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ZnO–SnO2 composite nanorods with rough surfaces were synthesized via a coaxially nested needle electrospinning method. The morphology and nanostructure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, EDS mapping, nitrogen physical adsorption, and X-ray diffraction. The synthesis mechanisms of ZnO–SnO2 nanorods were discussed, which combined the gas sensitivity advantages of different materials. ZnO–SnO2 nanorods sensor with good ethanol gas sensitivity achieved accurate measurement of continuous ethanol concentration. The sensor exhibited good selectivity to ethanol in the presence of formaldehyde, methanol, acetone, acetic acid, benzene, and xylene at 290 ∘ C. The response and recovery time to 100 ppm ethanol were about 13 and 35 s, respectively. The energy band, barrier, charge transfer of ZnO–SnO2 composite material was discussed, and its optimization of gas sensitivity was analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotavirus infection is a major cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in infants younger than 5 y old and in particular cases of immunocompromised patients irrespective to the age of the patients. Although vaccines have been developed, antiviral therapy is an important complement that cannot be substituted. Because of the lack of specific approved treatment, it is urgent to facilitate the cascade of further understanding of the infection biology, identification of druggable targets and the final development of effective antiviral therapies. PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway plays a vital role in regulating the infection course of many viruses. In this study, we have dissected the effects of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway on rotavirus infection using both conventional cell culture models and a 3D model of human primary intestinal organoids. We found that PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling is essential in sustaining rotavirus infection. Thus, blocking the key elements of this pathway, including PI3K, mTOR and 4E-BP1, has resulted in potent anti-rotavirus activity. Importantly, a clinically used mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, potently inhibited both experimental and patient-derived rotavirus strains. This effect involves 4E-BP1 mediated induction of autophagy, which in turn exerts anti-rotavirus effects. These results revealed new insights on rotavirus-host interactions and provided new avenues for antiviral drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of life-threatening invasive fungal infections increased significantly in recent years. However, the antifungal therapeutic options are very limited. Antimicrobial peptides are a class of potential lead chemical for the development of novel antifungal agents. Antimicrobial peptide polybia-CP was purified from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. In this study, we synthesized polybia-CP and determined its antifungal effects against a series of Candidian species. Our results showed that polybia-CP has potent antifungal activity and fungicidal activity against the tested fungal cells with a proposed membrane-active action mode. In addition, polybia-CP could induce the increase of cellular reactive oxygen species production, which would attribute to its antifungal activity. In conclusion, the present study suggests that polybia-CP has potential as an antifungal agent or may offer a new strategy for antifungal therapeutic option. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eight undescribed sesquiterpene coumarins, together with six known ones were isolated from Ferula bungeana for the first time. • Eight undescribed sesquiterpene coumarins enriched in F. bungeana have the hydroxyl or carbonyl group at C-7′ and a hydroperoxyl group at C-7′ or C-8′. • The hydroperoxyl group in sesquiterpene coumarins was reported firstly. • Ferubungeanol B (2) and samarcandin acetate (9) could significantly inhibit NO production in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. This is the first study to profile natural sesquiterpene coumarins (SCs) in Ferula bungeana , a medicinal plant of the genus Ferula in China. Eight undescribed sesquiterpene coumarins (1 – 8), along with six known ones (9 – 14) were obtained from the whole plant of F. bungeana. These unreported SCs (1 – 8) enriched the structural diversity of natural SCs, especially these with the hydroxy or carbonyl group at C-7′ and a hydroperoxy group at C-7′ or C-8′. Compounds (9 – 14) were reported for the first time from this plant. The in vitro anti-neuroinflammatory activity assay showed that compounds 2 and 9 showed stronger inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglia, compared with positive control minocycline, and compounds 5 and 10 showed moderate inhibitory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discuses the clinical trials in which substantial evidence suggested that nitazoxanide or antiprotozoal agent is a potential antiviral therapy for norovirus infection. It states that the clinical trials and case studies have reported that therapeutic use of nitazoxanide has reduced symptom duration in the immuno-competent patients or free from infection in the immuno-compromised patients.