Search

Objective: Epilepsy is a non‐communicable disease costing a massive burden globally. It is known that there is increased prevalence of morbidity and mortality following COVID‐19 infection among people with epilepsy (PWE). However, there is limited information about the adverse events following COVID‐19 immunization among PWE. Hence, this study aimed to assess the safety and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of various COVID‐19 vaccines among PWE from our centre, focusing on neurological AEFI. Methods: This cross‐sectional study recruited 120 adult PWE from the Neurology Clinic of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Consent‐taking was conducted via synchronous or asynchronous approaches, followed by a phone call interview session. The interview collected socio‐demographic information, epilepsy‐related variables, and vaccination‐related variables. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to confirm factors associated with the AEFI of COVID‐19 vaccination. Results: Among all types of COVID‐19 vaccines, most of the PWE received the Cominarty® COVID‐19 vaccination (52.5%). Overall, local AEFI was the quickest to develop, with an average onset within a day. PWE with normal body mass index (BMI) had a higher risk of developing both local and systemic AEFI compared to those underweight and obese PWE (OR: 15.09, 95% CI 1.70–134.28, P = 0.02). Significance: COVID‐19 vaccines are safe for PWE. AEFI among PWE are similar to those of the general population following COVID‐19 vaccination. Therefore, clinicians should encourage PWE to take COVID‐19 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current scenario of the coronavirus pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), considerable efforts have been made to control the pandemic by the development of a strong immune system through massive vaccination. Just after the discovery of the genetic sequences of SARS-CoV-2, the development of vaccines became the prime focus of scientists around the globe. About 200 SARS-CoV-2 candidate vaccines have already been entered into preclinical and clinical trials. Various traditional and novel approaches are being utilized as a broad range of platforms. Viral vector (replicating and non-replicating), nucleic acid (DNA and RNA), recombinant protein, virus-like particle, peptide, live attenuated virus, an inactivated virus approaches are the prominent attributes of the vaccine development. This review article includes the current knowledge about the platforms used for the development of different vaccines, their working principles, their efficacy, and the impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on thrombosis. We provide a detailed description of the vaccines that are already approved by administrative authorities. Moreover, various strategies utilized in the development of emerging vaccines that are in the trial phases along with their mode of delivery have been discussed along with their effect on thrombosis and gastrointestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacille Calmette-Gue'rin (BCG) is the only approved vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) prevention worldwide. BCG has an excellent protective effect on miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis in children or infants. Interestingly, a growing number of studies have shown that BCG vaccination can induce nonspecific and specific immunity to fight against other respiratory disease pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. The continuous emergence of variants of SARS-CoV-2 makes the protective efficiency of COVID-19-specific vaccines an unprecedented challenge. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that BCG-induced trained immunity might protect against COVID-19 infection. This study comprehensively described BCG-induced nonspecific and specific immunity and the mechanism of trained immunity. In addition, this study also reviewed the research on BCG revaccination to prevent TB, the impact of BCG on other nontuberculous diseases, and the clinical trials of BCG to prevent COVID-19 infection. These data will provide new evidence to confirm the hypotheses mentioned above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Soybeans and defatted soybeans, commonly used as protein ingredients, have different flavors of their fermented soy sauce. Clarifying the differences between the two soy sauces, as well as the formation mechanism, is an important prerequisite for improving the flavor of defatted soybean soy sauce. To this goal, the aroma characteristics of two soy sauces and their volatile profiles were compared by sensory evaluation and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and eight enzyme activities and volatile profiles of matured koji were determined. RESULTS: Sensory results showed that the acids, fruity and cooked potato‐like attributes were higher in whole soybean fermented soy sauce, whereas defatted soybean soy sauce exhibited higher smoky and malty attributes, closely related to the contents of aroma‐active compounds in soy sauce, such as isobutyl acetate, 2/3‐methylbutanal, acetic acid and 2/3‐methylbutanoic acid. The content of most volatiles in the matured kojis showed a consistent trend with that of soy sauce: alcohols, acids, furan(one)s and ketones. Interestingly, acid protease and cellulase activities were 3.3 and 1.6 times higher in the whole soybean koji than in defatted soybean koji, respectively, whereas neutral protease, aminopeptidase, glucoamylase and β‐glucosidase were approximately 2.0 times higher in defatted soybean koji. CONCLUSION: In summary, the flavor differences between soybean and defatted soybean fermented soy sauce were not only caused by the differences in the content of flavor precursors in the materials, but also closely related to the differences in the enzymatic profiles accumulated during the koji‐making process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a threat to human health as new variants emerge and thus a diverse vaccine pipeline is needed. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 HexaPro spike protein formulated in Alhydrogel® (aluminium oxyhydroxide) in Syrian hamsters, using an accelerated two dose regimen (given 10 days apart) and a standard regimen (two doses given 21 days apart). Both regimens elicited spike and RBD-specific IgG antibody responses of similar magnitude, but in vitro virus neutralization was low or undetectable. Despite this, the accelerated two dose regimen offered reduction in viral load and protected against lung pathology upon challenge with homologous SARS-CoV-2 virus (Wuhan-Hu-1). This highlights that vaccine-induced protection against SARS-CoV-2 disease can be obtained despite low neutralizing antibody levels and suggests that accelerated vaccine schedules may be used to confer rapid protection against SARS-CoV-2 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa) is a fungus with good economic exploitation prospects of food and medicine homologation. This study aims to investigate the effects of G. frondosa powder suspension (GFPS) on the intestinal contents microbiota and the indexes related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism in mice, to provide new ideas for developing G. frondosa weight loss products. Methods: Twenty Kunming mice were randomly divided into control (CC), lowdose GFPS (CL), medium-dose GFPS (CM), and high-dose GFPS (CH) groups. The mice in CL, CM, and CH groups were intragastrically administered with 1.425 g/ (kg·d), 2.85 g/(kg·d), and 5.735 g/(kg·d) GFPS, respectively. The mice in CC group were given the same dose of sterile water. After 8 weeks, liver and muscle related oxidative stress and energy metabolism indicators were detected, and the intestinal content microbiota of the mice was detected by 16S rRNA highthroughput sequencing. Results: After eight weeks of GFPS intervention, all mice lost weight. Compared with the CC group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in CL, CM, and CH groups were increased, while Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) contents in the liver were decreased. The change