Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of subunit dengue vaccine comprising a fusion protein of conjugating or connecting delta C nonstructural protein 1 (NS1?C or truncated NS1?C) to at least one polypeptides of NS3c (or truncated NS3c) and/or consensus envelope protein domain III (cEDIII), thereby enhancing better protection against DENV challenge and alleviating associated pathological effects.

Abstract: Provided is a method for screening a modulator of a viral infection by detecting an interaction of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and a spike protein with a biosensing platform. Also provided is a compound of formula (I) as a modulator of a viral infection, where R, X, A, R3 to R5, and m are as defined herein, and a method for protecting a subject from a viral infection by administering with the compound.

Abstract: Provided herein are aptamers that bind specifically to the surface proteins of periodontal pathogens. Also provided herein are methods for detecting and treating periodontal disease in a subject. The method comprises detecting bacteria associated with periodontal disease by use of the present aptamers to analyze a sample taken from a gum pocket of a tooth of the subject; and treating the periodontal disease of the subject by administering to the gum pocket of the tooth a bactericide or an anti-microbial phototherapy to eradicate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease.

Abstract: A method for treating a disease caused by protein retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with a sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pump inhibitor encapsulated in a polymer nanoparticle. The polymer nanoparticle is surface-modified such that it is targeted to the ER. The inhibitor reduces protein retention in the ER and the encapsulation lowers side effects of the inhibitor, e.g., cytotoxicity, as compared to administering the inhibitor without encapsulation. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition that can be used for carrying out the method. Further provided is a transgenic mouse carrying in its genome a heterologous nucleic acid that encodes an H338Y mutant gp91phox protein. The transgenic mouse can serve as a model for human chronic granulomatous disease.

Abstract: An apparatus for amplifying a nucleic acid sequence in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is provided. The apparatus comprises a microprocessor configured to communicatively couple with a user input device and receive instructions from the user input device and implement the received instructions; an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) generator configured to generated EMR at frequencies ranging from 300 THz to 400 THz and communicatively coupled with the microprocessor; a reaction vessel, communicatively coupled with the microprocessor, to house the nucleic acid sequence, necessary reagents to the PCR, and particles comprising a transition metal material, and to receive the EMR generated by the EMR generator; and a temperature sensor communicatively coupled with the reaction vessel and the microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of subunit dengue vaccine comprising a fusion protein of conjugating or connecting delta C nonstructural protein 1 (NS1?C or truncated NS1?C) to at least one polypeptides of NS3c (or truncated NS3c) and/or consensus envelope protein domain III (cEDIII), thereby enhancing better protection against DENV challenge and alleviating associated pathological effects.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer includes the steps of: administering to a subject an effective amount of zero valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles and an effective amount of at least one resistance modulating agent. The shell of each of the ZVI nanoparticles includes gold (Au). The resistance modulating agent includes inducers of programmed cell death, such as erastin, sulfasalazine, sorafenib, buthionine sulfoximine, Ras selective lethal 3 (RSL-3), altretamine, and FIN56. The resistance modulating agent can induce ferroptosis, promote lipid peroxidation, block NADP(H) supply, or suppress metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Alternatively, the resistance modulating agent can suppress expression of at least one of GSR, AKR1C1, AKR1C3, AKR1B1, AKR1B10 and KYNU genes or promote expression of at least one of ACSL4, ZEB1 and NNMT genes. A method for improving efficacy of a cancer treatment using the ZVI nanoparticles and another method for treating cancer are also provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a plurality of metal nanoparticles and at least one therapeutic agent. Each of the metal nanoparticles includes a core and a stabilizing agent coated on a surface of the core. The at least one therapeutic agent is attached to the stabilizing agent of the metal nanoparticles. Each of the therapeutic agent is an amphiphilic compound and has at least one hydrophobic chain interacting with the stabilizing agent. The pharmaceutical composition may further include a polymer shell encapsulating the metal nanoparticles and the therapeutic agent for enabling controlled release of the therapeutic agent. The pharmaceutical compositions are bifunctional and may be used for diagnosing and treating cancer. Methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions in conjunction with radiation therapy to diagnose and treat cancer are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are aptamers that bind specifically to the surface proteins of periodontal pathogens. Also provided herein are methods for detecting and treating periodontal disease in a subject. The method comprises detecting bacteria associated with periodontal disease by use of the present aptamers to analyze a sample taken from a gum pocket of a tooth of the subject; and treating the periodontal disease of the subject by administering to the gum pocket of the tooth a bactericide or an anti-microbial phototherapy to eradicate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aptamers that bind specifically to the surface proteins of periodontal pathogens. Disclosed also herein are kits and methods for detecting bacteria associated with periodontal disease by using the present aptamers to analyze a sample taken from the oral cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A method for treating a disease caused by protein retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with a sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pump inhibitor encapsulated in a polymer nanoparticle. The polymer nanoparticle is surface-modified such that it is targeted to the ER. The inhibitor reduces protein retention in the ER and the encapsulation lowers side effects of the inhibitor, e.g., cytotoxicity, as compared to administering the inhibitor without encapsulation. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition that can be used for carrying out the method. Further provided is a transgenic mouse carrying in its genome a heterologous nucleic acid that encodes an H338Y mutant gp91phox protein. The transgenic mouse can serve as a model for human chronic granulomatous disease.

