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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration only gave emergency use authorization of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for infants 6 months and older in June 2022. Yet questions regarding the durability of vaccine efficacy, especially against emerging variants, in this age group remain. We demonstrated previously that a two-dose regimen of stabilized prefusion Washington SARS-CoV-2 S-2P spike (S) protein encoded by mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP) or purified S-2P mixed with 3M-052, a synthetic Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist, in a squalene emulsion (Protein+3M-052-SE) was safe and immunogenic in infant rhesus macaques. Here, we demonstrate that broadly neutralizing and spike-binding antibodies against variants of concern (VOCs), as well as T cell responses, persisted for 12 months. At 1 year, corresponding to human toddler age, we challenged vaccinated rhesus macaques and age-matched nonvaccinated controls intranasally and intratracheally with a high dose of heterologous SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta). Seven of eight control rhesus macaques exhibited severe interstitial pneumonia and high virus replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract. In contrast, vaccinated rhesus macaques had faster viral clearance with mild to no pneumonia. Neutralizing and binding antibody responses to the B.1.617.2 variant at the day of challenge correlated with lung pathology and reduced virus replication. Overall, the Protein+3M-052-SE vaccine provided superior protection to the mRNA-LNP vaccine, emphasizing opportunities for optimization of current vaccine platforms. The observed efficacy of both vaccines 1 year after vaccination supports the implementation of an early-life SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

BackgroundThe critical role of antibody Fc-mediated effector functions in immune defense has been widely reported in various viral infections. These effector functions confer cellular responses through engagement with innate immune cells. The precise mechanism(s) by which immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc domain and cognate receptors may afford protection are poorly understood, however, in the context of HIV/SHIV infections. Many different in vitro assays have been developed and utilized to measure effector functions, but the extent to which these assays capture distinct antibody activities has not been fully elucidated.ResultsIn this study, six Fc-mediated effector function assays and two biophysical antibody profiling assays were performed on a common set of samples from HIV-1 infected and vaccinated subjects. Biophysical antibody profiles supported robust prediction of diverse IgG effector functions across distinct Fc-mediated effector function assays. While a number of assays showed correlated activities, supervised machine learning models indicated unique antibody features as primary contributing factors to the associated effector functions. Additional experiments established the mechanistic relevance of relationships discovered using this unbiased approach.ConclusionsIn sum, this study provides better resolution on the diversity and complexity of effector function assays, offering a clearer perspective into this family of antibody mechanisms of action to inform future HIV-1 treatment and vaccination strategies.

ObjectiveTo investigate a foodborne disease outbreak and identify the pathogenic factors in order to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.MethodsEpidemiological study， on-site food hygiene investigation， and laboratory testing were used to analyze the cause of outbreak in Company A.ResultsA total of 24 confirmed cases were screened out. The major clinical symptoms were diarrhea （100.0%）， stomachache （100.0%）， and vomiting （41.7%）. Samples from 24 patients were tested positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus， and were homologous by Pulsed field gel electrophoresis （PFGE） phylogenetic study. According to the result of case-control study， eating glass noodles salad at the dinner and supper on July 16th， 2019 was the risk factor （OR=15.71，95%CI：1.90‒129.71）.ConclusionThis foodborne disease outbreak was caused by glass noodles salad cross contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

An effective human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) vaccine will most likely have to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to overcome the sequence diversity of the envelope glycoprotein (Env). So far, stabilized versions of Env, such as SOSIP trimers, have been able to induce neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses, but those responses are mainly strain-specific. Here we attempted to broaden NAb responses by using a multivalent vaccine and applying a number of design improvements. First, we used highly stabilized SOSIP.v9 trimers. Second, we removed any holes in the glycan shields and optimized glycan occupancy to avoid strain-specific glycan hole responses. Third, we selected five sequences from the same clade (B), as we observed previously that combining Env trimers from clade A, B and C did not improve cross-reactive responses, as they might have been too diverse. Fourth, to improve antibody (Ab) responses, the Env trimers were displayed on two-component I53-50 nanoparticles (NPs). Fifth, to favor activation of cross-reactive B cells, the five Env trimers were co-displayed on mosaic NPs. Sixth, we immunized rabbits four times with long intervals between vaccinations. These efforts led to the induction of cross-reactive B cells and cross-reactive binding Ab responses, but we only sporadically detected cross-neutralizing responses. We conclude that stabilized HIV-1 Env trimers that are not modified specifically for priming naive B cells are unable to elicit strong bNAb responses, and infer that sequential immunization regimens, most likely starting with specific germline-targeting immunogens, will be necessary to overcome Env's defenses against the induction of NAbs. The antigens described here could be excellent boosting immunogens in a sequential immunization regimen, as responses to bNAb epitopes were induced. Author summary: The overall consensus in the HIV-1 vaccine field is that an effective vaccine should be able to elicit broadly