ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of the tongue coating microbiota in patients of coronary heart disease （CHD） with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA total of 27 CHD patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome， 29 patients with non-qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome， and 20 healthy individuals were included in this study. The tongue coating microbiota of the participants was analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology， followed by Alpha and Beta diversity analyses and comparisons of microbial abundance. ResultsA total of 479 operational taxonomic units （OTUs） were detected， among which 245 OTUs were shared across all three groups. There were 33 OTUs unique to the qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group， 21 OTUs unique to the non-qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group， and 121 OTUs unique to the healthy group. The observed species count （Sob）， total species richness （Chao1）， abundance-based coverage estimator （ACE）， and Shannon diversity index were significantly lower in the qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and non-qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome groups compared to the healthy group （P＜0.05）. Principal coordinate analysis （PCoA） of the tongue coating microbiota showed significant differences in distance matrices among the three groups （P＜0.05）. Compared with the healthy group， the qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group exhibited an increased abundance of Actinobacteria， Patescibacteria， Spirochaetes， Verrucomicrobia， Rothia， TM7X， Gemella， and Corynebacterium， while Fusobacteria， Cyanobacteria， Leptotrichia， and Lactobacillus decreased （P＜0.05）. In the non-qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group， Actinobacteria， Verrucomicrobia， Rothia， and Corynebacterium increased， whereas Cyanobacteria and Lactobacillus reduced （P＜0.05）. When comparing with the non-qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group， the qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group had a significantly higher abundance of Patescibacteria， Peptostreptococcus， Solobacterium， Filifactor， Moraxella， Porphyromonas endodontalis， and Capnocytophaga， while Cyanobacteria reduced （P＜0.05）. Conclusuion Patients with CHD of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome exhibit a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in pathogenic bacteria. Patescibacteria， Peptostreptococcus， Solobacterium， Filifactor， Moraxella， Porphyromonas endodontalis， and Capnocytophaga were identified as the key differential microbiota distinguishing qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome from non-qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome patients.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,which demonstrates significant heterogeneity.Some DLBCL exhibit poor responses to chemotherapy,highlighting the urgent need for precise prognostic evaluation methods.As a critical biological parameter,tumor burden closely associated with disease progression and unfavorable prognosis,but representing tumor burden of DLBCL only with anatomical parameters was not enough to comprehensively reflect its biology features.Multiple parameters derived from 18F-FDG PET/CT could characterize metabolic features of tumors,hence enabling accurate quantification of tumor burden and providing a theoretical basis for individualized treatment of DLBCL.The research progresses of 18 F-FDG PET/CT for assessing tumor burden of DLBCL were reviewed in this article.

Objective To observe the value of CT radiomics machine learning(ML)model for predicting stone free rate(SFR)of urinary calculi after retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS).Methods Totally 216 patients with urinary calculi who underwent RIRS were retrospectively enrolled and divided into residual group(n=73)and non-residual group(n=143).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression(LR)were performed to analyze clinical data and CT manifestations of stones to screen independent predictors of SFR after RIRS.Window width and window level normalization combined with max-min normalization(denoted as method a),max-min normalization(denoted as method b),window width and window level normalization(denoted as method c)and non-normalization(denoted as method d)of pre-RIRS abdominal CT were performed,respectively,and the best radiomics features of stones were extracted and screened to establish ML models,including support vector machine(SVM),LR and stochastic gradient descent(SGD)models,and the best ML model was screened.RUSS and modified S.T.O.N.E scores were evaluated based on pre-RIRS CT for predicting SFR of urinary calculi after RIRS.A combined model was then constructed with the independent predictors and the best ML model.The predictive efficacy of each model and scoring system were assessed.Results The number of stones,CT value and volume of the maximum stone were all independent predictors of SFR after RIRS(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of SVM model constructed with images preprocessed by method b was the highest(0.861),higher than that of the total scores of RUSS and modified S.T.O.N.E(AUC=0.750,0.759,both P＜0.05)but not different from that of combined model(AUC=0.853,P=0.775).Conclusion Radiomics SVM model based on max-min normalization preprocessed CT could effectively predict SFR of urinary calculi after RIRS.