trends of LDH and SDH in muscle were consistent with those in the liver. Among the above indexes, the change in CH is the most significant. The Chao1, ACE, Shannon, and Simpson index in CL, CM, and CH groups were increased. In the taxonomic composition, after the intervention with GFPS, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as unclassified Muribaculaceae, Alloprevotella, and unclassified Lachnospiraceae increased. In linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the characteristic bacteria in CC, CL, CM, and CH groups showed significant differences. In addition, some characteristic bacteria significantly correlated with related energy metabolism indicators. Conclusion: The preventive effect of G. frondosa on obesity is related to changing the structure of intestinal content microbiota and promoting the growth of SCFAs. While excessive intake of G. frondosa may not be conducive to the antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global spread of COVID-19 has prompted the development of vaccines. A recombinant adenovirus type-5 vectored COVID-19 vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) developed by Chinese scientists has been authorized for use as a prime and booster dose in China and several other countries. We searched published articles as of 4 May 2023, on PubMed using keywords related to Adenovirus vector, vaccine, and SARS-CoV-2. We reported the progress and outcomes of Ad5-nCov, including vaccine efficacy, safety, immunogenicity based on pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and real-world studies for primary and booster doses. Ad5-nCoV is a significant advancement in Chinese vaccine development technology. Evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies has demonstrated well-tolerated, highly immunogenic, and efficacy of Ad5-nCoV in preventing severe/critical COVID-19. Aerosolized Ad5-nCoV, given via a novel route, could elicit mucosal immunity and improve the vaccine efficacy, enhance the production capacity and availability, and reduce the potential negative impact of preexisting antibodies. However, additional research is necessary to evaluate the long-term safety and immunogenicity of Ad5-nCoV, its efficacy against emerging variants, its effectiveness in a real-world context of hybrid immunity, and its cost-effectiveness, particularly with respect to aerosolized Ad5-nCoV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragmentation of normal alkanes during the cracking of oil under geochemical conditions with high thermal stress is important for the preservation of crude oils in reservoirs and the formation of gaseous hydrocarbons. In this study, the kinetics behavior, cracking mechanisms, and products of n -tetradecane pyrolysis were investigated using reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulations at high temperatures (2000K∼3000 K). The pyrolysis process itself, its main products and intermediates, and kinetic behavior were analyzed at an atomic/molecular level. Low molecular weight (C1–C5) alkanes and olefins, together with H2, were the predominant intermediates and products of the simulations. Three distinct stages—a stable stage, initial decomposition, and secondary pyrolysis—can be distinguished during the decomposition process. The reactant n -tetradecane was exhausted when the simulation temperature reaches ∼2250 K, accompanied by a rapid increase in hydrocarbons with molecular numbers C1–C5. The yield of C2–C5 peaked at ∼2500 K and then decreased. The number of CH4 molecules increased continuously throughout the entire simulation process because of the contribution of secondary pyrolysis. The Arrhenius parameters obtained from ReaxFF MD simulations, on the basis of first-order kinetic analysis of n -tetradecane, were reasonably consistent with experimental data and generally in agreement with results from pyrolysis experiments on crude oils in the laboratory. The pyrolysis process and reaction mechanism of n -tetradecane were also reasonably consistent with laboratory pyrolysis experiments on whole oils and their individual components. ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulation is therefore considered to be a valid approach for the study of thermal cracking of subsurface crude oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess and correlate adverse drug events following coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccination with blood group and dietary style. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study carried out from May 2021 to July 2021. A prevalidated Google questionnaire containing demographic details, dietary style, blood group, preexisting diseases, and adverse events of the COVID vaccine was circulated to all health-care professionals of our institution through mail/WhatsApp. Informed consent was obtained (in Google Forms) from all the participants after describing the purpose of the study and the assurance to maintain anonymity and confidentiality. A total of 102 responses were collected, out of which 100 (n = 100) responses were analyzed and interpreted (two responses were excluded since participants are not vaccinated). The descriptive statistical method is applied for the assessment of adverse events. The Chi-square test is applied to assess the correlation between adverse events with blood group and dietary style. P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of the participants had comorbidities (80%) and were not infected with COVID (90%) before vaccination. Pain at the injection site is very frequently experienced followed by body aches, fatigue, fever, and weakness of the arm. The Chi-square correlation test showed that nonvegetarians had a significantly higher incidence of pain at the injection site compared to vegetarians [χ2 = 7.799, P < 0.004]. However, the study did not find a significant association between other adverse events with blood group and dietary style of the participants (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study concludes that study participants experienced minor adverse events following Covishield and Covaxin; pain at the injection site, myalgia, and fever are more frequent. Moreover, there is a higher incidence of injection site pain in nonvegetarians compared to vegetarians. However, there is no significant association between other adverse events with blood group and dietary style of the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of unconventional oil and gas exploitation, fracturing is generally needed to improve industrial productivity. Brittleness, an essential factor of reservoir fracturing evaluation, is the key to improving the production of unconventional reservoirs. Shanxi formation of Yanchang gas field in Ordos Basin has the features of low porosity, poor permeability, and strong heterogeneity, which result in low productivity in natural conditions. In order to study the mechanical properties and fracturing ability of the reservoir, triaxial compression tests were carried out on 35 sandstone cores in the study area, and the mechanical parameters, rupture mode, stress–strain, and brittleness characteristics of the sandstone were obtained. The results show that the compressive strength is positively correlated with the elastic modulus and negatively correlated with the Poisson's ratio. The samples have obvious brittle rupture characteristics and the brittleness index in the range of 47.9–52.2%. The dynamic parameters obtained by logging can be converted into static parameters in petroleum engineering application, and then the reservoir brittleness can be evaluated dynamically and continuously. Taking well X-2 in the study area as an example, the brittleness index calculated by stress–strain method and mineral composition method is 47.9 to 53.5% and 48.8% respectively, which is well matched with the logging interpretation, indicating that the results obtained by logging interpretation are relatively accurate. Based on mechanical experiments and logging evaluation results, the study could provide a parameter basis for selecting the favourable fracturing position of Shanxi formation in Yanchang gas field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Killer