With the development of artificial intelligence， machine learning has shown great potential in the field of medical health. Machine learning conducts a comprehensive analysis of patient data including clinical features， blood tests， and imaging examinations and establishes corresponding mathematical models to achieve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and the prediction of disease conditions， thereby guiding disease management. With reference to the latest research findings， this article reviews the application of machine learning in chronic hepatitis C and related research advances.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms and pathways through which Gandouling （GDL） exerts its effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis in Wilson disease. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups： the normal group， the model group， the GDL low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （0.24， 0.48， 0.96 g·kg^-1）， and the penicillamine group （90 mg·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. A copper-loaded Wilson disease rat model was established by gavage administration of 300 mg·kg^-1 copper sulfate pentahydrate to all groups except the normal group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， procollagen type-Ⅲ peptide （PC-Ⅲ）， and collagen type-Ⅳ （C-Ⅳ）. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of liver tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the expression levels of liver tissues and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 （LncRNA H19）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， and mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， and their phosphorylated forms， as well as autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B （LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ） in liver tissues. Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence signal intensity was observed by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatocytes， unclear nuclear boundaries with cell cleavage and necrosis， and collagen fiber deposition around confluent areas. The levels of HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and C-Ⅳ were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagic vesicles， with autophagic lysosomes exhibiting a single-layer membrane structure following degradation of most envelopes. Expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ were markedly enhanced. The protein expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， p-PI3K， p-Akt， and p-mTOR were reduced （P<0.01）， while LncRNA H19 expression was increased （P<0.01）， and mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， and mTOR were decreased （P<0.01）. After treatment with GDL， the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved， with decreased levels of HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and C-Ⅳ. The number of autophagic vesicles was significantly reduced， and expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins were lower （P<0.01）. The fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ weakened dose-dependently. The protein levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， p-PI3K， p-Akt， and p-mTOR were elevated （P<0.01）， while the expression level of LncRNA H19 was reduced （P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， and mTOR increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionGDL may alleviate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway via LncRNA H19.

Objective To establish an effective management mode, play the full role of DRGs in rational drug use, formulate the pharmaceutical clinical path, and intervene the prescription behavior of doctors, which could improve the level of rational drug use in the hospital through the management practice of rational drug use under the payment method of DRGs in a third-grade hospital. Methods A drug entering mechanism, a rational drug use supervision mechanism and an active and rational drug use data exposure mechanism based on DRGs were established, and the rational drug use indicators such as drug consumption index, average drug cost, and auxiliary drug use were accurately positioned based on the information platform, and the accurate and refined management of rational drug use was realized through the daily supervision of the office of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Committee. Results and Conclusion Under the multi-dimensional and multi-level rational drug use management based on DRGs, the effect of rational drug use was evaluated after the reform of DRGs payment method, and all the index of rational drug use in our hospital were continuously improved.

[Objective] To explore the clinical features of IgG4-related urinary diseases so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. [Methods] The clinical data of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary system diseases diagnosed and treated in Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University during Aug.2019 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively collected.Here, we report on the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, analysing their symptoms, serology, imaging and pathology as well as their treatment and outcomes. [Results] The patients included 2 male and 2 female.The lesions were involved with the retroperitoneum and urinary system.Three patients had symptoms of lumbar pain.The imaging manifestations were complex, including retroperitoneal mass involving urinary system organs in 2 cases, tabdense shadow of the right kidney in 1 case, and simple cystic mass of kidney in 1 case.Serum IgG4 value was not detected before surgery.All patients underwent radical surgical treatment.Postoperative pathology showed fibrous tissue hyperplasia with a large number of plasma cells, lymphocytes, a few neutrophil infiltrates, and lymphoid follicles and obliterated vasculitis in some specimens.The number of IgG4⁺ plasma cells was more than 10 in all tissues under high power microscope.After surgery, 3 patients had symptoms improved, and serum IgG4 value was within the normal range; 1 patient (patem 3) had elevated IgG4 value during follow-up, received subsequent hormone therapy, and the serum IgG 4 level remained stable. [Conclusion] The symptoms of IgG4-related diseases involving the urinary system are non-specific, and the imaging findings are various, easily confused with other diseases.Early detection of serum IgG4 and biopsy pathology can help clinicians make correct diagnosis in the early stage.

