Complete Genome Sequence of Methanofollis formosanus DSM 15483T, Isolated from an Aquaculture Fish Pond.

The hydrogenotrophic strain Methanofollis formosanus DSM 15483T (= ML15T = OCM 798T) was isolated from an aquaculture fish pond near Wang-gong, Taiwan. The genome of strain DSM 15483T was selected for sequencing in order to provide further information about the species delineation and its unique habitat.

Extracellular Vesicles - Advanced Nanocarriers in Cancer Therapy: Progress and Achievements.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a class of cell-derived, lipid bilayer membrane composed vesicles, and some of them such as exosomes and ectosomes have been proven, playing remarkable roles in transmitting intercellular information, and being involved in each property of cell physiological activities. Nowadays, EVs are considered as potential nanocarriers which could partially resolve the problems of current chemotherapy because of their distinctive advantages. As endogenous membrane encompassed vesicles with nanosize, EVs are able to pass through the natural barriers with prolonged circulation time in vivo and have intrinsic cell targeting properties, they are less toxic, and less immunogenic. Recently, studies focusing on EV-based drug delivery system for cancer therapy have exploded dramatically. This review aims to outline the current applications of EVs as potential nanosized drug carriers in cancer therapy. Firstly, the characteristics and biofunctions of each EV subtype are described. Then the variety of therapeutic cargoes, the loading methods, and the targeting strategy of engineered EVs are emphatically introduced. Thereafter the pros and cons of EVs applied as therapeutic carriers, as well as the future prospects in this field, are discussed.

Two Chinese Xia-Gibbs syndrome patients with partial growth hormone deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Heterozygous mutations in the AT-hook DNA-binding motif containing one (AHDC1, OMIM * 615790) gene cause an autosomal dominant multisystem developmental disorder known as Xia-Gibbs syndrome (OMIM #615829). Xia-Gibbs syndrome typically presented with global developmental delay, hypotonia, obstructive sleep apnea, seizures, delayed myelination, micrognathia, and other mild dysmorphic features. METHODS: Description of the clinical materials of two Chinese boys who were diagnosed with Xia-Gibbs syndrome based on clinical presentations and next generation sequencing. Review of clinical features and AHDC1 mutations in previously reported Xia-Gibbs syndrome patients together with our two new patients. RESULTS: The Xia-Gibbs syndrome patients exhibited short stature, hypotonia, global developmental delay, speech delay, simian crease, and mild dysmorphic features. Next generation sequencing revealed de novo heterozygous variants in AHDC1 gene. In addition, laboratory test revealed partial growth hormone deficiency. Both patients underwent growth hormone replacement therapy for 24 and 9 months, respectively, and exhibited good response to the treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of Xia-Gibbs syndrome patients to be treated with growth hormone. Review of previously reported Xia-Gibbs syndrome patient indicated that short stature is a frequent feature of this condition, but its underlying cause needs to be further investigated.

Intranasal immunization with liposome-encapsulated plasmid DNA encoding influenza virus hemagglutinin elicits mucosal, cellular and humoral immune responses.

BACKGROUND: Influenza viral infections are a significant global public health concern due to the morbidity and mortality associated with acute respiratory disease, associated secondary complications and pandemic threat. Currently, the most effective preventative measure is an annual intramuscular (i.m.) injection of a trivalent vaccine. Intramuscular immunization induces strong systemic humoral responses but not mucosal immune responses which are important in the first line of defense against influenza. OBJECTIVES: A plasmid encoding influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) hemagglutinin (HA; pCI-HA10) was evaluated with respect to the mucosal, cellular and humoral immune responses generated and to its efficacy in protection against a challenge with a lethal dose of influenza. STUDY DESIGN: BALB/c mice were immunized with pCI-HA10 DNA or liposome-encapsulated pCI-HA10 by either an intranasal (i.n.) or i.m. route. Sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected at various times and evaluated for HA-specific IgG and IgA antibodies and T cells, isolated from draining lymph nodes and spleens, were analyzed for their proliferative ability. Immunized mice were challenged with a lethal dose (5LD(50)) of influenza and monitored for survival. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal immunization with liposome-encapsulated pCI-HA10 stimulated both IgG and IgA humoral responses and increased IgA titers in BAL fluid, whereas immunization with naked pCI-HA10 had no effect on the antibody response. Intramuscular immunization with both naked and liposome-encapsulated pCI-HA10 elevated serum IgG levels, but had no effect on IgA levels in either the serum or BAL fluid. Both i.n. and i.m. administration of HA vaccine (naked and liposome-encapsulated) elicited T cell proliferative responses. These results suggest that i.n. administration of liposome-encapsulated HA-encoding DNA is effective at eliciting mucosal, cellular and humoral immune responses. Mice immunized i.n. were able to withstand a lethal challenge of influenza virus, confirming that the immune responses mediated by the vaccine were protective.