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 investigate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (empagliflozin, EMPA) on myocardial remodeling in a mouse uremic cardiomyopathy (UCM) model induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, through the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)/p65 signaling pathway. Methods The animals were divided into three groups: Sham group (n=6), UCM group (n=8), and UCM＋EMPA group (n=8). A UCM model was established in C57BL/6N mice using the 5/6 nephrectomy. Starting from 5 weeks post-surgery, EMPA or a placebo was administered. After 16 weeks, blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, 24-hour urine glucose and urine sodium were measured. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to observe pathological changes in the heart and kidneys. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate myocardial hypertrophy. The real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related mRNAs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K, AKT and p65 in myocardial tissues. Results After 16 weeks, UCM group exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen than sham group (P＜0.01); UCM＋EMPA group exhibited lower blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and higher 24 h urine sodium and glucose than UCM group (P＜0.05). Echocardiographic results showed ventricular remodeling in the UCM group, evidenced by left ventricular wall thickening, left ventricular enlargement, increased left ventricular mass, and decreased systolic function (P＜0.05); ventricular remodeling was alleviated (P＜0.05), though there was no significant improvement in systolic function in UCM＋EMPA group. HE and Masson stainings revealed myocardial degeneration, necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis in UCM group (P＜0.01); the myocardial pathology improved with reduced collagen deposition in UCM＋EMPA group (P＜0.01). WGA staining confirmed myocardial hypertrophy in UCM group (P＜0.01), while myocardial hypertrophy was alleviated in UCM＋EMPA group (P＜0.01). RT-qPCR results showed myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related genes (NPPA, NPPB, MYH7, COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1) were upregulated in UCM group (P＜0.05), but downregulated in UCM＋EMPA group. Western blotting showed PI3K, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and p-p65/p65 ratio were increased in UCM group, but decreased in UCM＋EMPA group (P＜0.05). Conclusion EMPA can improve myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in the UCM mouse model, and it may play the role through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/p65 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between heart rate variability(HRV), deceleration capacity(DC) and cardiovascular metabolic disease(CMD) in children and adolescents with normal weight obesity(NWO).Methods:A total of 200 children and adolescents aged 6-17 who underwent normal physical examination in Chengdu Women′s and Children′s Central Hospital from December 2022 to June 2023 were included in this retrospective case-control study.They were divided into the NWO group, normal weight lean(NWL) group, and overweight-obesity(OW-OB) group according to their body mass index(BMI) and body fat percentage(BF%).Fifty children were enrolled into the NWO group; fifty-one children were enrolled into the NWL group; and 99 children were enrolled into the OW-OB group.All the subjects received 24-hour heart monitoring, and their HRV indexes, such as the standard deviation of N-N interval in normal sinus(SDNN), the standard deviation of the mean value N-N intervals every 5-minute(SDANN), the mean of the standard deviations of all N-N intervals for each 5-minute segment of 24 hours(SDNNindex), the root mean square of successive N-N interval difference(rMSSD), the proportion of N-N 50(the successive N-N interval differences>50 ms) in the total number of N-N intervals(pNN50), and DC were automatically calculated.Blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and blood lipids were measured, and the cardiometabolic risk score(CRS) was obtained through the accumulation of relevant factors.The general data, SDNN, SDANN, SDNNindex, rMSSD, pNN50, DC and CRS of the three groups were compared by variance analysis.Spearman correlation and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors affecting CRS.Results:There was no significant difference in age, gender and other general information among the three groups(all P>0.05).SDNN in the NWO, NWL, and OW-OB groups were(120.88±16.36) ms, (129.07±16.36) ms, and(109.29±16.38) ms, respectively( F=26.231, P<0.001); SDANN were(64.44±11.61) ms, (66.25±8.34) ms, and(61.70±6.85) ms, respectively( F=5.048, P=0.007); rMSSD were(27.02±3.87) ms, (27.51±5.92) ms, and(25.12±6.78) ms, respectively( F=3.328, P=0.038); pNN50 were(12.62±4.04)%, (13.39±2.26)%, and(11.22±2.93)%, respectively( F=9.099, P<0.001); DC were(4.83±0.20) ms, (4.94±0.33) ms, and(4.63±0.28) ms, respectively( F=23.496, P<0.001)and CRS was 0.94±0.87, 0.69±0.19 and 1.57±1.07, respectively( P<0.01).The differences between the three groups were statistically significant.Spearman correlation analysis showed that BMI( r=0.211, P=0.003) and BF%( r=0.558, P<0.001) were significantly positively correlated with CRS, while SDNN( r=-0.258, P<0.001) and DC( r=-0.499, P<0.001) were significantly negatively correlated with CRS.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that BF%(95% CI: 0.098-0.265, P<0.001) and DC(95% CI: -3.962--1.391, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for predicting CMD. Conclusions:Increased BF% and decreased DC are independent risk factors for CMD.Analysis of body composition and HRV in children and adolescents can help to identify potentially high-risk groups more accurately, intervene early, and reduce the risk of CMD.

