ObjectiveTo predict the in-hospital mortality risk among patients with ischemic stroke combined by dysphagia using interpretable machine learning methods, so as to provide more evidence-based support for the prognosis prediction of patients with ischemic stroke combined by dysphagia. MethodsMedical record of 308 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke combined by dysphagia in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Ⅳ (MIMIC-Ⅳ) (2.0) in the United States were retrospectively analyzed. Features of the research data were screened based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and which were randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 7∶3. Then ten models, including logistic regression, random forest, K-nearest neighbor, linear discriminant analysis, naive bayes (NB), neural network, quadratic discriminant analysis, recursive partitioning tree, extreme gradient boosting tree, and support vector machine, etc. were constructed. The predictive effect was measured by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics. In addition, the calibration curve and Brier score were used to evaluate the calibration degree of the model, and the decision curve was drawn to reflect the clinical net benefit. The Shapley additive explanation method was used to analyze the interpretability of the black box model and explore the important decision-making factors. ResultsThe NB model in the test set showed better predictive ability compared with other models (AUC=0.85, 95%CI: 0.83‒0.88). After interpretability analysis, it was found that blood urea nitrogen (BUN), age, sequential organ failure assessment, bicarbonate, chloride, and hypertension were important risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with ischemic stroke combined by dysphagia. ConclusionThe comprehensive performance of the NB model is better than that of the other nine models in predicting the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with ischemic stroke combined by dysphagia. The interpretability of the model can help clinicians better understand the reasons behind the results and take further reasonable intervention measures for risk factors to improve the survival probability of patients.

Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis diffusa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the whole herb of H. diffusa and has been widely utilized in folk medicine. It possesses anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the frequently used herbs in TCM clinical practice. However, Shuixiancao(H. corymbosa) and Xianhuaercao(H. tenelliflora), species of the same genus, are often used as substitutes for Baihuasheshecao. To substantiate the medicinal basis of Baihuasheshecao, this study systematically reviewed classical herbal texts and modern literature, examining its nomenclature, botanical origin, harvesting, processing, properties, meridian tropism, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. The results indicate that Baihuasheshecao was initially recorded as "Shuixiancao" in Preface to the Indexes to the Great Chinese Botany(Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao). Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat description, it was identified as H. diffusa in the Rubiaceae family. Subsequent records predominantly refer to it as Baihuasheshecao as its official name. In most regions, Baihuasheshecao is recognized as the authentic medicinal material, distinct from Shuixiancao and Xianhuaercao. Baihuasheshecao is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and the dried whole plant, including its roots, is used medicinally. The standard processing method involves cutting. It is known for its effects in clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting diuresis to resolve abscesses. Initially, it was mainly used for treating appendicitis, intestinal abscesses, and venomous snake bites, and later, it became a treatment for cancer. The excavation of its clinical value followed a process in which overseas Chinese introduced the herb from Chinese folk medicine to other countries. After its unique anti-cancer effects were recognized abroad, it was reintroduced to China and gradually became a crucial TCM for cancer treatment. The findings of this study help clarify the historical and contemporary uses of Baihuasheshecao, providing literature support and a scientific basis for its rational development and precise clinical application.
Humans ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Hedyotis/classification* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between long-term glycemic control and cerebral infarction risk in patients with diabetes through a large-scale cohort study. METHODS: This prospective, community-based cohort study included 12,054 patients with diabetes. From 2006 to 2012, 38,272 fasting blood glucose (FBG) measurements were obtained from these participants. FBG trajectory patterns were generated using latent mixture modelling. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess the subsequent risk of cerebral infarction associated with different FBG trajectory patterns. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean age of the participants was 55.2 years. Four distinct FBG trajectories were identified based on FBG concentrations and their changes over the 6-year follow-up period. After a median follow-up of 6.9 years, 786 cerebral infarction events were recorded. Different trajectory patterns were associated with significantly varied outcome risks (Log-Rank P < 0.001). Compared with the low-stability group, Hazard Ratio ( HR) adjusted for potential confounders were 1.37 for the moderate-increasing group, 1.23 for the elevated-decreasing group, and 2.08 for the elevated-stable group. CONCLUSION Sustained high FBG levels were found to play a critical role in the development of ischemic stroke among patients with diabetes. Controlling FBG levels may reduce the risk of cerebral infarction.
Humans ; Cerebral Infarction/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; Fasting/blood* ; Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Diabetes Mellitus/blood* ; Adult ; Proportional Hazards Models

