Enhanced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in returning Chinese individuals.

Global COVID-19 vaccination programs effectively contained the fast spread of SARS-CoV-2. Characterizing the immunity status of returned populations will favor understanding the achievement of herd immunity and long-term management of COVID-19 in China. Individuals were recruited from 7 quarantine stations in Guangzhou, China. Blood and throat swab specimens were collected from participants, and their immunity status was determined through competitive ELISA, microneutralization assay and enzyme-linked FluoroSpot assay. A total of 272 subjects were involved in the questionnaire survey, of whom 235 (86.4%) were returning Chinese individuals and 37 (13.6%) were foreigners. Blood and throat swab specimens were collected from 108 returning Chinese individuals. Neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in ~90% of returning Chinese individuals, either in the primary or the homologous and heterologous booster vaccination group. The serum NAb titers were significantly decreased against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1 and XBB.1 compared with the prototype virus. However, memory T-cell responses, including specific IFN-γ and IL-2 responses, were not different in either group. Smoking, alcohol consumption, SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and the time interval between last vaccination and sampling were independent influencing factors for NAb titers against prototype SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern. The vaccine dose was the unique common influencing factor for Omicron subvariants. Enhanced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 was established in returning Chinese individuals who were exposed to reinfection and vaccination. Domestic residents will benefit from booster homologous or heterologous COVID-19 vaccination after reopening of China, which is also useful against breakthrough infection.

Controllable Fabrication and Oil-Water Separation Properties of Polyethylene Terephthaloyl-Ethylenediamine-IPN-poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) Microcapsules.

In this paper, we report a microcapsule embedded PNIPAN in P (TPC-EDA) shell and it can be regarded as an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure, which can accelerate the penetration of oily substances at a certain temperature, and the microcapsules are highly monodisperse and dimensionally reproducible. The proposed microcapsules were fabricated in a three-step process. The first step was the optimization of the conditions for preparing oil in water emulsions by microfluidic device. In the second step, monodisperse polyethylene terephthaloyl-ethylenediamine (P(TPC-EDA)) microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization. In the third step, the final microcapsules with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure in P(TPC-EDA) shells were finished by free radical polymerization. We conducted careful data analysis on the size of the emulsion prepared by microfluidic technology and used a very intuitive functional relationship to show the production characteristics of microfluidics, which is rarely seen in other literatures. The results show that when the IPN-structured system swelled for 6 h, the adsorption capacity of kerosene was the largest, which was promising for water-oil separation or extraction and separation of hydrophobic drugs. Because we used microfluidic technology, the products obtained have good monodispersity and are expected to be produced in large quantities in industry.

Yellow-Emitting Hydrophobic Carbon Dots via Solid-Phase Synthesis and Their Applications.

The preparation and application of hydrophobic carbon dots (HCDs) are now the hotspots in the field of nanomaterials. This paper reports the fast synthesis of long-wavelength-emitting HCDs (yellow-emitting, λem = 541 nm) through a solid-phase route, with l-cysteine hydrochloride anhydrous and citric acid as carbon sources and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as a dehydrating agent, reacting at 180 °C for 40 min, with a quantum yield of 30%. The solid-phase route avoids the usage of organic reagents during the synthesis process and is thus environmentally friendly. The obtained HCDs can be simply separated into HCDs-L (less density) and HCDs-W (higher density) with differences in physical (polarity, density), optical, and chemical properties. The differences in HCDs-L, HCDs-W, and water-soluble CDs (WCDs) were compared through various characterization methods, and the synthesis and luminescence mechanisms of HCDs were investigated. Meanwhile, HCDs were employed in the fields of LED lamp production and solid fluorescent shaping material. The prepared HCDs were then modified into WCDs through the liposomal embedding method. The HCDs prepared by the new solid-phase route exhibit stable and highly efficient photoluminescence ability and will have a promising outlook in their applications in various fields.

Biyuanling suppresses the toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate induced allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs.

Allergic rhinitis (AR), one of the common diseases of the upper respiratory system, is associated with high risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Biyuanling Granules (BLG), a formulated preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in China for treatment of AR for more than a decade; however, its exact action against allergic rhinitis and the mechanism involved remain unclear. In this study, we studied the effects of BLG on allergic rhinitis induced by toluene-2, 4- diisocyanate (TDI) in guinea pigs. The anti-AR effects of BLG were evaluated by behavior observations, histological examinations of the nasal tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E), immunohistochemical analyses of pulmonary surfactant associated protein (SP), Bcl-2 Associated X Protei (Bax), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in the nasal mucosa, and serum tests of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and human SARS-specific immunoglobulin (SIgE) levels. We observed that in the AR-positive animals treated with BLG, the symptom scores were significantly higher (P < 0.01), the nasal mucosa edemas and inflammatory infiltrates were significantly alleviated (P < 0.01) and the serum IL-4 and SIgE levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Immunohistochemical examinations of the nasal mucosa demonstrated that the expressions of TNF-α, SP and VCAM-1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), whereas Bax expression was increased in the BLG treatment groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that BLG can effectively suppress the TDI-induced AR, and that the protective effects of BLG were associated with reductions of TNF-α, SP and VCAM-1, and an elevation of Bax, suggesting that BLG exerts its AR-suppressive effects through inhibition of inflammatory response.

