Microbial α-L-arabinofuranosidases: diversity, properties, and biotechnological applications.

Arabinoxylans (AXs) are hemicellulosic polysaccharides consisting of a linear backbone of ß-1,4-linked xylose residues branched by high content of α-L-arabinofuranosyl (Araf) residues along with other side-chain substituents, and are abundantly found in various agricultural crops especially cereals. The efficient bioconversion of AXs into monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and/or other chemicals depends on the synergism of main-chain enzymes and de-branching enzymes. Exo-α-L-arabinofuranosidases (ABFs) catalyze the hydrolysis of terminal non-reducing α-1,2-, α-1,3- or α-1,5- linked α-L-Araf residues from arabinose-substituted polysaccharides or oligosaccharides. ABFs are critically de-branching enzymes in bioconversion of agricultural biomass, and have received special attention due to their application potentials in biotechnological industries. In recent years, the researches on microbial ABFs have developed quickly in the aspects of the gene mining, properties of novel members, catalytic mechanisms, methodologies, and application technologies. In this review, we systematically summarize the latest advances in microbial ABFs, and discuss the future perspectives of the enzyme research.

Functional characterization of a new 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase from Eupenicillium parvum and its potential for protocatechuic acid production.

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is an important phenolic compound with diverse industrial values. Conversion of 3-dehydroshikimate (DHS) to PCA by dehydroshikimate dehydratase (DSD) provides an efficient approach for the production of the molecule. Herein, a new DSD from fungus Eupenicillium parvum was functionally investigated after recombinant expression in Escherichia coli. The DSD displayed 30%-35% sequence identities with the known fungal DSDs. The recombinant protein showed catalysis activity against DHS, with the optimal temperature of 40 °C and pH of 7.5. The specific activity and Km of the protein were 910 mU per mg protein and 0.83 m m, respectively. Metal ion (Mg2+ or Mn2+) played a critical role in the enzymatic activity. Meanwhile, the thermal stability of the protein was improved by Mg2+ or Mn2+. Furthermore, the expression of the protein in E. coli resulted in de novo synthesis of 491 mg/L PCA in a modified M9 medium with glycerol as a carbon source.

Correlation between chest CT severity score and laboratory indicators in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVE: The association between computed tomography (CT) and clinical severity of COVID-19 has been demonstrated. However, there are few studies on CT and laboratory indicators in patients in COVID-19. Our aim was to explore the correlation between chest CT images and laboratory indicators of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with COVID-19 diagnosed and treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from 24 January 2020 to 6 March 2020. The correlation test between first chest CT score and blood cell analysis, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blood biochemistry and T lymphocyte subsets (T-Ls) was investigated. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients, there were 36 (64.3%) males and 20 (35.7%) females. The mean age of the patients was 46.54 ± 15.82 (range, 15-86) years. The CT score in the moderate group was higher than in the mild group (5.06 ± 0.77 vs 1.87 ± 0.88, P < .05), and higher in the severe group than in the moderate and mild groups (10.71 ± 4.21, P < .05). In addition, the ESR was significantly higher in the severe group than mild group (32.00 (26.04, 58.24) vs 11.00 (7.84, 24.70) mm/h, P < .05). The CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 cells were not different (all P > .05). The CT scores of all patients correlated positively with CRP, LDH and ESR (all P < .01). CONCLUSION: The chest CT characteristics of patients with COVID-19 correlated positively with CRP, ESR and LDH, which may use one of the indicators for the assessment of disease severity.

Characterization and functional analysis of two novel thermotolerant α-L-arabinofuranosidases belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 51 from Thielavia terrestris and family 62 from Eupenicillium parvum.