This paper explains the mechanism of the mutual switching between physiological sleep and wakefulness from the aspects of the sleep circadian system and the sleep homeostasis system. In the circadian rhythm system, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus as the core, the anatomical connections between the suprachiasmatic nucleusand various systems that affect sleep are summarized, starting from the suprachiasmatic nucleus, passing through the four pathways of the melatonin system, namely, subventricular area of the hypothalamus, the ventrolateral nucleus of the preoptic area, orexin neurons, and melatonin, then the related mechanisms of their regulation of sleep and wakefulness are expounded. In the sleep homeostasis system, with adenosine and prostaglandin D2 as targets, the role of hypnogen in sleep arousal mechanisms in regulation is also expounded.

Background::In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a transformative solution for infertility. However, achieving favorable live-birth outcomes remains challenging. Current clinical IVF practices in IVF involve the collection of heterogeneous embryo data through diverse methods, including static images and temporal videos. However, traditional embryo selection methods, primarily reliant on visual inspection of morphology, exhibit variability and are contingent on the experience of practitioners. Therefore, an automated system that can evaluate heterogeneous embryo data to predict the final outcomes of live births is highly desirable. Methods::We employed artificial intelligence (AI) for embryo morphological grading, blastocyst embryo selection, aneuploidy prediction, and final live-birth outcome prediction. We developed and validated the AI models using multitask learning for embryo morphological assessment, including pronucleus type on day 1 and the number of blastomeres, asymmetry, and fragmentation of blastomeres on day 3, using 19,201 embryo photographs from 8271 patients. A neural network was trained on embryo and clinical metadata to identify good-quality embryos for implantation on day 3 or day 5, and predict live-birth outcomes. Additionally, a 3D convolutional neural network was trained on 418 time-lapse videos of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)-based ploidy outcomes for the prediction of aneuploidy and consequent live-birth outcomes.Results::These two approaches enabled us to automatically assess the implantation potential. By combining embryo and maternal metrics in an ensemble AI model, we evaluated live-birth outcomes in a prospective cohort that achieved higher accuracy than experienced embryologists (46.1% vs. 30.7% on day 3, 55.0% vs. 40.7% on day 5). Our results demonstrate the potential for AI-based selection of embryos based on characteristics beyond the observational abilities of human clinicians (area under the curve: 0.769, 95% confidence interval: 0.709–0.820). These findings could potentially provide a noninvasive, high-throughput, and low-cost screening tool to facilitate embryo selection and achieve better outcomes. Conclusions::Our study underscores the AI model’s ability to provide interpretable evidence for clinicians in assisted reproduction, highlighting its potential as a noninvasive, efficient, and cost-effective tool for improved embryo selection and enhanced IVF outcomes. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and reproductive medicine has opened new avenues for addressing infertility challenges and optimizing IVF success rates.

Nitazoxanide is an FDA-approved antiprotozoal drug. Our previous study found that oral administration of nitazoxanide inhibited Western diet (WD)-induced hepatic steatosis in ApoE^-/- mice. However, the specific mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we performed an untargeted metabolomics approach to reveal the effect of nitazoxanide on the liver metabolic profiles in WD-fed ApoE^-/- mice, and carried out the cellular experiments to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. UPLC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis was used to investigate the effect of nitazoxanide on global metabolite changes in liver tissues. The differential metabolites were screened for enrichment analysis and pathway analysis. Hepatocytes were treated with tizoxanide, the metabolite of nitazoxanide, to investigate the underlying mechanism based on the findings in metabolomics study. The improvement of liver lipid metabolism disorders by nitazoxanide treatment in WD-fed ApoE^-/- mice was mainly through regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism, D-glutamine and glutamate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis metabolism. Tizoxanide, the active metabolite of nitazoxanide, increased glutathione (GSH) contents and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gcl-c) and glutathione reductase (Gsr) mRNA expressions in HepG2 cells. Tizoxanide increased cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) protein levels, inhibited lipid accumulation in hepatocytes induced by free fatty acid (FFA). Tizoxanide increased S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) protein levels in HepG2 cells and mouse primary liver cells stimulated with free fatty acid (FFA). Tizoxanide increased N-acetyl glutamate synthase (Nags) and carbamoylphosphate synthetase 1 (Cps1) mRNA expressions in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, nitazoxanide improves WD-induced hepatic steatosis in ApoE^-/- mice and the underlying mechanisms include increasing CBS expression, GSH content, PEMT protein expression, Nags and Cps1 mRNA expression in hepatocytes.

