ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan （JSW） and Liuwei Dihuangwan （LDW） on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group， the other six groups were as follows： a group of both males and females receiving JSW （3.0 g·kg^-1）， a group of both males and females receiving LDW （4.5 g·kg^-1）， a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW， a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW， a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW， and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 （female∶male） ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth， which was followed by the observation of newborn mice， calculation of their average number， and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment， the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients， and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems， while novel object recognition test （NOR） was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） assay， and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together （P<0.05）， while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally， compared with the control group， JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） in the thalamus， as well as reproductive stem cell factor （SCF） and tyrosine kinase receptor （c-Kit） in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue （MVH） in the ovaries， upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity， such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， in hippocampal neurons （P<0.05）， and enhance sucrose preference in male mice （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice （P<0.05）， which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor （D1R） and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor （Nmdar） gene expression. Compared with the control group， both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， BDNF， and tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） in the hippocampus of offspring mice （P<0.05）. ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice， which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally， JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of long-term quality of life in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) who have been cured and discharged, and to analyze the influencing factors affecting long-term quality of life in SAP cured patients after discharge. METHODS: A retrospective collection was conducted. Patients who were received standardized treatment before being cured and discharged from the hospital admitted to the first department of critical care medcine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2017 to December 2023 were enrolled. According to the 36-item short form health survey scale (SF-36) score, patients were divided into high score group (high quality of life, the top 50% of patients with total SF-36 score) and low score group (low quality of life, the bottom 50% of patients with total SF-36 score). The gender, age, history of hypertension and diabetes, etiology of pancreatitis, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), CT severity index (CTSI), laboratory indicators such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), blood glucose, and triglycerides upon admission, use of vasoactive drugs, non-invasive/high-flow ventilation, invasive ventilation, retroperitoneal puncture and drainage, open pancreatic surgery treatment and secondary infection during hospitalization were collected, as well as the retention of abdominal drainage tubes at discharge from hospital. Distribute follow-up questionnaires or telephone follow-up surveys through WeChat and Question Star programs to investigate the pancreatic secretion function, chronic abdominal pain, and recurrence of pancreatitis of patients after discharge. Multivariable Logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors affecting the long-term quality of life of cured patients with SAP. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were ultimately enrolled. There were 43 patients in both the high and low score groups. Among 86 patients, 20 experienced acute pancreatitis recurrence, with a recurrence rate of 23.26%. Twenty-two (25.58%) experienced chronic abdominal pain after discharge, and 5 patients (5.81%) needed medication to relieve pain. Thirty-three patients (38.37%) had pancreatic exocrine dysfunction after discharge, characterized by abdominal distension, constipation or diarrhea. Twenty-two patients (25.58%) suffered from pancreatic endocrine dysfunction, and were diagnosed with diabetes. Univariate analysis showed that compared with the high score group, the low score group had more patients with hypertension, initial renal dysfunction, initial severe metabolic acidosis, initial serum calcium < 2.0 mmol/L, blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/L and cultured Gram positive bacteria (from blood/body fluid/pancreatic necrotic tissue) during treatment (48.84% vs. 16.28%, 60.47% vs. 32.56%, 18.60% vs. 4.65%, 88.37% vs. 62.79%, 55.81% vs. 30.23%, 34.88% vs. 13.95%), had higher CTSI score (6.60±1.61 vs. 5.77±1.32), lower hemoglobin level at discharge (g/L: 102.30±18.78 vs. 110.72±16.68), and a lower proportion of etiological interventions after discharge (34.88% vs. 67.44%), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 4.814, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.196-19.378], initial serum calcium < 2.0 mmol/L (OR = 6.688, 95%CI was 1.321-33.873) and initial blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/L (OR = 6.473, 95%CI was 1.399-29.950) were risk factors for long-term quality of life in cured SAP patients (all P < 0.05), while post discharge prophylactic intervention was a protective factor for long-term quality of life (OR = 0.092, 95%CI was 0.020-0.425, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Cured SAP patients have varying degrees of impaired secretion function and the possibility of recurrence of acute pancreatitis. Hypertension, initial serum calcium < 2.0 mmol/L and blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/L are independent influencing factors for low long-term quality of life in cured SAP patients. Prevention and intervention targeting the etiology of pancreatitis after discharge can improve the long-term quality of life of cured SAP patients.
