Objective To promote the objectification and intelligence of clinical TCM tongue diagnosis in ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods Daosheng DS01-B tongue and face diagnosis information collection system was used to prospectively collect tongue image pictures of patients with ulcerative colitis damp-heat in the large intestine syndrome(DCSR)and spleen deficiency dampness retention syndrome(PXSY),with totaling 1096 images.After UC tongue image segmentation,preprocessing,and data augmentation,a data set of UC tongue images was formed.Based on ResNet50,a UC tongue image classification model was constructed using feature fusion methods and attention modules.Results The UC tongue image classification model constructed had better classification performance,with an average F1 value of 85.09%,an AUC value of 0.83 for PXSY,and an AUC value of 0.81 for DCSR,both of which were higher than the VGG11 and ResNet50 models.Conclusion The constructed UC tongue image classification model can effectively identify DCSR and PXSY,providing a new approach to improve the accuracy and objectivity of UC differentiation and assisting in the intelligence of TCM tongue diagnosis.

With the increasing attention of domestic and foreign scholars to death with dignity, the importance of death with dignity in the field of hospice care is becoming increasingly prominent. This study reviews the fundamental concept of death with dignity, comprehensively analyzes the content, application scenarios, advantages, and limitations of various cognition and practice assessment tools for death with dignity at home and abroad, aiming to provide reference for promoting the development and appropriate use of cognition and practice assessment tools for death with dignity in China.

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of metformin (MET) in inhibiting the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating the degradation of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3). The correlation between the sensitivity of different hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines to MET and their basal expression levels of AKR1C3 was firstly evaluated. MET was found to significantly reduce the level and accelerate the degradation rate of AKR1C3 protein by Western blot. The interaction between MET and AKR1C3 protein was confirmed by cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). Proteasome inhibitor MG132 and the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) were used to screen the degradation pathway, and confirm, in combination with the HBSS starvation-induced autophagy model, that MET mediated the degradation of AKR1C3 through the autophagy lysosome pathway. Ubiquitylation assay showed that MET specifically enhanced the K63-linked polyubiquitylation modification of AKR1C3. Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62) knockdown, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence co-localization analyses confirmed that the autophagy receptor p62 plays a key role in mediating MET-induced degradation of AKR1C3. The adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor compound C was used to demonstrate that the regulatory effect of MET on AKR1C3 is independent of the classical AMPK signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that metformin promoted the ubiquitination modification of AKR1C3 by targeting AKR1C3, enhanced the binding of AKR1C3 to autophagy receptor p62, then degraded the AKR1C3 protein through selective autophagy-like pathway, and ultimately inhibited the malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which is a regulatory mechanism free of the classical AMPK activation pathway of metformin.

Mesangial cell proliferation is an early pathological indicator of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Growing evidence highlights the pivotal role of paired-related homeobox 1 (Prrx1), a key regulator of cellular proliferation and tissue differentiation, in various disease pathogenesis. Notably, Prrx1 is highly expressed in mesangial cells under DN conditions. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Prrx1 overexpression promotes mesangial cell proliferation and contributes to renal fibrosis in db/m mice. Conversely, Prrx1 knockdown markedly suppresses hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cell proliferation and mitigates renal fibrosis in db/db mice. Mechanistically, Prrx1 directly interacts with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) promoter, leading to the upregulation of YAP expression. This upregulation promotes mesangial cell proliferation and exacerbates renal fibrosis. These findings emphasize the crucial role of Prrx1 upregulation in high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation, ultimately leading to renal fibrosis in DN. Therefore, targeting Prrx1 to downregulate its expression presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating renal fibrosis associated with DN.

