ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of long COVID and to investigate its main influencing factors by examining individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March and June 2022 in two communities in Shanghai, to lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism and clinical treatment of long COVID, and to provide the basis for the development of inexpensive, convenient, and feasible prevention and intervention strategies. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 6 410 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The incidence and common symptoms of long COVID were analyzed, along with their associations with demographic characteristics, medical history, and behavioral factors. A logistic regression model was used to identify the major factors associated with the development of long COVID symptoms. ResultsThe overall incidence rate of long COVID among the study population was 13.9%. The most commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (65.1%), attention disorders (23.1%), and cough (16.9%). The analysis showed that having underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.580, 95%CI: 2.165‒3.074), a history of allergies (OR=1.418, 95%CI: 1.003‒1.971), current smoking (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.013‒2.079), ever smoking (OR=2.462, 95%CI: 1.687‒3.551), a greater number of symptoms during the acute phase [1 symptom (OR=1.778, 95%CI: 1.459‒2.162), 2 symptoms (OR=2.749, 95%CI: 2.209‒3.409), ≥3 symptoms (OR=7.792, 95%CI: 6.333‒9.593)] and aggravated symptoms during the acute phase (OR=1.082, 95%CI: 1.070‒1.094) were factors associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID symptoms. Additionally, individuals who had consumed alcohol in the past year (OR=1.914, 95%CI: 1.344‒2.684) were more prone to objective long COVID symptoms. Among individuals under 50 years of age, females (OR=1.427, 95%CI: 1.052‒1.943) were more likely to develop objective long COVID symptoms. ConclusionThis study has identified the diversity of long COVID symptoms, which involve multiple organs and systems, including fatigue, attention disorders, cough, and joint pain. It has also revealed associations between long COVID and various demographic factors (e.g., age, gender), personal medical history (e.g., underlying chronic diseases, history of allergies), acute-phase characteristics (e.g., number and severity of symptoms), and behavioral factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption). These findings highlight the need for further research and ongoing surveillance of long COVID and may inform the development of more targeted health management strategies for specific populations.

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the predominant subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1), as a core protein of the CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase complex, is involved in the regulation of DNA damage repair, epigenetic modification, and cell cycle checkpoint activation. While the involvement of DDB1 in tumour progression through DNA repair and RNA transcriptional regulation has been reported, its expression and role in LUAD remain to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the expression and role of DDB1 in LUAD. METHODS: The expression, clinicopathological features and prognosis of DDB1 in LUAD were analysed using databases such as UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and GEPIA; The interaction network and enriched functional pathways were constructed by GeneMANIA and Metascape; the correlation between DDB1 and immune cells by combining with TISIDB infiltration was evaluated, and the clustering results of cell subtypes and the expression of DDB1 in different immune cell subpopulations were analysed by single-cell sequencing; finally, tissue microarrays were used to further verify the expression and prognostic value of DDB1 in LUAD. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of DDB1 in LUAD tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissues (P<0.01), and the high expression correlated with later clinical stage (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and poor prognosis (P<0.001). Functional enrichment showed that DDB1 was involved in DNA repair and RNA transcriptional regulation, and TISIDB evaluation revealed that DDB1 was negatively correlated with the expression level of immune cells, suggesting the potential regulation of the immune microenvironment. Single cell analysis showed that DDB1 was mainly expressed in T cells, alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells. Tissue microarrays confirmed that overall survival was shorter in the DDB1 high expression group (P<0.001), and Cox multifactorial analysis showed that DDB1 was an independent predictor of LUAD prognosis. CONCLUSIONS DDB1 is highly expressed in LUAD, which is associated with poor prognosis, and is closely related to tumor immune cell infiltration, and is involved in tumourigenesis and development through DNA repair and RNA transcriptional regulation. DDB1 can be used as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LUAD.
