Intranasal vaccination with engineered BCG expressing CCL2 induces a stronger immune barrier against Mycobacterium tuberculosis than BCG.

Intradermal Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is currently the only licensed strategy for preventing tuberculosis (TB). It provides limited protection against pulmonary TB. To enhance the efficacy of BCG, we developed a recombinant BCG expressing exogenous monocyte chemoattractant CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), termed rBCG-CCL2. Co-culturing macrophages with rBCG-CCL2 enhances their abilities in migration, phagocytosis, and effector molecules expression. In the mouse model, intranasal vaccination with rBCG-CCL2 induced greater immune cells infiltration and a more extensive innate immune responses in lung compared to vaccination with parental BCG, as determined by multiparameter flow cytometry, transcriptomic analysis, and pathological assessments. Moreover, rBCG-CCL2 induced a high frequency of activated macrophages and antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 T cells in lungs. The enhanced immune microenvironment responded more effectively to intravenous challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Ra, leading to significant reductions in H37Ra burden and pathological damage to the lungs and spleen. Intranasal rBCG-CCL2 vaccinated mice rapidly initiated pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokine release and reduced pathological damage to the lungs and spleen during the early stage of H37Ra challenge. The finding that co-expression of CCL2 synergistically enhances the immune barrier induced by BCG provides a model for defining immune correlates and mechanisms of vaccine-elicited protection against TB.

Water bath is more efficient than hot air oven at thermal inactivation of coronavirus.

BACKGROUND: Thermal inactivation is a conventional and effective method of eliminating the infectivity of pathogens from specimens in clinical and biological laboratories, and reducing the risk of occupational exposure and environmental contamination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, specimens from patients and potentially infected individuals were heat treated and processed under BSL-2 conditions in a safe, cost-effective, and timely manner. The temperature and duration of heat treatment are optimized and standardized in the protocol according to the susceptibility of the pathogen and the impact on the integrity of the specimens, but the heating device is often undefined. Devices and medium transferring the thermal energy vary in heating rate, specific heat capacity, and conductivity, resulting in variations in efficiency and inactivation outcome that may compromise biosafety and downstream biological assays. METHODS: We evaluated the water bath and hot air oven in terms of pathogen inactivation efficiency, which are the most commonly used inactivation devices in hospitals and biological laboratories. By evaluating the temperature equilibrium and viral titer elimination under various conditions, we studied the devices and their inactivation outcomes under identical treatment protocol, and to analyzed the factors, such as energy conductivity, specific heat capacity, and heating rate, underlying the inactivation efficiencies. RESULTS: We compared thermal inactivation of coronavirus using different devices, and have found that the water bath was more efficient at reducing infectivity, with higher heat transfer and thermal equilibration than a forced hot air oven. In addition to the efficiency, the water bath showed relative consistency in temperature equilibration of samples of different volumes, reduced the need for prolonged heating, and eliminated the risk of pathogen spread by forced airflow. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the proposal to define the heating device in the thermal inactivation protocol and in the specimen management policy.

Evaluation of Cutoff Values of RHE and MRV on Diagnosis for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Chinese Adults of Chengdu.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the cutoff values of RHE and MRV as markers to diagnose IDA in healthy Han ethnic adults of Chengdu. METHODS: A total of 263 Han adults who needed bone marrow aspiration for diagnosis were enrolled according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria. The cutoff values of RHE and MRV were determined by receiver operating curves. RESULTS: According to statistical analysis, the cutoff values of RHE and MRV in male and female groups were 26.75 pg, 89.60 fL and 26.65 pg, 88.55 fL respectively. The areas under the curve (AUC) of RHE and MRV were 0.941, 0.939 and 0.925, 0.909 in male and female groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we explored the cutoff values of RHE and MRV to diagnose IDA in the Han ethnic population in Chengdu for the first time.

Laguerre Wavelet Approach for a Two-Dimensional Time-Space Fractional Schrödinger Equation.

This article is devoted to the determination of numerical solutions for the two-dimensional time-spacefractional Schrödinger equation. To do this, the unknown parameters are obtained using the Laguerre wavelet approach. We discretize the problem by using this technique. Then, we solve the discretized nonlinear problem by means of a collocation method. The method was proven to give very accurate results. The given numerical examples support this claim.

Anti-hepatitis B virus activity and hepatoprotective effect of des(rhamnosyl) verbascoside from Lindernia ruellioides in vitro.

