BACKGROUND: The association of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) with prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients has never been investigated in a large sample with long-term follow-up. This study aimed to explore the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a nationally representative sample of CAD patients from United States. METHODS: A total of 3386 participants with CAD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards model, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were performed to investigate the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Piece-wise linear regression and sensitivity analyses were also performed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 1454 all-cause mortality occurred. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher lnSIRI was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30) but not cancer mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99-1.38). The associations of SIRI with all-cause and CVD mortality were detected as J-shaped with threshold values of 1.05935 and 1.122946 for SIRI, respectively. ROC curves showed that lnSIRI had robust predictive effect both in short and long terms. CONCLUSIONS SIRI was independently associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, and the dose-response relationship was J-shaped. SIRI might serve as a valid predictor for all-cause and CVD mortality both in the short and long terms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

We propose a strategy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in Chinese patients with total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) >10 ng ml -1 and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores between 1 and 3. Clinical data derived from 517 patients of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Hefei, China) from January 2020 to December 2023 who met the screening criteria for the study were retrospectively collected. Independent predictors were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic capacity of clinical variables was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). A prostate biopsy strategy was developed via risk stratification. Of the 517 patients, 17/348 (4.9%) with PI-RADS 1-2 were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), and 27/169 (16.0%) patients with PI-RADS 3 were diagnosed with csPCa. The appropriate prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) cut-off values were 0.45 ng ml -2 for PI-RADS 1-2 patients and 0.3 ng ml -2 for PI-RADS 3 patients. The appropriate prostate volume (PV) cut-off values were 40 ml for PI-RADS 1-2 patients and 50 ml for PI-RADS 3 patients. The prostate biopsy strategy based on PSAD and PV developed in this study can reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with tPSA >10 ng ml -1 and PI-RADS 1-3. In the study, 66.5% (344/517) patients did not need to undergo prostate biopsy, at the expense of missing only 1.7% (6/344) patients with csPCa.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Prostate/diagnostic imaging* ; Unnecessary Procedures/statistics & numerical data* ; Biopsy/statistics & numerical data* ; China ; ROC Curve

Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.

Systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） may lead to secondary gynecological and obstetric disorders such as decreased ovarian reserve function， menstrual abnormalities， and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Based on "bi （痹） of both body and viscera" theory， this paper proposed that the core mechanism of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases lies in the mutual transformation between "body bi" and "viscera bi"， which together affect the uterus. Physiologically， uterus forms an internal-external network with the body and viscera through the meridians and blood vessels. Pathologically， when the healthy qi is deficient， nourishment of the body and viscera is impaired； when toxins and stasis accumulate， pathogenic factors disturb the uterus through the chong （冲） and ren （任） meri-dians. The resulting obstruction in the uterus can， in turn， manifest externally and aggravate damage to the body and viscera. Therefore， the pathogenesis of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases follows a dynamic trajectory of "body bi first， body bi affecting viscera， and then bi of both body and viscera". In treatment， the principle of harmonizing and balancing the healthy qi is emphasized. The main approach is to regulate the viscera， stabilize the body， and nourish the uterus， with the coordination of nourishing the viscera through the body， thereby achieving simultaneous treatment of both body and viscera. This highlights the guiding significance of the "bi of both body and viscera" theory in preventing and treating SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases.

Objective To investigate the effect of pneumoperitoneum pressure during robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) on the function of the transplant kidney. Methods The data of 243 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into open kidney transplantation (OKT) group (n=105) and RAKT group (n=138). The RAKT group was further divided into 13 mmHg group (n=67) and 7 mmHg group (n=71) based on pneumoperitoneum pressure. The donor information, recipient's preoperative general data, intraoperative data, and postoperative recovery of the three groups were compared. In the RAKT group, the renal artery, segmental artery, interlobar artery, and venous flow velocity of the transplant kidney were measured using laparoscopic ultrasound. Results There was a statistically significant difference in donor types among the groups (P<0.05), while other donor information and recipient's preoperative general data showed no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in serum creatinine and complications at 30 days and 1 year postoperatively among the groups (all P>0.05). The OKT group and 7 mmHg group had more intraoperative urine output than the 13 mmHg group. Both RAKT groups had less intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospital stays than the OKT group, and longer operation times than the OKT group (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay between the two RAKT groups (all P>0.05). The vascular flow velocity of the transplant kidney decreased at 13 mmHg compared to 7 mmHg pneumoperitoneum pressure, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions Controllable pneumoperitoneum pressure has a limited impact on the vascular flow velocity of the transplanted kidney. RAKT is a safe and effective surgical method under appropriate pneumoperitoneum pressure, and choosing a lower pneumoperitoneum pressure is more conducive to the early recovery of renal function postoperatively.

BACKGROUND:In recent years,improving the health of skeletal muscles through exercise has become an important research concern for scholars.Appropriate exercise has a positive effect on skeletal muscles.Among them,how to activate the sphingosine kinase1(SphK1)/sphingosine-1-phase(S1P)/sphingosine-1-phase receptor2(S1PR2)signaling pathway during exercise so as to improve the health of skeletal muscles is receiving attention from researchers. OBJECTIVE:To investigate how exercise improves the health of skeletal muscles through the SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway,and to explore new methods for treating related muscle diseases in order to improve human skeletal muscle health. METHODS:The first author searched for relevant literature from the establishment of the database to the present in the Web of Science,PubMed,CNKI,WanFang,and VIP databases.The search terms were"signaling pathway,SphK1,S1P,S1PR2,skeletal muscle,satellite cell,myogenesis,exercise"in Chinese and English.Finally,69 articles were included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that triggers downstream signal transduction processes by SphK1 to catalyze the interaction between S1P and receptors such as S1PR2,thereby regulating multiple biological functions of cells,tissues,organs,and systems.The SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway can regulate satellite cell proliferation and myoblast differentiation,improving myogenesis.The physiological basis of the SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway and the potential impact of exercise on it were analyzed through literature research.Acute aerobic exercise can increase the expression of SphK1 in skeletal muscle.Both human and animal studies have confirmed that acute and long-term exercise can increase the expression of S1P in skeletal muscle.In addition,studies have shown that long-term resistance exercise can increase the expression of S1PR2 in skeletal muscle.Some experimental results indicate that acute and long-term exercise have no significant effect on muscle or blood S1P levels,and the reason for different results may be due to different research subjects,methods,intensities,and frequencies selected,while the specific mechanism is not yet clear.Research suggests that exercise can promote the expression of the SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway in skeletal muscle and regulate downstream related signaling pathways.Research on this signaling pathway may provide new strategies and methods for the treatment of skeletal muscle diseases,thereby improving skeletal muscle health.In the future,we should deepen the research on the association between SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway and skeletal muscle health,further reveal its regulatory relationship with satellite cells and myoblasts as well as its interactions with the upstream and downstream pathways,explore its clinical application value,take into account the changes of this pathway when formulating the rehabilitation program,explore the specific mechanisms by which different types of exercise affect the SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway in skeletal muscles,and use the SphK1/S1P/S1PR2 signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for diseases.Further development and application of human muscle models should be developed to improve research depth and accuracy.

Objective:To develop and validate a combined model integrating radiomics, dosiomics, and clinical parameters based on CT simulation and dosimetric images in order to predict the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the clinic data of 143 NSCLC patients who received radiotherapy at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were randomly stratified into a training group ( n = 100) and an internal validation group ( n = 43) at a 7∶3 ratio. Moreover, clinic data were collected from 34 NSCLC patients who received radiotherapy at the Jining Cancer Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 as an external validation group. All three groups (the training group, internal validation, and external validation groups) were further categorized into two groups based on the RP severity (i.e., RP ≥ grade 2 and RP < grade 2). Their radiotherapy dose, CT simulation, and 3D dose distribution images were collected. Then, the total lung minus planning target volume (TL-PTV) was defined as the region of interest (ROI) for radiomics and dosiomic feature extraction, followed by feature dimensionality reduction. Consequently, key features associated with RP were determined. Four predictive models were developed using machine learning approaches (especially multilayer perceptron, MLP): a clinical model (CM), a radiomics model (RM), a dosiomics model (DM), and a radiomics and dosiomics nomogram (RDN), with a nomogram subsequently constructed. Ultimately, the performance and clinical feasibility of these models were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:A total of 1 834 radiomic features and 1 834 dosiomic features were extracted. Using the occurrence of RP ≥ grade 2 as the marker variable, 14 radiomic features, 15 dosiomic features, and three clinical features were selected from the training group to construct the prediction models (CM, RM, DM, and RDN). The performance and generalizability of these models were subsequently validated in both the internal validation and external validation groups. Specifically, the RDN exhibited AUCs of 0.915 (95% CI: 0.852-0.978), 0.879 (95% CI: 0.777-0.982), and 0.838 (95% CI: 0.701-0.975) in the three groups, respectively. A nomogram was established for RDN by integrating the radiomics score (R-score), dosiomics score (D-score), mean lung dose (MLD), V20, and V30. This nomogram allowed for individualized risk estimation of RP and facilitated personalized radiotherapy planning. Conclusions:The RDN model that is developed based on CT simulation and 3D dose distribution images and integrates radiomics, dosiomics, and clinical features can effectively predict the RP risk of NSCLC patients. The integration of multidimensional data contributes to the formation of the optimal predictive model, offering guidance for clinicians.

