Objective:To investigate the role of ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) in renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods:Renal tissue specimens from 24 DN patients (DN group) confirmed by medical history, clinical laboratory tests, and pathological diagnosis at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 15 adjacent normal renal tissues (control group) from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of EBP50, E-cadherin, and Vimentin proteins. Additionally, 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled as a normal group, and fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein levels were compared between DN patients and the normal group.Results:Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein levels were significantly higher in the DN group than in the normal group (all P<0.01). Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining revealed significant thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, increased extracellular matrix, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules, and elevated extracellular matrix in the renal interstitium in the DN group. Immunohistochemistry showed higher expression of EBP50 and E-cadherin proteins in the control group than in the DN group (all P<0.01), while Vimentin expression was lower in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:EBP50 is involved in the EMT process of renal tubules in DN and is associated with tubular injury.

Objective·To investigate the genetic etiology of a rare and complex case clinically suspected to be methylmalonic acidemia(MMA),but with negative whole exome sequencing(WES)results,using a multi-omics sequencing approach.Methods·DNA and RNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood of the proband and both parents.Targeted MMA-related gene Panel sequencing and WES were first performed.Subsequently,RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and whole genome sequencing(WGS)were conducted to comprehensively analyze the child's genetic variants,their origins and potential inheritance patterns.Results·No pathogenic variants associated with the patient's phenotype were identified through the MMA Panel or standard WES analysis.Extended analysis of WES suggested the possibility of uniparental disomy(UPD)of chromosome 4.WGS revealed a homozygous splice-site variant(c.-66+2T>C)in the non-coding region of the metabolism of cobalamin associated A(MMAA)gene.The variant was located in the 5'untranslated region(5'UTR),specifically at the second base downstream of the splice donor site of exon 1(reference sequence:NM_172250).In genomic coordinates(hg19),the variant was located at base 146540561 on chromosome 4(chr4:146540561).Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mother was heterozygous for this variant,while the father did not carry it.RNA-seq showed no detectable expression of the MMAA gene on chromosome 4 in the patient.This was further confirmed by reverse transcription real time quantitative PCR,indicating nearly absent mRNA expression,suggesting that the non-coding splice-site variant affected transcriptional expression.Conclusion·A homozygous splice-site variant(c.-66+2T>C)in the non-coding region of the MMAA gene—outside the coverage of WES—is likely the pathogenic cause in this case,presumably resulting from maternal UPD of chromosome 4.

Objective:To conduct a survey on the influence of personality trait on depres-sive symptom and obesity in patients before bariatric and metabolic surgery.Methods:The retros-pective cross-sectional investigation study was conducted. Patients who underwent bariatric and metabolic surgery in The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and The First Affiliated Hospital of Ji′nan University from January 1 to June 1,2024 were recruited. The survey was conducted in electronic format using the general information survey questionnaire, the patient health question-naire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Chinese big five personality inventory brief version (CBF-PI-B). Observa-tion indicators: (1) results of the questionnaire; (2) general data of patient; (3) personality trait scores for patient with different subtypes of obesity; (4) depression symptom scores for patient with different subtypes of obesity; (5) correlation analysis for patient personality trait, depressive symptom and body mass index (BMI). Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent t test, and one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison among multiple groups. LSD test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Dunn Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. The Spearman correlation analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used for correlation analysis, and the mediation effect analysis was conducted using the Process 4.0 model and the Bootstrap test. Results:(1)Results of the questionnaire. A total of 146 questionnaires were distributed and collected, including 83 questionnaires from The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and 63 questionnaires from The First Affiliated Hospital of Ji′nan University. Of 146 questionnaires, 137 questionnaires were valid, yielding an effective response rate of 93.836%(137/146). (2)General data of patient. Of the 137 patients who completed valid questionnaires, 52 were male with BMI of (41±5)kg/m 2, 85 were female with BMI of (38±6)kg/m 2, showing a significant difference between them ( t=2.586, P<0.05). There were 40 patients aged ≤25 years, with BMI of (42±5)kg/m 2, 28 patients aged 26-30 years, with BMI of (39±5)kg/m 2, 49 patients aged 31-40 years, with BMI of (38±6)kg/m 2, 14 patients aged 41-50 years, with BMI of (38±7)kg/m 2, 6 patients aged >50 years, with BMI of (37±3)kg/m 2. There were significant differences in BMI of patients of different age groups ( F=2.697, P<0.05). (3)Persona-lity trait scores for patient with different subtypes of obesity. Of the 137 patients who completed valid questionnaires, there were 15 patients of mild obesity, with personality trait neuroticism score of 19.0(14.0,24.0), personality trait strictness score of 32.5±5.2, personality trait extroversion score of 30.0(24.0,40.0), 36 patients of moderate obesity, with personality trait neuro-ticism score of 26.5(22.3,28.8), personality trait strictness score of 32.6±5.9, personality trait extro-version score of 34.0(26.3,39.0), 81 patients of severe obesity, with personality trait neuroticism score of 35.0(29.5,41.0), personality trait strictness score of 26.8±7.4, personality trait extroversion score of 28.0(20.5,35.0), 5 patients of extreme obesity, with personality trait neuroticism score of 28.0(26.5,44.0), personality trait strictness score of 19.6±3.4, personality trait extroversion score of 22.0(18.5,25.0). There were significant differences in personality trait neuroticism, strictness and extroversion among patients of different subtypes of obesity ( H=50.316, F=10.774, H=14.446, P<0.05). (4)Depression symptom scores for patient with different subtypes of obesity. Of the 137 pati-ents who completed valid questionnaires, the depressive symptom score were 4.0(2.0,9.0) for 15 pati-ents of mild obesity, 5.0(3.0,7.0) for 36 patients of moderate obesity, 13.0(8.5,17.0) for 81 patients of severe obesity, and 18.0(9.5,22.0) for 5 patients of extreme obesity, respectively, showing a significant difference among them ( H=50.129, P<0.05). (5) Correlation analysis for patient personality trait, depressive symptom and BMI. Results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that personality trait neuroticism were positively correlated with depressive symptoms and BMI ( r=0.780, 0.557, P<0.05), personality trait strictness was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms ( r=-0.523, P<0.05), personality trait extroversion were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms and BMI ( r=-0.448, -0.323, P<0.05), and depressive symptoms was positively correlated with BMI ( r=0.568, P<0.05). Results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that personality trait strictness was negatively correlated with BMI ( r=-0.489, P<0.05). Conclusion:Preoperative personality trait of patients undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery can influence their depressive symptom and BMI.

