CovEpiAb: a comprehensive database and analysis resource for immune epitopes and antibodies of human coronaviruses.

Coronaviruses have threatened humans repeatedly, especially COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has posed a substantial threat to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 continuously evolves through random mutation, resulting in a significant decrease in the efficacy of existing vaccines and neutralizing antibody drugs. It is critical to assess immune escape caused by viral mutations and develop broad-spectrum vaccines and neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved epitopes.

Superantigen-fused T cell engagers for tumor antigen-mediated robust T cell activation and tumor cell killing.

Inadequate T cell activation has severely limited the success of T cell engager (TCE) therapy, especially in solid tumors. Enhancing T cell activity while maintaining the tumor specificity of TCEs is the key to improving their clinical efficacy. However, currently, there needs to be more effective strategies in clinical practice.

Factors affecting the accumulation of organotins by wild fish: A case study in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

Organotin compounds (OTs) accumulate in fish easily, however, research on their influencing factors is still limited. This study collected 25 species of fish with different diets, habitats, and age from the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), the largest deep-water river channel-type reservoir in China, and analyzed the accumulation characteristics of OTs in these fish. The results showed that tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) were the dominant OTs in fish from the TGR.

Comprehensive analysis of the fates and risks of veterinary antibiotics in a small ecosystem comprising a pig farm and its surroundings in Northeast China.

This study investigated the behavior of veterinary antibiotics (VAs) in a small farm ecosystem. Manure and environmental samples were collected around a large pig farm in northeast China. Thirty-four VAs in six categories were analyzed.

Hormones other than aldosterone may contribute to hypertension in 3 different subtypes of primary aldosteronism.

Blood pressure (BP) level is similar in patients with 3 subtypes of primary aldosteronism (PA), even though aldosterone levels may vary. Glucocorticoids and adrenomedullary hormones may be influenced and may contribute to hypertension in PA. The authors' objective was to investigate the influence of PA on adrenal gland secretion and the roles of these hormones in hypertension.

Glyoxalase I and aldose reductase gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes.

Aims: To investigate the association of polymorphisms of glyoxalase I (GLO1) A419C, GLO1 C-7T, and aldose reductase C-106T with type 2 diabetes and diabetic carotid atherosclerosis in a Chinese Han population.

Methods: The study population included 362 patients with type 2 diabetes and 301 nondiabetic control subjects. Genetic analyses were performed using either the Taqman polymerase chain reaction or direct sequencing.

[Efficacy and safety of high-dose α-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose α-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy with regards to sensory symptoms and nerve conduction velocity.

Methods: A total of 236 diabetics with symptomatic polyneuropathy were enrolled into this 5-center, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of α-lipoic acid 1800 mg daily (n = 117) or matching placebo (n = 119) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was total symptom score (TSS).

[Risk factors for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and their prognostic implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Objective: Risk factors for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes were analyzed to establish a regression model for evaluating the diagnosis of CAN.

Methods: 325 patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into four groups according to the results of four standard function tests. Every patient was required to offer detailed disease history and accept physical examination, serum and urine tests and examinations including ECG, nerve conduction velocity, retinoscope and Doppler of carotid and lower limb arteries.