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.

BACKGROUND:Asperosaponin Ⅵ has good osteogenic effects,but its ability to promote cellular osteogenesis under hypoxia environment is not yet clear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of Asperosaponin Ⅵ on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under hypoxia environment.METHODS:MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into three groups.Cells in the control group were cultured in a complete medium under normoxic conditions(volume fraction of 21％O2);cells in the hypoxia group were cultured in the complete medium under hypoxia conditions(volume fraction of 0.5％O2);and cells in the Asperosaponin Ⅵ group were cultured in the complete medium containing Asperosaponin Ⅵ under hypoxia conditions(volume fraction of 0.5％oxygen).After 24 hours of culture,cell counting kit-8 method and EdU staining were used to detect cell proliferation activity,TUNEL staining and western blot assay were performed to detect cell apoptosis,and flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and cell cycle distribution.Each group of cells was cultured in an osteogenic induction medium containing 1×10-5,1×10-6,and 1×10-7 mol/L Asperosaponin Ⅵ under hypoxia conditions for 7 days.The optimal concentration of Asperosaponin Ⅵ for intervention was identified using alkaline phosphatase staining under optical microscopy.Western blot was used to detect the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2,osteopontin,and PI3K/AKT signaling axis-related proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the proliferation ability of MC3T3-E1 cells decreased under hypoxia conditions.1×10-6 mol/L Asperosaponin Ⅵ could significantly improve the cell proliferation ability under hypoxia conditions and reduce cell apoptosis.(2)Compared with the hypoxia group,the Asperosaponin Ⅵ group showed a decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species and a significant increase in the proportion of cells in the S phase.(3)Compared with the hypoxia group,the cell morphology in the 1×10-6 mol/L Asperosaponin Ⅵ group was elongated,with more protrusions and darker alkaline phosphatase staining.(4)Compared with the hypoxia group,the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteopontin increased in the Asperosaponin Ⅵ group,while the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT proteins decreased.These findings indicate that under hypoxia conditions,Asperosaponin Ⅵcan promote osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells,possibly by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Objectives:There is a lack of long-term follow-up study results on severe microvascular complications in a larger Chinese population with diabetes.This study aims to explore long-term impact of newly diagnosed diabetes(NDD)on the incidence and risk of severe microvascular complications.Methods:A total of 598 NDD and 493 normal glucose tolerance(NGT)subjects were included in this study in 1986.By questionnaire and systematic case review,the occurrence of severe microvascular complications,including severe diabetic retinopathy,severe diabetic nephropathy,and severe diabetic neuropathy,was followed up and collected over a period of 34 years.Results:The cumulative incidence of severe microvascular complications in the NDD population was 65.03%(95%CI:58.90%-70.48%)over 34 years,significantly higher than that in the NGT population(16.8%,95%CI:12.64%-20.11%).After adjusting for related risk factors,the risk of severe microvascular complications in the NDD population was 7.08 times than that of the NGT population(HR=7.08,95%CI:5.09-9.84,P<0.0001).Stratified analysis by sex showed that the cumulative incidence and risk of severe microvascular complications were slightly higher in male NDD population(68.02%,95%CI:57.27%-76.61%;HR=9.45,95%CI:5.78-15.47,P<0.0001)than in female NDD population(63.37%,95%CI:55.69%-70.09%;HR=5.86,95%CI:3.75-9.16,P<0.0001);however,the cumulative incidence increased more rapidly in women during the follow-up period of 10-25 years.Conclusions:The incidence and risk of severe microvascular complications in diabetes were significantly higher than those in the NGT population;and the incidence of severe vascular complications increased rapidly after the duration of diabetes exceeded 10 years,indicating that strict control of blood glucose in the early stage of diabetes is of vital importance.

