Natural Affinity Driven Modification by Silicene to Construct a "Thermal Switch" for Tumorous Bone Loss.

Tumorous bone defects present significant challenges for surgical bio-reconstruction due to the dual pathological conditions of residual tumor presence and extensive bone loss following excision surgery. To address this challenge, a "thermal switch" smart bone scaffold based on the silicene nanosheet-modified decalcified bone matrix (SNS@DBM) is developed by leveraging the natural affinity between collagen and silicene, which is elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations. Benefitting from its exceptional photothermal ability, biodegradability, and bioactivity, the SNS@DBM "thermal switch" provides an integrated postoperative sequential thermotherapy for tumorous bone loss by exerting three levels of photothermal stimulation (i.e., strong, moderate, and nonstimulation). During the different phases of postoperative bioconstruction, the SNS@DBM scaffold realizes simultaneous residual tumor ablation, tumor recurrence prevention, and bone tissue regeneration. These biological effects are verified in the tumor-bearing nude mice of patient-derived tissue xenografts and critical cranium defect rats. Mechanism research prompts moderate heat stimulus generated by and coordinating with SNSs can upregulate osteogenic genes, promote macrophages M2 polarization, and intensify angiogenesis of H-type vessels. This study introduces a versatile approach to the management of tumorous bone defects.

Screening and identification of human monoclonal antibodies against low-calcium response V antigen of Yersinia pestis / 中国人兽共患病学报

To characterize human antibodies against low-calcium response V(LcrV)antigen of Yersinia pestis,the mono-clonal antibodies were screened and assayed.Antibody gene was derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the vaccin-ees immunized by plague subunit vaccine in phase Ⅱb clinical trial.Human ScFv antibody library was constructed by phage dis-play.After panning library by using recombinant LcrV antigen,antibody variable genes were sequenced and converted into IgG1 format to evaluate its binding specificity and relevant parameters.An anti-plague human ScFv antibody library was estab-lished contained 7.54× 108 independent clones.After panning by LcrV antigen,3 human antibodies named as RV-B4,RV-D1 and RV-E8,respectively,were identified.Using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and Western blot(WB),the specific bindings of the mAbs to LcrV antigen were confirmed.The dissociation constant(KD)of them to LcrV is 2.1 nmol/L,1.24 nmol/L and 42 nmol/L,respectively.Minor protective efficacy was found among 3 human antibodies in Y.pestis 141-infected mice.Three anti-LcrV monoclonal antibodies generated from immunized vaccinees were binding specific antibod-ies and could not block plague infection in mice.These antibodies are the potential candidate reagents for basic research of plague immunity and the application of plague diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics of children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in Kunming / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of hospitalized children infected with the Omicron variant in Kunming after the withdrawal of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) and analyze the risk factors of severe cases. Methods: Clinical data was retrospectively collected from 1 145 children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection who were hospitalized in six tertiary grade A hospitals in Kunming from December 10th, 2022 to January 9th, 2023. According to clinical severity, these patients were divided into the general and severe SARS-CoV-2 groups, and their clinical and laboratory data were compared. Between-group comparison was performed using t-test, chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman correlation test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors of severe illness. Results: A total of 1 145 hospitalized patients were included, of whom 677 were male and 468 female. The age of these patients at visit was 1.7 (0.5, 4.1) years. Specifically, there were 758 patients (66.2%) aged ≤3 years at visit and 387 patients (33.8%) aged >3 years. Of these children, 89 cases (7.8%) had underline diseases and the remaining 1 056 cases (92.2%) had no combined diseases. Additionally, of all the patients, 319 cases (27.9%) were vaccinated with one or two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, 748 cases (65.3%) had acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURTI), and six cases died (0.5%). A total of 1 051 cases (91.8%) were grouped into general SARS-CoV-2 group and 94 cases (8.2%) were grouped into severe SARS-CoV-2 group. Compared with the general cases, the severe cases showed a lower rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and younger median age, lower lymphocyte count, as well as proportions of CD8+T lymphocyte (36 cases (38.3%) vs. 283 cases (26.9%), 0.5 (2.6, 8.0) vs. 1.6 (0.5, 3.9) years, 1.3 (1.0, 2.7) ×109 vs. 2.7 (1.3,4.4)×109/L, 0.17 (0.12, 0.24) vs. 0.21 (0.15, 0.16), respectively, χ2=4.88, Z=-2.21,-5.03,-2.53, all P<0.05). On the other hand, the length of hospital stay, proportion of underline diseases, ALT, AST, creatine kinase isoenzyme, and troponin T were higher in the severe group compared to those in the general group ((11.6±5.9) vs. (5.3±1.8) d, 41 cases (43.6%) vs. 48 cases (4.6%), 67 (26,120) vs. 20 (15, 32) U/L, 51 (33, 123) vs. 44 (34, 58) U/L、56.9 (23.0, 219.3) vs. 3.6 (1.9, 17.9) U/L, 12.0 (4.9, 56.5) vs. 3.0 (3.0, 7.0) ×10-3 pg/L,respectively, t=-20.43, χ2=183.52, Z=-9.14,-3.12,-6.38,-3.81, all P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that increased leukocyte count (OR=1.88, 95%CI 1.18-2.97, P<0.01), CRP (OR=1.18, 95%CI 1.06-1.31, P<0.01), ferritin (OR=1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.00, P<0.01), interleukin (IL)-6 (OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.08, P=0.012), D-dimer (OR=2.56, 95%CI 1.44-4.56, P<0.01) and decreased CD4+T lymphocyte (OR=0.84, 95%CI 0.73-0.98, P=0.030) were independently associated with the risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 in hospitalized children with Omicron infection. Conclusions: After the withdrawal of NPI, the pediatric inpatients with Omicron infection in Kunming were predominantly children younger than 3 years of age, and mainly manifested as AURTI with relatively low rate of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. Elevated leukocyte counts, CRP, ferritin, IL-6, D-dimer, and decreased CD4+T lymphocytes are significant risk factors for developing severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Application of bridging study design in preventive vaccine clinical trials / 中华预防医学杂志

