Estimating the health effects of COVID-19-related immunisation disruptions in 112 countries during 2020-30: a modelling study.

BACKGROUND: There have been declines in global immunisation coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery has begun but is geographically variable. This disruption has led to under-immunised cohorts and interrupted progress in reducing vaccine-preventable disease burden. There have, so far, been few studies of the effects of coverage disruption on vaccine effects. We aimed to quantify the effects of vaccine-coverage disruption on routine and campaign immunisation services, identify cohorts and regions that could particularly benefit from catch-up activities, and establish if losses in effect could be recovered. METHODS: For this modelling study, we used modelling groups from the Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium from 112 low-income and middle-income countries to estimate vaccine effect for 14 pathogens. One set of modelling estimates used vaccine-coverage data from 1937 to 2021 for a subset of vaccine-preventable, outbreak-prone or priority diseases (ie, measles, rubella, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus [HPV], meningitis A, and yellow fever) to examine mitigation measures, hereafter referred to as recovery runs. The second set of estimates were conducted with vaccine-coverage data from 1937 to 2020, used to calculate effect ratios (ie, the burden averted per dose) for all 14 included vaccines and diseases, hereafter referred to as full runs. Both runs were modelled from Jan 1, 2000, to Dec 31, 2100. Countries were included if they were in the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance portfolio; had notable burden; or had notable strategic vaccination activities. These countries represented the majority of global vaccine-preventable disease burden. Vaccine coverage was informed by historical estimates from WHO-UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage and the immunisation repository of WHO for data up to and including 2021. From 2022 onwards, we estimated coverage on the basis of guidance about campaign frequency, non-linear assumptions about the recovery of routine immunisation to pre-disruption magnitude, and 2030 endpoints informed by the WHO Immunization Agenda 2030 aims and expert consultation. We examined three main scenarios: no disruption, baseline recovery, and baseline recovery and catch-up. FINDINGS: We estimated that disruption to measles, rubella, HPV, hepatitis B, meningitis A, and yellow fever vaccination could lead to 49 119 additional deaths (95% credible interval [CrI] 17 248-134 941) during calendar years 2020-30, largely due to measles. For years of vaccination 2020-30 for all 14 pathogens, disruption could lead to a 2·66% (95% CrI 2·52-2·81) reduction in long-term effect from 37 378 194 deaths averted (34 450 249-40 241 202) to 36 410 559 deaths averted (33 515 397-39 241 799). We estimated that catch-up activities could avert 78·9% (40·4-151·4) of excess deaths between calendar years 2023 and 2030 (ie, 18 900 [7037-60 223] of 25 356 [9859-75 073]). INTERPRETATION: Our results highlight the importance of the timing of catch-up activities, considering estimated burden to improve vaccine coverage in affected cohorts. We estimated that mitigation measures for measles and yellow fever were particularly effective at reducing excess burden in the short term. Additionally, the high long-term effect of HPV vaccine as an important cervical-cancer prevention tool warrants continued immunisation efforts after disruption. FUNDING: The Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium, funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. TRANSLATIONS: For the Arabic, Chinese, French, Portguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the IFI6 Gene as a Prognostic Indicator and Therapeutic Target in Esophageal Cancer.

