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Simple Summary: The intestinal epithelium is one of the tissues that renews the fastest in the body. This process is driven by intestinal stem cells and is greatly influenced by adenosine triphosphate supply. Glutamine is the preferred energy substrate for the intestinal epithelium, unlike most tissues in the body that prefer glucose. However, there needs to be more understanding of how glutamine affects gene expression in the intestinal epithelium. To address this gap, this study aimed to identify the essential genes and signals involved in glutamine-induced growth of intestinal epithelial cells by exploring gene expression profiles. The results showed that glutamine might upregulate deoxyribonucleic acid replication licensing factors, increasing proliferation-related signaling and suppressing inflammation-related pathways. Consequently, this mechanism leads to the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and the expansion of intestinal stem cells. Understanding these crucial targets provides new insight into regulating the homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium, particularly in porcine production. The intestinal epithelium is known for its rapid self-renewal, and glutamine is crucial in providing carbon and nitrogen for biosynthesis. However, understanding how glutamine affects gene expression in the intestinal epithelium is limited, and identifying the essential genes and signals involved in regulating intestinal epithelial cell growth is particularly challenging. In this study, glutamine supplementation exhibited a robust acceleration of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and stem cell expansion. RNA sequencing indicated diverse transcriptome changes between the control and glutamine supplementation groups, identifying 925 up-regulated and 1152 down-regulated genes. The up-regulated DEGs were enriched in the KEGG pathway of cell cycle and GO terms of DNA replication initiation, regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, DNA replication, minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM) complex, and ATP binding, whereas the down-regulated DEGs were enriched in the KEGG pathway of p53 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway and GO terms of inflammatory response and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, GSEA analysis revealed a significant up-regulation of the cell cycle, DNA replication initiation, ATP-dependent RNA helicase activity, and down-regulation of the TNF signaling pathway. The protein–protein association network of the intersecting genes highlighted the significance of DNA replication licensing factors (MCM3, MCM6, and MCM10) in promoting intestinal epithelial growth in response to glutamine. Based on these findings, we propose that glutamine may upregulate DNA replication licensing factors, leading to increased PI3K/Akt signaling and the suppression of TNF, JAK-STAT, and p53 pathways. Consequently, this mechanism results in the proliferation of porcine intestinal epithelial cells and the expansion of intestinal stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realizing dual charge transfer (CT) based on stable organic radicals in one system is a long‐sought goal, however, remains challenging. In this work, a stable mixed‐valence radical crystal is designed via a surfactant‐assisted method, namely TTF‐(TTF+•)2‐RC (where TTF = tetrathiafulvalene), containing dual CT interactions. The solubilization of surfactants enables successful co‐crystallization of mixed‐valence TTF molecules with different polarity in aqueous solutions. Short intermolecular distances between adjacent TTF moieties within TTF‐(TTF+•)2‐RC facilitate both inter‐valence CT (IVCT) between neutral TTF and TTF+•, and inter‐radical CT (IRCT) between two TTF+• in radical π‐dimer, which are confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state absorption, electron spin resonance measurements, and DFT calculations. Moreover, TTF‐(TTF+•)2‐RC reveals an open‐shell singlet diradical ground state with the antiferromagnetic coupling of 2J = −657 cm−1 and an unprecedented temperature‐dependent magnetic property, manifesting the main monoradical characters of IVCT at 113–203 K while the spin‐spin interactions in radical dimers of IRCT are predominant at 263–353 K. Notably, dual CT characters endow TTF‐(TTF+•)2‐RC with strong light absorption over the full solar spectrum and outstanding stability. As a result, TTF‐(TTF+•)2‐RC exhibits significantly enhanced photothermal property, an increase of 46.6 °C within 180 s upon one‐sun illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[3]Radialene has a peculiar topology and cross‐conjugation system, representing a unique molecular scaffold in organic materials. Herein, we report a special class of stereoisomeric α‐cyano triaryl[3]radialenes (CTRs) that show concentration‐caused quenching in solution but emit red‐shifted and enhanced luminescence in the crystalline state. Clustering of multiple cyano groups and their through‐space interactions with the [3]radialene ring significantly extend π‐electron communication meanwhile rigidifying the propeller conformation multivalently, thus playing a key role behind the state‐dependent luminescence. These radialenes with a substantial electron affinity undergo a reversible electron transfer transition to anionic