Bridging study in vaccine clinical trials means a series of small-scale additional tests on the basis that the original safety and effectiveness of a vaccine have been confirmed in clinical trials, to prove that the characteristics of safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of a vaccine are similar or consistent after component, population and immunization procedure change to other types which can extrapolate data from existing clinical trials. Compared with traditional vaccine clinical trials, bridging trials can promote the approval of vaccines to the market, accelerate the expansion of vaccine application, and promote the use of vaccines across regions and populations. In recent years, the application of bridge study design in vaccine clinical research has become more and more common. In order to better guide and promote the application of bridging trial design in the field of vaccine clinical research, we reviewed the design characteristics and application examples of bridging study design in vaccine clinical trials, and systematically elaborated the design ideas, key points and statistical evaluation methods of bridging study.

Application of supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap for reconstruction after removal of tumors in parotid and auricle area / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap (SIF) for repairing the defect of parotid or auricle regions after tumor resection. Methods: From February 2019 to June 2021, 12 patients (11 males and 1 female, aged 54-77 years old), of whom 4 with parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma and 8 with auricular basal cell carcinoma underwent reconstruction surgery for postoperative defects in the parotid gland area and auricular area with SIF in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Size of the SIF, time for harvesting SIF, neck lymph node dissection and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The flap areas were (6-9) cm × (8-13) cm, and the harvesting time for SIF ranged from 40 to 80 min, averaging 51.7 min. The donor sites were directly closed. All patients underwent ipsilateral levels Ⅰ-Ⅲ neck dissection, with 4 cases undergoing additional level Ⅳ neck dissection and 2 cases undergoing level Ⅳ-Ⅴ neck dissection. Of the 12 SIF, 10 were completely survival and 2 had flap arterial crisis with partial flap necrosis, in addition, 1 had donor site wound dehiscence. With follow-up of 10-42 months, there were no tumor recurrences in 10 patients, 1 patient was lost to follow-up at 10 months postoperatively, and 1 patient experienced local tumor recurrence at 11 months after surgery and died 15 months later. Conclusion: SIF is an easily harvested flap with good skin features matching the skin in parotid and auricle regions and less damage to donor site, and this flap has no need for microvascular anastomosis technique. SIF is feasible and effective for repairing defects in parotid and auricle area.

Application of bridging study design in preventive vaccine clinical trials / 中华预防医学杂志

Bridging study in vaccine clinical trials means a series of small-scale additional tests on the basis that the original safety and effectiveness of a vaccine have been confirmed in clinical trials, to prove that the characteristics of safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of a vaccine are similar or consistent after component, population and immunization procedure change to other types which can extrapolate data from existing clinical trials. Compared with traditional vaccine clinical trials, bridging trials can promote the approval of vaccines to the market, accelerate the expansion of vaccine application, and promote the use of vaccines across regions and populations. In recent years, the application of bridge study design in vaccine clinical research has become more and more common. In order to better guide and promote the application of bridging trial design in the field of vaccine clinical research, we reviewed the design characteristics and application examples of bridging study design in vaccine clinical trials, and systematically elaborated the design ideas, key points and statistical evaluation methods of bridging study.

