ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis （AS）. MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group， low drug-containing serum group， medium drug-containing serum group， high drug-containing serum group， and positive drug group. After drug intervention， cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin （OCN）， osteopontin （OPN）， and runt-related transcription factor 2 （Runx2） was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a， β-catenin， and Dickkopf-1 （DKK-1） were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsCompared with the blank group， each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression （P<0.05）. The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect （P<0.01）. The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN， OPN， and Runx2 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts， thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression， further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.

Research indicates that microbe activity within the human body significantly influences health by being closely linked to various diseases. Accurately predicting microbe-disease interactions (MDIs) offers critical insights for disease intervention and pharmaceutical research. Current advanced AI-based technologies automatically generate robust representations of microbes and diseases, enabling effective MDI predictions. However, these models continue to face significant challenges. A major issue is their reliance on complex feature extractors and classifiers, which substantially diminishes the models' generalizability. To address this, we introduce a novel graph autoencoder framework that utilizes decoupled representation learning and multi-scale information fusion strategies to efficiently infer potential MDIs. Initially, we randomly mask portions of the input microbe-disease graph based on Bernoulli distribution to boost self-supervised training and minimize noise-related performance degradation. Secondly, we employ decoupled representation learning technology, compelling the graph neural network (GNN) to independently learn the weights for each feature subspace, thus enhancing its expressive power. Finally, we implement multi-scale information fusion technology to amalgamate the multi-layer outputs of GNN, reducing information loss due to occlusion. Extensive experiments on public datasets demonstrate that our model significantly surpasses existing top MDI prediction models. This indicates that our model can accurately predict unknown MDIs and is likely to aid in disease discovery and precision pharmaceutical research. Code and data are accessible at: https://github.com/shmildsj/MDI-IFDRL.

Research indicates that microbe activity within the human body significantly influences health by being closely linked to various diseases.Accurately predicting microbe-disease interactions(MDIs)offers critical insights for disease intervention and pharmaceutical research.Current advanced AI-based technologies automatically generate robust representations of microbes and diseases,enabling effec-tive MDI predictions.However,these models continue to face significant challenges.A major issue is their reliance on complex feature extractors and classifiers,which substantially diminishes the models' generalizability.To address this,we introduce a novel graph autoencoder framework that utilizes decoupled representation learning and multi-scale information fusion strategies to efficiently infer po-tential MDIs.Initially,we randomly mask portions of the input microbe-disease graph based on Bernoulli distribution to boost self-supervised training and minimize noise-related performance degradation.Secondly,we employ decoupled representation learning technology,compelling the graph neural network(GNN)to independently learn the weights for each feature subspace,thus enhancing its expressive power.Finally,we implement multi-scale information fusion technology to amalgamate the multi-layer outputs of GNN,reducing information loss due to occlusion.Extensive experiments on public datasets demonstrate that our model significantly surpasses existing top MDI prediction models.This indicates that our model can accurately predict unknown MDIs and is likely to aid in disease discovery and precision pharmaceutical research.Code and data are accessible at:https://github.com/shmildsj/MDI-IFDRL.