Ig-like receptor 2DS4 (KIR2DS4) is the most prevalent activating killer Ig-like receptor gene. It is divergent and encodes either full-length or deleted allele variants. The studies of donor killer KIR2DS4 in unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations were limited., Methods: KIR and HLA genotyping were determined in 75 pairs of Chinese pediatric hematologic malignancy patients., Results: Among the 75 donor-recipient pairs, 77.3% (58/75) of the donors were positive for full-length KIR2DS4 and 22.7% (17/75) were negative. Patients who had donors positive for full-length KIR2DS4 had higher cumulative incidence of aGVHD than patients whose donor negative for full-length KIR2DS4 (86.2% versus 76.5%, P = .038). Multivariate analysis showed full-length KIR2DS4 was the significant factor for I-IV aGVHD (HR = 2.166, 95% CI: 1.01-4.26, P = .025). Subgroup analysis showed that AML and CML patients who received donors negative for full-length KIR2DS4 have a higher cumulative incidences of cGVHD (75% vs 62%, P = .008). There were no significant effects of full-length KIR2DS4 on overall survival (P = .13), relapse-free survival (P = .14), CMV reactivation (P = .52), and relapse (HR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09-1.6, P = .1875)., Conclusions: Our findings indicated a significant correlation of donor full-length KIR2DS4 on aGVHD and cGVHD. These results suggested that combining KIR and HLA genotyping may help make a better sense of transplants in these patients., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Globally, public health interventions have resulted in a 30-year increase in women's life expectancy. However, women's health has not increased when socioeconomic status is ignored. Women's health has become a major public health concern, for those women from developing countries are still struggling with infectious and labor-related diseases, and their counterparts in developed countries are suffering from physical and psychological disorders. In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine has attracted wide attentions with regards to maintaining women's health. Acupuncture, a crucial component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat many obstetric and gynecological diseases for thousands of years due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and its effects on stimulating the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system. To fully understand the mechanism through which acupuncture exerts its effects in these diseases would significantly extend the list of available interventions and would allow for more reasonable advice to be given to general practitioners. Therefore, by searching PubMed and CNKI regarding the use of acupuncture in treating obstetric and gynecological diseases, we aimed to summarize the proven evidence of using acupuncture in maintaining women's health by considering both its effectiveness and the underlying mechanisms behind its effects., (© 2023. Higher Education Press.)

Since the 1920s, fossil erinaceids have been found in several dozen Quaternary localities in China. Previously, most of them were provisionally classified in eurytopic Erinaceus. This limits understanding of the authentic diversity and evolution of Erinaceinae in China and the reconstruction of their paleohabitats. We reviewed all accessible erinaceid fossils found in the Quaternary deposits in China. An erinaceid fragmentary mandible collected from the early Pleistocene deposits in Tianzhen county, Shanxi Province in North China was classified as Mesechinus cf. hughi, which is the oldest definite report of fossil Mesechinus in China. We considered that Erinaceus koloshanensis Young and Liu (1950) from Geleshan, Chongqing Municipality, should be transferred to Mesechinus as M. koloshanensis, and E. olgae Young (1934) from Zhoukoudian, Beijing, should be considered as a synonym of M. dauuricus. Our re-examination supplies a fossil calibration for the previous molecular phylogeny of the Erinaceinae. The earliest Mesechinus appeared in the early Pleistocene with the representative Mesechinus cf. hughi, M. dauuricus occurred in the middle Pleistocene and Erinaceus amurensis is also dated to the middle Pleistocene. Compared with Erinaceus, Mesechinus occupies a narrower niche and could be a potential indicative genus for a woodland or forest environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Immunology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Kafkas Journal of Medical Sciences / Kafkas Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Kafkas Journal of Medical Sciences, Kafkas Tip Bilimleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Vaccination is considered to be the ideal way for population immunity, and willingness in taking the COVID-19 vaccine has been a controversial issue worldwide. The commonly reported adverse events of the COVID-19 vaccination have made people question the safety of the vaccine, especially for women with dermal filler and using cosmetics injections. It has been reported that some COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects in women with dermal filler injections. In this study, we aimed to assess the perception and attitude of females with dermal fillers in Riyadh towards the COVID-19 vaccine using a self-answered questionnaire. Methods: A total of 352 females participated in the study of different ages and nationalities. our study findings indicate that the mean knowledge and attitude scores of females with dermal fillers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine are sub-optimal. Results: Knowledge is significantly related to factors such as educational level, and chronic disease status, while attitude scores are significantly associated with nationality, educational level, COVID-19 vaccination status, previous history of taking the seasonal flu vaccine, and source of information related to COVID-19. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need to increase awareness regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and improve the attitude toward it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key transcription factor gene PdPapERF109 was cloned from Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (Pdpap), and after overexpression of PdPapERF109 in transformants, the gene functions in the resistance response to Fusarium oxysporum infection. Compared with the wild Pdpap, after inoculation with F. oxysporum, the physiological and biochemical characteristics, including relative fresh weight, peroxidase activity, and the percentage of electrolyte leakage showed that, after overexpression of the PdPapERF109 gene, the transformants grew well and displayed significant resistance to F. oxysporum infection. By comparing the reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity of Pdpap plants after pathogen infection, the PdPapERF109-overexpressing plants had significantly better reactive oxygen species scavenging ability than the wild plants. Comprehensive analysis of plant morphology and various physiological and biochemical parameters showed that the overexpression of the PdpapERF109 gene significantly improved the resistance of Pdpap plants to F. oxysporum root rot. Therefore, increasing the expression of the homologous ERF109 gene can be an effective strategy to increase disease resistance in hybrid poplars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Jiedutongluotiaogan formula (JTTF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), could promote islet function. However, the potential effect of JTTF on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy have not been reported. Objective: This study explores the potential effect of JTTF on ERS and autophagy in the pancreas. Materials and methods: The Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were randomised into five groups, control, model, JTTF (1, 3, 5 g/kg/day for 12 weeks). LPS induced pancreatic b-cells were treated with JTTF (50, 100, 200 lg/mL). LPS was used to induce pancreatic β-cell injury, with cell viability and insulin secretion evaluated using MTT, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assays, and PCR. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using flow cytometry, while ERS and autophagy levels were monitored via Western blotting and/or immunostaining. Results: Compared with the model group, body weight, FGB, HbA1c, IPGTT, FINs, and HOMA-IR in JTTF treatment groups were significantly reduced. In islets cells treated with JTTF, the pancreatic islet cells in the JTTF group were increased, lipid droplets were reduced, and there was a decrease in Ca2+ (16.67%). After JTTF intervention, PERK, p-PERK, IRE1α, p-IRE1α, ATF6, eIF2a, GRP78, p-ULK1, LC3 and p62 expression decreased, whereas Beclin1and p-mTOR expression increased. In addition, the expression of proteins related to apoptosis in the JTTF groups were lower than those in the control group. Discussion and conclusions: JTTF may alleviate pancreatic b-cell injury by inhibiting ER stress and excessive autophagy in diabetic rats. This provides a new direction for treating diabetes and restoring pancreatic dysfunction by TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) causes chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), which results in mitochondrial dysfunction and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart. Excessive free iron could accelerate oxidative damage, which may be involved in this process. Banxia-Houpu decoction (BHD) was reported to improve the apnoea hypopnoea index in OSA patients, but the specific mechanism was still unclear. Objective: To investigate whether BHD could reduce CIH-induced heart damage by regulating iron metabolism and mitochondrial function. Materials and methods: C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into control, CIH and BHD groups. Mice were exposed to CIH (21-5% O2, 20 times/h, 8 h/d) and administered BHD (3.51, 7.01 and 14.02 g/kg, intragastrically) for 21 d. Cardiac and mitochondrial function, iron levels, apoptosis and mitophagy were determined. Results: BHD (7.01 g/kg) significantly improved cardiac dysfunction, pathological change and mitochondrial structure induced by CIH. BHD increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (1.4-fold) and inhibited caspase 3 cleavage in CIH mice (0.45-fold). BHD activated mitophagy by upregulating Parkin (1.94-fold) and PINK1 (1.26-fold), inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. BHD suppressed ROS generation by decreasing NOX2 (0.59-fold) and 4-HNE (0.83-fold). BHD reduced the total iron in myocardial cells (0.72-fold) and mitochondrial iron by downregulating Mfrn2 (0.81-fold) and MtFt (0.78-fold) proteins, and upregulating ABCB8 protein (1.33-fold). Rosmarinic acid, the main component of Perilla Leaf in BHD, was able to react with Fe2þ and Fe3þ in vitro. Discussion and conclusions: These findings encourage the use of BHD to resist cardiovascular injury and provide the theoretical basis for clinical treatment in OSA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to different nucleotide preferences at target sites, no single Cas9 is capable of editing all sequences. Thus, this highlights the need to establish a Cas9 repertoire covering all sequences for efficient genome editing. Cas9s with simple protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) requirements are particularly attractive to allow for a wide range of genome editing, but identification of such Cas9s from thousands of Cas9s in the public database is a challenge. We previously identified PAMs for 16 SaCas9 orthologs. Here, we compared the PAM-interacting (PI) domains in these orthologs and found that the serine residue corresponding to SaCas9 N986 was associated with the simple NNGG PAM requirement. Based on this discovery, we identified five additional SaCas9 orthologs that recognize the NNGG PAM. We further identified three amino acids that determined the NNGG PAM requirement of SaCas9. Finally, we engineered Sha2Cas9 and SpeCas9 to generate high-fidelity versions of Cas9s. Importantly, these natural and engineered Cas9s displayed high activities and distinct nucleotide preferences. Our study offers a new perspective to identify SaCas9 orthologs with NNGG PAM requirements, expanding the Cas9 repertoire. Due to different nucleotide preferences at target sites, no single Cas9 is capable of editing all sequences. This study identifies variants in the PAM-interacting domain of natural SaCas9 orthologs that recognize a simple NNGG PAM, and demonstrates that introducing these variants can confer NNGG PAM recognition, expanding the Cas9 repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the dynamic SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody levels induced by 3 doses of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac. An observational, prospective cohort study was performed with 93 healthy healthcare workers from a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China. Serum SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM, IgG, and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) were measured at different time points among participants who received 3 doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Results: 91.3% (85/93) and 100% (72/72) participants showed positive both for SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and NAb after 2-dose CoronaVac and after 3-dose CoronaVac, respectively. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses reached 91.21 (55.66–152.06) AU/mL, and surrogate NAb was 47.60 (25.96–100.81) IU/mL on day 14 after the second dose. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses reached 218.29 (167.53–292.16) AU/mL and surrogate NAb was 445.54 (171.54–810.90) IU/mL on day 14 after the third dose. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 specific surrogate neutralizing antibody titers were highly correlated with serum neutralization activities against Ancestral, Omicron, and Delta strains. Moreover, significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses, but not NAb responses, were found in individuals with breakthrough infection when compared to that of 3-dose CoronaVac recipients. Conclusions: CoronaVac elicited robust SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral responses. Surrogate NAb assay might substitute for pseudovirus neutralization assay. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses induced by vaccination would provide important guidance for the optimization of COVID-19 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is one of the most important virulent pathogens causing severe disease in animals and humans. However, there is currently no approved vaccine to prevent RVFV infection in humans. The use of human adenovirus serotype 4 (Ad4) as a vector for an RVFV vaccine has not been reported. Here, we report the generation of a replication-competent recombinant Ad4 vector expressing codon-optimized forms of the RVFV glycoproteins Gn and Gc (named Ad4-GnGc). Intramuscular immunization with Ad4-GnGc elicited robust neutralizing antibodies against RVFV and cellular immune responses in mice. A single low-dose vaccination with Ad4-GnGc completely protected interferon-α/β receptor-deficient A129 mice from lethal RVFV infection. More importantly, Ad4-GnGc efficacy was not affected by pre-existing immunity to adenovirus serotype 5, which currently exists widely in populations. These results suggest that Ad4-GnGc is a promising vaccine candidate against RVFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum lyratum is one of the temperate plants, broadly distributed in Korea, China, Japan, India, and South-East Asia and well-documented in those oriental ethnic medicine systems for curing cancers, jaundice, edema, gonorrhea, cholecystitis, phlogosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. This review systematically summarized the research progress on S. lyratum respecting the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology to increase people's in-depth understanding of this plant, by data retrieval in a series of online or off-line electronic databases as far as we can reach. Steroidal saponins and alkaloids, terpenoids, nitrogenous compounds, and flavonoid compounds are the main