The Microbial Tryptophan Metabolite Contributes to the Remission of Salmonella typhimurium Infection in Mice.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Tm) causes severe foodborne diseases. Interestingly, gut microbial tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a pivotal role in such infections by a yet unknown mechanism. This study aimed to explore the impact of Trp metabolism on S. Tm infection and the possible mechanisms involved. S. Tm-infected C57BL6/J mice were used to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of the Bacillus velezensis JT3-1 (B. velezensis/JT3-1) strain or its cell-free supernatant in enhancing Trp metabolism. Targeted Trp metabolomic analyses indicated the predominance of indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), an indole derivative and ligand for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Based on the 16S amplicon sequencing and correlation analysis of metabolites, we found that B. velezensis supported the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Ligilactobacillus in mouse gut and showed positive correlations with ILA levels. Moreover, AHR and its downstream genes (especially IL-22) significantly increased in mouse colons after B. velezensis or cell-free supernatant treatment, suggesting the importance of AHR pathway activation. In addition, ILA was found to stimulate primary mouse macrophages to secrete IL-22, which was antagonized by CH-223191. Furthermore, ILA could protect mice from S. Tm infection by increasing IL-22 in Ahr+/- mice, but not in Ahr-/- mice. Finally, Trp-rich feeding showed amelioration of S. Tm infection in mice, and the effect depended on gut microbiota. Taken together, these results suggest that B. velezensis-associated ILA contributes to protecting mice against S. Tm infection by activating the AHR/IL-22 pathway. This study provides insights into the involvement of microbiota-derived Trp catabolites in protecting against Salmonella infection.

Dissecting the role of cannabinoids in vascular health and disease.

Cannabis, often recognized as the most widely used illegal psychoactive substance globally, has seen a shift in its legal status in several countries and regions for both recreational and medicinal uses. This change has brought to light new evidence linking cannabis consumption to various vascular conditions. Specifically, there is an association between cannabis use and atherosclerosis, along with conditions such as arteritis, reversible vasospasm, and incidents of aortic aneurysm or dissection. Recent research has started to reveal the mechanisms connecting cannabinoid compounds to atherosclerosis development. It is well known that the primary biological roles of cannabinoids operate through the activation of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2. Manipulation of the endocannabinoid system, either genetically or pharmacologically, is emerging as a promising approach to address metabolic dysfunctions related to obesity. Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated the vasorelaxant properties and potential atheroprotective benefits of cannabinoids. In preclinical trials, cannabidiol is being explored as a treatment option for monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although existing literature suggests a direct role of cannabinoids in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the correlation between cannabinoids and other vascular diseases was only reported in some case series or observational studies, and its role and precise mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize and update previously published studies. This review article aims to summarize the latest clinical and experimental research findings on the relationship between cannabis use and vascular diseases. It also seeks to shed light on the potential mechanisms underlying these associations, offering a comprehensive view of current knowledge in this evolving field of study.

CCR5-overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells protect against experimental autoimmune uveitis: insights from single-cell transcriptome analysis.

Autoimmune uveitis is a leading cause of severe vision loss, and animal models provide unique opportunities for studying its pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. Here we employ scRNA-seq, RNA-seq and various molecular and cellular approaches to characterize mouse models of classical experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), revealing that EAU causes broad retinal neuron degeneration and marker downregulation, and that Müller glia may act as antigen-presenting cells. Moreover, EAU immune response is primarily driven by Th1 cells, and results in dramatic upregulation of CC chemokines, especially CCL5, in the EAU retina. Accordingly, overexpression of CCR5, a CCL5 receptor, in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enhances their homing capacity and improves their immunomodulatory outcomes in preventing EAU, by reducing infiltrating T cells and activated microglia and suppressing Nlrp3 inflammasome activation. Taken together, our data not only provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics of EAU but also open an avenue for innovative MSC-based therapy.

