1.Value of quantitative imaging parameters combined with serum tumor markers in prognostic evaluation after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma surgery
Ningning FENG ; Yueshan ZHANG ; Han GAO ; Baoming YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1375-1382
ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of a predictive model constructed based on quantitative imaging parameters and serum tumor markers in predicting the postoperative prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MethodsA retrospective study was conducted among 146 patients with PDAC who underwent radical resection in Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital from April 2020 to March 2023, and the patients were divided into a training set with 102 patients and a validation set of 44 patients at a ratio of 7∶3 using the completely randomized method. All patients underwent enhanced computed tomography (CT) and multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging scans, and CT values in the arterial phase, the venous phase, and the delayed phase were recorded, as well as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at b = 800 s/mm2 and signal intensity (SI) of T2 weighted imaging. The serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were also measured. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted for survival analysis; the univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of clinical and imaging indicators with prognosis; the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-Cox regression model was used to identify the important influencing factors for prognosis, and a prognostic prediction model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of the model in predicting prognosis in both the training set and the validation set. ResultsThe Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed a median survival time of 33.00 months in the training set and 32.00 months in the validation set, with no significant difference between the training set and the validation set (P>0.05). The univariate analysis showed that patient age, degree of tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, vascular invasion, CA19-9, CEA, ADC value, and SI value were significantly associated with the survival prognosis of patients (χ²=5.906, 13.116, 12.807, 17.277, 14.611, 7.275, 14.339, 9.506, and 13.137, all P<0.05). The LASSO-Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that six factors were incorporated into the regression model, i.e., tumor stage (HR=8.934, 95%CI: 3.215 — 21.562, P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (HR=2.971, 95%CI: 1.298 — 5.647, P=0.002), CA19-9 (HR=3.948, 95%CI: 1.758 — 8.994, P<0.001), CEA (HR=1.965, 95%CI: 1.083 — 3.664, P=0.039), ADC value (HR=2.873, 95%CI: 1.307 — 6.037, P=0.003), and SI value (HR=3.107, 95%CI: 1.264 — 7.339, P=0.001). The nomogram model constructed based on these factors had an area under the ROC curve of 0.845 (95%CI: 0.774 — 0.915) in the training set and 0.919 (95%CI: 0.870 — 0.967) in the validation set. ConclusionThe combined model of quantitative imaging parameters and serum tumor markers constructed based on LASSO-Cox regression can effectively predict the postoperative prognosis of PDAC patients, thereby helping to identify high-risk patients and guide decision-making for adjuvant therapy.
2.Intervention of Sinomenine in Rat Osteoarthritis by Modulating FABP4
Shiqi ZHANG ; Jun ZHAO ; Ningning LIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yifei ZHAO ; Jiao LIU ; Hongjian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):115-123
ObjectiveThis study aims to observe the effect of sinomenine (SIN) on fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in synovial tissue of rats with osteoarthritis (OA) and investigate the therapeutic mechanism of SIN on OA, further providing new ideas for the management of osteoarthritis by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsAn OA rat model was constructed and randomly divided into a control group, an OA group, an OA + SIN-L group (50 mg·kg-1), an OA + SIN-M (100 mg·kg-1), an OA + SIN-H (200 mg·kg-1), and an OA + prednisone (PDN) group (5 mg·kg-1). Following surgical modeling for three weeks, an appropriate medication was administered for four weeks. During modeling and administration, a hot plate test was performed to detect the pain and swelling of the knee joints of the rats. The periarticular tissue was collected for arthropathological observation at the end of drug administration. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and FABP4 in the synovial tissue of rats was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and the expression and distribution of FABP4 protein in the synovial membrane were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the levels of inflammatory factors and FABP4 in the serum of rats in the OA group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and joint swelling was significantly elevated (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expression of FABP4 protein and the fluorescence intensity were significantly increased (P<0.01). The synovial tissue exhibited significantly increased inflammatory infiltration, proliferated fibroblasts, and an elevated apoptotic index (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the OA group, the serum lipid metabolism indexes of rats in the SIN administration group gradually returned to normal (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the levels of inflammatory factors and FABP4 in the serum of rats in the SIN-administered group were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and joint swelling was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of FABP4 protein and fluorescence intensity in the synovial tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The synovial tissue displayed significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and a decreased apoptotic index (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe therapeutic effect of SIN on OA may be related to the down-regulation of FABP4 expression, reduction of apoptosis, and inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.