Arabinofuranose substitutions on xylan are known to interfere with enzymatic hydrolysis of this primary hemicellulose. In this work, two novel α-L-arabinofuranosidases (ABFs), TtABF51A from Thielavia terrestris and EpABF62C from Eupenicillium parvum, were characterized and functionally analyzed. From sequences analyses, TtABF51A and EpABF62C belong to glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 51 and 62, respectively. Recombinant TtABF51A showed high activity on 4-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside (83.39 U/mg), low-viscosity wheat arabinoxylan (WAX, 39.66 U/mg), high-viscosity rye arabinoxylan (RAX, 32.24 U/mg), and sugarbeet arabinan (25.69 U/mg), while EpABF62C preferred to degrade arabinoxylan. For EpABF62C, the rate of hydrolysis of RAX (94.10 U/mg) was 2.1 times that of WAX (45.46 U/mg). The optimal pH and reaction temperature for the two enzymes was between 4.0 and 4.5 and 65 °C, respectively. Calcium played an important role in the thermal stability of EpABF62C. TtABF51A and EpABF62C showed the highest thermal stabilities at pH 4.5 or 5.0, respectively. At their optimal pHs, TtABF51A and EpABF62C retained greater than 80% of their initial activities after incubation at 55 °C for 96 h or 144 h, respectively. 1H NMR analysis indicated that the two enzymes selectively removed arabinose linked to C-3 of mono-substituted xylose residues in WAX. Compared with the singular application of the GH10 xylanase EpXYN1 from E. parvum, co-digestions of WAX including TtABF51A and/or EpABF62C released 2.49, 3.38, and 4.81 times xylose or 3.38, 1.65, and 2.57 times of xylobiose, respectively. Meanwhile, the amount of arabinose released from WAX by TtABF51A with EpXYN1 was 2.11 times the amount with TtABF51A alone. KEY POINTS: • Two novel α-l-arabinofuranosidases (ABFs) displayed high thermal stability. • The thermal stability of GH62 family EpABF62C was dependent on calcium. • Buffer pH affects the thermal stability of the two ABFs. • Both ABFs enhance the hydrolysis of WAX by a GH10 xylanase.

CMOS-compatible all-Si metasurface polarizing bandpass filters on 12-inch wafers.

The implementation of polarization controlling components enables additional functionalities of short-wave infrared (SWIR) imagers. The high-performance and mass-producible polarization controller based on Si metasurface is in high demand for the next-generation SWIR imaging system. In this work, we report the first demonstration of all-Si metasurface based polarizing bandpass filters (PBFs) on 12-inch wafers. The PBF achieves a polarization extinction ratio of above 10 dB in power within the passbands. Using the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible 193nm ArF deep ultra-violet (DUV) immersion lithography and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etch processing line, a device yield of 82% is achieved.

Demonstration of color display metasurfaces via immersion lithography on a 12-inch silicon wafer.

The demonstration of a color display metasurface on a 12-inch silicon wafer with critical dimension (CD) below 100 nm by complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible technology is reported for the first time. The 193 nm ArF deep UV immersion lithography is leveraged instead of electron beam lithography (EBL) to pattern the metasurface, which greatly improves the efficiency while keeping a high resolution. The demonstrated metasurface successfully generates the resonant modes and reflects the lights at resonance wavelengths, giving its display in red, green, and blue (RGB) colors. The wafer-level uniformities of CD and reflection characteristic of the metasurface are measured and analyzed. The experimental data show that they are well controlled in the fabrication process. The work provides a promising route towards mass production of dielectric metasurfaces.

Evaluation of different agricultural wastes for the production of fruiting bodies and bioactive compounds by medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris.