The role of the IFI6 gene has been described in several cancers, but its involvement in esophageal cancer (ESCA) remains unclear. This study aimed to identify novel prognostic indicators for ESCA-targeted therapy by investigating IFI6's expression, epigenetic mechanisms, and signaling activities. We utilized public data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to analyze IFI6's expression, clinical characteristics, gene function, pathways, and correlation with different immune cells in ESCA. The TIMER2.0 database was employed to assess the pan-cancer expression of IFI6, while UALCAN was used to examine its expression across tumor stages and histology subtypes. Additionally, the KEGG database helped identify related pathways. Our findings revealed 95 genes positively correlated and 15 genes negatively correlated with IFI6 in ESCA. IFI6 was over-expressed in ESCA and other cancers, impacting patient survival and showing higher expression in tumor tissues than normal tissues. IFI6 was also correlated with CD4+ T cells and B cell receptors (BCRs), both essential in immune response. GO Biological Process (GO BP) enrichment analysis indicated that IFI6 was primarily associated with the Type I interferon signaling pathway and the defense response to viruses. Intriguingly, KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that IFI6 and its positively correlated genes in ESCA were mostly linked to the Cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, which plays a crucial role in innate immunity and viral defense, and the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway, which detects viral infections and activates immune responses. Pathways related to various viral infections were also identified. It is important to note that our study relied on online databases. Given that ESCA consists of two distinct subgroups (ESCC and EAC), most databases combine them into a single category. Future research should focus on evaluating IFI6 expression and its impact on each subgroup to gain more specific insights. In conclusion, inhibiting IFI6 using targeted therapy could be an effective strategy for treating ESCA considering its potential as a biomarker and correlation with immune cell factors.

KTt-45, a T-type calcium channel blocker, acts as an anticancer agent by inducing apoptosis on HeLa cervical cancer cell line.

The abnormal expression in the T-type calcium channels is involved in various cancer types, thus inhibiting T-type calcium channels is one of approaches in cancer treatment. The fact that KTt-45 acted as a T-type calcium channel inhibitor as well as a pain-relief agent prompts us to address if KTt-45 plays any role against cancer cells. The results showed that KTt-45 caused cytotoxic effects towards HeLa cervical, Raji lymphoma, MCF-7 breast cancer, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 100 µM, in which highly selective toxicity was against HeLa cells (IC50 = 37.4 µM, SI > 3.2). Strikingly, the KTt-45 induced an accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles after 48 h treatment and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis activation as evidenced by morphological features, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and significant activation of caspase-9 as well as caspase-3. In conclusion, KTt-45 could inhibit cell growth and trigger mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells. The results, taken together, strongly demonstrated that KTt-45 is a potential agent for further study on anticancer drug development which not only targets cancer cells but also helps to relieve neuropathic pain in cancer patients.

Novel trans-caffeate hydrazide derivatives: synthesis, inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and molecular docking studies.

Eight new caffeyl hydrazide derivatives (4a-4h) were synthesised via a convenient esterification of caffeic acid with some substituted aryl acid hydrazides. The synthesised caffeyl derivatives were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages. The fluorobenzoylhydrazide derivatives 4f, 4 g and 4h were found to be the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds with IC50 values ranging from 11.90 to 24.17 µM, which were more potent than the reference compound L-NMMA (IC50 32.8 µM). Additionally, synthesised compounds have been rationalised by using molecular docking studies which were performed in order to understand insights on the action mechanism of newly synthesised inhibitors against inflammatory mediator (iNOS). Obtained data indicate that compounds 4f, 4h, 4a and 4 g were observed to effectively bind to iNOS receptor with dock score values of -11.62, -10.81, -10.78 and -10.51 kcal/mol, respectively.

Cytotoxicity, anti-diabeticity, and phytocomposition investigation of Vietnamese Euphorbia tithymaloides Linn. (Euphorbiaceae).

In this study, the aerial parts of mature Vietnamese Euphorbia tithymaloides plants were put through cytotoxic, anti-diabetic, and phytocompositional evaluations. Specifically, four extracts (petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (Me), and aqueous (W)) were prepared by maceration at room temperature. All extracts, together with some isolated compounds, were investigated for cytotoxicity against some human normal and cancer cell lines (fibroblasts, HeLa, NCI-H460, HepG2, MCF-7, and Jurkat) using the standardized modified sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Additionally, the anti-diabetic activity of extracts and compounds was evaluated via their α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity. The obtained results indicated that Vietnamese E. tithymaloides extracts exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity, among which the PE extract possessed the highest values, on the NCI-H460 cell line. Second, the aqueous extract was revealed to possess very high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 113.75 ± 14.02 µg ml-1). From the PE extract, three new jatrophane diterpenoids (named tithymal A, tithymal B, and tithymal C) and two known ones were isolated and structurally elucidated using NMR and MS spectroscopies. Noticeably, tithymal A exhibited significantly high inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC50 = 10.71 ± 0.52 µg ml-1). These observations have significantly highlighted the medicinal potential of Vietnamese E. tithymaloides and expanded its scientific fascination.

The Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars.

Introduction: Different therapies have been applied to keloids and hypertrophic scars. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has recently been used but the evidence is limited. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IPL as monotherapy for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Methods: This was a before-and-after interventional study on 16 patients with 50 scars who underwent IPL. Seven scars receive one IPL session, seven received two sessions, and 36 received three sessions. Outcomes were evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), scar ultrasound, colorimeter for pigmentation and erythema, and side effects. Results: After the treatment, most outcomes significantly improved except that the pigmentation of the scars did not change. Scar thickness significantly reduced by nearly 10% after the first IPL session, 15% after the second session, and>20% after the third session. All side effects were mild with crust (33.3-46%), blisters (8.3-40%), and hyperpigmentation around the scar (0-14%); the pain was moderate as assessed by the patients. Conclusion: IPL is a safe and effective treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars. More studies are required to confirm our results.

Assessing water quality in the Dong Nai River (Vietnam): implications for sustainable management and pollution control.

Dong Nai River provides essential water resources for millions of people across 11 provinces and cities in Vietnam. However, the different pollution sources such as household, farming, and industrial operations have caused the river water quality to deteriorate over the past decade. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the river's surface water quality, this study employed the water quality index (WQI) across 12 different sampling sites. In total,144 water samples with 11 parameters were analyzed in accordance with the Vietnamese standard 08:2015/MONRE. Results revealed a range of surface water quality, from poor to good according to the VN-WQI (Vietnamese standard), and a medium even bad level in some months according to the NS-WQI (American standard). The study also identified temperature, coliform, and dissolved oxygen (DO) as strong contributors to WQI values (VN_WQI standard). Principal component analysis/factor analysis was used to determine pollution sources, with the results highlighting agricultural and domestic activities as the main contributors to river pollution. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of effective planning and management of infrastructure zoning and local activities to improve the river's surface water quality and surrounding areas, as well as safeguard the well-being of the millions who depend on it.

Plastic waste in sandy beaches and surface water in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam: abundance, characterization, and sources.

The occurrence and characterization of marine debris on beaches bring opportunities to track back the anthropogenic activities around shorelines as well as aid in waste management and control. In this study, the three largest beaches in Thanh Hoa (Vietnam) were examined for plastic waste, including macroplastics (≥ 5 mm) on sandy beaches and microplastics (MPs) (< 5 mm) in surface water. Among 3803 items collected on the beaches, plastic waste accounted for more than 98%. The majority of the plastic wastes found on these beaches were derived from fishing boats and food preservation foam packaging. The FT-IR data indicated that the macroplastics comprised 77% polystyrene, 17% polypropylene, and 6% high-density polyethylene, while MPs discovered in surface water included other forms of plastics such as polyethylene- acrylate, styrene/butadiene rubber gasket, ethylene/propylene copolymer, and zein purified. FT-IR data demonstrated that MPs might also be originated from automobile tire wear, the air, and skincare products, besides being degraded from macroplastics. The highest abundance of MPs was 44.1 items/m3 at Hai Tien beach, while the lowest was 15.5 items/m3 at Sam Son beach. The results showed that fragment form was the most frequent MP shape, accounting for 61.4 ± 14.3% of total MPs. MPs with a diameter smaller than 500 µm accounted for 70.2 ± 7.6% of all MPs. According to our research, MPs were transformed, transported, and accumulated due to anthropogenic activities and environmental processes. This study provided a comprehensive knowledge of plastic waste, essential in devising long-term development strategies in these locations.