Objective:To investigate the differential impact of ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR PCD-CT) and energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) on image quality and calcified plaque-induced luminal stenosis in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent both EID-CT and UHR PCD-CT CCTA at the Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2021 and November 2024. A total of 141 patients were included in the study, within 46 patients having scans within a 12-month interval. Image quality of all coronary artery segments was subjectively evaluated. Patients with paired scans (interval≤12 months) were included for calcified plaque analysis. Subjective visualization of calcified plaques evaluated. The blooming artifact was calculated as an objective evaluation index for assessing the calcified plaques. Additionally, the degree of coronary artery lumen stenosis resulting from calcified plaques was assessed, along with the measurement of plaque volume and the Agatston score. Changes in lumen stenosis between the two scans were also evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the subjective scores of coronary artery image quality and calcified plaques between the two groups, and paired-sample t-tests were used to compare the blooming artifact and lumen stenosis degree. Results:The PCD-CT image quality score was significantly higher than that of EID-CT [PCD-CT : 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 4 (4,5); Z=-21.38, P<0.001]. Compared to EID-CT, PCD-CT reduced the blooming artifact (PCD-CT: 38.88%±9.09%, EID-CT: 50.11%±11.52%; t=-12.97, P<0.001), significantly improving the subjective score for visualization of calcified plaques [PCD-CT: 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 3 (2,3); Z=-9.68, P<0.001], and the measured lumen stenosis was notably lower in PCD-CT(PCD-CT:34.88%±18.20%, EID-CT:45.31%±23.42%; t=-9.93, P<0.001). Among 129 analyzed calcified plaques, luminal stenosis was reduced on PCD-CT in 110 plaques (85.3%) and increased in 19 (14.7%), including 4 plaques that had unclear boundaries with the adjacent lumen in EID-CT CCTA images, making the stenosis difficult to assess. Conclusion:Compared to EID-CT, UHR PCD-CT for CCTA significantly improves coronary artery image quality, provides clearer visualization of calcified plaques and adjacent lumen details, and it can reduce the overestimation of coronary artery caleified plaque stenosis.

Objective:To construct a quality analysis model by combining the strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats(SWOT)analysis method and analytic hierarchy process(AHP),and to explore its application value in the quality management for operation of first aid equipment of hospital.Methods:The advantages,disadvantages,opportunities and threats of management for equipment were analyzed according to SWOT model,and the operation quality of equipment was positioning analyzed by AHP,and comprehensive management countermeasures were formulated from the aspects of personnel,system,preventive maintenance,information management and cooperation between institutes and enterprises.A total of 215 first aid equipment in clinical use in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2021 to December 2024 were selected.In these equipment,171 equipment from January 2021 to December 2022 were managed by using the conventional management mode,and 195 equipment(including 151 using equipment under the conventional management mode and 44 newly added equipment)from January 2023 to December 2024 were managed by using the strategic management mode with quality analysis model.The operation quality and management level of the two management modes for the equipment were compared.A self-made survey questionnaire was used to investigate the satisfaction scores of nurses of operating equipment,doctors of clinical department,medical engineers and administrators for the service effects of equipment under the two management modes,who use and manage the first aid equipment in hospital.Results:The average failure rate,risk rate,alarm rate and unqualified rate of first aid equipment in hospitals,which adopted the strategic management mode,were respectively(0.72±0.42)%,(1.08±0.70)%,(1.18±0.48)%and(1.33±0.63)%,all of which were lower than those of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.629,2.792,2.179,2.396,P<0.05).The management level scores of monitors,ventilators,defibrillators,high-frequency electrosurgical knives and other first aid equipment,which adopted the strategic management mode,were respectively(94.69±1.68),(95.84±2.52),(95.38±2.85),(95.69±2.02)and(94.17±4.89)points,all of which were higher than those of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.797,2.403,2.390,3.825,2.196,P<0.05).The satisfaction scores of nurses of operating equipment,doctors of clinical department,medical engineers and administrators for first aid equipment of adopting strategic management mode were all higher than those of adopting conventional management mode,and the difference were statistically significant(t=3.666,3.336,4.275,4.292,P<0.05).Conclusion:The quality analysis model of first aid equipment of hospital can improve the operation quality and management level of first aid equipment,and reduce the equipment's failure rate and the unqualified rate of quality inspection,and improve the service effect of first aid equipment.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation acute large vessel occlusive stroke(ALVOS).Methods A total of 142 patients with anterior circulation ALVOS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in the First Hospital of Jiaxing from June 2022 to July 2024 were selected as research subjects.According to the results of the postoperative cranial CT scan after mechanical thrombectomy,they were divided into irreversible ischemic edema group(120 cases)and reversible ischemic edema group(22 cases).The baseline clinical data of the patients were collected.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation ALVOS.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was constructed to evaluate its predictive value for reversible ischemic edema.Results The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(OR=1.057,95％CI:1.018-1.102,P=0.005)and collateral circulation grade(OR=0.395,95％CI:0.186-0.769,P=0.010)were influencing factors for reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation ALVOS.ROC curve analysis results showed that age,collateral circulation grade and their combination had a certain predictive value for reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation ALVOS.The area under the curve(AUC)of age and collateral circulation grade was 0.664 and 0.715,respectively,and AUC of the combination was 0.785,the best cut-off value was 0.861,the sensitivity was 68.3％,and the specificity was 81.8％.Conclusion The low-density area in the ischemic region on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for a small percentage of anterior circulation ALVOS may be reversible.Younger age and good collateral circulation compensation in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy are associated with reversible ischemic edema in postoperative cranial CT.

