Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically. Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus(CppDNV)were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins(NS1, NS2)and 1 capsid protein(VP). The nucleotide(amino acid)sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt(791 aa),1 092 nt(363 aa)and 1 071 nt(356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times(χ2=4.429, P=0.194). Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.

Objective To investigate the species composition of mosquitoes and breeding conditions of larvae in the rice planting areas of Beijing, and to provide a scientific basis for mosquito control in rice fields. Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected using CO2-baited light traps, and mosquito larvae(including pupae)were sampled via the dipping method. Results A total of 4 genera and 6 species of adult mosquitoes were captured in the study area. The dominant species were Culex pipiens pallens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and Anopheles sinensis. The average adult mosquito density was 5.11 specimens per trap-hour, with slightly lower density in July compared to August. For larvae and pupae,3 genera and 4 species were identified, dominated by Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, An. sinensis, and Aedes vexans. Conclusions The mosquito species composition in Beijing′s rice planting areas is diverse. Mosquito control strategies should prioritize the management of adult mosquitoes, while density control of mosquito larvae in paddy fields can be achieved through intermittent irrigation techniques.

Evidence serves as the driving force shifting medical practice from empirical medicine towards evidence-based medicine. In the current era of information explosion, it is challenging for clinical surgeons to extract evidence from the vast pool of primary research literature to address clinical issues. Literature reviews, as a form of synthesized evidence, are particularly crucial for precise and efficient evidence utilization. A new form of review within the framework of evidence-based medicine, systematic reviews, also has widespread application in the surgical domain. With the development of methodological approaches in evidence-based medicine, the types of systematic reviews continue to diversify. This paper outlines and summarizes the common types and methodologies of systematic reviews in the surgical field, aiming to provide a clear framework for surgical practitioners to select evidence for both confirming and innovating clinical practices in specific clinical challenges.

Drug development encompasses multiple processes,wherein protein subcellular localization is essential.It promotes target identification,treatment development,and the design of drug delivery systems.In this research,a deep learning framework called LocPro is presented for predicting protein subcellular localization.Specifically,LocPro is unique in(a)combining protein representations from the pre-trained large language model(LLM)ESM2 and the expert-driven tool PROFEAT,(b)implementing a hybrid deep neural network architecture that integrates convolutional neural network(CNN),fully connected(FC)layer,and bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)blocks,and(c)developing a multi-label framework for predicting protein subcellular localization at multiple granularity levels.Additionally,a dataset was curated and divided using a homology-based strategy for training and validation.Compar-ative analyses show that LocPro outperforms existing methods in sequence-based multi-label protein subcellular localization prediction.The practical utility of this framework is further demonstrated through case studies on drug target subcellular localization.All in all,LocPro serves as a valuable complement to existing protein localization prediction tools.The web server is freely accessible at https://idrblab.org/LocPro/.

Background: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy. Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RP) are known for their strong laxative effects, often accompanied by side effects, while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces (SP) possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness, particularly from a bioavailability perspective. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion assays. Methods: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites. Pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and excretion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP. Blood, tissue, urine, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles of anthraquinones, highlighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP. Results: Compared with the RP group, the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve, mean residence time, and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and their glucuronide metabolites. The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group. These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP. Additionally, these components were primarily distributed in the large intestine, where they exerted their laxative effects. Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination, while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces. Notably, the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administration, indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion, demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP. These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines. This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bone cement diffusion and clinical effects between conventional percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) and the application of positioning reduction and targeted puncture techniques in the treatment of elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was conducted, analyzing the clinical data of 268 elderly patients with single-level vertebral fractures admitted between January 2021 and March 2023. The patients were divided into two groups:the conventional PVP group (138 cases) and the targeted PVP group (130 cases). Among them, 138 patients in the conventional group were treated by traditional PVP with bilateral approach including 26 males and 112 females, with a mean age of (72.9±4.0) years old. Another 130 patients in the targeted PVP group included 23 males and 107 females, with a mean age of (72.2±7.0) years old;vertebral reduction was first achieved using prone traction and compression reduction technique based on preoperative imaging examination, the operating bed was used to maintain spinal hyper-extension of the spine and puncture the fracture space target to inject bone cement. The adequacy of bone cement filling in the fracture gap was evaluated based on imaging examination. The operation time, the rate of bone cement leakage and the type of leakage, bone cement filling in the fracture area, the amount of cement injection, the thoracolumbar back pain visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), and the local kyphosis Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The operation time (43.9±5.7) min, bone cement filling (5.3±1.5) ml in the conventional PVP group were higher than the target group (39.3±3.6) min, (4.1±1.7) ml(P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in bone cement leakage rate or type(P>0.05). The targeted PVP group achieved sufficient bone cement filling in the fracture area, while the conventional PVP group had 34 cases (25.0%) with insufficient filling in the fracture area(P<0.01). There was no significant difference in VAS, ODI, and local Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra before operation between two groups(P>0.05). The VAS of 3.64±0.94 and ODI of 11.50±0.38 at 3 day after operation in the target group were better than those of the conventional group 4.69±0.78 and 15.06±1.66 (P<0.05). The local Cobb angle (7.51±5.37)° was less than that of the conventional group (11.68±3.98)°(P<0.05). CONCLUSION The application of positioning reduction and targeted puncture techniques in percutaneous vertebroplasty for elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures can restore vertebral height using positioning reduction technique to avoid excessive tension on the intervertebral soft tissue. Targeted puncture technique effectively stabilizes vertebral fractures and achieves adequate bone cement filling, thereby improving surgical outcomes. This technique is safe and effective, representing a new treatment modality.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Vertebroplasty/methods* ; Aged ; Fractures, Compression/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Cements ; Middle Aged

Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017-2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 10 6 (0.09 × 10 6 -0.27 × 10 6 ) ml and 12.21 × 10 6 (4.52 × 10 6 -19.91 × 10 6 ) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; China ; Body Fat Distribution ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Body Mass Index ; Tissue Donors ; Obesity/complications* ; Spermatozoa ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; East Asian People

BACKGROUND: The association of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) with prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients has never been investigated in a large sample with long-term follow-up. This study aimed to explore the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a nationally representative sample of CAD patients from United States. METHODS: A total of 3386 participants with CAD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards model, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were performed to investigate the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Piece-wise linear regression and sensitivity analyses were also performed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 1454 all-cause mortality occurred. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher lnSIRI was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30) but not cancer mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99-1.38). The associations of SIRI with all-cause and CVD mortality were detected as J-shaped with threshold values of 1.05935 and 1.122946 for SIRI, respectively. ROC curves showed that lnSIRI had robust predictive effect both in short and long terms. CONCLUSIONS SIRI was independently associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, and the dose-response relationship was J-shaped. SIRI might serve as a valid predictor for all-cause and CVD mortality both in the short and long terms.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of bear bile powder (BBP) on acute lung injury (ALI) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The chemical constituents of BBP were analyzed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). After 7 days of adaptive feeding, 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups by a random number table (n=10): normal control (NC), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dexamethasone (Dex), low-, and high-dose BBP groups. The dosing cycle was 9 days. On the 12th and 14th days, 20 µL of Staphylococcus aureus solution (bacterial concentration of 1 × 10^-7 CFU/mL) was given by nasal drip after 1 h of intragastric administration, and the mice in the NC group was given the same dose of phosphated buffered saline (PBS) solution. On the 16th day, after 1 h intragastric administration, 100 µL of LPS solution (1 mg/mL) was given by tracheal intubation, and the same dose of PBS solution was given to the NC group. Lung tissue was obtained to measure the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the lung wet/dry weight ratio and expressions of CD14 and other related proteins. The lower lobe of the right lung was obtained for pathological examination. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α ) and IL-1β in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the number of neutrophils was counted. The colonic contents of the mice were analyzed by 16 sRNA technique and the contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). RESULTS: UPLC-MS revealed that the chemical components of BBP samples were mainly tauroursodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid sodium salt. BBP reduced the activity of MPO, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the expression of CD14 protein, thus suppressing the activation of NF-κB pathway (P<0.05). The lung histopathological results indicated that BBP significantly reduced the degree of neutrophil infiltration, cell shedding, necrosis, and alveolar cavity depression. Moreover, BBP effectively regulated the composition of the intestinal microflora and increased the production of SCFAs, which contributed to its treatment effect (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BBP alleviates lung injury in ALI mouse through inhibiting activation of NF-κB pathway and decreasing expression of CD14 protein. BBP may promote recovery of ALI by improving the structure of intestinal flora and enhancing metabolic function of intestinal flora.
Animals ; Acute Lung Injury/pathology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Ursidae ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Bile/chemistry* ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors/metabolism* ; Powders ; Male ; Lung/drug effects* ; Mice ; Peroxidase/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cytokines/metabolism*