1.Research progress on the role and molecular mechanisms of growth hormone in myopia development
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1234-1238
In recent years, the incidence of myopia has been increasing annually, emerging as a significant public health issue, particularly among adolescents. Recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH), a primary treatment for short stature in children, has raised widespread concern due to its potential to promote myopia progression. Recent studies have revealed that growth hormone(GH)may contribute to the development of myopia by regulating scleral extracellular matrix metabolism and axial length through multiple mechanisms, including downstream signaling pathways[e.g., insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)], cellular signaling pathways(e.g., MMP/TIMP balance and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and epigenetic mechanisms(e.g., miR-29a and DNA methylation). Therefore, this article reviews recent research progress on the role of GH in the pathogenesis and progression of myopia, with the aim of providing insights into visual protection and myopia prevention strategies for children receiving GH therapy for short stature.
2.Preliminary Outcomes of Endoscopic Spine Surgery Adoption at a Singapore Tertiary Hospital: A Multisurgeon Experience
John Wen Cong THNG ; Nicholas WONG ; Kai Lin LEE ; Wu Jie TOH ; Haobin CHEN ; Ghim Hoe NEO ; Yilun HUANG
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(1):95-104
Objective:
This study characterizes the demographic and clinical profiles of patients undergoing unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBE ESS) for lumbar decompression/discectomy at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. It examines service implementation across multiple senior surgeons, evaluates preliminary clinical outcomes, and describes the learning curve observed during early adoption among surgeons already experienced in minimally invasive spine surgery, benchmarked against international standards. In the context of increasing global uptake of endoscopic techniques, this work provides evidence to inform institutional adoption and surgeon training. This analysis forms part of a multi-paper series comparing surgeon experience and patient outcomes between conventional minimally invasive approaches and UBE ESS for lumbar decompression/discectomy.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of 111 patients who underwent UBE lumbar decompression/discectomy at a public tertiary hospital between October 2022 and April 2024. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, operative details, and clinical outcomes, including visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) health domains, were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results:
The mean patient age was 56.8 years, with a slight female predominance (54.1%). Statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS scores for both back and leg pain (p<0.05), alongside significant gains in SF-36 domains including physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning. Operative times decreased progressively with increasing case volume, consistent with the presence of a procedural learning curve.
Conclusion
UBE ESS for lumbar decompression/discectomy is a safe and efficacious technique that can be successfully adopted by spinal surgeons with prior minimally invasive surgical experience. Operative time demonstrates a meaningful reduction once the initial learning curve has been overcome. ESS provides a reproducible option for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease in the tertiary hospital setting in Singapore, with outcomes comparable to established international benchmarks. Future work will include long-term follow-up of this patient cohort and direct comparison with conventional minimally invasive techniques in subsequent studies.
3.Trends in Lumbar Spinal Decompression Surgery at a Single Tertiary Center: A Retrospective Review
Kai Lin LEE ; Dhivakaran GENGATHARAN ; John Wen Cong THNG ; Thanos SIVRIDIS ; Dickson CHAU ; Ghim Hoe NEO ; Haobin CHEN ; Ji Min LING ; Thomas Choo Heng TAN ; Yilun HUANG
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(1):65-76
Objective:
Spinal stenosis and degenerative spinal disorders are increasingly prevalent and have a substantial impact on quality of life. Surgical decompression, performed using either open microscopic or endoscopic approaches, remains a cornerstone of management for these conditions. This study examines evolving trends in single-level lumbar spinal decompression procedures performed at a tertiary academic hospital in Singapore.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 588 patients who underwent single-level spinal decompression between 2021 and 2024, including endoscopic spine surgery (ESS; n=364) and microdecompression (n=224). Primary outcome measures were changes in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, reoperation rates, and operative time. Patient demographics, spinal level and pathology characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis was used to compare outcomes between the 2 groups.
