Influences of different surface oxygen species on oxidation of toluene and/or benzene and their reaction pathways over Cu-Mn metal oxides.

Catalytic oxidation is considered as the most effective and economical method to remove low concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Activation of oxygen to form active oxygen species on metal oxides catalyst plays a key role in the process. Three copper-manganese oxide catalysts with cubic Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 phases were prepared by microwave heating (CM-MW), sol-gel (CM-SG) and co-precipitation (CM-CP) methods, and applied for the elimination of toluene and benzene as representative aromatic VOCs. These catalysts exhibit different catalytic oxidation performance due to their different physicochemical properties. Various characterizations were used to clarify the role of different oxygen species in the oxidation of VOCs, and the reaction pathway. In situ DRIFTS were carried out to explore the function of surface adsorbed oxygen, oxygen vacancy, and surface lattice oxygen in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs over three catalysts. Various types of intermediate species and detailed reaction pathways are also explored by combining in situ DRIFTS and mass spectrometry. Among these catalysts, CM-MW with nanosheet morphology shows the best catalytic oxidation performance of toluene and/or benzene with/without H2O due to the most abundant active oxygen species, and the highest oxygen vacancy concentration which is beneficial to activate oxygen. Meanwhile, toluene and benzene do not interfere with each other during the mixture oxidation. This study can provide new inspiration for rational design of metal oxide catalysts to remove VOCs.

Simultaneous Detection of Three Subgroups of Avian Leukosis Virus Using the Nanoparticle-Assisted PCR Assay.

Nanoparticle-assisted polymerase chain reaction (nanoPCR) is a novel method for the rapid detection of pathogens. A sensitive and specific multiple nanoPCR assay was developed for simultaneous detection of avian leucosis virus (ALV) subgroups A, B and J. In this study, three pairs of primers were designed, based on the conserved region of the gp85 gene. An exploration of the optimal primer concentration and annealing temperature were carried out, for better performance of the nanoPCR assay. According to the results, the multiple nanoPCR assay amplified 336 pb, 625 bp and 167 bp fragments of ALV-A, -B and -J, respectively, and showed no cross-reactivity with irrelevant pathogens, suggesting the excellent specificity of the assay. The constructed standard DNA templates were used to estimate the limit of detection. As shown by the results, the detection limit of the nanoPCR assay was nearly 10 copies/µL. To further evaluate the detection ability of the assay, 186 clinical samples were detected using the nanoPCR assay, among which, 14 samples were confirmed as ALV positive; the results were further confirmed by sequencing. In conclusion, a highly specific and sensitive nanoPCR assay was successfully developed, which could be a useful tool for clinical diagnosis as well as for the discrimination of ALV-A, -B and -J.

The adenosine analog prodrug ATV006 is orally bioavailable and has preclinical efficacy against parental SARS-CoV-2 and variants.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus driving the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, continues to rapidly evolve. Because of the limited efficacy of vaccination in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and continuous emergence of variants of concern (VOCs), orally bioavailable and broadly efficacious antiviral drugs are urgently needed. Previously, we showed that the parent nucleoside of remdesivir, GS-441524, has potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Here, we report that esterification of the 5'-hydroxyl moieties of GS-441524 markedly improved antiviral potency. This 5'-hydroxyl-isobutyryl prodrug, ATV006, demonstrated excellent oral bioavailability in rats and cynomolgus monkeys and exhibited potent antiviral efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in vitro and in three mouse models. Oral administration of ATV006 reduced viral loads and alleviated lung damage when administered prophylactically and therapeutically to K18-hACE2 mice challenged with the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. These data indicate that ATV006 represents a promising oral antiviral drug candidate for SARS-CoV-2.

