Irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment， including syndrome distribution， development of TCM formulas， clinical efficacy evaluation， external therapies， and psychosocial regulation. However， it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria， and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment， combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture， moxibustion and acupoint application）， and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies， artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas， so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.

Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) gene polymorphisms with the risk and clinicopathological characteristics of Crohn's disease (CD) and the influence of miRNA gene variants on the response to ustekinumab (UST) treatment among CD patients. METHODS: From January 2018 to February 2025, 312 patients diagnosed with CD and 527 gender- and age-matched normal controls were selected as the study subjects at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Genotypes of miR-155 (rs767649), miR-21 (rs13137), miR-124 (rs531564) and miR-146a (rs57095329, rs2431697) were determined with multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) technique. The patients were divided into different subgroups according to the Montreal Classification Criteria for CD. Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and simplified endoscopic score for CD were respectively applied to assess the clinical and endoscopic disease activity of CD. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups, as well as their influence on the clinicopathological characteristics of CD patients. Among them, 185 CD patients received first-line UST treatment, with the first sufficient dose of UST (6 mg/kg) administered intravenously. Based on the changes in HBI at week 8, the response of patients to UST treatment was evaluated. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between clinically responsive group (the decline of HBI ≥ 3 scores compared to week 0) and non-responsive group. All of the P values were adjusted by Bonferroni correction. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: 2025-K-12-01). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The variant genotype (TC+CC) of rs2431697 was more common among patients with terminal ileal-type and ileocolic-type CD than those with the colonic-type CD (OR = 4.98, 95%CI: 1.49~16.68, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045). However, the opposite conclusion was drawn for the homozygous variant genotype (TT) of rs13137 and variant genotype (GC+CC) of rs531564 (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.18~0.76, P = 0.007, adjusted P = 0.035; OR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.18~0.73, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). Compared to patients with non-stricturing and penetrating CD, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common in those with stricturing and penetrating CD (OR = 4.06, 95%CI: 2.46~6.71, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 2.06~4.73, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). However, the frequencies of variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 were lower among patients with stricturing and penetrating CD than in those without (OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15~0.41, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.33~0.63, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). Additionally, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common among those with moderately to severely endoscopic activity than those with mildly endoscopic activity (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.19~3.42, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045; OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28~3.25, P = 0.003, adjusted P = 0.015). In total 117 cases had shown clinical response by week 8, while 68 cases showed no response. Compared with t he clinically non-responsive group, the variant genotype (TC+CC) and variant allele (C) of rs2431697 were more common in the clinically responsive group (OR = 3.86, 95%CI: 1.80~8.32, P = 0.001, adjusted P = 0.005; OR = 2.60, 95%CI: 1.34~5.06, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025). However, the variant genotype (TA+AA) of rs767649 was less frequent in the clinically responsive group than the non-responsive group (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21~0.74, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). The same conclusion was drawn for the variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 when the clinically responsive group was compared with the non-responsive group (OR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.14~0.63, P = 0.002, adjusted P = 0.010; OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.35~0.82, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025). CONCLUSION Genetic polymorphisms of miRNAs are not associated with the risk of developing CD. The miR-146a (rs57095329) variant may increase the endoscopic activity of CD and the risk for stenosis or penetration. However, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the risk of ileal involvement. The miR-21 (rs13137) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement and the risk of stenosis or penetration. The miR-124 (rs531564) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement. Among patients receiving UST treatment, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the clinical response by week 8. However, both the miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-21 (rs13137) variants may decrease the clinical response by week 8.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Crohn Disease/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Middle Aged ; Asian People/genetics* ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Young Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Adolescent ; East Asian People

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.

Lung cancer constitutes the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China. Approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses correspond to the non-small cell histological subtype [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Despite surgery being the mainstay for early-stage disease, postoperative recurrence remains high and adjuvant chemotherapy offers limited benefit. In recent years, targeted therapy has demonstrated substantial advantages in driver mutation-positive NSCLC. To this end, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association developed guidelines based on a systematic review of evidence through November 2025, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach and a modified Delphi method. Focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and addressing ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping, the guideline covers molecular testing, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, perioperative strategies, minimal residual disease monitoring, and postoperative surveillance. It defines testing requirements, specifies stage-directed and subtype-specific treatments, and standardizes minimal residual disease monitoring. These recommendations emphasize precision and feasibility to improve survival and quality of life.