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that often leads to multisystem diseases,frequently resulting in pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.According to the theory of sanjiao(triple energizers)membranous channels,sanjiao connects the five zang-organs and six fu-viscera internally and the skin,muscles,and bones externally.It serves as a four-way membranous channel that connects internal organs and external structures,linking with the micromembranes of organs and blood vessels.The pathogenesis of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis secondary to systemic sclerosis involves external cold obstructing the skin and interstitial layers,impairing the defense qi and defense yang,which originate in the essence of the kidney.This leads to weak defensive qi and kidney deficiency,causing stagnation in sanjiao's energy flow and disruption of water and gasification and loss of fluid,resulting in accumulation of dampness,phlegm,and blood stasis.These obstructive factors spread along sanjiao's membranous channels,leading to multiorgan micromembrane involvement and systemic damage.The lungs,which are in direct contact with the external environment,are particularly susceptible to invasion by external pathogens.When combined with stagnation of dampness,phlegm,and blood in the lungs,this leads to secondary pulmonary fibrosis,resulting in lung dysfunction.Continuous stagnation of sanjiao exacerbates the overall condition of the patient,leading to a mixed cold-heat imbalance.Treatment focuses on"unblocking,transforming,and regulating"to restore sanjiao function,promote qi and fluid circulation,invigorate blood,and adjust the cold-heat imbalance,ultimately restoring the overall condition of the patient.

Objective:To investigate the role of ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) in renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods:Renal tissue specimens from 24 DN patients (DN group) confirmed by medical history, clinical laboratory tests, and pathological diagnosis at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 15 adjacent normal renal tissues (control group) from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of EBP50, E-cadherin, and Vimentin proteins. Additionally, 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled as a normal group, and fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein levels were compared between DN patients and the normal group.Results:Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein levels were significantly higher in the DN group than in the normal group (all P<0.01). Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining revealed significant thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, increased extracellular matrix, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules, and elevated extracellular matrix in the renal interstitium in the DN group. Immunohistochemistry showed higher expression of EBP50 and E-cadherin proteins in the control group than in the DN group (all P<0.01), while Vimentin expression was lower in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:EBP50 is involved in the EMT process of renal tubules in DN and is associated with tubular injury.

