Objective: To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status. Results: No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups. Conclusion Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for the establishment and optimization of add-on payment policy in China. METHODS The two-party evolutionary game model was constructed， involving medical insurance and medical institutions，and simulation experiments were conducted. The effects of factors such as whether the establishment of add-on payment policy by the medical insurance department， the compensation ratio， and the cost and incremental utility of new technology on the adoption of innovative technologies by medical institutions were analyzed under the backdrop of the reform of the diagnosis-related groups （DRG） payment system. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The add-on payment policy can effectively incentivize the utilization of innovative technologies， but it also carries the risk of overuse or misuse of new technologies. The compensation ratio， unit price of new technology， and cost savings derived from the improved effectiveness of new technologies， as well as the incremental utility of new technology， will all affect the equilibrium state of the evolutionary game， potentially even reversing it. It is recommended to optimize the selection criteria for the scope of add-on payment， so as to incentivize the use of innovative technologies while controlling the risk of their misuse. Additionally， a reasonable approach should be taken to adopt either standalone payment or supplementary payment models based on the surplus level of medical insurance funds in the coordinated regions. Meanwhile， a regular adjustment mechanism should be established to ensure smooth integration between the add-on payment and the DRG payment system.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Booster vaccinations are highly recommended in combating the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its subvariants. However, the optimal booster vaccination strategies and related immune mechanisms with different prior vaccinations are under-revealed. In this study, we systematically evaluated the immune responses in mice and hamsters with different prime-boost regimens before their protective efficacies against Omicron were detected. We found that boosting with Ad5-nCoV, S_WT-2P or S_Omicron-6P induced significantly higher levels of neutralization activities against Omicron variants than CoronaVac and ZF2001 by eliciting stronger germinal center (GC) responses. Specifically, S_Omicron-6P induced even stronger antibody responses against Omicron variants in CoronaVac and Ad5-nCoV-primed animals than non-Omicron-specific vaccines but with limited differences as compared to Ad5-nCoV and S_WT-2P. In addition, boosting with a specific vaccine has the potential to remodel the existing immune profiles. These findings indicated that adenovirus-vectored vaccines and mRNA vaccines would be more effective than other types of vaccines as booster shots in combating Omicron infections. Moreover, the protective efficacies of the vaccines in booster vaccinations are highly related to GC reactions in secondary lymphatic organs. In summary, these findings provide timely important information on prime-boost regimens and future vaccine design.

Lumbar disc (LD) herniation and aging are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial morbidity. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms connecting the LD aging and herniation, particularly focusing on cellular senescence and molecular alterations in the nucleus pulposus (NP). We performed a detailed analysis of NP samples from a diverse cohort, including individuals of varying ages and those with diagnosed LD herniation. Our methodology combined histological assessments with single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and molecular changes related to NP aging and herniation. We discovered that cellular senescence and a decrease in nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) are central to both processes. Additionally, we found an age-related increase in NFAT1 expression that promotes NPPC senescence and contributes to both aging and herniation of LD. This research offers fresh insights into LD aging and its associated pathologies, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the root causes of LD herniation and aging.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/metabolism* ; Humans ; Aging/pathology* ; Nucleus Pulposus/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Transcriptome ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology* ; Adult ; Cellular Senescence ; Stem Cells/pathology* ; Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism*

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation. Their long disease duration and relapsing nature often necessitate long-term, sometimes lifelong, pharmacotherapy. However, the adverse effects associated with these medications cannot be overlooked, with particular attention warranted for the potential risk of malignancy. This article reviews the current evidence regarding the oncogenic risk of major therapeutic agents used for IMIDs, aiming to enhance clinicians' comprehensive understanding of these drugs. For IMIDs patients with a history of malignancy or those possessing other risk factors for cancer, this knowledge may encourage more deliberate deliberation and a more thorough assessment when selecting appropriate treatment options, thereby facilitating better management of drug-associated malignancy risks.

