OBJECTIVE: Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear. METHODS: Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences. RESULTS: Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals ; Poxviridae/physiology* ; Ticks/virology* ; Phylogeny ; Transcriptome ; Evolution, Molecular ; Poxviridae Infections/virology* ; Genome, Viral

Objective:Lung cancer is characterized by its high incidence and case fatality rate.Factors related to population composition and cancer prevention programme policy have an effect on the incidence and diagnosis of lung cancer.This study aims to provide scientific support for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer by investigating the clinic information,pathological,and imaging characteristics of surgical patients with lung cancer. Methods:The data of 2 058 patients,who underwent surgery for lung cancer in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from 2016 to 2019,were retrospectively collected to analyze changes in clinic information,pathological,and imaging characteristics. Results:From 2016 to 2019,the number of patients per year was 280,376,524,and 878,respectively.Adenocarcinoma(68.1%)was the most common pathological type of surgical patients with lung cancer.From 2016 to 2019,the proportion of adenocarcinoma was increased from 55.5%to 74.1%.The proportion lung cancer patients in stage IA was increased from 38.9%to 62.3%,and the proportion of patients who underwent sublobar resection was increased from 1.8%to 8.6%.The proportion of lymph node sampling was increased in 2019.Compared with the rate in 2016,the detection rate of nodules with diameter≤1 cm detected by CT before surgery in 2019 was significantly improved(2.0%vs 18.2%),and the detection rate of nodules with diameter>3 cm was decreased(34.7%vs 18.3%).From 2016 to 2019,the proportion of lesions with pure ground-glass density and partial solid density detected by CT was increased from 2.0%and 16.6%to 20.0%and 37.3%,respectively.The proportion of solid density was decreased from 81.4%to 42.7%. Conclusion:The number of lung cancer surgery patients is rapidly increasing year by year,the proportion of CT-detected purely ground-glass density and partially solid density lesions are increasing,the proportion of patients with adenocarcinoma is rising,the proportion of early-stage lung cancer is increasing,smaller lung cancers are detected in earlier clinical stage leading to a more minimally invasive approach to the surgical methods.

Background/Aims: Despite the high efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), approximately 1–3% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. We conducted a nationwide study to investigate risk factors associated with DAA treatment failure. Machine-learning algorithms have been applied to discriminate subjects who may fail to respond to DAA therapy. Methods: We analyzed the Taiwan HCV Registry Program database to explore predictors of DAA failure in HCV patients. Fifty-five host and virological features were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and artificial neural network. The primary outcome was undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: The training (n=23,955) and validation (n=10,346) datasets had similar baseline demographics, with an overall DAA failure rate of 1.6% (n=538). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, poor DAA adherence, and higher hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with virological failure. XGBoost outperformed the other algorithms and logistic regression models, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 1.000 in the training dataset and 0.803 in the validation dataset. The top five predictors of treatment failure were HCV RNA, body mass index, α-fetoprotein, platelets, and FIB-4 index. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the XGBoost model (cutoff value=0.5) were 99.5%, 69.7%, 99.9%, 97.4%, and 99.5%, respectively, for the entire dataset. Conclusions Machine learning algorithms effectively provide risk stratification for DAA failure and additional information on the factors associated with DAA failure.