The relationship between TESTIN expression and the prognosis of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents a most grave healthy burden worldwide. TESTIN has been confirmed as a predictive biomarker for several cancers. In the present study, we sought to assess the expression level and prognostic values of TESTIN in CRC. METHODS: The levels of TESTIN mRNA and protein were detected in 132 paired CRC tissues and noncancerous ones via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, respectively. Chi-square test was adopted to analyze the association of TESTIN expression with clinicopathological profiles of CRC patients. To explore prognostic value of TESTIN, Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analyses were employed. RESULTS: TESTIN expression was down-regulated among CRC tissues in comparison to bordering cancer-free samples at both protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.001). Decreased TESTIN expression was closely related to poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.001) and advanced TNM stages (P = 0.001). CRC cases with low expression of TESTIN were more likely to undergo dismal overall survivals (log-rank P = 0.003). Multivariate Cox analysis unveiled that down-regulated expression of TESTIN was independently correlated with poor prognosis (HR=2.422, 95% CI=1.294-4.535, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The down-regulation of TESTIN may predict dismal prognosis for CRC patients.

Reluctance to Accept Palliative Care and Recommendations for Improvement: Findings From Semi-Structured Interviews With Patients and Caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Despite some insurance plans now paying for home-based palliative care, recent reports have suggested that insurance coverage for palliative care may be insufficient in expanding patient access to home-based palliative care. AIM: To identify patients' and caregivers' perceived barriers to home-based palliative care and their recommendations for overcoming these barriers. DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews. Our interview protocol elicited participants' perspectives on home-based palliative care services; positive and negative aspects of the palliative program explanation; and suggestions for improving messaging around home-based palliative care. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five participants (patients, proxies, and their caregivers) who were eligible for a randomized controlled trial of home-based palliative care were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: Themes related to home-based palliative care referral barriers included reluctance to have home visits, enrollment timing, lack of palliative care knowledge, misconceptions about palliative care, and patients' self-perceived health condition. Themes related to recommendations for overcoming these obstacles included ensuring that palliative care referrals come from healthcare providers or insurance companies and presenting palliative care services more clearly. CONCLUSION: Findings reinforce the need for additional palliative care education among patients with serious illness (and their caregivers) and the importance of delivering palliative care information and referrals from trusted sources.

Development of a recombinase polymerase amplification fluorescence assay to detect feline coronavirus.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is classified into two pathotypes: the avirulent feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), and the virulent feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Rapid pathogen detection, which is efficient and convenient, is the best approach for early confirmatory diagnosis. In this study, we first developed and evaluated a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) detection method for FCoV that can detect FCoV within 15 min at 39 °C. The detection limit of that assay was 233 copies/µL DNA molecules per reaction. The specificity was high: it did not cross-react with canine distemper virus (CDV), canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine adenovirus (CAV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), or feline parvovirus (FPV). This assay was evaluated using 42 clinical samples (30 diarrhea samples and 12 ascites samples). The coincidence rate between FCoV-RPA and RT-qPCR for detection in clinical samples was 95.2%. In summary, FCoV-RPA analysis provides an efficient, rapid, and sensitive detection method for FCoV.

Rapid detection of avian leukosis virus using a fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strip assay.

We developed a rapid fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strip (FM-ICTS) assay for the quantitative detection of avian leukosis virus (ALV). A monoclonal antibody specific for the ALV major capsid protein encoded by the gag gene was coupled to label fluorescent microspheres. ALV antibodies were coated on a nitrocellulose membrane to prepare a test line for sample detection. The fluorescence signals of the test and control lines can be read either visually by exposure to UV light or using a fluorescence analyzer. ALV could be detected quantitatively using the ratio of fluorescence signals of the test and control lines (T/C). The assay threshold was determined as a T/C value of 0.0606. The fitting curve equation was established between 1 and 2,048 ng/mL P27 protein with an r2 value of 0.9998. The assay showed no cross reactivity with Newcastle disease virus, infectious laryngotracheitis virus, infectious bronchitis virus, Marek's disease virus, infectious bursal disease, Reoviridae virus, or avian influenza virus. The repeatability was satisfactory with an overall average CV of 8.65%. The Kappa coefficient between a commercial ELISA kit was 0.7031 using clinical chicken meconium samples. Thus, a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strip was developed based on specific anti-capsid protein p27 monoclonal antibodies.

