Objective To explore the recognition capabilities of electronic nose combined with machine learning in identifying the breath odor map of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome elements. Methods The study design was a single-center observational study. General data and four diagnostic information were collected from 108 patients with pulmonary nodules admitted to the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM from April 2023 to March 2024. The patients' TCM disease location and nature distribution characteristics were analyzed using the syndrome differentiation method. The Cyranose 320 electronic nose was used to collect the odor profiles of oral exhalation, and five machine learning algorithms including random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were employed to identify the exhaled breath profiles of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and different TCM syndromes. Results (1) The common disease locations in pulmonary nodules were ranked in descending order as liver, lung, and kidney; the common disease natures were ranked in descending order as Yin deficiency, phlegm, dampness, Qi stagnation, and blood deficiency. (2) The electronic nose combined with the RF algorithm had the best efficacy in identifying the exhaled breath profiles of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, with an AUC of 0.91, accuracy of 86.36%, specificity of 75.00%, and sensitivity of 92.85%. (3) The electronic nose combined with RF, LR, or XGBoost algorithms could effectively identify the different TCM disease locations and natures of pulmonary nodules, with classification accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity generally exceeding 80.00%.Conclusion Electronic nose combined with machine learning not only has the potential capabilities to differentiate the benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, but also provides new technologies and methods for the objective diagnosis of TCM syndromes in pulmonary nodules.

CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics face significant challenges in penetrating the dense microenvironment of solid tumors, resulting in insufficient gene editing and compromised treatment efficacy. Current nanostrategies, which mainly focus on the paracellular pathway attempted to improve gene editing performance, whereas their efficiency remains uneven in the heterogenous extracellular matrix. Here, the nanoCRISPR system is prepared with self-cascading mechanisms for gene editing-mediated robust apoptosis and transcellular penetration. NanoCRISPR unlocks its self-cascade capability within the matrix metallopeptidase 2-enriched tumor microenvironment, initiating the transcellular penetration. By facilitating cellular uptake, nanoCRISPR triggers robust apoptosis in edited malignancies, promoting further transcellular penetration and amplifying gene editing in neighboring tumor cells. Benefiting from self-cascade between robust apoptosis and transcellular penetration, nanoCRISPR demonstrates continuous gene transfection/tumor killing performance (transfection/apoptosis efficiency: 1st round: 85%/84.2%; 2nd round: 48%/27%) and homogeneous penetration. In xenograft tumor-bearing mice, nanoCRISPR treatment achieves remarkable anti-tumor efficacy (∼83%) and significant survival benefits with minimal toxicity. This strategy presents a promising paradigm emphasizing transcellular penetration to enhance the effectiveness of CRISPR-based antitumor therapeutics.

With the growing emphasis on maternal and child oral health, the significance of managing oral health across preconception, pregnancy, and infancy stages has become increasingly apparent. Oral health challenges extend beyond affecting maternal well-being, exerting profound influences on fetal and neonatal oral development as well as immune system maturation. This expert consensus paper, developed using a modified Delphi method, reviews current research and provides recommendations on maternal and child oral health management. It underscores the critical role of comprehensive oral assessments prior to conception, diligent oral health management throughout pregnancy, and meticulous oral hygiene practices during infancy. Effective strategies should be seamlessly integrated across the life course, encompassing preconception oral assessments, systematic dental care during pregnancy, and routine infant oral hygiene. Collaborative efforts among pediatric dentists, maternal and child health workers, and obstetricians are crucial to improving outcomes and fostering clinical research, contributing to evidence-based health management strategies.
Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Infant ; Consensus ; Mouth Diseases/therapy* ; Pregnancy Complications/therapy* ; Oral Health ; Infant, Newborn ; Delphi Technique ; Oral Hygiene

