primary teeth and showed a particularly strong potential for dentin erosion prevention. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bioactive glass, especially at a 6 % concentration, has proven effective in reducing erosive tooth wear and surface microhardness loss while also protecting demineralized organic matrix in primary dentin.

Comparison of downsizing strategy (HANGZHOU Solution) and standard annulus sizing strategy in type 0 bicuspid aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Rationale and design of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There has not been a consensus on the prothesis sizing strategy in type 0 bicuspid aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Modifications to standard annular sizing strategies might be required due to the distinct anatomical characteristics. We have devised a downsizing strategy for TAVR using a self-expanding valve specifically for patients with type 0 bicuspid AS. The primary aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of downsizing strategy with the Standard Annulus Sizing Strategy in TAVR for patients with type 0 bicuspid AS. TRIAL DESIGN: It is a prospective, multi-center, superiority, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing the Down Sizing and Standard Annulus Sizing Strategy in patients with type 0 bicuspid aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Eligible participants will include patients with severe type 0 bicuspid AS, as defined by criteria such as mean gradient across aortic valve ≥40 mmHg, peak aortic jet velocity ≥4.0 m/s, aortic valve area (AVA) ≤1.0 cm², or AVA index ≤0.6 cm2/m2. These patients will be randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to either the Down Sizing Strategy group or the Standard Sizing Strategy group. In the Down Sizing Strategy group, a valve one size smaller will be implanted if the "waist sign" manifests along with less than mild regurgitation during balloon pre-dilatation. The primary end point of the study is a composite of VARC-3 defined device success, absence of both permanent pacemaker implantation due to high-degree atrioventricular block and new-onset complete left bundle branch block. CONCLUSION: This study will compare the safety and efficacy of Down Sizing Strategy with the Standard Annulus Sizing Strategy and provide valuable insights into the optimal approach for sizing in TAVR patients with type 0 bicuspid AS. We hypothesize that the Down Sizing Strategy will demonstrate superiority when compared to the Standard Annulus Sizing Strategy. (Down Sizing Strategy (HANGZHOU Solution) vs Standard Sizing Strategy TAVR in Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis (Type 0) (TAILOR-TAVR), NCT05511792).