Eliminating lattice defects in metal-organic framework molecular-sieving membranes.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes are energy-efficient candidates for molecular separations, but it remains a considerable challenge to eliminate defects at the atomic scale. The enlargement of pores due to defects reduces the molecular-sieving performance in separations and hampers the wider application of MOF membranes, especially for liquid separations, owing to insufficient stability. Here we report the elimination of lattice defects in MOF membranes based on a high-probability theoretical coordination strategy that creates sufficient chemical potential to overcome the steric hindrance that occurs when completely connecting ligands to metal clusters. Lattice defect elimination is observed by real-space high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and studied with a mathematical model and density functional theory calculations. This leads to a family of high-connectivity MOF membranes that possess ångström-sized lattice apertures that realize high and stable separation performance for gases, water desalination and an organic solvent azeotrope. Our strategy could enable a platform for the regulation of nanoconfined molecular transport in MOF pores.

GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway plays crucial roles in the regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity against myeloma cells.

The plasma cell malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM), has significantly improved by the application of new drugs and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, MM remains incurable. A number of studies have revealed an anti-MM effect of natural killer (NK) cells; however, their clinical efficacy is limited. Furthermore, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3ß inhibitors show an antitumor function. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential roles of a GSK-3ß inhibitor (TWS119) in the regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity against MM. Our results showed that, in the presence of TWS119, the NK cell line, NK-92, and in vitro-expanded primary NK cells exhibited a significantly higher degranulation activity, expression of activating receptors, cellular cytotoxicity, and cytokine secretion when they were exposed to MM cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that TWS119 treatment markedly upregulated RAB27A expression, a key molecule for NK cell degranulation, and induced the colocalization of ß-catenin with NF-κB in the nucleus of NK cells. More importantly, GSK-3ß inhibition combined with the adoptive transfer of TWS119-treated NK-92 cells significantly reduced tumor volume and prolonged the survival time of myeloma-bearing mice. In summary, our novel findings suggest that targeting GSK-3ß through the activation of ß-catenin/NF-κB pathway may be an important approach to improve therapeutic efficacy of NK cell transfusion for MM.

A new model of portal vein thrombosis in rats with cirrhosis induced by partial portal vein ligation plus carbon tetrachloride and intervened with rivaroxaban.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis that can aggravate portal hypertension. However, there are features of both PVT and cirrhosis that are not recapitulated in most current animal models. In this study, we aimed to establish a stable animal model of PVT and cirrhosis, intervene with anticoagulant, and explore the related mechanism. METHODS: First, 49 male SD rats received partial portal vein ligation (PPVL), and 44 survival rats were divided into 6 groups: PPVL control group; 4-week, 6 -week, 8-week, and 10-week model group; and the rivaroxaban (RIVA)-treated group. The rats were intoxicated with or without carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 4-10 weeks. Seven normal rats were used as the normal controls. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and parameters for blood coagulation were all assayed with kits. Liver inflammation, collagen deposition and hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels were also measured. The extrahepatic macro-PVT was observed via portal vein HE staining, etc. The intrahepatic microthrombi was stained via fibrin immunohistochemistry. The portal blood flow velocity (PBFV) and diameter were detected via color Doppler ultrasound. Vascular endothelial injury was evaluated by von Willebrand Factor (vWF) immunofluorescence. Fibrinolytic activity was estimated by western blot analysis of fibrin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). RESULTS: After PPVL surgery and 10 weeks of CCl4 intoxication, a rat model that exhibited characteristics of both cirrhosis and extra and intrahepatic thrombi was established. In cirrhotic rats with PVT, the PBFV decreased, both factors of pro- and anti-coagulation decreased, but with relative hypercoagulable state, vascular endothelial injured, and fibrinolytic activity decreased. RIVA-treated rats had improved coagulation function, increased PBFV and attenuated thrombi. This effect was related to the improvements in endothelial injury and fibrinolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: A new rat model of PVT with cirrhosis was established through partial portal vein ligation plus CCl4 intoxication, with the characteristics of macrothrombi at portal veins and microthrombi in hepatic sinusoids, as well as liver cirrhosis. Rivaroxaban could attenuate PVT in cirrhosis in the model rats. The underlying mechanisms of PVT formation in the rat model and pharmacological action of rivaroxaban are related to the regulation of portal blood flow, coagulant factors, and vascular endothelial cell function.

