A review on Zika vaccine development.

Zika virus (ZIKV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family, is mainly transmitted via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. In newborns, ZIKV infection can cause severe symptoms such as microcephaly, while in adults, it can lead to Guillain‒Barré syndrome (GBS). Due to the lack of specific therapeutic methods against ZIKV, the development of a safe and effective vaccine is extremely important. Several potential ZIKV vaccines, such as live attenuated, inactivated, nucleic acid, viral vector, and recombinant subunit vaccines, have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials involving human participants. Therefore, in this review, the recent developmental progress, advantages and disadvantages of these five vaccine types are examined, and practical recommendations for future development are provided.

Early life stage exposure to cadmium and zinc within hour affected GH/IGF axis, Nrf2 signaling and HPI axis in unexposed offspring of marine medaka Oryzias melastigma.

Information on transgenerational effects of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) within hour of exposure is scarce. To the end, larvae of marine medaka Oryzias melastigma at 0 day-post-hatching (dph) were subjected to LC50 for 96-h of Cd or Zn for 0.5 and 6 h, and then transferred into clear water for 95 days until the generation of offspring larvae at 25 dph. Growth, antioxidant capacity and stress response in offspring larvae were examined. Exposure to Zn for 0.5 h or Cd for 0.5 h and 6 h promoted growth performance and reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol levels declined in larvae following Zn exposure for 0.5 h, whereas Cd exposure increased MDA content and did not affect cortisol levels. These physiological changes could be partially explained by transcription of genes in the hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH/IGF) axis, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling, and hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis. For example, Zn exposure for 0.5 h up-regulated genes encoding growth hormone (gh) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (igfbp1) and down-regulated mRNA levels of nrf2, Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 gene (keap1a), keap1b, sod1, mineralocorticoid receptor (mr), corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor (crhr1), corticotropin-releasing hormone binding protein (crhbp), cytochrome P450 (cyp11a1, cyp17a1) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd3b1). Cd exposure for 0.5 and 6 h up-regulated growth hormone release hormone (ghrh) and igfbp1, down-regulated nrf2 and keap1a, and did not affect mRNA levels of HPI axis genes. Taken together, this study demonstrated that short-term metal exposure during larvae phase had positive and negative effects on offspring even after a long recovery.

Evidence-based intervention on postoperative fear, compliance, and self-efficacy in elderly patients with hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients tend to have poor self-efficacy and poor confidence in postoperative rehabilitation for hip fractures, and are prone to negative emotions, which affect treatment compliance. AIM: To evaluate the effects of evidence-based intervention on postoperative fear, compliance, and self-efficacy in elderly patients with hip fractures. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with hip fracture surgically treated from June 2018 to June 2020 at the orthopedic department of our hospital were selected and divided into intervention and routine groups (n = 60 each) according to different nursing methods. The basic rehabilitation methods of the two groups were consistent, but patients in the intervention group received evidence-based nursing interventions at the same time. Differences between groups in the scores of motion phobia, pain fear, rehabilitation training compliance, self-efficacy, nursing satisfaction, and hip joint function were compared before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in motion phobia and pain fear scores between the groups (all P > 0.05). However, motion phobia scores at 1 wk after intervention initiation (P < 0.05), and pain fear scores at 1 wk and 2 wk after intervention initiation (all P < 0.05), were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the routine group. On the first day of intervention, there was no significant difference in rehabilitation treatment compliance between the groups (P > 0.05); however, at 2 wk after intervention initiation, rehabilitation compliance was significantly better in the intervention group than in the routine group (P < 0.05). Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in the scores for the two self-efficacy dimensions (overcoming difficulties and rehabilitation exercise self-efficacy) and the total self-efficacy score between the groups (all P > 0.05). After 2 wk of intervention, the scores for these two dimensions of self-efficacy and the total self-efficacy score were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the routine group (all P < 0.05). At 3 and 6 mo after surgery, hip function as evaluated by the Harris hip score, was significantly better in the intervention group than in the routine group (P < 0.05). Additionally, overall nursing satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the routine group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Evidence-based nursing intervention can alleviate fear of postoperative rehabilitation in elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery, and improve rehabilitation treatment compliance and patient self-efficacy, which promote hip function recovery.

Extrapolymeric substances (EPS) in Mucilaginibacter rubeus P2 displayed efficient metal(loid) bio-adsorption and production was induced by copper and zinc.

