Isolation and characterization of a pangolin-borne HKU4-related coronavirus that potentially infects human-DPP4-transgenic mice.

We recently detected a HKU4-related coronavirus in subgenus Merbecovirus (named pangolin-CoV-HKU4-P251T) from a Malayan pangolin. Here we report isolation and characterization of pangolin-CoV-HKU4-P251T, the genome sequence of which is closest to that of a coronavirus from the greater bamboo bat (Tylonycteris robustula) in Yunnan Province, China, with a 94.3% nucleotide identity.

Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA antibody provides long-term protection against SARS-CoV-2 in mice and hamsters.

Monoclonal antibodies represent important weapons in our arsenal to against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this potential is severely limited by the time-consuming process of developing effective antibodies and the relative high cost of manufacturing. Herein, we present a rapid and cost-effective lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated-mRNA platform for in vivo delivery of SARS-CoV-2 neutralization antibodies.

Long-term stability and protection efficacy of the RBD-targeting COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in nonhuman primates.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology has shown its power in preventing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Two mRNA vaccines targeting the full-length S protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been authorized for emergency use. Recently, we have developed a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA (mRNA-LNP) encoding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 (termed ARCoV), which confers complete protection in mouse model.

Migratory wild birds carrying multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli as potential transmitters of antimicrobial resistance in China.

Migratory birds play an important role in the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. To investigate the prevalence of MDR Escherichia coli in migratory birds in China and potential relationships with the environment, a total of 1387 samples (fecal samples, cloacal swabs, or throat swabs) were collected from migratory birds from three different river basins in China. The collected samples were processed and subjected to bacteriological examinations.

Lasting antibody and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients three months after infection.

The dynamics, duration, and nature of immunity produced during SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unclear. Here, we longitudinally measured virus-neutralising antibody, specific antibodies against the spike (S) protein, receptor-binding domain (RBD), and the nucleoprotein (N) of SARS-CoV-2, as well as T cell responses, in 25 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients up to 121 days post-symptom onset (PSO). All patients seroconvert for IgG against N, S, or RBD, as well as IgM against RBD, and produce neutralising antibodies (NAb) by 14 days PSO, with the peak levels attained by 15-30 days PSO.

Serological survey of avian influenza virus infection in non-avian wildlife in Xinjiang, China.

We conducted a serological survey to detect antibodies against avian influenza virus (AIV) in Gazella subgutturosa, Canis lupus, Capreolus pygargus, Sus scrofa, Cervus elaphus, Capra ibex, Ovis ammon, Bos grunniens and Pseudois nayaur in Xinjiang, China. Two hundred forty-six sera collected from 2009 to 2013 were assayed for antibodies against H5, H7 and H9 AIVs using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests and a pan-influenza competitive ELISA. Across all tested wildlife species, 4.

Characterization of a novel reassortant influenza A virus (H2N2) from a domestic duck in Eastern China.

While H2N2 viruses have been sporadically isolated from wild and domestic birds, H2N2 viruses have not been detected among human populations since 1968. Should H2N2 viruses adapt to domestic poultry they may pose a risk of infection to people, as most anyone born after 1968 would likely be susceptible to their infection. We report the isolation of a novel influenza A virus (H2N2) cultured in 2013 from a healthy domestic duck at a live poultry market in Wuxi City, China.

An inactivated recombinant rabies CVS-11 virus expressing two copies of the glycoprotein elicits a higher level of neutralizing antibodies and provides better protection in mice.

The rabies virus (RABV) G protein is the primary contributor to the pathogenicity and protective immunity of RABV. In this study, we generated a recombinant rCVS-11-G strain containing two copies of the G protein derived from the pathogenic wild-type (wt) CVS-11 strain and based on its infectious clone. Compared with the wtCVS-11 strain, the rCVS-11-G strain possessed a larger virion and 1.

CpG/Poly (I:C) mixed adjuvant priming enhances the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine against eastern equine encephalitis virus in mice.

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) poses a serious public health threat in many countries. Therefore, developing efficient vaccine against EEEV remains an important challenge in the field of disease control. To identify immunogenic proteins in EEEV, we constructed an expression vector containing the protein coding genes C, E3, E2, 6k, and E1 (pcDNA3.

Evaluation of the potential of soil remediation by direct multi-channel pulsed corona discharge in soil.

A novel approach, named multi-channel pulsed corona discharge in soil, was developed for remediating organic pollutants contaminated soil, with p-nitrophenol (PNP) as the model pollutant. The feasibility of PNP degradation in soil was explored by evaluating effects of pulse discharge voltage, air flow rate and soil moisture on PNP degradation. Based on roles of chemically active species and evolution of degradation intermediates, PNP degradation processes were discussed.

Adeno-associated viruses serotype 2-mediated RNA interference efficiently inhibits rabies virus replication in vitro and in vivo.

To investigate the potential of adeno-associated viruses serotype 2 (AAV2)-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) as an antiviral agent against rabies, recombinant AAV2 vectors expressing siRNA targeting the nucleoprotein (N) gene of rabies virus (RABV) (rAAV-N796) were constructed and evaluated. When NA cells pretreated with rAAV-N796 were challenged with RABV, there was a 37.8 ± 3.

