Automated machine learning for the identification of asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers based on chest CT images.

Background: Asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers with normal chest computed tomography (CT) scans have perpetuated the ongoing pandemic of this disease. This retrospective study aimed to use automated machine learning (AutoML) to develop a prediction model based on CT characteristics for the identification of asymptomatic carriers.

Methods: Asymptomatic carriers were from Yangzhou Third People's Hospital from August 1st, 2020, to March 31st, 2021, and the control group included a healthy population from a nonepizootic area with two negative RT‒PCR results within 48 h.

Protocol for determining protein dynamics using FT-IR spectroscopy.

In biological systems, protein function depends on spatial and temporal changes known as protein dynamics, which can be probed by amide hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange. Here, we present a protocol for determining protein dynamics by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. We describe steps for protein sample preparation and FT-IR spectra collection.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of ADC combination for triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Currently, standard treatment options for TNBC are limited to surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these treatment methods are associated with a higher risk of intrinsic or acquired recurrence.

Value of Laboratory Indicators in Predicting Pneumonia in Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients Infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant.

Background: The pathogenicity of Omicron is different from that of the previous strains. The value of hematological indicators in patients at high risk of Omicron infection remains unclear. We need rapid, inexpensive and widely available biomarkers to guide the early detection of people at risk of pneumonia and to provide early intervention.

Mental health symptoms and sleep quality of asymptomatic/mild SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals during the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai China.

Objective: To investigate mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, and sleep status) and their associated factors among people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant during the quarantine period in Shanghai.

Methods: To investigate the mental health symptoms among participants with SARS-CoV-2 omicron infection, an anonymous online survey questionnaire was used. The survey panel included the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 22-item Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS).

Chemodrug-gated mesoporous nanoplatform for new near-infrared light controlled drug release and synergistic chemophotothermal therapy of tumours.

Controlled drug release and synergistic therapies have an important impact on improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer theranostics. Herein, a new near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled multi-functional nanoplatform (GNR@mSiO-DOX/PFP@PDA) was developed for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumours. In this nano-system, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and perfluoro--pentane (PFP) were loaded into the channels of mesoporous SiO simultaneously as a first step.

Clinical characteristics and image features of pulmonary cryptococcosis: a retrospective analysis of 50 cases in a Chinese hospital.

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of pulmonary cryptococcosis, and discuss its guidance in diagnosing.

Methods: The clinical data of patients diagnosed with cryptococcosis in our hospital from January 2014 to May 2020 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the immunocompromised group and the immunocompetent group.

Laser ablative TiO and tremella-like CuInS nanocomposites for robust and ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical sensing of let-7a.

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor based on a multiple signal amplification strategy was established for highly sensitive detection of microRNA (miRNA). TiO was prepared on the surface of titanium sheet by laser etching to improve its stability and photoelectrical properties, and CuInS-sensitized TiO was used to form a superior photoelectrical layer, which realized the initial signal amplification. The electron donor dopamine (DA) was modified to H2 as a signal regulator, which effectively increased the photocurrent signal.

Engineering Near-Infrared-Excitable Metal-Organic Framework for Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Therapy.

Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which incorporate some guest luminescent molecules/ions into MOFs, have attracted extensive attention because of their exceptional optical properties. However, traditional luminescent MOFs are mainly responsive to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light, which has limited their bioapplications due to the restrained tissue penetration depths. In this study, we have constructed a diagnostic nanoplatform UCNP@MOF consisting of upconverting metal-organic frameworks, which combine the photo-upconverting characteristics of the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with the unique physicochemical properties of Al-MOFs.

The effect of Tai Chi on the pulmonary rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The effectiveness of Tai Chi for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) so far is unclear. The present systematic review aimed to determine the influence of Tai Chi among people with COPD.

Methods: We searched six electronic databases for relevant studies in September, 2019.

The effect of coagulation factors in 2019 novel coronavirus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The role of coagulation dysfunction in Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is inconsistent. We aimed to explore the impact of coagulation dysfunction amongst patients with COVID-19.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases from December 1, 2019 to April 27, 2020 following Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines.

Clinical risk factors for mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: New evidence from retrospective cohort studies on risk of death from COVID-19 infection became available. We aimed to systematically review the clinical risk factors for fatal outcome of COVID-19.

Methods: We performed meta-analysis, using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from December 1 2019 to June 10 2020.

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 and cigarette smoke induces the synthesis of lipid droplets by glycerol kinase 5.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) and cigarette smoke exposure are leading factors contributing to various diseases, especially respiratory diseases. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of PM2.

Paper-Based Bipolar Electrode Electrochemiluminescence Platform for Detection of Multiple miRNAs.