Humans ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Pancreatitis/therapy* ; Patient Discharge ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; APACHE ; Adult ; Acute Disease ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Liver/pathology* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy* ; Diquat/poisoning* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Apoptosis ; Coumarins

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major public health concern, particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations, who are disproportionately affected by rising cancer incidence. Environmental pollution has been identified as a significant risk factor for cancer development. China's Carbon Emission Trading Policy (CETP), implemented in pilot regions since 2013, aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. This study evaluates the impact of CETP on pan-cancer incidence, with a focus on its effects on specific cancer types and vulnerable populations. METHODS: This quasi-natural experiment utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and environmental data from the China National Environmental Monitoring Center (2011-2018). A staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model was employed to estimate the impact of CETP on cancer incidence. Robustness tests, including parallel trend tests, placebo analysis, and entropy balancing, validated the findings. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the policy's heterogeneous effects based on gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status. RESULTS: CETP implementation significantly reduced the incidence of six cancer types: endometrial, cervical, gastric, esophageal, breast, and lung cancers. Overall, pan-cancer incidence significantly declined post-policy implementation (CETP × POST: -47.200, 95% CI: [-61.103, -33.296], p < 0.001). The policy demonstrated stronger effects in highly polluted areas and among individuals with poorer mental health. Subgroup analysis revealed that females, individuals with lower BMI, and non-smokers experienced more substantial benefits. CONCLUSIONS CETP significantly reduces cancer incidence by improving environmental quality and influencing mental health, with particularly strong effects observed among high-risk populations. This study highlights the important role of environmental economic policies in mitigating cancer burden and promoting public health. Future research should further explore the long-term impacts of this policy and its applicability across different national and regional contexts.
Humans ; Incidence ; Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Male ; Aged ; Air Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence* ; Carbon/analysis* ; Longitudinal Studies ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure

Objective To investigate the relationship between the levels of macrophage migration inhibito-ry factor(MIF),lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)and chemokine CC motif ligand 3(CCL3)in peripheral blood and severity of disease and complication of acute kidney injury in neonatal sepsis.Methods A total of 112 children with NS admitted to this hospital from May 2021 to May 2024 were selected as the research objects.According to the neonatal acute physiology score Ⅱ(SNAP-Ⅱ score),they were di-vided into mild group(71 cases)and severe group(41 cases),and according to whether the children were complicated with AKI,they were divided into AKI group(47 cases)and non-AKI group(65 cases).In addi-tion,112 healthy neonates who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in peripheral blood were detected in each group.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in peripheral blood and the severity of NS.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of AKI in children with NS.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of peripheral blood MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 for the severity of NS and the complication of AKI in NS.Results The levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in the severe group were higher than those in the mild group and the control group(P<0.05),and those in the mild group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The severe group had a significantly higher SNAP-Ⅱ score than the mild group(P<0.05).The levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in peripheral blood of NS children were posi-tively correlated with SNAP-Ⅱ score(r=0.512,0.463,0.547,P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of peripheral blood MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in the diagnosis of severe NS was 0.782,0.772 and 0.753,respec-tively.The AUC of combined diagnosis was 0.888,which was higher than that of individual indicators(P<0.05).The levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in AKI group were higher than those in non-AKI group(P<0.05).Neonatal asphyxia,high levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2,and CCL3 were risk factors for AKI in children with NS(P<0.05).The AUC of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in predicting AKI in children with NS were 0.770,0.759 and 0.757,respectively.The AUC of the combined prediction of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 was 0.910,which was higher than that of each index alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 in peripheral blood of children with NS are increased,which are closely related to the aggravation of NS and the development of AKI.The combined detection of MIF,Lp-PLA2 and CCL3 has a high value in the as-sessment of the severity of NS and the risk of AKI.