Small interfering RNAs targeting the rabies virus nucleoprotein gene.

Rabies virus (RABV) infection continues to be a global threat to human and animal health, yet no curative therapy has been developed. RNA interference (RNAi) therapy, which silences expression of specific target genes, represents a promising approach for treating viral infections in mammalian hosts. We designed six small interfering (si)RNAs (N473, N580, N783, N796, N799 and N1227) that target the conserved region of the RABV challenge virus standard (CVS)-11 strain nucleoprotein (N) gene.

[Coverage on cataract surgery among adults aged 40 or above in a multiethnic rural district of high altitude area in Gongshan county, Yunnan province, China].

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of cataract and its surgical coverage rate together with the burden related to bilateral cataract-blindness, among adults aged 40 or above in Gongshan county of Yunnan province and to evaluate the current cataract status and the efficacy of local cataract prevention program.

Methods: Cluster sampling was used. The protocol consisted of personal interview, pilot study, visual acuity checking, measuring the intraocular pressure; slit lamp microscopy and the fundus of the eye examination etc.

Antisense oligonucleotides targeting the RNA binding region of the NP gene inhibit replication of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1.

The H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) causes widespread infections in bird and human respiratory tracts, and vaccines and drug therapy are limited in their effectiveness. Recent studies of AIV structures have been published and provide new targets for designing antiviral drugs such as antisense oligonucleotides (AS ODNs), which effectively inhibit gene replication. In this study, we designed and synthesized three AS ODNs (NP267, NP628, NP749) that were specific for the RNA binding region of nucleoprotein (NP) based on AIV structure.

Plasma-TiO2 catalytic method for high-efficiency remediation of p-nitrophenol contaminated soil in pulsed discharge.

Nonthermal discharge plasma and TiO(2) photocatalysis are two techniques capable of organic pollutants removal in soil. In the present study, a pulsed discharge plasma-TiO(2) catalytic (PDPTC) technique by combining the two means, where catalysis of TiO(2) is driven by the pulsed discharge plasma, is proposed to investigate the remediation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) contaminated soil. The experimental results showed that 88.

Recombinant canine parvovirus-like particles express foreign epitopes in silkworm pupae.

The capsid structural protein VP2 of canine parvovirus (CPV) can self-assemble into highly organized virus-like particles (VLPs) and retain major immunoreactivity. In this study, different recombinant baculoviruses that expressed varying fusion proteins of the CPV VP2 protein with the T cell determinant and/or the linear virus-neutralizing epitope of rabies virus (RV) were generated. Infection with these baculoviruses changed BmN cell morphology and inhibited their proliferation as well as damaged silkworms and pupae.

Antisense oligonucleotide inhibits avian influenza virus H5N1 replication by single chain antibody delivery system.

H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) causes widespread infections in poultry and wild birds, and has the potential to emerge as a pandemic threat to human. Antisense oligonucleotides (AS ODNs) are highly effective at inhibiting gene replication. Antibody-mediated delivery is a novel approach to target specific cells and tissues.

Degradation of pentachlorophenol in soil by pulsed corona discharge plasma.

The remediation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) contaminated soil using pulsed corona discharge plasma was reported in this study. The effect of practical run parameters such as peak pulse voltage, pulse frequency, gas atmospheres (air, O(2), Ar and N(2)), air flow rate and pollution time on PCP degradation was investigated, and the intermediate products were also studied. The results indicated that PCP degradation efficiency increased with an increase in peak pulse voltage or pulse frequency, due to the enhancement of energy input.

Generation and characterization of a fusion protein of single-chain fragment variable antibody against hemagglutinin antigen of avian influenza virus and truncated protamine.

The hemagglutinin antigen (HA) of avian influenza virus (AIV) is an immunogen abundant on the surfaces of infected cells, and can be used as a target for specific antibodies to clear viral infection. Protamine has been demonstrated to deliver DNA into cells effectively. Accordingly, a fusion protein of anti-HA single-chain fragment variable (scFv) and truncated protamine (tP) may be used as a vehicle for delivering the anti-AIV siRNA into the AIV-infected cells for gene therapy.

Evaluation of the potential of pentachlorophenol degradation in soil by pulsed corona discharge plasma from soil characteristics.

Chlorinated organics are frequently found as harmful soil contaminants and persisted for extended periods of time. A novel approach, named pulsed corona discharge plasma (PCDP), was employed for the degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soil. Experimental results showed that 87% of PCP could be smoothly removed in 60 min.

[Pathogenesis of H5N1 avian influenza virus in C57BL/6 mice].

C57BL/6 mice were inoculated intranasally (50 microl) with serial 10-fold dilution of HAB/01 H5N1 virus. Three and five days later, three mice of each group were euthanized. Lung injury was assessed by observation of lung histopathology, virus titers and MCD50 were also measured.

[Study of anterior chamber configuration with panoramic ultrasound biomicroscopy after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lenses implantation].

Objective: To study the changes in anterior chamber configuration after phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) implantation with panoramic ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Methods: A novel panoramic UBM was developed for anterior segment scanning. Small-incision phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation were performed in 102 eyes of 81 patients with age-related cataract.