1.Current Status and Prospects of Research on the Potential Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
Shumin CHEN ; Jin CHANG ; Chaoren TAN ; Hao ZHU ; Jinsheng YANG ; Zhao LIU ; Yingying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):421-426
This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence, focusing on three important aspects, including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior, effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome, and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons, such as dopamine, thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore, acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently, research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed, including the evaluation of clinical effects, exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms, investigation of brain pathology, and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally, combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.
2.Effects and mechanism of astilbin on renal injury in chronic renal failure rats
Xiaowei GAO ; Yingying LIU ; Cong HAN ; Shifei HAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):434-439
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of astilbin (AST) on renal injury in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats based on the Jagged-1/Notch-1 signaling pathway. METHODS CRF model was constructed by 5/6 nephrotomy. The successfully modeled rats were randomly separated into Model group, AST low-dose group (AST-L group), AST high-dose group (AST-H group), high-dose of AST+Notch pathway activator (Jagged-1/FC chimerin, referred to as “JFC”) group (AST-H+ JFC group), and control group (CK group) for open surgery without resection was set up, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the AST-L group and AST-H group were given 40 and 80 mg/kg AST, respectively; the rats in the AST-H+JFC group were simultaneously given 80 mg/kg AST and 0.5 mg/kg JFC, and the rats in the CK group and Model group were given an equal volume of normal saline, once a day, for 4 weeks. After the last administration, the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and the level of 24 h urinary protein (UP) in urine, as well as the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in each group were detected. The morphology and fibrosis of renal tissue were observed. The content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the activities of sodium-potassium ATPase and calcium-magnesium ATPase in mitochondria of renal tissue were detected. The protein expressions of transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cleaved-caspase-3, Jagged-1 and Notch-1 in renal tissue were also observed. RESULTS Compared with CK group, the renal tissue of rats in the Model group was obviously damaged, renal tissue fibrosis was severe; the serum BUN and SCr levels, urine UP level, serum 4 LDH, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, as well as the protein expressions of TGF-β, HIF-1α, α-SMA, cleaved-caspase-3, Jagged-1 and Notch-1 in renal tissue were significantly increased, while the serum IL-10 level, ATP content and activities of sodium-potassium ATPase and calcium-magnesium ATPase in mitochondria of renal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with Model group, the renal tissue damage and fibrosis in the AST groups were reduced, the serum BUN and SCr levels, urine UP level, serum LDH, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and the protein expressions of TGF-β, HIF-1α, α-SMA, cleaved-caspase-3, Jagged-1 and Notch-1 were significantly decreased, while the serum IL-10 level, ATP content and the activities of sodium-potassium ATPase and calcium-magnesium ATPase in mitochondria were significantly increased; the changes in the aforementioned indicators in AST- H group were more significant than those in the AST-L group(P<0.05). JFC could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high dose of AST on renal injury in CRF rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS AST can reduce inflammation in CRF rats, alleviate renal tissue damage and fibrosis, and improve renal mitochondrial capacity metabolism, possibly by inhibiting the Jagged-1/Notch-1 signaling pathway.
3.A Case of Concurrent Infection with Entamoeba Histolytica and Giardia Lamblia
Jing LI ; Yongzhen SI ; Feng ZHANG ; Yingying HAO ; Ye GUO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1614-1618
4.Bridging the Gap:A Study on the Model,Challenges,and Adaptation Strategies of the Zhejiang Digital Wellness Consortium
Hao JI ; Meng MI ; Yingying YU ; Junyi XIN
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(11):1-8
Purpose/Significance To bridge the digital service gap of the digital wellness consortium in Zhejiang province.Method/Process The study systematically reviews the evolution and development of digital elderly care theories and practices,using the digital wellness consortium in Zhejiang province as a case study,and examines it from theoretical,modeling,and practical dimensions.Result/Conclusion The digital wellness consortium has made rapid progress in recent years,however,it still faces numerous challenges in provi-ding digital elderly care services.From the perspective of digital adaptation for the elderly,the development strategies for the consortium are proposed at the government,corporate,and community levels.