The thinking process of medical diagnosis requires a comprehensive and analytical judgment.However,in both judgment processes,human thinking has inevitable limitations.With the development of artificial intelligence(AI)technology,symbolism and connectionism can effectively compensate for the deficiencies of human thinking in some respects,making more accurate diagnostic judgments,but they also have their limitations.It is conceivable that the integration and development of symbolism and connectionism will assist in enhancing the capabilities of medical-assisted diagnosis.However,there is still a tension between accuracy,transparency,and interpretability regarding the application of connectionism in AI,and many concerns about AI have arisen due to its lack of transparency and interpretability.By sorting out the thought process of medical diagnosis,organizing the differences among various AI paradigms and the changes in semantic philosophy and truth concepts behind AI,ethical concerns about the application of AI can be alleviated to a certain extent,and the practical application of AI in the field of medical diagnosis can be promoted.

Objective To explore the expression levels and clinical significance of basement membrane genes in endometrial carcinoma and the prognostic value of a prediction model.Methods The mRNA expression matrix and clinical data for endometrial carcinoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database,and basement membrane genes were obtained from a previous study.Prognostic genes were screened using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses based on differentially expressed genes(DEGs).A prognostic model was constructed,and the relationship of these genes with clinical factors was analyzed.The biological functions and pathways of the DEGs were assessed using functional enrichment analyses.The mRNA expression of prognostic genes was verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results The prognostic model composed of ACHE,COL12A1,and CD44was significantly associated with clinical factors.Real-time PCR results showed that the expression levels of ACHEand COL12A1mRNA differed signifi-cantly between normal endometrial cells and endometrial carcinoma cells(P<0.05).Conclusion The constructed model based on three basement membrane genes can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with endometrial carcinoma and provide potential targets for clinical treatment.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common complication following spinal cord injury, with an incidence rate ranging from 38% to 70%. NP typically presents as sensation of burning, electric shocks, tingling or squeezing pain resulting from somatosensory nerve damage, which exerts a negative impact on patients′ physical and psychological well-being. After spinal cord injury, glial cells are activated to induce inflammatory cascade. Accordingly, various inflammatory mediators that may disrupt the neuronal function are released to promote abnormally increased neuronal excitability and pain signal transduction. Additionally, spinal cord injury can disrupt the release of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, alter ion channel activity, and thereby impair the normal pain regulatory mechanisms and further increase pain perception. The interaction of these mechanisms contributes to the occurrence and persistence of NP after spinal cord injury. However, the precise pathogenesis of NP remains incompletely elucidated, making its therapeutic efficacy uncertain and clinical management difficult. It is of great significance to thoroughly understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of NP following spinal cord injury for its treatment. For this reason, the authors reviewed the research progress on the characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms of NP following spinal cord injury, aiming to serve as a reference for further research and development of more effective targeted therapies and management strategies.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma nodules compared to those with a single lung adenocarcinoma nodule.Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on 212 patients who underwent thoracic surgery at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University from 2022 to 2023.This included 149 cases of single lung adenocarcinoma nodules and 63 cases of multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma nodules.After propensity score matching,a comparison was made between the two groups in terms of imaging features,tumor serological indicators,pathological immunohis-tochemistry,and lymph node metastasis rate.Additionally,binary logistic regression was employed to explore the differences in lymph node metastasis rate between single and multiple nodules.Results After propensity score matching,statistically significant differences were observed in the Avr value of CT(P=0.001),KI-67 expression level(P<0.001),PD-L1 expression level(P=0.002),and lymph node metastasis rate(P=0.030)between the two groups.However,there were no statistically significant differences in nodule type,imaging features such as lobula-tion and vascular clustering,tumor serological indicators including CEA and NSE,ALK positive rate,and SYN posi-tive rate.The variables with significant differences(Avr,Ki-67,PD-L1)were identified through Spearman test for correlation analysis.Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using lymph node metastasis as the dependent variable and single or multiple nodules as categorical covariates along with the three correlated variables included as independent variables interactively.The results showed that the probability of lymph node metastasis in multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma nodules was 80.8%lower than that in single lung adenocarcinoma nodules(RR=0.192,P=0.042).Conclusions Multiple primary adenocarcinoma nodules exhibit a less aggressive biological behavior compared to solitary adenocarcinoma nodules,resulting in a reduced likelihood of lymph node metastasis.For cases involving multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma nodules,the implementation of aggressive surgical protocols is not advisable;instead,personalized treatment plans should be developed based on comprehensive evaluations including intraoperative frozen pathology and imaging.