chemical constituents in S. lyratum. Among them, steroidal alkaloids and saponins are the major active ingredients ever found in S. lyratum, exerting activities of anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, anti-allergy, and anti-oxidation in vivo or in vitro. As a result, S. lyratum has been frequently prescribed for the abovementioned therapeutic purposes, and there are substantial traditional and modern shreds of evidence of its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum lyratum Thunb. belonging to the family Solanaceae, is a common Chinese herbal medicine in folk. It has been used for the treatment of colds, fever, jaundice hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, nephritis, edema and cancer. Previous phytochemical studies on S. lyratum have led to the identification of many chemical constituents, including steroidal saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, quinonoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids and several other kinds of compounds, which showed diverse bioactivities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This paper summarized the primary chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. lyratum to provide reference for its further development and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Zygosaccharomyces rouxii plays an irreplaceable role in the manufacture of traditional fermented foods, which are produced in a high‐salt environment. However, there is little research on strategies for improving salt tolerance of Z. rouxii. RESULTS: In this study, metabolomics was used to reveal the changes in intracellular metabolites under salt stress, and the results show that most of the carbohydrate contents decreased, the contents of xanthohumol and glycerol increased (fold change 4.07 and 5.35, respectively), while the contents of galactinol, xylitol and d‐threitol decreased (fold change −9.43, −5.83 and −3.59, respectively). In addition, the content of four amino acids and six organic acids decreased, while that of the ten nucleotides increased. Notably, except for stearic acid (C18:0), all fatty acid contents increased. Guided by the metabolomics results, the effect of addition of seven exogenous fatty acids (C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C16:1, C18:1, and C18:2) on the salt tolerance of Z. rouxii was analyzed, and the results suggested that four exogenous fatty acids (C12:0, C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1) can increase the biomass yield and maximum growth rate. Physiological analyses demonstrated that exogenous fatty acids could regulate the distribution of fatty acids in the cell membrane, increase the degree of unsaturation, improve membrane fluidity, and maintain cell integrity, morphology and surface roughness. CONCLUSION: These results are applicable to revealing the metabolic mechanisms of Z. rouxii under salt stress and screening potential protective agents to improve stress resistance by adding exogenous fatty acids. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public participation is of crucial importance in immunization programs. Therefore, we aimed to study the determinants of participation in immunization against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before the distribution of the vaccines in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2021 with interviews and online components. The questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, past medical history, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, and the tendency to participate in vaccination against COVID-19. Results: Of 2071 participants, 1020 (49.2%) were men, and 1803 (87.1%) were determined to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Among participants, 87.1% (1803) stated that they were determined to participate in the immunization program against COVID-19. In addition, in this group, 52.1% believed vaccination could reduce mortality, and 48.8% thought the vaccine could decrease transmissibility. There was a significant association between positive attitudes toward vaccination against COVID-19 and the respondents' socio-economic status (SES), educational levels, reporting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in themselves or their first-degree families, perceived susceptibility toward getting COVID-19 infection in the following months in themselves or close family members and being a healthcare worker. Most respondents were determined to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination because they believed vaccination would be effective in preventing mortality and decreasing COVID-19 transmission. Conclusions: SES, educational level, positive history of NCDs, perceived susceptibility toward getting COVID-19 infection, and being a healthcare worker had a significant positive association with the respondents' intention to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 which at the beginning of 2020 started a global pandemic. During the pandemic, multiple medications have emerged to treat it, however, the best way to control this calamity is through the prevention giben y vaccines. This review has the aim of understanding the immune response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and the strategies used by vaccines to fight it during the COVID-19 pandemic. The search was made in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "vaccines", "immune response", and "infection" as keywords, then 120 articles were selected. The challenge posed by SARS-Cov-2 infection has been addressed with the development of effective vaccines in a short time, additionally, some of them are innovative such as RNA vaccines. However, phase 3 trials indicate variations by population group that have had to be adjusted for the vaccine to be effective in different parts of the world. The current challenge is imposed by effective immunization against the variants that have emerged and are more contagious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dose fractionation of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine could effectively accelerate global vaccine coverage, while supporting evidence of efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety are unavailable, especially with emerging variants. Methods: We systematically reviewed clinical trials that reported dose-finding results and estimated the dose-response relationship of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) of COVID-19 vaccines using a generalized additive model. We predicted the vaccine efficacy against both ancestral and variants, using previously reported correlates of protection and cross-reactivity. We also reviewed and compared seroconversion to nAbs, T cell responses, and safety profiles between fractional and standard dose groups. Results: We found that dose fractionation of mRNA and protein subunit vaccines could induce SARS-CoV-2-specific nAbs and T cells that confer a reasonable level of protection (i.e., vaccine efficacy > 50%) against ancestral strains and variants up to Omicron. Safety profiles of fractional doses were non-inferior to the standard dose. Conclusions: Dose fractionation of mRNA and protein subunit vaccines may be safe and effective, which would also vary depending on the characteristics of emerging variants and updated vaccine formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last big outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa, the thousands of avian influenza outbreaks across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, the emergence of monkeypox virus in Europe and specially the COVID-19 pandemics have globally stressed the need for efficient, cost-effective vaccines against infectious diseases. Ideally, they should be based on transversal technologies of wide applicability. In this context, and pushed by the above-mentioned epidemiological needs, new and highly sophisticated DNA-or RNA-based vaccination strategies have been recently developed and applied at large-scale. Being very promising and effective, they still need to be assessed regarding the level of conferred long-term protection. Despite these