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the neuropsychiatric symptoms of quarantined COVID-19 survivors 15 months after discharge and explore its potential association with structural and functional brain changes and inflammation. Methods: A total of 51 quarantined COVID-19 survivors and 74 healthy controls were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed using the THINC-integrated tool. Structural brain changes were examined through both surface- and volume-based analyses, and functional changes were assessed using resting-state amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). Serum inflammatory markers were measured by a multiplexed flow cytometric assay. Results: COVID-19 survivors exhibited subjective cognitive decline compared to healthy controls, despite no significant differences in objective cognitive tasks. Structural analysis revealed significantly increased gray matter volume and cortical surface area in the left transverse temporal gyrus (Heschl's gyrus) in quarantined COVID-19 survivors. This enlargement was negatively correlated with cognitive impairment. The ALFF analysis showed decreased neural activity in multiple brain regions. Elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers were also found in COVID-19 survivors, including MIP-1a, MIP-1b, TNF-a, and IL-8, which correlated with functional abnormalities. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a subjective cognitive decline in quarantined COVID-19 survivors 15 months after discharge, which is associated with brain structural alterations in the left Heschl's gyrus. The observed elevation of inflammatory markers suggests a potential mechanism involving inflammation-induced neurogenesis. These results contribute to our understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying long-term neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19 and highlight the need for further research to develop targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment, PrFeO 3 -In 2 O 3 nano-composites were prepared by electrospinning and hydrothermal approach. In particular, the PrFeO 3 -In 2 O 3 material has a rough surface, which can enhance the contact area with the gas, and further analysis shows that the band gap of the PrFeO 3 -In 2 O 3 material is reduced compared with the pure In 2 O 3 material. Compared with pure In 2 O 3 , PrFeO 3 -In 2 O 3 composite has better sensing performance for n-butanol. The results show that the PrFeO 3 -In 2 O 3 based sensor has remarkable gas sensing performance for n-butanol gas. Especially the response to 100 ppm n-butanol is as high as 95.98 at 190 °C, and good repeatability. In addition, the response of PrFeO 3 -In 2 O 3 based sensor shows a good linear relationship with the concentration,n-butanol gas can be quantitatively measured.In this work, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), specific surface area testing (BET), and UV–Vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a high-precision and large-range wind speed and direction measuring method is proposed, which can solve the problem that traditional Time of Flight (ToF) method and phase detection method cannot simultaneously take into account measuring accuracy and measurement range. Firstly, based on the binary amplitude modulation and cross-correlation algorithms, the coded pulses combination is designed to measure time difference that the ultrasonic wave arrives different ultrasonic receivers. Because the coded pulses combination can obtain sharper correlation peaks, a more accurate time-difference measurement result can be gained, comparing with the traditional ToF method. Then, for further improving measuring accuracy and resolution of wind speed, a high-precision ±180° digital phase detection method based on double D flip-flops is proposed. Next, by combining time-difference and phase-difference measurement results, the measuring range of wind speed is extended and measuring accuracy is improved. Finally, a wind speed and direction measuring system is set up based on the proposed method. The experimental results show that the wind speed measuring accuracy is ±2%, the resolution is 0.05 m/s and the measurement range can theoretically reach several hundred meters per second; the wind direction measuring accuracy is ±5° and the resolution is 0.5°. At the same time, the standard deviations of the experimental results which are less than 10% demonstrate the stability of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is related to germinal center (GC) response and autoreactive T cells, which mediate adaptive immunity and play an important role in stimulating the production of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines by B cells and macrophages. Total Glucosides of Paeony (TGP) has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic effects and is widely used to treat RA. However, few studies investigated whether the therapeutic effect of TGP is associated with the inhibition of autoimmune response.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of TGP on RA.Study Design: Type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was used, and TGP and paeoniflorin were intragastrically treated.Methods: DBA/1 mice were divided into 5 groups: control, model, positive drug (paeoniflorin) and high- and low-dose TGP group. After 21 days of intragastric administration, the pathological change, inflammation expression and molecular mechanism of each group of mice were detected by Micro-CT, histochemical analysis, ELLSA, Western blot, RT-qPCR and flow cytometry.Results: Our study found that TGP treatment effectively improved inflammation and joint destruction in CIA mice. It reduced the production of serum IgG2a and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including serum interleukin (IL)-21, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and STAT3 in a dose-dependent manner. More importantly, TGP could suppress the frequency of germinal center B cells and Tfh cells in the spleen.Conclusion: TGP can not only improve symptoms, but also inhibit bone destruction. The therapeutic effect of TGP on CIA is mainly achieved by inhibiting spleen Tfh cell differentiation and GC formation through STAT3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-malarial drug artesunate (ART), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisnin, has immunosuppressive effects on several autoimmune diseases, including Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Colitis. However, molecular mechanisms of ART, especially on follicular helper T cells (Tfh), central players in SLE pathology, are far from clear.Purpose: The object for this work is to investigate the therapeutic effect of ART on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and its regulatory function on Tfh cells.Study Design and Methods: MRL/lpr mice were used to explore therapeutic effects of ART on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and its regulatory functions on Tfh cells. Then, experiments of renal function were accomplished using the biochemical kits. Effects of ART on histopathology of kidneys, inflammatory factors and autoantibodies were examined using H&E staining, ELISA and real-time PCR. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis were used to examine effects of ART on Tfh differentiation and Jak2-Stat3 signaling pathway.Results: Upon oral administration, ART significantly prolonged the survival of MRL/lpr mice, ameliorated the lupus nephritis symptoms, decreased the levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies deposited in the kidney, and the levels of pathogenic cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-21). After ART treatment, T-cell compartment in the spleen of MRL/lpr mice was restored in terms of reduction in the number of Tfh cells and in the maintenance of the ratio of Tfr to follicular regulatory T cells (Tfh). In addition, ART has significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of Jak2 and Stat3 in the MRL/lpr mice.Conclusion: ART showed therapeutic effects on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice by inhibiting the differentiation of Tfh cells as well as altering the activation status of Jak2-Stat3 signaling cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triethylamine (TEA) is a mephitic volatile organic compound, which has huge damage to human body. Therefore, the development of gas sensitive materials for the effective detection of TEA has important application value. In this paper, In 2 O 3 , ErVO 4 and In 2 O 3 /ErVO 4 composite samples were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The In 2 O 3 /ErVO 4 composite of In 2 O 3 and ErVO 4 has a spherical structure with a rough surface, and forms a variety of porous structures, which effectively increases the specific surface area of the composite (58.9551m2/g), thereby improving the gas sensitivity to TEA. In 2 O 3 /ErVO 4 composites can achieve a higher response to 100 ppm TEA (S = 54.73), have a lower optimal operating temperature (250 °C) compared with In 2 O 3 pure samples, and have a faster recovery time (52 s) compared with ErVO 4 pure samples. In addition, In 2 O 3 /ErVO 4 sensors also achieve good selectivity, excellent moisture resistance, long-term stability. The microstructure of the sample was significantly changed by ErVO 4 recombination. These alterations include an increase in specific surface area, a decrease in particle size, an increase in the utilization of the sensitive body, an increase in the proportion of vacancy oxygen, a decrease in the optical band gap, and an increase in electron transport efficiency. These results show that the combination of ErVO 4 and In 2 O 3 to construct heterojunction can achieve excellent sensor for TEA gas detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perseverative cognition of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is distinctive compared to other anxiety disorders. However, the disease-specific and shared neuropathophysiological mechanisms of GAD remain unclear. We recruited medication-free patients of GAD (N = 33), social anxiety disorder (SAD; N = 36), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; N = 59), and healthy controls (HC; N = 50). All subjects underwent clinical assessments and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We compared both the amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity across the whole brain, using the significantly different regions from the ALFF analyses as seed regions, followed by post-hoc tests. We found that ALFF of the left angular gyrus (AG), left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), left precentral gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, and left cerebellum were higher in GAD compared with SAD, PTSD and HC. This trend was further corroborated by the higher functional connectivity between left AG and bilateral IPL, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in GAD. In addition, GAD and SAD both showed abnormally higher left AG-right insula connectivity. Significant correlations were found between anxiety symptom severity and the left AG regional activity and left AG-left mPFC connectivity. We did not compare the differences in neuroimaging between GAD and other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder. The default mode network dysfunction may underlie the distinctive perseverative thoughts of GAD relative to other anxiety disorders, and left AG-right insula connectivity may reflect somatic anxiety of anxiety disorder spectrum. • Default mode network dysfunction may characterize the perseverative thoughts of GAD. • Significant correlation between left AG activity and anxiety symptom severity in GAD • Left AG-right insula connectivity may reflect somatic symptoms of anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]