The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a critical target for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Activation of GCGR enhances systemic insulin sensitivity through paracrine stimulation of insulin secretion, presenting a promising avenue for treatment. However, the discovery of effective GCGR agonists remains a challenging and resource-intensive process, often requiring time-consuming wet-lab experiments to synthesize and screen potential compounds. Recent advances in artificial intelligence technologies have demonstrated great potential in accelerating drug discovery by streamlining screening and efficiently predicting bioactivity. In the present work, we propose DeepGCGR, a two-layer deep learning model that leverages graph convolutional networks (GCN) integrated with a multiple attention mechanism to expedite the identification of GCGR agonists. In the first layer, the model predicts the bioactivity of various compounds against GCGR, efficiently filtering large chemical libraries to identify promising candidates. In the second layer, DeepGCGR classifies high bioactive compounds based on their functional effects on GCGR signaling, identifying those with potential agonistic or antagonistic effects. Moreover, DeepGCGR was specifically applied to identify novel GCGR-regulating compounds for the treatment of T2DM from natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The proposed method will not only offer an effective strategy for discovering GCGR-targeting compounds with functional activation properties but also provide new insights into the development of T2DM therapeutics.
Deep Learning ; Drug Discovery/methods* ; Humans ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, holding a crucial position in the medical field. However, the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization, completeness, and accuracy, primarily due to the decentralized distribution of TCM resources. To address these issues, we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery (TCMKD, https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/). Seven types of data, including syndromes, formulas, Chinese patent drugs (CPDs), Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs), ingredients, targets, and diseases, were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD. To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine, TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining, enrichment analysis, and network localization and separation. These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights. In addition to its analytical capabilities, a quick question and answer (Q&A) system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently, thereby improving the interactivity of the platform. The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool, offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining. Overall, TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM, delving into the pharmacological foundations of TCM treatments, but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems, extending beyond just TCM.

ObjectiveTo develop a scientifically rigorous and contextually appropriate instrument for evaluating the health service experience of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in China, to enable systematic assessment of core medical care dimensions, and to provide quantitative evidence for service improvement. MethodsGrounded in the theoretical framework of healthcare accessibility and the clinical care pathway for tuberculosis patients, the tool was developed through a systematic literature review and the Delphi expert consultation method. A multi-stage cluster sampling strategy was employed to survey pulmonary tuberculosis patients who had been receiving treatment for more than two months, aimed to explore the scale’s applicability in real-world settings. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α and split-half reliability coefficients. Validity was evaluated through content validity, structural validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. ResultsThe tool was composed of 21 items across four dimensions: awareness, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of tuberculosis medical care. It demonstrated a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.838 and a split-half reliability coefficient of 0.859. Exploratory factor analyses extracted six factors: satisfaction with healthcare services, supportive role of nurses, affordability of treatment costs, doctor-patient communication, waiting time for medical appointments, and transportation cost. The goodness-of-fit index (GFI) and other indices met the recommended standards, with the loading matrix indicating robust structural validity of the tool. The constructed factor model exhibited satisfactory content validity and discriminant validity. ConclusionThe scale for assessing patients’ experiences with tuberculosis-related medical care developed in this study demonstrates good reliability and validity and serves as a practical tool for evaluating patient experiences of tuberculosis medical care in China.

Objective To explore the value of blood inflammatory load in predicting overall survival of elderly patients with epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC).Methods Elderly patients with EOC were selected,and their clinical data and peripheral blood parameters were collected.We constructed an inflammation-related blood scoring system using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.We used Cox proportional hazards analysis to identify the independent prognostic factors.A nomogram model was constructed based on independent prognostic factors,and the receiver operating characteristic curve,C-index,and calibration curve were used to evaluate the model.Results Patients with high blood inflammatory load had worse prognosis(P=0.002).Compared with the low inflammatory load group,patients with high inflammatory load had later clinical stages and larger ascites volume(P<0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that ACCI,CA125,residual lesions,and blood score were independent factors affecting overall survival(P<0.05).Conclusion The blood inflammatory load is the biomarker for the prognosis of elderly patients with EOC.Scoring the inflammatory load in the blood can assist in efficacy monitoring and treatment intervention of ovarian cancer patients.