fast-developing approaches, subunit vaccines, based on recombinant proteins obtained by conventional genetic engineering, still show a wide spectrum of interesting potentialities and an important margin for further development. In the 80's, the first vaccination attempts with recombinant vaccines consisted in single structural proteins from viral pathogens, administered as soluble plain versions. In contrast, more complex formulations of recombinant antigens with particular geometries are progressively generated and explored in an attempt to mimic the multifaceted set of stimuli offered to the immune system by replicating pathogens. The diversity of recombinant antimicrobial vaccines and vaccine prototypes is revised here considering the cell factory types, through relevant examples of prototypes under development as well as already approved products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Oncology is the property of Chinese Journal of Oncology / Zhonghua Zhongliu Zazhi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Notch signaling is highly conserved and critically involved in cell differentiation, immunity, and survival. Activation of the Notch pathway modulates immune cell functions during the inflammatory response. However, it remains unknown whether and how the macrophage Notch1 may control the innate immune signaling TAK1, and RIPK3-mediated hepatocyte necroptosis in liver ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI). This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of macrophage Notch1 in modulating TAK1-mediated innate immune responses and RIPK3 functions in liver IRI. Methods: Myeloid-specific Notch1 knockout (Notch1M−KO) and floxed Notch1 (Notch1FL/FL) mice (n = 6/group) were subjected to 90 min partial liver warm ischemia followed by 6 h of reperfusion. In a parallel in vitro study, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated from these conditional knockout mice and transfected with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated β-catenin knockout (KO) vector followed by LPS (100 ng/ml) stimulation. Results: IR stress-induced Notch1 activation evidenced by increased nuclear Notch intracellular domain (NICD) expression in liver macrophages. Myeloid Notch1 deficiency exacerbated IR-induced liver damage, with increased serum ALT levels, macrophage/neutrophil accumulation, and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines production compared to the Notch1FL/FL controls. Unlike in the Notch1FL/FL controls, Notch1M−KO enhanced TRAF6, TAK1, NF-κB, RIPK3, and MLKL but reduced β-catenin activation in ischemic livers. However, adoptive transfer of lentivirus β-catenin-modified macrophages markedly improved liver function with reduced TRAF6, p-TAK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL in IR-challenged livers. Moreover, disruption of RIPK3 in Notch1M−KO mice with an in vivo mannose-mediated RIPK3 siRNA delivery system diminished IR-triggered hepatocyte death. In vitro studies showed that macrophage NICD and β-catenin co-localized in the nucleus, whereby β-catenin interacted with NICD in response to LPS stimulation. Disruption of β-catenin with a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated β-catenin KO in Notch1FL/FL macrophage augmented TRAF6 activation leading to enhanced TAK1 function. While CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TRAF6 KO in Notch1M−KO macrophage inhibited RIPK3-mediated hepatocyte necroptosis after co-culture with primary hepatocytes. Conclusions: Macrophage Notch1 controls TAK1-mediated innate immune responses and RIPK3-mediated hepatocyte necroptosis through activation of β-catenin. β-catenin is required for the macrophage Notch1-mediated immune regulation in liver IRI. Our findings demonstrate that the macrophage Notch1-β-catenin axis is a crucial regulatory mechanism in IR-triggered liver inflammation and provide novel therapeutic potential in organ IRI and transplant recipients. 422fX26z4DVADWo-VzgawV Video abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults are more susceptible to severe health outcomes for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Universal vaccination has become a trend, but there are still doubts and research gaps regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in older people aged ≥ 55 years and their influencing factors. Methods: Randomized controlled trials from inception to April 9, 2022, were systematically searched in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We estimated summary relative risk (RR), rates, or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effects metaanalysis. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022314456). Results: Of the 32 eligible studies, 9, 21, and 25 were analyzed for efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety, respectively. In older adults, vaccination was efficacious against COVID-19 (79.49%, 95% CI: 60.55-89.34), with excellent seroconversion rate (92.64%, 95% CI: 86.77-96.91) and geometric mean titer (GMT) (SMD 3.56, 95% CI: 2.80-4.31) of neutralizing antibodies, and provided a significant protection rate against severe disease (87.01%, 50.80-96.57). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses consistently found vaccine types and the number of doses to be primary influencing factors for efficacy and immunogenicity. Specifically, mRNA vaccines showed the best efficacy (90.72%, 95% CI: 86.82-93.46), consistent with its highest seroconversion rate (98.52%, 95% CI: 93.45-99.98) and GMT (SMD 6.20, 95% CI: 2.02 -10.39). Compared to the control groups, vaccination significantly increased the incidence of total adverse events (AEs) (RR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.38-1.83), including most local and systemic AEs, such as pain, fever, chill, etc. For inactivated and DNA vaccines, the incidence of any AEs was similar between vaccination and control groups (p > 0.1), while mRNA vaccines had the highest risk of most AEs (RR range from 1.74 to 7.22). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccines showed acceptable efficacy, immunogenicity and safety in older people, especially providing a high protection rate against severe disease. The mRNA vaccine was the most efficacious, but it is worth surveillance for some AEs it caused. Increased booster coverage in older adults is warranted, and additional studies are urgently required for longer follow-up periods and variant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately measuring the dielectric constant of soil and modeling it during freezing and thawing processes are important foundations of estimating the physical and chemical properties and moisture transfer characteristics of soil. In this study, a new test method was developed by combining five temperature probes and a 5TM sensor. Based on this method, a series of experiments for measuring the dielectric constant were conducted using silty clay as an example. The effects of freezing and thawing processes, water content, and salt on the dielectric constant of soil were comprehensively compared and analyzed. The results showed that the trends of soil dielectric constant as a function of temperature can be divided into a linear stage and a nonlinear stage. The soil dielectric constant measured during the freezing process was larger than that measured during the thawing process at the same negative temperature. However, the differences between them were related to the water content of the soil sample in the positive temperature range. In addition, the soil dielectric constant increased with the increase in water, NaCl, and K2SO4 contents, which was particularly major in the positive temperature range. Finally, a new empirical model was proposed to calculate the dielectric constant of soil. The verification results demonstrated that the calculated dielectric constants agreed well with the measured results. This work can provide references for the measurement and prediction of soil dielectric constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Animals develop skin regional specificities to best adapt to their environments. Birds are excellent models in which to study the