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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important causes of respiratory disease in infants, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. Natural infection does not result in long-term immunity, and there is no licensed vaccine. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a commonly used vaccine vector platform against infectious diseases, and has been used as a vector for a licensed Ebola vaccine. In this study, we expressed the RSV fusion (F) protein, the RSV F protein stabilized in either a pre-fusion or a post-fusion configuration, the attachment glycoprotein (G), or the G and F proteins of RSV in combination in a VSV vector. Cotton rats were immunized with these recombinants intranasally or subcutaneously to test immunogenicity. RSV F stabilized in either a pre-fusion or a post-fusion configuration proved to be poorly immunogenic and protective when compared to unmodified F. RSV G provided partial protection and moderate levels of neutralizing antibody production, both of which improved with intranasal administration compared to subcutaneous inoculation. The most successful vaccine vector was VSV expressing both the G and F proteins after intranasal inoculation. Immunization with this recombinant induced neutralizing antibodies and provided protection from RSV challenge in the upper and lower respiratory tract for at least 80 days. Our results demonstrate that co-expression of F and G proteins in a VSV vector provides synergistic effects in inducing RSV-specific neutralizing antibodies and protection against RSV infection.

Protein oxidation of fish products during storage and processing is of interest recently. In this study, the effect of peroxyl radicals generated from 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) on the physicochemical and gel properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) from grass carp was investigated. After incubation with AAPH (0.04, 0.2, 1, 5, 25 mM), the carbonyl and dityrosine content, and surface hydrophobicity index of MP were higher than that of the non-oxidation control. Conversely, this treatment decreased the free ammonia, total and free sulfhydryl content of MP progressively. The transformation from α-helix to β-sheet and β-turn in MP treated with AAPH was found. The fluorescence quenching of tryptophan occurred in the 5 and 25 mM AAPH groups. When the AAPH concentration reached to 25 mM, the protein solubility decreased to 58%, compared to the control group. Meanwhile, this AAPH treatment damaged the elastic feature of MP and also decreased the water holding capacity, gel strength and texture of gel, which were closely depended on the oxidation degree. The poor and rough microstructure provided solid and visible evidence for the loss of gel properties in oxidation treatment groups. In short, these results gave a deeper understanding for the changes of physicochemical and gel properties of fish MP subjected to oxidation environment.

Myosin is a major protein involved in gel formation during the heating process. The physicochemical properties, protein conformation, and aggregate morphology of myosin extracted from mixed Hypophthalmichthys molitrix/Nemipterus virgatus muscle in different ratios (H:N = 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 3:1, 5:1) were compared before and after two‐stage heating. The turbidity increased, the reactive sulfhydryl groups became exposed, and the secondary structure of myosin changed from α‐helix to β‐sheet after two‐stage heating. Variations in surface hydrophobicity, tryptophan fluorescence, and ultraviolet spectra demonstrated that there were certain differences in the tertiary structure of mixed myosin. It was noteworthy that mixed myosin aggregated before heating and even formed a more uniform aggregate and crosslinks than other groups after heating when the ratio of H. molitrix and N. virgatus muscle was 5:1. These results suggest that the mixed myosin from different fish species could undergo conformational changes and molecular rearrangement and then form crosslinks and aggregates with diverse sizes during heating process, which would contribute to improve gel characteristics.

Edible coatings and films based on chitosan, and containing grape seed extract (GSE), were developed and their activities tested against murine norovirus (MNV‐1), Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli K12. Grape seed extract concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, and 2.5% dissolved in deionized water resulted in MNV‐1 plaque reductions (p

This study aimed to identify novel ACEI peptides from Larimichthys crocea titin using in silico approaches and to clarify the molecular interaction mechanism. The hydrolyzed peptides of titin were compared with known ACEI peptides in the AHTPDB and BIOPEP-UWM database. Furthermore, peptides were evaluated for their solubility, ADMET properties, △G (kcal/mol) values, and in vitro ACEI activity. Molecular mechanism of ACE-peptide was performed by molecular interactions and binding orientation study. The results revealed that IC50 values of Trp-Ala-Arg(WAR) and Trp-Gln-Arg(WQR) were (31.2 ± 0.8) and (231.33 ± 0.02) μmol/L, respectively. The docking interactions result suggested that ACE-WAR and ACE-WQR complexes have same binding site, including the residues LYS511, TYR520, TYR523, HIS353, and HIS513. Molecular docking of two tripeptides WAR and WQR with ACE studies predicted their binding site and clarified the interaction between ACE and its inhibitors. The molecular docking data are consistent with the ACE inhibitory activity of the studied peptides. The results showed that Larimichthys crocea titin may be a valuable source for developing nutraceutical food.

Surimi-based products with elasticity and specific shapes have received considerable notice in recent years. To ascertain the effects of inulin, microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and the combination of inulin/MTGase on gel formation of silver carp surimi, the gel strength, textural properties, water-holding capacity (WHC), dynamic rheological measurements, Raman spectroscopy, light microscopy of gel structure and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of gels from different groups were analyzed. The results showed that addition of inulin, MTGase and MTGase + inulin improved gel strength (increased by 7.7%, 26.8% and 38.56% compared with control group), textural properties and WHC. Raman spectroscopy proven that MTGase + inulin promoted the conversion of α-helixes to β-sheets and β-turns compared with other experimental and control groups. Pure surimi gelation contained a loose and non-heterogeneous network via light microscopy. With the addition of MTGase and inulin, the microstructure of surimi gelation became more compact and homogeneous, particularly the MTGase + inulin groups. Moreover, The SDS-PAGE pattern further disclosed that the MTGase + inulin had a weakened myosin heavy chain band, indicating that inulin could enhance the cross-linking effects of MTGase on myosin heavy chains. These data demonstrated inulin incorporating with MTGase may be a new and effective strategy to improve the gel properties of fish surimi.