The effects of metabolic indicators and immune biomarkers on pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion: a retrospective study.

Background: The etiology of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains elusive despite specific investigations affirming the association between RSA and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI). This study explores the immunological and metabolic profiles of RSA patients exhibiting positive thyroid antibodies and their connection with the rates of first-trimester miscarriage and live births. The aim is to provide further guidance for clinical interventions. Methods: A retrospective analysis included 478 women with RSA. Thyroid profile, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in all participants. The clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of RSA women were compared between thyroid autoimmunity (TAI)-positive and TAI-negative patients. Significant factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and risk prediction models were explored in TAI-positive patients. Correlation analysis was used to identify specific metabolic or immune biomarkers associated with thyroid autoantibodies. Results: The prevalence of TAI was 18.6%. Compared with women without TAI, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration of TAI-positive RSA was significantly higher (2.80 ± 2.98 vs 1.89 ± 1.17, p=0.006). After 28 weeks, the live birth rate of the TAI-positive group was lower than that of the TAI-negative group, with statistical significance (p<0.05). The immune biomarkers that differed between RSA women with live births and those with first-trimester miscarriages were complement C4 and interleukin-6, respectively, in TAI-negative and TAI-positive women. Then, a risk prediction model for first-trimester miscarriage was constructed for TAI-positive women with an AUC of 0.81. Finally, some factors related to thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) levels were explored, and it was found that TPO-Ab levels were positively correlated with free thyroxine and negatively correlated with 25 hydroxyvitamin D, interleukin-4, and fasting blood glucose in RSA patients. Conclusion: TAI-positive RSA patients have higher first-trimester miscarriage rates and a lower live birth rate, which may be related to metabolic immune shifts in TAI-positive RSA patients.

Antibody Persistence and Safety through 6 Months after Heterologous Orally Aerosolised Ad5-nCoV in individuals primed with two-dose CoronaVac previously

BackgroundHeterologous orally administered adenovirus type-5 vector-based COVID-19 vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) in individuals who were primed with two-dose CoronaVac (an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, by Sinovac) previously, has been reported to be safe and highly immunogenic within 28 days post-boosting. However, antibody persistence and safety up to 6 months of this regimen are not been reported yet. MethodsThis is a randomized, open label, single-center trial on safety and immunogenicity of heterologous boost immunization with an orally administered aerosolised Ad5-nCoV vs. homologous boost immunization with CoronaVac after two-dose priming with CoronaVac in Chinese adults aged 18 years and older (NCT05043259). We followed the participants in this trial, including 140 in the low-dose aerosolised Ad5-nCoV group, 139 in the high-dose aerosolised Ad5-nCoV group, and 140 in the CoronaVac group for 6 months. Neutralising antibodies (NAbs) against live wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus and omicron variant, and receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG antibodies were detected in serum samples collected at 28 days, 3 months, and 6 months after the booster dose. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were documented till month 6. ResultsThe low-dose and high-dose heterologous boost immunisation groups had NAb GMTs against live wild-type SARS-CoV-2 of 1937.3 [95% CI 1466.9, 2558.4] and 1350.8 [95% CI 952.6, 1915.3], which were 26.4 folds and 18.4 folds higher than that the CoronaVac group did (73.5 [95% CI 52.3, 103.3]) at 28 days. The low-dose and high-dose heterologous boost immunisation groups had NAb GMTs against live wild-type SARS-CoV-2 of 530.1 (95% CI 412.5, 681.1) and 457.6 (95%CI 349.4, 599.2), which were 26.0 folds and 22.4 folds higher than that the CoronaVac group did (20.4 [95%CI 14.3, 29.1]) at 3 months, respectively. At 6 months, the low-dose and high-dose heterologous booster groups had NAb GMTs against live wild-type SARS-CoV-2 of 312.9 (95% CI 237.7, 411.8) and 251.1 (95% CI 178.2, 354.0), which were 30.1 folds and 24.1 folds higher than the CoronaVac group did (10.4 [95% CI 7.8, 14.0]), respectively. Additionally, the low-dose and high-dose heterologous booster groups had NAb GMTs against live omicron variant of 52.0 (95% CI 37.2, 72.6) and 23.1 (95% CI 15.7, 33.9) at 28 days, 27.9 (95% CI 18.8, 41.3) and 23.3 (95% CI 16.2, 33.3) at 3 months, 16.0 (95% CI 10.9, 23.5) and 12.0 (95% CI 8.5, 16.8) at 6 months, respectively. However, nearly all participants had no detectable NAbs for omicron variant in the CoronaVac group at either 28 days, 3 months, or 6 months. No vaccine-related SAEs were observed. ConclusionsThese data suggested that heterologous aerosolised Ad5-nCoV following two-dose CoronaVac priming was safe and persistently more immunogenic than three-dose CoronaVac, although immune responses waned over time.

