The coinfection of respiratory viruses and bacteria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite the development of vaccines and powerful antibiotics. As a macromolecule that is difficult to absorb in the gastrointestinal tract, a homogeneous polysaccharide from Houttuynia cordata (HCPM) has been reported to exhibit anti-complement properties and alleviate influenza A virus (H1N1)-induced lung injury; however, the effects of HCPM without in vitro antiviral and antibacterial activities on more complicated pulmonary diseases resulting from viral-bacterial coinfection remains unclear. This study established a representative coinfection murine pneumonia model infected with H1N1 (0.2 LD₅₀) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 10⁷ CFU). HCPM significantly improved survival rate and weight loss, and ameliorated gut-lung damage and inflammatory cytokine production. Interestingly, the therapeutic effect of HCPM on intestinal damage preceded that in the lungs. Mechanistically, HCPM inhibited the overactivation of the intestinal complement (C3a and C5a) and suppressed the activation of the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway, which contributes to the regulation of the Treg/Th17 cell balance in the gut-lung axis. The results indicate the beneficial effects of an anti-complement polysaccharide against viral-bacterial coinfection pneumonia by modulating crosstalk between multiple immune regulatory networks.

Cancer is a serious global health problem and a major cause of human death. Conventional cancer treatments often run the risk of impairing vital organ functions. Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are considered to be one of the most promising therapeutic agents against common human cancers due to their small sizes, high specificity, and low toxicity. Since ACP recognition is highly limited to the laboratory, expensive, and time-consuming, we proposed pLM4ACP, a model for predicting ACPs based on machine learning and protein language models. In this model, the protein language model ProtT5 was used to extract the features of ACPs, and the extracted features were input into the support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm for optimization and performance evaluation. The model showcased significantly higher accuracy than other methods, with the overall accuracy of 0.763, F1-score of 0.767, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.527, and area under the curve of 0.827 on the independent test set. This study constructs an efficient anticancer peptide prediction model based on protein language models, further advancing the application of artificial intelligence in the biomedical field and promoting the development of precision medicine and computational biology.
Machine Learning ; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry* ; Humans ; Peptides/chemistry* ; Support Vector Machine ; Algorithms ; Computational Biology/methods* ; Neoplasms/drug therapy*

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in SiO2-induced cardiac injury using a mouse model. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally instilled with SiO2 to create a silicosis model.Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)and deferoxamine(DFO)were used to suppress ferroptosis.Serum biomarkers,oxidative stress markers,histopathology,iron content,and the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins were assessed. Results SiO2 altered serum cardiac injury biomarkers,oxidative stress,iron accumulation,and ferroptosis markers in myocardial tissue.Fer-1 and DFO reduced lipid peroxidation and iron overload,and alleviated SiO2-induced mitochondrial damage and myocardial injury.SiO2 inhibited Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and its downstream antioxidant genes,while Fer-1 more potently reactivated Nrf2 compared to DFO. Conclusion Iron overload-induced ferroptosis contributes to SiO2-induced cardiac injury.Targeting ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation or inhibiting lipid peroxidation protects against SiO2 cardiotoxicity,potentially via modulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Objective:To systematically integrate qualitative studies on psychological experience of breast cancer patients in rehabilitation period, so as to provide basis for improving psychological care and rehabilitation efficacy.Methods:Qualitative research on psychological experience of breast cancer patients during rehabilitation was electronically retrieved in databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, and China Biology Medical disc. The search period was from database establishment to September 2023. The quality evaluation of the literature was conducted using the 2020 version of the quality evaluation criteria for qualitative research of the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center. The results were integrated using the aggregative Meta integration method.Results:A total of 18 articles were included. Sixty-six research topics were extracted and categorized into 10 new categories, forming three integrated results, namely, psychological adjustment of patients with negative emotions and rehabilitation needs in the process of coping, family and social factors affecting patient rehabilitation experience, and patients perceiving that the healthcare system was not yet perfect.Conclusions:Medical and nursing staff should pay attention to the psychological problems of breast cancer patients in the rehabilitation period, understand their rehabilitation needs, provide targeted counseling and services, pay attention to the family and social support factors of breast cancer patients, help them improve their quality of life, and actively promote rehabilitation.