Objective:To investigate the effect of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2) on the malignant biological behavior and aerobic glycolysis of gastric cancer cells by regulating cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 1.Methods:Human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells were divided into si-NC group (transfected with blank fragment) , CoCl 2+si-NC group (hypoxia control transfected with blank fragment) , CoCl 2+si-RRM2 group (hypoxia with RRM2 silencing) , CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 NC group (hypoxia with RRM2 silencing and blank vector) and CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group (hypoxia with RRM2 silencing and CDK1 overexpression) . The mRNA relative expression levels of RRM2 and CDK1 were analyzed by real time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was used to analyze the interaction between RRM2 and CDK1 protein. MTT assay was used to analyze the proliferation activity of cells. The cell migration distance was detected by cell scratch assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glucose kit were used to detect ATP production and glucose consumption. The protein expressions of ENO1, RRM2, HK2, PKM2, GLUT1 and p-CDK1/CDK1 were detected by Western blotting. Results:Real time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR results showed that the relative expression levels of CDK1 mRNA in si-NC group, CoCl 2+si-NC group and CoCl 2+si-RRM2 group were 1.01±0.15, 1.30±0.06 and 0.51±0.18, and the relative expression levels of RRM2 mRNA were 1.03±0.32, 1.59±0.28 and 0.44±0.17, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences ( F=25.52, P=0.001; F=14.47, P=0.005) . The mRNA expressions of RRM2 and CDK1 in CoCl 2+si-NC group were higher than those in si-NC group. Compared with the si-NC group and the CoCl 2+si-NC group, the mRNA expressions of RRM2 and CDK1 were lower in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2 group (all P<0.05) . CoIP results showed that there was interaction between RRM2 and CDK1. MTT assay, cell scratch assay and flow cytometry showed that the cell proliferation activity of si-NC group, CoCl 2+si-NC group, CoCl 2+si-RRM2 group, CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 NC group and CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were 1.04±0.01, 1.18±0.04, 0.84±0.03, 0.81±0.03 and 0.93±0.05, respectively. The cell migration distances were (301.83±2.75) , (369.67±0.76) , (176.50±6.38) , (175.83±3.69) , (254.17±1.61) μm, respectively. The apoptosis rates were 8.05%±0.21%, 5.75%± 0.20%, 28.28%±0.04%, 30.18%±1.51% and 17.79%±0.22%, respectively, all with statistically significant differences ( F=73.82, P<0.001; F=1 600.01, P<0.001; F=787.15, P<0.001) . Compared with the si-NC group and CoCl 2+si-NC group, the proliferation and migration ability of cells in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2 group, CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 NC group and CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were weaker, and the apoptosis rates were higher (all P<0.05) . Compared with the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 NC group, the proliferation and migration ability of cells in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were stronger, and the apoptosis rate was lower (all P<0.05) . The results of ATP and glucose detection showed that there were statistically significant differences in the amount of ATP production and glucose consumption among the above five groups ( F=12.53, P<0.001; F=19.21, P<0.001) . Compared with the si-NC group, the glucose consumption of cells was lower in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group ( P<0.05) . Compared with the CoCl 2+si-NC group, the ATP production and glucose consumption of cells in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were lower (both P<0.05) . Compared with the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 NC group, the ATP production and glucose consumption of the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were higher (both P<0.05) . Western blotting showed that there were statistically significant differences in the protein expressions of ENO1, RRM2, HK2, PKM2, GLUT1, and p-CDK1/CDK1 among the above five groups (all P<0.001) . Compared with the si-NC group and the CoCl 2+si-NC group, the protein expressions of ENO1, RRM2, HK2, PKM2, GLUT1 and p-CDK1/CDK1 in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were lower (all P<0.05) . Compared with the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 NC group, the protein expressions of ENO1, RRM2, PKM2, GLUT1 and p-CDK1/CDK1 in the CoCl 2+si-RRM2+pcDNA3.1 CDK1 group were higher (all P<0.05) . Conclusions:Silencing RRM2 can inhibit the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells and the occurrence of aerobic glycolysis by regulating CDK1.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and further explore the relationship of GDF15 with the cardiac and renal prognosis of IgAN patients.