Objective To compare the performance and efficacy of prognostic models constructed by different machine learning algorithms in predicting the survival period of lung transplantation (LTx) recipients. Methods Data from 483 recipients who underwent LTx were retrospectively collected. All recipients were divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. The 24 collected variables were screened based on variable importance (VIMP). Prognostic models were constructed using random survival forest (RSF) and extreme gradient boosting tree (XGBoost). The performance of the models was evaluated using the integrated area under the curve (iAUC) and time-dependent area under the curve (tAUC). Results There were no significant statistical differences in the variables between the training set and the validation set. The top 15 variables ranked by VIMP were used for modeling and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was determined as the most important factor. Compared with the XGBoost model, the RSF model demonstrated better performance in predicting the survival period of recipients (iAUC 0.773 vs. 0.723). The RSF model also showed better performance in predicting the 6-month survival period (tAUC _{6 months} 0.884 vs. 0.809, P = 0.009) and 1-year survival period (tAUC _{1 year} 0.896 vs. 0.825, P = 0.013) of recipients. Based on the prediction cut-off values of the two algorithms, LTx recipients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. The survival analysis results of both models showed that the survival rate of recipients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group (P<0.001). Conclusions Compared with XGBoost, the machine learning prognostic model developed based on the RSF algorithm may preferably predict the survival period of LTx recipients.

Objective Based on 25 indicators including immune factors, cell count classification, and smear results of the knee joint fluid, machine learning models were established to distinguish between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods 100 OA and 40 RA patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were enrolled respectively. Each patient's knee joint fluid was collected preoperatively. Nucleated cells were counted and classified. The expression levels of immune factors, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), MMP9, MMP13, rheumatoid factor (RF), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and others were measured. Smears and microscopic classification of all the immune factors were performed. Independent influencing factors for OA or RA were identified using univariate binary logistic regression, Lasso regression, and multivariate binary logistic regression. Based on the independent influencing factors, three machine learning models were constructed which are logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machine. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate and compare the models. Results A total of 5 indicators in the knee joint fluid were screened out to distinguish OA and RA, which were IL-1β(odds ratio(OR)=10.512, 95× confidence interval (95×CI) was 1.048-105.42, P=0.045), IL-6 (OR=1.007, 95×CI was 1.001-1.014, P=0.022), MMP9 (OR=3.202, 95×CI was 1.235-8.305, P=0.017), MMP13 (OR=1.002, 95× CI was 1-1.004, P=0.049), and RF (OR=1.091, 95×CI was 1.01-1.179, P=0.026). According to the results of ROC, calibration curve and DCA, the accuracy (0.979), sensitivity (0.98) and area under the curve (AUC, 0.996, 95×CI was 0.991-1) of the random forest model were the highest. It has good validity and feasibility, and its distinguishing ability is better than the other two models. Conclusion The machine learning model based on immune factors in the knee joint fluid holds significant value in distinguishing OA and RA. It provides an important reference for the clinical early differential diagnosis, prevention and treatment of OA and RA.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Machine Learning ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Synovial Fluid/immunology* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism* ; Knee Joint/metabolism* ; ROC Curve ; Diagnosis, Differential

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and non-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Huanglian Ganjiang decoction (HGD), derived from ancient book Beiji Qianjin Yao Fang, has demonstrated efficacy in treating UC patients traditionally. Previous research established that the compatibility of cold herb Coptidis Rhizoma + Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (CP) and hot herb Angelicae Sinensis Radix + Zingiberis Rhizoma (AZ) in HGD synergistically improved colitis mice. This study investigated the compatibility mechanisms through which CP and AZ regulated inflammatory balance in colitis mice. The experimental colitis model was established by administering 3% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) to mice for 7 days, followed by CP, AZ and CPAZ treatment for an additional 7 days. M1/M2 macrophage polarization