AIM:To study the clinical characteris-tics of hyperuricemia(HUA)in ulcerative colitis(UC)patients and the role of uric acid in UC through clinical and animal experiments.METH-ODS:The clinical research included UC patients hospitalized for the first time in the Department of Gastroenterology,Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Uni-versity of Chinese Medicine from April 2019 to April 2023.The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of HUA,and the clin-ical data and laboratory indicators were collected.In the animal experiment,24 SPF male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into ctrl group(Ctrl),model group(DSS),potassium oxonate group(PO),and uric acid group(UA).The body mass index,dis-ease activity index(DAI)score,pathology,inflam-mation,and intestinal barrier function indexes were compared among groups.RESULTS:The clini-cal research showed that the prevalence of HUA in UC patients was 9％(41/455).Patients with HUA had a significantly higher proportion of male and BMI levels,and more extensive colonic types(P＜0.05)than those without.In laboratory indicators,patients with HUA had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein and triglyceride,and a substan-tially lower level of high-density lipoprotein choles-terol(P＜0.05)than those without.The animal ex-periment found that compared with the Ctrl group,the DSS group significantly decreased body weight,shortened colon length,and increased DAI score.Pathological results showed a large number of in-flammatory infiltrations and significant damage to the crypt structure.Moreover,the expression level of IL-6 in colon tissue was significantly increased,and the expression levels of MUC-2 and ZO-1 were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the DSS group,both the PO group and UA group could aggravate the above symptoms,indicating that uric acid has a significant pro-inflammatory ef-fect on DSS-induced UC model mice.CONCLUSION:HUA is not uncommon in UC patients and such pa-tients have a wider range of lesions and more se-vere inflammation.The mechanism may be that high uric acid aggravates inflammation.

Objective:To analyze the relevant factors affecting treatment compliance in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection, construct a nomogram prediction model and validate it.Methods:In this case-control study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 400 infertile patients who attended the Department of Reproduction of Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiangxi Province from April 2022 to March 2024. They were divided into modeling group ( n=280) and validation group ( n=120) according to the 7∶3 principle with random number method, and further divided into complete compliance subgroup and unstable compliance subgroup based on different levels of compliance. Multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting treatment adherence in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection, variance inflation factor was used to assess the collinearity of the independent variables and to construct a columnar plot prediction model, and the validation and predictive efficacy of the columnar plot model were assessed by calibration curves and decision curves, respectively. The validation and predictive efficacy of the column chart model were evaluated by calibration curve and decision curve respectively. Results:In the modeling group, there was no significant statistical difference between the fully compliant group and the unstable compliant group in terms of body mass index, place of residence, occupation, settlement form, and attitude of medical staff (all P>0.05). Age in the unstable adherence subgroup [(33.22±3.20) years], proportion of junior high school and below in education [36.81% (67/182)], proportion of average monthly disposable amount ≤2 000 yuan [36.81% (67/182)], proportion of poor disease awareness [62.09% (113/182)], and infertility related stress scale (IRSS) scores (45.60±17.14) were higher than those in the full adherence subgroup [(31.36±3.24) years, P<0.001; 19.39% (19/98), P=0.003; 16.33% (16/98), P<0.001; 28.57% (28/98), P<0.001; 37.64±16.69, P<0.001]. The receiver operating characteristc curve analysis results showed that the optimal cutoff values for age and IRSS score were 32 years old and 42 points, respectively. The results of logistic multiple regression model showed that: age ( OR=1.453, 95% CI: 1.260-1.794, P=0.002), education level ( OR=1.386, 95% CI: 1.185-1.564, P<0.001), average monthly disposable amount ( OR=1.081, 95% CI: 1.002-1.246, P=0.023), disease awareness level ( OR=1.827, 95% CI: 1.390-2.359, P<0.001), and average monthly disposable amount ( OR=1.081, 95% CI: 1.002-1.246, P=0.023), disease awareness ( OR=1.827, 95% CI:1.390-2.359, P<0.001), and IRSS score ( OR=1.590, 95% CI: 1.255-1.902, P=0.006) were independent risk factors affecting treatment adherence in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection. The modeling group C-index was 0.872 (0.816-0.927), the intercept (-0.004) and slope (0.995) of the calibration curve were close to the desirable values of 0 and 1, the Brier score was 0.017, and thresholds between 0.37 and 0.96 provided a net clinical benefit. The C-index of the test model set was 0.816 (0.736-0.896), the intercept (-0.007) and slope (1.015) of the calibration curve were close to the ideal values of 0 and 1, the Brier score was 0.013, and the threshold value provided a net clinical benefit when the threshold value ranged from 0.21 to 0.98, and the H-L goodness-of-fit test showed that χ 2=7.36, P=0.499, and the constructed predictive model for the column line graphs had good discrimination and consistency. Conclusion:Age, educational level, monthly average disposable income, disease awareness, and IRSS score are the relevant factors affecting treatment compliance in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection. The nomogram prediction model constructed in this study based on those relevant factors has a good predictive value for treatment compliance in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection, and can provide certain reference for clinical intervention measures.