This study examined the effects on conformation and oxidation of myofibrillar protein in largemouth bass by different thawing methods. The conventional thawing, microwave thawing, microwave (MVT) or ultrasound combined with vacuum thawing, microwave or far-infrared thawing (FMT) combined with magnetic nanoparticles were used in this experiment. The physicochemical changes were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheology. The protein structure changes were measured by Raman, intrinsic fluorescence, and second-derivative ultraviolet spectrometry. The degree of protein aggregation was evaluated by surface hydrophobicity, particle size, and zeta-potential measurements. Total sulfhydryl content, protein carbonyl content, Ca2+ -ATPase activity, and SDS-PAGE were used to analyze the degree of protein oxidation. Results showed that MVT and FMT samples had better thermal stability, more stable protein conformation, and a lower degree of protein oxidation. Thus, these two methods would be beneficial to sustain the quality of thawed fillets. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the market circulation, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) need to be frozen. The thawing methods can directly affect the quality of frozen fish, thus causing the changes in the conformation of the myofibrillar protein in fish, and also affecting the degree of protein oxidation. The results showed that the microwave combined with vacuum and the magnetic nanoparticles combined with far-infrared thawing had less effect on myofibrillar protein of fish and were a better thawing method.

In order to improve the flavor of aquatic enzymatic hydrolysate, this study determined the effect of ultra-high pressure processing (UHP) coupled with enzymatic hydrolysis on the flavor of Alaska p...

Inhibition of beta-site APP cleaving enzyme1 (BACE1) is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease. To find natural products for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties and in vitro BACE1 inhibitory activity of the peptides isolated from egg albumin were evaluated. Then, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to explain the molecular mechanism of the interactions between BACE1 and peptides. The IC50 value of peptide KLPGF, with satisfactory ADMET properties, against BACE1 was (8.30 ± 0.56) mmol/L. Molecular docking revealed that KLPGF contacted with the residues of BACE1’s active sites through twelve hydrogen bonds interactions, two hydrophobic interactions, one electrostatic interaction, and two Pi-cation interactions. The 5 ns molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the structure of KLPGF with BACE1 was stable. Peptide KLPGF contacted the residues Lys321, Asp228, and Asn233 with stable hydrogen bonds. KLPGF may be a potential anti-BACE1 candidate.

This study investigated the effects of different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 μmol/g protein) of tea polyphenols (TP) on the oxidative modification and the physicochemical, structural, and gelling properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) oxidized by a hydroxyl radical-generating system. The results showed that low concentrations (5 and 10 μmol/g protein) of TP could effectively inhibit the formation of carbonyl groups and dityrosine, the loss of sulfhydryl groups and α-helix conformation, and the change of the tertiary structure of MP caused by hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, the presence of TP in all concentrations decreased the surface hydrophobicity of MP. TP at 10 μmol/g protein had better effects on preventing the oxidation-induced cross-linking and aggregation of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin of MP, keeping the stability of MP solutions with lower turbiscan stability index (TSI) values, and improving gelling properties characterized by higher hardness and gel strength of MP gels. By contrast, excessive presence of TP (20, 50, and 100 μmol/g protein) showed pro-oxidative effects on oxidatively stressed MP, which was detrimental to the MP and contributed to the denaturation and irregular aggregation of MP, the loss of MP solution stability, and lower gelling capacity with poor texture and gel strength. The concentration-dependent effects of TP on MP depended on the extent of MP oxidative modification and MP-TP interactions, indicating that a proper amount of TP has the potential to protect MP from oxidation and to enhance the gelling capacity of surimi during processing.

In the present study, we characterized CF-14, a novel antimicrobial peptide derived from the catfish skin mucus. The objective of this study was to explore the antimicrobial mechanism of CF-14 against Escherichia coli. The agar-diffusion assay and the microdilution method were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CF-14 against E. coli, respectively. In addition, the absorbance of the bacterial suspension filtrate at 260 nm was measured to quantify the leakage of bacterial cytoplasmic components. The bacterial morphological changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy, while confocal microscopy was used to investigate the localization site of CF-14 in E.coli. The DNA binding ability of CF-14 was evaluated using gel retardation assay and the binding of CF-14 to DnaK was evaluated using Discovery Studio. The results demonstrated that CF-14 exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against E.coli with an MIC of 31.3 μg/mL. Unlike common cationic anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) that target the cellmembrane, CF-14 penetrated the E.coli cell membrane and induced only minormembrane perturbations. Furthermore, the antimicrobial mechanism of CF-14 against E.coli involved DNA binding and competitive inhibition of bacterial DnaK. Finally, by deleting or replacing the amino acid sequence, the antibacterial activity of CF-14 was affected, which helped the optimization of amino acid sequence. Therefore, CF-14 can be a potential antimicrobial peptide.

The effect of super-chilling at -2°C compared with ice storage at 0°C on flavor quality changes of turbot (Psetta maxima) was investigated. Changes in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), sensory attributes and volatile compounds were periodically examined for 20 days. Results demonstrated that super-chilling retarded the increases of TVB-N values and maintained better sensory quality compared to the ice storage. Additionally, GC-MS analysis showed super-chilling could more effectively maintain the characteristic volatiles responsible for fresh fish flavor and reduce the contents of putrid compounds such as TMA and acetic acid.

