BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.

ObjectiveTo enhance teaching in postoperative cancer rehabilitation, this study developed an integrative Chinese-Western medicine postoperative oncology rehabilitation system, termed the medical oncology generative pre-trained transformer (MedOncoGPT). By introducing MedOncoGPT as an intelligent assistant, an integrated teaching model combining Chinese and Western medicine was established. The study evaluated its impact on students’ integrative clinical reasoning and practical abilities, providing support for instructional reform in related courses. MethodsUsing teaching resources as the knowledge base, MedOncoGPT was built upon the open-source ChatGLM model and incorporated Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques to address postoperative integrative oncology scenarios. The system was applied in courses and clinical clerkships related to integrative oncology. In alignment with course objectives, a five-stage instructional process—pre-class preparation, in-class inquiry, simulated multidisciplinary consultation, clinical reinforcement, and teaching reflection—was designed to guide students in completing syndrome differentiation, comprehensive assessment, and follow-up planning within real or simulated case contexts. Comparative analyses of student engagement, syndrome differentiation thinking, evidence-based awareness, and interdisciplinary integration skills before and after the teaching reform were conducted using questionnaires, course assessments, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. ResultsFollowing the implementation of MedOncoGPT, students demonstrated improved performance in case analysis, prescription formulation, and integrative Chinese-Western medical evaluation compared with those receiving traditional instruction. Classroom participation and the relevance of student inquiries also increased. Self-assessment results indicated high levels of satisfaction with respect to clarity of integrative clinical reasoning, ability to retrieve and apply guideline-based evidence, and awareness of appropriate use of intelligent tools in clinical decision-making. More than 92% of students reported that the system facilitated understanding of abstract theoretical concepts presented in textbooks. Instructors noted that the system helped reduce lesson preparation time, enriched typical case materials and discussion scenarios, and promoted the translation of research findings into classroom teaching. Pilot data showed that, with MedOncoGPT assistance, the mean time for initial syndrome differentiation decreased from 18.4 min to 12.1 min, and the agreement rate increased from 68.3% to 82.5%. In the teaching pilot, the experimental group achieved a higher mean score on the final case analysis assessment than the control group (82.6 vs. 74.3). ConclusionThe integration of MedOncoGPT into teaching on postoperative integrative cancer rehabilitation enabled the establishment of a stable instructional process within existing curricula and enhanced students’ integrative clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice capabilities. The approach demonstrates positive potential for advancing the integration of research, clinical practice, and education and represents a valuable exploratory strategy for instructional reform in courses on integrative Chinese-Western medicine.