Purpose::Cerebral edema (CE) is the main secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs). It is challenging to be predicted timely. In this study, we aimed to develop a prediction model for CE by identifying its risk factors and comparing the timing of edema occurrence in TBI patients with varying levels of injuries.Methods::This case-control study included 218 patients with TBI caused by RTAs. The cohort was divided into CE and non-CE groups, according to CT results within 7 days. Demographic data, imaging data, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Quantitative variables that follow normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation, those that do not follow normal distribution were presented as median (Q 1, Q 3). Categorical variables were expressed as percentages. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for CE. Logistic curve fitting was performed to predict the time to secondary CE in TBI patients with different levels of injuries. The efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic curve. Results::According to the study, almost half (47.3%) of the patients were found to have CE. The risk factors associated with CE were bilateral frontal lobe contusion, unilateral frontal lobe contusion, cerebral contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and abbreviated injury scale (AIS). The odds ratio values for these factors were 7.27 (95% confidence interval ( CI): 2.08 -25.42, p = 0.002), 2.85 (95% CI: 1.11 -7.31, p = 0.030), 2.62 (95% CI: 1.12 -6.13, p = 0.027), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.25 -4.76, p = 0.009), and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.10 -2.04, p = 0.009), respectively. We also observed that patients with mild/moderate TBI (AIS ≤ 3) had a 50% probability of developing CE 19.7 h after injury (χ 2= 13.82, adjusted R2 = 0.51), while patients with severe TBI (AIS > 3) developed CE after 12.5 h (χ 2= 18.48, adjusted R2 = 0.54). Finally, we conducted a receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of CE time, which showed an area under the curve of 0.744 and 0.672 for severe and mild/moderate TBI, respectively. Conclusion::Our study found that the onset of CE in individuals with TBI resulting from RTAs was correlated with the severity of the injury. Specifically, those with more severe injuries experienced an earlier onset of CE. These findings suggest that there is a critical time window for clinical intervention in cases of CE secondary to TBI.

The treatment strategy for blast injuries is closely linked to the clinical outcome of blast injury casualties. However, the application of military surgery experience to blast injuries caused by production safety accidents is relatively uncommon. In this study, the authors present 2 cases of blast injuries caused by one gas explosion, both cases involved individuals of the same age and gender and experienced similar degree of injury. The authors highlight the importance of using a military surgery treatment strategy, specifically emphasizing the need to understand the concept of damage control and disposal. It is recommended that relevant training in this area should be strengthened to improve the clinical treatment of such injuries. This study provides a valuable reference for healthcare professionals dealing with blast injuries.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Qiji Zhuyu Zhixue decoction in treatment of previous cesarean scar defect(PCSD)and explore the value of transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound combined with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound(3D-PDUS)in the diagnosis of PCSD.Methods A total of 120 PCSD patients treated and treated in Wenzhou People's Hospital from April to October 2023 were selected as study objects,and they were randomly divided into case group(50 cases)and control group(70 cases).The case group was treated with Qiji Zhuyu Zhixue decoction,and the control group was treated with desogestrel and ethinylestradiol tablets.The clinical effects after 6 months of treatment were compared between two groups.The length,width,depth,lateral muscle thickness and volume of PCSD before and after treatment were evaluated by two-dimensional ultrasound combined with 3D-PDUS.The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonic parameters in diagnosis of PCSD.Results After 6 months of treatment,the total effective rate of case group was significantly higher than that of control group(x2=21.97,P＜0.01).After treatment,the diverticulum depth and volume in case group were significantly lower than before treatment(P＜0.05).The diverticulum depth in case group was significantly lower than that in control group(P＜0.05).The lateral muscle thickness in case group was significantly greater than that before treatment and control group(P＜0.05).The area under the curve of the combined diagnosis of PCSD with diverticular depth,diverticular lateral muscle thickness and diverticular volume was 0.707.Conclusion The clinical effect of Qiji Zhuyu Zhixue decoction on PCSD is remarkable.Transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound combined with 3D-PDUS is the first choice for the diagnosis of PCSD,and it is worth popularizing and applying.

