The role of rcpA gene in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a common seafood-borne pathogen that can colonize the intestine of host and cause gastroenteritis. Biofilm formation by V.

Saponin Prevents Immune Dysfunction and Strengthens Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed BALB/c Mice.

The aim of this study was to explore the immunomodulatory effect of saponin (PS) in a cyclophosphamide-induced (Cy) immunosuppression mice model. Oral administration of PS by gavage effectively alleviated weight loss caused by Cy and increased the index of immune organs. PS promoted the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes and T cell subsets (CD3, CD355, CD4/CD8) and relieved the xylene-induced inflammatory response and Cy-induced increase of serum hemolysin.

Anti-Biofilm Activity of Laurel Essential Oil against .

is a primary seafood-associated pathogen that could cause gastroenteritis. It can attach to various surfaces and form a biofilm, which poses serious threats to food safety. Hence, an effective strategy is urgently needed to control the biofilm formation of .

Epigenome-wide association study reveals CpG sites related to COG of neuroblastoma.

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in infants and children. Its variable location and complex pathogenesis make NB hard for early diagnosis and risk classification.

Methodology: We analyzed the methylation data of 236 samples from patients with NB in Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database.

[The relationship between plasma BNP level and the left ventricular dysfunction parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction and it's value in diagonosing heart failure.].

Objective: To explore the correlation between plasma BNP level and left ventricular dysfunction parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods: Plasma BNP level was determined in 230 consecutive inpatients with AMI and 111 normal controls. Patients were grouped according Killip grades, LVEF and LVEDd, respectively.

Thermosensitive and pH-sensitive Au-Pd bimetallic nanocomposites.

The bimetallic nanoparticles were protected by a double stimuli-sensitive diblock copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PNIPAM-b-P4VP), which was synthesized via the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The obtained nanocomposites were made up of bimetallic nanoparticles cross-linked P4VP core and PNIPAM shell. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra and UV-vis transmittance revealed the formed nanoparticles was truly bimetallic particles with incomplete core-shell structures, Au as core and Pd as shell, rather than the physical mixture of monometallic nanoparticles.

Core-shell-corona au-micelle composites with a tunable smart hybrid shell.

Micelles having a core of polystyrene and a mixed shell of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(4-vinylpyridine) were formed through self-assembly of a triblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)- block-polystyrene- block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) in acidic water (pH 2). Reducing the HAuCl(4)-treated micelle solution leads to the formation of the Au-micelle composites with a core of polystyrene, a hybrid shell of poly(4-vinylpyridine)/Au/poly(ethylene glycol), and a corona of poly(ethylene glycol). The gold nanoparticles with controlled sizes were anchored to poly(4-vinylpyridine) to form the physically cross-linked hybrid shell.

Formation and catalytic activity of spherical composites with surfaces coated with gold nanoparticles.

Micelle-supported gold composites with a polystyrene core and a poly(4-vinyl pyridine)/Au shell are synthesized using NaBH(4) to reduce a mixture of micelle and HAuCl(4) in acidic aqueous solution (pH approximately 2). The template micelle with a polystyrene core and a poly(4-vinyl pyridine) shell is formed by self-assembly of block copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinyl pyridine). The gold nanoparticles coated onto the surfaces of the composites possess an average diameter of about 15 nm.

[The clinical value of B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of left heart failure].

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the diagnosis of left heart failure (HF) or left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Methods: Samples of peripheral venous blood were collected from 243 consecutive patients with left HF and 111 normal controls (control group, CG) to measured BNP level with fluorescence immunoassay method. The patients with left HF were divided into 2 groups: those with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40% (n = 132) according to the level of LVEF; or into 2 groups: compensated heart failure group (CHF group, at NYHA grade I - II, n = 110) and decompensated heart failure group (DHF group, at NYHA grade III - IV, n = 133) according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.