Strains of the genus Mucilaginibacter, belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes, have been noted for exhibiting high genome plasticity and for the vigorous production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Here we analyzed the composition and properties of EPS generated by M. rubeus P2, isolated from a gold-copper mine and exhibiting extremely high resistance to multiple heavy metals. Production of EPS increased significantly upon exposure to elevated concentrations of Cu(II) and Zn(II), but not Au(III). In addition, the EPS produced by M. rubeus P2 displayed extremely high bio-adsorption of As(III), Cu(II) and Au(III), but not of Zn(II). Moreover, EPS production in Mucilaginibacter rubeus P2 exposed to 1 mM of Cu(II) was 8.5 times higher than EPS production in the same strain without metal (loid)-exposure. These findings constitute the basis for a future use of these EPS-overproducing bacteria in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated environments. The functional groups, especially -SH, CO, and N-H/C-N in the fingerprint zone of glutathione (GSH) and polysaccharides-like components of EPS, were the main components of EPS involved in both Zn(II) and Cu(II) binding and removal. Around 31.22% and 5.74% of Cu(II)-treated EPS was shown to exist as (CO) structures and these structures were converted into C-OH and O-C-O upon exposure to Cu(II), respectively. In contrast, (C-OH/C-O-C/P-O-C) groups in EPS were observed to be positively correlated to increasing concentrations of Zn(II) in strain P2. Furthermore, the complete genome of M. rubeus P2 helped us to identify 350 genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, some of which are predicted to be involved in EPS production and modification. This work describes the first detailed biochemical and biophysical analysis of EPS from any strain of Mucilaginibacter with unique heavy metal binding properties. The results will be useful for a better understanding of how microorganisms such as M. rubeus P2 adapt to heavy metal polluted environments and how this knowledge can potentially be harnessed in biotechnological applications such as industrial waste water purification, bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil and beneficial plant microbe interactions. The toolbox provided in this paper will provide a valuable basis for future studies.

[Spatial-temporal variation in population structure of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)in the Scotia Sea, Antarctic in 2016.] / 2016年南极斯科舍海南极大磷虾种群结构的时空变化.

The Scotia Sea occupies the highest density of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), which is the traditional fishing ground of krill fishery. However, the population structure of krill differed significantly inter-annually, seasonally and regionally. In order to understand the population dynamics of krill in this region, we analyzed the spatial-temporal variation on population structure of krill using samples collected randomly from fishery survey during January to September 2016. The results showed that sex ratio presented remarkably difference among different months. Females dominated in the population from January to May, but the opposite result occurred from June to September. During the survey period (January to September), juveniles only presented in the January popu-lation, and the percentage of adult females was over 40% and similar to that in February. The proportion of sub-adult females were over 50%, but the proportion of female adults were decreased gradually from March to May. The sub-adult males predominated in the population from June to August. The proportion of sub-adult females increased significantly but the number of male adults decreased in September. Sub-adult females occupied half of population in the Bransfield Strait from February to May. The proportion of spent females (25.6%) was higher than those of individuals with other sexual maturity stages and the gravid females occupied higher percentage of population off northeastern waters of the King George Island in January. From June to September, about half of the population was mature males, but the proportion of mature females was very low off northeastern waters of the South Georgia Island. Maturity stage composition indicated that peak spawning occurred in January and February and that spawning grounds occurred off northeastern waters of the King George Island and in the Bransfield Strait.

Integrated four-channel all-fiber up-conversion single-photon-detector with adjustable efficiency and dark count.

Up-conversion single photon detector (UCSPD) has been widely used in many research fields including quantum key distribution, lidar, optical time domain reflectrometry, and deep space communication. For the first time in laboratory, we have developed an integrated four-channel all-fiber UCSPD which can work in both free-running and gate modes. This compact module can satisfy different experimental demands with adjustable detection efficiency and dark count. We have characterized the key parameters of the UCSPD system.

[Hydatidosis Prevalence in 6- to 12-year-old Children in Southern Xinjiang].