Results:
Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in SF-36 and VAS scores. At 2 years, Short Form Health Survey physical function (SFPF) scores improved in the endoscopic group (mean difference [MD], 18.6; standard deviation [SD], 21.7; p=0.064) and in the open microscopic group (MD, 36.7; SD, 20.9; p=0.007), with a non-significant DID of -18.1 (p=0.155). No DID comparisons across SF-36 domains reached statistical significance. Mean operative time for endoscopic procedures decreased from 249 minutes in 2022 to 145 minutes in 2024, reflecting a procedural learning curve. Surgeons with higher endoscopic caseloads exhibited greater improvements in functional outcomes.
Conclusion
Both endoscopic and open microscopic decompression achieve comparable short- and long-term clinical outcomes. ESS provides similar effectiveness while being associated with shorter recovery periods and reduced hospital stay. Further research is warranted to identify factors contributing to incomplete symptom resolution or the need for revision surgery.
4.Comparative analysis of serological survey results of mumps in healthy people in Changsha in 2016 and 2024
Li LI ; Yaman LI ; Ying ZHANG ; Meiling LUO ; Haoyue QIU ; Haobin YANG ; Yancong CHEN ; Qin ZENG ; Jing HE ; Wenqian XU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):51-55
Objective To analyze the serological survey results of Changsha City in 2016 and 2024, and to investigate the short-term impact of adjusting the immunization program with two doses of mumps containing vaccine on the mumps antibody levels of healthy individuals in Changsha City. Methods Using the relevant data and samples from the mumps serological surveys conducted in 2016 and 2024, serum mumps IgG antibodies were quantitatively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results from these two surveys were analyzed and compared using SPSS 25.0 software. Results The survey included 1 512 participants in 2016 and 1 398 in 2024. In 2024, both the seropositivity rate and IgG antibody levels against mumps in the healthy population were significantly higher than those in 2016 (all P<0.01). Specifically, the seropositivity rates and IgG antibody levels in the age groups of 8–17 months, 18 months–2 years, 3–4 years, and 5–9 years were significantly higher in 2024 compared to 2016 (all P < 0.001). However, among the participants in 2024, the 15–19 years age group showed relatively low seropositivity rate and IgG antibody levels. Conclusion Following the adjustment of the two-dose MuCV immunization strategy, the mumps IgG antibody levels among children aged 8 months to 9 years in Changsha have increased. It is necessary to continue implementing the routine two-dose MuCV vaccination strategy and to explore the necessity of strengthening and supplementing immunization for key groups, including the high-risk 5–9-year-old population and the immunologically vulnerable 15–19-year-old population.
5.Comparison of the Prognostic Value Between CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc Scores in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
Yile LIN ; Shuyan ZHANG ; Zeyue CHEN ; Zhiyu HE ; Dunzheng HAN ; Haobin ZHOU ; Hongliang XUE ; MOK TOI-MENG ; Chen LIU ; Woliang YUAN ; Yugang DONG ; Ailan CHEN
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(7):674-680
Objectives:To investigate the prognostic value of the CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)and heart failure(HF).Methods:Patients with AF and HF from hospitals diagnosed by the Heart Failure Center in Guangdong Province between January 2017 and December 2021 were selected.Major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)were used as the follow-up endpoint.Statistical methods such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC),net reclassification index(NRI),and integrated discrimination improvement(IDI)were applied to evaluate the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with AF and HF.Results:A total of 1 839 patients were enrolled in this study,comprising 703 patients in the MACE group and 1 136 patients in the non-MACE group.Compared with the non-MACE group,the MACE group exhibited significantly advanced age,higher prevalence of New York Heart Association class Ⅳ and coronary artery disease,lower diastolic blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate levels,and elevated serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations(all P<0.05).Additionally,significantly lower proportions of patients in the MACE group received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors,beta-blockers,mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists,or anticoagulant therapy(all P<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that each 1-point increment in both CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores was associated with approximately 10%increased risk of MACE.ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the AUC values for predicting MACE in AF patients with HF were 0.555(95%CI:0.528-0.582,P<0.001)for CHA2DS2-VASc and 0.576(95%CI:0.549-0.608,P<0.001)for R2CHA2DS2-VASc,indicating marginally superior discriminatory capacity of the R2CHA2DS2-VASc score.Delong's test confirmed statistically significant differences between the two scoring systems(P=0.001).The R2CHA2DS2-VASc score demonstrated a NRI of 0.259(95%CI:0.166-0.352,P<0.001)and an IDI of 0.007(95%CI:0.005-0.010,P<0.001)compared with the conventional CHA2DS2-VASc score.Although the R2CHA2DS2-VASc score exhibited slightly better predictive accuracy and outcome discrimination capacity than the original scoring system,both scores demonstrated suboptimal clinical predictive performance.Conclusions:Both the R2CHA2DS2-VASc and CHA2DS2-VASc scores show suboptimal performance for predicting the risk of MACE in patients with AF and HF,and the predicting performance of R2CHA2DS2-VASc score is marginally superior to CHA2DS2-VASc score in this patient cohort.