radicals with good stability, showing switching of photoabsorption, photoluminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. We also established proof‐of‐concept applications of CTRs for multimodal information encryption and chemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[3]Radialene has a peculiar topology and cross‐conjugation system, representing a unique molecular scaffold in organic materials. Herein, we report a special class of stereoisomeric α‐cyano triaryl[3]radialenes (CTRs) that show concentration‐caused quenching in solution but emit red‐shifted and enhanced luminescence in the crystalline state. Clustering of multiple cyano groups and their through‐space interactions with the [3]radialene ring significantly extend π‐electron communication meanwhile rigidifying the propeller conformation multivalently, thus playing a key role behind the state‐dependent luminescence. These radialenes with a substantial electron affinity undergo a reversible electron transfer transition to anionic radicals with good stability, showing switching of photoabsorption, photoluminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. We also established proof‐of‐concept applications of CTRs for multimodal information encryption and chemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic materials undergoing adaptive solid‐state transitions are attractive for soft mechanics and information technology. Here, we report a novel porous framework system based on macrocyclic trimers assembled from open‐shell tetraarylethylene building blocks with aryldicyanomethyl radicals as coupling linkers. Under mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli, the framework showed adaptability by activating conformational dynamics and radical‐based transformations, thus displaying macroscopic responsiveness in terms of light absorption, luminescence, and magnetism. We studied the dynamic processes by variable‐temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (VT‐NMR), variable‐temperature electron spin resonance (VT‐ESR), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurement and further established a proof‐of‐concept application for multi‐modal information encryption. The strategy may open avenues for rational design of solid‐state photoelectromagnetic dynamic materials by merging dynamic covalent coupling chemistry and functional aggregation principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic materials undergoing adaptive solid‐state transitions are attractive for soft mechanics and information technology. Here, we report a novel porous framework system based on macrocyclic trimers assembled from open‐shell tetraarylethylene building blocks with aryldicyanomethyl radicals as coupling linkers. Under mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli, the framework showed adaptability by activating conformational dynamics and radical‐based transformations, thus displaying macroscopic responsiveness in terms of light absorption, luminescence, and magnetism. We studied the dynamic processes by variable‐temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (VT‐NMR), variable‐temperature electron spin resonance (VT‐ESR), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurement and further established a proof‐of‐concept application for multi‐modal information encryption. The strategy may open avenues for rational design of solid‐state photoelectromagnetic dynamic materials by merging dynamic covalent coupling chemistry and functional aggregation principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) is an important and widely hazardous chemical industrial waste. Excessive Ni exposure could cause multi‐organs toxicity in human and animals. Liver is the major target organ of Ni accumulation and toxicity, however, the precise mechanism is still unclear. In this study, nickel chloride (NiCl2)‐treatment induced hepatic histopathological changes in the mice, and, transmission electron microscopy results showed mitochondrial swollen and deformed of hepatocyte. Next, the mitochondrial damages including mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy were measured after NiCl2 administration. The results showed that NiCl2 suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis by decreasing PGC‐1α, TFAM, and NRF1 protein and mRNA expression levels. Meanwhile, the proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion were reduced by NiCl2, such as Mfn1 and Mfn2, however, mitochondrial fission proteins Drip1 and Fis1 were significantly increased. The up‐regulation of mitochondrial p62 and LC3II expression indicated that NiCl2 increased mitophagy in the liver. Moreover, the receptor‐mediated mitophagy and ubiquitin (Ub)‐dependent mitophagy were detected. NiCl2 promoted PINK1 accumulation and Parkin recruitment on mitochondria. And, the receptor proteins of mitophagy Bnip3 and FUNDC1 were increased in the NiCl2‐treated mice liver. Overall, these results show that NiCl2 could induce mitochondria damage in the liver of mice, and, dysfunction of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy involved in the molecular mechanism of NiCl2‐induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changes of serum lipoprotein concentration during bacteremia or sepsis are observed and lipoproteins concentration facilitate the evaluation severity of sepsis in adults, but its clinical usage is still