Diabetes mellitus, characterized by glucose metabolism disorders and marked by insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, has seen a continuous rise in prevalence. In recent years, islet transplantation has matured as a therapeutic approach for diabetes, becoming an important method for glycemic control and the reduction of diabetes-related complications. Donor selection directly influences transplant outcomes, and various research institutions worldwide have proposed multiple scoring systems to optimize donor assessment, such as the University of Alberta scoring system and the North American Islet Donor Score. This article explores the impact of key factors such as donor age, body mass index and ischemia time on islet transplantation. Combining practical experience in pancreatic donor selection from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, it proposes screening criteria for pancreatic donors suitable for China, aiming to provide new evidence for improving the success rate of islet transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a user-friendly visualization application for the automatic annotation of Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms based on large language models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology, and to validate its performance in an authoritative case dataset. METHODS: By integrating the domestic open-source large language model DeepSeek-V3 with RAG technology, an interactive web application was deployed on the Streamlit cloud platform. Using only the latest official HPO dataset as the data source, the lightweight sentence-embedding model BAAI/bge-small-en-v1.5 was employed to construct a FAISS vector index. During the online phase, a four-step closed-loop process is automatically completed: multilingual translation, phenotype phrase extraction, RAG candidate retrieval, term mapping, and official database validation. 121 English case reports publicly released by BMJ Case Reports and Oxford Medical Case Reports (with a gold-standard HPO set of 1 794 terms) were selected for application validation. Precision, recall, and F1 score were calculated and compared horizontally with traditional dictionary tools, standalone large language models, and the similar application "RAG-HPO". Finally, replace the model with the more advanced ChatGPT-5 and evaluate its performance on the newly extracted dataset. RESULTS: An HPO term automatic annotation visualization application named PhenoRAG, based on large language models and RAG technology, was successfully developed. Users can access it directly via a web link. Across the 112 cases, a total of 2 150 HPO terms were generated; 2,064 (96.0%) were fully validated by the official database, with a hallucination rate of 1.3% and an HPO ID-name mismatch rate of 2.7%. After deduplication, 1,906 terms remained for testing. The overall precision was 63.65%, recall was 67.34%, and F1 was 65.44%, significantly outperforming traditional annotation tools (F1: 0.45-0.49, P < 0.001). Although PhenoRAG's F1 was lower than that of RAG-HPO (F1 = 0.78, P < 0.001), which relies on a manually constructed synonym database of 54 000 entries plus the HPO dataset, it requires no additional dictionary maintenance and can be used without any background in computer programming. Moreover, after switching to the GPT-5 model, PhenoRAG exhibited no hallucination rate on the new dataset, and its F1 score significantly increased (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION Without constructing a synonym database, the PhenoRAG achieved high-accuracy automatic mapping from clinical text to standard HPO terms. It features a low usage threshold, free access, and a Chinese-language interface, and can directly serve rare disease diagnosis, genetic counseling, and research scenarios in China and worldwide, warranting further clinical promotion and multicenter validation.
Humans ; Phenotype ; Biological Ontologies ; Language ; Software ; Large Language Models

[摘 要] 目的：探讨蟾毒灵（BU）对肿瘤相关巨噬细胞（TAM）介导的结直肠癌（CRC）细胞程序性死亡蛋白-配体1（PD-L1）表达的调控作用及其分子机制。方法：采用HCT116细胞与THP-1来源巨噬细胞构建体外共培养体系。佛波酯（PMA）诱导THP-1细胞分化为M0型巨噬细胞，进一步以HCT116细胞条件培养基（CM）刺激形成TAM样细胞。流式细胞术检测CD11b、CD206表达，以评价巨噬细胞极化水平；RT-qPCR及WB法检测TGF-β、IL-10、STAT3/p-STAT3及PD-L1表达变化；慢病毒转染构建STAT3敲低细胞系HCT116sh-STAT3，结合BU干预验证STAT3/PD-L1信号通路作用。结果：HCT116细胞CM可诱导巨噬细胞向M2表型极化，表现为CD11b⁺CD206⁺细胞比例升高（P < 0.01）及TGF-β、IL-10表达增加（均P < 0.001）。TAM条件培养基可显著促进HCT116细胞STAT3磷酸化（P < 0.001）并上调PD-L1 mRNA及蛋白表达水平（P < 0.001或P < 0.01）。BU干预后，TAM介导的STAT3磷酸化水平明显下降，PD-L1表达同步下调（均P < 0.01）。STAT3敲低可降低PD-L1表达，其作用趋势与BU一致。结论：BU可通过抑制TAM介导的STAT3信号激活，下调CRC细胞PD-L1表达，提示其在肿瘤免疫微环境调控中具有潜在的应用价值。