neutralizing responses. In this study we aimed at inducing a cross-neutralizing antibody response using stabilized HIV-1 envelope trimers. We applied a multitude of state-of-the-art antigen design approaches to achieve this goal. Despite these efforts, our immunogens did not induce cross-neutralizing responses efficiently. In-depth analysis of the antibody responses, and antigen-specific B cells elicited by the vaccinations revealed interesting details that can help guide future vaccine design. Presenting the mature envelope proteins on a mixture of monovalent nanoparticles, or co-displayed on a mosaic nanoparticle, induced different amounts of cross-reactive cells. Furthermore, we found that the immunogens used in this study were in some cases able to induce antibody responses to broadly neutralizing epitopes, indicating that these immunogens could be useful in alternative vaccination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse Ab effector functions mediated by the Fc domain have been commonly associated with reduced risk of infection in a growing number of nonhuman primate and human clinical studies. This study evaluated the anti-HIV Ab effector activities in polyclonal serum samples from HIV-infected donors, VAX004 vaccine recipients, and healthy HIV-negative subjects using a variety of primary and cell line-based assays, including Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), Ab-dependent cell-mediated viral inhibition, and Ab-dependent cellular phagocytosis. Additional assay characterization was performed with a panel of Fc-engineered variants of mAb b12. The goal of this study was to characterize different effector functions in the study samples and identify assays that might most comprehensively and dependably capture Fc-mediated Ab functions mediated by different effector cell types and against different viral targets. Deployment of such assays may facilitate assessment of functionally unique humoral responses and contribute to identification of correlates of protection with potential mechanistic significance in future HIV vaccine studies. Multivariate and correlative comparisons identified a set of Ab-dependent cell-mediated viral inhibition and phagocytosis assays that captured different Ab activities and were distinct from a group of ADCC assays that showed a more similar response profile across polyclonal serum samples. The activities of a panel of b12 monoclonal Fc variants further identified distinctions among the ADCC assays. These results reveal the natural diversity of Fc-mediated Ab effector responses among vaccine recipients in the VAX004 trial and in HIV-infected subjects, and they point to the potential importance of polyfunctional Ab responses.

Aim. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of pertinent research on the subject of nursing professionalism. Background. The number of studies documenting nursing professionalism has been consistently increasing over the years; however, a comprehensive synthesis and analysis of the evidence presented in these reports is currently lacking. Evaluation. The scope reviews were conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang database. Key Issues. This review included 15 studies and identified 4 significant pertinent issues: (1) the need for further investigation into the implementation level of nursing professionalism; (2) the development of culturally sensitive instruments to assess nursing professionalism; (3) an in‐depth exploration of the associated factors influencing nursing professionalism; and (4) the critical implementation of diverse intervention strategies to enhance nursing professionalism. Conclusions. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the implementation level, assessment tools, influential factors, and intervention strategies in nursing professionalism research. In addition, it emphasizes the future research direction in this field. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing administrators need to understand the significance of improving the professional education and training of nurses, fostering a conducive work environment, and providing support for their active development of professional skills and nursing professionalism. These factors collectively contribute to the long‐term professional development of nurses and enhance the quality of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their low density and exceptional wear resistance, SiCp/Al composites have great potential for brake materials used in trains. In this study, a newly developed SiCp/Al brake disk was fabricated by a powder metallurgy method. The friction and wear behavior of SiCp/Al brakes were investigated under extensive velocity ranges (40–220 km/h) according to the scale conversion rules. It is found that the matching tribocouple exhibits low wear loss, a reliable friction factor, and high heat resistance. The friction film maintains its continuity and stability at high braking speeds and temperatures, effectively protecting the surface of SiCp/Al composite materials from damage, minimizing wear, and stabilizing the friction coefficient. The excellent reliability of the lightweight SiCp/Al brake disk performance confirms its high technical feasibility to replace heavy iron and steel brake disks in urban rail vehicles that normally travel at 220 km/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents are a growing population of people living with HIV. The period between weaning and sexual debut presents a low-risk window for HIV acquisition, making early childhood an ideal time for implementing an immunization regimen. Because the elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is critical for an effective HIV vaccine, our goal was to assess the ability of a bnAb B cell lineage–designed HIV envelope SOSIP (protein stabilized by a disulfide bond between gp120-gp41—named "SOS"—and an isoleucine-to-proline point mutation—named "IP"—at residue 559) to induce precursor CD4 binding site (CD4bs)–targeting bnAbs in early life. Infant rhesus macaques received either a BG505 SOSIP, based on the infant BG505 transmitted/founder virus, or the CD4bs germ line–targeting BG505 SOSIP GT1.1 (n = 5 per group). Although both strategies induced durable, high-magnitude plasma autologous virus neutralization responses, only GT1.1-immunized infants (n = 3 of 5) exhibited VRC01-like CD4bs bnAb precursor development. Thus, a multidose