unclear. Here, we analyzed the lipoprotein concentration in neonates with sepsis and discussed its use in stratifying patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study involved 88 culture-proven septic patients. Clinical and microbiology data of involved patients were collected via inquiring databases of our institute. Patients were grouped according to blood culture results or procalcitonin level; the difference between groups were analyzed. Results: Compared with uninfected group, there is no change of triglyceride (TG) concentrations and significant decrease of Total cholesterol (TC) concentration in septic patients. There is no significant difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative-related septic patients in terms of serum TG and TC concentration. Other than group with procalcitonin level of 0.5–2 ng/ml, both serum TG and TC concentration were decreased while serum procalcitonin level increasing. Conclusions: Our results indicated that serum lipoprotein concentration may be recommended to help diagnosis of bacteria and to evaluate the severity of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a zoonotic pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) not only has important economic significance in aquaculture but also plays an important role in global public health. With the abuse of antibiotics, the drug resistance of A. hydrophila has greatly increased, causing a poor therapeutic effect. It is particularly important to develop antibiotics alternatives against resistant bacteria. Thymol, a natural monoterpene phenolic compound, has been reported to have a variety of pharmacological effects. In this study, the effects of thymol on A. hydrophila were evaluated. The MIC and MBC of thymol to A. hydrophila were 128 μg/mL and 256 μg/mL, respectively. The results of the electron microscope showed that the bacterial cells contracted and deformed, the cell membrane was destroyed, and the cytoplasm was lost when treated with 2MIC thymol. Compared with the control group, the conductivity and the amount of DNA leakage of bacteria treated with 2MIC thymol increased by 2.45% and 66.4 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, LDH activity decreased by 25.93% after 2MIC thymol treatment. DAPI staining results showed that the intensity and quantity of fluorescence were significantly decreased in the drug treatment group. In summary, the antibacterial mechanism of thymol was to destroy the integrity of the cell membrane, make intracellular material exudate, and eventually lead to the death of bacteria. Thymol has the potential to be an antibiotics alternative against resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the most important pathogens of zoonotic importance globally, causing various diseases in humans and animals. With the increase of drug resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, therapeutic effects of antibiotics against A. hydrophila are limited. Hence, novel agents and strategies are urgently needed to overcome these difficulties. Wavy pili (W-pili), one of the major adhesion molecules, play a crucial role in adhesion and hemagglutination in the pathogenesis of A. hydrophila and regarded as a potential target for therapy. In this study, cinnamaldehyde, a natural compound isolated from cinnamon, could inhibit the production of W-pili and its biological function at the sub-inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC). To determine the active mechanism of cinnamaldehyde, transmission electron microscopy, adhesion inhibition, hemagglutination, electrophoresis, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, biofilm assay, and fish immersion challenge were performed. The results showed that cinnamaldehyde can reduce the production of W-pili and the formation of biofilm without affecting the growth of A. hydrophila. Besides, cinnamaldehyde interfered with the synthesis of W-pili by downregulating the expression of the genes related to pili protein, thereby reducing the adhesion and hemagglutination ability of A. hydrophila and its adhesive ability to the gills and intestines of channel catfish. Therefore, cinnamaldehyde could be employed as a promising candidate for preventing and controlling A. hydrophila infection in aquaculture, especially in antibiotic-resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carp edema virus (CEV) is a pox virus that infects common carp and koi. Its infection causes koi sleepy disease (KSD) that is one of the most important common carp diseases with considerable risk to the productivity of common carp and koi all over the world. In 1970s, KSD was first time reported in Japan but recent increase in worldwide trade of the common carp is causing the spread of virus to various other countries and it is becoming a major threat to the common carp and koi industries. Previous research revealed that the CEV usually required suitable water temperature between 20 and 25 °C and disease outbreaks mostly occur in months of June and July in reported countries. At present, no suitable cell line has been reported for the in vitro replication of CEV; thus, it is difficult to study the CEV in vitro. This review is aimed to summarize the current findings on the known characterization of CEV, KSD pathogenesis, disease diagnostic techniques, its control, and preventive measures. The future prospective about CEV research and development