【Objective】 To establish an effective quality indicator monitoring system, scientifically and objectively evaluate the quality management level of blood banks, and achieve continuous improvement of quality management in blood bank. 【Methods】 A quality monitoring indicator system that covers the whole process of blood collection and supply was established, the questionnaire of Quality Monitoring Indicators for Blood Collection and Supply Process with clear definition of indicators and calculation formulas was distributed to 17 blood banks in Shandong. Statistical analysis of 21 quality monitoring indicators in terms of blood donation service (10 indicators), blood component preparation (7 indicators ), and blood supply (4 indicators) from each blood bank from January to December 2022 were conducted using SPSS25.0 software The differences in quality monitoring indicators of blood banks of different scales were analyzed. 【Results】 The average values of quality monitoring indicators for blood donation service process of 17 blood banks were as follows: 44.66% (2 233/5 000) of regular donors proportion, 0.22% (11/50) of adverse reactions incidence, 0.46% (23/5 000) of non-standard whole blood collection rate, 0.052% (13/25 000) of missed HBsAg screening rate, 99.42% (4 971/5 000) of first, puncture successful rate, 86.49% (173/200) of double platelet collection rate, 66.50% (133/200) of 400 mL whole blood collection rate, 99.25% (397/400) of donor satisfaction rate, 82.68% (2 067/2 500) of use rate of whole blood collection bags with bypass system with sample tube, and 1 case of occupational exposure in blood collection.There was a strong positive correlation between the proportion of regular blood donors and the collection rate of 400 mL whole blood (P<0.05). The platelet collection rate, incidence of adverse reactions to blood donation, and non-standard whole blood collection rate in large blood banks were significantly lower than those in medium and small blood banks (P<0.05). The average quality monitoring indicators for blood component preparation process of 17 blood banks were as follows: the leakage rate of blood component preparation bags was 0.03% (3/10 000), the discarding rate of lipemic blood was 3.05% (61/2 000), the discarding rate of hemolysis blood was 0.13%(13/10 000). 0.06 case had labeling errors, 8 bags had blood catheter leaks, 2.76 bags had blood puncture/connection leaks, and 0.59 cases had non-conforming consumables. The discarding rate of hemolysis blood of large blood banks was significantly lower than that of medium and small blood banks (P<0.05), and the discarding rate of lipemic blood of large and medium blood banks was significantly lower than that of small blood banks (P<0.05). The average values of quality monitoring indicators for blood supply process of 17 blood banks were as follows: the discarding rate of expired blood was 0.023% (23/100 000), the leakage rate during storage and distribution was of 0.009%(9/100 000), the discarding rate of returned blood was 0.106% (53/50 000), the service satisfaction of hospitals was 99.16% (2 479/2 500). The leakage rate of blood components during storage and distribution was statistically different with that of blood component preparation bags between different blood banks (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of regular blood donors, incidence of adverse reactions, non-standard whole blood collection rate, 400 mL whole blood collection rate, double platelet collection rate, the blood bag leakage rate during preparation process, the blood components leakage rate during storage and distribution as well as the discarding rate of lipemic blood, hemolysis blood, expired blood and returned blood among large, medium and small blood banks (all P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The establishment of a quality monitoring indicator system for blood donation services, blood component preparation and blood supply processes in Shandong has good applicability, feasibility and effectiveness. It can objectively evaluate the quality management level, facilitate the continuous improvement of the quality management system, promote the homogenization of blood management in the province and lay the foundation for future comprehensive evaluation of blood banks.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of Wumeiwan on oxidative stress injury of ulcerative colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)by regulating Kelch-like ECH related protein 1(Keap-1)-nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)signaling pathwayand.Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups:normal group,model group,positive control group,experimental-L,-H groups.UC mice model were induced by free access to 2％DSS water.Mice in normal and model group were orally administered with 0.9％NaCl,mice in positive control group were orally treated with Mesalazine solution(0.005 g·10 g-1·d-1),while mice in experimental groups were orally administered with Wumeiwan decoction at the dose of 0.13 and 0.26 g·10 g-1·d-1,respectively.All the drugs were administered for consecutive 7 days,1 times a day.The levels of disease activity index(DAI)and the colon length were scored.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)in colon tissue of mice were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)method.The level of Keap-1,Nrf2,HO-1 proteins in colon tissue were determined by Western blot method.Results The levels of DAI of seventh day in normal group,positive control group,experimental-L,-H groups were 0、(2.62±0.33),(1.87±0.35),(1.87±0.35)and(1.58±0.35);the colon lengths were(8.16±0.47)、(5.98±0.24),(7.58±0.38),(7.33±0.24)and(7.48±0.51)cm;the SOD mRNA were 1.01±0.16、0.40±0.01,1.43±0.45,0.65±0.01 and 0.83±0.02;the CAT mRNA were 1.01±0.20、0.45±0.01,0.84±0.02,0.68±0.07 and 0.87±0.05;the COX-2 mRNA were 1.03±0.33、16.65±0.60,4.78±0.25,14.07±0.60 and 7.39±0.15;the iNOS mRNA were 1.04±0.40、20.71±0.66,8.09±0.93,15.44±0.68 and 11.66±0.06;the levels of Keap-1 were 1.22±0.16、1.10±0.05,1.18±0.05,1.94±0.08 and 1.17±0.08;the levels of Nrf2 were 1.12±0.16、0.76±0.15,0.65±0.13,0.70±0.16 and 0.82±0.18;the levels of HO-1 were 1.34±0.15、1.00±0.12,0.89±0.10,1.50±0.18 and 1.40±0.13,respectively.Significant difference was found between normal group and model group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05);significant difference was also found between the experimental-L,-H groups and model group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusion Wumeiwan can inhibit oxidative stress in mice with UC,the mechanisms may be related to adjusted the expression of Keap-1-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway protein in colon.