Objective　To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment measures of elderly patients with severe dengue (SD) in Guangdong Province, providing a scientific basis for the clinical treatment of elderly SD patients. Methods Clinical data of elderly patients with SD hospitalized in four cities in Guangdong Province from January 2014 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics of elderly patients between the younger elderly (<80 years old) and the older elderly (≥80 years) were compared, and different treatment measures and clinical outcomes were statistically analyzed. Results Among the 114 elderly SD patients, 34.21% were the older elderly, and 81.58% had underlying diseases, including hypertension (64.04%), chronic heart disease (42.98%), cerebrovascular disease (28.07%), and diabetes (21.05%). Among elderly SD patients, 42.11% had normal or elevated white blood cell counts, 81.58% had a platelet count of <50×109/L and 52.63% had albumin levels <30 g/L. There was no statistically significant difference in symptoms, signs, and laboratory indicators between the younger elderly and the older elderly (P>0.05). The incidence rates of severe plasma leakage, severe bleeding, and severe organ damage in severe manifestation were 29.82%, 34.21%, and 63.16% respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the younger elderly and the older elderly (P>0.05). All patients were treated with intravenous infusion, organ support, nutritional support, and other treatments upon admission, with the usage rates of human serum albumin, platelets, red blood cells, glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin, antibiotics, and antifungal drugs being 60.53%, 55.26%, 19.30%, 35.96%, 30.70%, and 78.95% respectively. Mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy were administered to 22.81% and 8.77% of patients. Finally, 32.46% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 16.67% died. Conclusions Elderly patients with SD often have underlying diseases and severe organ damage is more common, with a high mortality rate. The clinical characteristics of the younger elderly and older elderly patients are similar. In clinical practice, early identification of severe cases and developing individualized comprehensive treatment measures based on underlying diseases and clinical characteristics are key to treating elderly patients with SD.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound and acoustic and laser cleaning of curved root canals. METHODS: A total of 92 molars with independent root canals with a curvature of 20°-40° were prepared and standardized at 04 25# and stained with gentian violet solution for 72 h. Among them, 52 were randomly divi-ded into four groups for final rinsing (n=13): NI group, PUI group, EDDY group, and PIPS group. Ten samples in each group were cut horizontally along the long axis perpendicular to the root and divided into curved upper, curved, and apical segments. Images were taken with a stereomicroscope and Image J measurements were taken to calculate the depth of rinse penetration. The remaining three samples from each group were split along the long axis of the dentin, photographed by scanning electron microscope to record the dentin tubule exposure and staining layer, and scored for staining layer by double-blind method. SPSS 26.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis and select the best flushing method. An extra 40 samples were randomly divided into four groups for detection of flushing fluid penetration depth (n=10): 10, 20, 30, and 40 s. RESULTS: In the upper part, the mean depth of infiltration was not significantly different between the experimental and control groups (P>0.05). The PIPS group had a significantly lower smear layer score than the control group and the EDDY group (P<0.01). In the curved segment, the mean depth of infiltration was significantly greater in the PUI group than in the control group (P<0.05); the tarnish layer score was lower in each experimental group than in the control group. At the top, the mean depth of infiltration was greater in the PUI and PIPS groups than in the control group (P<0.05), and the smear layer score was lower in the PIPS group than in the other groups (P<0.05). After the time was changed, the depth of infiltration of PUI increased only in the apical segment as the flushing time increased. CONCLUSIONS The PUI and PIPS methods facilitate the penetration of irrigation solution into the dentin canal in curved root canals, especially in the apical segment. The PIPS technique is effective in removing the smear layer in curved root canals.
Humans ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Root Canal Irrigants ; Root Canal Preparation/methods* ; Smear Layer ; Sodium Hypochlorite ; Therapeutic Irrigation/methods* ; Double-Blind Method