Objective: To understand the hydatidosis prevalence in 6- to 12-year-old children in southern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and provide scientific basis for formulation of control measures. Methods: One primary school was selected from each of the pastoral area, pastoral-agricultural area, agricultural area, and township area in 42 counties （cities） of southern Xinjiang, using the stratified sampling method. With the consent of their parents, B ultrasonic abdominal scan and venous blood collection were performed on all the children （6-12 years） in the selected schools. Serum level of echinococcus antibody IgG was determined by ELISA. Hydatidosis prevalence and the serum level of IgG in these children were analyzed. Results: A total of 80 429 children were examined from 168 primary schools. B ultrasonic scan revealed hydatidosis in 9 children （0.01%）, comprising 3 cases in Kezhou, 2 in Aksu, 2 in Bazhou, and 2 in Kashi. ELISA results showed that 4 189 children were positive for serum IgG, with a positive rate of 5.21%. The positive rate was highest in Kashi （8.41%, 2 143/25 495）, followed by Aksu （5.69%, 913/16 051）, with significant difference between different areas （χ2=977.303， P<0.01）. The positive rate was lowest in 6-year children （2.13%, 44/2 065） and highest in 11-year children （5.68%, 822/14 462） （χ2=48.221, P<0.01）. In addition, the positive rate was highest in Uighur children（5.19%, 3 899/75 115）, followed by Mongolian children （4.27%, 68/1 592）, with no significant difference between ethnic groups （χ2=4.072, P>0.05）. Among the children of residents, children with a nomadic lifestyle, and children settled in winter and living in a nomadic lifestyle in summer, hydatidosis occurred in 7 residents and 2 children who settled in winter and living in a nomadic lifestyle in summer; and the positive rate of serum antibody was 5.45% （184/77 512）, 2.97% （3/101）, 0.07% （2/2 816）, respectively（χ2=148.609, P<0.01）. Conclusion: There is a low hydatidosis prevalence in 6- to 12-year-old children in southern Xinjiang, but the positive rate of serum echinococcus IgG in kashgar region, Uighur ethnicity, and children of the resident group are relatively high.

[Effect of sijunzi decoction on salivary amylase secretion disorder and VIP-cAMP signaling pathway in splenasthenic rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Sijunzi Decoction on secretion disorder of salivary amylase in splenasthenic rat and its mechanism. METHODS: The model group rats received reserpine 0.5 mg/kg through subcutaneous injection while the control group rats received the same volume of saline for 8 days. After being modeled, the model group were divided into treatment group and model control group, treatment group were given orally Sijunzi Decoction, model control group and normal group were fed the same amount of distilled water for 4 weeks. The animal were anaesthetized and the left parotid was removed, the wounds were sutured. When the animals were awake but drowsy, 20 microL 10% glacial acetic acid was applied on the apex of the tongue once a minute for 30 minutes, removed the right parotid gland of the animals. The samples were frozen and amylase activity and VIP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content and VAMP-8, SNAP-23 protein expression in the parotid glands were detected. RESULTS: Change of sAA in parotid acinar was not significantly different between treatment group and normal groups, but higher in model control groups after acid stimulation. The VIP and PKA contents were not significantly different among three groups. VIP, cAMP content and PKA activity increased significantly in normal group while VIP increased slightly, cAMP and PKA activity decreased in model control groups, which returned to some degrees in treatment group after acid stimulation. Expression of VAMP-8 protein was not significantly different between treatment group and model control groups, while expression of SNAP-23 was lower in model control groups, expression of VAMP-8 and SNAP-23 was higher in treatment group than which in model control groups. CONCLUSION: Sijunzi Decoction has a certain effect on secretion disorder of salivary amylase in splenasthenic rat, which mechanism may be related to recover changes of VIP-cAMP signal pathway in the splenasthenic rat's parotid gland cells,including increase VIP content and expression of VAMP-8 and SNAP-23.

[Changes of serum cytokine caused by acute paraquat poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of cytokine interleukin IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) occurred in acute paraquat (PQ) poisoning rats and to investigate the mechanism of acute lung injury caused by paraquat (PQ) poisoning. METHODS: All 72 healthy adult Wistar rats were random assigned into normal control groups, paraquat high dose group (120 mg/kg), paraquat middle dose (60 mg/kg) group, paraquat low dose group (30 mg/kg). Three observing periods of time included 8, 24, 72 h and the standards of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10 were determined. RESULTS: Every index of the PQ group was significantly higher than that in the NS group at the same period of time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the 72 h group, the high dose group was significantly higher than the middle and low dose group (P<0.05), and there was no significantly difference between the middle and low dose group (P>0.05). For the comparison of index in the same dose group, the group of 72 h was much higher than 8 h group and 24 h group (P<0.05), and there was no difference between the 8h group and 24 h group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The cytokine may play an important role in paraquat-induced acute lung tissue injury.