ObjectiveTo enhance teaching in postoperative cancer rehabilitation, this study developed an integrative Chinese-Western medicine postoperative oncology rehabilitation system, termed the medical oncology generative pre-trained transformer (MedOncoGPT). By introducing MedOncoGPT as an intelligent assistant, an integrated teaching model combining Chinese and Western medicine was established. The study evaluated its impact on students’ integrative clinical reasoning and practical abilities, providing support for instructional reform in related courses. MethodsUsing teaching resources as the knowledge base, MedOncoGPT was built upon the open-source ChatGLM model and incorporated Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques to address postoperative integrative oncology scenarios. The system was applied in courses and clinical clerkships related to integrative oncology. In alignment with course objectives, a five-stage instructional process—pre-class preparation, in-class inquiry, simulated multidisciplinary consultation, clinical reinforcement, and teaching reflection—was designed to guide students in completing syndrome differentiation, comprehensive assessment, and follow-up planning within real or simulated case contexts. Comparative analyses of student engagement, syndrome differentiation thinking, evidence-based awareness, and interdisciplinary integration skills before and after the teaching reform were conducted using questionnaires, course assessments, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. ResultsFollowing the implementation of MedOncoGPT, students demonstrated improved performance in case analysis, prescription formulation, and integrative Chinese-Western medical evaluation compared with those receiving traditional instruction. Classroom participation and the relevance of student inquiries also increased. Self-assessment results indicated high levels of satisfaction with respect to clarity of integrative clinical reasoning, ability to retrieve and apply guideline-based evidence, and awareness of appropriate use of intelligent tools in clinical decision-making. More than 92% of students reported that the system facilitated understanding of abstract theoretical concepts presented in textbooks. Instructors noted that the system helped reduce lesson preparation time, enriched typical case materials and discussion scenarios, and promoted the translation of research findings into classroom teaching. Pilot data showed that, with MedOncoGPT assistance, the mean time for initial syndrome differentiation decreased from 18.4 min to 12.1 min, and the agreement rate increased from 68.3% to 82.5%. In the teaching pilot, the experimental group achieved a higher mean score on the final case analysis assessment than the control group (82.6 vs. 74.3). ConclusionThe integration of MedOncoGPT into teaching on postoperative integrative cancer rehabilitation enabled the establishment of a stable instructional process within existing curricula and enhanced students’ integrative clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice capabilities. The approach demonstrates positive potential for advancing the integration of research, clinical practice, and education and represents a valuable exploratory strategy for instructional reform in courses on integrative Chinese-Western medicine.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Dengzhan Shengmai capsules （DZSM） on myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction and decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms by virtue of network robustness algorithm. MethodsA rat model of myocardial infarction was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Successfully modeled Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into a model group， an enalapril group（3.15 mg·kg^-1）， and high- and low-dose DZSM groups（226.8，113.4 mg·kg^-1）. In addition， a sham group was set up. After four consecutive weeks of intervention， the cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography， and myocardial collagen deposition was observed through Sirius red staining. The key regulatory pathways of DZSM were analyzed by the network robustness algorithm. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and immunofluorescence assay were employed to validate the mechanisms. ResultsCompared with the sham group， the model group exhibited decreased left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF%） and fractional shortening （FS%） （P<0.01） and increased myocardial collagen volume fraction （CVF%） （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， high-dose DZSM and enalapril improved LVEF% and FS% （P<0.01）. Both high- and low-dose DZSM reduced the CVF% （P<0.05， P<0.05，）. Network analysis indicated that DZSM exerted its effects by regulating neutrophil infiltration and related inflammatory pathways. Experimental validation showed that DZSM significantly reduced the protein levels of nuclear factor （NF）-κB， Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， and signal transduction activator and transducer 3 （STAT3） in the cardiac tissue， as well as the levels of chemokine （C-X-C motif） ligand 1 （CXCL1）， interleukin （IL）-1β， neutrophil elastase-DNA complex （NE-DNA）， and myeloperoxidase-DNA complex （MPO-DNA） in the plasma. ConclusionDZSM may ameliorate myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and extracellular trap formation and regulating the NF-κB/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Lianpo Yin was first recorded in the Revised Treatise on Cholera from Suixi Residence by WANG Mengying. It is composed of seven medicinal herbs： Coptidis Rhizoma， Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， Sojae Semen Praeparatum， Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma， Pinelliae Rhizoma， Gardeniae Fructus， and Phragmitis Rhizoma. As one of the classic prescriptions for clearing heat， resolving dampness， regulating Qi， and harmonizing the middle energizer， it has been included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions （Second Batch： Han Chinese Medicine） published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2023. Lianpo Yin is primarily indicated for cholera caused by the accumulation of dampness-heat， and it can promote digestion and eliminate phlegm. By summarizing the ancient literature records， chemical constituents of individual herbs and the compound formula， pharmacological effects， and modern clinical applications of Lianpo Yin， this paper discovers that the understandings of most ancient physicians are consistent with the original text. The pathogenesis treated by this prescription is generally attributed to the accumulation of dampness-heat in the middle energizer and disrupted ascending and descending of Qi. The main chemical components of this prescription include coptisine， trigonelline， genistein， palmatine， berberine， honokiol， and magnolol. Lianpo Yin exhibits pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory activity， regulation of apoptosis， modulation of mitochondrial autophagy， regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis， promotion of gastrointestinal motility， improvement of the gastric mucosal barrier， regulation of intestinal flora and their metabolites， and antimicrobial activity. In modern clinical practice， this prescription is mainly used to treat digestive system diseases such as chronic superficial gastritis and Helicobacter pylori （Hp）-associated gastritis. Additionally， it demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on various diseases affecting the nervous， respiratory， dermatological， and cardiovascular systems. This study provides a detailed review of the ancient literature records， chemical components， pharmacological effects， and clinical applications of Lianpo Yin and its modified formulas， aiming to offer references for the dosage form development and broader clinical application of this classic prescription.

OBJECTIVE To develop a pharmaceutical service model for discharge medication order review and medication education （hereinafter referred to as the “proactive pharmaceutical service model”）， and evaluate its effects. METHODS The data of discharged patients were collected retrospectively from Rheumatology and Immunology Department of our hospital during January to June 2023 and January to June 2024. Patients discharged from January to June 2024 were classified as the intervention group （489 cases）， while patients discharged from January to June 2023 were classified as the control group （535 cases） based on the different pharmaceutical service models they received. The control group received traditional service model， and the intervention group additionally got proactive pharmaceutical service model based on the control group. The primary outcome measures [the number of discharge medications， the number of medication errors， and the occurrence of adverse drug-drug interaction （DDI）] and follow-up outcome measures （the adjustment of medication regimen due to intolerance， unplanned hospital admissions， and proactive seeking of pharmaceutical services after discharge） were compared between the two groups. The discharge medication order review status， the occurrence of adverse DDI in patients with polypharmacy， and bedside medication education status for patients receiving the proactive pharmaceutical service model were all recorded. RESULTS From January to June 2024， a total of 1 052 discharge medication order review for inpatients were reviewed， and 174 instances of medication errors were identified. Polypharmacy was observed in 579 patients， with an incidence rate of 55.04%. The incidence of adverse DDI was significantly higher in patients with polypharmacy compared to those without polypharmacy （P＜0.001）. Pharmacists completed medication guidance for 394 instances of high-risk patients prone to the incidence rate of medication errors at home. The number of discharge medications， the incidence rate of medication errors， instances of medication not matching the diagnosis， dosage and administration errors， adverse DDI， and the incidence rate of patients who required adjustment of medication regimen due to intolerance were all significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group （P＜0.05）. Additionally， the incidence rate of patients who proactive seeking of pharmaceutical services after discharge was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group （P＜0.05）. However， there was no significant difference in the incidence rate of unplanned hospital admissions between the two groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The established proactive pharmaceutical service model can reduce medication errors， enhance patient recognition of pharmaceutical services， and ensure medication safety for discharged patients at home.