The preliminary safety and immunogenicity results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I trial for a recombinant two-component subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ReCOV

BackgroundThe ReCOV is a recombinant trimeric two-component SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine adjuvanted with BFA03. We report the preliminary safety and immunogenicity results for the ReCOV. MethodsThis first in human, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I study, was conducted at 2 study sites in New Zealand. Subjects were stratified into two age cohorts (18-55 years and 56-80 years old) and then randomly assigned in a 4:1 ratio to receive two 0.5 mL intramuscular doses of the ReCOV vaccine (20{micro}g or 40{micro}g, adjuvanted with BFA03 in each) or placebo, 21 days apart. The primary endpoints were incidence of solicited local and systemic adverse events (AEs) and unsolicited AEs after each dose; incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) up to 30 days after the second dose; changes in clinical laboratory tests from baseline up to 7 days after each dose; and changes in vital signs from baseline up to 30 days after the second dose. The key secondary endpoints for immunogenicity were neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2, S1 receptor binding domain (RBD) and N-terminal domain (NTD) IgG titers post-vaccination. The T cell-specific immune response elicited by ReCOV were also evaluated. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04818801). FindingsOne hundred participants (50 for each age group) were randomized. The incidence of solicited local AEs in 20g ReCOV, 40g ReCOV, and pooled placebo group among younger adults were 60.0%, 70.0%, and 10.0%, respectively, while among older adults were 55.0%, 84.2%, and 10.0%, respectively. The incidence of solicited systemic AEs in 20g ReCOV, 40g ReCOV, and pooled placebo group among younger adults were 60.0%, 60.0%, and 30.0%, respectively, while among older adults were 50.0%, 52.6%, and 50.0%, respectively. All solicited AEs and unsolicited AEs were mild. No vaccination-related SAE, adverse events of special interest, and AE leading to early discontinuation were reported. ReCOV elicited SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody after the first vaccination, which were increased further after the second vaccination irrespective of dose and age groups. The neutralizing antibody against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 peaked at 14 days post the second vaccination in both 20{micro}g and 40{micro}g ReCOV groups, with GMT of 1643.17 IU/mL and 1289.21 IU/mL among younger adults, and 1122.32 IU/mL and 680.31 IU/mL among older adults, respectively. Similarly, both anti-RBD and anti-NTD specific IgG were elicited after the first vaccination, and peaked at 14 days after the second vaccination. T helper 1 biased cellular responses were observed after ReCOV vaccinations. InterpretationBoth 20 and 40{micro}g ReCOV showed good safety profiles and elicited strong immune responses in the younger and the older adults. The results of this study support the accelerated development of ReCOV. FundingJiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd.

Promoting gaze toward the eyes of emotional faces in individuals with high autistic traits using group cognitive behavioral therapy: An eye-tracking study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with subclinical autistic traits exhibit a pattern of eye avoidance similar to that of typical autism. Our study aimed to test the efficacy of group cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) in promoting gaze toward the eye area of facial expressions, specifically orienting to emotional faces, in individuals with high autistic traits (high AT). METHODS: Twenty-six high AT individuals and 30 low AT individuals participated. High AT individuals were assigned to eight sessions of G-CBT intervention. Eye-tracking measurements were acquired before and after treatment. RESULTS: We observed the following: (a) the eye avoidance in high AT individuals was prominent for all facial expressions in relative to low AT individuals; (b) G-CBT primarily improved gaze toward the eyes of happy and fearful faces but not for neutral face expressions in high AT individuals; (c) after 8 sessions of G-CBT, the fixation time on the eyes of emotional faces improved significantly. For happy faces, the fixation time on the eyes of faces was markedly increased in epochs between 500 ms and 1000 ms after the face onset; for fearful faces, the improvement in participants existed between about 1000 ms and 1500 ms after the face appeared. LIMITATION: Our results may not be generalized to other patients with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that G-CBT significantly promotes gaze toward the eyes of emotional faces in high AT individuals. These results are encouraging, and suggest that the emotional face processing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might stand to benefit from similar psychotherapeutic treatment.