levels, glucose metabolites levels and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) expression were analyzed using flow cytometry, Western blot, immunofluorescence and targeted glucose metabolomics. The findings indicated that CP inhibited M1 macrophage polarization, decreased inflammatory metabolites associated with tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and suppressed PDK4 expression and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) (Ser-293) phosphorylation level. AZ enhanced M2 macrophage polarization, increased lactate axis metabolite lactate levels, and upregulated PDK4 expression and PDH (Ser-293) phosphorylation level. TCA cycle blocker AG-221 and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PDK4 partially negated CP's inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization. Lactate axis antagonist oxamate and PDK4 inhibitor dichloroacetate (DCA) partially reduced AZ's activation of M2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, the compatibility of CP and AZ synergistically alleviated colitis in mice through M1/M2 macrophage polarization balance via PDK4-mediated glucose metabolism reprogramming. Specifically, CP reduced M1 macrophage polarization by restoration of TCA cycle via PDK4 inhibition, while AZ increased M2 macrophage polarization through activation of PDK4/lactate axis.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mice ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Acetyl-Transferring Kinase/genetics* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Colitis/drug therapy* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy* ; Metabolic Reprogramming

Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and explore the associated factors of breakthrough cases (BC) from Public Health Emergency Events (PHEEs) of varicella in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2022.Methods:Data on cases were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and the PHEEs Reporting Information Database of Varicella in Zhejiang Province. History records were matched through the Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression model with a bidirectional stepwise selection method were performed to explore associated factors for BC during 2019-2022.Results:A total of 144 276 varicella cases were reported from 2019 to 2022, with the annual reported incidence of 47.35-82.80 cases per 100 000 population. Among these cases, 109 172 were non-breakthrough cases (NBC, accounting for 75.67%), 34 517 were BC (23.92%), and the rest 587 cases had unclear vaccination history on varicella (0.41%). A total of 214 PHEEs of varicella were reported, of which 99.07% occurred in school settings. The proportion of PHEEs that occurred in high school increased significantly as time went on ( χ2trend=5.742, P=0.017). Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "BC vs. NBC (as the reference)" indicated that the year of onset ( OR=1.585, 95% CI:1.343-1.878), the month of onset (taking January as the reference, OR=2.311-15.652), city (taking Hangzhou as the reference, Jiaxing OR=2.370, Jinhua OR=2.197, Lishui OR=0.134), age ( OR=0.887, 95% CI: 0.826-0.944), PHEEs setting (taking "primary school and below" as the reference, "high school and above" OR=0.516, 95% CI: 0.305-0.897), and the number of rashes ( OR=0.569, 95% CI: 0.458-0.703) were associated factors. Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "two-dose BC vs. one-dose BC (as the reference)" showed that the age of initial vaccination ( OR=0.045, 95% CI: 0.014-0.107), the time interval from onset to the last dose ( OR=0.037, 95% CI: 0.011-0.087) and the age of onset ( OR=20.724, 95% CI: 8.383-72.485) were associated factors. Conclusion:During 2019-2022, the reported high-risk group of varicella in Zhejiang Province has shifted to adolescents and young adults. Although vaccination could not completely prevent the onset of VZV, it could relieve clinical symptoms and delay the age of onset.

Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and explore the associated factors of breakthrough cases (BC) from Public Health Emergency Events (PHEEs) of varicella in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2022.Methods:Data on cases were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and the PHEEs Reporting Information Database of Varicella in Zhejiang Province. History records were matched through the Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression model with a bidirectional stepwise selection method were performed to explore associated factors for BC during 2019-2022.Results:A total of 144 276 varicella cases were reported from 2019 to 2022, with the annual reported incidence of 47.35-82.80 cases per 100 000 population. Among these cases, 109 172 were non-breakthrough cases (NBC, accounting for 75.67%), 34 517 were BC (23.92%), and the rest 587 cases had unclear vaccination history on varicella (0.41%). A total of 214 PHEEs of varicella were reported, of which 99.07% occurred in school settings. The proportion of PHEEs that occurred in high school increased significantly as time went on ( χ2trend=5.742, P=0.017). Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "BC vs. NBC (as the reference)" indicated that the year of onset ( OR=1.585, 95% CI:1.343-1.878), the month of onset (taking January as the reference, OR=2.311-15.652), city (taking Hangzhou as the reference, Jiaxing OR=2.370, Jinhua OR=2.197, Lishui OR=0.134), age ( OR=0.887, 95% CI: 0.826-0.944), PHEEs setting (taking "primary school and below" as the reference, "high school and above" OR=0.516, 95% CI: 0.305-0.897), and the number of rashes ( OR=0.569, 95% CI: 0.458-0.703) were associated factors. Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "two-dose BC vs. one-dose BC (as the reference)" showed that the age of initial vaccination ( OR=0.045, 95% CI: 0.014-0.107), the time interval from onset to the last dose ( OR=0.037, 95% CI: 0.011-0.087) and the age of onset ( OR=20.724, 95% CI: 8.383-72.485) were associated factors. Conclusion:During 2019-2022, the reported high-risk group of varicella in Zhejiang Province has shifted to adolescents and young adults. Although vaccination could not completely prevent the onset of VZV, it could relieve clinical symptoms and delay the age of onset.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and respiratory function in mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia and its prognostic value.Methods:A case-series study.Ninety-two children with severe pneumonia who were treated with mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit of Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from May 2019 to May 2021 were taken as the study subjects.The IAP and respiratory function-related indexes of the children were monitored.Those with IAP ≥12 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) were divided into the study group, and those with IAP <12 mmHg were divided into the control group.The difference in respiratory function related indexes between the 2 groups was compared, and the relationship between IAP and respiratory function indexes was analyzed by Pearson correlation.The children were divided into a good prognosis group and a poor prognosis group according to their prognosis.The relevant clinical data of the children in the 2 groups were collected for univariate analysis, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of children with mechanical ventilation for severe pneumonia.A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of IAP on the prognosis of mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia.Results:The arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2) [(80.15±8.23) mmHg], arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO 2) [(91.32±2.13)%], and oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2) [(198.29±20.25) mmHg] in the study group were lower than those in the control group [(85.74±8.42) mmHg, (97.05±2.47)%, and (234.84±25.24) mmHg], while the respiratory rate (RR) [(56.23±2.16) breaths/min vs. (50.41±2.24) breaths/min], partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2) [(36.48±3.72) mmHg vs.(33.29±3.46) mmHg], fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2) [(40.42±4.25)% vs.(36.51±3.72)%], mean arterial pressure (MAP) [(55.98±5.69) mmHg vs.(52.79±5.43) mmHg], and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) [(5.03±0.52) cmH 2O vs.(4.52±0.47) cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa] were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05).The IAP of the children in the study group was (14.25±1.83) mmHg, and that in the control group was (10.38±1.14) mmHg.Pearson correlation analysis showed that IAP was negatively correlated with PaO 2, SaO 2, and PaO 2/FiO 2 ( r=-0.615, -0.587, and -0.647, all P<0.05), and was positively correlated with RR, PaCO 2, FiO 2, MAP, and PEEP ( r=0.618, 0.634, 0.579, 0.578, 0.593, all P<0.05).IAP [(14.76±1.58) mmHg], PaCO 2 [(39.95±4.21) mmHg], FiO 2 [(50.29±5.12)%], alanine aminotransferase[(42.08±4.15) U/L], and total bilirubin [(17.92±1.87) μmol/L] in the poor prognosis group were greater than those [(10.75±1.19) mmHg, (35.37±3.64) mmHg, (45.38±4.47)%, (39.87±4.06) U/L, and (17.09±1.75) μmol/L] in the good prognosis group, while PaO 2 [(65.42±7.86) mmHg vs.(76.42±7.51) mmHg], SaO 2 [(90.65±9.26)% vs.(96.21±2.19)%], and PaO 2/FiO 2 [(130.09±15.15) mmHg vs.(168.40±20.17) mmHg] were smaller than those in the good prognosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that IAP, PaO 2, PaCO 2, and SaO 2 were risk factors affecting the prognosis of mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia (all P<0.05).The optimal cut-off point of IAP for predicting a poor prognosis in mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia was 14.55 mmHg, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.873, with a sensitivity of 88.10% and a specificity of 76.00%. Conclusions:IAP has a certain relationship with the respiratory function of mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia, and has a good predictive value for the prognosis of the children.