Objective:To understand the trend in the disease burden of tuberculosis in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1990 to 2019, forecast the incidence of tuberculosis in the BRICS countries from 2020 to 2030.Methods:This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to describe the incidence trends from 1990 to 2019 and epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in the BRICS countries. The Bayesian-age- period-cohort model was used to predict the incidence of tuberculosis in the BRICS countries from 2020 to 2030.Results:Although the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) of tuberculosis were on the decline in all BRICS countries, the magnitude of the decline varied, with the most significant decline in China and the least in South Africa. In 2019, there were gender and age differences in the incidence of tuberculosis in all BRICS countries. Except for South Africa, the ASIR in males were higher than that in females and except for South Africa and Russia, the incidence rates of tuberculosis showed an increasing trend with age in all BRICS countries. From 2020 to 2030, the incidence rates of tuberculosis in the BRICS countries were projected to be declining, except it was likely to increase among women in Russia. However, the expected decrease of tuberculosis incidence in the BRICS countries by 2030 would be less than 80% as compared to that of 2015.Conclusions:Positive results have been achieved in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in BRICS countries. But the situation is still serious, with demographic differences in the incidence of tuberculosis in different countries.

Background Occupational stress is an important public health problem in the military. At present, there are few studies about occupational stress of officers and soldiers of the armed forces in China, especially the effects of plateau related environmental factors on occupational stress. Objective To understand current status and identify influencing factors of occupational stress among officers and soldiers stationed in plateaus, and provide a scientific basis for managing occupational stress. Methods In April 2023, stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit troops by deployed altitudes ranging from 500 to 3000 m into two strata of low altitude (＜2500 m) and high altitude (≥2500 m) based on the medical definition of plateau. Two regimental units were randomly selected from each stratum respectively, and one battalion unit was randomly selected from each regimental unit with all the officers and soldiers. Four selected battalion units were surveyed with a total of 2284 officers and soldiers. We designed a general questionnaire to collect their basic information, and distributed effort-reward imbalance questionnaires to evaluate occupational stress. We used logistic regression to identify potential influencing factors of occupational stress. Results Positive occupational stress was reported in 508 plateau-stationed officers and soldiers, with a prevalence rate of 22.2%. The total effort-reward imbalance score and the dimensional scores of effort, reward, and overcommitment in M (P₂₅, P₇₅) were 0.9 (0.7, 1.0), 16.0 (13.0, 19.0), 36.0 (33.0, 39.0), and 18.0 (15.0, 19.0), respectively. There were significant differences in the positive rate of occupational stress by gender, age, military service length, marital status, only child or not, physical fitness condition, reporting underlying diseases or not, exercise frequency before conscription, psychological changes after entering the plateaus, and having altitude sickness or not (P <0.05). The results of logistic regression showed that being female (OR=1.532, 95%CI: 1.061, 2.213), only child (OR=1.281, 95%CI: 1.038, 1.581), and with underlying diseases (OR=1.950, 95%CI: 1.340, 2.839) were associated with a higher risk of occupational stress. While setting 0 to <3 years of military service as the control group, the risk of occupational stress was higher in subgroups of 3 to 9 years (OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.113, 1.710) and ≥9 years (OR=2.141, 95%CI: 1.461, 3.137). The participants reporting nervousness or fear (OR=1.728, 95%CI: 1.133, 2.635) and agitation or euphoria (OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.113, 1.710) had a higher risk of reporting occupational stress than those with no psychological changes after entering the plateaus. Meanwhile, those who had regular exercise (OR=0.670, 95%CI: 0.492, 0.913) before enlistment, good physical fitness condition (OR=0.572, 95%CI: 0.426, 0.767) and excellent physical fitness condition (OR=0.502, 95%CI: 0.366, 0.688) had a lower risk of occupational stress. Conclusion Officers and soldiers in plateaus generally report a high rate of occupational stress. Female, military service length ≥3 years, being only child, with underlying diseases, nervousness/ fear or agitation/ euphoria after entering plateaus are risk factors for elevated occupational stress in this group; while good or excellent physical fitness condition and frequent exercise before enlistment are protective factors for occupational stress. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the occupational stress problems in officers and soldiers stationed in plateaus and provide targeted intervention measures.

