Objective:To explore the latent classes of fatigue trajectories and influencing factors in elderly patients with chronic pneumonia.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to select 188 elderly patients with chronic pneumonia admitted to the Department of Geriatrics at Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. General Data Questionnaires, Nutrition Risk Screening 2002, Athens Insomnia Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Community Commitment Scale, and Fatigue Scale were used to assess the patients. Patients were followed up for fatigue Scale at the time of consultation (T0) , and at the third (T1) and sixth (T2) months after consultation. Latent class growth analysis was used to model the trajectory of fatigue changes in elderly patients with chronic pneumonia.Results:A total of 188 questionnaires were distributed, with 165 valid responses, yielding an effective response rate of 87.8% (165/188) . The Fatigue Scale scores at T0, T1, and T2 were (4.63±1.74) , (5.54±1.90) , and (7.82±2.84) , respectively. The fatigue trajectories could be classified into three latent classes: low fatigue-slow increase group (74.5%, 123/165) , low fatigue-worsening group (10.3%, 17/165) , and high fatigue-slow increase group (15.2%, 25/165) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking index, number of chronic diseases, sleep, anxiety, and duration of cough and sputum were significant influencing factors for the fatigue trajectory in elderly patients with chronic pneumonia ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Fatigue trajectories in elderly patients with chronic pneumonia exhibit group heterogeneity. Healthcare providers should develop targeted nursing measures based on different trajectory classes to alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life.

Objective:To develop a camelid single-domain antibody (SdAb) recognizing linear B-cell epitopes in glutamate dehydrogenase of Clostridium difficile(CD-GDH), and to apply it in Western blot and ELISA. Methods:Purified recombinant CD-GDH was used as bait to screen phage-displayed camelid SdAb library and obtain positive clones. Then those clones were confirmed by Western blot, and their variable domain of heavy chain of heavy chain antibody(VHH) nucleotide sequence were determined. The VHH sequence was synthesized after codon optimization and cloned into the expression vector pET28a. The SdAb was then expressed and purified, and its ability to detect CD-GDH protein in multiple assays was further explored.Results:Six positive clones were obtained, among which clone GA4 was chosen for recombinant expression in Escherichia coli and further purification. The purified GA4 binded well with CD-GDH with a Kd value of 3 nmol/L. In Western blot and ELISA, GA4 was proven to be able to selectively detect both recombinant and endogenous CD-GDH. Conclusions:A camelid SdAb targeting a linear B-cell epitope in CD-GDH is successfully developed, which provides a very useful tool for detecting CD-GDH.

BACKGROUND: To date, results on relationship between CYP3A4 gene polymorphism were limited and inconclusive, and no study focused on the influence of CYP3A4 gene-obesity interaction on breast cancer risk, especially in Chinese women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP3A4 gene, the SNP-SNP and gene-environment interactions on the susceptibility to breast cancer in Chinese women. METHODS: Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between four SNPs of CYP3A4 gene and the risk of breast cancer. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best SNP-SNP and gene-abdominal obesity interaction combinations among four SNPs and abdominal obesity. Haplotype examination among 4 SNPs was conducted using the SHEsis web-based platform. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that carriers of rs2242480- T allele have significantly higher breast cancer risk, than those with rs2242480- CC genotype, adjusted OR (95%CI) was 1.68 (1.23-2.16) and 2.03 (1.53-2.58) for participants with CT genotype and TT genotype under additive model. We did not find any notable interactions between the four SNPs within the CYP3A4 gene. GMDR model found a significant association in a two-locus model involving rs2242480 and obesity, with a p-value of 0.018. Stratified analysis found that breast cancer risk was the highest in obese participants with rs2242480- CT or TT genotype, compared to those non-obese participants with rs2242480- CC genotype, OR (95%CI) was 3.02 (1.83-4.25). We found that all haplotype combinations were not correlated with breast cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS We found that the T allele of rs2242480 within the CYP3A4 gene and interaction between rs2242480 and obesity were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the results of this study were only applicable to the Han ethnic group and cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups in China, and more SNPs of CYP3A4 gene should been enrolled in the analysis in the future, to verify the results obtained in this study.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Breast Neoplasms/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A/metabolism* ; Gene-Environment Interaction ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Haplotypes ; Obesity/epidemiology* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; East Asian People