BACKGROUND: In commercial production of Cordyceps militaris (a famous Chinese medicine), cereal grains are usually utilized as cultivation substrates. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of agricultural wastes as substitute materials in the low-cost production of C. militaris. Cottonseed shells (CS), corn cob particles (CCP), Italian poplar sawdusts (IPS) and substrates spent by Flammulina velutipes (SS) were employed to cultivate C. militaris, using rice medium as control. RESULTS: CS and CCP were suitable for fruit body formation of C. militaris, with yields of 22 and 20 g per bottle respectively. Fruit bodies grown on CCP showed the highest levels of cordycepin and adenosine, up to 9.45 and 5.86 mg g-1 respectively. The content of d-mannitol in fruit bodies obtained on CS was 120 mg g-1 (80% of the control group), followed by that on CCP, 100 mg g-1 . Fruit bodies cultivated on CCP displayed a high crude polysaccharide level of 26.9 mg g-1 , which was the closest to that of the control group (34.5 mg g-1 ). CONCLUSION: CS and CCP are effective substrates for the production of fruit bodies and bioactive compounds by C. militaris. This study provides a new approach to decreasing the cost of C. militaris cultivation and dealing with these agricultural wastes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characteristics of innate, humoral and cellular immunity in children with non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The symptoms of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are mainly asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and a few severe cases. To understand the immune response characteristics of children infected with SARS-COV-2 who do not develop severe cases, 82 children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta strain were recruited in this study. Our results showed that high levels of IgG, IgM, and neutralization antibodies appeared in children infected with SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 induced upregulation of both pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-α and anti-inflammatory factors including IL-4 and IL-13 in the children, even IL-10. The expression of INF-α in infected children also showed a significant increase compared to healthy children. However, IL-6, one of the important inflammatory factors, did not show an increase in infected children. It is worth noting that a large number of chemokines reduced in the SARS-CoV-2-infected children. Subsequently, TCR Repertoire, TCRß bias, and preferential usage were analyzed on data of TCR next-generation sequencing from 8 SARS-CoV-2-infected children and 8 healthy controls. We found a significant decrease in TCR clonal diversity and a significant increase in TCR clonal expansion in SARS-CoV-2-infected children compared to healthy children. The most frequent V and J genes in SARS-CoV-2 children were TRBV28 and TRBJ2-1. The most frequently VßJ gene pairing in SARS-CoV-2 infected children was TRBV20-1-TRBJ2-1. The strong antiviral antibody levels, low expression of key pro-inflammatory factors, significant elevation of anti-inflammatory factors, and downregulation of many chemokines jointly determine that SARS-CoV-2-infected children rarely develop severe cases. Overall, our findings shed a light on the immune response of non-severe children infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Serum miR-19a expression correlates with worse prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of miR-19a in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue and serum, and to clarify the relationships of serum miR-19a expression with clinical factors and prognosis of NSCLC patients. METHODS: Expression levels of miR-19a in 25 paired NSCLC, paracancerous tissues and serum, and sera from 103 controls and 201 NSCLC patients were respectively detected using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the paracancerous tissue, miR-19a was overexpressed in NSCLC tissue (P = 0.006), and there was a strong correlation between expression levels of miR-19 in 25 paired sera and tissues (P = 0.001). Serum miR-19a expression in NSCLC patients was significantly upregulated compared with those in healthy individuals (P = 0.001). High serum miR-19a expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004 and 0.017, respectively). Survival analysis revealed that overall survival rate of patients with high serum miR-19a expression was significantly worse than those of patients with low serum miR-19a expression (hazard ratio = 1.438, 95% confidence interval 1.007-2.052, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: High serum miR-19a expression may be an independent poor prognostic factor for survival in NSCLC patients.

[Study on biological characteristics of Cordyceps ramosa mycelia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the biological characteristics of Cordyceps ramosa mycelia. METHODS: The effects of temperature, pH, carbon source, nitrogen source and C/N ratio on the mycelial growth of Cordyceps ramosa were investigated. RESULTS: The optimum temperature, pH, carbon source, nitrogen source and C/N ratio for the mycelial growth were 25 degrees C, 5.0-7.0, soluble starch, yeast extract and 24:1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results provide a reference for cultivation of Cordyceps ramosa.

Insights into the capability of the lignocellulolytic enzymes of Penicillium parvum 4-14 to saccharify corn bran after alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment.

BACKGROUND: Corn bran is a major agro-industrial byproduct from corn starch processing. It contains abundant arabinoxylan that can be converted into value-added chemicals via biotechnology. Corn bran arabinoxylan (CBAX) is one of the most recalcitrant xylans for enzymatic degradation due to its particular heterogeneous nature. The present study aimed to investigate the capability of the filamentous fungus Penicillium parvum 4-14 to enzymatically saccharify CBAX and reveal the fungal carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) repertoire by genome sequencing and secretome analysis. RESULTS: CBAX1 and CBAX2 with different branching degrees, together with corn bran residue (CBR) were generated from corn bran after alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) pretreatment and graded ethanol precipitation. The protein blends E_CBAX1, E_CBAX2, and E_CBR were produced by the fungus grown on CBAX1, CBAX2, or CBR, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, E_CBAX1 released more than 80% xylose and arabinose from CBAX1 and CBAX2. Almost complete saccharification of the arabinoxylans was achieved by combining E_CBAX1 and a commercial enzyme cocktail Cellic®CTec3. Approximately 89% glucose, 64% xylose, and 64% arabinose were liberated from CBR by E_CBR. The combination of E_CBR with Cellic®CTec3 enhanced the saccharification of CBR, with conversion ratios of 97% for glucose, 81% for xylose, and 76% for arabinose. A total of 376 CAZymes including plentiful lignocellulolytic enzymes were predicted in P. parvum based on the fungal genomic sequence (25.8 Mb). Proteomic analysis indicated that the expression of CAZymes in P. parvum varied between CBAX1 and CBR, and the fungus produced complete cellulases, numerous hemicellulases, as well as high levels of glycosidases under the culture conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation disclosed the CAZyme repertoire of P. parvum at the genomic and proteomic levels, and elaborated on the promising potential of fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes upon saccharification of corn bran biomass after AHP pretreatment.