Significance Myeloid lineage cells are suspected of having an integral role in pathophysiological processes of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the molecular mechanism(s) governing their effector function remains incompletely understood. We show that STAT3 is activated in myeloid cells near active MS lesions. Conditional deletion of Stat3 in myeloid cells abolished symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by suppressing the generation of pathogenic T cells. Functional and transcriptomic analyses of myeloid cells from wild-type and conditional knockout mice implicated antigen processing/presentation and inflammatory cytokine production as the mechanism underlying the effects of STAT3 deletion on impaired T cell activation. Our data indicate that targeting STAT3 in myeloid cells might be a viable treatment option for autoimmune demyelinating disease., Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Dysregulation of STAT3, a transcription factor pivotal to various cellular processes including Th17 cell differentiation, has been implicated in MS. Here, we report that STAT3 is activated in infiltrating monocytic cells near active MS lesions and that activation of STAT3 in myeloid cells is essential for leukocyte infiltration, neuroinflammation, and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Genetic disruption of Stat3 in peripheral myeloid lineage cells abrogated EAE, which was associated with decreased antigen-specific T helper cell responses. Myeloid cells from immunized Stat3 mutant mice exhibited impaired antigen-presenting functions and were ineffective in driving encephalitogenic T cell differentiation. Single-cell transcriptome analyses of myeloid lineage cells from preclinical wild-type and mutant mice revealed that loss of myeloid STAT3 signaling disrupted antigen-dependent cross-activation of myeloid cells and T helper cells. This study identifies a previously unrecognized requisite for myeloid cell STAT3 in the activation of myelin-reactive T cells and suggests myeloid STAT3 as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune demyelinating disease.

Internal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the most common and abundant modifications of RNA. However, the biological roles of viral RNA m6A remain elusive. Here, using human metapneumovirus (HMPV) as a model, we demonstrate that m6A serves as a molecular marker for innate immune discrimination of self from non-self RNAs. We show that HMPV RNAs are m6A methylated and that viral m6A methylation promotes HMPV replication and gene expression. Inactivating m6A addition sites with synonymous mutations or demethylase resulted in m6A-deficient recombinant HMPVs and virion RNAs that induced increased expression of type I interferon, which was dependent on the cytoplasmic RNA sensor RIG-I, and not on melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5). Mechanistically, m6A-deficient virion RNA induces higher expression of RIG-I, binds more efficiently to RIG-I and facilitates the conformational change of RIG-I, leading to enhanced interferon expression. Furthermore, m6A-deficient recombinant HMPVs triggered increased interferon in vivo and were attenuated in cotton rats but retained high immunogenicity. Collectively, our results highlight that (1) viruses acquire m6A in their RNA as a means of mimicking cellular RNA to avoid detection by innate immunity and (2) viral RNA m6A can serve as a target to attenuate HMPV for vaccine purposes. This study reports a novel function for the N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in allowing RIG-I to discriminate self from non-self RNA and shows that human metapneumovirus induces this modification of its RNA to evade recognition in vivo.

By adjusting carboxylates, six Cd(ii) coordination polymers based on a naphthalene-methylene mixed-bridged-amide ligand, [Cd(L)(DNBA)2] (1), [Cd2(L)2(BDC)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (2), [Cd(L)(1,4-CHDA)] (3), [Cd(L)(HIPA)(H2O)]·H2O (4), [Cd(L)(MIP)]·H2O (5), and [Cd(L)(PMA)0.5(H2O)]·H2O (6) [L = N,N'-bis(4-methylenepyridin-4-yl)-1,4-naphthalene dicarboxamide, HDNBA = 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-H2CHDA = 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, H2HIPA = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, H2MIP = 5-methylisophthalic acid and H4PMA = pyromellitic acid] have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. 1 shows a 4-c sql coplanar structure. 2 exhibits a 2-fold vertical interpenetrating structure based on wave-like 4-c sql layers. 3 shows a (3,5)-c pnh network containing a unique μ3-L. 4 features a 4-c sql wave-like network. 5 and 6 exhibit 3D structures with 6-c pcu and 4-c mog topologies. The number of carboxyl groups and functional group positions of the carboxylates have an important influence on the structures of the title complexes. The fluorescent responses of 1-6 towards Fe3+, anions, aspartic acid and bovine serum albumin were investigated. Among them, 4 shows sensitivity and selectivity (KSV = 1.16 × 104 L mol-1 for Fe3+, 1.03 × 104 L mol-1 for CrO42-, 1.08 × 104 L mol-1 for Cr2O72-, 1.17 × 104 L mol-1 for MnO4- and 1.05 × 104 L mol-1 for aspartic acid).

The combined effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) and ultrahigh pressure (UP) treatment on the flavor of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) fillets during storage at 4 °C for 20 days were investigated. Changes in total viable count, trimethylamine, ATP-related compounds, free amino acids, TCA-soluble peptides, electronic nose (E-nose) analysis and sensory quality were measured. The results indicated that CA and UP treatment, especially CA combined with UP, significantly reduced undesirable flavor compounds including inosine, hypoxanthine, TMA, and bitter amino acids, and accumulated pleasant flavor compounds such as inosine monophosphate and umami-related amino acids. In addition, the combination of CA and UP was shown to be more effective for retarding protein degradation and microbial growth than CA or UP treatment alone. In accordance with the results of E-nose analysis and sensory evaluation, CA combined with UP treatment had great potential for improving the flavor quality of refrigerated flounder fillets and extending their storage life.

Differences by sex in lung cancer incidence and mortality have been reported which cannot be fully explained by sex differences in smoking behavior, implying existence of genetic and molecular basis for sex disparity in lung cancer development. However, the information about sex dimorphism in lung cancer risk is quite limited despite the great success in lung cancer association studies. By adopting a stringent two-stage analysis strategy, we performed a genome-wide gene–sex interaction analysis using genotypes from a lung cancer cohort including ~ 47 000 individuals with European ancestry. Three low-frequency variants (minor allele frequency

