Objective: To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status. Results: No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups. Conclusion Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.

Purpose: We used bioinformatics methods and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the hub genes involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their causal relationship with hemolysis, to explore a new direction for molecular biology research of AML. Methods: We first differentially analyzed peripheral blood samples from 62 healthy volunteers and 65 patients with AML from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and intersected them with genes sourced from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the GeneCards database to obtain target genes. Target genes were screened using protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and ROC curves to identify genes associated with AML. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between genes and immune cells and the relationship between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and AML using MR. Results: We compared peripheral blood expression profiles using an array of 62 healthy volunteers (GSE164191) and 65 patients with AML (GSE89565) (M0:25; M1:11; M2:10; M3:1; M4:7; M4 eo t [16;16] ou inv [16]:4; M5:6; M6:1) and obtained 7,339 DEGs (3,733 upregulated and 3,606 downregulated). We intersected these DEGs with 4,724 genes from WGCNA and 1,330 genes related to hemolysis that were identified in the GeneCards database to obtain 190 target genes. After further screening these genes using the PPI network, we identified TLR4, PTPRC, FCGR3B, STAT1, and APOE, which are closely associated with hemolysis in patients with AML. Finally, we found a causal relationship between TLR4 and AML occurrence using MR analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusion We constructed a WGCNA-based co-expression network and identified hemolysis-associated AML genes.

ObjectiveTo develop a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidence among the community-dwelling population aged 40 years old and above, so as to provide targeted references for the screening and prevention of COPD. MethodsBased on a natural population cohort in suburban Shanghai, a total of 3 381 randomly selected participants aged ≥40 years underwent pulmonary function tests between July and October 2021. Cox stepwise regression analysis was used to develop overall and gender-specific risk prediction models, along with the construction of corresponding risk nomograms. Model predictive performance was evaluated using the C-indice, area under the curve (AUC) values, and Brier score. Stability was assessed through 10-fold cross-validation and sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of 3 019 participants were included, with a median follow-up duration of 4.6 years. The COPD incidence density was 17.22 per 1 000 person-years, significantly higher in males (32.04/1 000 person-years) than that in females (7.38/1 000 person-years) (P<0.001). The overall risk prediction model included the variables such as gender, age, education level, BMI, smoking, passive smoking, and respiratory comorbidities. The male-specific model incorporated the variables such as age, BMI, respiratory comorbidities, and smoking, while the female-specific model included age, marital status, respiratory comorbidities, and pulmonary tuberculosis history. The C-indices for the overall, male-specific, and female-specific models were 0.829, 0.749, and 0.807, respectively. The 5-year AUC values were 0.785, 0.658, and 0.811, with Brier scores of 0.103, 0.176, and 0.059, respectively. Both 10-fold cross-validated C-indices and sensitivity analysis (excluding participants with a follow-up duration of <6 months) yielded C-indices were above 0.740. ConclusionThis study developed concise and practical overall and gender-specific COPD risk prediction models and corresponding nomograms. The models demonstrated robust performance in predicting COPD incidence, providing a valuable reference for identifying high-risk populations and formulating targeted screening and personalized management strategies.

Purpose: We used bioinformatics methods and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the hub genes involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their causal relationship with hemolysis, to explore a new direction for molecular biology research of AML. Methods: We first differentially analyzed peripheral blood samples from 62 healthy volunteers and 65 patients with AML from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and intersected them with genes sourced from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the GeneCards database to obtain target genes. Target genes were screened using protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and ROC curves to identify genes associated with AML. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between genes and immune cells and the relationship between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and AML using MR. Results: We compared peripheral blood expression profiles using an array of 62 healthy volunteers (GSE164191) and 65 patients with AML (GSE89565) (M0:25; M1:11; M2:10; M3:1; M4:7; M4 eo t [16;16] ou inv [16]:4; M5:6; M6:1) and obtained 7,339 DEGs (3,733 upregulated and 3,606 downregulated). We intersected these DEGs with 4,724 genes from WGCNA and 1,330 genes related to hemolysis that were identified in the GeneCards database to obtain 190 target genes. After further screening these genes using the PPI network, we identified TLR4, PTPRC, FCGR3B, STAT1, and APOE, which are closely associated with hemolysis in patients with AML. Finally, we found a causal relationship between TLR4 and AML occurrence using MR analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusion We constructed a WGCNA-based co-expression network and identified hemolysis-associated AML genes.

Purpose: We used bioinformatics methods and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the hub genes involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their causal relationship with hemolysis, to explore a new direction for molecular biology research of AML. Methods: We first differentially analyzed peripheral blood samples from 62 healthy volunteers and 65 patients with AML from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and intersected them with genes sourced from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the GeneCards database to obtain target genes. Target genes were screened using protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and ROC curves to identify genes associated with AML. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between genes and immune cells and the relationship between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and AML using MR. Results: We compared peripheral blood expression profiles using an array of 62 healthy volunteers (GSE164191) and 65 patients with AML (GSE89565) (M0:25; M1:11; M2:10; M3:1; M4:7; M4 eo t [16;16] ou inv [16]:4; M5:6; M6:1) and obtained 7,339 DEGs (3,733 upregulated and 3,606 downregulated). We intersected these DEGs with 4,724 genes from WGCNA and 1,330 genes related to hemolysis that were identified in the GeneCards database to obtain 190 target genes. After further screening these genes using the PPI network, we identified TLR4, PTPRC, FCGR3B, STAT1, and APOE, which are closely associated with hemolysis in patients with AML. Finally, we found a causal relationship between TLR4 and AML occurrence using MR analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusion We constructed a WGCNA-based co-expression network and identified hemolysis-associated AML genes.