Abstract: An apparatus for amplifying a nucleic acid sequence in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is provided. The apparatus comprises a microprocessor configured to communicatively couple with a user input device and receive instructions from the user input device and implement the received instructions; an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) generator configured to generated EMR at frequencies ranging from 300 THz to 400 THz and communicatively coupled with the microprocessor; a reaction vessel, communicatively coupled with the microprocessor, to house the nucleic acid, sequence, necessary reagents to the PCR, and particles comprising a transition metal material, and to receive the EMR generated by the EMR generator; and a temperature sensor communicatively coupled with the reaction vessel and the microprocessor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence of a reaction mixture in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The method includes contacting the reaction mixture with EMR frequency absorbing particles formed from a material having a transition metal, transition metal oxide or a transition metal hydroxide, or a nitride, a phosphide or an arsenide of a Group III metal doped with the transition metal or a transition metal oxide, or silicon dioxide doped with the transition metal, transition metal oxide, or transition metal hydroxide; and irradiating the EMR absorbing particles with EMR having a frequency of about 200 kHz to 500 THz to amplify the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the Group III metal is any one of Al, Ga, and In, and the transition metal is any one of Mn, Fe, Co and Cu.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a plurality of metal nanoparticles and at least one therapeutic agent. Each of the metal nanoparticles includes a core and a stabilizing agent coated on a surface of the core. The at least one therapeutic agent is attached to the stabilizing agent of the metal nanoparticles. Each of the therapeutic agent is an amphiphilic compound and has at least one hydrophobic chain interacting with the stabilizing agent. The pharmaceutical composition may further include a polymer shell encapsulating the metal nanoparticles and the therapeutic agent for enabling controlled release of the therapeutic agent. The pharmaceutical compositions are bifunctional and may be used for diagnosing and treating cancer. Methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions in conjunction with radiation therapy to diagnose and treat cancer are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a use of Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle in inhibiting the spore germination of Clostridium difficile. The Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle specifically targets the spores of Clostridium difficile spores by damaging and breaking the intact structure of the Clostridium difficile spores. Further, the Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle possesses superior sporicidal activity, as compared to other known bactericidal nanoparticles. Therefore, the Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle of the disclosure is useful as a bactericide or more specifically, a sporicide to treat Clostridium difficile infection for its superior sporicidal activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a use of Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle in inhibiting the spore germination of Clostridium difficile. The Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle specifically targets the spores of Clostridium difficile spores by damaging and breaking the intact structure of the Clostridium difficile spores. Further, the Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle possesses superior sporicidal activity, as compared to other known bactericidal nanoparticles. Therefore, the Fe3-?O4 nanoparticle of the disclosure is useful as a bactericide or more specifically, a sporicide to treat Clostridium difficile infection for its superior sporicidal activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a capsule nanoparticle used in encapsulating hydrophobic medicines, comprising the following steps: (A) providing a biocompatible polymer and an organic solution containing a hydrophobic medicine; (B) stirring the organic solution at 3-10° C., and titrating with an alcohol solution, so as to make the biocompatible polymer encapsulate hydrophobic medicine to form a capsule nanoparticle; (C) ultrasonic vibrating the capsule nanoparticle at 3-10° C.; (D) filtering the capsule nanoparticle to an average size controllable in the range of 60-450 nm; and (E) lyophilizing the encapsulated particles.

Abstract: A method of making a calcium-fluoride layer formed on an object surface for more wear resistance includes the steps of coating sodium fluoride to a surface of an object having calcium, whereby the calcium fluoride and the calcium are inverted to become a calcium-fluoride layer on the surface of the object after a chemistry reaction; preparing a CO2 laser device having a CO2 laser emitter for emitting CO2 laser; and applying irradiation of the CO2 laser via the CO2 laser emitter to the calcium-fluoride layer for at least five seconds. In light of this, the wear resistance of the calcium-fluoride layer is enhanced for at least 34%, the absorption rate of the fluoride is increased for at least 23%, and the surface of the object has aesthetic and integral appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting mitochondria alterations, which comprises the following steps: (A) providing a separation element and a sample; (B) mixing the separation element and the sample, wherein a detecting sample is obtained through the binding of a DNA fragment on the separation element to mitochondrial DNA in the sample; (C) dividing the detecting sample into a comparison group and a detection group; (D) adding an amplification solution into the comparison group and the detection group respectively to begin a DNA amplified reaction, and further adding a restriction enzyme into the detection group, wherein the amplification solution comprises a labeling reagent and a primer pair; and (E) detecting amounts of the labeling reagent in the comparison group and the detection group respectively after the DNA amplified reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic nanoparticle for tumor therapy, comprising: a magnetic core; a shell encapsulating a surface of the magnetic core, wherein the shell is made of a polymer with carboxylic groups; a poly-nucleotide chain connected to a surface of the shell; an anti-tumor drug connected to the poly-nucleotide chain, wherein the anti-tumor drug comprises at least one functional group, and each of the functional group is independently a pyrimidine group or a purine group; and an antibody connected to the shell, wherein the antibody identifies a target tumor. In addition, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing the magnetic nanoparticles for tumor therapy and a pharmaceutical composition containing the magnetic nanoparticles. Accordingly, the magnetic nanoparticle for tumor therapy of the present invention can achieve effective treatment of tumor by synergistic effects between hyperthermia and targeted chemotherapy.