Identification of FBXW7α-regulated genes in M1-polarized macrophages in colorectal cancer by RNA sequencing.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the FBXW7α-regulated genes in tumor-polarized macrophages in colorectal cancer. METHODS: This experimental study was performed between June 2017 and March 2019. FBXW7α siRNA transfected RAW264.7 cells, together with the control group, were co-cultured with the colon cancer cell line, Colon-26. M1  marker production from the macrophages was determined by ELISA and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Whole genomic differential expression between the FBXW7α siRNA group and the control group were determined by RNA-sequencing analysis. The target site of the microRNA-205 gene was predicted using Targetscan and was verified by the luciferase assay. By transfecting mimics or inhibitors of microRNA-205, we explored the role of FBXW7α/microRNA-205 axis in regulating the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). RESULTS: FBXW7α knockdown in RAW264.7 enhanced the expression of cyclooxigenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), mRNA expression and IL6, IL12, p40, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) production upon co-culture with Colon-26 cells in vitro. Further, compared with the control group, 648 genes in total were enhanced and 416 targets were downregulated in FBXW7α siRNA transfected cells, among which miR-205 was the most significantly upregulated. SMAD1 was identified as an miR-205 target. The FBXW7α/miR-205 axis might regulate TAM polarization by affecting SMAD1 expression. CONCLUSION: These results prove that the FBXW7α/miR-205 axis plays an important role in TAM polarization and could facilitate further exploration of its molecular mechanism.

When Patients Say They Know About Palliative Care, How Much Do They Really Understand?

CONTEXT: Lack of knowledge or misconceptions about palliative care (PC) can serve as barriers to accessing PC for seriously ill patients. Although self-reported rates of PC knowledge have been increasing, little is known about how self-reports relate to actual PC knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of PC knowledge and the portion of those reporting they are knowledgeable have actual PC knowledge of basic PC principals. METHODS: We used the Health Information National Trends Survey 5, Cycle 2, a nationally representative data set to describe the prevalence of self-reported PC knowledge. We conducted chi-squared test to compare self-rated PC knowledge level with actual knowledge. Finally, we ran a logistic regression to examine if self-reported knowledge level, age, and cancer history were associated with actual PC knowledge. RESULTS: About 34% of participants self-reported having at least some knowledge of PC, and 41% of those reporting familiarities with PC were able to answer all three basic PC questions correctly. Rates of correct responses for cancer patients were similar (42%) to the general sample and older adults were lower (35%). Compared with those with less than a high school education, people with a bachelor's degree and post-baccalaureate degree had higher odds ratio (21.07 and 23.07, respectively) of actual understanding of PC. CONCLUSIONS: We found that self-reported PC knowledge may not reflect actual PC knowledge. Physicians should carefully explain PC when introducing it to patients. In addition, this PC information should be provided at a low literacy level to ensure widespread understanding of the service.

A multiplex xTAG assay for the simultaneous detection of five chicken immunosuppressive viruses.

BACKGROUND: Chicken anemia virus (CAV), avian reovirus (ARV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), Marek's disease virus (MDV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) all cause immunosuppressive disease in birds through vertical or horizontal transmission. Mixed infections with these immunosuppressive pathogens lead to atypical clinical signs and obstruct accurate diagnoses and epidemiological investigations. Therefore, it is essential to develop a high-throughput assay for the simultaneous detection of these immunosuppressive viruses with high specificity and sensitivity. The aim of this study was to establish a novel method using a RT-PCR assay combined with fluorescence labeled polystyrene bead microarray (multiplex xTAG assay) to detect single or mixed viral infections. RESULTS: The results showed that the established xTAG assay had no nonspecific reactions with avian influenza virus (AIV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). The limit of detection was 1.0 × 103 copies/µL for IBDV and 1.0 × 102copies/µL for the other four viruses. Ninety field samples were tested and the results were confirmed using conventional RT-PCR methods. The detection results of these two methods were 100% consistent. The established multiplex xTAG assay allows a high throughput and simultaneous detection of five chicken immunosuppressive viruses. CONCLUSION: The multiplex xTAG assay has been showed to be an additional tool for molecular epidemiology studies of five chicken immunosuppressive viruses in the poultry industry.

Multiplex Detection of Five Canine Viral Pathogens for Dogs as Laboratory Animals by the Luminex xTAG Assay.