High-level production of cordycepin by the xylose-utilising Cordyceps militaris strain 147 in an optimised medium.

Cordycepin is an important active metabolite of Cordyceps militaris. Xylose, an attractive feedstock for producing chemicals through microbial fermentation, cannot be effectively utilised by many reported C. militaris strains. Herein, a xylose-utilising C. militaris strain 147 produced the highest level of cordycepin (3.03 g/L) in xylose culture. Xylose, alanine, and ammonium citrate were determined as the main affecting factors on the cordycepin production using a Plackett-Burman design. The combination of these factors was optimised using response surface methodology, and the maximal 6.54 g/L of cordycepin was produced by the fungus in the optimal medium. Transcriptome analysis revealed that xylose utilisation upregulated the transcriptional levels of genes participating in purine and energy metabolisms in the fungus, which may facilitate the formation of precursors for cordycepin biosynthesis. This investigation provides new insights into the efficient production of cordycepin and is conducive to the valorisation of biomass rich in xylose.

Factors Associated with Pulmonary Function Changes in Patients Undergoing Microwave Ablation for Pulmonary Ground-Glass Nodules.

Purpose: Microwave ablation has become an alternative treatment for pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGN) and is widely accepted by clinicians. However, its effect on lung function remains unknown. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to explore pulmonary function changes and associated risk factors in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for treating pulmonary GGN. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients diagnosed with pulmonary GGN on thin-layer chest CT and enhanced CT were examined. Patients unable or unwilling to undergo thoracoscopic surgery underwent CT-guided simultaneous percutaneous core needle biopsy and MWA. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed before ablation and 3 days and 6 months post-ablation. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1%, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values pre- and post-MWA were analysed. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between ablation volume and changes in PFT findings 3 days post-ablation. Associations between patient characteristics, rates of postoperative complications, and PFT findings were analysed. Results: Forty-eight lesions were completely ablated and examined intraoperatively. There were significant differences in pre- and post-operative PFT findings on day 3 but not at 6 months. The mean ablation volume after 3 days of 11.4 ± 6.3 cm3 was positively correlated with changes in FEV1, MVV, and PEF values. Patients' age (mean, 59.4 ± 13.0 years) positively correlated with changes in PEF values. The rates of change in FVC and MVV values were significantly higher with multiple pulmonary nodules than with isolated pulmonary nodule. PFT findings were similar between patients who experienced or did not experience complications (eg, pneumothorax and pleural effusion). Conclusions: Pulmonary function could be impaired shortly after MWA. PFT findings may correlate with age, ablation volume, and number of ablated lesions. In most patients, pulmonary function returned to the preoperative state after 6 months.

Genomic Sequence and Transcriptome Analysis of the Medicinal Fungus Keithomyces neogunnii.

The filamentous fungus Keithomyces neogunnii can infect the larvae of Lepidoptera (Hepialus sp.) and form an insect-fungi complex, which is utilized as an important traditional Chinese medicine. As a valuable medicinal fungus, K. neogunnii produces diverse bioactive substances (e.g., polysaccharide, vitamins, cordycepic acid, and adenosine) under cultivation conditions. Herein, we report the first high-quality genome of the K. neogunnii single-spore isolate Cg7.2a using single-molecule real-time sequencing technology in combination with Illumina sequencing. The assembled genome was 32.6 Mb in size, containing 8,641 predicted genes and having a GC content of 52.16%. RNA sequencing analysis revealed the maximum number of differentially expressed genes in the fungus during the stroma formation stage compared with those during the mycelium stage. These data are valuable to enhance our understanding of the biology, development, evolution, and physiological metabolism of K. neogunnii.

Functional characterization of a GH62 family α-L-arabinofuranosidase from Eupenicillium parvum suitable for monosaccharification of corncob arabinoxylan in combination with key enzymes.