Exploring Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae NXNK2203 infection in sheep: insights from histopathology and whole genome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) is a significant pathogen causing respiratory infections in goats and sheep. This study focuses on investigating vulnerability of Hu sheep to M. ovipneumoniae infection in the context of late spring's cold weather conditions through detailed autopsy of a severely affected Hu sheep and whole genome sequencing of M. ovipneumoniae. RESULTS: The autopsy findings of the deceased sheep revealed severe pulmonary damage with concentrated tracheal and lung lesions. Histopathological analysis showed tissue degeneration, mucus accumulation, alveolar septum thickening, and cellular necrosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that M. ovipneumoniae was more in the bronchi compared to the trachea. Genome analysis of M. ovipneumoniae identified a 1,014,835 bp with 686 coding sequences, 3 rRNAs, 30 tRNAs, 6 CRISPRs, 11 genomic islands, 4 prophages, 73 virulence factors, and 20 secreted proteins. CONCLUSION: This study investigates the vulnerability of Hu sheep to M. ovipneumoniae infection during late spring's cold weather conditions. Autopsy findings showed severe pulmonary injury in affected sheep, and whole genome sequencing identified genetic elements associated with pathogenicity and virulence factors of M. ovipneumoniae.

Deficiency of ribosomal proteins reshapes the transcriptional and translational landscape in human cells.

Human ribosomes have long been thought to be uniform factories with little regulatory function. Accumulating evidence emphasizes the heterogeneity of ribosomal protein (RP) expression in specific cellular functions and development. However, a systematic understanding of functional relevance of RPs is lacking. Here, we surveyed translational and transcriptional changes after individual knockdown of 75 RPs, 44 from the large subunit (60S) and 31 from the small subunit (40S), by Ribo-seq and RNA-seq analyses. Deficiency of individual RPs altered specific subsets of genes transcriptionally and translationally. RP genes were under cotranslational regulation upon ribosomal stress, and deficiency of the 60S RPs and the 40S RPs had opposite effects. RP deficiency altered the expression of genes related to eight major functional classes, including the cell cycle, cellular metabolism, signal transduction and development. 60S RP deficiency led to greater inhibitory effects on cell growth than did 40S RP deficiency, through P53 signaling. Particularly, we showed that eS8/RPS8 deficiency stimulated apoptosis while eL13/RPL13 or eL18/RPL18 deficiency promoted senescence. We also validated the phenotypic impacts of uL5/RPL11 and eL15/RPL15 deficiency on retina development and angiogenesis, respectively. Overall, our study provides a valuable resource for and novel insights into ribosome regulation in cellular activities, development and diseases.

Ribosomes are the main effector of the translational machinery to synthesize proteins. In this study, the authors characterized genome-wide transcriptional and translational changes after knocking-down 75 individual human ribosomal proteins (RPs). They revealed that deficiency of individual RPs perturbed expression of specific subsets of genes, enriched in eight major functional classes, such as cell cycle and development. RPs were subjected to co-translational regulation under ribosomal stress where deficiency of the 60S RPs and the 40S RPs had opposite effects on the two subunits. They also showed that RPS8 deficiency stimulated cellular apoptosis while RPL13 and RPL18 deficiency promoted cellular senescence. They further showed functional and regulatory roles of RPL11 and RPL15 in retina development and angiogenesis, respectively.

Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis ZW3 Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis and Enhances Gut Homeostasis.

Despite Bacillus species having been extensively utilized in the food industry and biocontrol as part of probiotic preparations, limited knowledge exists regarding their impact on intestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the effect of Bacillus licheniformis ZW3 (ZW3), a potential probiotic isolated from camel feces, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The results showed ZW3 partially mitigated body weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), colon shortening, and suppressed immune response in colitis mice, as evidenced by the reduction in the levels of the inflammatory markers IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). ZW3 was found to ameliorate DSS-induced dysfunction of the colonic barrier by enhancing mucin 2 (MUC2), zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), and occludin. Furthermore, enriched beneficial bacteria Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and decreased harmful bacteria Escherichia-Shigella revealed that ZW3 improved the imbalanced gut microbiota. Abnormally elevated uric acid levels in colitis were further normalized upon ZW3 supplementation. Overall, this study emphasized the protective effects of ZW3 in colitis mice as well as some potential applications in the management of inflammation-related diseases.

Reflectivity and Angular Anisotropy of Liquid Crystal Microcapsules with Different Particle Sizes by Complex Coalescence.