The concept of amplification feedback pathways represents an intersection between electronics and control theory,involving both amplification and feedback processes.It reveals the dynamic evolution mechanisms of systems under the combined influence of these two processes.In Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),Chest Bi syndrome is considered a"ben xu biao shi"condition,with its primary pathology located in the heart and closely related to other organs such as the liver,spleen and kidneys.This article focuses on the interrelationship between organ dysfunction and the imbalance of the Five Elements Theory.By applying amplification feedback theory and models,the study constructs and analyzes single-stage amplification feedback pathways involving the heart,liver and kidneys,as well as double-stage amplification feedback pathways involving the heart,liver,kidneys and spleen,in the context of multifactorial interactions such as heart and kidney Yang deficiency,Qi stagnation in the heart and chest,and spleen-stomach dysfunction.Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing the phenomena of deep feedback and self-excited oscillation,and specific formulas and clinical evidence are used to validate the analysis results,clarifying the role of relevant organ function changes in the pathogenesis of Chest Bi syndrome.The article aims to provide new insights into the complex pathogenesis of refractory diseases from a control theory perspective,offering new directions for modernizing TCM research with digital technology and theoretical support for future simulation-based digital systems guided by TCM theory.

The concept of amplification feedback pathways represents an intersection between electronics and control theory,involving both amplification and feedback processes.It reveals the dynamic evolution mechanisms of systems under the combined influence of these two processes.In Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),Chest Bi syndrome is considered a"ben xu biao shi"condition,with its primary pathology located in the heart and closely related to other organs such as the liver,spleen and kidneys.This article focuses on the interrelationship between organ dysfunction and the imbalance of the Five Elements Theory.By applying amplification feedback theory and models,the study constructs and analyzes single-stage amplification feedback pathways involving the heart,liver and kidneys,as well as double-stage amplification feedback pathways involving the heart,liver,kidneys and spleen,in the context of multifactorial interactions such as heart and kidney Yang deficiency,Qi stagnation in the heart and chest,and spleen-stomach dysfunction.Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing the phenomena of deep feedback and self-excited oscillation,and specific formulas and clinical evidence are used to validate the analysis results,clarifying the role of relevant organ function changes in the pathogenesis of Chest Bi syndrome.The article aims to provide new insights into the complex pathogenesis of refractory diseases from a control theory perspective,offering new directions for modernizing TCM research with digital technology and theoretical support for future simulation-based digital systems guided by TCM theory.

Objective To observe the value of CT radiomics machine learning(ML)model for predicting stone free rate(SFR)of urinary calculi after retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS).Methods Totally 216 patients with urinary calculi who underwent RIRS were retrospectively enrolled and divided into residual group(n=73)and non-residual group(n=143).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression(LR)were performed to analyze clinical data and CT manifestations of stones to screen independent predictors of SFR after RIRS.Window width and window level normalization combined with max-min normalization(denoted as method a),max-min normalization(denoted as method b),window width and window level normalization(denoted as method c)and non-normalization(denoted as method d)of pre-RIRS abdominal CT were performed,respectively,and the best radiomics features of stones were extracted and screened to establish ML models,including support vector machine(SVM),LR and stochastic gradient descent(SGD)models,and the best ML model was screened.RUSS and modified S.T.O.N.E scores were evaluated based on pre-RIRS CT for predicting SFR of urinary calculi after RIRS.A combined model was then constructed with the independent predictors and the best ML model.The predictive efficacy of each model and scoring system were assessed.Results The number of stones,CT value and volume of the maximum stone were all independent predictors of SFR after RIRS(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of SVM model constructed with images preprocessed by method b was the highest(0.861),higher than that of the total scores of RUSS and modified S.T.O.N.E(AUC=0.750,0.759,both P＜0.05)but not different from that of combined model(AUC=0.853,P=0.775).Conclusion Radiomics SVM model based on max-min normalization preprocessed CT could effectively predict SFR of urinary calculi after RIRS.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,which demonstrates significant heterogeneity.Some DLBCL exhibit poor responses to chemotherapy,highlighting the urgent need for precise prognostic evaluation methods.As a critical biological parameter,tumor burden closely associated with disease progression and unfavorable prognosis,but representing tumor burden of DLBCL only with anatomical parameters was not enough to comprehensively reflect its biology features.Multiple parameters derived from 18F-FDG PET/CT could characterize metabolic features of tumors,hence enabling accurate quantification of tumor burden and providing a theoretical basis for individualized treatment of DLBCL.The research progresses of 18 F-FDG PET/CT for assessing tumor burden of DLBCL were reviewed in this article.