5.Effect of long noncoding RNA ALOX12P2 on viability,migration and in-vasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Hui GONG ; Jing ZHU ; Wentian ZHENG ; Jiayi HAO ; Yajie WANG ; Yingying JIANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(11):2031-2040
AIM:This study aimed to investigate the expression and localization of ALOX12P2 in oral squa-mous cell carcinoma(OSCC),as well as its effects on cell viability,migration,and invasion.METHODS:The expres-sion of ALOX12P2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)tissues and its correlation with clinicopathologi-cal features were analyzed using the UALCAN database(University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis Por-tal).Additionally,the expression of ALOX12P2 in OSCC and its impact on survival prognosis were evaluated through the GDC and UCSC Xena databases.The expression levels of ALOX12P2 in OSCC cell lines were assessed via quantitative re-al-time PCR(RT-qPCR).The subcellular localization of ALOX12P2 was determined using nucleoplasmic RNA isola-tion.CAL-27 cells were used to establish an ALOX12P2 knockdown group(SS-ALOX12P2)and a control group(SS-NC).HN30 cells were employed to form an ALOX12P2 overexpression group(ALOX12P2)and a control group(vector).The effects of altered ALOX12P2 expression on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related gene E-cadherin and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were assessed through Western blot analysis.RESULTS:ALOX12P2 expression was significantly higher in HNSCC and OSCC tissues compared to normal tissues,with its expression correlating with poor prog-nosis.RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the relative expression of ALOX12P2 in OSCC cells was comparable to that in nor-mal cells(P<0.05).RNA nucleoplasmic isolation confirmed that ALOX12P2 localized in the nucleus.In comparison to the SS-NC group,the SS-ALOX12P2 group exhibited a marked reduction in ALOX12P2 expression(P<0.01),alongside significant decreases in cell viability,migration,and invasion(P<0.01).Conversely,the ALOX12P2 group showed sub-stantially higher relative expression compared to the vector group(P<0.01),with enhanced cell viability,migration,and invasion abilities(P<0.01).Western blot analysis demonstrated that ALOX12P2 knockdown resulted in upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin and Vimentin(P<0.01),while overexpression of ALOX12P2 yielded the opposite effects(P<0.01).Knockdown of ALOX12P2 led to decreased protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT(P<0.01),whereas overexpression increased these protein levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:ALOX12P2 is highly ex-pressed in OSCC and promotes cell viability,migration,and invasion.This effect may be linked to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which facilitates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process.
6.Compound heterozygous variants in LIPT1 causing lipoyltransferase 1 deficiency in a newborn: a case report and literature review
Yingying ZHU ; Bowen WENG ; Wuhen XU ; Li GAO ; Hao HU ; Xiaohui GONG ; Jingjing SUN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(5):411-416
Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype and genotype characteristics of lipoyltransferase 1 deficiency (LIPT1D).Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical data was conducted for one case of LIPT1D, admitted to the Department of Neonatology at Shanghai Children's Hospital on May 7, 2023. Key terms "lipoyltransferase 1 deficiency", " LIPT1", and "lipoic acid" were used to search national databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and Yiigle; and international databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until September 15, 2023, to summarize the clinical presentations, biochemical phenotypes, and genotypic characteristics of LIPT1D. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed. Results:(1) The case concerned: At 1.5 h after birth, the infant exhibited cyanosis and poor responsiveness, presenting with uncorrectable metabolic acidosis (blood pH value 6.9, base excess -27 mmol/L, bicarbonate 5.7 mmol/L), and hyperlactatemia (the highest was 24 mmol/L). The condition progressed rapidly, and the infant died 9 h after birth. Whole exome sequencing performed 6 h postnatally identified compound heterozygous variants in the LIPT1 gene (NM_001204830.1) in the infant. Variants c.986C>A (p.Ser329*) from the mother and c.405_406del (p.Arg135Serfs*18) from the father were detected, both suspected to be pathogenic. (2) Literature review: A review of the literature identified seven cases of LIPT1D caused by LIPT1 gene mutations, totaling eight cases including the current one. The main presentations of LIPT1D in these infants were hyperlactatemia, metabolic acidosis, neurodevelopmental delay, and epilepsy, with four cases presenting in the neonatal period and resulting in death. Conclusions:The primary clinical manifestations of LIPT1D are severe hyperlactatemia, metabolic acidosis, and neurological involvement, potentially leading to early neonatal death. Whole-exome sequencing is instrumental in diagnosing this condition.