Sesquiterpenoids from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray induce apoptosis and inhibit the cell cycle progression of acute myeloid leukemia cells.

Three sesquiterpene lactones (1-3) were isolated from the aerial part of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray grown in the Hoa Binh province in Viet Nam. The structures of these three sesquiterpene lactones were identified as tagitinin A (1), 1ß-hydroxytirotundin 3-O-methyl ether (2), and tagitinin C (3) by analyzing spectroscopic data. For the first time, compound 2 was isolated from T. diversifolia growing in Viet Nam. Furthermore, contrary to existing literature, we determined that compound 1 was the major isolate. Compounds 1 and 3 significantly decreased numbers of acute myeloid leukemia OCI-AML3 cells by promoting apoptosis and causing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase at concentrations as low as 2.5 µg/mL (compound 1) and 0.25 µg/mL (compound 3). Additionally, all three compounds showed cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines (A549, T24, Huh-7, 8505, and SNU-1), with IC50 values ranging from 1.32 ± 0.14 to 46.34 ± 2.74 µM. Overall, our findings suggest that compounds 1 and 3 may be potential anti-cancer therapeutics and thus warrant further study.

Impact of different ultrasound-assisted processes for preparation of collagen hydrolysates from Asian bullfrog skin on characteristics and antioxidative properties.

This study focused on impact of ultrasound-assisted process (UAP) at pre-treatment (UP) and simultaneous treatment (US) during papain hydrolysis for preparing collagen hydrolysate (CH) from Asian bullfrog skin. Ultrasonication times were varied (10, 20, 30 min), and CH prepared using papain hydrolysis without UAP was used as control. Different UAPs provided CH with various hydroxyproline contents, α-amino group contents, surface hydrophobicities, and antioxidative activities. UP at 20 min (UP-20) and US at 30 min (US-30) provided highly antioxidative CHs, which were selected for further studies on their Oxygen reactive absorbance capacity (ORAC) and molecular characteristics. CHs from UP-20 and US-30 had higher ORAC than that of control group (p ≤ 0.05). Slight difference in amino acid composition was detected between samples. Based on these results, molecular characteristic styles, molecular weight profile, antioxidative peptide content, and secondary structure of each sample were obtained. These results indicate that UP and US used varied enzymatic hydrolysis patterns and modified molecular conformation of CH, resulting in enhanced antioxidative activity. Therefore, different UAPs as UP and US could be effectively used in preparation of CH using papain hydrolysis from Asian bullfrog skin, which could improve production process efficiency by enhancing their bioactivity, particularly antioxidative activity.

Quality Characterization of Different Parts of Broiler and Ligor Hybrid Chickens.

The quality characterization of different parts of male and female Ligor hybrid chickens was investigated and compared with those of commercial broiler. Genotypes, muscle types, and sex had effects on the composition, physicochemical, and textural properties of chicken samples. Ligor hybrid chicken contained higher percentages of protein, moisture, ash, and collagen content but lower fat content than those of commercial broiler (p < 0.05), except in the case of breast, where no significant difference in moisture and ash was observed (p ≥ 0.05). The pH in breast meat of both chickens was lower than that of thigh meat. The color (L*, a*, and b*) values of male and female chickens were not significantly different, except for the L* value of broiler chicken, which was higher in female chickens than in male chickens. Higher cooking loss and shear force were found in male Ligor hybrid chicken. A similar protein pattern was observed for the protein from the same muscle type, irrespective of sex and genotype tested. It was observed that Ligor hybrid chicken contained higher glutamic acid and aspartic acid than commercial broilers. Therefore, Ligor hybrid chicken is a promising new source of nutrition, which can be beneficial for consumers.

Age-seroprevalence curves for the multi-strain structure of influenza A virus.