Objective To observe the effects of Hedysarum Polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)on the glucose metabolism of small intestinal smooth muscle in rats with diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)of spleen qi deficiency syndrome;To explore its mechanism based on AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway.Methods Totally 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 in the blank group and the remaining 60 rats were assigned to the model group.The DGP spleen qi deficiency syndrome model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin+irregular feeding with high-fat and high sugar feed combined with swimming exhaustion method.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,metformin group and HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups.The metformin group was given 100 mg/kg metformin hydrochloride by gavage,while the HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were given 200,100 and 50 mg/kg HPS by gavage,respectively.The blank group and model group were given purified water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.The gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate in rats were detected,HE staining was used to observe the smooth muscle morphology of gastric antrum and ileal tissue,immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glucagon like peptide-1(GLP-1)in ileal tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of adiponectin(APN),glucagon(Glu)and insulin(INS)in serum,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of glucose transporter(GLUT)4,GLUT1,AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and p-AMPK in ileal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group rats showed significantly increased random blood glucose,significantly decreased body mass,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate(P<0.01);the edema in the submucosal layer,loose arrangement of connective tissue,infiltration of a small number of lymphocytes,granulocytes and macrophages,reduced number of goblet cells in the ileal tissue,shedding of intestinal villous epithelial cells and widening of the gap between the submucosal layer and the lamina propria;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.05),the contents of serum APN and INS were significantly decreased,and the content of Glu significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue were significantly decreased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in metformin group and HPS high-dosage group showed a random decrease in blood glucose,an increase in body mass,gastric emptying rate,and small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);a more regular arrangement of gastric antral tissue cells,a reduction of shedding cells and edema,the smooth muscle structure of the ileal tissue was relatively intact,with evenly distributed cells and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue increased,the contents of serum APN and INS increased,and the content of Glu decreased,the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue increased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion HPS may up-regulate GLUT4 and down-regulate GLUT1 expression through activates AMPK,promotes glucose uptake and utilization by small intestinal smooth muscle,and improves glucose metabolism of DGP rats with spleen qi deficiency syndrome.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder posing significant risks to maternal and infant health, with a lack of effective early screening markers. Therefore, identifying early screening biomarkers for GDM with higher sensitivity and specificity is urgently needed. Methods: High-throughput sequencing was employed to screen for key circular RNAs (circRNAs), which were then evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between clinical characteristics, circRNA expression, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The diagnostic accuracy of circRNAs for early and mid-pregnancy GDM was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between circRNA levels and oral glucose tolerance test results. A predictive model for early GDM was established using logistic regression. Results: Significant alterations in circRNA expression profiles were detected in GDM patients, with hsa_circ_0031560 and hsa_ circ_0000793 notably upregulated during the first and second trimesters. These circRNAs were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and effectively differentiated GDM patients, with second trimester cohorts achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.836. In first trimester cohorts, these circRNAs identified potential GDM patients with AUCs of 0.832 and 0.765, respectively. The early GDM prediction model achieved an AUC of 0.904, validated in two independent cohorts. Conclusion Hsa_circ_0031560, hsa_circ_0000793, and the developed model serve as biomarkers for early prediction or midterm diagnosis of GDM, offering clinical tools for early GDM screening.