3.Non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents: the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and related factors
Honghui WEI ; Ying ZHANG ; Ningning SUN ; Yue WANG ; Yang LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):211-216
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, significantly affecting their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the risk factors associated with adolescent NSSI is crucial for prevention. Previous studies have identified mobile phone dependence as a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. However, as a key form of mobile phone dependence, the evidence regarding the impact of mobile phone social media dependence on adolescent NSSI behavior remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and its associated factors on adolescent NSSI behavior, so as to provide references for intervention strategies targeting NSSI in adolescents. MethodsA total of 100 adolescents diagnosed with NSSI according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and receiving treatment at Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study group. Concurrently, 100 age- and sex-matched students from Hangzhou were recruited as the control group. Assessments were conducted using Ottawa Self-injury Inventory(OSI) Function Subscale and Addiction Features Subscale, Adolescents Self-Harm Scale(ASHS), and Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing NSSI behaviors. ResultsThe research group had a total of 99 patients (99.00%) who completed the study, while the control group consisted of 97 (97.00%) adolescents who finished this research.The study group had statistically significantly higher total scores on the Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire, as well as higher scores on the conflict and withdrawal dimensions, compared with control group(t=-3.061, -2.874, -2.368, P<0.05 or 0.01). The study group also scored significantly higher on the OSI Function Subscale for internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation-seeking factors, as well as on the OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores, compared to the control group(t=-22.249, -8.854, -17.968, -10.591, -20.157, P<0.01). OSI Function Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.321, P<0.01), and OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.282, P<0.01). ASHS scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.145, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that compulsivity (β=0.416, P<0.01) and conflict (β=0.256, P<0.05) were significant predictors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. ConclusionAdolescent NSSI behaviors are associated with mobile phone social media dependence. The compulsivity and conflict dimension of mobile phone social media dependence are influencing factors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. The higher level of the compulsivity and conflict are associated with an increased risk of the NSSI behaviors in adolescents. [Funde by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project in 2022 (number, 2022KY704]
4.Research Progress on Immunomodulatory Activity and Mechanism of Polygonatum sibiricum
Jinyu LI ; Ningning QIU ; Chang YI ; Mengqin ZHU ; Yanfeng YUAN ; Guang CHEN ; Xili ZHANG ; Wenlong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):298-306
Polygonatum sibiricum, as a traditional Chinese medicine with both medicinal and edible properties, has attracted considerable attention due to its functions of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, tonifying the spleen and benefiting Qi, and nourishing the kidneys and filling essence. Recent studies have demonstrated that Polygonatum sibiricum plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, effectively enhancing and improving the morphology and function of immune organs, stimulating the proliferation and activation of immune cells, and regulating the secretion and release of immune factors, thereby enhancing the immune function of the body and improving various immune-related diseases. Although a large number of studies have explored the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of P. sibiricum, there has been no systematic review and summary of its immune regulatory activity and mechanisms. Therefore, this article comprehensively reviews the research achievements of P. sibiricum polysaccharides and saponins in the field of immune regulation in recent years, and further sorts out the immune regulatory mechanisms of P. sibiricum in multiple aspects: including increasing the organ index of the spleen and thymus, increasing the number and activity of tumor-suppressive bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, improving intestinal flora imbalance, regulating the quantity and proportion of T lymphocyte subsets, increasing the level of immunoglobulin, promoting the proliferation of macrophages, enhancing the activity of natural killer cells, increasing the number of white blood cells, and promoting the maturation of dendritic cells, providing a solid theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the research and application of P. sibiricum, and promoting its development and application in traditional Chinese medicine immune enhancers and various functional products.
5.Tumor-intrinsic PRMT5 upregulates FGL1 via methylating TCF12 to inhibit CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity in liver cancer.