Corncob rich in arabinoxylan is an important raw material widely used in bio-refinery. Complete saccharification of arabinoxylan depends on the synergism of different enzymes including α-L-arabinofuranosidase (ABF). This study aimed to investigate the functional characteristics of a new ABF EpABF62A belonging to glycoside hydrolase (GH) 62 family from the fungus Eupenicillium parvum, and to explore its potential in the saccharification of corncob arabinoxylan. The recombinant EpABF62A showed high activity against wheat arabinoxylan and rye arabinoxylan, with the optimal temperature of 55 °C and pH of 4.5. The protein contains an N-terminal cellulose-binding domain family 1 (CBM_1) domain, and displayed a 59.5% absorption rate to phosphoric acid swollen cellulose. Regioselectivity analysis indicated that the enzyme selectively removed α-1,2 or α-1,3 linked arabinofuranosyl residues on mono-substituted xylose residues on arabinoxylan. Corncob arabinoxylans (CAX1 or CAX2) with different (low or high) branching degrees were extracted from the raw material by alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and graded ethanol precipitation. Single EpABF62A removed 69.5% or 67.1% arabinose from CAX1 or CAX2, respectively. EpABF62A combined with a GH10 xylanase, a GH43 ß-D-xylosidase and a GH67 α-glucuronidase released 75.0% or 64.5% xylose from CAX1 or CAX2, respectively. The addition of the four hemicellulases enhanced the saccharification the solid fraction of the pretreated corncob by the commercial cellulase Cellic® CTec2, and the conversion ratios of glucose, xylose and arabinose were up to 94.0%, 91.8% and 82.6%, respectively.

Large-scale vivid metasurface color printing using advanced 12-in. immersion photolithography.

Nanostructures exhibiting optical resonances (so-called nanoantennas) have strong potential for applications in color printing and filtering with sub-wavelength resolution. While small scale demonstrations of these systems are interesting as a proof-of-concept, their large scale and volume fabrication requires deeper analysis and further development for industrial adoption. Here, we evaluate the color quality produced by large size nanoantenna arrays fabricated on a 12-in. wafer using deep UV immersion photolithography and dry etching processes. The color reproduction and quality are analyzed in context of the CIE color diagram, showing that a vivid and vibrant color palette, almost fully covering the sRGB color space, can be obtained with this mass-manufacturing-ready fabrication process. The obtained results, thus, provide a solid foundation for the potential industrial adoption of this emerging technology and expose the limits and challenges of the process.

Unvaccinated Children Are an Important Link in the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant (B1.617.2): Comparative Clinical Evidence From a Recent Community Surge.

Objective: To evaluate the necessity of Covid-19 vaccination in children aged < 12 y by comparing the clinical characteristics between unvaccinated children aged < 12 y and vaccinated patients aged ≥ 12y during the Delta surge (B.1.617.2) in Putian, Fujian, China. Methods: A total of 226 patients with SARS-Cov-2 Delta variant (B.1.167.2; confirmed by Real-time PCR positivity and sequencing) were enrolled from Sep 10th to Oct 20th, 2021, including 77 unvaccinated children (aged < 12y) and 149 people aged ≥ 12y, mostly vaccinated. The transmission route was explored and the clinical data of two groups were compared; The effect factors for the time of the nucleic acid negativization (NAN) were examined by R statistical analysis. Results: The Delta surge in Putian spread from children in schools to factories, mostly through family contact. Compared with those aged ≥ 12y, patients aged < 12y accounted for 34.07% of the total and showed milder fever, less cough and fatigue; they reported higher peripheral blood lymphocyte counts [1.84 (1.32, 2.71)×10^9/L vs. 1.31 (0.94, 1.85)×10^9/L; p<0.05), higher normal CRP rate (92.21% vs. 57.72%), lower IL-6 levels [5.28 (3.31, 8.13) vs. 9.10 (4.37, 15.14); p<0.05]. Upon admission, their COVID19 antibodies (IgM and IgG) and IgG in convalescence were lower [0.13 (0.00, 0.09) vs. 0.12 (0.03, 0.41), p<0.05; 0.02 (0.00, 0.14) vs. 1.94 (0.54, 6.40), p<0.05; 5.46 (2.41, 9.26) vs. 73.63 (54.63, 86.55), p<0.05, respectively], but longer NAN time (18 days vs. 16 days, p=0.13). Conclusion: Unvaccinated children may be an important link in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant (B1.617.2), which indicated an urgent need of vaccination for this particular population.