Objective To investigate the hepatic hemodynamic characteristics of cirrhotic patients with splenectomy using iodine map of dual-source computed tomography(DSCT).Methods Twenty-four cirrhotic patients with splenectomy were selected as a study group,41 cirrhotic patients without splenectomy as a cirrhosis group and other 32 patients with normal liver as a control group.The iodine concentration(IC)in hepatic arterial and venous phases was measured on the iodine map,and the arterial iodine fraction(AIF)and portal venous iodine concentration(PVIC)were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted and the area under the curve(AUC)was recorded to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each parameter using the DeLong test.Results IC in arterial phase and AIF were significantly higher,and IC in venous phase and PVIC were significantly lower in study group(P<0.05).The AUC values of the four parameters between study group and cirrhosis group were 0.735,0.992,0.943,and 0.994,respectively.Conclusion DSCT iodine map is helpful for clinical quantitative assessment of hepatic hemodynamic characteristics in cirrhotic patients with splenectomy,and the PVIC has optimal independent diagnostic performance.

Objective:To understand the infection status and characteristics of 2019-nCoV infection in different areas in China after the adjustment of the national prevention and control strategy of 2019-nCoV infection.Methods:The online questionnaire survey was conducted among staff and students of 39 public health schools in 23 provinces (municipalities) in China from 12: 00 on December 20 to 9: 00 on December 23, 2022. The infection rates in staff and students in all the provinces were estimated. The risk factors, demographic and clinical characteristics of 2019-nCoV infections were explored.Results:A total of 28 901 valid questionnaires were obtained (26 355 from students and 2 546 from staff) with a qualified rate of 94.3%. The infection rates varied greatly among provinces and cities; the infection rates in students and staff in Beijing reached 78.55% and 76.40%, respectively. Infection rates in students and staff in Tianjin and Hebei also exceeded 65.00%, and 96.76% of infections occurred on and after December 1, 2022. Students had lower risk for the infection compared with staff ( OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.86). Compared with age group ≤20 years, the OR of age groups 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and > 60 years were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.14-1.30), 1.54 (95% CI: 1.30-1.84), 1.25 (95% CI: 0.99-1.58), 1.29 (95% CI: 0.94-1.78) and 1.19 (95% CI: 0.51-2.80), respectively. The longer the period after the last vaccination, the higher the risk for the infection. Compared with those who received the last vaccination in the past 3 months, the OR of those who received the last vaccination in the past 4-6 months, 7-9 months, 10-12 months, 13-15 months and ≥16 months were 1.56 (95% CI: 1.34-1.82), 1.59 (95% CI: 1.36-1.86), 1.67 (95% CI: 1.45-1.93), 1.86 (95% CI:1.58-2.19) and 2.46 (95% CI: 2.09-2.90), respectively. Compared with those living alone, the OR of those living with 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 roommates were 17.55 (95% CI: 15.91-19.39), 20.22 (95% CI: 18.25-22.43) and 11.78 (95% CI: 10.40-13.36), respectively. Only 5.94% of the staff and 7.19% of the students reported asymptomatic infections. Among those with symptoms, 88.18% of students and 85.65% of staff reported symptom of fever. Conclusions:The transmission dynamics of 2019-nCoV infection varied significantly across the country. The speed of transmission of 2019-nCoV and clinical severity of the infection were far beyond our knowledge. Organized epidemiological survey should be regularly carried out to provide reliable data support for more accurate prediction of the epidemic and medical resource allocation.