BACKGROUND Antioxidant activity has been found in fermented fish sauce. In this experiment, the properties of endogenous protease and antioxidant activity were studied in anchovy sauce during fermentation. The correlation between protease activity and antioxidant activity in fermented anchovy sauce was analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) method. RESULTS The results showed that at least four proteases were present in the endogenous enzyme solution, and the optimum pH values were 2.5, 5.5, 9.0, and 12.5, respectively. The maximum inhibition rate of endogenous protease, from high to low, was: serine protease inhibitor > trypsin inhibitor > aspartic protease inhibitor (pepsin inhibitor) > cysteine protease inhibitor > metalloprotease inhibitor. At the sixth month of fermentation, fish sauce had stronger trypsin, pepsin-like activity, and antioxidant activity. At the ninth month of fermentation, the cathepsin activity was greater. A model correlating changes in protease activity with antioxidant activity suggested that the trypsin and serine protease were the main factors affecting antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION This study reports a model correlating changes in protease activity with the antioxidant activity of fish sauce. It lays a foundation for further exploration of the formation of antioxidant substances and antioxidant effects during the process of fish sauce fermentation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for a variety of infectious diseases both in human and animals, particularly aquatic animals. Moreover, the pathogen has become a foodborne pathogen by transmitting from seafood to human. The abuse of antibiotics in aquaculture results in the emergence of antibiotic resistance and treatment failure. Therefore, novel approaches are urgently needed for managing resistant A. hydrophila associated infections. Aerolysin, an essential virulence factor of pathogenic A. hydrophila strain, has been identified as target developing novel drugs against pathogenesis of A. hydrophila. In the present study, genistein, without anti-A. hydrophila activity, was identified that could decrease the production of aerolysin and biofilm formation at a dose-dependent manner. Transcription of aerolysin encoding gene aerA and quorum sensing related genes ahyI and ahyR was significantly down-regulated when co-cultured with genistein. Cell viability studies demonstrated that genistein could significantly improve aerolysin mediated A549 cell injury. Furthermore, genistein could provide a remarkable protection to channel catfish infected with A. hydrophila. These findings indicate that targeting quorum sensing and virulence can be a useful approach developing drugs against A. hydrophila infections in aquaculture. Moreover, genistein can be chosen as a promising candidate in developing drugs against A. hydrophila.

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to dramatic economic and health burdens. Although the worldwide SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign has begun, exploration of other vaccine candidates is needed due to uncertainties with the current approved vaccines, such as durability of protection, cross-protection against variant strains, and costs of long-term production and storage. In this study, we developed a methyltransferase-defective recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (mtdVSV)-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate. We generated mtdVSVs expressing SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike (S) protein, S1, or its receptor-binding domain (RBD). All of these recombinant viruses grew to high titers in mammalian cells despite high attenuation in cell culture. The SARS-CoV-2 S protein and its truncations were highly expressed by the mtdVSV vector. These mtdVSV-based vaccine candidates were completely attenuated in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Among these constructs, mtdVSV-S induced high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and Th1-biased T-cell immune responses in mice. In Syrian golden hamsters, the serum levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific NAbs triggered by mtdVSV-S were higher than the levels of NAbs in convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. In addition, hamsters immunized with mtdVSV-S were completely protected against SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung and nasal turbinate tissues, cytokine storm, and lung pathology. Collectively, our data demonstrate that mtdVSV expressing SARS-CoV-2 S protein is a safe and highly efficacious vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection. IMPORTANCE Viral mRNA cap methyltransferase (MTase) is essential for mRNA stability, protein translation, and innate immune evasion. Thus, viral mRNA cap MTase activity is an excellent target for development of live attenuated or live vectored vaccine candidates. Here, we developed a panel of MTase-defective recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (mtdVSV)-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates expressing full-length S, S1, or several versions of the RBD. These mtdVSV-based vaccine candidates grew to high titers in cell culture and were completely attenuated in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Among these vaccine candidates, mtdVSV-S induces high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) and Th1-biased immune responses in mice. Syrian golden hamsters immunized with mtdVSV-S triggered SARS-CoV-2-specific NAbs at higher levels than those in convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, hamsters immunized with mtdVSV-S were completely protected against SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Thus, mtdVSV is a safe and highly effective vector to deliver SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide health concern, and new treatment strategies are needed 1. Targeting inflammatory innate immunity pathways holds therapeutic promise, but effective molecular targets remain elusive. Here, we show that human caspase-4 (CASP4), and its mouse homologue, caspase-11 (CASP11), are upregulated in SARS-CoV-2 infections, and that CASP4 expression correlates with severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. SARS-CoV-2-infected Casp11-/- mice were protected from severe weight loss and lung pathology, including blood vessel damage, compared to wild-type (WT) and gasdermin-D knock out (Gsdmd-/-) mice. GSDMD is a downstream effector of CASP11 and CASP1. Notably, viral titers were similar in the three genotypes. Global transcriptomics of SARS-CoV-2-infected WT, Casp11-/- and Gsdmd-/- lungs identified restrained expression of inflammatory molecules and altered neutrophil gene signatures in Casp11-/- mice. We confirmed that protein levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL6, and CXCL1, and neutrophil functions, were reduced in Casp11-/- lungs. Additionally, Casp11-/- lungs accumulated less von Willebrand factor, a marker for endothelial damage, but expressed more Kruppel-Like Factor 2, a transcription factor that maintains vascular integrity. Overall, our results demonstrate that CASP4/11, promotes detrimental SARS-CoV-2-associated inflammation and coagulopathy, largely independently of GSDMD, identifying CASP4/11 as a promising drug target for treatment and prevention of severe COVID-19.