Natural material-decorated mesoporous silica nanoparticle container for multifunctional membrane-controlled targeted drug delivery.

To avoid the side effects caused by nonspecific targeting, premature release, weak selectivity, and poor therapeutic efficacy of current nanoparticle-based systems used for drug delivery, we fabricated natural material-decorated nanoparticles as a multifunctional, membrane-controlled targeted drug delivery system. The nanocomposite material coated with a membrane was biocompatible and integrated both specific tumor targeting and responsiveness to stimulation, which improved transmission efficacy and controlled drug release. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), which are known for their biocompatibility and high drug-loading capacity, were selected as a model drug container and carrier. The membrane was established by the polyelectrolyte composite method from chitosan (CS) which was sensitive to the acidic tumor microenvironment, folic acid-modified CS which recognizes the folate receptor expressed on the tumor cell surface, and a CD44 receptor-targeted polysaccharide hyaluronic acid. We characterized the structure of the nanocomposite as well as the drug release behavior under the control of the pH-sensitive membrane switch and evaluated the antitumor efficacy of the system in vitro. Our results provide a basis for the design and fabrication of novel membrane-controlled nanoparticles with improved tumor-targeting therapy.

The dengue preface to endemic in mainland China: the historical largest outbreak by Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou, 2014.

BACKGROUND: Dengue was regarded as a mild epidemic in mainland China transmitted by Aedes albopictus. However, the 2014 record-breaking outbreak in Guangzhou could change the situation. In order to provide an early warning of epidemic trends and provide evidence for prevention and control strategies, we seek to characterize the 2014 outbreak through application of detailed cases and entomological data, as well as phylogenetic analysis of viral envelope (E) gene. METHODS: We used case survey data identified through the Notifiable Infectious Disease Report System, entomological surveillance and population serosurvey, along with laboratory testing for IgM/IgG, NS1, and isolation of viral samples followed by E gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to examine the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of the outbreak. RESULTS: The 2014 dengue outbreak in Guangzhou accounted for nearly 80% of total reported cases that year in mainland China; a total of 37,376 cases including 37,340 indigenous cases with incidence rate 2908.3 per million and 36 imported cases were reported in Guangzhou, with 14,055 hospitalized and 5 deaths. The epidemic lasted for 193 days from June 11 to December 21, with the highest incidence observed in domestic workers, the unemployed and retirees. The inapparent infection rate was 18.00% (135/750). In total, 96 dengue virus 1 (DENV-1) and 11 dengue virus 2 (DENV-2) strains were isolated. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the DENV-1 strains were divided into genotype I and V, similar to the strains isolated in Guangzhou and Dongguan in 2013. The DENV-2 strains isolated were similar to those imported from Thailand on May 11 in 2014 and that imported from Indonesia in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: The 2014 dengue epidemic was confirmed to be the first co-circulation of DENV-1 and DENV-2 in Guangzhou. The DENV-1 strain was endemic, while the DENV-2 strain was imported, being efficiently transmitted by the Aedes albopictus vector species at levels as high as Aedes aegypti.

Sensing tyrosine enantiomers by using chiral CdSe/CdS quantum dots capped with N-acetyl-l-cysteine.

Despite of the importance of enantiomers, the fluorescence sensing of enantiomers and the interpretation of the "preferential interaction" still remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we report the recognition of tyrosine (Tyr) enantiomers by chiral N-acetyl-L-cysteine (L-NAC) capped CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) under alkaline experimental condition. L-Tyr could greatly quench the fluorescence of CdSe/CdS QDs, while D-Tyr displayed no effect on the fluorescence. The one-step synthesized chiral L-NAC-CdSe/CdS QDs demonstrated high selectivity for Tyr enantiomers. In particular, the mechanism of chiral recognition has been studied by UV/vis absorption spectra and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The changes of intensity and sign of CD spectra corroborated the attachment of L-Tyr to the surface of QDs, which may be valuable aids in obtaining a better understanding of the possible mechanism of enantioselective recognition.

Selective recognition of cis-trans-isomers of platinum drugs and the detection of triplex DNA based on fluorescence reversible model of quantum dots.