AIM To compare the in vivo pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin,paeoniflorin,liquiritin,isoliquiritin,liquiritigenin and glycyrrhizic acid from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction in normal and gastric ulcer rats.METHODS Six rats were randomly assigned into two groups,after which the 75%ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model was established,the gastric tissues were collected.Twelve rats were randomly assigned into two groups and given intragastric administration(9.9 g/kg),after which blood collection was made at different time points,UPLC-MS/MS method was adopted in the determination of plasma concentrations,and main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.RESULTS Prolonged Tmax(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)of various active constituents,prolonged T1/2,MRT0-t(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),increased Cmax,AUC(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)and decreased Vd/F,CL/F(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)of paeoniflorin,increased Cmax,AUC(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)and decreased CL/F(P＜0.05)of albiflorin,prolonged MRT(P＜0.05),increased AUC(P＜0.05)and decreased CL/F(P＜0.01)of liquiritin,prolonged MRT(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)and decreased Vd/F(P＜0.05)of isoliquiritin,no obviously changed pharmacokinetic parameters(except for Tmax)of liquiritigenin(P＞0.05),and prolonged T1/2,MRT0-∞(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),increased Cmax,AUC(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)and decreased CL/F(P＜0.01)of glycyrrhizic acid were observable in the model group as compared with those in the normal group.CONCLUSION Gastric ulcer exhibits certain influences on the velocities and degrees of in vivo absorption and metabolism of active constituents from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction.

Purpose: Stroke survivors and their informal family caregivers may share the impact of the disease, which may affect family functioning and quality of life (QoL) for both. This study compared the perceptions of stroke survivors and informal family caregivers regarding family functioning and QoL and examined the QoL of those reporting effective versus ineffective family functioning. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling were used. Stroke survivoreinformal family caregiver dyads were recruited from a medical university hospital. We assessed participants’ demographic and clinical variables, including disease severity, family functioning, and QoL. Independent t-test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and ManneWhitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results: Seventy-one stroke survivoreinformal family caregiver dyads participated in the current study. Most stroke survivors and informal family caregivers reported effective family functioning, with no significant differences. However, significant differences existed in the seven domains (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and role-emotional) of QoL, except emotional health. Stroke survivors reporting ineffective family functioning had a significantly lower mental component summary score, unlike informal family caregivers. Conclusions Our findings suggest that family functioning is crucial to ensure stroke survivors’ QoL, particularly regarding their mental health. Health professionals should prioritize mental health assessments and provide appropriate care interventions for stroke survivors in the first 1e6 months after stroke onset.