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis to provide a new surgical method for the treatment of early proximal gastric cancer.Methods The clinical data of 80 patients with early gastric cancer who underwent proximal gastrectomy in the Department of General Surgery,the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.According to different surgical methods,the patients were divided into two groups:a total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy group(n=36)and a laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy group(n=44).The perioperative conditions,long-term complications,and survival status were compared between the two groups.Results The length of surgical incision[(59.9±4.7)mm vs.(119.7±8.3)mm,P<0.001],first exhaust time[(58.2±15.3)h vs.(66.8±16.4)h,P=0.019]and postoperative hospital stay[(7.6±1.1)d vs.(9.2±1.3)d,P<0.001]of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy group were significantly shorter than those of laparoscope-assisted proximal gastrectomy group.The duration of operation[(186.9±16.4)min vs.(154.0±17.2)min,P<0.001]of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy group was significantly longer than that of laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy group.There were no significant differences in intra-operative hemorrhage,number of lymph nodedissection and first liquid diet feeding time between the two groups(P>0.05),and no early complications requiring surgical intervention occurred.The incidence of reflux esophagitis in the total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy group was less than that in laparoscope-assisted proximal gastrectomy group[16.7%(6/36)vs.38.6%(17/44),P=0.031].There was no significant difference in gastric motility,residual gastritis,anastomosis stenosis and anastomotic ulcer between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis have the characteristics of good safety,rapid postoperative recovery and anti-reflux,being worthy of clinical popularization.

Objective To investigate the effect of nobiletin on platelet-activating factor(PAF)metabolism in diabetic rats with renal injury.Methods Totally 72 rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10)and modeling group(n=62).The modeling group rats were induced to develop a diabetic rat model with renal injury and then further divided into the model group,aspirin group(20 mg/kg),and nobiletin low(50 mg/kg),medium(100 mg/kg),and high-dose(200 mg/kg)groups,each with 10 rats.After continuous oral administration for 6 weeks,rat body weight,kidney weight,and kidney index were measured.Histopathological assessments were conducted by using HE,periodic acid-Schiff staining(PAS),Masson staining,and transmission electron microscopy.Blood glucose levels,renal function,inflammatory factors,PAF and its regulatory factors were detected.Expression levels of PAF metabolism-related proteins,PAF-acetylhydrolase(PAFAH),PAF receptor(PAFR),and cholinephosphotransferase 1(CHPT1)in kidney tissues were assessed using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Following nobiletin intervention,rat body weight increased while kidney weight and kidney index decreased.Improvement in renal tissue pathology was observed,with reduced interstitial fibrosis and thinner basement membrane.Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin decreased,while fasting insulin showed no significant improvement.Urea nitrogen,blood creatinine,cystatin C,and 24-hour urinary protein excretion were reduced.Levels of interleukin(IL)-1α,IL-6,IL-8,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)were lowered.PAF and its regulatory factors decreased.PAFR and CHPT1 expression decreased,while PAFAH increased.Conclusion Nobiletin can alleviate renal injury in diabetic rats with renal injury,improve kidney function,regulate blood glucose,and mitigate inflammatory response.Its mechanism may be associated with the modulation of platelet-activating factor metabolism.