The effect of Tai Chi on the pulmonary rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of Tai Chi for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) so far is unclear. The present systematic review aimed to determine the influence of Tai Chi among people with COPD. METHODS: We searched six electronic databases for relevant studies in September, 2019. The methods of standard meta-analysis were used for identifying relevant studies, quality appraisal, and synthesis. The primary outcomes were six-minute walking distance (6MWD), percentage predicted forced expiratory flow volume in the first second (%PredFEV1), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies including 1663 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled data showed that the Tai Chi group was associated with a significant improvement in 6MWD [mean difference (MD) 40.83 m, 95% CI: 32.47 to 49.19], %PredFEV1 (MD 1.67%, 95% CI: 0.41 to 2.93), SGRQ score (MD -6.57, 95% CI: -10.17 to -2.98), and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) (MD 1.60, 95% CI: 0.89 to 2.30) relative to the blank control population. When compared with breathing exercises, the 6MWD was significantly enhanced with Tai Chi (MD 14.15 m, 95% CI: 3.76 to 24.53). Finally, when compared with breathing and walking exercises, Tai Chi was associated with a significant improvement in 6MWD (MD 7.68 m, 95% CI: 2.28 to 13.09 m) and SGRQ score (MD -6.31, 95% CI: -9.13 to -1.48). CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi may have the potential to reduce dyspnoea, enhance exercise capacity, and improve the quality of life in COPD patients. People with COPD may obtain benefit from practicing Tai Chi.

The value of repeated CT in monitoring the disease progression in moderate COVID-19 pneumonia: A single-center, retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: The role of thoracic CT (computerized tomography) in monitoring disease course of COVID-19 is controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors and predictive value of deterioration on repeatedly performed CT scan during hospitalization.All COVID-19 patients treated in our isolation ward, from January 22, 2020 to February 7, 2020, were reviewed. Patients included were categorized into RD (Radiological Deterioration) group or NRD (No Radiological Deterioration) group according to the manifestation on the CT routinely performed during the hospitalization. All clinical data and CT images were analyzed.Forty three patients were included in our study. All are moderate cases with at least 4 CT scans each. Eighteen (42.9%) patients had radiological deteriorations which were all identified in CT2 (the first CT after admission). Patients in RD group had lower leukocyte count (P = .003), lymphocyte count (P = .030), and higher prevalence (P = .012) of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) at admission. NRD patients had a lower prevalence of reticulations (P = .034) on baseline CT (CT1, performed within 2 days before admission) and a longer duration between symptom onset and the time of CT2 (P < .01). There was no significant difference in hospital stay or fibrotic change on CT4 (follow-up CT scan performed 4 weeks after discharge) between 2 groups. Shorter duration between symptom onset and CT2 time (odds ratio [OR], 0.436; 95% confidence interval: 0.233-0.816; P < .01) and lower leukocyte count in baseline evaluation (OR, 0.316; 95% CI: 0.116-0.859; P < .05) were associated with increased odds of radiological deterioration on CT image during hospitalization.For moderate COVID-19 patients, the value of routinely performed CT during the treatment is limited. We recommend avoiding using CT as a routine monitor in moderate COVID-19 patients.

Highly Efficient Extraction of Ferulic Acid from Cereal Brans by a New Type A Feruloyl Esterase from Eupenicillium parvum in Combination with Dilute Phosphoric Acid Pretreatment.

Feruloyl esterase (FAE) is a critical enzyme in bio-extraction of ferulic acid (FA) from plant cell wall. A new FAE (EpFAE1) encoding gene was isolated from Eupenicillium parvum and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris cells. Based on phylogenetic tree analysis, the protein EpFAE1 belongs to type A of the seventh FAE subfamily. Using methyl ferulate as substrate, the optimum temperature and pH for the catalytic activity of EpFAE1 were 50 °C and 5.5, respectively. The enzyme exhibited high stability at 50 °C, in a wide pH range (3.0-11.0), or in the presence of 2 M of NaCl. Together with the endo-xylanase EpXYN1, EpFAE1 released 72.32% and 4.00% of the alkali-extractable FA from de-starched wheat bran (DSWB) or de-starched corn bran (DSCB), respectively. Meanwhile, the substrates were pretreated with 1.75% (for DSWB) or 1.0% (for DSCB) of phosphoric acid (PA) at 90 °C for 12 h, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the soluble and insoluble fractions. The release efficiencies of FA were up to 84.64% for DSWB and 66.73% for DSCB. Combined dilute PA pretreatment with enzymatic hydrolysis is a low-cost and highly efficient method for the extraction of FA from cereal brans.