Safety and immunogenicity of heterologous boost immunization with an adenovirus type-5-vectored and protein-subunit-based COVID-19 vaccine (Convidecia/ZF2001): a randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundHeterologous boost vaccination has been proposed as an option to elicit stronger and broader, or longer-lasting immunity. We assessed the safety and immunogenicity of heterologous immunization with a recombinant adenovirus type-5-vectored COVID-19 vaccine (Convidecia) and a protein-subunit-based COVID-19 vaccine (ZF2001). Methods and FindingsWe did a randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults previously received one dose of Convidecia. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either ZF2001 (vaccine group) or a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) (placebo group) at either 28-day or 56-day intervals. For both regimens, all participants received the 2nd injection with ZF2001 at 4 months after a dose of ZF2001 or TIV, with three-dose schedules of Convidecia/Convidecia/ZF2001 at day 0, day 28 and month 5 (referred to as CV/ZF/ZF (D0-D28-M5)) and CV/ZF/ZF (D0-D56-M6), and two-dose schedules of CV/ZF (D0-M5) and CV/ZF (D0-M6). The primary outcome was the geometric mean titer (GMT) of the neutralizing antibodies against live SARS-CoV-2 virus 14 days after each boost vaccination. The safety outcome was 7-day reactogenicity, measured as solicited local or systemic adverse reactions after each vaccination. Between April 7, 2021, and May 6, 2021, 120 participants were enrolled, among whom 60 were randomly assigned to receive ZF2001 (n=40) or TIV (n=20) at a 28-day interval, and 60 were randomly assigned to receive ZF2001 (n=40) or TIV (n=20) at a 56-day interval. 113 (94.2%) participants received the 2nd injection with ZF2001 4 months after a dose of ZF2001 or TIV. A total of 26 participants (21.7%) reported solicited adverse events within 7 days post boost vaccinations, and all the reported adverse reactions were mild. Among participants receiving ZF001 as second dose, the GMTs of neutralizing antibodies increased to 58.4 IU/ml (42.8-79.8) in 0-28 regimen, and to 80.8 IU/ml (53.1-122.9) in 0-56 regimen at 14 days post first boost dose. The GMTs of neutralizing antibodies increased to 334.9 IU/ml (95% CI 230.4, 486.9) in C/Z/Z (D0-D28-M5) regimen, and 441.2 IU/ml (260.8, 746.4) in C/Z/Z (D0-D56-M6) regimen at 14 days after the third dose. Two-dose schedules of CV/ZF (D0-M5) and CV/ZF (D0-M6) induced comparable antibody level comparable with that elicited by three-dose schedules, with the GMTs of 282.9 IU/ml (142.5, 561.8) and 293.9 IU/ml (137.6, 627.9), respectively. Study limitations include the absence of vaccine effectiveness in real-world, and current lack of immune persistence data and the neutralizing antibodies to Omicron. ConclusionsHeterologous boosting with ZF001 following primary vaccination of Convidecia is safe and more immunogenic than a single dose of Convidecia. These results support flexibility in cooperating viral vectored vaccines and recombinant protein vaccine. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrial.gov NCT04833101

Impact of group cognitive behavioral therapy counseling on cognitive control among college students with high obsessive compulsive traits / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the effect of group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) on cognitive control among college students with high obsessive compulsive traits, to provide basic information for the psychological counseling intervention for college students.@*Methods@#From March to April 2019, 687 students were conveniently selected from 2 universities in Hefei. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 students with high obsessive traits were selected and divided into experimental group ( n =29) and control group ( n =29) by random number table method. The experimental group received cognitive behavioral group counseling for 4 weeks (1.5 h each time, twice a week), while the control group receive no intervention. The Obsessive Compulsive Inventory Revised (OCI-R), Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Digital Span Test (DST), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WSCT) were used to assess in two groups at baseline and 4 weeks later.@*Results@#After 4 weeks, the scores of OCI-R in the GCBT group (10.28±7.22) was lower than that of in the control group (15.90±10.20) ( t=2.42, P<0.05). Before and after intervention, compared with the control group [(21.89±6.63, 20.52±7.37)s, (8.62±4.43, 8.04±4.84)s] in Stroop C and Stroop interfere effects (SIE), the GCBT group [(22.14±4.92, 16.81±3.43)s, (8.36±3.87, 4.82±1.86)s], the interaction of time group was statistically significant ( F =14.60, 10.54, P <0.05). Compared with the control group (6.21±1.35, 6.55±1.45)times, the scores of DST reverse in the GCBT group (6.31±1.44, 7.24±1.38) times were statistically significant ( F=3.96, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#It suggests that cognitive behavioral group counseling can improve the inhibitory control and working memory of college students with high obsessive compulsive traits, but does not change the cognitive flexibility.