is also discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) is the causative agent of herpesviral hematopoietic necrosis (HVHN), an infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current research indicates that CyHV‐2 only infects fish in the genus Carassius. Outbreaks of fish viral diseases are highly temperature‐dependent, and HVHN outbreaks usually occur at water temperatures of 15–25°C. In November 2018, an infectious disease occurred on cultured gibel carp farms in ZiGong, Sichuan Province, China. The water temperature at the time was approximately 10°C. The clinical signs of the diseased fish included lethargy, inappetence, severe anoxia, hemorrhage on the body surface, and pale gills. Clinical and histopathological examinations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular analyses were used to determine the etiology of this disease. Pathological observation revealed severe necrosis of the hematopoietic organs, particularly the gills, kidney, and spleen. Spherical herpesvirus‐like virion particles were observed with TEM in the kidney and spleen tissues from moribund fish. An experimental infection demonstrated a cumulative mortality rate of 50% (10/20) at a water temperature of 13°C, whereas the mortality of the positive control group was 75% (15/20) at a water temperature of 23°C. A specific fragment of the helicase gene of CyHV‐2 was detected with polymerase chain reaction. In a phylogenetic analysis of the helicase gene, our isolate clustered with CyHV‐2 isolates in the database. Together, these results show that the putative pathogen involved in this outbreak was CyHV‐2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a gibel carp disease caused by CyHV‐2 at low temperature. These findings are extremely important in reducing the risk of HVHN outbreaks in gibel carp aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation and infection in the tissue surrounding implants after total joint replacement is closely associated with the innate immune response to surgical implants. Wear particles are known to increase apoptosis and impair the innate immunity in macrophages, which can cause immunosuppression around the implants. Excessive autophagy can induce apoptosis. However, the link between autophagy and apoptosis in macrophages during chronic inflammation and infection remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the autophagy and apoptosis induced by titanium particles in RAW264.7 macrophages, and in the interface membrane of patients with late‐onset periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We found that titanium particles stimulated autophagy and apoptosis in macrophages. Inhibition of autophagy significantly reduced titanium particle‐induced apoptosis in macrophages, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The secretion of inflammatory factors, such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, decreased after inhibition of autophagy in titanium particle‐stimulated macrophages, which may be caused by immune dysfunction due to titanium particle‐induced autophagy and apoptosis in macrophages. Furthermore, our in vivo mouse calvarial model also showed that autophagy inhibitors lowered the rate of cell apoptosis. Our findings indicate that wear particle‐induced apoptosis may be caused by enhanced autophagy in macrophages, which could potentially impair the local innate immunity in periprosthetic tissues and could be a risk factor for PJI. Based on these results, autophagy modulators may act as a new therapeutic option for PJI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important helminthic diseases and affects many mammalian intermediate hosts. Practical and effective diagnosis is crucial for animal CE control. Two different recombinant antigens derived from Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus protoscolex calcium binding protein 1 (r Eg -EPC1) and thioredoxin peroxidase (r Eg -TPx), were evaluated in this study to detect the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in sheep and goat with CE by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The diagnostic effect of the above-listed proteins was determined to their sensitivity and specificity and compared with hydatid cyst fluid, two previously reported immunogenic recombinant proteins (dihydrofolate reductase and P29), and two commercial kits available in China. Of these, the best diagnostic results were obtained in the anti-TPx IgG ELISA, with 92.6% sensitivity, 98.8% specificity, and no cross-reactivity with anti- Eg 95 IgG. Recombinant E. granulosus thioredoxin peroxidase shows good potential for serological diagnosis of animal cystic echinococcosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carp edema virus (CEV) is the pathogen of carp edema virus disease (CEVD), an emerging infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the winter of 2016, a disease outbreak occurred in a koi pond in Chengdu, located in the southwest of China. The water temperature at that time was 11–13 °C. The clinical signs of the diseased koi were lethargy, unresponsiveness, enophthalmos, swollen gills, and hemorrhagic skin. Histopathological changes were observed in moribund fish, such as significant cell hyperplasia in the gill lamellae, and swelling and vacuolar degeneration in epithelial cells of the renal tubules and hepatocytes. Electron microscopy of renal