The oral anaerobe Fusobacterium nucleatum can spread to distal internal organs, such as the colon and placenta, thereby promoting the development of colorectal cancer and inducing preterm birth, respectively. Yet, how this opportunistic pathogen adapts to the various metabolically distinct host cellular niches remains poorly understood. We demonstrated here that this microbe assembles specialized metabolic organelles, termed bacterial microcompartments (BMCs), to utilize environmental ethanolamine (EA) as a key environmental nutrient source. The formation of F. nucleatum BMCs, containing BMC shell proteins EutLM1M2N, is controlled by a two-component system, EutV-EutW, responsive to EA. Significantly, this ability of F. nucleatum to form BMCs in response to EA is crucial for its pathogenicity evidenced by the fact that the genetic disruption of BMC formation reduces fusobacterial virulence in a mouse model of preterm birth.

Frequent recent spillovers of subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus into poultry and mammals, especially dairy cattle, including several human cases, increased concerns over a possible future pandemic. Here, we performed an analysis of epitope data curated in the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). We found that the patterns of immunodominance of seasonal influenza viruses circulating in humans and H5N1 are similar. We further conclude that a significant fraction of the T-cell epitopes is conserved at a level associated with cross-reactivity between avian and seasonal sequences, and we further experimentally demonstrate extensive cross-reactivity in the most dominant T-cell epitopes curated in the IEDB. Based on these observations, and the overall similarity of the neuraminidase (NA) N1 subtype encoded in both HPAI and seasonal H1N1 influenza virus as well as cross-reactive group 1 HA stalk-reactive antibodies, we expect that a degree of pre-existing immunity is present in the general human population that could blunt the severity of human H5N1 infections.IMPORTANCEInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) cause pandemics that can result in millions of deaths. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the H5N1 subtype is presently among the top viruses of pandemic concern, according to the WHO and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Previous exposure by infection and/or vaccination to a given IAV subtype or clade influences immune responses to a different subtype or clade. Analysis of human CD4 and CD8 T-cell epitope conservation between HPAI H5N1 and seasonal IAV sequences revealed levels of identity and conservation conducive to T cell cross-reactivity, suggesting that pre-existing T cell immune memory should, to a large extent, cross-recognize avian influenza viruses. This observation was experimentally verified by testing responses from human T cells to non-avian IAV and their HPAI H5N1 counterparts. Accordingly, should a more widespread HPAI H5N1 outbreak occur, we hypothesize that cross-reactive T-cell responses might be able to limit disease severity.

This study presents a simple method for the production of activated carbon (ACS) from sugarcane bagasse. To increase the CO2 adsorption efficiency, the ACS/CS/EDTA composite was prepared by modifying ACS with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chitosan (CS). The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), High Resolution – Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The obtained ACS is an amorphous and porous material and contains both micropores and mesopores. The micropore volume, mesopore volume, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and average pore width of the ACS are 0.112 cm3/g, 0.193 cm3/g, 354.8 m2/g and 55.7 Å, respectively. The dispersion of EDTA and CS on the activated carbon leads to a deterioration of the structural properties while it increases the aggregation of the ACS/CS/EDTA composite. The performance of the materials was evaluated by CO2 adsorption at ambient pressure. The effects of EDTA, adsorption temperature and gas composition were also investigated in detail. In addition, the durability of the composite was evaluated through the adsorption and desorption cycle. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Bioethanol implementation as a renewable fuel has yielded economic, social, and environmental benefits, including reduced fossil fuel consumption, enhanced energy diversity and supply security, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support for agricultural communities. These impacts underscore the importance of advancing innovation and optimizing processes to increase bioethanol production. Therefore, basic knowledge of chemical engineering in bioethanol fermentation is important to be learnt as a preliminary study, such as reaction kinetics and transport phenomena. This work studies the reaction kinetics and mass transfer in continuous fixed bed biofilm plug flow reactor modelling to predict anaerobic Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation performance, which is still not studied comprehensively. This modelling provides an overview of the influence of various independent variables, namely temperature, initial substrate concentration, cell concentration, superficial flow rate, reactor diameter, and solid particle diameter on various dependent variables, namely final product concentration, residence time, reactor length, reactor volume, product productivity, and pressure drop. The most sensitive parameters related to product productivity are temperature and cell concentration, so in its implementation, the temperature must be controlled at its optimum temperature, and the inoculum must be prepared with high cell concentration. For the next study, it is recommended to study the optimization of reactor design and operation (i.e. the pumping system, cooling system, and pH control of the reactor) and the implementation of the reactor on the plant scale. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

This editorial provides a commentary on the recent article. The paper reviews current literature and explores innovative treatment strategies for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEASO) through an integrative approach. It highlights the effectiveness of combination therapies that merge traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medical practices, suggesting that such integrative methods may improve patient compliance and outcomes through personalized care. This paper stresses the importance of rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM interventions within LEASO treatment protocols, advocating for evidence-based validation of these combined therapies. Our recommendations emphasize accurate diagnosis, appropriate pharmacological interventions, the use of advanced surgical and endovascular techniques, and the inclusion of TCM to address underlying dysfunctions. Additionally, continuous monitoring, patient education, and lifestyle modifications are essential to slow disease progression and achieve optimal patient outcomes. The paper concludes by calling for further research to develop standardized treatment protocols that effectively integrate both Western and Chinese medical approaches in managing LEASO.