6.Circular RNA_005987 mediates contrast-associated acute kidney injury through activating autophagy signaling by sponging miRNA-129-5p
Yeshen ZHANG ; Siyu KONG ; Haobin LIU ; Weikun CHEN ; Guangjun HUANG ; Yining DAI ; Ning TAN ; Yuanhui LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(2):114-124
Objective:To investigate the effect of circular RNA (circRNA)_005987 on contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and its mechanism, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of CA-AKI.Methods:CA-AKI rat models and HK-2 cell injury models were established using iopromide, and CA-AKI-related circRNA_005987 was screened based on circRNA expression chip and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Knockdown and overexpression of circRNA_005987 were performed in HK-2 cell model, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of autophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), P62, beclin-1 and autophagy-related gene 14 (ATG14). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect protein expression of LC3B. Electron microscope was used to observe the autophagosome formation. Autophagy activator rapamycin and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine were used for in vitro rescue experiments to observe the changes of the above indicators. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis was applied to analyze the binding site among circRNA_005987, miR-129-5p and ATG14, and dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify their interactions. CircRNA_005987 was knocked down and overexpressed in HK-2 cell model, and RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-129-5p. HK-2 cells were treated with miR-129-5p inhibitor and mimic, Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of ATG14, and CCK8 and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Results:CircRNA_005987 expression was up-regulated in vitro and vivo CA-AKI models (both P<0.05). Overexpression of circRNA_005987 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell autophagy, while knockdown of circRNA_005987 had opposite effects (all P<0.05). In vitro rescue experiments confirmed that circRNA_005987 inhibited cell proliferation by activating autophagy ( P<0.05). The dual luciferase reporter assay suggested that there was an interaction between circRNA_005987, miR-129-5p and ATG14. Knockdown of circRNA_005987 increased miR-129-5p expression, while overexpression of circRNA_005987 inhibited miR-129-5p expression (both P<0.05). Knockdown of miR-129-5p inhibited cell proliferation, while overexpression of miR-129-5p reversed the effect (both P<0.05). Conclusion:CircRNA_005987 promotes CA-AKI through activating autophagy via sponging miR-129-5p, suggesting that circRNA_005987 plays an important role in the pathological process of CA-AKI.
7.The Practical Exploration of Building the"Platform-Talent-Discipline"System for National Regional Medical Centers
Xiaomin ZHANG ; Hongyan WU ; Jing GAO ; Chongchen ZHOU ; Haobin CHEN ; Yingying YU ; Yongjin CHEN ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(8):90-93
Strengthening the construction of platforms,talents,and disciplines is a crucial strategy to enhance the core competitiveness and promote the high-quality development of national regional medical centers.It outlines the theoretical framework and implementation path for building the"Platform-Talent(Team)-Discipline"develop-ment system during the establishment of the National Regional Medical Center at Henan Children's Hospital Zheng-zhou Children's Hospital.By creating a collaborative innovation platform integrating medical services,education,and research,implementing talent development programs,optimizing mechanisms for talent recruitment,cultivation,and retention,and advancing discipline development projects,the center has achieved significant progress in its core competencies.This exploration provides valuable insights and references for the development of national regional medical centers and the high-quality growth of public hospitals.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Depression Based on Signaling Pathway Regulation: A Review
Jinjiang XU ; Li WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Jingjing XIE ; Haobin CHEN ; En ZHAO ; Man ZHANG ; Jianye DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):319-328
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels, but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex, and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression, involving multiple pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB), cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB), and others. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems, involving liver Qi stagnation, heart spirit deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, calming the heart, and replenishing essence, with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan, Zishui Qinggan Yin, and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi, such as salidroside, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and muscone. External TCM treatments, primarily acupuncture, aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui, Shenting, and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally, massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression, aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.