The relationship between age and seroprevalence can be used to estimate the annual attack rate of an infectious disease. For pathogens with multiple serologically distinct strains, there is a need to describe composite exposure to an antigenically variable group of pathogens. In this study, we assay 24,402 general-population serum samples, collected in Vietnam between 2009 to 2015, for antibodies to eleven human influenza A strains. We report that a principal components decomposition of antibody titer data gives the first principal component as an appropriate surrogate for seroprevalence; this results in annual attack rate estimates of 25.6% (95% CI: 24.1% - 27.1%) for subtype H3 and 16.0% (95% CI: 14.7% - 17.3%) for subtype H1. The remaining principal components separate the strains by serological similarity and associate birth cohorts with their particular influenza histories. Our work shows that dimensionality reduction can be used on human antibody profiles to construct an age-seroprevalence relationship for antigenically variable pathogens.

Human Chondrocytes from Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded on a Dermal-Derived Collagen Matrix Sheet: Our Preliminary Results for a Ready to Go Biotechnological Cartilage Graft in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: The articular cartilage is unique in that it contains only a single type of cell and shows poor ability for spontaneous healing. Cartilage tissue engineering which uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) is considered an attractive treatment for cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis. The establishment of cartilage regenerative medicine is an important clinical issue, but the search for cell sources able to restore cartilage integrity proves to be challenging. The aim of this study was to create cartilage grafts from the combination of AT-MSCs and collagen substrates. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from human donors' adipose tissue, and collagen scaffold, obtained from human skin and cleaned from blood vessels, adipose tissues, and debris, which only preserve dermis and epidermis, were seeded and cultured on collagen substrates and differentiated to chondrocytes. The obtained chondrocyte extracellular matrix of cartilage was then evaluated for the expression of chondrocyte-/cartilage-specific markers, the Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), collagen X, alpha-1 polypeptide (COL10A1), and the Collagen II, Human Tagged ORF Clone (COL2A1) by using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Our findings have shown that the dermal collagen may exert important effects on the quality of in vitro expanded chondrocytes, leading in this way that the influence of collagen skin matrix helps to produce highly active and functional chondrocytes for long-term cartilage tissue regeneration. CONCLUSION: This research opens up the possibility of generating cartilage grafts with the precise purpose of improving the existing limitation in current clinical procedures.

Development and clinical application of a preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT-M) for beta thalassemia in Vietnam.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to study the clinical outcomes using a next-generation sequencing-based protocol allowing for simultaneous testing of mutations in the beta thalassemia (HBB) gene, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for PGT-M along with low-pass whole genome analysis of chromosome aneuploidies for PGT-A. METHODS: A combined PGT-M (thalassemia) plus PGT-A system was developed for patients undergoing IVF in Vietnam. Here we developed a system for testing numerous thalassemia mutations plus SNP-based testing for backup mutation analysis and contamination control using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Low -pass next-generation sequencing was used to assess aneuploidy in some of the clinical PGT cases. Patients underwent IVF followed by embryo biopsy at the blastocyst stage for combined PGT-A/M. RESULTS: Two cases have completed the entire process including transfer of embryos, while a further nine cases have completed the IVF and PGT-M/A analysis but have not completed embryo transfer. In the two cases with embryo transfer, both patients achieved pregnancy with an unaffected, euploid embryo confirmed through prenatal diagnosis. In the further nine cases, 39 embryos were biopsied and all passed QC for amplification. There were 8 unaffected embryos, 31 carrier embryos, and 11 affected embryos. A subset of 24 embryos also had PGT-A analysis with 22 euploid embryos and 2 aneuploid embryos. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report the development and clinical application of a combined PGT-M for HBB and PGT-A for gross chromosome aneuploidies from 11 patients with detailed laboratory findings along with 2 cases that have completed embryo transfer.

