Objective To construct a model combining with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome for predicting the risk of disease progression in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN)by machine learning methods,thus to quantitatively evaluating the value of TCM syndrome in the prediction of the risk of disease progression in IMN.Methods Monofactor analysis,recursive feature elimination(RFE)and multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent related factors affecting the risk of disease progression of IMN,and then a risk prediction model was constructed.A total of 102 patients with IMN were randomly assigned to the training set and the test set in a ratio of 65∶35,and then the comparison was conducted in the performance indicators of accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,F1 value,and area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)area under the curve(AUC)of the risk prediction model with or without the inclusion of the TCM syndrome information.Results Before the inclusion of TCM syndrome information,12 clinical characteristic variables for patients with MN were obtained after monofactor analysis combined with RFE screening,and they were age,hemoglobin quantification,urinary occult blood,24-hour urine protein quantification,urine protein-creatinine ratio,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),creatinine,uric acid,alanine transaminase,anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody(PLA2R-Ab),total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterd.A risk cholesterol prediction model containing the above variables was constructed.The multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the differences of the clinical variables mentioned above between the training-set group and test-set group were statistically significant,and the risk prediction model presented good sensitivity and predictability.Monofactor analysis combined with RFE screening was performed again after the inclusion of TCM syndrome information,and then 14 variables were obtained,which included blood stasis syndrome and dampness obstruction syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of the model with the inclusion of the TCM syndrome information were significantly improved when compared with those without the inclusion of TCM syndrome information.Conclusion The results of the study initially indicate that TCM syndrome can be used as an important supplementary variable for predicting the risk of disease progression in IMN,and will provide a reference for intelligent diagnosis through the integration of traditional Chinese and western medicine information,and will supply the guidance for the treatment of IMN with TCM.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as a widespread and high-profile type of epigenetic modification, can dynamically and reversibly regulate the whole process of RNA metabolism. This modification governs RNA stability, splicing, and translation via m6A regulators, which are categorized as Writers, Erasers, and Readers. m6A modification also plays a critical role in the development of tumors. Disruptions in the homeostasis of m6A modification levels lead to dysregulation of m6A regulators. Consequently, these dysregulated regulators modulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells and interfere with the normal functions of suppressor genes and oncogenes. This article aims to comprehensively elucidate the specific regulatory impacts of m6A modification on tumor-related gene expression. It focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification on mRNA stability. Additionally, it explores the influence of m6A on the molecular translation of key signaling pathways. Moreover, it investigates the indirect regulatory effects mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), etc. The intention is to offer a novel analysis of the pathogenesis of cancer at a new level, and also provide a theoretical basis for finding new effective treatment methods.

Aim To investigate the promotive effects and mechanisms of the combined use of brucine(Bru)and lumbrokinase(LK),active ingredient derived from Longma formula,in promoting chondrocyte proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods The extracted primary rat chondrocytes were divided in-to the following groups:Control group,Bru,LK alone group,and Bro+LK combination group.The optimal drug concentration and intervention time were deter-mined using CCK-8 assay,followed by cell proliferation validation through EdU and phalloidin staining.The expression levels of collagen Ⅱ,aggrecan and SRY-re-lated high-mobility group box gene 9(SOX9)in chon-drocytes following intervention with the combination of Bru and LK were detected by Western blotting.Addi-tionally,the regulatory effects of these proteins on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were also investiga-ted.Results The optimal combination concentration of Longma formula active ingredients(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)significantly enhanced chondro-cyte viability compared to control,Bru,or LK alone at 48 h.This combination increased the S-phase ratio,promoted the aggregation of intracellular actin fila-ments,and upregulated the expression of collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan.Furthermore,it activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,leading to increased SOX9 expres-sion.Conclusions The optimal combination of Bru and LK(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)de-rived from Longma formula significantly maintains chondrocyte phenotype and promotes cellular prolifera-tion through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signa-ling pathway,which subsequently upregulates the downstream target SOX9.

Aim To investigate the promotive effects and mechanisms of the combined use of brucine(Bru)and lumbrokinase(LK),active ingredient derived from Longma formula,in promoting chondrocyte proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods The extracted primary rat chondrocytes were divided in-to the following groups:Control group,Bru,LK alone group,and Bro+LK combination group.The optimal drug concentration and intervention time were deter-mined using CCK-8 assay,followed by cell proliferation validation through EdU and phalloidin staining.The expression levels of collagen Ⅱ,aggrecan and SRY-re-lated high-mobility group box gene 9(SOX9)in chon-drocytes following intervention with the combination of Bru and LK were detected by Western blotting.Addi-tionally,the regulatory effects of these proteins on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were also investiga-ted.Results The optimal combination concentration of Longma formula active ingredients(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)significantly enhanced chondro-cyte viability compared to control,Bru,or LK alone at 48 h.This combination increased the S-phase ratio,promoted the aggregation of intracellular actin fila-ments,and upregulated the expression of collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan.Furthermore,it activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,leading to increased SOX9 expres-sion.Conclusions The optimal combination of Bru and LK(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)de-rived from Longma formula significantly maintains chondrocyte phenotype and promotes cellular prolifera-tion through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signa-ling pathway,which subsequently upregulates the downstream target SOX9.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as a widespread and high-profile type of epigenetic modification, can dynamically and reversibly regulate the whole process of RNA metabolism. This modification governs RNA stability, splicing, and translation via m6A regulators, which are categorized as Writers, Erasers, and Readers. m6A modification also plays a critical role in the development of tumors. Disruptions in the homeostasis of m6A modification levels lead to dysregulation of m6A regulators. Consequently, these dysregulated regulators modulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells and interfere with the normal functions of suppressor genes and oncogenes. This article aims to comprehensively elucidate the specific regulatory impacts of m6A modification on tumor-related gene expression. It focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification on mRNA stability. Additionally, it explores the influence of m6A on the molecular translation of key signaling pathways. Moreover, it investigates the indirect regulatory effects mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), etc. The intention is to offer a novel analysis of the pathogenesis of cancer at a new level, and also provide a theoretical basis for finding new effective treatment methods.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new noninvasive diagnostic model for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on features of tongue images. METHODS: Healthy controls and volunteers confirmed to have NAFLD by liver ultrasound were recruited from China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 2018 and May 2019, then the anthropometric indexes and sampled tongue images were measured. The tongue images were labeled by features, based on a brief protocol, without knowing any other clinical data, after a series of corrections and data cleaning. The algorithm was trained on images using labels and several anthropometric indexes for inputs, utilizing machine learning technology. Finally, a logistic regression algorithm and a decision tree model were constructed as 2 diagnostic models for NAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 720 subjects were enrolled in this study, including 432 patients with NAFLD and 288 healthy volunteers. Of them, 482 were randomly allocated into the training set and 238 into the validation set. The diagnostic model based on logistic regression exhibited excellent performance: in validation set, it achieved an accuracy of 86.98%, sensitivity of 91.43%, and specificity of 80.61%; with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.98]. The decision tree model achieved an accuracy of 81.09%, sensitivity of 91.43%, and specificity of 66.33%; with an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI 0.66-0.92) in validation set. CONCLUSIONS The features of tongue images were associated with NAFLD. Both the 2 diagnostic models, which would be convenient, noninvasive, lightweight, rapid, and inexpensive technical references for early screening, can accurately distinguish NAFLD and are worth further study.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography ; Anthropometry ; Algorithms ; China

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.