Background: Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) measurement is the initial diagnostic test for Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We compared UFC determination by both direct and extraction immunoassays using Abbott Architect, Siemens Atellica Solution, and Beckman DxI800 with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, we evaluated the value of 24-hr UFC measured by six methods for diagnosing CS. Methods: Residual 24-hr urine samples of 94 CS and 246 non-CS patients were collected.A laboratory-developed LC-MS/MS method was used as reference. UFC was measured by direct assays (D) using Abbott, Siemens, and Beckman platforms and by extraction assays (E) using Siemens and Beckman platforms. Method was compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plot analyses. Cut-off values for the six assays and corresponding sensitivities and specificities were calculated by ROC analysis. Results: Abbott-D, Beckman-E, Siemens-E, and Siemens-D showed strong correlations with LC-MS/MS (Spearman coefficient r = 0.965, 0.922, 0.922, and 0.897, respectively), while Beckman-D showed weaker correlation (r = 0.755). All immunoassays showed proportionally positive bias. The areas under the curve were 0.975 for Abbott-D, 0.972 for LCMS/MS, 0.966 for Siemens-E, 0.948 for Siemens-D, 0.955 for Beckman-E, and 0.877 for Beckman-D. The cut-off values varied significantly (154.8–1,321.5 nmol/24 hrs). Assay sensitivity and specificity ranged from 76.1% to 93.2% and from 93.0% to 97.1%, respectively. Conclusions Commercially available immunoassays for measuring UFC show different levels of analytical consistency compared to LC-MS/MS. Abbott-D, Siemens-E, and Beckman-E have high diagnostic accuracy for CS.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of bladder volume on dosimetric parameters of clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OAR) of intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for localized prostate cancer during the treatment planning and daily treatment.Methods:Clinical data of 25 patients with localized prostate cancer admitted to Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from November 2021 to June 2022 and enrolled in the "Proton Therapy System" (SAPT-PS-01) registered clinical trial were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were male and the median age was 72 years old. A total of 30 sets of IMPT plans were obtained. Based on the planning CT (30 sets) and weekly verification CT during treatment (172 sets), bladder volume, CTV and OAR dose parameters were collected. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between bladder volume in CT and the dosimetric parameters of CTV and OAR during IMPT plans, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was adopted to compare the dosimetric parameters of CTV and OAR among different bladder volume change groups.Results:The V 95% of CTV1 and CTV2 were both 100.0%±0.0% in IMPT plans. Bladder volume was significantly negatively correlated with D mean, V 70 Gy(RBE), V 60 Gy(RBE), V 50 Gy(RBE), V 40 Gy(RBE) of the bladder ( P<0.001, 0.003, <0.001, <0.001,<0.001), and D mean, V 50 Gy(RBE) of the small intestine (both P<0.001). During treatment, bladder D mean, V 70 Gy(RBE), V 60 Gy(RBE), V 50 Gy(RBE), V 40 Gy(RBE)( P<0.001, 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001), rectal D mean, V 50 Gy(RBE), V 40 Gy(RBE) (all P<0.001), small intestine D mean, V 50 Gy (RBE) (both P<0.001) of patients with bladder volume increase >20% compared to baseline were significantly decreased compared to those in IMPT plans. But CTV1 V 100%, and CTV2 V 95% were significantly decreased too( P=0.029, 0.020). In the bladder volume decreased>20% patients, the D mean, V 70 Gy(RBE), V 60 Gy(RBE), V 50 Gy(RBE), V 40 Gy(RBE) of the bladder were significantly increased compared to those in IMPT plans (all P<0.001). However, a bladder volume reduction of ≤20% and increase of ≤20% from baseline had no significant impact on CTV and OAR dosimetric parameters during treatment. Conclusions:For patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing proton therapy, a certain bladder volume should be ensured during planning CT scans. During the daily treatment, the bladder volume should be maintained between 80%-120% of the baseline level to ensure CTV coverage and good dose sparing to OAR.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on postpartum breastfeeding outcomes.Methods:This paper electronically retrieved the China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, WanFang Data, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The search period was from database establishment to March 15, 2023. After independent literature search, screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation by two researchers, Meta-analysis was conducted using R 4.2.2 software.Results:A total of 11 articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared with naturally conceived mothers, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 1th week postpartum ( RR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.97), exclusive breastfeeding at 6th months postpartum ( RR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.98), and the incidence of breastfeeding for >6 months postpartum ( RR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.96) were decreased, and the rate of artificial feeding at 12th months postpartum ( RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.17) was increased. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of artificial feeding at 8th months postpartum, the incidence of breastfeeding duration >12 months, and the incidence of breastfeeding difficulties ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:ART reduces the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in postpartum 1th week and 6th months, and the incidence of postpartum breastfeeding duration>6 months, and increases the artificial feeding rate in postpartum 12th months. However, the impact of ART on the incidence of breastfeeding difficulties is not yet clear and still needs to be further demonstrated by high-quality studies.