The identification of spatial structures of drugs and the researches on their interaction mechanism with DNA are always attractive to the researchers. However, their realization is lack of simple and fast method. This paper reports the establishment of multiple-functional detection platform based on the "turn off-on" model of ZnCdSe quantum dots. In this system, ZnCdSe quantum dots work as the fluorescent probe, platinum anti-cancer drugs as the quencher and triplex DNA as the trapping agent. The seemingly similar cisplatin and transplatin exhibited different fluorescent recovery behaviors due to their difference in structure, and thus realized the selective detection of cisplatin and transplatin with the reaction time set at 10min as well as the quantitation of cisplatin over the range of 2.5×10-8-100×10-8M. Based on this, the interactions between platinum anti-cancer drugs and ctDNA as well as polymorphic DNA were further studied, and realized the recognition of triplex DNA. The multiple-functional detection platform integrates the functions of the filtration of high-efficient platinum anti-cancer drugs, the researches on interaction mechanism of drugs, and the recognition of polymorphic DNA, meaningful to the future treatment of viral and cancers based on antisense gene strategy.

Resveratrol induces Sirt1-dependent apoptosis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by activating AMPK and suppressing AKT activity and survivin expression.

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, and it serves as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent. However, only very limited data have been obtained regarding the effects of resveratrol on preadipocytes, and the mechanisms of these effects remain largely unknown. In this study, murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were incubated with resveratrol, and cell apoptosis was investigated. Resveratrol caused S-phase arrest to inhibit cell proliferation and significantly increased the lactate dehydrogenase leaking ratio. Hoechst 33258 staining and transmission electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructural changes in nuclear chromatins of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, resveratrol activated the mitochondrial signaling with decreases in the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and the activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3. Resveratrol treatment also increased the protein level of Sirt1. By using small interfering RNAs of Sirt1, adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α, survivin and the AMPK agonist (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-ß-D-ribofuranoside) and specific inhibitors for protein kinase B (AKT) or caspases, it was demonstrated that activation of Sirt1 inhibited AKT activation and further decreased the expression of survivin. It could also increase AMPK activation. Both signaling pathways activated mitochondrion-mediated pathway. Our findings clarified the apoptotic effects of resveratrol in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and revealed the involved pathway including AMPK, AKT and survivin, suggesting its potential therapeutic application in the treatment or prevention of obesity and related metabolic symptoms.

[Relationship of dietary iron intake, body iron overload and the risk of metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship among dietary iron intake, body iron overload and risk of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: 87 MS patients and 102 matched healthy adults were recruited. Fasting blood samples were collected and assayed for serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), fasting insulin (FIN), fasting blood glucose (FBG), MDA, SOD and NF-kappaB. The data of dietary intake were collected by using a 24-hour dietary recall method for 7 consecutive days by trained interviewers. RESULTS: Total dietary iron intake, iron intake from animal source, serum MDA and NF-kappaB in MS group was significantly higher than that in the control group. SF, SI, siderophilin saturation and serum SOD in MS group was lower than that in the control group. There is a positive correlation between serum iron and insulin resistance index and blood glucose. When the total dietary iron intake greater than 15 mg/d was defined as iron over intake, the risk of suffering from MS was high (OR = 7.12) in those subjects with over intake of total iron. When the animal source iron intake greater than 7.5 mg/d was defined as iron over intake, the risk of suffering from MS was high (OR = 7.73) in those subjects with over intake of animal source iron. Fat and iron intake are influencing factors for MS according to Logistic multiple factor regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Iron overload induced by higher meat-based iron intake might be associated with higher risk of MS.

[Effect of body fat distribution on plasma lipids and oxidative stress in women aged 35 to 50 years].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of body fat composition and distribution on plasma lipid profile and oxidative stress in middle-aged women. METHODS: 181 healthy Chinese women (age ranged from 35 to 50 years) were recruited. Their body fat mass and distribution were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The oxidative status were evaluated by determination of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Glutathione peroxidase (GR) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the plasma lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and Triglycerides (TG) were also measured. RESULTS: (1) Plasma TG and TC levels and serum TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in overweight and obese women, while serum SOD and GR activity were significantly in these 2 groups, compared to normal-weight women. (2) Serum SOD and GR activity decreased, and TNF-alpha level increased with body mass index (BMI) and abdominal fat mass, as shown by linear correlation analysis. No correlation was found between serum oxidative indices, lipids and total body and subcutaneous fat. (3) The percentage of abdominal fat mass had positive correlations with the SOD and GR, and negative correlations with TNF-alpha. Whereas the percentage of subcutaneous fat mass did not have correction relationship with TNF-alpha, SOD, GR, but had negative correlation with TG and TC. (4) By the partial correlations analysis, abdominal fat mass were found to be negatively correlated with serum SOD and GR, and positively correlated with serum TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION: Abdominal fat accumulation could be the marker of the oxidative stress and would elevate serum triglycerides and total cholesterols.