Objective:To analyze the relevant factors affecting treatment compliance in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection, construct a nomogram prediction model and validate it.Methods:In this case-control study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 400 infertile patients who attended the Department of Reproduction of Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiangxi Province from April 2022 to March 2024. They were divided into modeling group ( n=280) and validation group ( n=120) according to the 7∶3 principle with random number method, and further divided into complete compliance subgroup and unstable compliance subgroup based on different levels of compliance. Multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting treatment adherence in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection, variance inflation factor was used to assess the collinearity of the independent variables and to construct a columnar plot prediction model, and the validation and predictive efficacy of the columnar plot model were assessed by calibration curves and decision curves, respectively. The validation and predictive efficacy of the column chart model were evaluated by calibration curve and decision curve respectively. Results:In the modeling group, there was no significant statistical difference between the fully compliant group and the unstable compliant group in terms of body mass index, place of residence, occupation, settlement form, and attitude of medical staff (all P>0.05). Age in the unstable adherence subgroup [(33.22±3.20) years], proportion of junior high school and below in education [36.81% (67/182)], proportion of average monthly disposable amount ≤2 000 yuan [36.81% (67/182)], proportion of poor disease awareness [62.09% (113/182)], and infertility related stress scale (IRSS) scores (45.60±17.14) were higher than those in the full adherence subgroup [(31.36±3.24) years, P<0.001; 19.39% (19/98), P=0.003; 16.33% (16/98), P<0.001; 28.57% (28/98), P<0.001; 37.64±16.69, P<0.001]. The receiver operating characteristc curve analysis results showed that the optimal cutoff values for age and IRSS score were 32 years old and 42 points, respectively. The results of logistic multiple regression model showed that: age ( OR=1.453, 95% CI: 1.260-1.794, P=0.002), education level ( OR=1.386, 95% CI: 1.185-1.564, P<0.001), average monthly disposable amount ( OR=1.081, 95% CI: 1.002-1.246, P=0.023), disease awareness level ( OR=1.827, 95% CI: 1.390-2.359, P<0.001), and average monthly disposable amount ( OR=1.081, 95% CI: 1.002-1.246, P=0.023), disease awareness ( OR=1.827, 95% CI:1.390-2.359, P<0.001), and IRSS score ( OR=1.590, 95% CI: 1.255-1.902, P=0.006) were independent risk factors affecting treatment adherence in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection. The modeling group C-index was 0.872 (0.816-0.927), the intercept (-0.004) and slope (0.995) of the calibration curve were close to the desirable values of 0 and 1, the Brier score was 0.017, and thresholds between 0.37 and 0.96 provided a net clinical benefit. The C-index of the test model set was 0.816 (0.736-0.896), the intercept (-0.007) and slope (1.015) of the calibration curve were close to the ideal values of 0 and 1, the Brier score was 0.013, and the threshold value provided a net clinical benefit when the threshold value ranged from 0.21 to 0.98, and the H-L goodness-of-fit test showed that χ 2=7.36, P=0.499, and the constructed predictive model for the column line graphs had good discrimination and consistency. Conclusion:Age, educational level, monthly average disposable income, disease awareness, and IRSS score are the relevant factors affecting treatment compliance in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection. The nomogram prediction model constructed in this study based on those relevant factors has a good predictive value for treatment compliance in infertile patients with mycoplasma infection, and can provide certain reference for clinical intervention measures.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingchang Huazhuo Formula(QCHZF)on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)and the influences of fecal metabolites based on non-targeted metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of action of QCHZF in the treatment of UC.METHODS UC mice were induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS)and were administered with QCHZF.During the experiment,the body weight,stool characteristics and blood in stool were recorded daily,and the disease activity index(DAI)was calculated.At the end of the experiment,the length of colon was measured,colonic tissue damage in mice were ob-served by hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue staining,mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors,IL-6,IL-18 and IL-1β,and intestinal barrier factors,ZO-1 and Muc2,were detected in colon tissues via qPCR method,and protein expression level of intestinal barrier,Muc2,was detected with immunofluorescence.Fecal metabolite changes in mice were detected employing un-targeted metabo-lomics and analyzed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0 for metabolic pathway enrichment.RESULTS QCHZF significantly alleviated colitis symptoms,increased body weight,decreased DAI score,reversed colonic shortening,inhibited inflammatory factors expression,im-proved colonic tissue structure disorders,increased the number of goblet cells,and restored the intestinal barrier in UC mice,regulated 58 metabolites,mainly involving pathways of methionine and cysteine metabolism,purine metabolism,steroid hormone biosynthesis,vitamin B6 metabolism,tryptophan metabolism and primary bile acid pathways.CONCLUSION QCHZF can improve colitis symp-toms,repaire the intestinal barrier and modulate fecal metabolites and related metabolic pathways in UC mice.