immunization regimen with bnAb lineage–designed SOSIPs shows promise for inducing early B cell responses with the potential to mature into protective HIV bnAbs before sexual debut. Editor's summary: HIV vaccine efforts include developing immunogens that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Two studies highlight advances in inducing VRC01 class bnAbs that bind to the conserved CD4 binding site (CD4bs) epitope of the HIV envelope (Env). Caniels et al. used structure-based design to optimize a trimeric HIV Env antigen, called BG505 SOSIP GT1.1 (GT1.1). Adult nonhuman primates (NHPs) immunized with GT1.1 produced antibodies that neutralize fully glycosylated viruses by specifically binding to the CD4bs. Nelson et al. evaluated GT1.1 in infant NHPs compared with a predecessor immunogen, BG505 SOSIP. Both immunogens induced neutralizing antibodies against autologous viruses, but only infants primed with GT1.1 generated VRC01-like CD4bs bnAb precursors upon boosting with BG505 SOSIP. These findings indicate that trimeric germ line–targeting immunogens can elicit neutralizing antibodies toward conserved HIV Env epitopes. (See accompanying Research Article by Caniels et al. and accompanying Focus by Amara.) —Christiana Fogg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunodominance of antibodies targeting non-neutralizing epitopes and the high level of somatic hypermutation within germinal centers (GCs) required for most HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are major impediments to the development of an effective HIV vaccine. Rational protein vaccine design and non-conventional immunization strategies are potential avenues to overcome these hurdles. Here, we report using implantable osmotic pumps to continuously deliver a series of epitope-targeted immunogens to rhesus macaques over the course of six months to prime and elicit antibody responses against the conserved fusion peptide (FP). GC responses and antibody specificities were tracked longitudinally using lymph node fine-needle aspirates and electron microscopy polyclonal epitope mapping (EMPEM), respectively, to show antibody responses to the FP/N611 glycan hole region were primed, although exhibited limited neutralization breadth. Application of cryoEMPEM delineated key residues for on-target and off-target responses that can drive the next round of structure-based vaccine design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleural empyema can lead to significant morbidity and mortality despite chest drainage and antibiotic treatment, necessitating novel and minimally invasive interventions. Fusobacterium nucleatum is an obligate anaerobe found in the human oral and gut microbiota. Advances in sequencing and puncture techniques have made it common to detect anaerobic bacteria in empyema cases. In this report, we describe the case of a 65-year-old man with hypertension who presented with a left-sided encapsulated pleural effusion. Initial fluid analysis using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) revealed the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aspergillus chevalieri. Unfortunately, the patient experienced worsening pleural effusion despite drainage and antimicrobial therapy. Ultimately, successful treatment was achieved through intrapleural metronidazole therapy in conjunction with systemic antibiotics. The present case showed that intrapleural antibiotic therapy is a promising measure for pleural empyema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is still one of the leading causes of end-stage kidney disease (ESRD), and complement system activation is a key to the pathogenesis of IgAN. The role of complement C3a/C3aR and C5a/C5aR in late stage of IgAN remains unknown. Renal specimens of 75 IgAN patients at the stage 4 CKD were stained using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death. Associations of complement components with baseline clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were assessed using multivariable Cox regression and Spearman analyses. During a median follow-up of 15.0 months, 27 patients progressed to ESRD and none died. Lower eGFR [hazards ratio (HR), 0.827, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.732–0.935; P = 0.002] and glomerular C3 deposition (HR, 3.179, 95% CI, 1.079–9.363; P = 0.036) were predictive of time to ESRD in stage 4 CKD IgAN. Higher expression of C3a (P = 0.010), C3aR (P = 0.005), C5a (P = 0.015), and C5aR (P < 0.001) was identified in ESRD group than in non-ESRD group. Glomerular C3a/C3aR and C5a/C5aR deposits were both correlated with a lower baseline eGFR, higher baseline 24 h-urinary protein (24 h-UP) and faster decline of eGFR. Besides, C3a and C5a deposits were found in patients with high S (S1) and T (T1/2) scores, respectively. Complement C3a/C3aR and C5a/C5aR in IgAN patients with stage 4 CKD may portend a faster deterioration of kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been verified as vital regulators in human disease, including atherosclerosis. However, the precise role of X-inactive-specific transcript (XIST) in atherosclerosis remains unclear. The proliferation and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide, and flow cytometry assays, correspondingly. The western blot assay was used to quantify protein expression. Lactate dehydrogenase activity and the concentrations of inflammatory factors were measured by matched kits. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to determine α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle protein 22-α, XIST, miR-98-5p, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) levels in HUVECs. The relationship among XIST, miR-98-5p, and PAPPA was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays. We found ox-LDL repressed proliferation and induced inflammation and apoptosis in HUVECs. Loss-of-functional experiment suggested that the downregulation of XIST overturned the ox-LDL-induced effects on HUVECs. Additionally, overexpression of miR-98-5p-induced effects on ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs was abolished by upregulation of XIST. However, silencing of miR-98-5p strengthened the ox-LDL-induced effects on HUVECs by increasing expression of PAPPA. Mechanistically, XIST could regulate PAPPA expression in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs by sponging miR-98-5p, providing understanding for atherosclerosis.