Cholesteric liquid crystal microcapsules (CLCMs) are used to improve the stability of liquid crystals while ensuring their stimulus response performance and versatility, with representative applications such as sensing, anticounterfeiting, and smart fabrics. However, the reflectivity and angular anisotropy decrease because of the anchoring effect of the polymer shell matrix, and the influence of particle size on this has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, the effect of synthesis technology on microcapsule particle size was investigated using a complex coalescence method, and the effect of particle size on the reflectivity and angular anisotropy of CLCMs was investigated in detail. A particle size of approximately 66 µm with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 1:1) exhibited a relative reflectivity of 16.6% and a bandwidth of 20 nm, as well as a narrow particle size distribution of 22 µm. The thermosetting of microcapsules coated with PVA was adjusted and systematically investigated by controlling the mass ratio. The optimized mass ratio of microcapsules (66 µm) to PVA was 2:1, increasing the relative reflectivity from 16.6% (1:1) to 32.0% (2:1) because of both the higher CLCM content and the matching between the birefringence of the gelatin-arabic shell system and PVA. Furthermore, color based on Bragg reflections was observed in the CLCM-coated ortho-axis and blue-shifted off-axis, and this change was correlated with the CLCM particle size. Such materials are promising for anticounterfeiting and color-based applications with bright colors and angular anisotropy in reflection.

Confined-Coordination Induced Intergrowth of Metal-Organic Frameworks into Precise Molecular Sieving Membranes.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes with rich functionality and tunable pore system are promising for precise molecular separation; however, it remains a challenge to develop defect-free high-connectivity MOF membrane with high water stability owing to uncontrollable nucleation and growth rate during fabrication process. Herein, we report on a confined-coordination induced intergrowth strategy to fabricate lattice-defect-free Zr-MOF membrane towards precise molecular separation. The confined-coordination space properties (size and shape) and environment (water or DMF) were regulated to slow down the coordination reaction rate via controlling the counter-diffusion of MOF precursors (metal cluster and ligand), thereby inter-growing MOF crystals into integrated membrane. The resulting Zr-MOF membrane with angstrom-sized lattice apertures exhibits excellent separation performance both for gas separation and water desalination process. It was achieved H2 permeance of ~1200 GPU and H2/CO2 selectivity of ~67; water permeance of ~8 L ⋅ m-2 ⋅ h-1 ⋅ bar-1 and MgCl2 rejection of ~95 %, which are one to two orders of magnitude higher than those of state-of-the-art membranes. The molecular transport mechanism related to size-sieving effect and transition energy barrier differential of molecules and ions was revealed by density functional theory calculations. Our work provides a facile approach and fundamental insights towards developing precise molecular sieving membranes.

Delicate Softness in a Temperature-Responsive Porous Crystal for Accelerated Sieving of Propylene/Propane.

Soft nanoporous crystals with structural dynamics are among the most exciting recently discovered materials. However, designing or controlling a porous system with delicate softness that can recognize similar gas pairs, particularly for the promoted ability at increased temperature, remains a challenge. Here, we report a soft crystal (NTU-68) with a one-dimensional (1D) channel that expands and contracts delicately around 4 Å at elevated temperature. The completely different adsorption processes of propane (C3H8: kinetic dominance) and propylene (C3H6: thermodynamic preference) allow the crystal to show a sieving separation of this mixtures (9.9 min·g-1) at 273 K, and the performance increases more than 2-fold (20.4 min·g-1) at 298 K. This phenomenon is contrary to the general observation for adsorption separation: the higher the temperature, the lower the efficiency. Gas-loaded in situ powder X-ray analysis and modeling calculations reveal that slight pore expansion caused by the increased temperature provides plausible nanochannel for adsorption of the relatively smaller C3H6 while maintaining constriction on the larger C3H8. In addition, the separation process remains unaffected by the general impurities, demonstrating its true potential as an alternative sorbent for practical applications. Moving forward, the delicate crystal dynamics and promoted capability for molecular recognition provide a new route for the design of next-generation sieve materials.

Precise Electron-Withdrawing Strength Modulation of ESIPT Probes for Ultrasensitive and Specific Fluorescence Sensing.