(+)-Borneol, the main component of "Natural Borneol" in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is a high-end spice and precious medicine. Plant extraction cannot meet the increasing demand for (+)-borneol, while microbial biosynthesis offers a sustainable supply route. However, its production was extremely low compared with other monoterpenes, even with extensively optimizing the mevalonate pathway. We found that the key challenge is the complex and unusual dephosphorylation reaction of bornyl diphosphate (BPP), which suffers the side-reaction and the competition from the cellular dephosphorylation process, especially lipid metabolism, thus limiting (+)-borneol synthesis. Here, we systematically optimized the dephosphorylation process by identifying, characterizing phosphatases, and balancing cellular dephosphorylation metabolism. For the first time, we identified two endogenous phosphatases and seven heterologous phosphatases, which significantly increased (+)-borneol production by up to 152%. By engineering BPP dephosphorylation and optimizing the MVA pathway, the production of (+)-borneol was increased by 33.8-fold, which enabled the production of 753 mg/L under fed-batch fermentation in shake flasks, so far the highest reported in the literature. This study showed that rewiring dephosphorylation metabolism was essential for high-level production of (+)-borneol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and balancing cellular dephosphorylation is also helpful for efficient biosynthesis of other terpenoids since all whose biosynthesis involves the dephosphorylation procedure.

Objective To investigate the impact of a multi-dimensional nursing intervention model on the quality of life and complications of patients undergoing hemofiltration in the intensive care unit(ICU).Methods A total of 100 patients who underwent hemofiltration and were admitted to the department of intensive care medicine of Armed Police Special Medical Center from June 2021 to June 2023 were enrolled as study objectives.Based on nursing methods,the patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group,with 50 cases in each group.The control group received routine nursing intervention,while the experimental group received multi-dimensional nursing intervention.The differences between the two groups were compared in terms of anxiety and depression,sleep quality,quality of life,nursing satisfaction,and incidence of adverse reactions.Results After receiving nursing care,the self-rating depression scale(SDS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score of both groups were significantly lower than those before nursing,while the generic quality of life inventory-74(GQOLI-74)score was significantly higher than before nursing.Moreover,the experimental group showed significantly lower SDS,SAS,and PSQI scores than the control group(SDS score:34.24±4.19 vs.40.24±4.43,SAS score:41.20±4.33 vs.50.10±5.02,PSQI score:sleep quality was 0.90±0.23 vs.1.55±0.51,sleep latency was 0.47±0.20 vs.0.83±0.34,sleep duration was 1.03±0.21 vs.1.78±0.55,sleep efficiency was 0.73±0.23 vs.1.12±0.21,all P<0.05).The GQOLI-74 scores in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group(somatic function was 64.34±6.93 vs.52.33±5.83,psychological function was 60.24±5.34 vs.54.29±5.88,material life was 64.22±6.24 vs.53.18±5.13,social function was 63.54±5.19 vs.54.10±4.24,all P<0.05).Nursing satisfaction in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group[98.00%(49/50)vs.78.00%(39/50),P<0.05],and the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower[6.00%(3/50)vs.22.00%(11/50),P<0.05].Conclusion Implementing a multidimensional nursing intervention for ICU patients undergoing hemofiltration can achieve favorable nursing outcomes.It not only helps reduce the incidence of related complications but also effectively improves patients'quality of life and enhances their satisfaction.