tissues showed virions of a pox-like virus (200–235 nm diameter). The presence of specific 528 bp and 478 bp fragments was detected by nested PCR. An experimental infection demonstrated cumulative mortality of 15% (3/20) at a water temperature of 13 ± 2 °C. Furthermore, sequence analysis of the partial 4a genes showed that the CEV isolate (MG189372) in this study had 100% homology with a UK strain (KX254027). The evidence showed that the pathogen involved in this outbreak was CEV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of carp disease caused by CEV at low temperature in China, demonstrating that CEV disease should be monitored in the cold season and at low temperatures. The findings are of profound significance to reducing the risk of CEVD outbreaks in carp aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter lwoffii, a serious human pathogen, has been identified as a cause of nosocomial infections such as bacteremia, pneumonia and meningitis. There are only a few studies reporting A. lwoffii as a pathogen of fish. During 2016 and 2017, six bacterial strains, isolated from diseased fish of the Schizothorax genus, were identified as A. lwoffii by morphology, biochemical tests, 16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequencing analysis. One of these isolates was selected for experimental infection of Sclizothorax prenanti, Schizothorax davidi and Schizothorax wangchiachii, to confirm its pathogenicity. Experimentally infected fish showed similar symptoms to those observed in fish after natural outbreaks. Susceptibility of the isolates to 14 antibiotics was tested using a disc diffusion method; all isolates were resistant to cephalothin, aminoglycosides and β‐lactams, and sensitive only to some fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines. Histological examination revealed that A. lwoffii infection could cause pathological lesions in multiple organs and tissues, especially in liver, kidney, spleen and heart. These lesions included extensive haemorrhage, vacuolar degeneration, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. To our knowledge, this is the first report on A. lwoffii as a virulent pathogen for fish of the Schizothorax genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aseptic implant loosening is a devastating long-term complication of total joint arthroplasty. It is mainly initiated by the interaction of wear debris and macrophages. However, how does the chronic inflammation persist and how to stop it is poorly understood. Sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) are an essential feature of immunosuppressive M2 polarisation in macrophages and a promoter for chronic inflammation. In this study, RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to stimulation with titanium particles (0.1 mg/ml), and the subsequent expression of SPHKs and pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated. The effect of inhibitors of SPHKs (FTY720, PF543, and ABC294640) on titanium particle-challenged macrophages was analysed. As for results, the amount of sphingosine kinase (SPHK)-1 and SPHK-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages increased in the presence of titanium particles in a time-dependent manner. Two inhibitors of SPHKs (FTY720 and ABC294640) suppressed titanium particle-induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. These findings suggest that persistent stimulation with titanium particles may lead to a consistent release of TNF-α and IL-6 via SPHK-2 activity, which may lead to aseptic implant loosening. Appropriate regulation of SPHK-2 may serve as a potential new strategy in the treatment of aseptic implant loosening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis is a CD4 T cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The unbalance of the cytokines and transcription factors critical for CD4 T cell differentiation and function is probably the main reason that causes MS. We detected the mRNA expression changes of key cytokines and transcription factors which are critical for Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cell differentiation and function in different tissues during EAE pathogenesis. We fund that each gene not only has its own featured expression changes, but also has interaction with one another, which composes a network of immunity. Understanding the roles of key cytokines and transcription factors in these processes will help to understand disease pathogenesis and supply indications for disease therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium is a global epidemic parasite and one of the most important intestinal pathogens causing diarrhea in animals and humans. Despite extensive research on this parasite group, little is known about rates of Cryptosporidium infection in lesser pandas. In this study, we use molecular diagnostic tools to detect Cryptosporidium infections and identify Cryptosporidium species in the lesser panda. Using a PCR approach, we sequenced the 18S rRNA gene in fecal samples collected from 110 captive lesser pandas held throughout China (approximately one third of the captive population). We determined Cryptosporidium species via a BLAST comparison of our sequences against those of published Cryptosporidium sequences available in GenBank and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. We report that captive lesser pandas were infected with