Objective·To investigate the genetic etiology of a rare and complex case clinically suspected to be methylmalonic acidemia(MMA),but with negative whole exome sequencing(WES)results,using a multi-omics sequencing approach.Methods·DNA and RNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood of the proband and both parents.Targeted MMA-related gene Panel sequencing and WES were first performed.Subsequently,RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and whole genome sequencing(WGS)were conducted to comprehensively analyze the child's genetic variants,their origins and potential inheritance patterns.Results·No pathogenic variants associated with the patient's phenotype were identified through the MMA Panel or standard WES analysis.Extended analysis of WES suggested the possibility of uniparental disomy(UPD)of chromosome 4.WGS revealed a homozygous splice-site variant(c.-66+2T>C)in the non-coding region of the metabolism of cobalamin associated A(MMAA)gene.The variant was located in the 5'untranslated region(5'UTR),specifically at the second base downstream of the splice donor site of exon 1(reference sequence:NM_172250).In genomic coordinates(hg19),the variant was located at base 146540561 on chromosome 4(chr4:146540561).Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mother was heterozygous for this variant,while the father did not carry it.RNA-seq showed no detectable expression of the MMAA gene on chromosome 4 in the patient.This was further confirmed by reverse transcription real time quantitative PCR,indicating nearly absent mRNA expression,suggesting that the non-coding splice-site variant affected transcriptional expression.Conclusion·A homozygous splice-site variant(c.-66+2T>C)in the non-coding region of the MMAA gene—outside the coverage of WES—is likely the pathogenic cause in this case,presumably resulting from maternal UPD of chromosome 4.

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that often leads to multisystem diseases,frequently resulting in pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.According to the theory of sanjiao(triple energizers)membranous channels,sanjiao connects the five zang-organs and six fu-viscera internally and the skin,muscles,and bones externally.It serves as a four-way membranous channel that connects internal organs and external structures,linking with the micromembranes of organs and blood vessels.The pathogenesis of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis secondary to systemic sclerosis involves external cold obstructing the skin and interstitial layers,impairing the defense qi and defense yang,which originate in the essence of the kidney.This leads to weak defensive qi and kidney deficiency,causing stagnation in sanjiao's energy flow and disruption of water and gasification and loss of fluid,resulting in accumulation of dampness,phlegm,and blood stasis.These obstructive factors spread along sanjiao's membranous channels,leading to multiorgan micromembrane involvement and systemic damage.The lungs,which are in direct contact with the external environment,are particularly susceptible to invasion by external pathogens.When combined with stagnation of dampness,phlegm,and blood in the lungs,this leads to secondary pulmonary fibrosis,resulting in lung dysfunction.Continuous stagnation of sanjiao exacerbates the overall condition of the patient,leading to a mixed cold-heat imbalance.Treatment focuses on"unblocking,transforming,and regulating"to restore sanjiao function,promote qi and fluid circulation,invigorate blood,and adjust the cold-heat imbalance,ultimately restoring the overall condition of the patient.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Yifei Sanjie Decoction in the treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules.Methods A prospective randomized controlled clinical study was conducted to select 189 patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who saught medical attention at the Pulmonary Nodule Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2023 to March 2025.According to the random number table method,126 cases were randomly divided into the trial group and 63 cases in the blank control group at a ratio of 2∶1.The trial group was treated with modified Yifei Sanjie Decoction,and the blank control group was only followed up without intervention.The course of treatment was 3 months.The patients in the two groups were reexamined with lung CT after 3 months.The efficacy was evaluated by the area reduction rate of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules combined with the average diameter and malignant signs.According to the property of the major pulmonary nodules,we divided the patients into ground glass,solid,and mixed ground glass subgroups to evaluate the efficacy of different types of pulmonary nodules.We evaluated the change of malignant risk of pulmonary nodules according to the change of Mayo score.We evaluated the safety of the treatment medicine by blood routine,urine routine,and liver and kidney function.Results A total of 175 patients completed the study,117 in the trial group and 58 in the blank control group.The total effective rates of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in the trial group were 41.03%and 42.74%,respectively,the total effective rate of nodule number change was 29.91%which were significantly higher than those in the blank control group(P<0.05).In the trial group,the total effective rates of the major pulmonary nodules in the ground glass(72 cases),solid(28 cases),and mixed ground glass(17 cases)subgroups were 40.28%,32.14%,and 58.82%,respectively,the total effective rates of the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules were 38.89%,42.86%,and 58.82%,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in corresponding subgroups of ground glass(37 cases),solid(14 cases),and mixed ground glass(7 cases)of the blank control(P<0.05).After treatment,the average diameter,area,and Mayo score of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in the trial group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group and before treatment(P<0.05),the average diameter,area,and Mayo score of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in the ground glass,solid,and mixed ground glass subgroups were lower than those in corresponding subgroups of the blank control group,and significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The number of nodules and malignant signs in the trial group were lower than before,while those in the blank control group were higher than before.There were no serious adverse events in the two groups during the study.Conclusion Yifei Sanjie Decoction can effectively treat the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules,reduce the average diameter and area of nodules,reduce the Mayo score,and reduce the malignant signs and number of nodules.In the ground glass,solid,and mixed ground glass groups,the curative effect is well,and the safety is high,it can be used for the clinical treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules.