Objective To explore the joint contact force, ligament tensile force and force transmission mode of foot internal structure in Down’s syndrome child (DSC) during standing. Methods The finite element models of foot were constructed based on CT image data from one DSC and one typically developing child (TDC). The models were validated by plantar pressure measurement during static standing. To simulate foot force during standing, the ground reaction force and the triceps surae force were applied as the loading condition. Contact pressure of the tibiotalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, tensile force of the spring and plantar calcaneocuboid ligaments, and force transmission mode in transverse tarsal joints were calculated and analyzed. Results The finite element models of foot were validated to be reliable. Compared with the TDC, the DSC showed higher contact pressure at the tibiotalar joint and lower contact pressure at the talonavicular joint. The tensile force of spring and plantar calcaneocuboid ligaments of DSC was 10 times and 58 times of TDC, respectively. The forces transmitted through both mediate and lateral columns in DSC were lower than those in TDC. Conclusions Abnormal contact pressure of the tibiotalar joint, larger tensile force of midfoot ligaments and smaller force of the transverse tarsal joint were found in DSC during standing. The abnormal alteration of stress patterns in foot internal structure of DSC should be fully considered in clinical rehabilitation, so as to provide theoretical references for screening and making intervention plans for early rehabilitation, as well as designing individualized orthopedic insoles.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features of patients with severe dengue (SD) in Guangdong Province, and to improve the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of SD in China.Methods:The clinical data, laboratory examination and etiological test results of 257 SD cases from 29 dengue fever designated hospitals in Guangdong Province from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2019 were respectively collected. The relevant indicators of the criteria for severe organ involvement were quantified. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for the development of multiple organ failure in SD patients.Results:Among the 257 SD patients, age was (64.1±20.1) years old, with 65.4%(168/257) of them ≥60 years old, 142 were male and 115 were female. One hundred and fifty-two (59.1%) patients had underlying conditions, including 115(44.7%) patients with hypertension. The clinical manifestations were mainly fever (98.4%(253/257)), fatigue (70.0%(180/257)), cough or expectoration (44.4%(114/257)), lethargy or irritability (39.3%(101/257)), vomiting (30.4%(78/257)), abdominal pain or tenderness (20.6%(53/257)), hepatomegaly (2.3%(6/257)), bleeding tendency (59.5%(153/257)), and pleural effusion or ascites (43.6%(112/257)). Platelet count levels were decreased in 90.9%(231/254) of the cases, and 97.1%(234/241) of patients had normal or decreased hematocrit. The most common of severe manifestations were severe organ involvement (61.1%(157/257)), followed by severe bleeding (37.0%(95/257)) and severe plasma leakage (30.0%(77/257)). Severe organ involvements were more common in the kidney (27.6%(71/257)) and heart (26.8%(69/257)). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.051, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.004 to 1.100, P=0.035), hypertension ( OR=5.224, 95% CI 1.272 to 21.462, P=0.022), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level ( OR=1.002, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.003, P=0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ( OR=1.050, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.098, P=0.030), and international normalized ratio (INR) ( OR=4.604, 95% CI 1.601 to 13.238, P=0.005) were risk factors for the development of multiple organ failure in SD patients. The detection results of serum samples form 113 SD patients in acute phase showed that dengue virus (DENV)-1 accounted for 89.4%(101/113), DENV-2 accounted for 9.7%(11/113), and DENV-3 accounted for 0.9% (1/113). Conclusions:Elderly and those with co-existing conditions such as hypertension in SD patients in Guangdong Province are more common. Severe organ involvement such as kidney and heart is the main cause of SD. DENV-1 infection is predominant. Significant elevated levels of AST, BUN and INR may be related to a poor prognosis.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the biomechanics of ankle cartilage and ligaments during a typical Tai Chi movement-Brush Knee and Twist Step (BKTS). The kinematic and kinetic data were acquired in one experienced male Tai Chi practitioner while performing BKTS and in normal walking. The measured parameters were used as loading and boundary conditions for further finite element analysis. This study showed that the contact stress of the ankle joint during BKTS was generally less than that during walking. However, the maximum tensile force of the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament during BKTS was 130 N, 169 N and 89 N, respectively, while it was only 57 N, 119 N and 48 N during walking. Therefore, patients with arthritis of the ankle can properly practice Tai Chi. Practitioners with sprained lateral ligaments of the ankle joint were suggested to properly reduce the ankle movement range during BKTS.
Ankle ; Ankle Joint ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle ; Male ; Tai Ji

Objective:To investigate the serotype distribution and phylogenetic analysis of virus complete genome from indigenous dengue patients in Guangzhou in 2019 and provide evidence for the development of prevention and treatment strategies.Methods:Dengue virus serotypes of indigenous dengue cases in 2019 were detected using serotype specific fluorescent PCR kits. Complete genome in the culture was performed on Illumina platform. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on complete genomes extracted from ViPR and the isolates from this study with MEGA7.0 software.Results:In 2019, three prevalent serotypes of dengue virus were found in Guangzhou, among which serotype 1 accounted for 80.35%, serotype 2 accounted for 12.97% and serotype 3 accounted for 6.68%. There were no significant differences in gender, age and severity among three serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of virus complete genome showed that serotype 1 belonged to genotypeⅠand had two origins, which was close to the Cambodian strain; serotype 2 belonged to genotype cosmopolitan, which was close to the epidemic strain in Southeast Asia; serotype 3 belonged to genotypeⅢ, which was in the same branch as the Indian strain.Conclusions:The dengue epidemic was caused by dengue virus serotypes 1, 2 and 3 in Guangzhou in 2019. Each serotype belonged to a genotype.