7.Study on the predictive value of preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory related indexes in Fuhrman grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Hao LI ; Yingying YU ; Xiangwei SONG ; Heqian ZHANG ; Lichen TENG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2024;32(5):532-536
Objective To explore the predictive value of systemic immune inflammatory index(SII),systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI),neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),lymphocyte to monocyte ratio(LMR),platelet to lymphocyte radio(PLR),albumin to globulin(AGR)and heat shock protein 90α(HSP90α)in Fuhrman grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC).Methods From October 2019 to August 2022,212 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ccRCC were divided into low-grade tumor group and high-grade tumor group according to Fuhrman grade.The independent influencing factors of Fuhrman grading were determined by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis,and the predictive value of each inflammatory index to Fuhrman grading was evaluated by drawing Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).We constructed the line chart prediction model and evaluated the effectiveness of the model.Results The preoperative levels of SII,PLR,AGR,HSP90α and the maximum diameter of tumor were significantly different between high-grade group and low-grade group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum diameter of tumor,PLR,AGR and HSP90α were independent influencing factors of Furhman grade.By drawing the ROC curve,it was found that the area under the curve(AUC)of PLR,AGR and HSP90α to predict Furhman grade were 0.641,0.675 and 0.696.In addition,the Furhman grade line chart prediction model had good prediction ability,the AUC was 0.789(95%CI:0.717~0.862),the sensitivity was 61.80%,and the specificity was 85.40%.Conclusions There was a significant correlation between inflammation-related indexes in peripheral blood and Furhman grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.The Furhman grade line chart prediction model based on the maximum diameter of tumor and peripheral blood inflammation index has good predictive ability.
8.Construction of LP-LNP with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants and its enhancing effects on mRNA vaccines
Jingwen CAO ; Yu CHI ; Guocheng LI ; Hao CHENG ; Yan DENG ; Jing WEI ; Ji ZHU ; Yingying GAO ; Haibo LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(17):1925-1933
Objective To construct lipid nanoparticles(lipopeptide-lipid nanoparticle,LP-LNP)with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants,and initially explore their synergistic effect on mRNA vaccines.Methods Two novel lipopeptides,SS-10 and SQ18,were designed and synthesized.Microfluidic technology was used to encapsulate lipopeptides in different proportions,as well as mRNAs encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP),firefly luciferase(F-luc),and ovalbumin(OVA)into lipid nanoparticles to construct an mRNA delivery system with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants(LP-LNP).The particle size and polydispersity coefficient of LP-LNP were measured using dynamic light scattering.The activation effect on Toll-like receptors 2(TLR2)was detected using HEK-BlueTM mTLR2 reporter cells to screen the optimal lipopeptide ratio.The preferred LP-LNP-eGFP-mRNA was transfected into HEK293T cells,and the expression of eGFP was observed under a fluorescence microscope.In vivo imaging was used to investigate the expression level of LP-LNP-F-luc-mRNA in mice.Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the ability of LP-LNP-OVA-mRNA to induce the maturation of dendritic cells(DCs)in draining lymph nodes and cross-presentation of antigens after immunization.Results Lipopeptides SQ18 and SS-10 were incorporated into LNP at 0.50%and 0.75%molar ratios,respectively,to obtain LP-LNP with uniform particle size,high encapsulation efficiency,and good in vitro safety.The ability of this formulation to activate TLR2 was significantly stronger than the positive control Pam2CSK4(P<0.01).The preferred LP-LNP obtained effective in vitro transfection,and LP-LNP prepared with SQ18 at 0.50%molar ratio had significantly better in vivo transfection efficiency than traditional LNP(P<0.01),and significantly promoted the maturation of DCs in draining lymph nodes and cross-presentation of antigens(P<0.05).Conclusion LP-LNP with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants can enhance the delivery capacity of mRNA and further improve the immune effect of mRNA vaccines.