Objective To investigate the relationship between triglyceride glucose body mass index(TyG-BMI),high density lipoprotein cholesterol to Apolipoprotein A ratio(HAR),glycemic risk index(GRI)and diabetic retinopathy(DR).Methods A total of 159 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with DR(the DR group)were divided into the non-proliferative retinopathy group(NPDR group,66 cases)and the proliferative retinopathy group(PDR group,93 cases)according to DR international clinical grading criteria,and 159 T2DM patients without DR were selected as the control group.Clinical information and baseline laboratory test results were recorded,and TyG-BMI,HAR and GRI were calculated.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the related factors of the incidence of DR,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of TyG-BMI,HAR and GRI for DR.Results The duration of T2DM,the proportion of hypertension,diabetic nephropathy and diabetic foot,levels of HbA1c,homeostasis model insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),total cholesterol(TC),C-reactive protein(CRP),TyG-BMI,HAR and GRI were higher in the DR group than those in the control group(P<0.05).TyG-BMI,HAR and GRI were higher in the PDR group than those in the NPDR group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the longer course of T2DM disease[OR(95%CI):2.781(1.398-5.534)],high TyG-BMI[2.036(1.169-3.546)],high HAR[1.890(1.090-3.280)]and high GRI[1.836(1.065-3.167)]were risk factors for DR(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis results showed that,the area under the curve(AUC)of combined TyG-BMI,HAR and GRI diagnosis of DR was higher than that of single diagnosis[0.940(0.908-0.964),0.864(0.821-0.900),0.796(0.747-0.839)and 0.836(0.790-0.875),all P<0.05].Conclusion The increased TyG-BMI,HAR and GRI in T2DM patients is associated with the onset and severity of DR,and which can be used to assess the risk of DR.

Objective To explore the functional connectivity(FC)changes of hippocampus and amygdala in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with erectile dysfunction(DMED),and the central pathological neural mechanisms underlying DMED.Methods 61 T2DM patients who visited Department of Endocrinology,Nanjing First Hospital,Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected and divided into a simple T2DM group(n=30)and a combined DMED group(n=31).Another 47 healthy individuals were selected as control group(NC).The international erectile function scale(IIEF-5)was used to evaluate the erectile function.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)data were acquired from all participants.MRI data were preprocessed by the DPABI software package.Bilateral hippocampus and amygdala were selected as regions of interest(ROI)and the whole brain FC values were calculated.The FC values of brain regions between groups were tested by two-sample t-test with REST software package.Results Left hippocampus as ROI:compared with the NC group,FC values of the left superior temporal gyrus increased in the T2DM group,FC values of the left superior frontal gyrus,left inferior temporal gyrus,left posterior central gyrus and rectus gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Compared with the T2DM group,FC values of the left inferior parietal gyrus,left supramarginal gyrus,left middle occipital gyrus and right posterior central gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Right hippocampus as ROI:compared with the NC group,FC values of the right middle temporal gyrus and right rolandic operculum increased while FC values of the right calcarine fissure decreased in the T2DM group;FC values of bilateral anterior cingulate gyrus,right middle temporal gyrus and left rectus gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Compared with the T2DM group,FC values of the left middle frontal gyrus,left inferior parietal gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Left amygdala as ROI:compared with the NC group,FC values in the left parahippocampal gyrus,left fusiform gyrus and right insula increased in the T2DM group;FC value of the left middle temporal gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Compared with the T2DM group,FC values of the left middle frontal gyrus and left supramarginal gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Right amygdala as ROI:compared with the NC group,FC values of the left insula,right parahippocampal gyrus,right superior temporal gyrus and right supramarginal gyrus increased while FC values in the right caudate decreased in the T2DM group;FC values of the right middle frontal gyrus,left rectus gyrus and left middle occipital gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Compared with the T2DM group,FC values of the left middle frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus decreased in the DMED group.Conclusions DMED patients have abnormalities in the hippocampus,amygdala and other brain regions,especially the frontal lobe functional cortex,which may be related to changes in their brain function.