Although clinically approved hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase inhibitors (lamivudine-3TC, entecavir, etc.) serve as effective therapeutics, the virus can easily generate resistance to them. Therefore, the treatment of HBV infection remains a public health problem. Numerous studies have shown that natural products have prospective anti-HBV activity. The purpose of this study was to isolate and extract des(rhamnosyl) verbascoside from Lindernia ruellioides (Colsm.) Pennell and explore its anti-HBV and hepatoprotective effects. Anti-HBV activity was evaluated in HepG2.2.15 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with HBV-stable infection, and its protective effect was evaluated in HL-7702 cells, a normal human liver cell line. HepG2.2.15 cells maintained normal growth morphology within the selected concentration range of des(rhamnosyl) verbascoside. It also inhibited the expression of HBV antigens and HBV DNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. Further, western blot experiments showed that it could downregulate HBV X protein (HBx) expression in a dose-dependent manner. In the H2 O2 -induced hepatocyte injury model, the cell-survival rate of the HL-7702 cells with the highest drug dose reached 85.25%, which was significantly improved compared with that of the model group. Most of the cells returned to normal morphology, showing polygonal or fusiform structures. Thus, it may be stated that des(rhamnosyl) verbascoside exhibits anti-HBV activity and hepatoprotective effects in vitro and may exert an anti-HBV effect via antigen inhibition, HBV DNA secretion, and HBx protein expression.

Novel ultrastructural findings on cardiac mitochondria of huddling Brandt's voles in mild cold environment.

Reduced ambient temperature has a damaging effect on mammalian myocardium. Huddling as a cooperative behavior has evolved in social mammals as a strategy to maximize adaptation to environmental cooling. Here, we studied the effects of huddling behavior on mitochondrial morphology, number, and function in the myocardia of Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) under cool environmental temperatures (15 °C). Results showed (1) mitochondrial swelling and cristae disruption in the cool huddling group (CH) and cool separated group (CS). Compared to the control group (CON, 22 °C), damaged mitochondria in the cool huddling and separated groups reached >90%; however, total number of mitochondria in the CH group was similar to that in the CON group. (2) ATP synthase activity was lowest in the CS group, whereas citrate synthetase activity was maintained among the three treatment groups. (3) Bax/bcl2 protein expression in the CH and CS groups was higher than that in the CON group, whereas DNA fragmentation, nuclear number, and caspase3 activity showed no significant differences among the three groups. (4) The protein expression levels of dynamin-related protein1 and mitochondrial fission factor were highest in the CH group. (5) Both protein expression of PINK1 and phosphorylation ratio of Parkin showed the pattern CS > CH > CON. (6) Total number of mitochondria was higher in males than in females. In general, the increased mitochondrial fission level observed in huddling voles partially counteracted the decrease in myocardial mitochondria caused by the increase in autophagy.

CRNDE enhances neuropathic pain via modulating miR-136/IL6R axis in CCI rat models.

Neuropathic pain has been reported as a type of chronic pain due to the primary dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system. It is the most serious types of chronic pain, which can lead to a significant public health burden. But, the understanding of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of neuropathic pain is barely complete. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been regarded as modulators of neuronal functions. Growing studies have indicated lncRNAs can exert crucial roles in the development of neuropathic pain. Therefore, our present study focused on the potential role of the lncRNA Colorectal Neoplasia Differentially Expressed (CRNDE) in neuropathic pain progression. Firstly, a chronic constrictive injury (CCI) rat model was built. CRNDE was obviously increased in CCI rats. Interestingly, overexpression of CRNDE enhanced neuropathic pain behaviors. Neuroinflammation was induced by CRNDE and as demonstrated, interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein levels in CCI rats were activated by LV-CRNDE. For another, miR-136 was obviously reduced in CCI rats. Previously, it is indicated that miR-136 participates in the spinal cord injury via an inflammation in a rat model. Here, firstly, we verified miR-136 could serve as CRNDE target. Loss of miR-136 triggered neuropathic pain remarkably via the neuroinflammation activation. Additionally, IL6R was indicated as a target of miR-136 and miR-136 regulated its expression. Subsequently, we confirmed that CRNDE could induce interleukin 6 receptor (IL6R) expression positively. Overall, it was implied that CRNDE promoted neuropathic pain progression via modulating miR-136/IL6R axis in CCI rat models.

Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity of Esculetin from Microsorium fortunei In Vitro and In Vivo.