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules （CXG） in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model， Fufang Banmao （0.21 g·kg^-1）， low-dose （1.87 g·kg^-1） CXG， medium-dose （3.74 g·kg^-1） CXG， and high-dose （7.49 g·kg^-1） CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days， and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations （0， 31.25， 62.5， 125， 250， 500， 1 000 mg·L^-1） of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM， DCFH-DA， and C11-BODIPY^581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion （Fe²⁺）， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and lipid peroxide （LPO）， respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione （GSH） and superoxide dismutase （SOD）. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， transferrin receptor 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment， compared with the model group， the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 （P<0.01）. After treatment， the Fufang Banmao and low-， medium-， and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume， relative tumor volume， and tumor weight than the model group （P<0.05）， with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%， 79.93%， 91.38%， and 97.36%， respectively. Moreover， the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume （P<0.05 in all the three dose groups） and lower tumor weight （P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups） than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group， the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells， necrotic foci with karyopyknosis， nuclear fragmentation， and nucleolysis， and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment， compared with the blank group， CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the RSL3 group and the low-， medium-， and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY^581/591， which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe²⁺ （P<0.01）， ROS （P<0.05）， and LPO （P<0.01）， respectively. Compared with the blank group， the RSL3 and low-， medium-， and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD （P<0.05）. In addition， the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 （P<0.05）， and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 （P<0.05）. ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe²⁺and LPO levels.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of specific IgE antibodies against Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus in serum samples from clinical allergy patients across selected provinces in China.Methods Data on specific IgE antibodies for Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.were collected from 20 hospital laboratories in 17 cities spanning 11 provinces.The study analyzed the levels of specific IgE and their variations across different provinces and seasons.Results A total of 27 471 cases of Alternaria A.and 32 843 cases of Aspergillus F.specific IgE data were included.The national average positive rate of Alternaria A.IgE was 10.40%,with the highest rate of 22.68%in Jiangsu and the lowest rate of 2.06%in Guangxi.For Aspergillus F.specific IgE,the average positive rate was 4.24%,with Hubei province having the highest rate(7.25%)and Hunan province the lowest(1.23%).The difference in IgE levels for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.among provinces were statistically significant(H=9 955,16 993,all P<0.0001).Among patients,5.85%had Alternaria A.specific IgE levels at grade 3 or above,while only 0.57%had Aspergillus F.specific IgE levels at this level.When examining seasonal variations using data from Liaoning,Hunan and Anhui provinces,significant seasonal changes were observed for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.IgE antibodies(HAlternaria A=347.6,338.0,401.3,HAspergillus F=196.6,133.7,231.7,all P<0.0001).Conclusion The sensitization to Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.exhibits distinct geographical characteristics and vary significantly with seasons.Given the relatively high IgE levels associated with Alternaria A.,it should be given adequate clinical attention.

Objective:To investigate the impact of body composition and inflammatory nutritional indicators on postoperative complications in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer,and to develop and validate a nomogram model.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 293 patients with obstructive colorectal cancer who were treated at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery,the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University,between January 2016 and January 2024,were retrospectively collected. The cohort included 182 males and 111 females,aged (65.0±12.1) years (range: 18 to 80 years). The dataset was randomly divided into a training group ( n=196) and a validation group ( n=97) with a 7∶3 ratio. Independent sample t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to identify independent risk factors associated with postoperative complications in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. A preoperative nomogram model was subsequently developed for predicting postoperative complications,which was further validated using a validation cohort. Results:The training group comprised 119 males and 77 females,with 68 cases experiencing postoperative complications and 128 cases without complications. The validation group included 63 males and 34 females,with 30 cases experiencing postoperative complications and 67 cases without complications.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis revealed that low skeletal muscle index ( OR=0.867,95% CI: 0.795 to 0.947),high visceral fat index ( OR=1.058,95% CI: 1.028 to 1.089),high systemic immune inflammation index ( OR=1.002, 95% CI: 1.000 to 1.003), low prognostic nutritional index ( OR=0.847,95% CI: 0.782 to 0.917),and preoperative anemia ( OR=2.714,95% CI: 1.161 to 6.344) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications (all P<0.05). A nomogram prediction model based on these five indicators was established. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the prediction model was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.829 to 0.928) in the training group and 0.849 (95% CI:0.767 to 0.930) in the validation group. Conclusions:The preoperative nomogram model,which incorporates inflammatory and nutritional indicators,demonstrates a good accuracy in predicting postoperative complications for patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. This model can effectively assist in guiding treatment decisions.