A trimeric NTD and RBD SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine induced protective immunity in CAG-hACE2 transgenic mice and rhesus macaques

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to significant public health, economic and social problems. Development of effective vaccines is still a priority to contain the virus and end the global pandemic. In this study, we reported that ReCOV, a recombinant trimeric NTD and RBD two-component SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine adjuvanted with BFA03 (an AS03-like squalene adjuvant), induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and the circulating variants in mice, rabbits and rhesus macaques. Notably, two-dose immunizations of ReCOV provided complete protection against challenge with SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2 transgenic mice and rhesus macaques, without observable antibody-dependent enhancement of infection. These results support further clinical development of ReCOV and the vaccine is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial in New Zealand (NCT04818801).

Convenient synthesis of zwitterionic calcium(II)-carboxylate metal organic frameworks with efficient activities for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Calcium supplementation is effective in alleviating the process of osteoporosis and the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures for people with long-term calcium deficiency. Herein, five water-stable calcium carboxylate compounds, that is, mononuclear coordination compound [Ca(Cbdcp)(H2O)6]·0.5H2O (1, H3CbdcpBr = N-(4-carboxybenzyl)-(3,5-dicarboxyl)pyridinium bromide), and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) {[Ca3(Dcbdcp)2(H2O)12]·2H2O}n (2, H4DcbdcpBr = N-(3,5-dicarboxybenzyl)-(3,5-dicarboxyl)pyridinium bromide), {[Ca(Cmdcp)(H2O)4]·3H2O}n (3, H3CmdcpBr = N-carboxymethyl-(3,5-dicarboxyl)pyridinium bromide), {[Ca(Cdcbp)]·2H2O}n (4, H3CdcbpBr = 3-carboxyl-(3,5-dicarboxybenzyl)-pyridinium bromide) and {[Ca0.5(Cmcp)]·2H2O}n (5, H2CmcpBr = N-carboxymethyl-(3-carboxyl)pyridinium bromide), were synthesized from the reaction of CaCl2 with five different kinds of zwitterionic carboxylate ligands in the presence of NaOH, respectively. Compounds 1-5 were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analyses, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Compound 1 features a mononuclear structure and MOF 2 with a one-dimensional (1D) structure while MOFs 3 and 5 with 2D layer structures and MOF 4 showing a 3D structure. Compounds 1-5 exhibited good water stability and possessed considerable biocompatibility with primary mice osteoblasts. The in vitro ability of compounds 1-5 in regulating osteoblastic differentiation was studied via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Among these 5 compounds, MOF 4 showed the overall best in vitro osteogenic effects. Then, we administrated MOF 4 intragastrically to bilaterally ovariectomized mice for 8 weeks and found that bone loss caused by ovariectomy (OVX) was significantly alleviated. Besides, MOF 4 administration showed no toxic effects in the main organs of the mice. Altogether, zwitterionic carboxylate ligands-based calcium compounds provide a new strategy for calcium agents development.

Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have both been shown to be effective treatment approaches for anxiety. The purpose of this paper was to directly investigate the ability of MBIs and CBT to improve anxiety symptoms (primary outcome), as well as depression symptoms and sleep quality (second outcome). METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases from 1st December, 2019 to 14th January 2021: English databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Elsevier, Springer Link, Wiley Online Library, ClinicalTrails, and Embase, and Chinese database including CNKI, WANFANG, and CQVIP. The eligibility criteria included the following: (I) patients with anxiety disorders or symptoms of anxiety; and those with physical or mental disorders with comorbid anxiety symptoms; (II) randomized controlled trial (RCT) design; (III) the treatment group received MBIs; (IV) the control group received CBT; and (V) the treatment outcomes were anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. RESULTS: In total, 4,095 abstracts were reviewed. Of these, the full-texts of 45 articles were read in detail; and 11 RCTs were finally included in the analysis. Upon completion of MBIs and CBT group sessions, the study outcomes (mean anxiety, depression, and sleep quality scores) revealed no difference between MBIs and CBT with regards to anxiety, depression, and sleep quality post-intervention. Subgroup analysis was also performed, and the results indicated that MBIs may provide a small advantage for people with anxiety symptoms compared to CBT [standard mean difference (SMD): -0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.66 to -0.06], while the CBT group demonstrated a small comparative advantage for anxiety in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) scales, as well as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in the types of MBIs (LSAS: SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.63; SPIN: SMD: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.92; MBSR: SMD: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.74). DISCUSSION: There was no significant difference between MBIs and CBT in terms of the treatment outcomes of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. MBIs could be used as an alternative intervention to CBT for anxiety symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This meta-analysis was conducted in line with the PRISMA guideline and was registered at PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (CRD42021219822).