Humans ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/immunology* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

The pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in quality digitization for complex multi-stage processes, especially in small-sample systems. Here, an intelligent quality prediction and diagnostic (IQPD) framework was developed and applied to Tong Ren Tang's Niuhuang Qingxin Pills, utilizing four years of data collected from four production units, covering the entire process from raw materials to finished products. In this framework, a novel path-enhanced double ensemble quality prediction model (PeDGAT) is proposed, which combines a graph attention network and path information to encode inter-unit long-range and sequential dependencies. Additionally, the double ensemble strategy enhances model stability in small samples. Compared to global traditional models, PeDGAT achieves state-of-the-art results, with an average improvement of 13.18% and 87.67% in prediction accuracy and stability on three indicators. Additionally, a more in-depth diagnostic model leveraging grey correlation analysis and expert knowledge reduces reliance on large samples, offering a panoramic view of attribute relationships across units and improving process transparency. Finally, the IQPD framework integrates into a Human-Cyber-Physical system, enabling faster decision-making and real-time quality adjustments for Tong Ren Tang's Niuhuang Qingxin Pills, a product with annual sales exceeding 100 million CNY. This facilitates the transition from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection by conducting follow-up investigations among community residents who experienced their first SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and June 2022, so as to provide a scientific basis for predicting future epidemic trends and adjusting prevention and control strategies. MethodsA cohort study was conducted in Xuhui District, Shanghai. A total of 1 208 individuals with a documented primary SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and June 2022 were enrolled and followed-up longitudinally. Data were collected using structured questionnaire surveys to assess the reinfection rate, incidence density, and clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. ResultsA total of 497 SARS-CoV-2 reinfection cases were observed among the 1 208 research subjects, with a reinfection rate of 41.14% and an incidence density of 0.63 cases per 1 000 person-days. The cumulative reinfection rates at 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months following the initial infection were 0.08%, 15.31%, 19.04%, 33.53%, and 38.25%, respectively. Compared with the primary infection, reinfection was more likely to be symptomatic, with a greater severity of fever, dry cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Being female, younger age, and symptom duration ≥7 days during the primary infection were identified as influencing factors for SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, while a higher socioeconomic status can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 reinfection is relatively common and often symptomatic. Age, gender, income level, and the duration of symptoms during the primary infection are identified as infuencing factors for SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Continuous monitoring of reinfection in the population is recommended, along with the development of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of reinfection.

OBJECTIVE To explore emergency airway opening methods for patients with dyspnea caused by tumor related cervical tracheal stenosis,and summarize safe and effective emergency management methods for such patients.METHODS Retrospectively collect cases of dyspnea caused by tumor invasion or wrapping around the cervical trachea treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2012 and December 2023,analyze the process or method of emergency airway opening,and summarize the safe and effective airway opening methods for such patients.RESULTS A total of 31 cases were collected,including 25 cases of thyroid malignant tumors invading the cervical trachea(18 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer,5 cases of thyroid lymphoma,1 case of undifferentiated cancer,and 1 case of medullary cancer),3 cases of cervical tracheal recurrence after laryngeal cancer surgery,2 cases of primary tumors in the cervical trachea,1 case of cervical esophageal cancer,24 cases of grade II dyspnea upon admission,6 cases of grade III dyspnea,and 1 case of grade IV dyspnea.The methods of airway opening are as follows:20 cases underwent tumor resection and tracheotomy under anesthesia intubation and general anesthesia,6 cases underwent longitudinal downward tracheostomy with the larynx as the landmark,2 cases underwent midline tumor resection with the chin and sternum as the landmark to expose the trachea,2 cases underwent emergency tracheotomy with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)support,and 1 case underwent tracheotomy with extracorporeal circulation machine support.All patients successfully opened their airways without serious complications such as major bleeding,asphyxia,or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.CONCLUSION For patients with tumor induced cervical tracheal stenosis that is difficult to expose the trachea using conventional methods and requires emergency airway opening,the anesthesiology department can first evaluate whether a small tracheal tube can be inserted for general anesthesia before tracheotomy.If intubation is difficult,the airway can be opened by longitudinally splitting the cricoid cartilage or the anterior wall of the trachea,marked by the larynx.If the larynx is covered or wrapped by tumors and cannot be exposed,the midline marked by the chin and suprasternal fossa can be used to remove a portion of the tumor and expose the trachea,followed by longitudinally splitting the anterior wall of the trachea to open the airway.If the above methods are difficult to operate,it is feasible to remove the tumor under general anesthesia with extracorporeal circulation or ECMO support,expose the trachea,and open the airway.