The precise regulation of the electron-withdrawing/electron-donating strength in a probe is of great significance for the design of reaction-based fluorescent probes with specific functionalities. Here, a family of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-based probes with fluorescence turn-on sensing properties toward KMnO4 was designed by precisely modulating the electron-withdrawing strength of the substituents located at the para-position of the recognition group. It is found that -F, -CHO, and -H as the electron-withdrawing groups bound at the probe can specifically recognize KMnO4, which ensures a blue emission displayed by the reaction products. Especially with -CHO as the electron-withdrawing group, the reaction product shows the most stable fluorescence. The probe 2-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-4-formylphenyl acrylate (BOPA-CHO) demonstrated a more superior sensing performance toward KMnO4, including a low limit of detection (LOD, 0.96 nM), a rapid response (<3 s), and a rather good selectivity even in the presence of 21 interferents. Moreover, the practicality of the probe was further verified by a test pen comprising a BOPA-CHO-embedded sponge, which is capable of detecting KMnO4 solid with a naked-eye LOD of 11.62 ng. The present probe design and modulation strategy would open up a new path for the design of high-performance fluorescent probes.

PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) Triggers Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence and Apoptosis: Implication of Its Direct Role in Degenerative Vascular Disease.

OBJECTIVE: PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) plays a critical role in cholesterol metabolism via the PCSK9-LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) axis in the liver; however, evidence indicates that PCSK9 directly contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases through mechanisms independent of its LDL-cholesterol regulation. The objective of this study was to determine how PCSK9 directly acts on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), contributing to degenerative vascular disease. Approach and Results: We first examined the effects of PCSK9 on cultured human aortic SMCs. Overexpression of PCSK9 downregulated the expression of ApoER2 (apolipoprotein E receptor 2), a known target of PCSK9. Treatment with soluble recombinant human ApoER2 or the DNA synthesis inhibitor, hydroxyurea, inhibited PCSK9-induced polyploidization and other cellular responses of human SMCs. Treatment with antibodies against ApoER2 resulted in similar effects to those observed with PCSK9 overexpression. Inducible, SMC-specific knockout of Pcsk9 accelerated neointima formation in mouse carotid arteries and reduced age-related arterial stiffness. PCSK9 was expressed in SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions and abundant in the "shoulder" regions of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. PCSK9 was also expressed in SMCs of abdominal aortic aneurysm, which was inversely related to the expression of smooth muscle α-actin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that PCSK9 inhibits proliferation and induces polyploidization, senescence, and apoptosis, which may be relevant to various degenerative vascular diseases.

Effects of the tumor necrosis factor on hemocyte proliferation and bacterial infection in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important cytokine that can regulate a variety of cellular responses by binding tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR). We studied whether the TNF of Eriocheir sinensis can regulate hemocyte proliferation. The results showed that the EsTNF and EsTNFR were constitutively expressed in all tested tissues, including the heart, hepatopancreas, muscles, gills, stomachs, intestines, and hemocytes. We found that low levels of EsTNF and EsTNFR transcripts were present in hemocytes. The gene expression levels were significantly increased in the hemocytes after being stimulated by Staphylococcus aureus or Vibrio parahaemolyticus. We also found some genes related to cell proliferation were expressed at a higher level in pulsing rTNF-stimulated hemocytes compared with the control group. We also knocked down the EsTNFR gene with RNAi technology. The results showed that the expression level of these genes related to cell proliferation was significantly down-regulated compared with the control group when the TNF does not bind TNFR. We used Edu technology to repeat the above experiments and the results were similar. Compared with the control group, the hemocytes stimulated by rTNF showed more significant proliferation, and the proliferation rate was significantly down-regulated after knocking down the EsTNFR gene. Therefore, we indicate that TNF binding TNFR can affect the proliferation of E. sinensis hemocytes, which might be manifested by affecting the expression of some proliferation-related genes.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of the MAPKK gene family in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and its response to bacterial challenge.