BACKGROUND:The regulation of M1/M2 polarization direction of macrophages is particularly critical in tissue engineering applications,and timely regulation can minimize proinflammatory,anti-inflammatory,or tissue healing responses. OBJECTIVE:To implant lentivirus-mediated miRNA-378a macrophage strain complex collagen to detect the expression level of immune regulation in the in vivo environment,and further clarify the influence of miRNA-378a in promoting macrophage M2 polarization in immune regulation and tissue repair in the in vivo environment. METHODS:Lentivirus-mediated miRNA-378a overexpressing macrophage cell lines and negative control virus macrophage lines were amplified and screened,and the macrophage lines were recovered and cultured together with collagen sponge to form a composite scaffold,which was divided into the following groups:(1)Positive group:miRNA-378a overexpressing macrophage-collagen sponge composite;(2)negative group:negative control of virus-mediated miRNA-378a macrophage-collagen sponge composite;(3)control group:macrophage-collagen sponge;(4)blank control group:collagen sponge.The cell density,phenotype,and adhesion of each group were observed by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.The cells were implanted into the subcutaneous model of the back of mice,and the mice were sacrificed 4 and 7 days after modeling.The direction of macrophage polarization in the collagen sponge composite of macrophages with miRNA-378a overexpression mediated by lentivirus and its effect on immune regulation and tissue repair were analyzed by gross observation,hematoxylin-eosin staining,MASSON staining,and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Under immunofluorescence microscopy,the macrophage cell lines in each group were observed to form a composite scaffold with the collagen sponge.(2)Under scanning electron microscope,lentivirus-mediated miRNA-378a macrophages in the positive group proliferated in cell density,had spherical,elliptic and polygonal differentiation,and had more pseudofeet than other groups.(3)Under general observation,the overall 7-day healing was better than that at 4 days.Lentivirus-mediated miRNA-378a macrophages in the positive group healed better than other groups regardless of 4 and 7 days.(4)Lentivirus-mediated miRNA-378a macrophages in the positive group under hematoxylin-eosin staining and MASSON staining had more amounts of fibrocytes,capillaries,fibroblasts,and collagen fiber hyperplasia.(5)Immunohistochemistry showed that lentivirus-mediated miRNA-378a macrophages in the positive group were more positive in 4-and 7-day M2 polarized cells than in other groups.The macrophages of the control and negative groups in 4-and 7-day M2 polarized cells were greater than that of the blank control group.There was no statistical difference between the control group and the negative group.The number of stained cells in the positive,negative,and control groups regardless of 4 and 7 days was higher than that in the blank control group,and the positive group>negative group ≈ control group>blank control group.(6)It is concluded that macrophages with miRNA-378a overexpression have a large amount of fibroblasts,capillaries,fibroblasts,and collagen fiber hyperplasia in vivo,which has a positive effect on tissue repair,and can promote the polarization of macrophages towards M2 type and inhibit the polarization of M1 type,thus contributing to reducing the inflammatory response of the body.

In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed Astragalus on their energy metabolism and polarization, and explore the scientific connotation of the enhanced efficacy of honey-processed Astragalus on invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing Qi. The medicated sera were prepared by intragastric administration of rats with water extracts of crude and honey-processed Astragalus, and the composition changes of medicated sera of crude and honey-processed Astragalus were analyzed by using LC-MS technology. The cell survival rates were detected and the concentrations of medicated sera were screened through CCK-8 assay. The differences of cell phagocytic rates, ATP energy metabolism, and NO secretion between crude and honey-processed Astragalus were evaluated by using neutral red phagocytosis assay, ATP detection kit, and NO detection kit. The effects of crude and honey-processed Astragalus on TNF-α secretion of RAW264.7 cells were detected by employing ELISA kit. The effects of crude and honey-processed Astragalus on polarization of RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by utilizing flow cytometry. The differential metabolites related to glycolysis in cell lysates and culture media were screened by using LC-MS technology. The experiment was approved by the experimental animal ethics committee from Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine (No. AWE202407352). The results showed that the contents of betaine, amino acids, and ononin in the prepared medicated sera of rats treated by intragastric administration with water extracts of honey-processed Astragalus increased compared to those in crude one. The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that there were no cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells in the medicated sera of crude and honey-processd Astragalus at different concentration. The phagocytic index and ATP yield both increased to varying degrees after administration of the medicated sera to cells. The secretion of NO in normal and inflammatory cells increased and decreased respectively, and the effect of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. The results of ELISA kit showed that the medicated sera of both crude and honey-processed Astragalus could promote the secretion of TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner, and the promoting effect of honey-processed Astragalus was stronger than that of crude one. The results of flow cytometry showed that the medicated sera of both crude and honey-processed Astragalus could promote M1-type polarization and inhibit M2-type polarization of RAW264.7 cells, and the effect of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. Compared to crude Astragalus, the metabolites related to glycolysis in the cell lysates and culture media of the medicated sera of honey-processed Astragalus were generally on the rise, indicating that the effect on promoting glycolysis of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. In summary, honey-processed Astragalus can promote the polarization and energy metabolism of RAW264.7 cells, and participate in positive immune regulation, which is correlated with its enhanced effect of invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing Qi.