Previously unrecognized non-reproducible antibody-antigen interactions and their implications for diagnosis of viral infections including COVID-19

Antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) interactions are canonically described by a model which exclusively accommodates non-interaction (0) or reproducible-interaction (RI) states, yet this model is inadequate to explain often-encountered non-reproducible signals. Here, by monitoring diverse experimental systems and confirmed COVID-19 clinical sera using a peptide microarray, we observed that non-specific interactions (NSI) comprise a substantial proportion of non-reproducible antibody-based results. This enabled our discovery and capacity to reliably identify non-reproducible Ab-Ag interactions (NRI), as well as our development of a powerful explanatory model ("0-RI-NRI-Hook four-state model") that is [mAb]-dependent, regardless of specificity, which ultimately shows that both NSI and NRI are not predictable yet certain-to-happen. In experiments using seven FDA-approved mAb drugs, we demonstrated the use of NSI counts in predicting epitope type. Beyond challenging the centrality of Ab-Ag interaction specificity data in serology and immunology, our discoveries also facilitated the rapid development of a serological test with uniquely informative COVID-19 diagnosis performance.

Immunogenicity and Safety of a SARS-CoV-2 Inactivated Vaccine (KCONVAC) in Healthy Adults: Two Randomized, Double-blind, and Placebo-controlled Phase 1/2 Clinical Trials

BackgroundThe significant morbidity and mortality resulted from the infection of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) call for urgent development of effective and safe vaccines. We report the immunogenicity and safety of a SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine, KCONVAC, in healthy adults. MethodsTwo phase 1 and phase 2 randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trials of KCONVAC were conducted in Chinese healthy adults aged 18 through 59 years. The phase 1 trial was conducted in a manner of dosage escalation. The first 30 participants were randomized in a ratio of 4:1 to receive two doses of either KCONVAC at 5 g per dose or placebo on Day 0 and Day 14, and the second 30 participants were randomized to receive either KCONVAC at 10 g per dose or placebo following the same procedures. The participants in the phase 2 trial were randomized in a ratio of 2:2:1 to receive either KCONVAC at 5 g or 10 g per dose, or placebo on Day 0 and Day 14, or Day 0 and Day 28. In the phase 1 trial, the primary safety endpoint was the proportion of participants experiencing adverse reactions/events within 28 days following each vaccination. Antibody response and cellular response were assayed in the phase 1 trial. In the phase 2 trial, the primary immunogenicity endpoint was the seroconversion and titre of neutralization antibody, and the seroconversion of receptor binding domain (RBD)-IgG 28 days after the second dose. FindingsIn the phase 1 trial, 60 participants were enrolled and received at least one dose of 5-g vaccine (N=24), 10-g vaccine (N=24), or placebo (N=12). In the phase 2 trial, 500 participants were enrolled and received at least one dose of 5-g vaccine (N=100 for 0/14 or 0/28 regimens), 10-g vaccine (N=100 for each regimen), or placebo (N=50 for each regimen). In the phase 1 trial, 13 (54%), 11(46%), and 7 (58%) participants reported at least one adverse event (AE), of whom 10 (42%), 6 (25%), and 6 (50%) participants reported at least one vaccination-related AE after receiving 5-g vaccine, 10-g vaccine, or placebo, respectively. In the phase 2 trial, 16 (16%), 19 (19%), and 9 (18%) participants reported at least one AE, of whom 13 (13%), 17 (17%), and 6 (12%) participants reported at least one vaccination-related AE after receiving 5-g vaccine, 10-g vaccine, or placebo at the regimen of Day 0/14, respectively. Similar results were observed in the three treatment groups of Day 0/28 regimen. All the AEs were grade 1 or 2 in intensity. No AE of grade 3 or more was reported. One SAE (foot fracture) was reported in the phase 1 trial. KCONVAC induced significant antibody response. 87{middle dot}5% (21/24) to 100% (24/24) of participants in the phase 1 trial and 83{middle dot}0% (83/100) to 100% (99/99) of participants in the phase 2 trial seroconverted for neutralising antibody to live virus, neutralising antibody to pseudovirus, and RBD-IgG after receiving two doses. Across the treatment groups in the two trials, the geometric mean titres (GMTs) of neutralising antibody to live virus ranged from 29{middle dot}3 to 49{middle dot}1 at Day 0/14 regimen and from 100{middle dot}2 to 131{middle dot}7 at Day 0/28 regimen, neutralising antibody to pseudovirus ranged from 69{middle dot}4 to 118{middle dot}7 at Day 0/14 regimen and from 153{middle dot}6 to 276{middle dot}6 at Day 0/28 regimen, and RBD-IgG ranged from 605{middle dot}3 to 1169{middle dot}8 at Day 0/14 regimen and from 1496{middle dot}8 to 2485{middle dot}5 at Day 0/28 regimen. RBD-IgG subtyping assay showed that a significant part of RBD-IgG was IgG1. The vaccine induced obvious T-cell response with 56{middle dot}5% (13/23) and 62{middle dot}5% (15/24) of participants in 5-g and 10-g vaccine groups showed positive interferon-{gamma} enzyme-linked immunospot responses 14 days after the second dose in the phase 1 trial, respectively. InterpretationKCONVAC is well tolerated and able to induce robust antibody response and cellular response in adults aged 18 to 59 years, which warrants further evaluation with this vaccine in the upcoming phase 3 efficacy trial. FundingGuandong Emergency Program for Prevention and Control of COVID-19 (2020A1111340002) and Shenzhen Key Research Project for Prevention and Control of COVID-19.

