Nano drugs have attracted increased attention due to their unique mode of action that offers tumor-inhibiting effects. Therefore, we have previously explored functionalized and drug-loaded graphene-gold nanocomposites that induced cancer cell apoptosis. In the present study, we developed a combination of monoclonal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) antibodies, folic acid (FA) and miR-122-loaded gold nanoparticles on graphene nanocomposites (GGMPN), which promoted drug-resistant HepG2 cell apoptosis with drug targeting and controlled release properties. We also investigated related apoptosis proteins and apoptosis signal pathways by GGMPN treatment in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we further demonstrated the inhibition of tumor growth and the apoptosis-inducing effect by means of GGMPN with a semiconductor laser in a xenograft tumor model. In conclusion, our results collectively suggested that GGMPN could serve as a novel therapeutic approach to control tumor cell apoptosis and growth.

In this study, we have developed an efficient method based on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamers along with silica fluorescence nanoparticles for bacteria Salmonella typhimurium detection. Carboxyl-modified Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) hexahydrate (RuBPY)-doped silica nanoparticles (COOH-FSiNPs) were prepared using reverse microemulsion method, and the streptavidin was conjugated to the surface of the prepared COOH-FSiNPs. The bacteria S. typhimurium was incubated with a specific ssDNA biotin-labeled aptamer, and then the aptamer-bacteria conjugates were treated with the synthetic streptavidin-conjugated silica fluorescence nanoprobes (SA-FSiNPs). The results under fluorescence microscopy show that SA-FSiNPs can be applied effectively for the labeling of bacteria S. typhimurium with great photostable property. To further verify the specificity of SA-FSiNPs out of multiple bacterial conditions, variant concentrations of bacteria mixtures composed of bacteria S. typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis were treated with SA-FSiNPs. In addition, the feasibility of SA-FSiNPs for bacteria S. typhimurium detection in chicken samples was assessed. All the results display that the established aptamer-based nanoprobes exhibit the superiority for bacteria S. typhimurium detection, which is referentially significant for wider application prospects in pathogen detection.

Enteroviruses are major etiological agents of aseptic meningitis globally, however information on circulating enterovirus types associated with this disease in Wuxi, China is limited. In this study, cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from 20 pediatric aseptic meningitis cases in a Wuxi hospital in 2020 and subjected to metagenomic analysis to detect pathogens. Enterovirus B was detected in 9 cases, including 7 echovirus 18 (E18) and 2 echovirus 11 (E11) strains. The E18 strains exhibited 87.5–98.2% nucleotide identity and phylogenetically clustered with other China E18 strains, while the E11 strains showed 97.59% identity and clustered within the D5 subgroup along with other China E11 strains. One E18 strain was identified as a novel recombinants with a distinct recombination breakpoint within 3D gene. These findings expand knowledge on enteroviruses associated with pediatric aseptic meningitis in Wuxi, and highlight the circulation of genetically diverse E18 and E11 strains, including novel E18 recombinants. Characterization of enterovirus diversity by metagenomic analysis is important for molecular diagnosis and epidemiological tracking of aseptic meningitis cases. Continued surveillance of circulating enterovirus strains in Wuxi that may cause future outbreaks is warranted.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has emerged as a significant health challenge for young children, especially after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, which coincided with a sharp increase in CAP cases. While pathogen profiling is commonly performed, comprehensive studies examining the total infectome and its dynamic changes during disease progression and in relation to the pandemic remain scarce. To address this gap, we conducted a prospective cohort study involving 58 children hospitalized with CAP in Wuxi, China, during and after COVID-19 control measures. Sputum samples were analyzed using metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing to characterize the total infectome. Results showed that RNA sequencing offers a more comprehensive view of the infectome, while DNA sequencing excels in detecting DNA viruses with greater sensitivity. Notable increases in Mycoplasma pneumoniae , human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Haemophilus influenzae were observed after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. During disease progression, some patients exhibited a decline in pathogen abundance, while others developed secondary infections, frequently involving co-infections, which might contribute to prolonged pneumonia or complicated disease course. Viral-bacterial co-infections were common, with M. pneumoniae and RSV being the most prevalent combination. In summary, this study highlights the shifting respiratory infectome in children with CAP, both after the relaxation of COVID-19 control measures and throughout hospitalization. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive infectome monitoring to track dynamic changes across broader timeframes and during disease progression, offering insights for improved clinical management and future research. IMPORTANCE: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading threat to children’s health globally, with shifting pathogen dynamics post-COVID-19 posing new challenges. This study reveals how pandemic control measures and their relaxation influenced the respiratory “infectome”—the full spectrum of pathogens—in children with CAP. By integrating multi-sequencing technologies, we uncovered critical trends: a resurgence of virulent pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial virus after restrictions eased, frequent viral-bacterial co-infections linked to prolonged pneumonia, and distinct infection patterns during hospitalization that predict recovery or complications. These findings highlight the need for dynamic, multi-pathogen surveillance to guide clinical decisions, particularly in managing co-infections and preventing secondary infections. Our work provides actionable insights for pediatricians and public health experts to anticipate post-pandemic pathogen behavior, tailor treatments, and mitigate risks during future outbreaks, ultimately improving care for vulnerable young patients.

Background: Component-resolved testing provides limited information on patient-level linear immunoglobulin E (IgE) recognition in house dust mite allergy. We aimed to characterise these patterns and identify conserved IgE-reactive regions in group 23 allergens. Methods: Of 168 participants recruited at two Chinese centres, 166 passed sequencing quality control (116 patients with house dust mite allergy and 50 healthy controls). We profiled IgE recognition using phage display immunoprecipitation sequencing. Selected peptides and recombinant allergens were evaluated in an independent cohort (41 allergic patients and five healthy controls) by IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Epithelial responses were assessed in BEAS-2B cells. Findings: Allergic patients recognised more mite-related peptides than controls (p<0·0001). Peptides mapped to Der p 23, Der f 23.0101, and Der f 23.0201 were recognised by 66/116 (56·9%), 57/116 (49·1%), and 65/116 (56·0%) patients, respectively. In validation patients, IgE reactivity to peptides from a conserved Der p 23/Der f 23 region correlated strongly (Spearman ρ=0·896, 95% CI 0·810–0·945; p<0·0001), with concordant classifications in 37/41 patients (90·2%; Cohen’s κ=0·804). Allergen and peptide exposure increased IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP release. Interpretation: Peptide-level profiling identifies conserved group 23 regions with concordant patient-level IgE recognition. These findings support further serological characterisation; direct cross-reactivity and clinical utility require validation.