Five saponins were isolated from the kernels of Momordica cochinchinensis, by macroporous resin, silica gel, ODS column chromatography, and semi preparative HPLC. Based on MS and NMR analysis, combining with alkaline hydrolysis and acid hydrolysis, their structures were identified as: gypsogenin-3-O-{β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonosyl}-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside (1), quillaic acid-3-O-{β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonosyl}-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside (2), gypsogenin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonoside sodium (3), quillaic acid-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonoside sodium (4), 18α-quillaic acid-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonoside (5). Compounds 1-5 were new compounds, and named as mubezhisides A, B, C, D, E, respectively. They all could obviously inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis.

ObjectiveTo explore the role and mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in regulating the protein kinase B （Akt）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β）/nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） signaling pathway in cascade modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease （AD）. MethodsNinety male SD rats of 4 months old were randomly assigned into a control group （n=10）， a sham group （with injection of 1 μL normal saline into bilateral hippocampi， n=10）， and a modeling group （with injection of 1 μL beta-amyloid 1-42 solution into bilateral hippocampi to induce AD， n=70）. One week after modeling， 50 successfully modeled rats were selected and randomly allocated into model， donepezil hydrochloride （0.45 mg·kg^-1）， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （15.30， 7.65， 3.82 g·kg^-1， respectively） Hei Xiaoyaosan groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs once daily for six consecutive weeks. The Morris water maze was used to assess the learning and memory abilities of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to reveal hippocampal morphological changes in AD rats. Apoptosis in the hippocampal CA3 region was detected by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated Nick end labeling. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize the expression of neuronal nuclear antigen （NeuN） in the CA1 region. Additionally， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to assess the activities of glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）， glutathione-S-transferase （GST）， and catalase （CAT） in the hippocampus. Real-time PCR was conducted to measure the mRNA levels of Akt， GSK-3β， Nrf2， and HO-1， while Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）/Akt， phosphorylated GSK-3β （p-GSK-3β）/GSK-3β， Nrf2， and HO-1. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group on day 5 showed an increase in total swimming distance （P<0.01）， a reduction in the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， reduced and disarranged neurons， nuclear condensation， varying degrees of cellular damage， increased apoptosis of hippocampal neurons （P<0.01）， decreased NeuN content （P<0.01）， weakend activities of GSH-Px， GST， and CAT （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 （P<0.01） and protein levels of p-Akt/Akt， p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β， Nrf2， and HO-1 （P<0.01） in the hippocampus. Compared with the model group， donepezil hydrochloride and high， medium， and low doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan shortened the total swimming distance on day 5 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.05， P<0.01）， improved the arrangement and morphology of neurons， reduced nuclear condensation and the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons （P<0.01）， increased the NeuN content （P<0.01）， enhanced the activities of GSH-Px， GST， and CAT （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and the protein levels of p-Akt/Akt， p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β， Nrf2， and HO-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the hippocampus. ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan can regulate the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to enhance the antioxidant stress capacity and inhibit neuron apoptosis to exert the neuroprotective effect， thereby ameliorating the cognitive dysfunction and pathological damage in AD rats.