a single Cryptosporidium species, Cryptosporidium andersoni, at a prevalence of 6.36 % (7/110). The present investigation revealed the existence of C. andersoni infection in captive lesser panda and suggested that proper control measures should be taken carefully to protect the welfare of zoo workers and visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electron beam inducing method for sprouting large quantities of silver nanoparticles on the surface of silver chloride particles is reported. The electron beam driven process was characterized by time-dependent scanning electron microscope ( SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum ( EDS), allowing for observing several key intermediates in and characteristics of the growth process. Theoretical calculation coupled with experimental observation demonstrated that the growth of silver nanoparticles was mostly related to the current density of electron beam. Decomposition of the silver chloride on the surface of sample was under electron beam irradiation resulted in silver nanoparticles and chlorine. This phenomenon could be useful in developing a novel mechanism for preparation of nanostructures and proposing a reference to avoid image distortion during the characterization of silver compounds under SEM. SCANNING 35: 69-74, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asymptom of invasive candidiasis (IC) and low positive rate of blood culture lead to delay diagnose of neonatal infection. Serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) performs well in adult IC, but its use in neonatal IC is unclear. We evaluated the use of BDG, procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or platelet count (PC) in neonatal IC.Methods: We collected the data of neonates admitted to our institute. Eighty neonates were enrolled, and divided into IC group, bacterial infection (BI) group and control (CTRL) group. We analyzed the difference of these indicators between groups, and generated Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The value of BDG in antifungal therapy efficacy assessment was also investigated.Results: The BDG level was higher in IC group compared with BI and CTRL group. C. albicans lead to significant increase of BDG compared with C. parapsilosis. IC group had highest hsCRP level and lowest PC. PCT level was similar between groups. ROC showed that BDG or hsCRP performs well in neonatal IC, the optimal cut-off for BDG was 13.69 mg/ml. Combined BDG with hsCRP, PCT and PC increased diagnostic value. Serum BDG level was decreased during antifungal treatment.Conclusion: Serum BDG performs well in identification of neonatal IC and in monitoring the antifungal therapy efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucella is high-consequence pathogen and one of the most common seen laboratory- acquired infection pathogens. Quick and accurate detection of the pathogen will be of great important to reducing laboratory- acquired infection. Traditional biomedical reaction based method is time consumption, and mass spectrometry based method greatly reduces time consumption in pathogen identification. In the case presented here, we shared our experience in identification of Brucella directly from positive blood culture with mass spectrometry based method.Case Presentation: The patient is a 6-year boy with a history of three weeks fever accompanied with sweating and a pain at right patella. The patient also has a history of thalassemia and blood transfusion was performed previously admitted to our hospital. Two bottles of marrow culture and one bottle of blood culture were positive, and direct mass spectrometry from positive culture material revealed Brucella infection within 1 h.Conclusion: Clinical characters and laboratory findings of the patient presented here might help clinician in non-endemic region to made suspected brucellosis diagnose. Our experience in rapid identification of Brucella from positive blood culture with MALDI-TOF SP could help preventing laboratory-acquired infection of Brucella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, and targeting DCs' cytokines production is an important strategy for autoimmune diseases treatment. By establishing a high-throughput screening system, we analyzed LOPAC drug library to identify drugs that control the secretion of IL-6 by DCs, we selected the most likely candidate drug, BVDU, and found that it affected not only IL-6 production, but also that of IL-12, IL-1β during the DCs differentiation and maturation. The mechanism studies showed that BVDU treatment restricted the phosphorylation of MAP kinase, which played an important role in DC cytokine production. We further assessed the in vivo therapeutic potentials of BVDU on mouse models including EAE and STZ-induced T1D, and found that BVDU treated EAE mice exhibited significantly lower EAE clinical scores, decreased leukocyte infiltration in central nervous system lesions, and reduced demyelination. As in T1D mice, BVDU treatment also showed promising therapeutic effects based on both alleviated disease symptoms and tissue pathogenesis. More interestingly, the modulating effect of BVDU on IL-6 production was further verified in human primary DCs. The above data supported the promising application of our screen model, and also the potential of BVDU for autoimmune diseases therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]