Objectives:There is a lack of long-term follow-up study results on severe microvascular complications in a larger Chinese population with diabetes.This study aims to explore long-term impact of newly diagnosed diabetes(NDD)on the incidence and risk of severe microvascular complications.Methods:A total of 598 NDD and 493 normal glucose tolerance(NGT)subjects were included in this study in 1986.By questionnaire and systematic case review,the occurrence of severe microvascular complications,including severe diabetic retinopathy,severe diabetic nephropathy,and severe diabetic neuropathy,was followed up and collected over a period of 34 years.Results:The cumulative incidence of severe microvascular complications in the NDD population was 65.03%(95%CI:58.90%-70.48%)over 34 years,significantly higher than that in the NGT population(16.8%,95%CI:12.64%-20.11%).After adjusting for related risk factors,the risk of severe microvascular complications in the NDD population was 7.08 times than that of the NGT population(HR=7.08,95%CI:5.09-9.84,P<0.0001).Stratified analysis by sex showed that the cumulative incidence and risk of severe microvascular complications were slightly higher in male NDD population(68.02%,95%CI:57.27%-76.61%;HR=9.45,95%CI:5.78-15.47,P<0.0001)than in female NDD population(63.37%,95%CI:55.69%-70.09%;HR=5.86,95%CI:3.75-9.16,P<0.0001);however,the cumulative incidence increased more rapidly in women during the follow-up period of 10-25 years.Conclusions:The incidence and risk of severe microvascular complications in diabetes were significantly higher than those in the NGT population;and the incidence of severe vascular complications increased rapidly after the duration of diabetes exceeded 10 years,indicating that strict control of blood glucose in the early stage of diabetes is of vital importance.

BACKGROUND:Asperosaponin Ⅵ has good osteogenic effects,but its ability to promote cellular osteogenesis under hypoxia environment is not yet clear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of Asperosaponin Ⅵ on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under hypoxia environment.METHODS:MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into three groups.Cells in the control group were cultured in a complete medium under normoxic conditions(volume fraction of 21％O2);cells in the hypoxia group were cultured in the complete medium under hypoxia conditions(volume fraction of 0.5％O2);and cells in the Asperosaponin Ⅵ group were cultured in the complete medium containing Asperosaponin Ⅵ under hypoxia conditions(volume fraction of 0.5％oxygen).After 24 hours of culture,cell counting kit-8 method and EdU staining were used to detect cell proliferation activity,TUNEL staining and western blot assay were performed to detect cell apoptosis,and flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and cell cycle distribution.Each group of cells was cultured in an osteogenic induction medium containing 1×10-5,1×10-6,and 1×10-7 mol/L Asperosaponin Ⅵ under hypoxia conditions for 7 days.The optimal concentration of Asperosaponin Ⅵ for intervention was identified using alkaline phosphatase staining under optical microscopy.Western blot was used to detect the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2,osteopontin,and PI3K/AKT signaling axis-related proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the proliferation ability of MC3T3-E1 cells decreased under hypoxia conditions.1×10-6 mol/L Asperosaponin Ⅵ could significantly improve the cell proliferation ability under hypoxia conditions and reduce cell apoptosis.(2)Compared with the hypoxia group,the Asperosaponin Ⅵ group showed a decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species and a significant increase in the proportion of cells in the S phase.(3)Compared with the hypoxia group,the cell morphology in the 1×10-6 mol/L Asperosaponin Ⅵ group was elongated,with more protrusions and darker alkaline phosphatase staining.