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is one of the most commonly occurring pathogens associated with genital tract infections in infertile males, but the impact of seminal UU infection in semen on intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcomes is poorly understood. We collected data from 245 infertile couples who underwent IUI at The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Hefei, China) between January 2021 and January 2023. The subjects were classified into two groups according to their UU infection status: the UU-positive group and the UU-negative group. We compared semen parameters, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal birth outcomes to investigate the impact of UU infection on IUI outcomes. There were no significantly statistical differences in various semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, sperm morphology, leukocyte count, the presence of anti-sperm antibody, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups of male infertile patients (all P > 0.05). However, the high DNA stainability (HDS) status of sperm differed between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups, suggesting that seminal UU infection may affect sperm nuclear maturation ( P = 0.04). Additionally, there were no significant differences in pregnancy or neonatal birth outcomes between the two groups (all P > 0.05). These results suggest that IUI remains a viable and cost-effective option for infertile couples with UU infection who are facing infertility issues.
Humans ; Male ; Ureaplasma Infections/complications* ; Female ; Infertility, Male/therapy* ; Ureaplasma urealyticum/isolation & purification* ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Semen Analysis ; Insemination, Artificial ; Semen/microbiology* ; China

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) in children with acute leukemia (AL) following chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on children diagnosed with CDC (including confirmed, clinically diagnosed, and suspected cases) after AL chemotherapy from January 2015 to December 2023 at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Zhangzhou Municipal Hospital, and Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University. Clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of CDC in children with AL following chemotherapy was 1.92% (32/1 668). Among the children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the incidence of CDC in the high-risk group was significantly higher than in the low-risk group (P=0.002). All patients presented with fever unresponsive to antibiotics during the neutropenic period, with 81% (26/32) involving the liver. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly elevated (≥50 mg/L) in 97% (31/32) of the patients. The efficacy of combined therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin or posaconazole for CDC was 66% (19/29), higher than with caspofungin (9%, 2/22) or liposomal amphotericin B (18%, 2/11) monotherapy. The overall cure rate was 72% (23/32). The proportion of patients with CRP ≥50 mg/L and/or a positive β-D-glucan test for more than 2 weeks and breakthrough infections during caspofungin treatment was significantly higher in the treatment failure group compared to the successful treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CDC in children with AL after chemotherapy may be associated with prolonged neutropenia due to intensive chemotherapy. Combination antifungal regimens based on liposomal amphotericin B have a higher cure rate, while persistently high CRP levels and positive β-D-glucan tests may indicate poor prognosis.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use* ; Candidiasis/diagnosis* ; Chronic Disease ; Leukemia/complications* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/complications* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical characteristics of rashes induced by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) in children treated for pertussis and to inform safe medication practices. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 238 children diagnosed with pertussis and treated with TMP-SMZ at Wuhu First People's Hospital from January to August 2024. The incidence and clinical features of rashes were summarized. RESULTS: Of 238 children, 34 (14.3%) developed rashes; 19 (55.9%) were boys, and the 5 to <10-year age group accounted for the highest proportion (70.6%, 24/34). A history of allergic disease was present in 50.0% (17/34). Rashes typically appeared on or after day 7 of therapy (82%, 28/34) and were predominantly erythematous or maculopapular eruptions (97%, 33/34); 71% (24/34) were pruritic. Fever occurred in 56% (19/34); among those who were tested for respiratory viruses, 77% (10/13) were positive for viruses such as rhinovirus and adenovirus. After discontinuation of TMP-SMZ, rashes resolved within 3 days in 97% (33/34) of patients (41% within 1 day; 56% within more than 1 but within 3 days). There was no significant difference in rash incidence between photoprotection and non-photoprotection groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS TMP-SMZ for pertussis can induce rashes, particularly in children aged 5 to <10 years. The eruption is usually a pruritic erythematous or maculopapular rash, with over half of cases accompanied by fever and frequent concomitant viral infections. Most rashes resolve within 3 days after drug withdrawal. The potential association between the rash and sun exposure warrants further investigation.
Humans ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination/therapeutic use* ; Child ; Female ; Exanthema/chemically induced* ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant ; Whooping Cough/drug therapy* ; Adolescent