9.The Practical Exploration of Building the"Platform-Talent-Discipline"System for National Regional Medical Centers
Xiaomin ZHANG ; Hongyan WU ; Jing GAO ; Chongchen ZHOU ; Haobin CHEN ; Yingying YU ; Yongjin CHEN ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(8):90-93
Strengthening the construction of platforms,talents,and disciplines is a crucial strategy to enhance the core competitiveness and promote the high-quality development of national regional medical centers.It outlines the theoretical framework and implementation path for building the"Platform-Talent(Team)-Discipline"develop-ment system during the establishment of the National Regional Medical Center at Henan Children's Hospital Zheng-zhou Children's Hospital.By creating a collaborative innovation platform integrating medical services,education,and research,implementing talent development programs,optimizing mechanisms for talent recruitment,cultivation,and retention,and advancing discipline development projects,the center has achieved significant progress in its core competencies.This exploration provides valuable insights and references for the development of national regional medical centers and the high-quality growth of public hospitals.
10.Circular RNA_005987 mediates contrast-associated acute kidney injury through activating autophagy signaling by sponging miRNA-129-5p
Yeshen ZHANG ; Siyu KONG ; Haobin LIU ; Weikun CHEN ; Guangjun HUANG ; Yining DAI ; Ning TAN ; Yuanhui LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(2):114-124
Objective:To investigate the effect of circular RNA (circRNA)_005987 on contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and its mechanism, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of CA-AKI.Methods:CA-AKI rat models and HK-2 cell injury models were established using iopromide, and CA-AKI-related circRNA_005987 was screened based on circRNA expression chip and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Knockdown and overexpression of circRNA_005987 were performed in HK-2 cell model, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of autophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), P62, beclin-1 and autophagy-related gene 14 (ATG14). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect protein expression of LC3B. Electron microscope was used to observe the autophagosome formation. Autophagy activator rapamycin and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine were used for in vitro rescue experiments to observe the changes of the above indicators. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis was applied to analyze the binding site among circRNA_005987, miR-129-5p and ATG14, and dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify their interactions. CircRNA_005987 was knocked down and overexpressed in HK-2 cell model, and RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-129-5p. HK-2 cells were treated with miR-129-5p inhibitor and mimic, Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of ATG14, and CCK8 and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Results:CircRNA_005987 expression was up-regulated in vitro and vivo CA-AKI models (both P<0.05). Overexpression of circRNA_005987 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell autophagy, while knockdown of circRNA_005987 had opposite effects (all P<0.05). In vitro rescue experiments confirmed that circRNA_005987 inhibited cell proliferation by activating autophagy ( P<0.05). The dual luciferase reporter assay suggested that there was an interaction between circRNA_005987, miR-129-5p and ATG14. Knockdown of circRNA_005987 increased miR-129-5p expression, while overexpression of circRNA_005987 inhibited miR-129-5p expression (both P<0.05). Knockdown of miR-129-5p inhibited cell proliferation, while overexpression of miR-129-5p reversed the effect (both P<0.05). Conclusion:CircRNA_005987 promotes CA-AKI through activating autophagy via sponging miR-129-5p, suggesting that circRNA_005987 plays an important role in the pathological process of CA-AKI.


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