Virus-like-particle (VLP) influenza vaccines can be given intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) and may have advantages over split-virion formulations in the elderly. We tested a plant-made VLP vaccine candidate bearing the viral hemagglutinin (HA) delivered either i.m. or i.n. in young and aged mice. Young adult (5- to 8-week-old) and aged (16- to 20-month-old) female BALB/c mice received a single 3-μg dose based on the HA (A/California/07/2009 H1N1) content of a plant-made H1-VLP (i.m. or i.n.) split-virion vaccine (i.m.) or were left naive. After vaccination, humoral and splenocyte responses were assessed, and some mice were challenged. Both VLP and split vaccines given i.m. protected 100% of the young animals, but the VLP group lost the least weight and had stronger humoral and cellular responses. Compared to split-vaccine recipients, aged animals vaccinated i.m. with VLP were more likely to survive challenge (80% versus 60%). The lung viral load postchallenge was lowest in the VLP i.m. groups. Mice vaccinated with VLP i.n. had little detectable immune response, but survival was significantly increased. In both age groups, i.m. administration of the H1-VLP vaccine elicited more balanced humoral and cellular responses and provided better protection from homologous challenge than the split-virion vaccine.

In Arabidopsis, LTR retrotransposons are activated by mutations in the chromatin gene DECREASE in DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1), giving rise to 21- to 22-nt epigenetically activated siRNA (easiRNA) that depend on RNA DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 6 (RDR6). We purified virus-like particles (VLPs) from ddm1 and ddm1rdr6 mutants in which genomic RNA is reverse transcribed into complementary DNA. High-throughput short-read and long-read sequencing of VLP DNA (VLP DNA-seq) revealed a comprehensive catalog of active LTR retrotransposons without the need for mapping transposition, as well as independent of genomic copy number. Linear replication intermediates of the functionally intact COPIA element EVADE revealed multiple central polypurine tracts (cPPTs), a feature shared with HIV in which cPPTs promote nuclear localization. For one member of the ATCOPIA52 subfamily (SISYPHUS), cPPT intermediates were not observed, but abundant circular DNA indicated transposon "suicide" by auto-integration within the VLP. easiRNA targeted EVADE genomic RNA, polysome association of GYPSY (ATHILA) subgenomic RNA, and transcription via histone H3 lysine-9 dimethylation. VLP DNA-seq provides a comprehensive landscape of LTR retrotransposons and their control at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and reverse transcriptional levels.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with overactive bladder (OAB). Detrusor overactivity, a component of OAB, is present in an SCD mouse, but the molecular mechanisms for this condition are not well-defined. We hypothesize that nitric oxide (NO)/ ras homolog gene family (Rho) A/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) dysregulation is a mechanism for detrusor overactivity and that NO-releasing nanoparticles (NO-nps), a novel NO delivery system, may serve to treat this condition. Male adult SCD transgenic, combined endothelial NO synthases (eNOSs) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) gene-deficient (dNOS^–/–), and wild-type (WT) mice were used. Empty nanoparticle or NO-np was injected into the bladder, followed by cystometric studies. The expression levels of phosphorylated eNOS (Ser-1177), protein kinase B (Akt) (Ser-473), nNOS (Ser-1412), and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) (Thr-696) were assessed in the bladder. SCD and dNOS^–/– mice had a greater (P < 0.05) number of voiding and nonvoiding contractions compared with WT mice, and they were normalized by NO-np treatment. eNOS (Ser-1177) and AKT (Ser-473) phosphorylation were decreased (P < 0.05) in the bladder of SCD compared with WT mice and reversed by NO-np. Phosphorylated MYPT1, a marker of the RhoA/ROCK pathway, was increased (P < 0.05) in the bladder of SCD mice compared with WT and reversed by NO-np. nNOS phosphorylation on positive (Ser-1412) regulatory site was decreased (P < 0.05) in the bladder of SCD mice compared with WT and was not affected by NO-np. NO-nps did not affect any of the measured parameters in WT mice. In conclusion, dysregulation of NO and RhoA/ROCK pathways is associated with detrusor overactivity in SCD mice; NO-np reverses these molecular derangements in the bladder and decreases detrusor overactivity.

Cheap, printable photovoltaics might finally live up to their early promise.

A recent study has described new states that can be found in super-cold atom experiments, which could have applications for quantum technology.

A recent study at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University has described new states that can be found in super-cold atom experiments, which could have applications for quantum technology.

Greenbelt MD (SPX) Apr 22, 2020
On March 25, 2020, the Indian government placed its 1.3 billion citizens under a strict lockdown to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The country-wide mandate decreased activity at factories and severely reduced car, bus, truck, and airplane traffic. After just a week of reduced human activities, NASA satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low for this time of year i

Manufacturer Atermit has begun producing face shields to protect users from Covid-19 using Expanded Polypropylene Particle (EPP) foam - Arpro.

German drugmaker Fresenius Kabi has made major investments in its U.S. manufacturing operations in recent years with some mixed quality results along the way. Now, one of the drugmaker's products faces a recall for more manufacturing woes.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that on April 8, it completed the acquisition of all shares of Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc., as mutually agreed.

A new cheap, lightweight sponge-like gel can quickly and efficiently disinfect drinking water for disaster victims.

Using ceramics and metal nanoparticles, a non-profit organization from University of Virginia is making these simple but effective purifiers that can eliminate up to 99.9% of waterborne pathogens.

A new study finds that ultra-fine particles increase the risk of brain cancer.

New type of nanoparticle developed by scientists effectively vaccinated mice against dengue virus. The findings of the study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

A drug-free nanotechnology-based method for detecting and destroying the bacteria that cause dental plaque has been devised by bioengineering Associate

An individual's susceptibility to pneumococcal disease is increased when exposed to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), revealed study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Exposure to higher levels of air pollution was associated with a higher level of albuminuria and higher risk for incident chronic kidney disease, reports a new study.

Immune cells of the host exposed to nanoparticles induced an anti-cancer immune response by activating T cells that invaded and slowed tumor growth, said

Nanoparticles are still too big to be removed by the kidneys. Since several doses of nanoparticles are necessary to treat a tumor, over time the nanoparticles

Professor Lucy Yardley, from the University of Bristol, sounded the alarm today, saying evidence shows 'viral load' plays a big role in how sick someone will become.

NASA has announced a new research mission that will send small satellites into orbit to study solar particle storms, which can cause geomagnetic storms on Earth and disrupt the electrical grid.

Dark matter has so far defied every type of detector designed to find it because of its huge gravitational footprint in space. We know dark matter must make up about 85 per cent of the total mass of the universe, but we do not yet know what it is made of.

"Our future analyses will examine the combined hourly exposures to both air pollution and extreme temperature. We will also identify vulnerable subpopulations regarding pre-existing diseases and medication intake," said Kai Chen.

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Barker Library - TA352.H365 2012

Barker Library - TA357.5.G47 M37 2014

Barker Library - TA357.5.M84 Y46 2014

Barker Library - TA357.5.G47 M38 2014

Revamped accelerator will soon be smashing electrons and positrons together

Hayden Library - QC787.P73 P274 2013