Objective To explore the value of contrast agent injection protocol based on individualized iodine delivery rate(IDR)applicated in enhanced spectral CT scanning of colorectal cancer.Methods Totally 131 colorectal cancer patients were prospectively collected and randomly divided into conventional group(group A,n=64,contrast agents were injected with routine method)and individualized group(group B,n=67,contrast agents were injected with individualized IDR method).Whole abdominal energy spectrum CT scanning was performed,and 70 keV images at arterial and venous phases(A70 keV)of group A and 40-70 keV images(interval 10 keV)at arterial and venous phases(B40-70 keV)of group B were reconstructed,and iodine-based material maps were reconstructed.Subjective and objective evaluation on quality of enhanced images were performed,lesions'normalized iodine concentration(NIC)were calculated,and the above indexes were compared between groups.Results Iodine intake in group B was lower than that in group A(P＜0.001).The subjective scores of B60 keV images at both arterial and venous phases were the highest,which were not different from those of A70 keV images(both P＞0.05).CT values,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of superior mesenteric artery(SMA)and abdominal aorta on arterial B40-60 keV images were higher than those in arterial A70 keV images(all P＜0.05).CT values,SNR and CNR of superior mesenteric vein(SMV)on venous B40-50 keV,as well as CT values and CNR of SMV on venous B60 keV images were all higher than those on venous A70 keV images(all P＜0.05).No significant difference of lesions'NIC in arterial and venous phases was detected between groups(both P＞0.05).Conclusion Injection of contrast agents based on IDR combined with 60 keV single energy image for enhanced energy spectrum CT scanning of colorectal cancer could reduce the amount of contrast agents while do not affect imaging quality.

Objective:To explore clinical and genetic features of persistent asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in children.Methods:A retrospective case analysis of 135 individuals admitted to Xi ′an Children′s Hospital with persistent asymptomatic microscopic haematuria between January 2016 to December 2023 was conducted. The demographic characteristics, kidney pathology and gene results of 135 individuals were analyzed. One hundred and thirty-five individuals were divided into 2 groups (positive group and negative group) according to family history of glomerulogenic hematuria in first-degree relatives. The differences of hematuria remission, proteinuria and gene variation were compared between the 2 groups. Two independent sample t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson Chi-square, Yates′ corrected Chi-squared test or Fisher exact test were used for comparison between groups. Results:All 135 children, with 48 males and 87 females, were 8.5 (6.5, 9.5) years old at first presentation. Kidney biopsy was performed in 73 cases (54.1%). Kidney pathology showed mild lesions in 41 cases (56.2%), thin basement membrane disease (TBMD) in 24 cases (32.9%), typical pathological features of Alport syndrome in 5 cases (6.8%), and other manifestations in 3 cases (4.1%). The positive group comprised 52 individuals, whereas the negative group consisted of 83 individuals. The positive group demonstrated a higher susceptibility in proteinuria and gene variation, while the negative group exhibited a greater rate of hematuria remission ( χ2=5.00, 5.27, 8.52, all P<0.05). Whole exome sequencing was performed in 80 individuals and 18 individuals (22.5%) had a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in COL4A3-5. COL4A5 was the most common gene afected, accounting for 11 cases. The 135 individuals were followed up for 4.2 (2.9, 5.1) years, of which 31 cases (22.9%) had complete hematuria remission at 2.1 (1.4, 2.7) years. Up to March 2024, there were also 7 individuals (5.2%) with varying degrees of proteinuria, and 3 individuals (2.2%) with proteinuria progressed to chronic kidney insufficiency. Conclusions:The most common kidney pathological types in children with persistent asymptomatic microscopic hematuria are minor lesions and TBMD. Children with microscopic hematuria whose first-degree relatives have a family history of hematuria are more likely to have proteinuria and gene variants. COL4A3-5 genetic screening could be considered a priority in these children.