Objective:To construct a quality analysis model by combining the strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats(SWOT)analysis method and analytic hierarchy process(AHP),and to explore its application value in the quality management for operation of first aid equipment of hospital.Methods:The advantages,disadvantages,opportunities and threats of management for equipment were analyzed according to SWOT model,and the operation quality of equipment was positioning analyzed by AHP,and comprehensive management countermeasures were formulated from the aspects of personnel,system,preventive maintenance,information management and cooperation between institutes and enterprises.A total of 215 first aid equipment in clinical use in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2021 to December 2024 were selected.In these equipment,171 equipment from January 2021 to December 2022 were managed by using the conventional management mode,and 195 equipment(including 151 using equipment under the conventional management mode and 44 newly added equipment)from January 2023 to December 2024 were managed by using the strategic management mode with quality analysis model.The operation quality and management level of the two management modes for the equipment were compared.A self-made survey questionnaire was used to investigate the satisfaction scores of nurses of operating equipment,doctors of clinical department,medical engineers and administrators for the service effects of equipment under the two management modes,who use and manage the first aid equipment in hospital.Results:The average failure rate,risk rate,alarm rate and unqualified rate of first aid equipment in hospitals,which adopted the strategic management mode,were respectively(0.72±0.42)%,(1.08±0.70)%,(1.18±0.48)%and(1.33±0.63)%,all of which were lower than those of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.629,2.792,2.179,2.396,P<0.05).The management level scores of monitors,ventilators,defibrillators,high-frequency electrosurgical knives and other first aid equipment,which adopted the strategic management mode,were respectively(94.69±1.68),(95.84±2.52),(95.38±2.85),(95.69±2.02)and(94.17±4.89)points,all of which were higher than those of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.797,2.403,2.390,3.825,2.196,P<0.05).The satisfaction scores of nurses of operating equipment,doctors of clinical department,medical engineers and administrators for first aid equipment of adopting strategic management mode were all higher than those of adopting conventional management mode,and the difference were statistically significant(t=3.666,3.336,4.275,4.292,P<0.05).Conclusion:The quality analysis model of first aid equipment of hospital can improve the operation quality and management level of first aid equipment,and reduce the equipment's failure rate and the unqualified rate of quality inspection,and improve the service effect of first aid equipment.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation acute large vessel occlusive stroke(ALVOS).Methods A total of 142 patients with anterior circulation ALVOS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in the First Hospital of Jiaxing from June 2022 to July 2024 were selected as research subjects.According to the results of the postoperative cranial CT scan after mechanical thrombectomy,they were divided into irreversible ischemic edema group(120 cases)and reversible ischemic edema group(22 cases).The baseline clinical data of the patients were collected.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation ALVOS.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was constructed to evaluate its predictive value for reversible ischemic edema.Results The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(OR=1.057,95％CI:1.018-1.102,P=0.005)and collateral circulation grade(OR=0.395,95％CI:0.186-0.769,P=0.010)were influencing factors for reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation ALVOS.ROC curve analysis results showed that age,collateral circulation grade and their combination had a certain predictive value for reversible ischemic edema on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation ALVOS.The area under the curve(AUC)of age and collateral circulation grade was 0.664 and 0.715,respectively,and AUC of the combination was 0.785,the best cut-off value was 0.861,the sensitivity was 68.3％,and the specificity was 81.8％.Conclusion The low-density area in the ischemic region on cranial CT after mechanical thrombectomy for a small percentage of anterior circulation ALVOS may be reversible.Younger age and good collateral circulation compensation in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy are associated with reversible ischemic edema in postoperative cranial CT.