Coumarins are widely present in a variety of plants and have a variety of pharmacological activities. In this study, we isolated a coumarin compound from Microsorium fortunei (Moore) Ching; the compound was identified as esculetin by hydrogen and carbon spectroscopy. Its anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity was investigated in vitro and in vivo. In the human hepatocellular liver carcinoma 2.2.15 cell line (HepG2.2.15) transfected with HBV, esculetin effecting inhibited the expression of the HBV antigens and HBV DNA in vitro. Esculetin inhibited the expression of Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein in a dose-dependent manner. In the ducklings infected with duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), the levels of DHBV DNA, duck hepatitis B surface antigen (DHBsAg), duck hepatitis B e-antigen (DHBeAg), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased significantly after esculetin treatment. Summing up the above, the results suggest that esculetin efficiently inhibits HBV replication both in vitro and in vivo, which provides an opportunity for further development of esculetin as antiviral drug.

Succession sequence of lactic acid bacteria driven by environmental factors and substrates throughout the brewing process of Shanxi aged vinegar.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are essential microbiota for the fermentation and flavor formation of Shanxi aged vinegar, a famous Chinese traditional cereal vinegar that is manufactured using open solid-state fermentation (SSF) technology. However, the dynamics of LAB in this SSF process and the underlying mechanism remain poorly understood. Here, the diversity of LAB and the potential driving factors of the entire process were analyzed by combining culture-independent and culture-dependent methods. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that ethanol, acetic acid, and temperature that result from the metabolism of microorganisms serve as potential driving factors for LAB succession. LAB strains were periodically isolated, and the characteristics of 57 isolates on environmental factor tolerance and substrate utilization were analyzed to understand the succession sequence. The environmental tolerance of LAB from different stages was in accordance with their fermentation conditions. Remarkable correlations were identified between LAB growth and environmental factors with 0.866 of ethanol (70 g/L), 0.756 of acetic acid (10 g/L), and 0.803 of temperature (47 °C). More gentle or harsh environments (less or more than 60 or 80 g/L of ethanol, 5 or 20 g/L of acetic acid, and 30 or 55 °C temperature) did not affect the LAB succession. The utilization capability evaluation of the 57 isolates for 95 compounds proved that strains from different fermentation stages exhibited different predilections on substrates to contribute to the fermentation at different stages. Results demonstrated that LAB succession in the SSF process was driven by the capabilities of environmental tolerance and substrate utilization.

Improving the acetic acid tolerance and fermentation of Acetobacter pasteurianus by nucleotide excision repair protein UvrA.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are widely used in acetic acid fermentation due to their remarkable ability to oxidize ethanol and high tolerance against acetic acid. In Acetobacter pasteurianus, nucleotide excision repair protein UvrA was up-regulated 2.1 times by acetic acid when compared with that without acetic acid. To study the effects of UvrA on A. pasteurianus acetic acid tolerance, uvrA knockout strain AC2005-ΔuvrA, uvrA overexpression strain AC2005 (pMV24-uvrA), and the control strain AC2005 (pMV24), were constructed. One percent initial acetic acid was almost lethal to AC2005-ΔuvrA. However, the biomass of the UvrA overexpression strain was higher than that of the control under acetic acid concentrations. After 6% acetic acid shock for 20 and 40 min, the survival ratios of AC2005 (pMV24-uvrA) were 2 and 0.12%, respectively; however, they were 1.5 and 0.06% for the control strain AC2005 (pMV24). UvrA overexpression enhanced the acetification rate by 21.7% when compared with the control. The enzymes involved in ethanol oxidation and acetic acid tolerance were up-regulated during acetic acid fermentation due to the overexpression of UvrA. Therefore, in A. pasteurianus, UvrA could be induced by acetic acid and is related with the acetic acid tolerance by protecting the genome against acetic acid to ensure the protein expression and metabolism.

Effect of aspartic acid and glutamate on metabolism and acid stress resistance of Acetobacter pasteurianus.

BACKGROUND: Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are widely applied in food, bioengineering and medicine fields. However, the acid stress at low pH conditions limits acetic acid fermentation efficiency and high concentration of vinegar production with AAB. Therefore, how to enhance resistance ability of the AAB remains as the major challenge. Amino acids play an important role in cell growth and cell survival under severe environment. However, until now the effects of amino acids on acetic fermentation and acid stress resistance of AAB have not been fully studied. RESULTS: In the present work the effects of amino acids on metabolism and acid stress resistance of Acetobacter pasteurianus were investigated. Cell growth, culturable cell counts, acetic acid production, acetic acid production rate and specific production rate of acetic acid of A. pasteurianus revealed an increase of 1.04, 5.43, 1.45, 3.30 and 0.79-folds by adding aspartic acid (Asp), and cell growth, culturable cell counts, acetic acid production and acetic acid production rate revealed an increase of 0.51, 0.72, 0.60 and 0.94-folds by adding glutamate (Glu), respectively. For a fully understanding of the biological mechanism, proteomic technology was carried out. The results showed that the strengthening mechanism mainly came from the following four aspects: (1) Enhancing the generation of pentose phosphates and NADPH for the synthesis of nucleic acid, fatty acids and glutathione (GSH) throughout pentose phosphate pathway. And GSH could protect bacteria from low pH, halide, oxidative stress and osmotic stress by maintaining the viability of cells through intracellular redox equilibrium; (2) Reinforcing deamination of amino acids to increase intracellular ammonia concentration to maintain stability of intracellular pH; (3) Enhancing nucleic acid synthesis and reparation of impaired DNA caused by acid stress damage; (4) Promoting unsaturated fatty acids synthesis and lipid transport, which resulted in the improvement of cytomembrane fluidity, stability and integrity. CONCLUSIONS: The present work is the study to show the effectiveness of Asp and Glu on metabolism and acid stress resistance of A. pasteurianus as well as their working mechanism. The research results will be helpful for development of nutrient salts, the optimization and regulation of high concentration of cider vinegar production process.

Efficacy and safety of ondansetron in preventing postanesthesia shivering: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Shivering is a very common complication in the postanesthesia period. Increasing studies have reported ondansetron may be effective in prevention of postanesthesia shivering (PAS). However, the results remained controversial; hence we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron on the prevention of postanesthesia shivering. METHODS: PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify the eligible randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of ondansetron on the prevention of PAS. Results were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) with accompanying 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The meta-analysis was performed with fixed-effect model or random-effect model according to the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Six trials including 533 subjects were included. Compared with placebo, ondansetron was associated with a significant reduction of PAS (RR 0.43, 95% CI, 0.27-0.70), without an increased risk of bradycardia (RR 0.37, 95% CI, 0.12-1.15). Compared with meperidine, no difference was observed in the incidence of PAS (RR 0.68, 95% CI, 0.39-1.19) and bradycardia (RR 2.0, 95% CI, 0.38-10.64). CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron has a preventive effect on PAS without a paralleled side effect of bradycardia.

circ_WASF2 regulates ferroptosis by miR-634/ GPX4 signaling in pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant gastrointestinal tumors (GI) characterized by a poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is an emerging programmed cell death that plays an essential role in the progression of various cancers. Ferroptosis is driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation and is regulated by mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The function and mechanism of ferroptosis in PC need more research. METHODS: The levels of circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blot was used for protein detection. CCK8 assays were used to detect cell proliferation. Cell death, lipid peroxidation, ROS, and Fe2+ were detected by indicted kits. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to confirm the interaction between circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. RESULTS: In this research, we found that circular RNA hsa_circ_0000003(circ_WASF2) was upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells. The silence of circ_WASF2 inhibited cancer proliferation and increased cell death by increasing ferroptosis accompanied by up-regulation of lipid peroxidation, ROS, and Fe2+. Further studies showed that circ_WASF2 could attenuate ferroptosis by targeting miR-634 and the downstream glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). GPX4 has been well-reported as a central factor in ferroptosis. Our research revealed a new pathway for regulating ferroptosis in PC. CONCLUSION: In summary, we have determined that circ_WASF2/miR-634/GPX4 contributed to ferroptosis-induced cell death, and provided a possible therapeutic target in PC.

X-ray Structure-Guided Discovery of a Potent Benzimidazole Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor That Shows Activity in a Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model.

The secretory glutaminyl cyclase (sQC) and Golgi-resident glutaminyl cyclase (gQC) are responsible for N-terminal protein pyroglutamation and associated with various human diseases. Although several sQC/gQC inhibitors have been reported, only one inhibitor, PQ912, is currently undergoing clinic trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. We report an X-ray crystal structure of sQC complexed with PQ912, revealing that the benzimidazole makes "anchor" interactions with the active site zinc ion and catalytic triad. Structure-guided design and optimization led to a series of new benzimidazole derivatives exhibiting nanomolar inhibition for both sQC and gQC. In a MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model, BI-43 manifested efficacy in mitigating locomotor deficits through reversing dopaminergic neuronal loss, reducing microglia, and decreasing levels of the sQC/gQC substrates, α-synuclein, and CCL2. This study not only offers structural basis and new leads for drug discovery targeting sQC/gQC but also provides evidence supporting sQC/gQC as potential targets for PD treatment.