Objective:To investigate the value of peripheral blood platelet to gamma-glutamyl transferase ratio (PLT/GGT) in evaluating plaque stability recognized by virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) in patients with coronary heart disease.Methods:This study was a prospective study. A total of 100 patients with coronary heart disease admitted in Zhejiang Veteran Hospital/the Third Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from June 2020 to December 2022 were included. They were divided into vulnerable plaque group (42 cases) and stable plaque group (58 cases) based on the stability of the plaque examined by VH-IVUS. The general data, PLT/GGT and other laboratory indexes were compared between the two groups. The relationship between PLT/GGT and plaque stability in peripheral blood of patients with coronary heart disease and the evaluation value of PLT/GGT on plaque stability were analyzed.Results:The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the vulnerable plaque group were higher than those in the stable plaque group: (8.07 ± 1.85) mg/L vs. (7.23 ± 1.57) mg/L, (72.39 ± 10.85) U/L vs. (67.13 ± 8.57) U/L, and PLT, PLT/GGT levels were lower than those in the stable plaque group: (180.76 ± 11.75) × 10 9/L vs. (187.36 ± 12.47) × 10 9/L, 2.55 ± 0.42 vs. 2.84 ± 0.41, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Point two column correlation found that the plaque stability recognized by VH-IVUS in patients with coronary heart disease was related to CRP, GGT, PLT, PLT/GGT ( P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for assessing plaque stability using the peripheral blood PLT/GGT in patients with coronary heart disease was 0.71, which had certain evaluation value. Conclusions:The peripheral blood PLT/GGT in patients with coronary heart disease is closely related to the plaque stability recognized by VH-IVUS, and can be used as an effective indicator for evaluating plaque stability in patients.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the risk of developing hypertension among rural Chinese adults.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2007 to 2008, involving 20 194 adults selected through random cluster sampling from a rural community in Luoyang City, Henan Province. Follow-ups were carried out in 2013-2014 and 2018-2020. After excluding participants with hypertension at baseline, those with missing TyG index data, individuals who passed away during follow-up, and those with incomplete hypertension status at the second visit, 9 802 participants were included in the analysis. Baseline and follow-up assessments included questionnaire interviews, physical measurements (including blood pressure), and blood sample collection for fasting lipid and glucose levels. Participants were divided into four groups according to TyG index quartiles, and a modified Poisson regression model was utilized to assess the association between TyG index quartiles and hypertension risk.Results:The study cohort comprised 9 802 participants with a median age of 48 (39, 57) years, including 3 803 males (38.80%). Participants were distributed across TyG index quartiles as follows: TyG<8.2 group (2 224 individuals), TyG 8.2-8.5 group (2 653 individuals), TyG 8.6-8.9 (2 441 individuals), and TyG≥9.0 (2 484 individuals). Over a follow-up period of (11.1±1.3) years, 3 378 subjects developed hypertension, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 34.46% (3 378/9 802). The risk of hypertension increased with higher TyG index quartiles ( Ptrend<0.05). Compared to the TyG<8.2, the TyG 8.2-8.5 ( RR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22, P=0.023), TyG 8.6-8.9 ( RR=1.16, 95%CI 1.06-1.27, P=0.023), and TyG≥9.0 ( RR=1.20, 95%CI 1.10-1.31, P=0.023) exhibited increased hypertension risk after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, and other potential confounders. Subgroup analyses based on gender and age at baseline yielded results consistent with the main analysis. Conclusions:The TyG index is positively correlated with the risk of developing hypertension in the rural adult population.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major outer membrane components of Gram-negative bacteria. Unlike most Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii can still survive and acquire polymyxin resistance after complete loss of LPS. Previous studies of LPS-deficient Acinetobacter baumannii mostly focused on LPS-deficient strains induced by polymyxin, whose background was complex and unstable. To investigate LPS loss-mediated polymyxin resistant-Acinetobacter baumannii, this study constructed a stable and clear background LPS-deficient strain by knocking out lpxC gene in Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 with CIRSPR/Cas9, and then studied the phenotypic changes of the lpxC-deficient strain including morphology, growth rate, antibiotic susceptibility, virulence, membrane permeability, and membrane potential. Animal experiments were approved by the Animal Care and Welfare Committee Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, CAMS and PUMC (approval number: IMB-20240119D₉). The results indicated that the lpxC gene of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 was successfully knocked out. After losing the lpxC, the strain underwent the morphological change from rod-shaped to spherical. Furthermore, it leads to reduced growth rate, enhanced membrane permeability, decreased membrane potential, lower virulence, and increased antibiotic susceptibility to β-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolides, glycopeptides. The lpxC deletion results in significant changes in membrane homeostasis and adaptability of Acinetobacter baumannii. Understanding the phenotypic changes of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii mediated by LPS loss is useful for exploring the resistance mechanism of Acinetobacter baumannii and developing new therapeutic strategies.

Aim To investigate the effect of safflower yellow on the learning and memory of scopolamine hydrobromide-induced memory impairment model mice.Methods 6-month-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,SY high-dose group,SY medium-dose group,SY low-dose group,and Huperzine-A group(12 mice in each group).SCOP was used to establish a memory impair-ment model,the spatial learning,memory and cognitive ability of mice with memory impairment were evaluated by behavioral experiments,the function of the choliner-gic nervous system in the cortex of mice was measured by ELISA kit,the pathological changes of brain tissue were observed by Nissl staining,and the expression of synaptic plasticity and BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway re-lated proteins in the cortical and hippocampus of mice in each group was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the model group,the learning and mem-ory ability of the mice in each administration group was improved.The neurons in the hippocampus and corti-cal were neatly arranged,the cell morphology tended to be complete,and the number of normal neurons in-creased.The function of the cortical cholinergic nerv-ous system was significantly improved,the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins in brain tissue was increased,and the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling path-way was activated.Conclusions SY can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of mice with SCOP-induced memory impairment,and its mechanism may play a neuroprotective role by improving choliner-gic nervous system function,activating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway,regulating synaptic plasticity,and reduces neuronal damage.