This paper introduces a novel potential-resolved paper-based biosensor for simultaneous detection of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) (taking miRNA-155 and miRNA-126 as examples) based on the bipolar electrode (BPE) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) strategy. The proposed multiple-channel paper-based sensing microfluidic platform was prepared by wax-printing technology, screen-printing method, and in situ Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) growth to form hydrophilic areas, hydrophobic boundaries, waterproof electronic bridge, driving electrode regions, and parallel bipolar electrode regions. CdTe quantum dots (QDs)-H2 and Au@g-CN nanosheets (NSs)-DNA1 were used as dual electrochemiluminescence signal probes, and carboxylated FeO magnetic nanoparticles existed as carriers.

Ultrasensitive sandwich-like electrochemical biosensor based on core-shell Pt@CeO as signal tags and double molecular recognition for cerebral dopamine detection.

In this report, 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (MBA) and dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate) (DSP) were used as DA molecular recognizer, which bounded onto the prepared Pt@CeO nanomaterial and the electrode surface. A sandwich-like electrochemical biosensor was constructed for sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) based on double molecular recognition and Pt@CeO (MBA-DSP- Pt@CeO) as an electrochemical probe for signal amplification. It is worth noting that the diol and amine groups of DA were reacted by the boronic acid of MBA and the succinimide residue of DSP, respectively.

Efficiency of High-Flow Nasal Cannula on Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: The clinical benefit of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on factors related to pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed at synthesizing the available evidence on the efficacy of HFNC on exercise capacity, lung function, and other factors related to pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.

Methods: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science) were searched for randomized trials comparing with conventional oxygen therapy (COT) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

AgInSe-Sensitized ZnO Nanoflower Wide-Spectrum Response Photoelectrochemical/Visual Sensing Platform via Au@Nanorod-Anchored CeO Octahedron Regulated Signal.

Herein an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC)/visual biosensor coupled with a multiple signal amplification strategy was proposed for the detection of nucleic acids. The initial signal amplification was achieved via ternary AgInSe quantum dot (QD)-sensitized ZnO nanoflowers (ZnO NFs) to form an excellent photoelectric layer. A gold-modified nanorod-anchored CeO (Au@NR-CeO) octahedron was introduced as a multifunctional signal regulator via the formation of triple helix molecules.

Heterozygous SOD2 deletion deteriorated chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced lung inflammation and vascular remodeling through mtROS-NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Oxidative stress caused by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Among the first line of defense against oxidative stress is the dismutation of superoxide radicals, which in the mitochondria is carried out by manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2). In this study, wild-type (WT) and SOD2-heterozygous knockout (SOD2) mice were exposed to CIH or normoxic (Nor) conditions.

SOD2 ameliorates pulmonary hypertension in a murine model of sleep apnea via suppressing expression of NLRP3 in CD11b cells.

Background: High prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) population suggests that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is an important pathogenic factor of PH. However, the exact mechanism of CIH induced PH is not clear. One of the molecules that plays a key role in regulating pulmonary artery function under hypoxic conditions is superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD).

Activation of the IL-4/STAT6 Signaling Pathway Promotes Lung Cancer Progression by Increasing M2 Myeloid Cells.

Emerging evidence shows that signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) plays critical roles in tumor development. We previously found high-level expression of STAT6 in human lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, specifically in infiltrated immune cells located in the lung interstitium. Nevertheless, the role of STAT6 signaling in lung carcinogenesis and lung cancer proliferation and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Paper-based closed Au-Bipolar electrode electrochemiluminescence sensing platform for the detection of miRNA-155.

This paper introduces a paper-based closed Au-bipolar electrode (BPE) biosensing system for the rapid and sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of miRNA-155. This microfluidic paper-based sensing platform is formed by wax-printing technology, screen printing method and in-situ Au nanoparticles (NPs) growth to form hydrophilic cells, hydrophobic boundaries, water proof electronic bridge, driving electrode regions and bipolar electrode regions. For rapid and sensitive detection, the cathode of bipolar electrode was modified with the prepared DNA (S1)-AuPd NPs by hybridization chain reaction, in which the target could initiate multiple cycles reaction to load more AuPd NPs which catalyzed HO reduction.

2-Methoxyestradiol attenuates chronic-intermittent-hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension through regulating microRNA-223.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome, and coexistence of PH and OSA indicates a worse prognosis and higher mortality. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the key pathogenesis of OSA. Also, microRNA-223 (miR-223) plays a role in the regulation of CIH-induced PH process.

Activation of SIRT1 ameliorates LPS-induced lung injury in mice via decreasing endothelial tight junction permeability.

The integrity of the endothelial barrier is a determinant of the prognosis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). In this study, we investigated whether and how Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) maintained the vascular integrity during ALI. An experimental model of ALI was established in mice through intratracheal administration of LPS (10 mg/kg).

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in asthma patients: a prospective study based on Berlin and STOP-Bang questionnaires.

Background: The bidirectional relationship of asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been confirmed in recent years. However, in the clinical practice, majority of asthma patients did not pay adequate attention to their sleep apnea condition. Berlin questionnaire (BQ) and STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) are two most common OSA screening questionnaires to screen high-risk patients for OSA.