Significance We report that suppression of the serine protease elastase reshapes innate responses induced by injected vaccines containing alum adjuvant. This reprogramming improves the induction of protective antibodies in the bloodstream and stimulates innate signals, which support the development of antibody responses in mucosal tissues. Our findings identify elastase as the innate regulator that blunts the adjuvant activity of alum. They also demonstrate that vaccination via mucosal routes is not an absolute requirement for antibody responses in mucosal tissues and secretions. Supplementation of an alum-based vaccine containing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit 1 as antigen increased anti–SARS-CoV-2 immunity in the blood and mucosal secretions in mice. Thus, this strategy could help in the development of future protein-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2., Alum, used as an adjuvant in injected vaccines, promotes T helper 2 (Th2) and serum antibody (Ab) responses. However, it fails to induce secretory immunoglobulin (Ig) A (SIgA) in mucosal tissues and is poor in inducing Th1 and cell-mediated immunity. Alum stimulates interleukin 1 (IL-1) and the recruitment of myeloid cells, including neutrophils. We investigated whether neutrophil elastase regulates the adjuvanticity of alum, and whether a strategy targeting neutrophil elastase could improve responses to injected vaccines. Mice coadministered a pharmacological inhibitor of elastase, or lacking elastase, developed high-affinity serum IgG and IgA antibodies after immunization with alum-adsorbed protein vaccines, including the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). These mice also developed broader antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses, including high Th1 and T follicular helper (Tfh) responses. Interestingly, in the absence of elastase activity, mucosal SIgA responses were induced after systemic immunization with alum as adjuvant. Importantly, lack or suppression of elastase activity enhanced the magnitude of anti–SARS-CoV-2 spike subunit 1 (S1) antibodies, and these antibodies reacted with the same epitopes of spike 1 protein as sera from COVID-19 patients. Therefore, suppression of neutrophil elastase could represent an attractive strategy for improving the efficacy of alum-based injected vaccines for the induction of broad immunity, including mucosal immunity.

Bacteria are the main cause of spoilage for fish and fishery products. Through the inactivation of the quorum sensing (QS) system, quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes can block the synthesis of bacterial virulence factors and effectively inhibit bacteria-induced food spoilage. This study analyzed the changes of microbiota in red sea bream filets during refrigerated storage. The results showed a decrease in microbial diversity with storage time, with Aeromonas veronii becoming the dominant bacteria on day 4. A novel N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHL) acylase PF2571, from the screened QQ bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens PF08, was identified and expressed in Escherichia coli to evaluate its QQ efficiency and effects on spoilage potential. Spoilage-related QS factors of A. veronii BY-8, including biofilm formation, motility, and protease, lipase, and alginate production, were inhibited by PF2571. Its inhibitory effect on red sea bream spoilage was demonstrated by the lower freshness indicators for PF2571 treated filets. Our study demonstrates the potential of the QQ enzyme for prolonging the shelf life of fish and fishery products.

Among over 150 distinct RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing represent 2 of the most studied modifications on mammalian mRNAs. Although both modifications occur on adenosine residues, knowledge on potential functional crosstalk between these 2 modifications is still limited. Here, we show that the m6A modification promotes expression levels of the ADAR1, which encodes an A-to-I RNA editing enzyme, in response to interferon (IFN) stimulation. We reveal that YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) mediates up-regulation of ADAR1; YTHDF1 is a reader protein that can preferentially bind m6A-modified transcripts and promote translation. Knockdown of YTHDF1 reduces the overall levels of IFN-induced A-to-I RNA editing, which consequently activates dsRNA-sensing pathway and increases expression of various IFN-stimulated genes. Physiologically, YTHDF1 deficiency inhibits virus replication in cells through regulating IFN responses. The A-to-I RNA editing activity of ADAR1 plays important roles in the YTHDF1-dependent IFN responses. Therefore, we uncover that m6A and YTHDF1 affect innate immune responses through modulating the ADAR1-mediated A-to-I RNA editing., A study of the epitranscriptomic landscape reveals a functional role of the RNA modification N6-methyladenosine in suppressing aberrant innate antiviral immune responses by modulating A-to-I RNA editing and RNA secondary structure.

The present study investigated the volatile compounds in nearly three-year shrimp sauces and the effects of different fermentation and storage time on the integral aroma characteristics. The 89 volatile compounds were identified by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Compared with the other two samples, the shrimp sauces which fermented and storage for 2 years has the highest umami amino acid content and the better flavor. The results of electronic nose (e-nose) and electronic tongue (e-tongue) detection to distinguish the aroma characteristics of different samples demonstrated good agreement with those obtained by GC-MS analysis. These results suggested that proper fermentation and storage time are critical to the flavor quality of shrimp sauces.

Blueberry fruits were immersed in 100 mg/L acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) for 10 min and then stored at 4 °C with 40–50% relative humidity (RH) to investigate the changes of anti-oxidative enzyme activity, antioxidants and secondary metabolites in reactive oxygen species metabolism and phenylpropanoid pathway. The results indicated that ASM effectively enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and the content of reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid in blueberries but decreased the content of H2O2. The activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase, polyphenol oxidase and the content of lignin, flavonoids, total phenolics and anthocyanin in blueberries were also enhanced by ASM treatment. These results suggest that postharvest ASM treatment could maintain the reactive oxygen species balance and enhance phenylpropanoid pathway to keep antioxidant ability of blueberries during low temperature storage.

The study investigated the effect of native cassava starch (NCS), hydroxypropylated starch, acetic acid esterification starch (AAES), acetylated distarch phosphate on gel properties and protein conformation of Nemipterus virgatus surimi. Addition of 10 g kg-1 NCS or 20 g kg-1 AAES could significantly promote the gel strength and textural profiles of the surimi gels (p < .05). The water holding ability and whiteness of surimi were remarkably increased when the four types of starch were added at all concentrations (p < .05). In rheological test, the lower G' was observed in surimi samples added with starch at low temperature, suggesting starch played an inactive filler role in surimi. Along with the increase of starch additive amount, ionic bond and hydrophobic interaction first increased and then decreased, while hydrogen bond first decrease and then increased. According to Raman spectroscopy data, small content of starch promoted the heat-induced conformational transition of surimi protein from α-helix to β-sheet, leading to the change in gel properties of surimi gels. Scanning electron microscopy photographs showed surimi gels added with 20 g kg-1 starch had the finer and denser network structure. Therefore, 20 g kg-1 AAES or 10 g kg-1 NCS or 10 g kg-1 HS could be proposed to a potential modifier to effectively improve the quality of surimi products.