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective cohort study. From January 2018 to December 2022, the relevant data were collected from patients who were diagnosed with primary IgAN at the Department of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, and regularly followed up for at least 1 year. Serum samples were collected at admission and the baseline level of serum GDF15 was measured. Based on the median GDF15 level, IgAN patients were categorized into high-level GDF15 group and low-level GDF15 group, and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared. A multiple linear regression model was then constructed to identify independent factors associated with serum GDF15 level based on these comparisons. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to investigate the association between serum GDF15 level and the cardiorenal prognosis of IgAN patients.Results:A total of 104 IgAN patients were included in this study. The serum GDF15 level in these IgAN patients was 825.60 (556.84, 1 428.15) ng/L. Serum GDF15 level was positively correlated with 24 h urinary protein ( r=0.405, P<0.001), negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)( r=-0.606, P<0.001). The serum levels of GDF15 in patients with tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis (overall comparison among T0, T1, and T2, H=21.866, P<0.001), crescentic lesions (overall comparison among C0, C1, and C2, H=13.787, P=0.001), or intrarenal arteriolar lesions (overall comparison among none, mild, and moderate-to-severe, H=9.856, P=0.007) were significantly different. Compared with IgAN patients without tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis, those with Oxford classification T1 ( Z=-17.326, P=0.042) or T2 ( Z=-42.933, P<0.001) had higher serum GDF15 levels. Compared with IgAN patients without crescentic lesions, those with Oxford classification C2 had higher serum GDF15 levels ( Z=-45.929, P=0.001). Compared with IgAN patients without intrarenal arteriolar lesions, those with moderate-to-severe arteriolar sclerosis had higher serum GDF15 levels ( Z=-26.686, P=0.005). The median GDF15 was used as the cut-off value to divide IgAN patients into a high-level GDF15 group (≥825.60 ng/L, n=52) and a low-level GDF15 group (<825.60 ng/L, n=52). Compared to low-level GDF15 group, IgAN patients in high-level GDF15 group presented with a higher proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ 2=9.420, P=0.002) and cardiovascular disease ( χ 2=7.792, P=0.005), a higher level of systolic blood pressure ( Z=-2.266, P=0.023), body mass index ( Z=-2.183, P=0.031), 24 h urinary protein ( Z=-3.485, P<0.001), blood total cholesterol ( Z=-2.002, P=0.045) and left ventricular mass index ( Z=-2.649, P=0.008), and a lower level of blood albumin ( Z=-3.053, P=0.002) and eGFR ( Z=6.480, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum GDF15 level was independently associated with systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient B=29.453, 95% CI 14.139–44.767, P<0.001), blood albumin ( B=-81.412, 95% CI -113.084–-49.740, P<0.001) and eGFR ( B=-9.797, 95% CI -17.554–-2.040, P=0.014). Moreover, IgAN patients in high-level GDF15 group exhibited significantly poorer cardiac and renal prognosis compared to low-level GDF15 group ( χ 2=9.955, P=0.002). Conclusion:High serum GDF15 level correlates with disease severity in IgAN, and high serum GDF15 level may suggest a poorer cardiorenal prognosis in IgAN patients.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of artificial intelligence(AI)software combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)on portal hypertension of cirrhosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 106 patients with cirrhosis who admitted to Handan Communicable Disease Hospital from January 2024 to June 2024 and were confirmed by surgical pathology.In them,60 cases with positive portal hypertension were included in positive group,and 46 cases with negative portal hypertension were included in negative group.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic values of ultrasound characteristics via preoperative AI quantization,enhanced ultrasound mode and the combination of them for portal hypertension of cirrhosis.Results:The mean peak intensity,mean vessel density and branching morphology index of AI software were respectively 201.23±10.18,0.62±0.11 and 1.23±0.24 in diagnosing portal hypertension of positive group,all of which were significantly higher than those of negative group(t=8.551,3.707,2.054,P<0.05).However,the mean peak reaching time,uniformity of flow perfusion,mean flow velocity and uniformity of microcirculation perfusion of the positive group were respectively(18.22±2.18)seconds,(75.22±5.46)%,(10.09±2.22)cm/s,(80.78±5.11)%,all of which were significantly lower than those in the negative group(t=3.729,5.237,4.969,4.491,P<0.05).The enhancement speed and degree of liver parenchyma,the enhancement speed of portal vein,and the enhancement speed and degree of spleen in CEUS of positive group were significantly higher than those of negative group,and the differences were significant(t=4.770,12.781,7.313,5.501,4.645,7.513,P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve(AUC)value of CEUS combined with AI algorithm was 0.926 in diagnosis,which was significantly better than single CEUS and single AI analysis(0.853,0.925).Conclusion:CEUS technique combines with AI software can show higher diagnostic efficacy in the diagnosis for portal hypertension of cirrhosis,which diagnostic effect was better than single either of two methods.