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of RMT1-10-induced tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs) in vitro on high-risk corneal allograft rejection in mice and its mechanism. Methods:One hundred SPF male BALB/c mice and fifty SPF male C57BL/6 mice were selected.Bone marrow-derived immature dendritic cells (imDCs) obtained from C57BL/6 mice were divided into imDCs group, mature dentritic cells (mDCs) group, RMT1-10 group, and IgG isotype control group.The imDCs in the four groups were cultured with no intervention, lipopolysaccharide, RMT1-10 and lipopolysaccharide, or IgG isotype antibody and lipopolysaccharide for 7 days according to grouping.The expression levels of different phenotypes of DCs including CD11c, CD80, CD86, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-Ⅱ, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing molecule (Tim)-4 and CD103 in the four groups were detected by flow cytometry.The concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the DCs supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.A mixed lymphocyte culture system was established, and the stimulation index (SI) of CD4 + T cell proliferation stimulated with DCs was detected by cell counting kit 8 method.Corneal neovascularization was induced by corneal stromal suture in BALB/c mice, and the 80 mice with neovascularization in 4 quadrants growing into the middle and peripheral cornea were used as recipients.The recipient mice were randomized into imDCs group, mDCs group, RMT1-10 group, and IgG isotype control group using the random number table method, with 20 mice in each group.An injection of corresponding DCs (1×10 6 cells/100 μl) was administered to the recipient mice via the tail vein according to grouping.At 7 days following the injection, C57BL/6 mice were used as donors and penetrating keratoplasty was performed.Within one month after the operation, signs of corneal grafts rejection, including opacity, edema and neovascularization, were observed by slit lamp biomicroscopy and scored every day.At 21 days after the operation, 5 recipients selected from each group were subcutaneously injected with naive C57BL/6 splenocytes (1×10 6 cells/100 μl) behind the ear.The delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was evaluated by ear swelling at 24 hours after the subcutaneous injection.The use and care of experimental animals complied with the Regulations on the Management of Experimental Animals promulgated by the State Science and Technology Commission.This study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University (No.CYFYLL2020055). Results:Compared with mDCs group, the expressions of CD80, CD86 and MHC-Ⅱ, and the percentage of Tim-4-positive cells in CD11c-positive cells were significantly decreased in RMT1-10 group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). The percentage of Tim-4-positive cells were significantly decreased in RMT1-10 group than imDCs group, and the percentage of CD103-positive cells in RMT1-10 group was significantly higher than imDCs group, mDCs group and IgG isotype control group (all at P<0.001). The concentrations of IL-10 and TGF-β in the cell culture supernatant of RMT1-10 group were significantly higher than those of the other three groups, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the SI of CD4 + T cell proliferation simulated by DCs ( Fgroup=1 833.00, P<0.001; Fratio=230.40, P<0.001; Finteraction=3.06, P=0.01). The SI of DCs/CD4 + T cells ratio at 1∶5, 1∶10, 1∶20 and 1∶40 were all significantly lower in imDCs group than mDCs group, and were all significantly lower in RMT1-10 group than imDCs group (all at P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in corneal graft survival curve among various groups ( χ2=77.69, P<0.001). The survival rate of RMT1-10 group was significantly higher than that of imDCs group ( χ2=9.74, P=0.002), and the survival rate of imDCs group was significantly higher than that of mDCs group ( χ2=31.02, P<0.001). The ear swelling of recipient mice of positive control group, mDCs group, IgG isotype control group, imDCs group and RMT1-10 group was (503.6±17.2), (475.7±17.6), (456.2±18.8), (225.2±39.4), (118.1±12.6), and (106.4±7.4) μm, with a statistically significant difference among them ( F=377.10, P<0.001). The mice ear swelling was more serious in positive control group than mDCs group, more serious in IgG isotype control group than imDCs group, and more serious in imDCs group than RMT1-10 group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:RMT1-10 can inhibit the rejection of high-risk corneal transplantation in mice, the mechanism of which may be attributed to inducing imDCs to transform into Tol-DCs in vitro and up-regulating the expression of TGF-β and IL-10, which promotes antigen-specific immune tolerance after adoptive transfer, thereby indirectly prolongs the survival of corneal grafts.