Impacts of K-12 school reopening on the COVID-19 epidemic in Indiana, USA

In the United States, schools closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and began reopening in August 2020, despite continuing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In states where in-person instruction resumed at that time, two major unknowns were the capacity at which schools would operate, which depended on the proportion of families opting for remote instruction, and adherence to face-mask requirements in schools, which depended on cooperation from students and enforcement by schools. To determine the impact of these conditions on the statewide burden of COVID-19 in Indiana, we used an agent-based model calibrated to and validated against multiple data types. Using this model, we quantified the burden of COVID-19 on K-12 students, teachers, their families, and the general population under alternative scenarios spanning three levels of school operating capacity (50%, 75%, and 100%) and three levels of face-mask adherence in schools (50%, 75%, and 100%). Under a scenario in which schools operated remotely, we projected 45,579 (95% CrI: 14,109-132,546) infections and 790 (95% CrI: 176-1680) deaths statewide between August 24 and December 31. Reopening at 100% capacity with 50% face-mask adherence in schools resulted in a proportional increase of 42.9 (95% CrI: 41.3-44.3) and 9.2 (95% CrI: 8.9-9.5) times that number of infections and deaths, respectively. In contrast, our results showed that at 50% capacity with 100% face-mask adherence, the number of infections and deaths were 22% (95% CrI: 16%-28%) and 11% (95% CrI: 5%-18%) higher than the scenario in which schools operated remotely. Within this range of possibilities, we found that high levels of school operating capacity (80-95%) and intermediate levels of face-mask adherence (40-70%) resulted in model behavior most consistent with observed data. Together, these results underscore the importance of precautions taken in schools for the benefit of their communities.

Sargassumhorneri extracts stimulate innate immunity, enhance growth performance, and upregulate immune genes in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

The white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei is one of the most commercially important aquatic species. However, intensive farming to meet economic demands has been linked to animal stress and subsequent disease outbreaks. In this study, we explore the immunomodulatory effects of Sargassum horneri hot-water extract (SHE) on the immune parameters of L. vannamei. Hemocytes incubated in vitro with 10 mg/ml of SHE showed the highest response in phenoloxidase (PO) activity and reactive oxygen species production. In the in vivo trials, shrimp were fed diets containing 0 (control), 2.5 (SHE 2.5), 5.0 g (SHE 5.0), and 10 g (SHE10.0) of lyophilized SHE per kg feed for four weeks, after which immune parameters were measured. Group SHE10.0 had the highest total hemocyte count, reactive oxygen species production, and phagocytic rate during the 4-week feeding period, followed by groups SHE5.0 and SHE2.5. However, group SHE5.0 showed a better growth performance among all examined groups after four weeks of rearing. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that L. vannamei fed diets containing 0.5% SHE over 28 days showed significant modulation of 11 immune-related genes, including prophenoloxidase I, prophenoloxidase II, peroxinectin, α2macroglobulin, clotting protein, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, penaiedin2-4, and crustin. Combined, these results show that SHE is a functional feed additive that can be applied orally to enhance innate immunity and growth performance of white shrimps.

Estimates of the global burden of Japanese encephalitis and the impact of vaccination from 2000-2015.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne disease, known for its high mortality and disability rate among symptomatic cases. Many effective vaccines are available for JE, and the use of a recently developed and inexpensive vaccine, SA 14-14-2, has been increasing over the recent years particularly with Gavi support. Estimates of the local burden and the past impact of vaccination are therefore increasingly needed, but difficult due to the limitations of JE surveillance. In this study, we implemented a mathematical modelling method (catalytic model) combined with age-stratifed case data from our systematic review which can overcome some of these limitations. We estimate in 2015 JEV infections caused 100,308 JE cases (95% CI: 61,720-157,522) and 25,125 deaths (95% CI: 14,550-46,031) globally, and that between 2000 and 2015 307,774 JE cases (95% CI: 167,442-509,583) were averted due to vaccination globally. Our results highlight areas that could have the greatest benefit from starting vaccination or from scaling up existing programs and will be of use to support local and international policymakers in making vaccine allocation decisions.

