Template-free synthesis of mesoporous N-doped SrTiO3 perovskite with high visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

An effective, template-free synthesis methodology has been developed for preparing mesoporous nitrogen-doped SrTiO3 (meso-STON) using glycine as both a nitrogen source and a mesopore creator. The N-doping, large surface area and developed porosity endow meso-STON with excellent activity in visible-light-responsive photodegradation of organic dyes

1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency-induced gut microbial dysbiosis degrades the colonic mucus barrier in Cyp27b1 knockout mouse model

Abstract Background The relationship between disturbances of the gut microbiota and 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency has been established both in humans and animal models with a vitamin D poor diet or a lack of sun exposure. Our prior study has demonstrated that Cyp27b1 −/− (Cyp27b1 knockout) mice that could not produce 1,25(OH)2D3 had significant colon inflammation phenotypes. However, whether and how 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency due to the genetic deletion controls the gut homeostasis and modulates the composition of the gut microbiota remains to be explored. Results 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency impair the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolite in Cyp27b1 −/− mice, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Solitalea Canadensis, Bacteroides-acidifaciens, Bacteroides plebeius and SCFA production. 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency cause the thinner colonic mucus layer and increase the translocation of the bacteria to the mesenteric lymph nodes. We also found 1,25(OH)2D3 supplement significantly decreased Akkermansia muciniphila abundance in fecal samples of Cyp27b1 −/− mice. Conclusion Deficiency in 1,25(OH)2D3 impairs the composition of gut microbiota leading to disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier homeostasis and induction of colonic inflammation. This study highlights the association between 1,25(OH)2D3 status, the gut microbiota and the colonic mucus barrier that is regarded as a primary defense against enteric pathogens

Characteristics of the different HIV-1 risk populations based on the genetic transmission network of the newly diagnosed HIV cases in Jiangsu, Eastern China

Introduction: The HIV-1 prevalence has been steadily increasing in Jiangsu, China. HIV-1 genetic transmission network can be used to explore the transmission kinetics and precision intervention in high-risk populations. Thus, we generated an HIV-1 genetic transmission network, explored key risk populations based on different risk factors and found out the risk factors for HIV-1 prevention and control among the newly-diagnosed HIV-1 cases from 2017 to 2018. Method: We amplified the HIV-1 pol sequences from the plasma samples of the newly-diagnosed HIV-1 cases from 2017 to 2018 and obtained the infection data from The National HIV/AIDS Surveillance System. HIV-Trace and Cytoscape Software were both used to construct the HIV-1 genetic network with a gene distance of 200) were the risk factors influencing inclusion into the HIV-1 gene network. Moreover, south Jiangsu cities had higher inclusion in the network. Thus, key risk populations in the clusters with different transmission routes, new emerging subtypes, drug resistance nodes, and individuals above 60 years of age in the network represented the critical risk populations that should be focused more on for intervention. Conclusion: The HIV-1 genetic transmission network is adept at discovering undiagnosed HIV-infected cases and linking all diagnosed cases for determination of risk infections. Therefore we should pay more attention to these risk infections with further investigation and intervention, helping to achieve the goal of 95 % use combination prevention from the World Health Organization, and push to end AIDS epidemic

Temperature evolution during the compaction of calcium silicate hydrate powders using a compression calorimeter

Amorphous calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) undergoes contact-hardening property, i.e. the powder can be hardened by compression. A compression calorimeter was designed to determine the temperature evolution during the compaction of the powder. A platinum sensor (Pt100) was used as the temperature sensor and was positioned in the powder as well as in the compression die. A resolution of 0.01\ua0\ub0C with a sampling time of every second was used to monitor the temperature. Both theoretical calculation and simulations by COMSOL multiphysics showed that the device reliably evaluated the temperature during the compaction of CSH powders. The measurement was taken under semi-adiabatic conditions. The temperature profiles obtained from the measurement revealed the compression process and bonding development during the compaction of the powders. Finally, a linear relationship was observed between the compressive strength and the maximum temperature increase. This provides insight into the contact-hardening mechanism during the compaction of CSH powders

Purification and biochemical characterization of FrsA protein from Vibrio vulnificus as an esterase.

Fermentation-respiration switch protein (FrsA) was thought to play an important role in controlling the metabolic flux between respiration and fermentation pathways, whereas the biochemical function of FrsA was unclear yet. A gene coding for FrsA protein from Vibrio vulnificus was chemically synthesized. The recombinant VvFrsA was expressed as a soluble protein and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The protein had a subunit molecular weight of ca. 45 kDa by SDS-PAGE and preferred short-chain esters when p-nitrophenyl alkanoate esters were used as substrates. Optimum condition for VvFrsA was found to be at pH 9.0 and 50 °C. The protein retained high esterase activity at alkaline condition and would denature slowly at over 50 °C. With p-nitrophenyl acetate as the substrate, the Km and kcat were determined to be 18.6 mM and 0.67 s-1, respectively, by steady-state kinetic assay. Molecular dynamics simulation and docking model structure revealed that p-nitrophenyl acetate could be the substrate of VvFrsA. In conclusion our results demonstrated that the protein was able to catalyze the hydrolysis of esters, especially p-nitrophenyl acetate, for the first time

Increasing HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Jiangsu Province, China: Results from Five Consecutive Surveys, 2011–2015

Epidemics of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) are major public health concerns in most parts of China. This study examined the trends in HIV incidence and associated factors among MSM in Jiangsu Province. Five consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted among MSM from 2011 to 2015 in eight cities throughout Jiangsu Province. Participants were recruited from MSM venues or via the internet. Demographic and behavioral data were collected through HIV bio-behavioral surveys. Blood specimens were collected to test for HIV and syphilis. HIV incidence was estimated by the IgG-capture BED-EIA (BED) method and a chi-square trend test was used to compare differences over the years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with recent infection. A total of 2433, 2678, 2591, 2610 and 2541 participants were enrolled in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. HIV incidence increased from 5.10% in 2011 to 6.62% in 2015 (p = 0.025). MSM who had an education level of junior high school or less (aOR = 1.472, p = 0.018), engaged in condomless anal sex in the past 6 months (aOR = 2.389, p < 0.001), did not have an HIV test in the past 12 months (aOR = 3.215, p < 0.001), and were currently infected with syphilis (aOR = 2.025, p = 0.001) were likely to be recently infected with HIV. HIV incidence is increasing among MSM in Jiangsu Province, China. Condom usage and HIV testing promotion should be prioritized when attempting to reduce HIV transmission among MSM in China