The quorum sensing (QS) system enables bacteria, such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, which are vital psychrotrophic food spoilage bacteria, to control various physiological processes. Hence, targeting the bacterial QS might be a good method to control food spoilage and improve food quality. In this study, we screened the ZINC natural product database to search for potential QS inhibitors (QSIs) of P. fluorescens P07 using receptor-based pharmacophore model and virtual screening methods. A total of 28 compounds with high docking scores were tested for their anti-QS activities. The results showed that 22 compounds possessed anti-QS activities and the hit rate was very high (78.57%). Among them, guaiacol, citral et al. showed potent anti-QS activities. Moreover, the effects of guaiacol and citral on the QS-regulated phenotypes were determined. The results showed that guaiacol and citral significantly inhibited the swimming motility, production of extracellular enzymes, and siderophores of P. fluorescens P07. The inhibitory mechanism on the bacterial QS system was investigated by molecular docking analysis.

Aims Pseudomonas fluorescens are important psychrotrophic food spoilage bacteria that are frequently detected in dairy, meat and aquatic products. Quorum sensing (QS) is an intercellular communication and gene regulation mechanism that enables bacteria to monitor their cell densities and regulate a variety of physiological processes. Hence, targeting the bacterial QS system might be a feasible approach to improve food quality and safety by regulating the spoilage caused by P. fluorescens. Methods and results In this study, we screened a food-derived three-dimensional (3D) compound database to search for potential QS inhibitors (QSIs) with higher security. The 3D structures of LuxI- and LuxR-type proteins of P. fluorescens P07 were used as targets to screen for QSIs. A total of 25 compounds with high docking scores were tested for their anti-QS activities by indicator strains. The results show that 19 compounds possessed anti-QS activities. Among them, (+)-catechin had the strongest anti-QS activity. The results show that (+)-catechin significantly inhibited the production of extracellular enzymes, swimming motility, biofilm formation, acyl-homoserine lactones and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) of P. fluorescens P07. The inhibitory mechanism of (+)-catechin on the QS system of P. fluorescens P07 was discussed in the context of molecular docking analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Conclusions Virtual screening was useful in finding novel QSIs with high security of P. fluorescens P07 from a food-derived 3D compound database. The high hit rate suggested that foods are rich sources of QSIs, and have great potential for exploration. Significance and impact of the study The modelled LuxI- and LuxR-type proteins could be used as targets to discover P. fluorescens P07 QSIs. (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, propyl gallate, hesperidin and lycopene which were identified as potent QSIs, and may be applied in food preservation and biofilm elimination.

This study examined the changes of water state and gel characteristics of Hairtail surimi during thermal processing including two steps. The results showed that there were four content of water in Hairtail surimi gels. Water-holding capacity (WHC) and T23 relaxation time of water and gel strength increased from 47.01 to 78.97% and from 64.23 to 51.52 ms, respectively, and whiteness decreased from 63.87 to 55.22 during the entire thermal processing. Meanwhile, the texture properties including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness declined from 402.42 to 130.41 g, from 294.39 to103.70 g, and from 233.68 to 43.60 g, respectively, during the first step, and then increased markedly during the second step from 130.41 to 2,301.87 g, from 103.70 to 1,250.99 g, and from 43.60 to 978.51 g, respectively. Furthermore, the WHC and textural profile had positive correlation, and changes in protein secondary structure were interesting, with the α-helices decreasing significantly from 26.40 to 14.12%, while the β-sheet and the random coil structure increasing significantly from 36.28 to 44.03%, and from 10.89 to 14.31%, respectively, and β-turn structure increasing form 26.44 to 27.98% during the first step and then declining markedly during the second step, moreover β-sheet had a fine positive correlation with WHC hardness and chewiness. Overall, dense, porous and compact three-dimensional network gel structure gradually formed. In a word, during thermal processing. WHC of Hairtail surimi increased, and protein secondary structure of protein became orderly, and a fine, dense gel formed during thermal processing. Water is considered as the highest and most important chemical constituent in surimi products. During surimi gelation, water molecules exist as bulk water and motionally restricted water on the protein surface. In order to gain more insights into the surimi heating-induced gelation processing, and improve the surimi gel properties, and give same advice to manufacturing enterprise, this work was conducted to study the structural changes of protein and water state during surimi gelation processing and performed along with the monitoring of the texture, WHC and other physical characteristics of surimi gel, as well as the microstructure of surimi gel.

Fish gelatin was extracted from the bone of Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera) using papain-aided process and the characteristic and functional prope...

The effects of postharvest trisodium phosphate (TSP) dipping (0.5 mg/mL) on the quality and mitochondrial energy metabolism of apple fruit (cv. Golden delicious) were studied. The results indicated that TSP treatment inhibited the respiration intensity, delayed the increase of weight loss, and inhibited the decrease of flesh firmness, ascorbic acid (AsA), titratable acid (TA) and soluble solids content (SSC) of apple fruit. The results also indicated that TSP treatment delayed the decline of the content of ATP, ADP and energy charge of apple fruit, and enhanced the activity of H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome C oxidase. These results suggested that TSP could maintain the quality of apple fruit by mediating respiration and mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Apple fruit were treated with 100 mg L−1 acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) and 100 μM dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to investigate its effect on the lesion development inoculated with Penicillium expansum. Effects of ASM on the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, nicotinamide ademine dinucleotidephosphate (NADPH) production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in apple fruit were also studied. The results indicated that ASM treatment decreased the lesion development of blue mold in apple fruit. ASM treatment enhanced the content of H2O2, the activities of NADPH oxidase (NOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and peroxidase (POD) in apple fruit. ASM treatment increased the gene expression of SOD, APX, DHAR as well as ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content whereas it inhibited MDHAR expressions. The result also indicated that ASM treatment significantly inhibited CAT activity in apple fruit. In addition, the higher activity of G6PDH and content of NADPH was observed in ASM-treated apple fruit. In contrast, lesion diameter in ASM + DHEA-treated apple fruit developed more quickly than the control fruit. Also, the accumulation of H2O2, NADPH, AsA and GSH were reduced by DHEA treatment while inhibiting the activities of NOX, SOD, POD, APX, GR, MDHAR and G6PDH. Gene expressions of SOD, APX and DHAR were also inhibited by DHEA treatment. These results suggest that G6PDH played a crucial role in ROS metabolism and NADPH production in apple fruit to enhance resistance against P. expansum.

Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria can grow well in cold-storage conditions and cause food spoilage. Quorum sensing (QS) is a biological pathway existing in a large number of microorganisms, through which bacteria regulate several of their physiological activities. A number of substances have been identified as quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs); they can interfere with the QS system and control bacterial spoilage characteristics and production of virulence factors. In our previous study, propyl gallate at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration levels showed a potent anti-QS activity. Thus, in this study, coaxial polylactic acid-propyl gallate electrospun fibers were fabricated and their physicochemical properties were characterized. Salmon slices were coated with these electrospun fibers and the effect of this coating on the salmon slices during chilled storage was evaluated. The results showed that the electrospun fibers had a small diameter and smooth surface with no beads or other defects. The thermal stability, tensile strength, and other properties of the fibers were suitable for refrigerated storage conditions. Without inhibiting the bacterial growth in the salmon slices, the QSI-containing electrospun fibers exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the production of total volatile base nitrogen and trimethylamine. Furthermore, the deterioration of muscle tissue in the salmon slices was significantly delayed during cold storage. Quantitative analysis indicated that the electrospun fibers had a significant inhibitory effect on the bacterial spoilage ability. The results suggested that the electrospun fibers loaded with QSIs might be an effective strategy to control food spoilage and enhance the quality of aquatic food products.

The environment of marine occupies about 95% biosphere of the world and it can be a critical source of bioactive compounds for humans to be explored. Special environment such as high salt, high pressure, low temperature, low nutrition and no light, etc. has made the production of bioactive substances different from terrestrial organisms. Natural ingredients secreted by marine-derived bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, Cyanobacteria and other organisms have been separated as active pharmacophore. A number of evidences have demonstrated that bioactive ingredients isolated from marine organisms can be other means to discover novel medicines, since enormous natural compounds from marine environment were specified to be anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, cytotoxic, cytostatic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral agents, etc. Although considerable progress is being made within the field of chemical synthesis and engineering biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, marine environment still remains the richest and the most diverse sources for new drugs. This paper reviewed the natural compounds discovered recently from metabolites of marine organisms, which possess distinct chemical structures that may form the basis for the synthesis of new drugs to combat resistant pathogens of human life. With developing sciences and technologies, marine-derived bioactive compounds are still being found, showing the hope of solving the problems of human survival and sustainable development of resources and environment.

Background Forty-two percent of patients experience disease comorbidity, contributing substantially to mortality rates and increased healthcare costs. Yet, the possibility of underlying shared mechanisms for diseases remains not well established, and few studies have confirmed their molecular predictions with clinical datasets. Methods In this work, we integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS) associating diseases and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with transcript regulatory activity from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). This allowed novel mechanistic insights for noncoding and intergenic regions. We then analyzed pairs of SNPs across diseases to identify shared molecular effectors robust to multiple test correction (False Discovery Rate FDReRNA 1.5, FDRcomorbidity

The composite chitosan coatings were prepared and characterized to evaluate their preservation properties for silver carp fish balls, and the microstructures and physicochemical properties of the coatings were improved by in situ nano silicon oxide (SiOx) and zinc oxide/titania (ZnO/TiO2 ) nano-particles (NPs). In the chitosan coatings, when the chitosan combines with NPs by chemical bonds, the crystal lattice is slightly changed due to the modification of NPs. The chitosan coatings modified by NPs showed few cracks, among which sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) modified ZnO/TiO2 /SiOx-chitosan (ZTS-CS) coating is proved to be the optimal one. The change of the freshness index and the texture of the fish balls are delayed by the coatings due to their gas permeability and antibacterial properties. The preservation properties of the chitosan coatings for Silver Carp fish balls are improved by in situ SiOx, and further improved by co-modification of ZnO/TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, the surface modification of ZnO/TiO2 NPs enhances the preservation properties of the chitosan coating. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In our previous study, in situ SiOx was found to improve antibacterial and preservation properties of chitosan coating, leading to extending shelf time of Sciaenops ocellatus. In order to further improve properties of chitosan coatings, we added nontoxic edible nano materials to the in situ SiOx chitosan coatings. In situ SiOx modified by ZnO/TiO2 NPs were synthesized, measured, and characterized in this study, and were applied for the preservation of silver carp fish balls. It could serve as a potential preservation material due to the increasing mechanical preservation properties. Through the results, the ZnO/TiO2 /SiOx-chitosan (ZTS-CS) coatings have potential as application in the food industry to guarantee food quality and extend shelf life of products.

