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: To compare the intervention effects of sitagliptin combined with metformin and insulin aspart combined with metformin among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), so as to provide the reference for optimizing blood glucose control strategies among patients with T2DM. Methods: T2DM patients admitted to the department of endocrinology of Jinhua Central Hospital from January 2018 to December 2024 were selected as the research objects. According to the propensity score matching, T2DM patients were divided into sitagliptin combined with metformin group and insulin aspart combined with metformin group at a ratio of 1∶1. The basic information, capillary blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin blood glucose (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the two groups were collected by questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory test. The generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the changes of various indicators before and after treatment between the two groups of patients, and the intervention effect was compared. Results: There were 69 cases in the sitagliptin combined with metformin group. Among these 42 cases were males, accounting for 60.87%, and 27 cases were females, accounting for 39.13%.Forty-two cases were younger than 60 years, accounting for 60.87%. There were 69 cases in the insulin aspart combined with metformin group. Among these 47 cases were males, accounting for 68.12%, and 22 cases were females, accounting for 31.88%. Forty-five cases were younger than 60 years, accounting for 65.22%. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, education level, smoking, drinking, vegetable and fruit intake, and disease duration between the two groups (all P>0.05). After 6 months of treatment, there was an interaction between group and time in capillary blood glucose and HbA1c in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the reduction of capillary blood glucose and HbA1c in the sitagliptin combined with metformin group was greater than that in the insulin aspart combined with metformin group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups and time in TC, HDL-C, TG, BMI, SBP, and DBP, and no interaction effect was found between groups and time (all P>0.05). Conclusion Sitagliptin combined with metformin is more effective than insulin aspart combined with metformin in controlling blood glucose among patients with T2DM.

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

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of liriodendrin on the intestinal flora and the ferroptosis signaling pathway in renal tissue of rats with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture group (CLP group), and liriodendrin intervention group (CLP+LIR group), with 10 rats in each group. The CLP+LIR group was given 0.2 mL of 100 mg/kg liriodendrin by gavage 2 hours before modeling; Sham group and CLP group were given the same volume of normal saline by gavage. The samples were collected after anesthesia 24 hours after modeling. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of renal function indicators such as creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UREA) in peripheral blood, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe²⁺ in renal tissue were detected. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in renal tissues. The changes of intestinal flora were detected by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS: Compared with the Sham group, the CLP group showed significantly enlarged glomeruli, noticeable renal interstitial edema, disorganized kidney tissue, and significantly increased pathological scores. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cr, and UREA in peripheral blood and the levels of MDA and Fe²⁺ in renal tissue were significantly increased. The protein expressions of Nrf2, GPX4, and HO-1 in renal tissue were significantly down-regulated. The species richness of intestinal flora decreased significantly, and the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Morganella, Citrobacter, Proteus, Klebsiella, Shigella, Aggregatibacter, and Enterococcus increased significantly, while the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Butyricimonas, Veillonella, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus decreased significantly. Compared with the CLP group, CLP+LIR group could significantly reduce the pathological damage of renal tissue, the pathological score significantly decreased (1.80±0.84 vs. 4.20±1.30, P < 0.05), and improve the composition of intestinal flora, reduce the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Proteus, Klebsiella, Shigella, Aggregatibacter, and Enterococcus, and significantly increase the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus, significantly reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cr, and UREA in peripheral blood and the levels of MDA and Fe²⁺ in renal tissue [blood TNF-α (ng/L): 191.31±7.23 vs. 254.90±47.89, blood IL-1β (ng/L): 11.15±4.04 vs. 23.06±1.67, blood IL-6 (ng/L): 163.20±17.83 vs. 267.69±20.92, blood Cr (μmol/L): 24.14±4.25 vs. 41.17±5.43, blood UREA (mmol/L): 4.59±0.90 vs. 8.01±1.07, renal MDA (μmol/g): 9.67±0.46 vs. 16.05±0.88, renal Fe²⁺ (mg/g): 0.71±0.07 vs. 0.93±0.04, all P < 0.05], and increase the protein expressions of Nrf2, GPX4, and HO-1 (Nrf2/GAPDH: 1.21±0.01 vs. 0.39±0.01, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.74±0.04 vs. 0.48±0.04, HO-1/GAPDH: 0.91±0.01 vs. 0.41±0.02, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Liriodendrin has an obvious protective effect on sepsis-induced AKI. The mechanism may involve regulating the intestinal flora, increasing the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway in renal tissue, and reducing ferroptosis.
Animals ; Acute Kidney Injury/microbiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sepsis/complications* ; Male ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

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 analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the construction on intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide countermeasures for promoting the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province. Methods: By reviewing the annual reports of Zhejiang immunization planning, survey data from Zhejiang Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Immunization Intelligent Service System, data of human resources of immunization planning, vaccine procurement, construction progress of intelligent vaccination clinics and vaccination were collected. The relevant literature was searched to gather information on the construction standards and norms of intelligent vaccination clinics. The analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics was conducted, and corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed. Results: The National Immunization Program reported vaccine rate in Zhejiang Province is more than 99%, and standardized vaccination clinics have been popularized throughout the province. The vaccination staff are professional, and a province-wide intelligent immunization service information system has been established, providing the resources and conditions for the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics. However, there are problems such as low data quality and matching efficiency in vaccination, insufficient data interoperability and sharing, unbalanced regional capabilities in intelligent transformation, and uneven distribution of talent and resources. It is crucial to seize the opportunities presented by the development of big data and artificial intelligence, rely on the regional development of the Internet and health industry, seize the opportunity of rapid growth in demand for intelligent vaccination services and high public acceptance, accelerate the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics, and establish intelligent vaccination service standards as soon as possible. Conclusion We should seize the opportunities presented by the digital reform and development, fully utilize the existing vaccination resources and strengths, address the shortcomings, and accelerate the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province.

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.

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.

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.