Jiao SUN ; Hongfeng YUAN ; Linlin SUN ; Lina ZHAO ; Yufei WANG ; Chunyu HOU ; Huihui ZHANG ; Pan LV ; Guang YANG ; Ningning ZHANG ; Wei LU ; Xiaodong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):188-204
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) acts as an oncogene in liver cancer, yet its roles and in-depth molecular mechanisms within the liver cancer immune microenvironment remain mostly undefined. Here, we demonstrated that disruption of tumor-intrinsic PRMT5 enhances CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity both in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments verified that this effect is achieved through downregulation of the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule, fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1). Mechanistically, PRMT5 catalyzed symmetric dimethylation of transcription factor 12 (TCF12) at arginine 554 (R554), prompting the binding of TCF12 to FGL1 promoter region, which transcriptionally activated FGL1 in tumor cells. Methylation deficiency at TCF12-R554 residue downregulated FGL1 expression, which promoted CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Notably, combining the PRMT5 methyltransferase inhibitor GSK591 with PD-L1 blockade efficiently inhibited liver cancer growth and improved overall survival in mice. Collectively, our findings reveal the immunosuppressive role and mechanism of PRMT5 in liver cancer and highlight that targeting PRMT5 could boost checkpoint immunotherapy efficacy.
6.Serum IL-17A and CXCL13 levels in children with cough variant asthma and their clinical significance
Lingling ZHAO ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Ningning HAN ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Bo ZHENG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(22):2774-2778
Objective To investigate the serum interleukin-17A(IL-17A)and chemokine CXC motif ligand 13(CXCL13)levels in children with cough variant asthma and their clinical significance.Methods A total of 108 children with cough variant asthma admitted to Meihe Maternity Hospital from November 2021 to Febru-ary 2023 were selected as the study group,and 86 healthy children who underwent physical examinations dur-ing the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 in the two groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to an-alyze the factors influencing the occurrence of cough variant asthma.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic value of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 expressions for cough variant asthma.Results The levels of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 in the study group were both higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 in children with cough variant asthma were negatively correlated with forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),maximal expiratory flow rate(PEF),and FEV1/FVC and basal respiratory conductivity(Grs cont),while positively correlated with initial resistance value(Rrs cont).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that FVC,FEV1,PEF,FEV1/FVC,and Grs cont were protective factors influencing the occurrence of cough variant asthma(P<0.05).However,Rrs cont,IL-17A and CXCL13 were risk factors affecting the occurrence of cough variant asthma(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 levels for diagnosing cough variant asthma were 0.920 and 0.867,respectively.The AUC of the combined diagnosis of the two was 0.937,which was significantly greater than that of the diagnosis of CXCL1 alone(Z=2.194,P=0.028).Conclusion The levels of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 in children with cough variant asthma are upreg-ulated,and both are related to the lung function and airway responsiveness of children with cough variant asthma.The combined detection of serum IL-17A and CXCL13 levels has a high diagnostic value for cough variant asthma.
7.Study on chemical components in Black Tartary Buckwheat based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS
Baohua MENG ; Ningning SHANG ; Wenxuan WU ; Chunguo WANG ; Zhang WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(5):660-668
Objective:To analyzed the chemical components of Black Tartary Buckwheat using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS); To further compared the compositional differences under various drying conditions.Methods:UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was employed to scan 14 samples of Black Tartary Buckwheat in 4 batches, aiming to identify the major chemical components. ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C18 column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) was adopted; mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile solution; flow rate was 0.3 ml/min for gradient elution; HESI-Ⅱ ion source was used to detect negative ions. According to general mass spectroscopy rules and literature, at the same time, Compound Discoverer 3.2 and MSConvert software were used to analyze the data, upload to GNPS network, and finally generate network diagram using Cytocape 3.6.1 software.Results:A total of 134 components were identified in Black Tartary Buckwheat, of which 76 compounds were identified in the negative ion mode, 79 compounds were identified in the positive ion mode, and 21 chemicals were simultaneously identified as positive and negative ions. Based on the similarity cluster analysis of UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS secondary mass spectrometry fragment patterns, a molecular network was established, and the main compounds in Black Tartary Buckwheat were flavonoids, phenolic acids and amino acids, and the results showed that the positive and negative ion modes had similar clustering results. There were certain differences in the content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids in Black Tartary Buckwheat under two different drying conditions.Conclusion:The established UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS method enables rapid identification of the main chemical components in Black Tartary Buckwheat, while the constructed molecular network provides a reference framework for further research on its chemical composition. Additionally, the drying conditions are found to exert certain effects on the content of these chemical components.