N(6)-Methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification catalyzed by host RNA methyltransferases. As obligate intracellular parasites, many viruses acquire m(6)A methylation in their RNAs. However, the biological functions of viral m(6)A methylation are poorly understood. Here, we found that viral m(6)A methylation serves as a molecular marker for host innate immunity to discriminate self from nonself RNA and that this novel biological function of viral m(6)A methylation is universally conserved in several families in nonsegmented negative-sense (NNS) RNA viruses. Using m(6)A methyltransferase (METTL3) knockout cells, we produced m(6)A-deficient virion RNAs from the representative members of the families Pneumoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae and found that these m(6)A-deficient viral RNAs triggered significantly higher levels of type I interferon compared to the m(6)A-sufficient viral RNAs, in a RIG-I-dependent manner. Reconstitution of the RIG-I pathway revealed that m(6)A-deficient virion RNA induced higher expression of RIG-I, bound to RIG-I more efficiently, enhanced RIG-I ubiquitination, and facilitated RIG-I conformational rearrangement and oligomerization. Furthermore, the m(6)A binding protein YTHDF2 is essential for suppression of the type I interferon signaling pathway, including by virion RNA. Collectively, our results suggest that several families in NNS RNA viruses acquire m(6)A in viral RNA as a common strategy to evade host innate immunity. IMPORTANCE The nonsegmented negative-sense (NNS) RNA viruses share many common replication and gene expression strategies. There are no vaccines or antiviral drugs for many of these viruses. We found that representative members of the families Pneumoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae among the NNS RNA viruses acquire m(6)A methylation in their genome and antigenome as a means to escape recognition by host innate immunity via a RIG-I-dependent signaling pathway. Viral RNA lacking m(6)A methylation induces a significantly higher type I interferon response than m(6)A-sufficient viral RNA. In addition to uncovering m(6)A methylation as a common mechanism for many NNS RNA viruses to evade host innate immunity, this study discovered a novel strategy to enhance type I interferon responses, which may have important applications in vaccine development, as robust innate immunity will likely promote the subsequent adaptive immunity.

Significance Measles virus (MeV) vaccine is one of the safest and most efficient vaccines with a track record in children. Here, we generated a panel of rMeV-based vaccines with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) S antigens inserted near 3′ of the MeV genome. The rMeV expressing a soluble stabilized, prefusion spike (preS) is much more potent in triggering SARS-CoV-2–specific neutralizing antibody than rMeV-based full-length S vaccine candidate. A single dose of rMeV-preS is sufficient to induce high levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in animals. Furthermore, rMeV-preS induces high levels of Th1-biased immunity. Hamsters immunized with rMeV-preS were completely protected against SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Our results demonstrate rMeV-preS is a safe and highly efficacious bivalent vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2 and MeV., The current pandemic of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) highlights an urgent need to develop a safe, efficacious, and durable vaccine. Using a measles virus (rMeV) vaccine strain as the backbone, we developed a series of recombinant attenuated vaccine candidates expressing various forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD) and evaluated their efficacy in cotton rat, IFNAR−/−mice, IFNAR−/−-hCD46 mice, and golden Syrian hamsters. We found that rMeV expressing stabilized prefusion S protein (rMeV-preS) was more potent in inducing SARS-CoV-2–specific neutralizing antibodies than rMeV expressing full-length S protein (rMeV-S), while the rMeVs expressing different lengths of RBD (rMeV-RBD) were the least potent. Animals immunized with rMeV-preS produced higher levels of neutralizing antibody than found in convalescent sera from COVID-19 patients and a strong Th1-biased T cell response. The rMeV-preS also provided complete protection of hamsters from challenge with SARS-CoV-2, preventing replication in lungs and nasal turbinates, body weight loss, cytokine storm, and lung pathology. These data demonstrate that rMeV-preS is a safe and highly efficacious vaccine candidate, supporting its further development as a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract (LRT) infections, with increased severity in high-risk human populations, such as infants, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. Although the virus was identified more than 60 years ago, there is still no licensed vaccine available. Over the years, several vaccine delivery strategies have been evaluated. In this study, we developed two recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vector-based vaccine candidates expressing the RSV-G (attachment) protein (rVSV-G) or F (fusion) protein (rVSV-F). All vectors were evaluated in the cotton rat animal model for their in vivo immunogenicity and protective efficacy against an RSV-A2 virus challenge. Intranasal (i.n.) delivery of rVSV-G and rVSV-F together completely protected the lower respiratory tract (lungs) at doses as low as 10(3) PFU. In contrast, doses greater than 10(6) PFU were required to protect the upper respiratory tract (URT) completely. Reimmunization of RSV-immune cotton rats was most effective with rVSV-F. In immunized animals, overall antibody responses were sufficient for protection, whereas CD4 and CD8 T cells were not necessary. A prime-boost immunization regimen increased both protection and neutralizing antibody titers. Overall, mucosally delivered rVSV-vector-based RSV vaccine candidates induce protective immunity and therefore represent a promising immunization regimen against RSV infection. IMPORTANCE Even after decades of intensive research efforts, a safe and efficacious RSV vaccine remains elusive. Expression of heterologous antigens from rVSV vectors has demonstrated several practical and safety advantages over other virus vector systems and live attenuated vaccines. In this study, we developed safe and efficacious vaccine candidates by expressing the two major immunogenic RSV surface proteins in rVSV vectors and delivering them mucosally in a prime-boost regimen. The main immune parameter responsible for protection was the antibody response. These vaccine candidates induced complete protection of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

This chapter introduces 21 species of medicinal plants in 2 families, mainly including Cassytha filiformis, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum camphora, Lindera aggregata, Litsea rotundifolia var. Oblongifolia of Lauraceae, and Illigera celebica of Illigeraceae.

Weak gelation ability and simple nutrient composition of squid myofibril protein limits its further development in surimi production. Millet flour is rich in nutrients and has a good viscoelasticity after heating. Physicochemical properties of Peruvian squid myofibril protein based blend gel fortified with millet four were studied. Rheological test results showed that all blend gels exhibit solid-like characters. With the addition of millet flour, the composite modulus of all the samples showed a trend of decreasing first and then increasing. The minimum value appeared around 48oC. Moreover, it was found that gel strength, water holding capacity, hardness, gumminess and chewiness showed a trend of increasing at first and then decreasing. The blend gel with 4% millet flour addition exhibit good performance in those testing. The subsequent analysis of water distribution further explained and proved the mechanism. In summary, the blend gel of squid myofibril protein fortified with 4% of millet flour addition was considered the most suitable amount for enhancing the quality of blend gel.