[Effects of fluid resuscitation programs on the levels of inflammatory mediators during burn shock stage].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of different methods of fluid resuscitation on the levels of inflammatory mediators during burn shock stage. METHODS: Twenty-four miniature swine were numbered from 1 to 24 and randomly divided by EXCEL 2007 into 4 groups of succinylated gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch, Parkland and allogeneic plasma (n = 6 each). Severe burn shock model was established. Succinylated gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4), Ringer's lactate and swine allogenic plasma were used as resuscitation fluid (alternative colloid) according to the burn shock recovery principles (beginning at 2 h post-injury). The parameters of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), urine volume and central venous pressure (CVP) before and within 48 h post-burn were recorded. And the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1ß and IL-8 were measured at the time of pre-injury as well as 4 h, 8 h, 24 h and 48 h post-injury. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: All swine survived the shock stage. TNF-α in succinylated gelatin group was significantly higher at 48 h post-injury than that in allogeneic plasma group ((351 ± 74) vs (215 ± 44) ng/L, P < 0.05). TNF-α in hydroxyethyl starch group was significantly higher at 8 h post-injury than that in allogeneic plasma group ((327 ± 38) vs (249 ± 29) ng/L, P < 0.05). And they were both higher than the pre-burn levels (both P < 0.05). Compared with pre-injury ((508 ± 64) ng/L), the level of IL-1ß in succinylated gelatin group increased substantially at 4 h ((563 ± 76) ng/L), 8 h ((589 ± 76) ng/L) and 48 h ((736 ± 42) ng/L) post-injury (all P < 0.05). The hydroxyethyl starch group was higher at 48 h post-injury than that at pre-injury ((574 ± 72) vs (492 ± 41) ng/L, P < 0.05). Also in Parkland group, the levels were higher at 24 h and 48 h hours post-injury than that at pre-injury ((575 ± 31), (584 ± 65) vs (498 ± 33) ng/L, both P < 0.05). Only succinylated gelatin group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) at 48 h post-injury than allogeneic plasma group ((561 ± 48) ng/L). Compared with pre-injury ((561 ± 48) ng/L), the level of IL-8 in succinylated gelatin group increased significantly at 8 h ((1012 ± 100) ng/L), 24 h post-burn ((993 ± 87) ng/L), significantly higher than allogeneic plasma group ((866 ± 99) ng/L) at 24 h (all P < 0.05). Although hydroxyethyl starch and Parkland groups increased significantly at 4 h post-injury and 8 h, 48 h post-injury versus those at pre-injury (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference at each time point compared with pre-burn (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The recovery regimens of hydroxyethyl starch and Parkland groups may restrain the levels of inflammatory mediators. And the effects are similar to those of allogeneic plasma group.

Color-Gray Multi-Image Hybrid Compression-Encryption Scheme Based on BP Neural Network and Knight Tour.

In the research of multi-image encryption (MIE), the image type and size are important factors that limit the algorithm design. For this reason, the multi-image (MI) hybrid encryption algorithm that can flexibly encrypt color images and grayscale images of various sizes is proposed. Based on this, combining the back propagation (BP) neural network compression technology and the MI hybrid encryption algorithm, an MI hybrid compression-encryption (MIHCE) scheme can be obtained to reduce the pressure of simultaneous transmission and storage of multiple cipher images. Besides, two chaotic maps are used in the scheme design process. By plotting the phase diagrams under different parameter conditions, the rich variation of the behavior of the chaotic maps in the phase space is exhibited. The MIHCE scheme based on the chaotic maps consists of three parts: 1) compressing the MI cube by using the BP neural network; 2) scrambling the compressed MI cube based on the knight tour problem and chaotic sequences; and 3) diffusing the scrambled MI cube. After the MIHCE is completed, the obtained cipher images are stored and transmitted. Subsequently, the security analysis and compression performance analysis prove the feasibility and safety of the designed compression-encryption scheme.