Objective:To investigate the differential impact of ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR PCD-CT) and energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) on image quality and calcified plaque-induced luminal stenosis in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent both EID-CT and UHR PCD-CT CCTA at the Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2021 and November 2024. A total of 141 patients were included in the study, within 46 patients having scans within a 12-month interval. Image quality of all coronary artery segments was subjectively evaluated. Patients with paired scans (interval≤12 months) were included for calcified plaque analysis. Subjective visualization of calcified plaques evaluated. The blooming artifact was calculated as an objective evaluation index for assessing the calcified plaques. Additionally, the degree of coronary artery lumen stenosis resulting from calcified plaques was assessed, along with the measurement of plaque volume and the Agatston score. Changes in lumen stenosis between the two scans were also evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the subjective scores of coronary artery image quality and calcified plaques between the two groups, and paired-sample t-tests were used to compare the blooming artifact and lumen stenosis degree. Results:The PCD-CT image quality score was significantly higher than that of EID-CT [PCD-CT : 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 4 (4,5); Z=-21.38, P<0.001]. Compared to EID-CT, PCD-CT reduced the blooming artifact (PCD-CT: 38.88%±9.09%, EID-CT: 50.11%±11.52%; t=-12.97, P<0.001), significantly improving the subjective score for visualization of calcified plaques [PCD-CT: 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 3 (2,3); Z=-9.68, P<0.001], and the measured lumen stenosis was notably lower in PCD-CT(PCD-CT:34.88%±18.20%, EID-CT:45.31%±23.42%; t=-9.93, P<0.001). Among 129 analyzed calcified plaques, luminal stenosis was reduced on PCD-CT in 110 plaques (85.3%) and increased in 19 (14.7%), including 4 plaques that had unclear boundaries with the adjacent lumen in EID-CT CCTA images, making the stenosis difficult to assess. Conclusion:Compared to EID-CT, UHR PCD-CT for CCTA significantly improves coronary artery image quality, provides clearer visualization of calcified plaques and adjacent lumen details, and it can reduce the overestimation of coronary artery caleified plaque stenosis.

Objective To construct a non-trace deletion mutant of exlA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain NY8755(NY8755ΔexlA)and investigate the basic characteristics of pore-forming toxin ExlA.Methods The NY8755ΔexlA was constructed using the secondary homologous recombination method.C57BL/6J female mice ages 6 to 8 weeks were infected with NY8755 and NY8755 ΔexlA via aerosolized intratraheal inoculation respectively.Within 7 days of infection,the survival and weight changes of the mice were observed and recorded before the proinflammatory cytokines in the bronchoal-veolar lavage fluid(BALF)of the infected mice in the two groups were detected.Results The sequencing results showed that NY8755 ΔexlA was constructed.After 1×107 CFU NY8755 and NY8755 ΔexlA were infected,all the mice in the wild-type strain group died within 48 hours,while those in the mutant strain group began to die after 48 hours,and 40%of them remained alive 7 days later.The weight of surviving mice in the mutant strain group decreased but recovered gradually.After 12 hours of infection,there were more bloody exudates(redder in color)in the BALF of the wild-type strain group than in the mutant strain group,and the contents of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)were significantly different. Conclusion Pseudomonas aeruginosa pore-forming toxin ExlA is the key pathogenic virulence factor of the exlA-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa,which can significantly affect the survival status of mice and cause obvious inflammation in mice. Very little information is available on the action mechanisms of ExlA. In this study, The NY8755ΔexlA and the C57BL/6J mouse models infected with NY8755 and NY8755ΔexlA have been constructed that may be used for the investigation of pathogenesis of exlA-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa.