Proteins with specific functions and characteristics play a crucial role in biomedicine and nanotechnology. De novo protein design enables the customization of sequences to produce proteins with desired structures that do not exist in the nature. In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning-based generative models have increasingly become powerful tools, enabling the design of functional proteins with atomic-level precision. This article provides an overview of the evolution of de novo protein design, with focus on the latest algorithmic models, and then analyzes existing challenges such as low design success rates, insufficient accuracy, and dependence on experimental validation. Furthermore, this article discusses the future trends in protein design, aiming to provide insights for researchers and practitioners in this field.
Artificial Intelligence ; Proteins/chemistry* ; Algorithms ; Protein Engineering/methods* ; Deep Learning

This paper reported a rare case of hypercalcemic crisis caused by a parathyroid adenoma with hemorrhage and cystic degeneration. Preoperative imaging examination of the patient was unable to determine the histological origin of the cervical cystic lesion. Despite aggressive medical treatment and hemodialysis, hypercalcemic crisis could not be relieved. Therefore, surgical exploration and excision of the cervical lesion were performed, and final diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma with hemorrhage and cystic degeneration was confirmed by pathology. Blood calcium level and renal function returned to normal after the surgery.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in monitoring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.Methods:Between March 2019 and November 2021, 23 consecutive patients from TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, including 21 cases with dilated cardiomyopathy, 1 case with myocardial noncompaction and 1 case with ischemic cardiomyopathy, underwent HeartCon blood pump, a type of third generation LVAD implantation for severe heart failure. TEE was preformed in all cases before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. The dimensions of left-sided and right-sided cardiac chamber, ventricular function, de-airing, interventricular septal position, inlet cannulae position and the function of device were observed and recorded during LVAD implantation. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis of left-sided and right-sided heart parameters in pre- and post-operative measurements. Results:The left heart was dilated significantly and coexistent with right heart enlargement in some degree before LVAD implantation in total 23 cases. More than moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) in 16 cases and less than moderate MR in 7 cases were present. Mild or trace aortic regurgitation (AR) existed in 13 cases. More than moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in 4 cases and less than moderate TR in 16 cases were observed. Left atrial appendage thrombosis was detected in 2 cases. After LVAD implantation, TEE revealed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter reduced significantly (42 mm/m 2 vs 32.8 mm/m 2, P<0.05) and left ventricular ejection fraction increased accordingly (22.2% vs 34.0%, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in right ventricular diameter and fractional area change between pre- and post-operative findings(all P>0.05). The ratio of left ventricular inner diameter to right ventricular inner diameter (2.09 vs 1.69, P<0.05) decreased in total 23 cases after LVAD implantation.Interventricular septal position became neutral position instead of pre-oprative rightward position. The severity of MR decreased in varying degrees in total 23 cases after LVAD implantation. All patients underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty with residual mild regurgitation in 8 cases. Conclusions:HeartCon blood pump can effectively unload the left ventricle with sufficient cardiac output in patients with severe congestive heart failure. TEE plays a major role in the clinical decision making during LVAD implantation, which can evaluate pre-operative cardiac abnormalities, intra-operative air embolism, inlet cannulae position, cannulas patency and cardiac function, especially blood volume status and the balance between double ventricles, which is critical for optimal functioning of the device.