One stage anterior-posterior approach for traumatic atlantoaxial instability combined with subaxial cervical spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the clinical features of traumatic atlantoaxial instability combined with subaxial cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI), and to analyze the feasibility, indication and therapeutic effects of anterior-posterior approach in such cases. METHODS: From March 2004 to September 2009, 16 cases with this trauma were admitted and surgically treated in our department. Before surgery, skull traction was performed. Posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation and bone graft fusion were conducted to manage traumatic atlantoaxial instability. As for subaxial CSCI, anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy decompression, bone grafting and internal fixation with steel plates were applied. RESULTS: All operations were successful. The average operation time was 3 hours and operative blood loss 400 ml. Satisfactory reduction of both the upper and lower cervical spine and complete decompression were achieved. All patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months. Their clinical symptoms were improved by various levels. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores ranged from 10 to 16 one year postoperatively, 13.95+/-2.06 on average(improvement rate equal to 70.10%). X-rays, spiral CT and MRI confirmed normal cervical alignments, complete decompression and fine implants'position. There was no breakage or loosening of screws, nor exodus of titanium mesh or implanted bone blocks. The grafted bone achieved fusion 3-6 months postoperatively and no atlantoaxial instability was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic atlantoaxial instability may combine with subaxial CSCI, misdiagnosis of which should be especially alerted and avoided. For severe cases, one stage anterior-posterior approach to decompress the upper and lower cervical spine, together with reposition, bone grafting and fusion, as well as internal fixation can immediately restore the normal alignments and stability of the cervical spine and effectively improve the spinal nervous function, thus being an ideal approach.

A new image encryption scheme based on fractional-order hyperchaotic system and multiple image fusion.

A multi-image encryption scheme based on the fractional-order hyperchaotic system is designed in this paper. The chaotic characteristics of this system are analyzed by the phase diagram, Lyapunov exponent and bifurcation diagram. According to the analyses results, an interesting image encryption algorithm is proposed. Multiple grayscale images are fused into a color image using different channels. Then, the color image is scrambled and diffused in order to obtain a more secure cipher image. The pixel confusion operation and diffusion operation are assisted by fractional hyperchaotic system. Experimental simulation and test results indicate that the devised multi-image encryption scheme can effectively encrypt multiple images, which increase the efficiency of image encryption and transmission, and have good security performance.

Surveillance of common respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the preventive efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions.

OBJECTIVE: The emergence of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and its subsequent spread outside of Wuhan, China, led to the human society experiencing a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While the development of vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments are ongoing, government authorities in China have implemented unprecedented non-pharmaceutical interventions as primary barriers to curb the spread of the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although the decline of COVID-19 cases coincided with the implementation of such interventions, we searched for evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of these interventions, since artifactual factors, such as the environment, the pathogen itself, and the phases of epidemic, may also alter the patterns of case development. METHODS: We surveyed common viral respiratory infections that have a similar pattern of transmission, tropism, and clinical manifestation, as COVID-19 under a series of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the current pandemic season. We then compared this data with historical data from previous seasons without such interventions. RESULTS: Our survey showed that the rates of common respiratory infections, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections, decreased dramatically from 13.7% (95% CI, 10.82-16.58) and 4.64% (95% CI, 2.88-7.64) in previous years to 0.73% (95% CI, 0.02-1.44) and 0.0%, respectively, in the current season. CONCLUSIONS: Our surveillance provides compelling evidence that non-pharmaceutical interventions are cost-effective ways to curb the spread of contagious agents, and may represent the only practical approach to limit the evolving epidemic until specific vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments are available.

Change on apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondria of the Harderian gland in Cricetulus barabensis during age.

Harderian gland (HG) plays an important role in the physiological adaptation to terrestrial life, however, the mechanisms underlying the changes in the structure and function of the HG during aging remain unclear. This study investigated autophagy and apoptosis in the HG of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) of different ages (sub-adult, adult and aged groups) in both males and females. The results showed that LC3II/LC3I and puncta of LC3 were significantly higher in adult and aged individuals than sub-adults, whereas P62 decreased with age. Bax/bcl2was the highest in sub-adults of male and female individuals. Caspase3 activity was the highest in sub-adults of male and female individuals, and the citrate synthase activity was highest in sub-adults of females. ATP synthase, citrate synthase, dynamin-related protein 1 and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) were the highest in sub-adults of females. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase were the highest in the aged group, and those of gonadotropin-releasing hormone was the highest in the adult group. LC3II/LC3I, P62, Drp1, Fis, and bax/bcl2 were higher in males than that in females. These results suggest that apoptosis mainly affects growth and development in the HG, whereas autophagy affects aging. The difference of the HG weight and mitochondrial function between sexes is mainly related to the apoptosis.