Objective To explore the potential target and mechanism of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule (DZSM) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods TCMSP and ETCM databases were employed to search the chemical components of DZSM. Swiss ADME database was used to screen active ingredients, and Swiss Target Prediction database was used to obtain potential targets of active ingredients. The CHD target was obtained by searching GeneCards and DisGeNET databases, and the DZSM-active ingredient-CHD target network was constructed. Molecular docking of key active ingredients and core targets was performed to verify binding properties. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed in the DAVID database. A mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7 cells) model induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to test the therapeutic effect of scutellarin on CHD in vitro. The production of nitric oxide (NO) in cell supernatant was measured by Griess reaction. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of serine/threonine kinase (AKT); The expression and phosphorylation of AKT protein were detected by Western Blot. Results A total of 56 active compounds of DZSM were obtained to regulate CHD progression by acting on 136 targets. Among them, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, scutellarein, 6-hydroxykaempferol, scutellarin, nonylphenol, Ophiopogonin D, and Ginsenoside Rb1 could regulate 113 CHD targets. AKT1, SRC, PPARG, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, SIRT1, MAPK1, MMP9 and PPARA genes were the core targets of DZSM therapy for CHD. Molecular docking showed that the key active ingredients and core targets had good binding properties. The results of in vitro experiments showed that scutellarin could reduce the production of nitric oxide and increase the level of AKT, protein expression and phosphorylation in macrophages (P < 0.05). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DZSM treated CHD mainly by regulating cancer pathways, endocrine resistance, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, lipid and atherosclerosis, and relaxin signaling pathway. Conclusion DZSM plays a role in the treatment of CHD through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore weight-bearing stability of Pilon fracture fixed by external fixator. METHODS: Six ankle bone models (right side) and 4 pairs (8 ankle cadaver specimens) were selected. Pilon fracture model was prepared by using the preset osteotomy line based on Ruedi Allgower Pilon fracture type. Pilon fracture model was built by using a minimally invasive osteotomy. After ankle bone model and cadaver specimen model were fixed with external fixator, axial load was carried out on mechanical loading machine. After ankle bone model and cadaver specimen model were fixed with external fixator, axial load was carried out on mechanical loading machine. Axial loads of 150, 300 and 450 N were applied to ankle bone model, and displacements of fibula fracture blocks, lateral tibia fracture blocks and medial tibia fracture blocks in three-dimensional space (X, Y and Z axes) were recorded by dynamic capture instrument. Axial loads of 300, 600 and 900 N were applied to ankle cadaver model fixed by external fixator. X-ray films of Pilon fracture cadaver model fixed by external fixator under different loading conditions were taken. The anterior tibial angle, tibial malleolar point angle, talus shift value, talus tilt angle, lateral malleolar shift value, lateral malleolar shift value, medial malleolar separation shift value and articular surface step displacement value were measured under different loads by digimizer software. RESULTS: After 150, 300 and 450 N axial loads were applied to Pilon fracture models fixed by external fixator, no loosening or fracture of external fixator was observed, and no loosening, fracture or irreversible plastic deformation of Kirschner needle were observed. The displacement values of fibular fracture pieces on X-axis(around) were 0.032 (-0.022, 0.269), 0.061 (-0.002, 0.427), 0.212(-0.016, 1.223) mm, and the displacement values on Y-axis(above and below) were 0.002(-0.031, 0.103), 0.051(-1.133, 0.376), 0.128 (-1.394, 0.516) mm, and displacement values on Z-axis (front and rear) were -0.003 (-0.130, 0.171), 0.137 (-0.076, 0.433), 0.030(-0.487, 0.478) mm;the displacement values of lateral tibial fractures on X-axis were 0.000(-0.108, 0.027), 0.083(-0.364, 0.050), -0.121(-0.289, 0.165) mm, and displacement values on Y-axis were -0.009(-0.200, 0.025), -0.179(-0.710, 0.084), -0.257(-0.799, 0.027) mm, and displacement values on Z-axis were 0.112(-0.024, 0.256), 0.157(-0.068, 0.293), -0.210(-0.035, 0.430) mm;the displacement values of medial tibial fracture block on X-axis were -0.010(-0.060, 0.013), -0.165(-0.289, 0.056), -0.181(-0.395, 0.013) mm, and the displacement values on Y-axis were -0.036(-0.156, 0.007), -0.104(-0.269, 0.178), -0.245(-0.380, -0.011) mm, and displacement values on Z-axis were -0.005(-0.372, 0.189), -0.012 (-1.774, 0.380), 0.200 (-1.963, -0.540) mm. After 300, 600 and 900 N axial loads were applied to Pilon fracture cadaverous models fixed with external fixators, there were no significant difference in anterior tibial angles, angles of malleolar points of tibia, oblique angles of talus, fracture steps, shift values of talus, lateral shift values of lateral malleolus, lateral shift values of medial malleolus, lateral shift values of medial malleolus between under different loading conditions and those without loading (P>0.05). No loosening or fracture of external fixator as a whole, loosening, fracture or irreversible deformation of Kirschner needle at the local fixed fracture end occurred. CONCLUSION The early weight-bearing external fixator could maintain stability of fracture end and ankle joint, and the maximum weight is not more than 300 N. In clinical practical application, material characteristics of the implant and type of fracture should be selected.
Humans ; Weight-Bearing ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; External Fixators ; Tibial Fractures/physiopathology* ; Fracture Fixation/instrumentation* ; Male