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of Huangjing Zanyu Capsule(HJZY),a new class-Ⅲ traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of male infertility developed by Wang Qi,an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering,based on AMPK-mediated mitophagy in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia.Methods Acrolein(ACR)was used to treat GC-2spd(ts)mouse spermatocytes to establish a cell model of oligoasthenospermia.The optimal ACR concentration and exposure time for subsequent modeling were determined by CCK8 cell viability assay.After successful modeling,the cells were cultured in complete medium containing different concentrations of HJZY.Then,cell viability was assessed by CCK8 assay after 24 hours,and the subsequent treatment concentration was determined based on the cell viability.After the GC-2spd cells adhered to the wall,they were divided into a normal control(NC)group,a modeling group,and an ACR+HJZY treatment group.The effect of HJZY on mitophagy was observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy.The three groups of cells were transfected with siRNA-NC and siRNA-AMPK,respectively,and divided into six groups,including siRNA-NC+control,siRNA-NC+ACR,siRNA-NC+ACR+HJZY,siRNA-AMPK+control,siRNA-AMPK+ACR,and siRNA-AMPK+ACR+HJZY groups.Western blot was performed to validate the regulatory effect of HJZY on mitophagy-related proteins,such as p-AMPK,LC3B,P62,PINK1,Parkin,TBK1,and ULK1,which were all proteins mediated by AMPK.Results Through the cell viability assay,34 μmol/L was selected as the the modeling concentration of ACR,and 20 minutes was selected as the modeling time The treatment concentration of HJZY was 160 μmol/L.Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that HJZY had,to a certain degree,a positive regulatory effect on the mitochondrial membrane potential of damaged spermatogenic cells.The mitochondrial membrane potential of the model group decreased significantly compared with that of the NC group.After exposure to treatment,the cell membrane potential of the ACR+HJZY treatment group increased compared with that of the model group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Western blot results showed that the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK and PINK1 proteins in the siRNA-NC+ACR group were significantly lower than those in the siRNA-NC+control group(P＜0.001).The level of Parkin protein in the siRNA-NC+ACR group was lower than that in the siRNA-NC+control group,but the difference was not statistically significant.After the administration of HJZY,the levels of these 3 proteins increased,and those in the siRNA-NC+ACR+HJZY group were higher than those in the siRNA-NC+ACR group(P＜0.001).The expression levels of LC3B,P62,TBK1,and ULK1 proteins in the siRNA-NC+ACR group were higher than those in the siRNA-NC+control group(P＜0.01),and those in the siRNA-NC+ACR+HJZY group were lower than those in the siRNA-NC+ACR group(P＜0.05).After transfection with the gene-silencing siRNA-AMPK,the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK,PINK1,and Parkin proteins in the siRNA-AMPK+ACR group were lower than those in the siRNA-AMPK+control group(P＜0.01).After the administration of HJZY,there was no significant difference in the levels of these three proteins between the siRNA-AMPK+ACR+HJZY group and the siRNA-AMPK+ACR group.The expression level of LC3B protein in the siRNA-AMPK+ACR+HJZY group was still lower than that in the siRNA-AMPK+ACR group(P＜0.01).There was no significant difference in the levels of P62,TBK1,and ULK1 proteins between the siRNA-AMPK+ACR+HJZY group and the siRNA-AMPK+ACR group.Compared with the siRNA-NC+control group,the siRNA-AMPK+control group showed significantly decreased expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK,ULK1,and TBK1 proteins(P＜0.001),decreased expression of PINK1 protein(P＜0.05),and increased expression of P62 protein(P＜0.001).Compared with the siRNA-NC+ACR group,the siRNA-AMPK+ACR group showed decreased expression of TBK1 protein(P＜0.001),decreased expression of LC3B protein(P＜0.01),and decreased expression of ULK1 protein(P＜0.05).The expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin proteins in the siRNA-AMPK+ACR group were lower than those in the siRNA-NC+ACR group,but the difference was not statistically significant.Compared with the siRNA-NC+ACR+HJZY group,the siRNA-AMPK+ACR+HJZY group showed decreased expression of p-AMPK/AMPK,PINK1,and Parkin proteins(P＜0.05),decreased expression of LC3B protein(P＜0.01),and increased expression of P62 protein(P＜0.001).There was no significant difference in the levels of TBK1 and ULK1 proteins between the siRNA-AMPK+ACR+HJZY group and the siRNA-NC+ACR+HJZY group.Conclusion HJZY may exert its therapeutic effect on oligoasthenospermia by regulating AMPK-mediated mitophagy.