Accurate timing of myelination is crucial for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Here, we identified a de novo heterozygous mutation in TMEM63A (c.1894G>A; p. Ala632Thr) in a 7-year-old boy exhibiting hypomyelination. A Ca²⁺ influx assay suggested that this is a loss-of-function mutation. To explore how TMEM63A deficiency causes hypomyelination, we generated Tmem63a knockout mice. Genetic deletion of TMEM63A resulted in hypomyelination at postnatal day 14 (P14) arising from impaired differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Notably, the myelin dysplasia was transient, returning to normal levels by P28. Primary cultures of Tmem63a^-/- OPCs presented delayed differentiation. Lentivirus-based expression of TMEM63A but not TMEM63A_A632T rescued the differentiation of Tmem63a^-/- OPCs in vitro and myelination in Tmem63a^-/- mice. These data thus support the conclusion that the mutation in TMEM63A is the pathogenesis of the hypomyelination in the patient. Our study further demonstrated that TMEM63A-mediated Ca²⁺ influx plays critical roles in the early development of myelin and oligodendrocyte differentiation.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation/physiology* ; Oligodendroglia/metabolism* ; Mice, Knockout ; Mice ; Male ; Myelin Sheath/metabolism* ; Humans ; Child ; Cells, Cultured ; Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of Rhodiola species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of Rhodiola species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within Rhodiola species. METHODS: A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus Rhodiola from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of Rhodiola species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all Rhodiola species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcode of Rhodiola database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named Rhodiola-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. Rhodiola-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of RCRR from the medicinal material market. RESULTS: The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 Rhodiola species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic R. crenulata, while the rest of the marketed varieties were R. kirilowii, R. dumulosa, and R. fastigiata. The product label "Larger flower, Hongjingtian" was identified as R. crenulata. Samples labeled as "Smaller flower, Hongjingtian" were identified as R. crenulata, R. kirilowii, and R. fastigiata. CONCLUSION ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by R. crenulata. However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in Rhodiola under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of Rhodiola varieties.

OBJECTIVE: miR-34c-3p is down-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The biological role of miR-34c-3p in NPC and its underlying mechanisms are unknown and were explored in this study. METHODS: Flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining were employed to detect cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86) and cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206) expression; quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were employed to examine mRNA expression and protein levels; cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and transwell assays were employed to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to assess pathological changes in tumor tissues. RESULTS: Our results revealed that the miR-34c-3p mimic markedly inhibited M2 polarization of macrophages by targeting SLC7A11, and M2 macrophages transfected with the miR-34c-3p mimic inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells. The in vivo experiments further confirmed that miR-34c-3p mimics blocked tumor growth and reduced inflammatory infiltration in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of NPC and a new treatment strategy.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Macrophages/physiology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Cell Movement ; Male ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Mice, Nude ; Female

Objective:To discuss the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor methyl 3-｛[(4-methyl-phenyl)sulfonyl]amino ｝ benzoate(MS AB)on the fibrogenic response of the human endometrial stromal cells(HESCs),and to provide the foundation for the application of MSAB in the target therapy of intrauteriue adhesion(JUA).Methods:The normal HESCs were cultured in vitro and divided into two groups:control group and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)group;the HESCs from the adhesion part of the IUA patients were cultured in vitro,regarded as IUA group.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of fibrotic marker protein type Ⅰ collagen α1(COL1A1)in the cells in various groups at different time points(0,12,24,48,and 60 h)after treated with TGF-β1.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation activities of the cells in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of the fibrotic marker protein COL1A1,stromal marker proteins such as N-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related protein β-catenin in the cells in control and IUA groups.Based on the MSAB concentrations,the normal HESCs were divided into 0(control),0.25,0.50,0.75,and 1.00 μmol·L-1 MSAB groups,and MTT assay was used to detect the survival rates of the cells in various groups.After treated with MSAB,the normal HESCs were divided into control group(normal HESCs),TGF-β1 group(10 μg·L-1 TGF-β1 induced normal HESCs for 24 h then the drug was withdrawn,replaced with complete culture medium,and the cells continued to be cultured for 24 h),and MSAB group(10 μg·L-1 TGF-β1 induced normal HESCs for 24 h then the drug was withdrawn,replaced with a complete medium containing 0.75 μmol·L-1 MSAB and the cells continued to be cultured for 24 h).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related transcription factors Snail,Slug,Smuc,ZEB1,and ZEB2,and COL1A1 mRNA in the cells in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of COL1A1,N-cadherin,α-SMA,β-catenin,and c-myc proteins in the cells in various groups.Results:Compared with control group(after treated with TGF-β1 for 0 h),the expression levels of COL1A1 proteins in the HESCs after treated with TGF-β1 for 12,24,48,and 60 h in TGF-β1 group were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with control group,there was no significant difference in the proliferation activity of the HESCs in IUA and TGF-β1 groups(P＞0.05).Compared with control group,the expression levels of COL1A1,β-catenin,N-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in the cells in IUA group were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with control group,the survival rates of the cells in 0.75 and 1.00 μmol·L-1 MSAB groups were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of Snail,Slug,and COL1A1 mRNA in the cells in TGF-β1 group were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);compared with TGF-β1 group,the expression levels of Snail,Slug,and COL1A1 mRNA in the cells in MSAB group were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with control group,after treated with TGF-β1 for 24 h,the expression levels of COL1A1,N-cadherin,α-SMA,β-catenin,and c-myc proteins in the cells in TGF-β1 group were increased(P＜0.01);compared with TGF-β1 group,the expression levels of COL1A1,N-cadherin,α-SMA,β-catenin,and c-myc proteins in the cells in MSAB group were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion:MSAB can inhibit the fibrogenic responses of the HESCs in vitro,and the results provide the theoretical basis for the application of MSAB in the target therapy of IUA.