Altwijri and Alsirhy reported a case of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome after an Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation surgery in an advanced primary open-angle glaucoma patient, being the first ever recorded of its kind. The author describes the position of the tube as the origin of the anterior chamber inflammation and hyphema, which resolved shortly after shortening and relocating it. This publication emphasizes the importance of precise implant positioning and close-up patient follow-up after glaucoma filtration surgery as an important standard for healthcare providers.

The photocatalytic activity of tin dioxide (SnO2) is limited due to its inadequate response to the solar spectrum, wide band gap, and low visible light photocatalytic activity. Here, we synthesized conjugated polyvinyl alcohol (CPVA) modified tin dioxide (CPVA/SnO2) through in-situ hydrothermal synthesis and evaluated its performance for photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI). A series of testing and characterization results revealed that CPVA was uniformly coated on the surface of SnO2, forming a mesoporous CPVA/SnO2 heterojunction with enhanced crystallinity and reduced oxygen defects, which resulted in an expanded light absorption range towards the red light region. The reaction rate constant of CPVA/SnO2-A for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under visible light (0.060 min-1) was 6 times higher than that of homemade CPVA/TiO2 and 2.87 times higher than that of SnO2 for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under UV light (0.0209 min-1). The photocatalytic mechanism indicates that CPVA/SnO2 exhibited significantly enhanced performance under UV-light irradiation by forming a type II heterojunction. When CPVA/SnO2 was exposed to visible light, photogenerated electrons on the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of CPVA were efficiently transferred to the surface of SnO2 through the CPVA/SnO2 heterojunction, reducing electron-hole recombination while also photosensitizing the photocatalyst and promoting efficient photocatalysis under visible light illumination. Ultimately, this process effectively reduces Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has become an important strategy for treating atrial fibrillation (AF), and postoperative recurrence represents a significant and actively discussed clinical concern. The recurrence after RFCA is considered closely related to inflammation. Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammation predictor based on neutrophils, platelets, and lymphocytes, and is considered a biomarker that comprehensively reflects the immune inflammatory status of the body. AIM To explore the predictive effect of the SII on AF recurrence after RFCA and its predictive value in combination with the existing APPLE score for AF recurrence after RFCA in patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF). METHODS We retrospectively included 457 patients with NVAF first receiving RFCA and classified them into the recurrent or non-recurrent group. We also investigated the predictive role of SII on AF recurrence following RFCA. Finally, we explored and compared the additional predictive value of the SII after combining with the APPLE score. RESULTS After 12 months of follow-up, 113 (24.7%) patients experienced recurrence. High SII has been demonstrated to be an independent predictor for postoperative AF recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic and decision curve analysis (DCA), as well as net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) results, showed that SII combined with the APPLE score had higher predictive efficiency than using the SII or APPLE score alone. The area under the curve of the combined model (0.662, 95% confidence interval: 0.602-0.722) significantly increased compared with that of the SII and APPLE scores alone (P < 0.001). The combined model resulted in an NRI of 29.6% and 34.1% and IDI of 4.9% and 3.5% in predicting AF recurrence compared with the SII and APPLE scores alone, respectively (all P < 0.001). The SII, APPLE score, and their combination demonstrated greater clinical utility than did the treat-all and treat-none strategies over the 20–80% risk threshold according to the DCA. CONCLUSION The SII was a predictor of recurrence after RFCA of AF. Moreover, the SII enhanced the predictability of the APPLE score for post-RFCA AF recurrence, providing valuable insights for physicians to optimise patient selection and develop personalised treatment plans.

Recent studies have suggested an evolving understanding of the association between vaping, specifically electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, and the progression of atherosclerosis, a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. Despite the prevailing perception of vaping as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, accumulating evidence suggests that the aerosols emitted by e-cigarettes contain harmful constituents that may promote endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia—key mechanisms implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. While past research, including experimental studies and clinical investigations, has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with vaping, gaps in knowledge persist. Future research endeavors should focus on interpreting the long-term effects of vaping on atherosclerosis development and progression, exploring the impact of different e-cigarette formulations and user demographics, and identifying effective strategies for mitigating the cardiovascular consequences of vaping. By identifying and addressing these research gaps, we can enhance our understanding of the cardiovascular implications of vaping and inform evidence-based interventions and policies to safeguard public health.