Objective To establish the methods of galvanic vestibular stimulation-vestibular evoked myogenic potentials(GVS-VEMPs)in healthy children and to obtain the normal value of GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP in these children in China.Methods Twenty(3～14 years)healthy children and 24 healthy adults(18～30 years)were enrolled for conventional examinations of GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP.Using the galvanic stimulation in-tensity under 3 mA/1 ms for children and 5 mA/1 ms for adults.The characteristics of elicitation and parameter re-sults of GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP in children and adults,as well as the pain scores and the elicitation of differ-ent stimulus intensities in the two age groups were recorded.Results The elicitation of GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP were both 100.0％in children and adult groups.The p1 latency,n1 latency and p1-n1 interval latency of GVS-cVEMP were 10.46±1.84 ms,16.98±2.12 ms and 6.52±1.42 ms respectively in children group,the n1 la-tency and p1-n1 interval latency were significantly shorter than the adult group(P＜0.05).The n1 latency,p1 la-tency and p1-n1 interval latency of GVS-oVEMP were 8.87±1.40 ms,12.25±1.80 ms and 3.39±1.07 ms re-spectively in children group with no significant difference between the two groups.The thresholds of GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP in children group were significantly lower than adult group(P＜0.01),but no differences were found in adult group regarding on the amplitude and interaural amplitude asymmetry ratio.In addition,with the in-crease of the intensity of galvanic stimulation,the correlation between pain scores and the elicitation rates of GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP also increased.Conclusion Using appropriate stimulus intensity and recording methods,GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP could be successfully assessed and detected in healthy children over 3 years old and adolescents.The latency of GVS-cVEMP in children is slightly shorter than that in adults,therefore we recommend selecting the matched age group for assessment in the children group.

BACKGROUND:The research of dental stem cells in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering has been deepening,bringing hope for the repair of tooth-related tissues and the treatment of systemic diseases.However,there is a lack of systematic research and analysis on the biological characteristics of dental stem cells in different age groups. OBJECTIVE:To explore the biological characteristics of the human deciduous tooth and permanent tooth pulp stem cells cultured in umbilical cord blood platelet lysate to provide a reliable basis for human platelet lysates to replace fetal bovine serum. METHODS:The pulp tissues of deciduous teeth,juvenile permanent teeth and adult permanent teeth were taken out and cultured in DMEM/F-12 medium supplemented with 10%fetal bovine serum or different concentrations(5%,10%and 15%)of human platelet lysates.Cell proliferation in the four groups was detected by cytometry.The optimal concentration of human platelet lysates was selected for subsequent experiments.Under the optimal concentration of human platelet lysates,human deciduous tooth and juvenile and adult permanent tooth pulp stem cells were cultured in vitro.The cell growth status was observed under the microscope.The specific antigen on the cell surface was detected by flow cytometry.The cell proliferation ability was tested by the cell counting method and CCK-8 assay.The cell differentiation ability in vitro was observed by a three-line differentiation assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The cell proliferation rate of the 10%human platelet lysate group was the highest.(2)In all three groups,fusiform fibrous cells grew and expanded from around the tissue block.There was no significant difference between deciduous teeth and juvenile permanent tooth cells,but the adult permanent tooth cells were larger than the deciduous and juvenile permanent tooth cells of the same generation.(3)The results of flow cytometry showed that deciduous teeth,juvenile permanent teeth and adult permanent teeth conformed to the phenotypic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells.(4)The proliferative capacity of adult permanent dental pulp stem cells was significantly lower than those of deciduous teeth and juvenile permanent dental pulp stem cells(P<0.01).(5)mRNA expressions of osteoblast-related genes alkaline phosphatase and bone morphogenetic protein 2,lipoprotein lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2,mRNA expressions of chondroblast related gene type II collagen α1 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in adult pulp stem cells of permanent teeth were significantly lower than those of deciduous teeth and juvenile permanent teeth pulp stem cells(P<0.01).(6)Compared with adult dental pulp stem cells,human deciduous teeth and juvenile permanent teeth dental pulp stem cells have the stronger proliferative capacity and multidirectional differentiation potential,and are more suitable for clinical research and disease treatment.