Objective:To investigate the current status of life stress and hypertension among couples of childbearing age across diverse economic regions in China, and to explore relevant influencing factors.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study, with subjects from the “Research on the standardized system of comprehensive prevention and control of birth defects based on preconception-prenatal-postnatal whole chain”. From February to May 2021, urban and rural couples of childbearing age (18-49 years old) from Beijing, Henan, and Gansu provinces were enrolled, representing the eastern, central, and western regions of China, respectively. The detection rate, cognition and control of hypertension in the general population, as well as the detection rate of hypertension in different genders and regions were analyzed. Subjects were divided into hypertensive group and non-hypertensive group based on whether their blood pressure was≥140/90 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and the general clinical data of the two groups were compared. Subjects were also divided into prehypertension and hypertension group and normal blood pressure group based on whether their blood pressure was≥130/80 mmHg, and the general clinical data of the two groups were compared, with subgroup analyses conducted by gender. Multifactorial logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with prehypertension and hypertension in both males and females.Results:A total of 1 942 couples of childbearing age, comprising 3 884 individuals, aged (29.8±5.2) years were enrolled, with 1 942 males (50.0%). The overall hypertension detection rate was 6.3% (246/3 884), with a detection rate of 10.5% (203/1 942) in males and 2.2% (43/1 942) in females. The hypertension detection rates in Beijing, Henan, and Gansu were 6.2% (92/1 482), 11.6% (139/1 200), and 1.2% (15/1 202), respectively. The overall detection rate of prehypertension and hypertension was 40.5% (1 574/3 884). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that life pressure factors had no effect on female blood pressure levels ( P>0.05), while a significant or high level of life/work pressure was a risk factor for prehypertension and hypertension in males ( OR=2.30, 95% CI 1.06-4.99, P<0.05). Conclusion:The detection rate of prehypertension and hypertension among young couples of childbearing age in China is high, with poor awareness and control of hypertension. There are sex differences in the relationship between life pressure and blood pressure levels. Comprehensive consideration of individual living environments and mental health factors is crucial in blood pressure management. Measures to reduce life stress and enhance mental resilience should be implemented to address this public health issue.

Objective:To explore the correlation between the expression of fucosylated proteins in colonic epithelium (abbreviated as colonic fucosylation level) and the clinical efficacy of ustekinumab (UST) in patients with Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From January 2022 to November 2023, CD patients who were hospitalized at Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University and received the treatment of UST ≥24 weeks (CD group) and patients with colon polyps (colon polyps control group) were retrospectively enrolled. Baseline data of the patients were collected. Harvey-Bradshaw index for Crohn′s disease (HBI) and simple endoscopic score for Crohn′s disease (SES-CD) were applied to assess clinical and endoscopic disease activities, respectively. The colonic fucosylation level was detected by immunofluorescence staining in the CD group at weeks 0 and 24 after UST treatment and at diagnosis in the colon polyps control group (baseline). The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) were also assessed. A linear regression model was performed to analyze the correlation between the baseline colonic fucosylation levels and the clinical characteristics in CD patients. At week 24, the clinical efficacy of UST treatment was evaluated, clinical remission was defined as HBI ≤4, biological remission was defined as CRP<5 mg/L and(or) FC≤250 μg/g, and mucosal healing was defined as SES-CD≤2.Based on the efficacy of UST treatment, the CD group was further divided into clinical remission subgroup and clinical non-remission subgroup, biological remission subgroup and biological non-remission subgroup, and mucosal healing subgroup and mucosal non-healing subgroup. The differences in colonic fucosylation level between the subgroups were compared. Multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the impacts of the baseline clinical characteristics on clinical efficacy at week 24 of UST treatment in the CD group. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon matched-pair test were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 60 patients in the CD group and 72 patients in the colon polyps control group were enrolled. The baseline colonic fucosylation level of CD group was lower than that of the colon polyps control group (25.81 (15.55, 29.70) vs. 29.57 (27.32, 32.96)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-5.02, P<0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the baseline colonic fucosylation level of the CD group was negatively correlated with the baseline FC level ( β=-13.80, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -20.59 to -7.00, P<0.001). The colonic fucosylation level at week 24 of the CD group was higher than that at week 0 (28.53 (24.54, 32.32) vs. 25.81 (15.55, 29.70)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=4.75, P<0.001). The colonic fucosylation levels at week 24 of the clinical remission subgroup, the biological remission subgroup, and the mucosal healing subgroup were higher than those of the clinical non-remission subgroup, the biological non-remission subgroup, and the mucosal non-healing subgroup, respectively (29.1 (27.9, 33.0) vs. 19.6 (16.3, 31.9), 29.5 (27.3, 33.0) vs. 19.6 (17.5, 27.5), 29.6 (28.4, 33.0) vs. 23.4 (17.5, 28.4)), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=3.35, 3.78, 4.63; all P<0.001). The results of multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline colonic fucosylation level was the independent influencing factor of the rate of clinical remission, biological remission and mucosal healing at week 24 after UST treatment in the CD group ( OR=1.30 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.61), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.52), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.16 to 2.12); P=0.018, 0.037 and 0.003). Conclusion:The baseline level of colonic fucosylation in CD patients is correlated with the clinical efficacy at week 24 of UST treatment, suggesting its potential utility in predicting the efficacy of UST treatment in CD patients.