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease(AD)is complex and unclear.Existing drugs can only alleviate its symp-toms,and there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic drugs.As the representative drugs of tonic and enlightening medicine,ginseng and acorus calamus have pharmacological effects to improve memory,improve learning ability and reduce cognitive impairment,which are commonly used in Chinese med-icine for the treatment of dementia.The combination of ginseng and acorus calamus can further promote the active ingredients in-to brain to exert their medicinal effects,and delay the process of AD through anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,modulation of neuronal-synaptic plasticity and other multiple pathways,with multi-level,multi-system and multi-target action characteristics.This paper attempts to summarize the existing research results and lay the foundation for further exploring the synergistic mech-anism of action of ginseng-acorus calamus combination and the dose-effect relationship of the combination,so as to provide a sci-entific basis for the development of innovative Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Aim To explore the improvement effect of Bazi Bushen capsule on thymic degeneration in SAMP6 mice and the possible mechanism.Methods Twenty 12 week old male SAMP6 mice were randomly divided into the model group(SAMP6)and the Bazi Busheng capsule treatment group(SAMP6+BZBS).Ten SAMR1 mice were assigned to a homologous control group(SAMR1).The SAMP6+BZBS group was oral-ly administered Bazi Bushen capsule suspension(2.8 g·kg-1)daily,while the other two groups were orally administered an equal amount of distilled water.After nine weeks of administration,the morphology of the thymus in each group was observed and the thymus in-dex was calculated;HE staining was used to observe the structural changes of thymus tissue;SA-β-gal stai-ning was used to detect thymic aging;flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of thymic CD3+T cells in each group;Western blot was used to detect the levels of p16,Bax,Bcl-2,and cleaved caspase-3 proteins in thymus;immunofluorescence was applied to detect the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells in each group;ELISA was employed to detect IL-7 lev-els in thymus.Results Compared with the SAMP6 group,the thymic index of the SAMP6+BZBS group significantly increased(P＜0.05);the disordered thy-mic structure was significantly improved;the positive proportion of SA-β-gal staining significantly decreased(P＜0.01);the proportion of CD3+T cells apparently increased(P＜0.05);the level of p16 protein signifi-cantly decreased(P＜0.05);the level of Bcl-2 pro-tein significantly increased(P＜0.05),while the lev-el of cleaved caspase-3 protein markedly decreased(P＜0.05);the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells evidently increased;the level of IL-7 significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusions Bazi Bushen capsule can delay thymic degeneration,inhibit cell ap-optosis in thymus and promote thymic cell development in SAMP6 mice,which may be related to increasing the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells and promoting IL-7 secretion.

Exosomes represent a class of nanoscale extracellular vesicles that facilitate the exchange of genetic information among various cells.Alzheimer's disease(AD)stands as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by its subtle and advan-cing onset,representing the foremost form of dementia lacking effective therapeutic interventions.Notably,investigations have illuminated the involvement of exosomes in the pathogenesis of AD,attributing diagnostic and therapeutic significance to their role,particularly concerning exosomal microRNAs(miRNA).The miRNAs carried by exosomes serve as potential biomarkers for AD,while also exhibiting potential benefits in ameliorating cognitive dysfunction in individuals afflicted by AD.This article aims to comprehensively review the origins of exosomes(encom-passing both mesenchymal cell-derived exosomes and brain-de-rived exosomes)and their potential as therapeutic agents targe-ting AD.

Objective To investigate the pass rates of fit tests for various brands of medical protective masks and to explore methods for quickly matching these masks based on their head and face dimensions.Methods A total of 202 medical staff from designated hospitals in Tianjin were selected as subjects.Quantitative fit tests were conducted on 5 brands of masks(A,B,C,D,and E)using an aerosol condensation nucleus counter.Two-dimensional photographic measurement was used to obtain the face length and width of the subjects,categorizing them into face types#1 to#10.The pass rates of masks across different face zones,brands,and face types were compared.Results A total of 202 testers participated in this study.According to the guidelines,face type#1 was the most common[43.6%(88/202)],followed by face type#3[18.2%(37/202)].The majority of subjects were categorized as face types#1,#2,#3,and#4,totaling 176 subjects(87.1%).A total of 914 tests were conducted,with 678 passes,resulting in an overall mask pass rate of 74.18%.The pass rates of masks A,B,and C were significantly higher than those of masks D and E[87.03%(161/185),85.57%,(166/194),82.02%(146/178)vs.62.98%(114/181),51.70%(91/176),all P<0.05].The pass rate of adjustable head-mounted masks was significantly higher than that of non-adjustable masks[79.54%(587/738)vs.51.70%(91/176),P<0.05].The fit factor(FF)for mask B in face types#1 to#5 was significantly higher than that in face types#6 to#10[200(163,200)vs.132(86,200),P<0.05].Conclusions Two-dimensional photographic measurement can quickly obtain facial information of the subjects and match the corresponding masks.Hospitals can match masks with higher test pass rates according to the proportion of face types among medical staff.When selecting masks,preference should be given to adjustable head-mounted masks.

Intramedullary needle(IMN)has the advantages of high healing rate and low incidence of complications in treatment of tibial fracture,and has become one of the most commonly used fixation methods for the treatment of tibial fracture.However,due to the patient's own factors,fracture location and fracture type,infection and surgical treatment,bone nonunion after IMN still occurs in clinic.Bone nonunion leads to the increase of medical cost and prolonged the hospitalization time of patients,which causes great pain to patients,and also brings great challenges to the treatment of orthopedic surgeons.Therefore,this paper reviews the influencing factors of bone nonunion after IMN for tibial fracture,in order to provide reference for clinical treatment.