Gd smart: MRI contrast agents are presented that are based on a biocompatible condensation reaction. Upon reduction, a gadolinium‐containing cell‐permeable small‐molecule probe condenses into cyclic ...oligomers that subsequently self‐assemble into nanoparticles (NPs) with enhanced relaxivity (by 110 % at 1.5 T and 35 °C, and 104 % in live cells at 0.5 T).
is a common oral opportunistic bacterium that can cause different infections. In recent years, studies have shown that
is enriched in lesions in periodontal diseases, halitosis, dental pulp ...infection, oral cancer, and systemic diseases. Hence, it can promote the development and/or progression of these conditions. The current study aimed to assess research progress in the epidemiological evidence, possible pathogenic mechanisms, and treatment methods of
in oral and systemic diseases. Novel viewpoints obtained in recent studies can provide knowledge about the role of
in hosts and a basis for identifying new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of
-related diseases.
Current research has described improving multisystem disease and organ function through dietary nitrate (DN) supplementation. They have provided some evidence that these floras with nitrate ...(NO.sub.3.sup.-) reductase are mediators of the underlying mechanism. Symbiotic bacteria with nitrate reductase activity (NRA) are found in the human digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract (GT). Nitrate in food can be converted to nitrite under the tongue or in the stomach by these symbiotic bacteria. Then, nitrite is transformed to nitric oxide (NO) by non-enzymatic synthesis. NO is currently recognized as a potent bioactive agent with biological activities, such as vasodilation, regulation of cardiomyocyte function, neurotransmission, suppression of platelet agglutination, and prevention of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. NO also can be produced through the conventional l-arginine-NO synthase (l-NOS) pathway, whereas endogenous NO production by l-arginine is inhibited under hypoxia-ischemia or disease conditions. In contrast, exogenous NO.sub.3.sup.-/NO.sub.2.sup.-/NO activity is enhanced and becomes a practical supplemental pathway for NO in the body, playing an essential role in various physiological activities. Moreover, many diseases (such as metabolic or geriatric diseases) are primarily associated with disorders of endogenous NO synthesis, and NO generation from the exogenous NO.sub.3.sup.-/NO.sub.2.sup.-/NO route can partially alleviate the disease progression. The imbalance of NO in the body may be one of the potential mechanisms of disease development. Therefore, the impact of these floras with nitrate reductase on host systemic health through exogenous NO.sub.3.sup.-/NO.sub.2.sup.-/NO pathway production of NO or direct regulation of floras ecological balance is essential (e.g., regulation of body homeostasis, amelioration of diseases, etc.). This review summarizes the bacteria with nitrate reductase in humans, emphasizing the relationship between the metabolic processes of this microflora and host systemic health and disease. The potential effects of nitrate reduction bacteria on human health and disease were also highlighted in disease models from different human systems, including digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, respiratory, and urinary systems, providing innovative ideas for future disease diagnosis and treatment based on nitrate reduction bacteria. Keywords: Oral microflora, Esophageal microflora, Gastrointestinal microflora, Nitrate-reducing bacteria, Nitrate reductase, Nitrate, Nitrite, NO
-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a synthetic analogue of
-acetylglutamate, is an activator of blood ammonia conversion and endogenous arginine synthesis. Here, we established an accurate quantitative ...determination of NCG in feeds, animal tissues, and body fluids using the high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The sample pretreatment procedures included extraction with 0.5% of formic acid in water/methanol (80/20,
/
), and purification using an anionic solid phase extraction cartridge. Satisfactory separation of NCG was achieved in 20 min with the application of an Atlantis T3 column, and a confirmative detection of NCG was ensured by multiple reaction monitoring of positive ions. NCG spiked in feeds, tissues, and body fluids were evaluated in regard to linearity, sensitivity, recovery, and repeatability. Recoveries for different sample matrices were in the range of 88.12% to 110.21% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 8.8%. Limits of quantification were within the range of 0.012 to 0.073 mg kg
and 0.047 to 0.077 μg mL
for solid and liquid samples, respectively. This study will provide a solid foundation for the evaluation of availability and metabolic mechanism of NCG in animals.