Protein kinases of the MAPK cascade family (MAPKKK-MAPKK-MAPK) play an important role in the growth and development of organisms and their response to environmental stress. The MAPKK gene families in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis have never been systematically analyzed. We identified four MAPKK family genes, EsMEK, EsMAPKK4, EsMAPKK6, and EsMAPKK7, in E. sinensis and analyzed their molecular features and expression patterns. All four MAPKK genes are composed of multiple exons and introns, all have a conserved domain, and all have 10 conserved motifs (except EsMEK and EsMAPKK7 which are missing motif 10). The four MAPKK genes are on four different chromosomes and have no gene duplications, and the results of phylogenetic tree analysis indicate that the ESMAPKK gene family is highly conserved evolutionarily. The EsMAPKK genes were widely expressed in all the examined tissues with higher expression in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, and gills. Notably, EsMAPKK6 was also highly expressed in the ovary. Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection significantly increased the mRNA levels of the EsMAPKK genes in hemocytes. Further disruption of the EsMAPKK gene family expression affects the expression levels of multiple antimicrobial peptides in hemocytes. Our experimental results provide a starting point for a more in-depth study of the innate immunity functional roles of members of the MAPKK gene families in E. sinensis.

Analysis of the dynamic changes in gut microbiota in patients with different severity in sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal tract contains a massive microbiota, and targeting the gut could be a potential intervention for sepsis. However, the interaction between sepsis and the intestinal microbiota is defined as an "incompletely understood bidirectional relationship". METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study investigated the fecal microbiota of sepsis patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Central Hospital of Wuhan, China, from May 2019 to January 2020. 14 septic patients were divided into the non-severe group and the severe group according to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. Herein, fecal samples were serially collected on admission, the third, fourth, and fifth days, and ICU discharge. The fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and its correlation with clinical parameters was evaluated. RESULTS: Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla at ICU admission, and fecal biodiversity was not significantly different between the non-severe group (APACHE II < 15) and the severe group (APACHE II > 15). However, the diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly lower at ICU discharge than that at ICU admission with the extension of treatment time. Further significant difference flora analysis (LEfSe) showed that the genera Veillonella and Ruminococcus were the most discriminant biomarkers at ICU admission in non-severe and severe patients, respectively, while Enterococcus was the most discriminant biomarker at ICU discharge in all septic patients. Of note, liver function tests, including ALT, AST, TBIL, and DBIL correlated with the prevalence of various bacterial genera. CONCLUSIONS: The diversity of the gut microbiota in patients with sepsis decreases dramatically during ICU stay, and there are distinct dynamic changes in gut microbiota among patients with different severity in sepsis.

A recombinant capripoxvirus expressing the F protein of peste des petits ruminants virus and the P12A3C of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

BACKGROUND: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and sheep pox and goat pox are three important infectious diseases that infect goats, sheep and other small ruminants. It is well-known that the prevention of three diseases rely mainly on their individual vaccines. However, the vaccines have a variety of different disadvantages, such as short duration of immunity, increasing the number of vaccinations, and poor thermal stability. The purpose of this study is to construct a recombinant goat pox virus (rGPV) capable of expressing the F gene of PPRV and the P12A3C gene of FMDV as a live vector vaccine. RESULTS: The IRES, FMDV P12A3C and PPRV F genes into the multi-cloning site of the universal transfer plasmid pTKfpgigp to construct a recombinant transfer plasmid pTKfpgigpFiP12A3C, and transfected GPV-infected lamb testis (LT) cells with liposomes and produced by homologous recombination Recombinant GPV (rGPV/PPRVF-FMDVP12A3C, rGPV). The rGPV was screened and purified by green florescence protein (GFP) and xanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyltransferase gene (gpt) of Escherichia coli as selective markers, and the expression of rGPV in LT cells was detected by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques. The results showed that the virus strain rGPV/PPRVF-FMDVP12A3C containing FMDV P12A3C and PPRV F genes was obtained. The exogenous genes FMDV P12A3C and PPRV F contained in rGPV were normally transcribed and translated in LT cells, and the expression products could specifically react with PPRV and FMDV antiserum. Then, the rGPV was intradermally inoculated with goats, the animal experiments showed that rGPV/PPRVF-FMDVP12A3C could induce high levels of specific antibodies against GPV, PPRV and FMDV. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed rGPV induced high levels of specific antibodies against GPV, PPRV and FMDV. The study provides a reference for " one vaccine with multiple uses " of GPV live vector vaccine.