(4)Compared with the hypoxia group,the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteopontin increased in the Asperosaponin Ⅵ group,while the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT proteins decreased.These findings indicate that under hypoxia conditions,Asperosaponin Ⅵcan promote osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells,possibly by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors for hospitalization costs among stroke patients with different subtypes, so as to provide the reference for reducing the economic burden of patients. Methods: Data of patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke who were discharged from hospitals in Nanshan District, Shenzhen City from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021 were collected through Hospital Information System. Hospitalization costs were analyzed between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients, and factors affecting hospitalization costs among stroke patients with different subtypes were identified using a structural equation model. Results: A total of 10 298 patients with stroke were recruited, including 2 820 patients with hemorrhagic stroke (27.38%) and 7 478 patients with ischemic stroke (72.62%). The patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a median duration of hospital stay of 19.00 (interquartile range, 18.00) d, and a median hospitalization cost of 26 759.48 (interquartile range, 51 000.87) Yuan. The patients with ischemic stroke had a median duration of hospital stay of 12.00 (interquartile range, 10.00) d, and a median hospitalization cost of 12 199.87 (interquartile range, 13 290.20) Yuan. Structural equation model analysis showed that department of hospitalization, discharge status, ways of leaving hospital, surgery and hypertension had direct effects on hospitalization costs and indirect effects on hospitalization costs through duration of hospital stay among hemorrhagic stroke patients, and duration of hospital stay had the highest total effect (0.684), followed by surgery (0.632). Employment status, admission route, department of hospitalization, ways of leaving hospital, payment mode, surgery and dyslipidemia had direct effects on hospitalization costs and indirect effects on hospitalization costs through duration of hospital stay among ischemic stroke patients, and duration of hospital stay (0.746), surgery (0.424) and department of hospitalization (0.151) ranked the top three in total effects. Conclusion The hospitalization cost is relatively high among stroke patients in Nanshan District, and duration of hospital stay and surgery have great influence on hospitalization costs among stroke patients with different subtypes.

Objective:To observe any effect of long-distance application of Oral Reading for Language with Aphasia (ORLA) training on patients with post-stroke aphasia.Methods:A total of 42 stroke survivors with aphasia were randomly divided into an inpatient group, and two online groups, each of 14. All three groups had their routine rehabilitation treatment supplemented with ordinary multimodal language therapy and ORLA. The inpatient group completed the routine in the rehabilitation treatment room, while the online groups completed it at home using Tencent video conferencing software. The conventional multimodal language therapy was conducted once daily, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. For the inpatient group and online group 2 the daily session lasted 30 minutes, while for the online 1 groups the daily length was doubled. The ORLA therapy was also conducted once daily, 5 days a week for 4 weeks, for the inpatient group and online group 2 the daily session lasted 1h, while for the online 1 groups the daily length was 30min.The speech function, reading ability and life quality of the three groups were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Western Aphasia Battery, the Chinese Standard Aphasia Examination Scale and the Chinese version of the Stroke Aphasia Quality of Life Scale.Results:After treatment, the average aphasia quotient (AQ), reading, naming and quality of life scores in all three groups had improved significantly compared with those before treatment. And related language ability scores (such as retelling, fluency, information volume, listening comprehension, etc.) had also improved significantly in all three groups. However, the average AQ, reading, and oral fluency scores of the inpatient group and online group 2 were significantly higher than those of online group 1. Significant improvement was also observed in the reading aloud and life quality of all three groups, but the average improvement in reading aloud was significantly greater in the inpatient group and in online group 2 compared to online group 1. The average life quality of the online groups was significantly superior to that of the inpatient group.Conclusion:Medium- and high-intensity ORLA synchronous remote speech rehabilitation can significantly improve the speech ability, reading ability and life quality of aphasic stroke survivors.