Immunogenicity and safety of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 inactivated vaccine in healthy adults: randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The significant morbidity and mortality resulted from the infection of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) call for urgent development of effective and safe vaccines. We report the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, KCONVAC, in healthy adults.@*METHODS@#Phase 1 and phase 2 randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trials of KCONVAC were conducted in healthy Chinese adults aged 18 to 59 years. The participants in the phase 1 trial were randomized to receive two doses, one each on Days 0 and 14, of either KCONVAC (5 or 10 μg/dose) or placebo. The participants in the phase 2 trial were randomized to receive either KCONVAC (at 5 or 10 μg/dose) or placebo on Days 0 and 14 (0/14 regimen) or Days 0 and 28 (0/28 regimen). In the phase 1 trial, the primary safety endpoint was the proportion of participants experiencing adverse reactions/events within 28 days following the administration of each dose. In the phase 2 trial, the primary immunogenicity endpoints were neutralization antibody seroconversion and titer and anti-receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G seroconversion at 28 days after the second dose.@*RESULTS@#In the phase 1 trial, 60 participants were enrolled and received at least one dose of 5-μg vaccine (n = 24), 10-μg vaccine (n = 24), or placebo (n = 12). In the phase 2 trial, 500 participants were enrolled and received at least one dose of 5-μg vaccine (n = 100 for 0/14 or 0/28 regimens), 10-μg vaccine (n = 100 for each regimen), or placebo (n = 50 for each regimen). In the phase 1 trial, 13 (54%), 11 (46%), and seven (7/12) participants reported at least one adverse event (AE) after receiving 5-, 10-μg vaccine, or placebo, respectively. In the phase 2 trial, 16 (16%), 19 (19%), and nine (18%) 0/14-regimen participants reported at least one AE after receiving 5-, 10-μg vaccine, or placebo, respectively. Similar AE incidences were observed in the three 0/28-regimen treatment groups. No AEs with an intensity of grade 3+ were reported, expect for one vaccine-unrelated serious AE (foot fracture) reported in the phase 1 trial. KCONVAC induced significant antibody responses; 0/28 regimen showed a higher immune responses than that did 0/14 regimen after receiving two vaccine doses.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both doses of KCONVAC are well tolerated and able to induce robust immune responses in healthy adults. These results support testing 5-μg vaccine in the 0/28 regimen in an upcoming phase 3 efficacy trial.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx (No. ChiCTR2000038804, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=62350; No. ChiCTR2000039462, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=63353).

Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines: landscape of global studies and potential risks / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

With the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the importance of vaccines in epidemic prevention and public health has become even more obvious than ever. However, the emergence of multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants worldwide has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we review the characteristics of COVID-19 vaccine candidates in five platforms and the latest clinical trial results of them. In addition, we further discuss future directions for the research and development of the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines. We also summarize the serious adverse events reported recently after the large-scale vaccination with the current COVID-19 vaccines, including the thromboembolism caused by the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Seroprevalence of IgM and IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Asymptomatic People in Wuhan: Data from a General Hospital Near South China Seafood Wholesale Market during March to April in 2020 / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic people in Wuhan. This was a cross-sectional study, which enrolled 18,712 asymptomatic participants from 154 work units in Wuhan. Pearson Chi-square test,