Objective: To investigate the methylation status of the RUNX family transcription factor 3 ( RUNX3)promoter and its mRNA expression in sepsis patients , and to analyze their relationship with the prognosis of sepsis. Methods: Differentially expressed genes related to sepsis , including RUNX3 , were identified from multiple datasets obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The gene expression and methylation sites were validated. A total of 120 patients with sepsis were included. Clinical data were recorded , and blood samples were collected at enrollment. Relative expression levels of RUNX3 in blood samples and promoter methylation status were detected using qPCR and methylation⁃specific PCR ( MSP) , respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the correlation between RUNX3 levels in patient blood and clinical indicators. Kaplan⁃Meier analysis was performed to plot survival curves , and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to identify factors affecting the prognosis of sepsis patients. Results: Data set analysis revealed that RUNX3 was a differentially methylated gene associated with the prognosis of sepsis. The mRNA expression level of RUNX3 was lower in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group (P < 0. 05) , and the methylation ratio of RUNX3 was higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (P < 0. 05) . In sepsis patients , RUNX3 mRNA expression levels were negatively correlated with interleukin-6 ( IL-6) , procalcitonin ( PCT) , C-reactive protein ( CRP) , acute physiology and chronic health evaluation ( APACHE Ⅱ ) score , and sequential organ failure assessment ( SOFA) score. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 28-day survival rate in the methylated group was lower than that in the unmethylated group ( P < 0. 05) . Cox regression analysis results indicated that RUNX3 promoter methylation was an independent risk factor for predicting the 28-day prognosis of sepsis patients. Conclusion In sepsis patients , the mRNA levels of RUNX3 were reduced , and the degree of promoter methylation was higher. RUNX3 promoter methylation was an independent risk factor for the 28-day prognosis of sepsis patients and could serve as a prognostic biomarker for sepsis.

ObjectiveTo establish consensus on Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among 21 Singaporean experts, this study addressed the lack of CHM clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in Singapore. Despite advancements in RA therapies, the disease's progressive nature and high costs of novel treatments worsen disparities in management and outcomes. The initiative aimed to bridge this gap by developing expert-backed recommendations for CHM use in RA care.MethodsThe group of experts conducted two rounds of Delphi surveys containing 29 items identified from a literature review. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of votes in dichotomized ratings on a five-point ordinal scale for recognition. Items that did not reach consensus were discussed in a focus group with four selected experts.ResultsNineteen experts completed both rounds of Delphi surveys. A consensus was reached for 27 items, which encompassed Chinese medicine rationale, pattern differentiation, management, CHM prescription, and co-effectiveness with pharmacological therapy. Collective expert opinions were formed for the two remaining items. All items received a recognition score 3.5.ConclusionsThe consensus derived from this study provides a foundation for CHM CPGs for RA in Singapore. However, the findings are limited by the demographic composition of the experts and the representativeness of the patient pool.

Clinically， the occurrence of the breaking bad news is inevitable. For patients， they not only need to accept and cope with bad news， but also need to inform the bad news to their families with clear thinking and appropriate language， seeking their support and cooperation. This paper analysed the connotation and informing dilemma of bad news， investigated patients’ informing tendencies， as well as evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of three disclosure methods， including concealment， immediate informing， and staged informing. On these bases， a detailed response strategy for patients to inform their families was proposed in three parts， including pre-preparation， mid-articulation， and post-summary. In the initial phase， thorough preparation is essential. During the middle stage， when delivering bad news， use plain language and help family members adjust their emotions. In the final phase， ensure that all information and viewpoints have been fully communicated. In addition， the roles and analysis steps that doctors should play were analysed from their perspective and combined with the degree of doctor-patient trust. Effective informing of bad news is not only about communication skills， but also involves a deep understanding and respect for the psychological needs of patients and their families. Through meticulous preparation， appropriate expression， emotional support， and clear confirmation， communication and trust are promoted to face and overcome difficulties together.

In 2022， Hainan provincial government launched the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis with the goals of a hepatitis B screening rate of 90%， a diagnostic rate of 90%， and a treatment rate of 80% among people aged 18 years and above by the year 2025， and the main intervention measures include population-based prevention， case screening， antiviral therapy， and health management. As of December 31， 2024， a total of 6.875 million individuals in the general population had been screened for hepatitis B， with a screening rate of 95.6%. A total of 184 710 individuals with positive HBsAg were identified， among whom 156 772 were diagnosed through serological reexamination， resulting in a diagnostic rate of 84.9%. A total of 50 742 patients with chronic hepatitis B were identified， among whom 42 921 had hepatitis B-specific health records established for health management， with a file establishment rate of 84.6%. A total of 31 553 individuals received antiviral therapy， with a treatment rate of 62.2%. A total of 2.503 million individuals at a high risk of hepatitis C were screened， among whom 4 870 tested positive for HCV antibody and 3 858 underwent HCV RNA testing， resulting in a diagnostic rate of 79.2%， and 1 824 individuals with positive HCV RNA were identified， among whom 1 194 received antiviral therapy， with a treatment rate of 65.5%. In addition， 159 301 individuals with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs and an age of 20 — 40 years were inoculated with hepatitis B vaccine free of charge. Through the implementation of the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis， a large number of hepatitis patients have been identified， treated， and managed in the province within a short period of time， which significantly accelerates the efforts to eliminate the crisis of viral hepatitis.

Objective To explore the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of liposarcoma in the head and neck region, and simultaneously analyze the efficacy of different treatment regimens. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with primary untreated head and neck liposarcoma who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2024. All patients were monitored during follow-up, and their prognoses were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Liposarcoma accounted for up to 60% of the cases in the orbit, while the remaining liposarcomas were primarily located in various interspaces of the neck. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common type, comprising 33%, while myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was the rarest at 4%. The tumor pathological type (P<0.001) and Ki67 (P=0.014) significantly affected the tumor control rate. However, an analysis of disease-specific survival rates revealed no significant differences across various factors (all P>0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of head and neck liposarcoma is better compared to that of liposarcomas in other parts of the body. However, myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic fat sarcoma, and high Ki67 levels are indicators of poor prognosis. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy does not significantly enhance disease-specific survival rates.

Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Animals ; Male ; Liver/injuries* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Mice ; Rats