Objective: To investigate the trend in incidence of stroke in Nanshan District, Shenzhen City from 2010 to 2021, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the integrated strategy for stroke control. Methods: The data of stroke morbidity in Nanshan District from 2010 to 2021 were collected through Shenzhen Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Management System. The incidence of stroke was calculated, and standardized by the population of the Chinese Sixth National Census in 2010. The trends in stroke incidence were evaluated in Nanshan District from 2010 to 2021 using annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC), and gender-, age- and subtype-specific incidence of stroke was descriptively analyzed. Results: A total of 30 377 cases with stroke were reported in Nanshan District from 2010 to 2021, with a crude incidence rate of 190.45/105 and a standardized incidence rate of 405.65/105. The crude incidence rate of stroke appeared a tendency towards a rise in Nanshan District from 2010 to 2021 (APC=5.38%, t=4.678, P=0.001), and a higher crude incidence rate of stroke was seen among men than among women (227.57/105 vs. 148.40/105; χ2=1 309.580, P<0.001). The incidence of stroke appeared a tendency towards a rise with age (χ2trend =435.717, P<0.001), and there was a tendency towards a rise in stroke incidence among residents under 40 years of age (APC=2.89%, t=2.538, P=0.029). The crude incidence of ischemic stroke was 151.24/105, which was higher than that of hemorrhagic stroke (39.21/105) (χ2=10 521.000, P<0.001). Conclusions The incidence of stroke appeared a tendency towards a rise in Nanshan District from 2010 to 2021, with ischemic stroke as the predominant subtype of stroke. Males and middle-aged and elderly residents should be given a high priority for stroke prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE To assess changes in the demographic characteristics of patients with otitis media with effusion during the COVID-19 epidemic.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed cases of otitis media with effusion in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Beijing Tongren Hospital.The cases were divided into two groups:a pre-Covid-19 group(from December 1,2018,to January 31,2019),and a Covid-19 group(from December 1,2022,to January 31,2023).Patient demographics including age,sex,ear side and audiology results were collected.Additionally,age composition ratio,sex composition ratio,disease-side ratio,and audiological results were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 1 872 patients were included in the pre-COVID group,with an average age of(30.45±23.17)years(949 males and 923 females).Among them,910 were children and 962 were adults.The Covid-19 group included 1 194 patients,with an average age of(48.31±18.92)years(623 males and 571 females).Among them,95 were children and 1 099 were adults.Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the overall age distribution of the disease was different between the two groups(Z=-20.820,P＜0.001).There was a significant difference in the composition ratio of children to adults(χ2=546.838,P＜0.001),with a significant decrease and increase in the prevalence rate of otitis media with effusion in children and adults,respectively,in the COVID-19 group.Compared to the pre-COVID-19 group,the proportion of cases in the age group of 7-18 years was significantly reduced in the children's group(Z=-5.641,P＜0.001),and the proportion of prevalence increased significantly in the adult group aged 46-75 years(Z=-3.134,P=0.002).Additionally,there was a significant increase in the number of male patients in the Covid-19 group(χ2=5.15,P=0.023)when compared to the pre-COVID-19 group.CONCLUSION Compared to the pre-Covid-19 period,a significant change in the age distribution of otitis media with effusion was observed during the COVID-19 epidemic,with a significant decrease in the proportion of children and a signification increase in the proportion of adults.

Objective:To evaluate the value of CT in preoperative assessment of tricuspid valve replacement with LuX-Valve.Methods:145 consecutive patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation from October 2020 to April 2021 were selected. The multi-slice spiral CT (256 slice and above) scans were used to measure related indicators. Then analyses were made to determine whether the patients were suitable for valves replacement and to select the appropriate valve model.Results:49 cases were excluded after CT measurements, including 8 cases because of the values of the valve annulus and the remaining 41 due to comprehensive indicators includes: valve annulus size and shape, fixation method and operational safety. A total of 96 TTVR operations were performed, of which 6 were treated with thoracic surgery, 1 had moderate valve regurgitation, and the rest had no or mild regurgitation or paravalvular leaks. The operations showed a high success rate of 92.7%. After comprehensive analysis, it was found that among the 89 successful tricuspid valve replacements with LuX-Valve, 26 cases had annulus models consistent with the measurements of the diameter from tricuspid annular circumferences, while the remaining 63 had valve models larger than the diameter measurements. The results indicate that the size of right atrium was statistically significant to the enlargement of the valve size.Conclusion:CT has important application value in the preoperative screening of TTVR. For non-radial force LuX-Valve, the annulus size is not the only decisive factor, and the valve model should be comprehensively judged considering all the measurement indicators.