epigenetic mechanisms that facilitate these adaptions. Patients suffering from SATB2 mutations exhibit multiple defects including ectodermal dysplasia‐like changes. The preferential expression of SATB2, a chromatin regulator, in feather‐forming compared to scale‐forming regions, suggests it functions in regional specification of chicken skin appendages by acting on either differentiation or morphogenesis. Results: Retrovirus mediated SATB2 misexpression in developing feathers, beaks, and claws causes epidermal differentiation abnormalities (e.g. knobs, plaques) with few organ morphology alterations. Chicken β‐keratins are encoded in 5 sub‐clusters (Claw, Feather, Feather‐like, Scale, and Keratinocyte) on Chromosome 25 and a large Feather keratin cluster on Chromosome 27. Type I and II α‐keratin clusters are located on Chromosomes 27 and 33, respectively. Transcriptome analyses showed these keratins (1) are often tuned up or down collectively as a sub‐cluster, and (2) these changes occur in a temporo‐spatial specific manner. Conclusions: These results suggest an organizing role of SATB2 in cluster‐level gene co‐regulation during skin regional specification. Key Findings: SATB2 switches sub‐cluster expressions of α‐ and β‐keratin.SATB2 causes ectodermal dysplasia‐like changes in feathers, beaks, and claws.SATB2 represses MMPs and activate collagen synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper route for vaccine delivery plays an important role in activating a robust immune response. Several viral vector-based vaccines against Ebola disease administered intramuscularly have been found to have excellent immunogenicity and protectiveness. In this study, we evaluated different vaccine routes for Ad5-EBOV delivery by comparing humoral and cellular responses, germinal center reactions, dendritic cell activation and antigen expression. Mice injected intramuscularly with the vaccine exhibited an advantage in antigen expression, leading to more robust germinal center and humoral responses, while intradermal injection recruited more migrating DCs and induced a more polyfunctional cellular response. Our study provides more data for future use of viral vector-based vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-perovskite materials La1−xPrxBaCo2O5+δ (LPBCO), suitable for the application of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) and other electrochemical devices, were successfully prepared through solid-state reaction method. The effects of La and Pr doping ratios on the crystallographic structure, thermochemical stability, thermal expansion, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical polarizations were analyzed and discussed. The X-ray diffraction results show that the crystal structure changes from single perovskite to double perovskite with the increase in Pr doping content. LPBCOs present excellent chemical stability with conventional electrolyte GDC at less than 1100 °C. The thermal expansion can be effectively reduced upon doping of Pr. The materials demonstrate high electrical conductivity even under relatively low temperatures, i.e., LP-73 (x = 0.3 with single perovskite) has the highest conductivity at 1680 S/cm at 400 °C. Among the double-perovskite compositions, LP-55 presents the highest performance in electrical conductivity though. Analysis of the electrochemical impedance spectra of LPBCOs symmetric cells reveals low area specific polarization resistances for these double-lanthanide-doped double-perovskite materials, and the charge transfer is determined as the dominating sub-process for the oxygen transport through the materials. All the findings show that La1−xPrxBaCo2O5+δ possesses excellent oxygen reduction activity and is promising for the application in IT-SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Barmer Basin in northwest India is one of the largest hydrocarbon provinces in India with 38 discoveries declared by Cairn India and ONGC since the first discovery in 1999. The basin is 8000 km2 in area and accounts for about 20% of India's annual production of crude oil. This Palaeocene-Eocene lacustrine rift is the northern-most termination of the Cambay rift. Basinal hyperpycnites comprise important, but complex reservoirs, largely confined to the basin margins. This study details the BHT10 interval of the Palaeocene-Eocene Barmer Hill Formation in the Vijaya-Vandana field, which are large, complexly layered, low permeability submarine fan and channel-fill stratigraphic traps. The field consists of two mounded channel-fill and fan complexes. Four lithofacies dominate (1) reservoir quality sandstone in channel-fill complexes, (2) marginal quality conglomeratic and chaotic heterolithic clastics, (3) non reservoir porcellanites and diatomites and (4) mudstones. The best reservoir facies are confined channel-levee and fan deposits. Reservoir architecture is controlled by basin floor topography and structure. Climate-induced lake level fluctuations also impact stratigraphic architecture and channel avulsion with time. Although the primary trapping mechanism is an updip stratigraphic pinchout of the clastic fan facies, the reservoirs are interbedded with the source rock, and where thermally mature, very little water is recovered, making the trap partly unconventional in nature. Much of the sediment is texturally and mineralogically immature and has undergone burial diagenesis involving authigenic kaolinite and illite cementation. Diagenetic effects are more prominent closer to the basin bounding faults. Away from the faults, distal basin floor production is further complicated by interbedded layers of non-reservoirs which impede vertical connectivity. Integrated analysis of both diagenetic, thermal maturation and 3D seismic and geological facies analysis is essential in chosen favourable locations to develop this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 has been the most important public health concern worldwide since 2020. Several vaccines are now available to help in controlling COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality. This study will aim to provide the global and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as an estimate of disease severity among COVID-19 vaccinated individuals. Materials and methods: In order to determine the global burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among vaccinated individuals, we will systematically extract and review papers from PubMed/MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Science direct and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). All the studies describing the prevalence and/or disease severity (hospitalization and case fatality rate) data of COVID-19 among individuals who received a partial or complete dose of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines will be eligible. A random effect model will be used to calculate the pooled prevalence and to estimate the disease severity. Subgroup analysis will be performed to explore the association between the number of vaccine doses received and the COVID-19 burdens. Discussion: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide the global estimate data on pooled prevalence, hospitalization and case fatality rates of COVID-19 among vaccinated individuals. Moreover, the factors associated with reinfection and disease severity will be equally investigated in the meta-analysis. The results of this study will contribute in the understanding and estimation of the global burden of COVID-19 among vaccinated individuals. Findings will provide meaningful information for the success of the current global rollout of COVID-19 vaccination strategies and pave the way for future interventions. Systematic review registration: CRD42021273074. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic burdened the healthcare systems and led to unprecedented impact leading to global economic crisis. In India, the vaccines given emergency use authorization for restricted use were Covishield and Covaxin. The majority of the known adverse effects of COVID vaccine were reported to be mild but there are some serious and severe adverse events reported in COVID-19 vaccine trials including deaths. Aim: To make estimates of the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) burden in India based on Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System data model from the USA. Settings and Designs: The descriptive study was carried out in March–May 2022. Data were extracted from report of National AEFI Committee, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Immunization Division, Government of India. This study made different hypothesis based on assumption of levels of underreporting ranging from 0.1 to 5%. From these hypotheses, projected deaths and those requiring hospitalization because of AEFI were calculated. Results: More than half (51.34%) of adverse events following immunization were classified as coincidental by National AEFI Committee. Actual reported deaths by MOHFW were 387 but estimated deaths may be around 38,700–41,400 or even more. From the total AEFI deaths, 77.78% were labelled as coincidental deaths. A Maximum of 53.82% coincidental death were because of cardiac cause. Conclusion: Deaths reported by MOHFW are likely to represent gross underestimate of the real scenario in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenced by tectonic activities such as the Tan-Lu Fault and mantle uplift, frequent volcanic activity in the Eastern Sag of the Liaohe Basin has resulted in the widespread development of volcanic rocks, such as basalt and trachyte, in the third member of the Shahejie Formation. Exploration and development have confirmed the presence of large oil and gas displays in trachyte reservoirs. However, previous studies have focused on the whole Eastern Sag or the volcanic rocks in the north, middle, and south sections of the Eastern Sag, while the J34 block has rarely been examined. There are challenges associated with the exploration and development of the J34 block, such as difficulties with trachyte lithology identification, reservoir space identification, quantitative logging identification, and prediction of horizontal and vertical distribution of lithologic characteristics. Therefore, this study presents an investigation and analysis of the characteristics of trachyte reservoirs, and the identification and prediction of favorable reservoirs based on core data, core sampling analysis, well logging, seismic data, and development dynamic data. The results showed that the volcanic rocks in the study area mainly include three types of lithology: trachytic breccia, trachytic lava, and basaltic lava, with trachytic breccia being the most important and favorable reservoir lithology. The trachyte reservoir space is mainly fractured and vuggy, and the secondary reservoir space is often superimposed onto the primary reservoir space, which significantly increases reservoir performance. Using the logging response characteristics of different lithologies and optimizing sensitivity curves, the quantitative identification criteria of different types of volcanic rocks were established. At the same time, the distribution characteristics of favorable reservoirs were determined by reconstructed wave impedance inversion with sensitive parameters, which showed that favorable reservoirs are mainly distributed along faults. Further analysis of the controlling factors of trachyte reservoirs can effectively guide the oil and gas development in this block and provide a reference for the exploration and development of similar blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines provide essential tools for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of technologies have been employed to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, including the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 particles, mRNA to express viral spike protein, recombinant spike proteins, and viral vectors. Here, we report the use of the vaccinia virus Tiantan strain as a vector to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. When it was used to inoculate mice, robust SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibody response and T-cell response were detected. Sera from the vaccinated mice showed strong neutralizing activity against the ancestral Wuhan SARS-CoV-2, the variants of concern (VOCs) B.1.351, B.1.617.2, and the emerging B.1.1.529 (omicron). This finding supports the possibility of developing a new type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine using the vaccinia virus vector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common heterogeneous endocrine disease among women of childbearing age, characterized by androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction. Aerobic exercise is an important solution used to manage PCOS, due to its multiple benefits. Yi Jin Jing is an important component of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE), based on the root of traditional Chinese medicine theory (TCM), which focuses on keeping the body as a whole in a harmonious state. However, to date there is no literature on the benign effects of Yi Jin Jing on PCOS. The primary purpose of this protocol is to assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercise versus Yi Jin Jing, on the management of ovarian function in young overweight/obese women with PCOS. Methods: The study will conduct a controlled randomized, superiority trial with three-arm parallel groups, recruiting 90 women diagnosed with PCOS, ages between 18 and 35 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m2. Women will be randomly assigned to either control group (combined oral contraceptives) or one of the intervention groups (Yi Jin Jing group or aerobic exercise group) with an allocation rate of 1:1:1. After randomization, the intervention will be conducted within a 12-week period. The primary outcome would be anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level; the secondary outcomes would be biochemical profiles, ovarian volume, antral follicle count, BMI, menstrual frequency, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Outcome measures would be collected during baseline and end of treatment. Reporting of the study will follow the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) statement. Discussion: This proposed study will be the first randomized clinical trial to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of aerobic exercise versus Yi Jin Jing on the management of ovarian function in young overweight/obese women with PCOS. The results may provide a new evidence-based management strategy for young women with PCOS. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900022385. Registered on 9 April 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to study the predictors and the pattern of adverse drug reactions to Covishield vaccine which is being used in the mass vaccination program of the Government of India. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the dentists working as faculty in four different tertiary care centers in Jaipur city. A prevalidated questionnaire was circulated through E-mail/social media groups to all the participants. Results: A total of 574 participants fulfilled the questionnaire platform; however, six had been excluded from the study due to incompletely filled questionnaires. The remaining 568 were enrolled for the final analysis. About 296 (52.11%) were male and 272 (47.89%) were female. About 52.8% were in the age group of 31–49 years. About 87.32% of the enrolled participants had received both doses of Covishield. Most common postvaccination symptoms were fever (n = 145), local pain at injection site (n = 123), tenderness at injection site (n = 117), and fatigue (n = 91). Female gender, presence of comorbid diseases, and past coronavirus disease-19 infection were statistically significant risk factors for having adverse reactions post vaccination, P = 0.02, 0.043, and 0.0002, respectively. Conclusions: The data suggest that Covishield is well tolerated in the Indian population. Fever, local pain, tenderness at injection site, and fatigue are few commonly reported side effects. All the side effects were mild to moderate in terms of severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]