Trypsin inhibitor from duck albumen: Purification and characterization.

Egg albumen is a potential source of trypsin inhibitor (TI), which has been widely used to improve textural property of surimi or surimi-based food products. TI from duck albumen was isolated and purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation at 20%-40% saturation and affinity chromatography using trypsin-CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B column. TI was purified with purity and yield of 111.8-fold and 0.6%, respectively. The purity of inhibitor was confirmed using Native-PAGE as indicated by the presence of single band. Molecular weight of purified TI was 43 kDa based on SDS-GAGE and gel filtration. The purified TI remained unchanged at temperatures below 60°C and the pH in the range of 7-9. The inhibitory activity of TI was decreased with the addition of salt higher than 5%. Inhibition kinetic study revealed that purified TI from duck albumen was uncompetitive inhibitor and the inhibition constant (Ki) was 508 nM. TI from duck egg albumen could serve as a food grade inhibitor for controlling undesirable proteolysis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Duck egg albumen has been known to be rich in protease inhibitors, which can be used as a protein additive to enhance gelling properties of surimi or surimi-based products. Therefore, it is of interest to isolate and purify TI from duck egg albumen. Information regarding characteristics of TI from duck albumen could be beneficial for further applications, in which duck albumen is better exploited.

Artocarpus tonkinensis Protects Mice Against Collagen-Induced Arthritis and Decreases Th17 Cell Function.

Artocarpus tonkinensis (Moraceae) is a tree that grows in north Vietnam whose leaf decoction is used as a traditional remedy by the Hmong ethnic group to treat arthritis and backache. Our study evaluated the decoction's efficacy and mechanism of action in DBA/1J mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Mice treated with the decoction (At) either from the first collagen immunization or after CIA development experienced significantly less joint edema and inflammatory infiltration, whereas CIA-induced cartilage damage could only be prevented by early At treatment. Autoimmune gene expression profiles showed that Th17 cell-associated chemokine CCL20 and cytokines IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22 were strongly downregulated by At. Reduced expression of IL-2, IL-17, IL-22, and FasL in lymph node cells from At-treated mice was further confirmed by real-time PCR. The decoction also inhibited polarization of Th17 cells from CD4+ splenic T cells according to levels of IL-17 and RORC, a Th17 cell-specific transcription factor. Chromatographic analysis identified At's major component as maesopsin-ß-D-glucoside, which could inhibit in vitro differentiation of Th17 cells. The decoction significantly alleviated the signs and symptoms of CIA and inhibited the development and function of Th17 cells, highlighting its potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Impact of salted duck egg albumen powder on proteolysis and gelling properties of sardine surimi.

The influences of salted duck egg albumen powder (SDEAP) as salt replacer at various levels (0.5-2.5%) on autolysis and gelling properties of sardine surimi were investigated. SDEAP had high salt (33.67%) and protein contents (64.52%) with trypsin inhibitory activity of 5,975 kunits/g solid. SDEAP was white in color with L*-value of 96.72. It had low moisture content (3.98%) and water activity (0.38). Autolysis of sardine surimi was drastically inhibited when SDEAP was incorporated with increasing levels as indicated by the more retained myosin heavy chain and the reduced trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptide content. Breaking force and deformation of surimi gel increased, while expressible moisture content decreased as the levels of SDEAP added were increased (p < .05). Gumminess, hardness, chewiness, springiness, and cohesiveness of surimi gels also increased as SDEAP levels increased (p < .05). Lightness and whiteness were higher in all surimi gels incorporated with SDEAP than the control (p < .05). For microstructure, surimi gels incorporated with SDEAP at all levels used had finer gel network with smaller voids and more connectivity than the control gel. Thus, SDEAP could be used as a salt replacer for sardine surimi gel preparation and it could improve the properties of resulting gel.