Objective To explore the relationship between the levels of peroxidoredoxin(PRDX)1 and chromosome 10 deletion phosphatase-tensin homologous gene(PTEN)and liver function and disease activity in patients with autoimmune liver disease.Methods A total of 83 patients with autoimmune liver disease ad-mitted to the hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the study objects.According to the disease activity at admission,they were divided into active group(37 cases)and remission group(46 ca-ses).Clinical data and serum PRDX1 and PTEN levels of the two groups were analyzed.At the same time,Child-Pugh classification of liver function was performed,and the patients were grouped.A total of 100 health-y volunteers who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of disease activity in patients with autoimmune liver disease,and the evaluation value of serum PRDX1 and PTEN levels on disease activity in pa-tients with autoimmune liver disease after treatment was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and area under the curve(AUC).Results Compared with the grade A group,there were no significant differences in serum PRDX1 and PTEN levels in the grade B group(P＞0.05),while serum PRDX1 level was increased and PTEN level was decreased in the grade C group(P＜0.05).Compared with the grade B group,the serum PRDX1 level was increased and PTEN level was decreased in the grade C group(P＜0.05).Com-pared with the control group,there were no significant differences in serum PRDX1 and PTEN levels in the re-mission group(P＞0.05),while the serum PRDX1 level was increased and PTEN level was decreased in the active group(P＜0.05).Compared with the remission group,the level of serum PRDX1 was increased and the level of PTEN was decreased in the active group(P＜0.05).The AUC of serum PRDX1 and PTEN for evalu-ating the disease activity in autoimmune liver disease patients was 0.750 and 0.854,respectively,and the AUC of the combined detection of serum PRDX1 and PTEN was 0.916.The proportion of patients with hepatic dis-comfort and cirrhosis in the active stage group was higher than that in the remission stage group(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis results showed that hepatic discomfort(OR=3.487,95％CI:1.534-7.927),cirrhosis(OR=4.289,95％CI:1.744-10.545),PRDX1 ≥5.22 ng/mL(OR=5.068,95％CI:1.951-13.164),PTEN≤0.31 pg/mL(OR=5.387,95％CI:2.099-13.829)were risk factors for disease activity of autoimmune liver disease(P＜0.05).Conclusion The increase of serum PRDX1 level and the decrease of serum PTEN level are closely related to liver function and disease activity in patients with au-toimmune liver disease,and they have certain clinical evaluation value in patients with autoimmune liver dis-ease.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 66 patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s regression models were adopted to analyze the influencing factors of survival of all patients with airway stenosis and those with early airway stenosis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and delineate the survival curve. Results For 66 patients with airway stenosis, the median airway stenosis-free time was 72 (52,102) d, 27% (18/66) for central airway stenosis and 73% (48/66) for distal airway stenosis. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time [hazard ratio (HR) 1.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005-1.070, P=0.024] and type of surgery (HR 0.400, 95%CI 0.177-0.903, P=0.027) were correlated with the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The longer the postoperative mechanical ventilation time, the higher the risk of mortality of the recipients. The overall survival of airway stenosis recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation was better than that of their counterparts after single lung transplantation. Subgroup analysis showed that grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (HR 4.577, 95%CI 1.439-14.555, P=0.010) and immunosuppressive drugs (HR 0.079, 95%CI 0.022-0.287, P<0.001) were associated with the survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation without grade 3 PGD was better compared with that of those with grade 3 PGD. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation treated with tacrolimus was superior to that of their counterparts treated with cyclosporine. Conclusions Long postoperative mechanical ventilation time, single lung transplantation, grade 3 PGD and use of cyclosporine may affect the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation.

With the optimization of surgical technologies and postoperative management regimens, the number of lung transplantation has been significantly increased, which has become an important treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, due to the impact of comprehensive factors, such as bronchial ischemia and immunosuppression, the incidence of airway stenosis after lung transplantation is relatively high, which severely affects postoperative survival and quality of life of lung transplant recipients. In recent years, with the improvement of perioperative management, organ preservation and surgical technologies, the incidence of airway stenosis after lung transplantation has been declined, but it remains at a high level. Early diagnosis and timely intervention play a significant role in enhancing clinical prognosis of patients with airway stenosis. In this article, the general conditions, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of airway stenosis after lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for comprehensive management of airway stenosis after lung transplantation and improving clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for constructing scientific and reasonable pharmaceutical service mode for hospitalized patients with chronic airway diseases. METHODS From October 2023 to March 2024， 250 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute exacerbation of asthma who were hospitalized in the respiratory department of Hebei General Hospital and received pharmaceutical care （PC） were randomly divided into control group （125 cases） and observation group （125 cases）. The control group received general pharmaceutical services throughout their hospitalization， while the observation group received standardized and graded pharmaceutical services throughout their hospitalization. The differences in clinical value indicators， humanistic value indicators， and quality management indicators were compared among different PC service models. RESULTS Among clinical value evaluation indicators， the observation group had better achievement rate of disease treatment goals， correct use score of inhalation devices， the incidence of adverse drug reactions， and the number of drug-related problems solved than the control group （P＜0.05）. Among the humanistic evaluation indicators， compared with the control group， the observation group had better medication compliance scores， pharmacist intervention success rates， and patient satisfaction scores （P＜0.05）. Among quality management evaluation indicators， the proportion of drug costs， the proportion of intravenous medication， the use rate of antibiotics， the intensity of antibiotic use， and the number of pharmaceutical services in the observation group were significantly better than the control group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Standardized and graded pharmaceutical care services have improved the efficiency of pharmacists and service effectiveness， making it a new pharmaceutical service model worth promoting.