Pediatric acute hyperextension spinal cord injury (SCI) named as PAHSCI by us, is a special type of thoracolumbar SCI without radiographic abnormality and highly related to back-bend in dance training, which has been increasingly reported. At present, it has become the leading cause of SCI in children, and brings a heavy social and economic burden. Both domestic and foreign academic institutions and dance education organizations lack a correct understanding of PAHSCI and relevant standards, specifications or guidelines. In order to provide standardized guidance, the expert team formulated this guideline based on the principles of science and practicability, starting from the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, etiology, admission evaluation, treatment, complications and prevention. This guideline puts forward 23 recommendations for 14 related issues.
Child ; Humans ; Spinal Cord Injuries/complications* ; Spinal Cord

Objective:To explore the role of active screening in the diagnosis and treatment of early lung cancer, and give health management recommendations.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to collect lung cancer patients who had complete population sociology, clinical information, pathology and imaging characteristics in the Thoracic Surgery in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from 2016 to 2019. According to different diagnostic modes, they were divided into an active screening group (1082 cases) and a passive case finding group (974 cases), to analyze their differences in demographic sociological, clinical information, pathology and imaging characteristics, and to discuss the key points of population management in the active screening group.Results:From 2016 to 2019, the proportion of lung cancer patients in the active screening group increased from 36.1% to 54.2%, and the proportion of patients found to have lung cancer by CT examination in the active screening group increased from 82.2% to 96.8%. Compared with the passive case finding group, the active screening group had a higher proportion of women, non-smokers, patients with precursor glandular lesions and adenocarcinoma, patients in stage 0 and stage I, patients with lesion diameter (d)≤1 cm and 1

Humans ; Otitis Media, Suppurative ; Chronic Disease ; Biofilms ; Otitis Media

Objective To investigate the effects of isoproterenol administration on myocardial in-jury and establish acute myocardial infarction(AMI)model in mice.Methods Mice were injected subcutaneously with isoproterenol(150 mg/kg),and blood samples were taken at different time points.The contents of AMI related indexes[creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB),cardiac troponin T(cTnT),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspar-tate aminotransferase(AST),interleukin 6(IL-6),procalcitonin(PCT)and C-reactive protein(CRP)]in serum were detected.The pathological changes of cardiac tissue were observed by hematoxy-lin-eosin staining.Results The serum levels of CK,CK-MB,LDH,cTnT,ALT and AST were signifi-cantly increased after isoproterenol model(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);after two consecutive administrations of isoproterenol,the serum AMI-related indexes increased significantly,and the relevant indexes reached the highest concentration 16 h after administration(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that pathological changes occurred in myocardial tissue.Conclusion Subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol induces AMI injury.The AMI injury at 16 h after two consecutive injections is the most serious,which lays a foundation for clinical drug research and innovative drug development of AMI.

Objective To investigate the effects of isoproterenol administration on myocardial in-jury and establish acute myocardial infarction(AMI)model in mice.Methods Mice were injected subcutaneously with isoproterenol(150 mg/kg),and blood samples were taken at different time points.The contents of AMI related indexes[creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB),cardiac troponin T(cTnT),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspar-tate aminotransferase(AST),interleukin 6(IL-6),procalcitonin(PCT)and C-reactive protein(CRP)]in serum were detected.The pathological changes of cardiac tissue were observed by hematoxy-lin-eosin staining.Results The serum levels of CK,CK-MB,LDH,cTnT,ALT and AST were signifi-cantly increased after isoproterenol model(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);after two consecutive administrations of isoproterenol,the serum AMI-related indexes increased significantly,and the relevant indexes reached the highest concentration 16 h after administration(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that pathological changes occurred in myocardial tissue.Conclusion Subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol induces AMI injury.The AMI injury at 16 h after two consecutive injections is the most serious,which lays a foundation for clinical drug research and innovative drug development of AMI.