The safety and immunogenicity of a protein-based tetravalent vaccine SCTV01E that contains spike protein ectodomain (S-ECD) of Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron BA.1 are assessed and compared with ...bivalent protein vaccine SCTV01C (Alpha and Beta variants) and monovalent mRNA vaccine (NCT05323461). The primary endpoints are the geometric mean titers (GMT) of live virus neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron BA.1 at day 28 post-injection. The secondary endpoints include the safety, day 180 GMTs against Delta and Omicron BA.1, day 28 GMTs to BA.5, and seroresponse rates of neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses at day 28 post-injection. 450 participants, comprising of 449 males and 1 female, with a median age (range) of 27 (18-62) years, are assigned to receive one booster dose of BNT162b2, 20 µg SCTV01C or 30 µg SCTV01E and completed 4-week follow-up. All SCTV01E related adverse events (AEs) are mild or moderate and no Grade ≥3 AE, serious AE or new safety concerns are identified. Day 28 GMT of live virus neutralizing antibodies and seroresponse against Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 with SCTV01E are significantly higher than those with SCTV01C and BNT162b2. These data indicate an overall neutralization superiority with tetravalent booster immunization in men.
The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly impacted global healthcare systems and the trajectory of economic ...advancement. As nations grapple with the far-reaching consequences of this unprecedented health crisis, the administration of COVID-19 vaccines has proven to be a pivotal strategy in managing this crisis. Protein-based vaccines have garnered significant attention owing to their commendable safety profile and precise immune targeting advantages. Nonetheless, the unpredictable mutations and widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have posed challenges for vaccine developers and governments worldwide. Monovalent and multivalent vaccines represent two strategies in COVID-19 vaccine development, with ongoing controversy surrounding their efficacy. This review concentrates on the development of protein-based COVID-19 vaccines, specifically addressing the transition from monovalent to multivalent formulations, and synthesizes data on vaccine manufacturers, antigen composition, pivotal clinical study findings, and other features that shape their distinct profiles and overall effectiveness. Our hypothesis is that multivalent vaccine strategies for COVID-19 could offer enhanced capability with broad-spectrum protection.
A novel concept of multilayer polymer/zeolite Y composite membrane structure was developed and investigated for CO2 capture from flue gas. Zeolite Y nanoparticles with an average particle size of ...40nm were successfully deposited onto flexible polymer supports with uniform coverage by the vacuum-assisted dip deposition approach. The zeolite Y dispersion concentration was varied for different commercial polymer supports to obtain a crack-free zeolite Y layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that a uniform zeolite Y layer could be formed either on Biomax polyethersulfone (PES) membrane or on TM10 polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with appropriate vacuum-assisted dip deposition conditions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed that the zeolite Y/Biomax PES substrate was smoother than the zeolite Y/TM10 PVDF substrate. The Pebax®/PEG-200 membrane prepared on the zeolite Y/Biomax PES substrate exhibited higher CO2 permeance than that prepared on the bare Biomax PES support since the penetration of the polymer membrane was minimized by the smaller interparticle pore size on the zeolite Y layer. The membrane of the multilayer composite structure showed a CO2 permeance of 745 GPU and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 25.4 under flue gas operating conditions at 57°C and ~1atm. This concept has provided the basis for high performance membranes with the selective polymer cover layer containing amino groups and for grown zeolite Y membranes with continuous polycrystalline structure supported by the flexible polymer substrate.
•Multilayer polymer/zeolite Y composite membrane structure was developed for CO2/N2 separation.•Three commercial polymer supports were investigated for zeolite Y deposition.•Uniform and crack-free zeolite Y layer was obtained on flexible polymer support.•Selective polymer layer was applied on top to cover defects on the zeolite Y layer.•Significant enhancement of CO2 permeance was achieved with polymer/zeolite Y substrate.
The current study investigated the effects of Chinese young adult users' perceived information overload (i.e., the daily perception of exposure to excessive information) on their intention to stop ...using short-form video applications. Specifically, this study accomplished this by measuring the direct and indirect effects of social media fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction in relation to users' intention to discontinue their use of short-form video applications. The data were collected using a web-based survey and validated questionnaire, with a sample of 340 young adult (18-26 years old) respondents. The results indicated that perceived information overload had a direct effect on the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications. Moreover, short-form video fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction all played mediating roles in the relationship between perceived information overload and the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications among young adults in China.
The management of sports venues has undergone a series of reforms since the People's Republic of China's establishment in 1949. The reform of management right is especially significant. It reflects ...the government-enterprise relationship and logic of government action. Utilizing the perspective of the government-enterprise relationship, this study systematically reviews the reform model for sports venues to incorporate Chinese characteristics. The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the People's Republic of China's government and the market through the reforms implemented for the operation and management of sports venues. According to the study, the development and reform of sports venues in China has experienced government centralization, devolution, decentralization, and cooperation. The reform of sports venues' operation and management follows a "market-oriented government-led" model which reflects the government's logic. It is concluded that a "market-oriented government-led" model is essential for the promotion of comprehensive reforms for sports venues with Chinese characteristics.