9.Construction and validation of a predictive model for ventilator-associated pneumonia in premature infants undergoing mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit
Yongqin GUO ; Yingying DOU ; Jianli LI ; Ruimin CHANG ; Yanan HAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(33):2578-2587
Objective:To construct a prediction model for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to test its clinical effect.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 740 preterm infants admitted to the NICU for mechanical ventilation from July 2018 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected as the study subjects, and were divided into the modeling set (518 cases) and the validation set (222 cases) according to the ratio of 7∶3 using the computer-generated random number method. The modeling set was divided into the VAP group (181 cases) and the non-VAP group (337 cases) according to whether VAP occured, and 21 clinical characteristics were analyzed, using single factor difference analysis to screen predictive factors, the independent risk factors of VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants were determined by multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram model was made by R software. Then, the nomogram model was tested by validating the data of the validation set. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, calibration curve and clinical decision curve were used to evaluate the efficacy and practical value of the model.Results:There were 88 males and 93 females in the VAP group, with 156 cases of gestational age<34 weeks and 25 cases of gestational age≥34 weeks. There were 155 males and 182 females in the non-VAP group, with 196 cases of gestational age<34 weeks and 141 cases of gestational age≥34 weeks. Birth weight ( OR=0.114, 95% CI 0.044-0.268, P<0.05) and oral care of breast milk ( OR=0.124, 95% CI 0.0.057-0.249, P<0.05) were protective factors for VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants, and Apgar score at 5 min after birth ( OR=2.895, 95% CI 1.318-6.419, P<0.05), serum prealbumin at 72 h of mechanical ventilation ( OR=4.837, 95% CI 2.643-9.063, P<0.05), gastric contents reflux ( OR=6.754, 95% CI 3.156-15.240, P<0.05), and time of mechanical ventilation ( OR=7.784, 95% CI 3.491-18.160, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve of the modeling set was 0.929 (95% CI 0.907-0.950, P<0.01), and the validation set (AUC) was 0.917 (95% CI 0.882-0.952, P<0.01), the model has good discrimination. The C indices of the modeling set and the validation set were 0.93 and 0.92 respectively by sampling 500 times by the Bootstrap method, indicating that the model had good consistency, and the decision curve suggested that the prediction model was far from the extreme curve and the net return value was high, indicating that the nomogram prediction model constructed this time had high prediction value. Conclusions:Birth weight, Apgar score at 5 min after birth, time of mechanical ventilation, oral care of breast milk, serum prealbumin at 72 h of mechanical ventilation, and gastric contents reflux are independent influencing factors for VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. The nomogram prediction model constructed can provide a visual and simple evaluation tool for early identification of high-risk children and reducing the occurrence of VAP.
10.Prospective Cohort Investigation on Physical Activity of Osteoporosis Outcomes (PAOPO) in Jidong:Objectives,Study Design,and Baseline Characteristics
Yang JINGZHI ; Shen HAO ; Wang SICHENG ; Bai LONG ; Geng ZHEN ; Jing YINGYING ; Xu KE ; Liu YUHE ; Wu WENQIAN ; Zhang HAO ; Zhang YUANWEI ; Li ZUHAO ; Wang CHUANDONG ; Wang GUANGCHAO ; Chen XIAO ; Su JIACAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(9):1067-1079
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective association between physical activity (PA),independently or in conjunction with other contributing factors,and osteoporosis (OP) outcomes. Methods The Physical Activity in Osteoporosis Outcomes (PAOPO) study was a community-based cohort investigation. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were performed to assess OP outcomes,and the relationship between BMD and OP was evaluated within this cohort. Results From 2013 to 2014,8,471 participants aged 18 years and older were recruited from Tangshan,China's Jidong community. Based on their PA level,participants were categorized as inactive,moderately active,or very active. Men showed higher physical exercise levels than women across the activity groups. BMD was significantly higher in the very active group than in the moderately active and inactive groups. Individuals aged>50 years are at a higher risk of developing OP and osteopenia. Conclusion The PAOPO study offers promising insights into the relationship between PA and OP outcomes,encouraging the implementation of PA in preventing and managing OP.

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