Objective: To investigate the willingness to accept preventive treatments and its related factors among college freshmen with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), so as to provide the evidence for preventive treatment intervention measures for students with LTBI. Methods: Cluster sampling method was used to select 368 LTBI freshmen from 8 colleges and universities in Changzhou in September 2023, who conducted a questionnaire survey on the willingness to receive preventive treatment. General demographic data were collected and relevant data were collected using tuberculosis knowledge scale, General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR), and a self developed Stigma Scale. A binary Logistic regression model was constructed with the willingness to accept preventive treatment as the dependent variable to analyze the willingness to accept preventive treatment and the influencing factors. Results: A total of 253 LTBI college freshmen were willing to take preventive treatment, the acceptance rate was 68.75%. The rate of willingness to accept preventive treatment for LTBI was higher among students whose fathers had an education level of high school, compared to those whose fathers had an education level of junior high school or below ( OR =2.16, P <0.05). LTBI students whose per capita family income was >5 000-10 000 yuan and >10 000 yuan were more willing to accept LTBI preventive treatment than those whose per capita family income was <3 000 yuan ( OR =2.72, 4.46, P <0.05). LTBI students who engaged in physical exercise for more than 2 hours per week were more willing to accept than those who exercised less than 0.5 hours per week ( OR =1.91, P <0.05). LTBI students with high levels of tuberculosis knowledge and stigma were more likely to receive preventive treatment ( OR =1.18, 1.11, P < 0.05). LTBI students with high PHQ-9 ( OR =0.85) and GAD-7 ( OR =0.92) scores were more likely to refuse preventive treatment ( P <0.05). Conclusion The present study revealed a moderate level of willingness of LTBI students to preventive treatment in Changzhou City, and the acceptance is affected by family factors, healthy lifestyles, tuberculosis knowledge and psychological status.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The specific impact of different fruit and vegetable consumption categories on frailty is not completely understood. This study examined the relationships between the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables and frailty in a large general population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used the data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2020). Two intermittent 24-h dietary recalls were used to evaluate fruit and vegetable consumption. Frailty was assessed using the frailty index. Logistic regression, stratified analyses, and restricted cubic spline models were used to examine these associations. RESULTS: A higher daily intake of citrus, melons, and berries (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–0.92), other fruit (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62–0.88), intact fruit (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60–0.84), dark-green vegetables (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60–0.83), and total vegetables (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66–0.96), along with a lower fruit juice intake (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69–0.96), were associated with a reduced risk of frailty in adults aged 18 yrs and older.Further analysis showed that the daily consumption of citrus melons and berries, other fruit, intact fruit, fruit juice, and tomatoes and tomato products were inversely associated with frailty in adults under 60 yrs and females. Dark green vegetables were inversely correlated with frailty in individuals aged 40–60 yrs and over 60 yrs, regardless of sex. CONCLUSION The daily consumption of most types of fruit, dark green vegetables, and tomatoes and tomato products may reduce the risk of frailty in American adults, particularly for individuals under 60 yrs of age and females.