8.Single-center retrospective analysis of peritoneal mesothelioma
Qi LIU ; Muwen NIE ; Jingqi ZHANG ; Ningning LI ; Lin ZHAO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(10):1362-1367
Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment experience of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma by analyzing the clinical characteristics of patients with single center peritoneal mesothelioma.Methods Retrospec-tively analyze the clinical data,including age and treatment regimens,of 99 patients with malignant peritoneal mes-othelioma admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2012 to July 2023.Kaplan-Meier for surviv-al analysis and Logistic and Cox regression were applied to assess the impact of factors like age and treatment regi-mens on survival time.Results The median age of diagnosis for 99 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma was 56 years,of which 82 were pathologically diagnosed.Among them,38 cases(51.4%)underwent tumor cell reduction surgery,and 57 cases(77.0%)underwent systemic or local treatment.The median survival time for all patients was 43 years.The age of diagnosis may affect the prognosis of patients with malignant mesothelioma,and those aged≥65 at the time of diagnosis have a worse prognosis.Conclusions Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare but invasive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis.There is still a need to develop novo drugs and comprehensive treat-ment strategies.
9.A study on clinical manifestations and correlation of symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine in emigrated plateau population
Tiantian XIA ; Wei ZHOU ; Li TONG ; Pan SHEN ; Ningning WANG ; Nan ZHANG ; Zhexin NI ; Yue GAO
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(8):610-616
Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and their associations with TCM constitutions in individuals who have migrated to plateau areas,and to provide a scientific basis for plateau health management.Methods Migrants living in areas above 3000 m were selected as research subjects.Data were collected by using TCM symptom assessment scales and constitution assessment scales.Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to determine the incidence and severity of symptoms among individuals with different migration durations,and core symptoms were identified.Factor analysis was performed by using SPSS software to extract symptom clusters and explore the correlation between core symptoms and TCM constitutions.Results Among individuals who migrated to plateau areas,the incidence of discomfort symptoms was 83.44%.The five most common symptoms were dry skin(67.94%),forgetfulness(56.03%),dry mouth(52.06%),yellow urine(48.73%),and insomnia(47.14%).In the top 10 symptoms with the highest increase in incidence,yellow urine(33.51%)and forgetfulness(26.33%)were both present in the top 10 symptoms across different migration durations.Factor analysis extracted 5,2,4,and 6 symptom clusters from the overall population,individuals who migrated within 1 year,those who migrated for 1-2 years,and those who migrated over 2 years,respectively.Qi-deficiency constitution(QDC),blood stasis constitution(BSC),qi stagnation constitution(QSC),phlegm-dampness constitution(PDC),and dampness-heat constitution(DHC)were significantly positively correlated with forgetfulness.Conclusion Migrating to plateau areas can induce discomfort symptoms,and both the number and incidence of symptoms increase with longer migration durations.The number and incidence of high-frequency symptoms(incidence≥30%)increase with prolonged migration time.There are differences in the composition and severity of symptom clusters across different migration durations.QDC,BSC,QSC,PDC,and DHC are closely related to forgetfulness and can be considered risk constitutions for forgetfulness.Timely attention to changes in symptom clusters and constitutions can help prevent and mitigate the occurrence and development of symptoms.
10.Impact of digital conversion of screen-film chest radiographs on the image quality of pneumoconiosis
Songtao DAI ; Luyan GE ; Ningning ZHANG ; Jing BAI ; Juan GAO ; Huitai DONG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(6):686-689
Objective To analyze the impact of digital conversion of screen-film chest radiographs on image quality in patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods Ten high-kilovoltage screen-film chest radiographs from pneumoconiosis patients were digitally converted using three devices, including a digital single-lens reflex camera, a smartphone, and a medical film scanner. The image quality and optical density values before and after image adjustment were compared across different image formats. Results Before adjustment, among the 30 JPEG images, 24 had diagnostic defect areas and 26 had unqualified optical density values. In RAW format, optical density values were not qualified in 18 out of 30 images. In DICOM format, optical density values were not qualified in nine of ten images. After adjustment, optical density values were not qualified in 13 JPEG images, 12 RAW images, and one DICOM image. Comparisons of chest radiograph quality grade distributions before and after adjustment showed significant differences for all three image formats (all P<0.05). Conclusion After being digitally converted by taking images in RAW format with digital photographic equipment and undergoing post-processing adjustment, the quality of screen-film chest radiographs for pneumoconiosis can meet the diagnostic requirements.

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