More and more dogs have been used as a disease model for medical research and drug safety evaluation. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the dogs and their living houses are special pathogen free. In this study, the development and evaluation of a Luminex xTAG assay for simultaneous detection of five canine viruses was carried out, including canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, and rabies virus. Assay specificity was accomplished by targeting conserved genomic regions for each virus. Hybridization between multiplexed PCR products and the labeled fluorescence microspheres was detected in a high throughput format using a Luminex fluorescence reader. The Luminex xTAG assay showed high sensitivity with limits of detection for the five viruses was 100 copies/µL. Specificity of the xTAG assay showed no amplification of canine coronavirus, pseudorabies virus and canine influenza virus indicating that the xTAG assay was specific. Seventy-five clinical samples were tested to evaluate the xTAG assay. The results showed 100% coincidence with the conventional PCR method. This is the first report of a specific and sensitive multiplex Luminex xTAG assay for simultaneous detection of five major canine viral pathogens. This assay will be a useful tool for quality control and environmental monitoring for dogs used as laboratory animals, may even be applied in laboratory epidemiological investigations.

Differentiation of minute virus of mice and mouse parvovirus by high resolution melting curve analysis.

Murine parvovirus is one of the most prevalent infectious pathogens in mouse colonies. A specific primer pair targeting the VP2 gene of minute virus of mice (MVM) and mouse parvovirus (MPV) was utilized for high resolution melting (HRM) analysis. The resulting melting curves could distinguish these two virus strains and there was no detectable amplification of the other mouse pathogens which included rat parvovirus (KRV), ectromelia virus (ECT), mouse adenovirus (MAD), mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV), polyoma virus (Poly), Helicobactor hepaticus (H. hepaticus) and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). The detection limit of the standard was 10 copies/µL. This study showed that the PCR-HRM assay could be an alternative useful method with high specificity and sensitivity for differentiating murine parvovirus strains MVM and MPV.

Differentiation of five enterohepatic Helicobacter species by nested PCR with high-resolution melting curve analysis.

BACKGROUND: Enterohepatic Helicobacter species (EHS) are widespread in rodent species around the world. Several studies have demonstrated that infection with EHS can interfere with the outcomes of animal experiments in cancer research and significantly influence the study results. Therefore, it is essential to establish a rapid detection and identification of EHS for biomedical research using laboratory rodents. Our study aimed to develop a rapid and sensitive method to detect and distinguish five enterohepatic Helicobacter species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nested PCR followed by high-resolution melting curve analysis (HRM) was developed for identification of H. bilis, H. rodentium, H. muridarum, H. typhlonius, as well as H. hepaticus. To validate the accuracy of nested PCR-HRM analysis, quantitative real-time PCR methods for five different enterohepatic Helicobacter species were developed. A total of 50 cecal samples were tested using both nested PCR-HRM analysis and qPCR method. RESULTS: The nested PCR-HRM method could distinguish five enterohepatic Helicobacter species by different melting temperatures. The melting curve were characterized by peaks of 78.7 ± 0.12°C for H. rodentium, 80.51 ± 0.09°C for H. bilis, 81.6 ± 0.1°C for H. typhlonius, 82.11 ± 0.18°C for H. muridarum, and 82.95 ± 0.09°C for H. hepaticus. CONCLUSIONS: The nested PCR-HRM assay is a simple, rapid, and cost-effective assay. This assay could be a useful tool for molecular epidemiology study of enterohepatic Helicobacter infection and an attractive alternative for genotyping of enterohepatic Helicobacter species.

Soot Combustion over Nanostructured Ceria with Different Morphologies.

In this study, nano-structure ceria with three different morphologies (nanorod, nanoparticle and flake) have been prepared by hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. The ceria samples were deeply characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, H2-TPR, XPS and in-situ DRIFTS, and tested for soot combustion in absence/presence NO atmospheres under loose and tight contact conditions. The prepared ceria samples exhibit excellent catalytic activities, especially, the CeO2 with nanorod (Ce-R) shows the best catalytic activity, for which the peak temperature of soot combustion (Tm) is about 500 and 368 °C in loose and tight contact conditions, respectively. The catalytic activity for Ce-R is higher than that of the reported CeO2 catalysts and reaches a level that of precious metals. The characterization results reveal that the maximal amounts of adsorbed oxygen species on the surface of the nanostructure Ce-R catalyst should be the crucial role to decide the catalytic soot performance. High BET surface area may also be a positive effect on soot oxidation activity under loose contact conditions.