Objective To investigate the efficacy,safety and operation time of ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol injection chemical ablation through 17 G coaxial needle for predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.Methods The clinical data of 176 patients with predominantly cystic thyroid nodules,who received ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol injection chemical ablation at authors'hospital from January 2020 to June 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.Of the 176 patients,20 mL syringe needle was used in 96(control group)and 17 G coaxial needle was used in 80(study group).The clinical safety,efficacy,and operation time were compared between the two groups.Results After the chemical ablation therapy,the volume of thyroid nodules was obviously decreased in both groups,but the difference in the volume reduction ratio(VRR)between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The incidence of complications and the operation time in the study group were remarkably lower than those in the control group(both P＜0.05).Conclusion In treating predominantly cystic thyroid nodules with ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol injection chemical ablation,the use of 17 G coaxial needle is superior to the use of 20 mL syringe needle in reducing the incidence of complications and in shortening the operation time,therefore,this technique is suitable for beginners to adopt.

Carotid artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can influence plaque formation and progression. Recently, carotid artery PVAT density has emerged as a novel imaging biomarker being capable of reflecting local metabolic and inflammatory states of adipose tissue. It is closely associated with vulnerable plaque characteristics, such as intraplaque hemorrhage, thinning or rupture of the fibrous cap, lipid-rich necrotic core, and calcification. Therefore, carotid artery PVAT density holds promise as a key parameter for early identification of vulnerable carotid plaques and stroke risk prediction. This article reviews the definition and pathophysiological mechanism of PVAT and application of imaging techniques in PVAT, as well as the association between carotid artery PVAT density and vulnerable characteristics of plaques, with the aim of providing references for early identification of asymptomatic high-risk plaques and individualized prevention strategies of ischemic stroke.

Objective To investigate the awareness of female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction regarding minimally invasive laser treatment of the reproductive tract and analyze the factors influencing their decision-making intentions,this study aims to provide a foundation for early treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and further development in reproductive health management.Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to select 164 female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction who sought treatment at the Pelvic Rehabilitation Center of Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between June 2023 and August 2024.The study utilized the Female Sexual Function Index,Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire,and Family Support Self-Assessment Scale to conduct a survey.Binary logistic stepwise regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors influ-encing patients'inclination towards undergoing genital laser minimally invasive treatment.Results Among the 164 female patients,143(87.2%)expressed an intention to receive treatment,with 22.6%demonstrating a rela-tively clear understanding of genital laser minimally invasive treatment.Logistic regression analysis revealed that occupation significantly influenced treatment intention(P<0.05).Compared to healthcare professionals,individuals in the teaching profession(OR=10.81,95%CI:1.04～112.21),self-employed individuals(OR=20.34,95%CI:3.46～119.43),and those in other professions(OR=16.26,95%CI:4.05～65.29)were more inclined to express willingness for undergoing treatment.Furthermore,a lower score on the Incontinence Quality of Life scale was found to positively correlate with treatment intention(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93～0.99).Conclusion Although patients express a high intention to undergo minimally invasive genital laser treatment,their overall awareness of the procedure remains insufficient.

Objective To investigate the awareness of female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction regarding minimally invasive laser treatment of the reproductive tract and analyze the factors influencing their decision-making intentions,this study aims to provide a foundation for early treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and further development in reproductive health management.Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to select 164 female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction who sought treatment at the Pelvic Rehabilitation Center of Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between June 2023 and August 2024.The study utilized the Female Sexual Function Index,Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire,and Family Support Self-Assessment Scale to conduct a survey.Binary logistic stepwise regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors influ-encing patients'inclination towards undergoing genital laser minimally invasive treatment.Results Among the 164 female patients,143(87.2%)expressed an intention to receive treatment,with 22.6%demonstrating a rela-tively clear understanding of genital laser minimally invasive treatment.Logistic regression analysis revealed that occupation significantly influenced treatment intention(P<0.05).Compared to healthcare professionals,individuals in the teaching profession(OR=10.81,95%CI:1.04～112.21),self-employed individuals(OR=20.34,95%CI:3.46～119.43),and those in other professions(OR=16.26,95%CI:4.05～65.29)were more inclined to express willingness for undergoing treatment.Furthermore,a lower score on the Incontinence Quality of Life scale was found to positively correlate with treatment intention(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93～0.99).Conclusion Although patients express a high intention to undergo minimally invasive genital laser treatment,their overall awareness of the procedure remains insufficient.