Analysis of histopathology and changes of major cytokines in the lesions caused by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) is one of the main pathogens of sheep pneumonia, causing a series of clinical symptoms, such as depression, anorexia, hyperthermia, cough, dyspnea, and tract secretions. In recent years, the prevalence of M. ovipneumoniae pneumonia has become increasingly serious in sheep farms in Ningxia, China, leading to the death of sheep, and causing significant economic losses. In this study, the pathological organs infected by M. ovipneumoniae were collected to observe histopathological change, to determine the tissue localization of M. ovipneumoniae, and to analyze the cytokine changes, which lays a basis for the diagnosis and pathogenesis of M. ovipneumoniae disease. RESULTS: In this study, M. ovipneumoniae was detected in 97 of 105 samples collected from 13 large-scale sheep farms for nucleic acid by PCR. One representative isolate per farm was isolated from 13 farms. The lesions caused by M. ovipneumoniae were mainly in the trachea, bronchus, and lung, including necrosis of tracheal mucosal epithelial cells, disintegration of some epithelial cells, edema of mucosal lamina propria, with inflammatory cell infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuolization of epithelial cells of bronchial mucosa, massive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the alveolar space of lung, necrosis and hyperplasia of alveolar epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the proportion of M. ovipneumoniae positive area in the lung was the largest, followed by that in the bronchus and trachea. Compared to healthy animals, diseased animals exhibited up-regulated gene expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and NF-κB in the trachea, bronchus, and lungs. In contrast, the expression of IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ was primarily limited to the trachea and bronchus. The expression of IL-1ß showed differential patterns across different lung regions, with variations observed among lung lobes. Additionally, other cytokines consistently showed significant up-regulation specifically in the bronchus. CONCLUSIONS: M. ovipneumoniae is primarily found in the lungs of infected individuals. NF-κB, an essential transcription factor, is involved in the regulation of IL-1ß transcription. IL-12 may enhance the cytotoxic function of natural killer cells during M. ovipneumoniae infection. Those findings demonstrate the distinct expression profiles of cytokines in various anatomical sites throughout disease progression, suggesting the potential role of bronchial tissue as a major site of immune response.

Ocular and visual perceptive factors associated with treatment outcomes in patients with anisometropic amblyopia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this observational study was to identify ocular and visual perceptive risk factors related to treatment results following refractive correction and patching in children with anisometropic amblyopia, who were between the ages of 4 to 14 years old. METHODS: One-hundred and two children with newly diagnosed anisometropic amblyopia were recruited. Successful treatment of amblyopia was defined as the final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) better than or equal to 0.1 logMAR and amblyopic eye BCVA within 1 line of the sound eye BCVA by the end of the treatment period. BCVA, cycloplegic refraction, stereoacuity, perceptual eye position (PEP) and interocular suppression were measured. RESULTS: Of these patients, 45.10% achieved successful treatment of amblyopia after refractive correction and patching for 10.5 months. The mean age was not significantly different between patients who were successfully and unsuccessfully treated (5.50 ± 1.59 years vs 6.14 ± 2.19 years, respectively). Patients who failed treatment had significantly larger interocular difference of BCVA at the time of initial treatment (successful group: 0.33 ± 0.29 logMAR, unsuccessful group: 0.65 ± 0.35 logMAR) and after refractive adaptation (successful group: 0.15 ± 0.13 logMAR, unsuccessful group: 0.42 ± 0.35 logMAR). They also had higher spherical equivalent (SE) of amblyopic eyes (successful group: 3.08 ± 3.61 D, unsuccessful group: 5.27 ± 3.38 D), bigger interocular difference of SE (successful group: 0.94 ± 2.71 D, unsuccessful group: 3.09 ± 3.05 D), worse stereoacuity (successful group: 2.32 ± 0.37 log seconds of arc, unsuccessful group: 2.75 ± 0.32 log seconds of arc), larger vertical PEP deviation (successful group: 6.41 ± 6.08 pixel, unsuccessful group: 19.07 ± 24.96 pixel) and deeper interocular suppression (successful group: 21.7 ± 19.7%, unsuccessful group: 37.8 ± 27.1%) than those of successfully treated patients. The most influential treatment failure risk factors were larger vertical PEP deviation [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) 1.12 (1.02-1.22)] and worse stereoacuity [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) 7.72 (1.50-39.85)] in multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Larger vertical PEP deviation and worse stereoacuity were the most influential treatment failure risk factors in children with anisometropic amblyopia. The vertical PEP deviation and stereoacuity, which can reflect interocular interaction, may be useful in predicting the response to therapy.