1.Research on the role of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Jing TANG ; Ping QIU ; Renjie CHEN ; Yaqing LIU ; Hui LIU ; Yu LIU ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):819-826
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) in promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying signaling mechanisms. MethodsThe expression level of DHCR7 in lung adenocarcinoma and its prognosis were analyzed by using public databases. DHCR7 protein expression levels in the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines H1299 and A549 were assessed by Western blot, using the normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B as a control. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down DHCR7 expression in H1299 and A549 cells. Assays including colony formation, CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell experiments were conducted to assess the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the knockdown cells. Next, Western blot was employed to assess the phosphorylation levels of key signaling molecules in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3),mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) (p-AKT, p-STAT3, p-ERK). ResultsBioinformatics results indicated that both DHCR7 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma compared with normal tissues adjacent to cancer. Furthermore, higher DHCR7 mRNA level was associated with poor prognosis (P<0.001). The expression levels of DHCR7 were significantly higher in both H1299 and A549 cells than that in BEAS-2B cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with si-control, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of si-DHCR7 H1299 and A549 cells significantly decreased. Among the phosphorylated signaling molecules detected, p-ERK was significantly downregulated (P<0.000 1, P<0.01) whereas p-AKT and p-STAT3 levels were not significantly changed. ConclusionDHCR7 has prominent effects in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and the underlying mechanisms are related to the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
2.Early-stage diabetes induces structural damage and functional deficits in the mouse primary visual cortex
Hanlu CHEN ; Haoqiong TANG ; Lixia FENG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):872-879
ObjectiveTo investigate morphological and functional neural network alterations in the primary visual cortex (V1) during early-stage diabetes. Methods32 SPF male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control and diabetic groups(n=16). Type 1 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), with model validation via oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at week 4. Nissl staining was used to assess morphological changes in brain slices of the two groups. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ) and somatostatin (SST) in the V1 area. The co-localization density of SST-positive signals on CaMKⅡ+ neurons was then quantified by ImageJ software. In vivo electrophysiology was used for studying neuronal firing and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared with the control mice, nissl staining showed diabetic mice exhibited significant V1 thinning (P=0.02), reduced neuronal density (P=0.01). Immunohistochemistry found decreased SST integral optical density (P=0.02) and elevated mean fluorescence intensity (P=0.01), and lower SST density on CaMKⅡ+ neurons in the diabetic group than in the control group. Compared with the control mice, in vivo electrophysiology studies indicated that diabetic mice showed reduced action potential peak-to-trough ratio and the absolute values of slope (P<0.01), as well as impaired functional connectivity, including conditional firing, mutual information, and Granger causality (P<0.000 1). ConclusionEarly diabetes induces V1 structural atrophy accompanied by SSTergic system disruption and multi-level functional degradation from single neurons to neural networks.
3.Relationship between EDNRA gene polymorphisms and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens in the male Han Chinese population
Yuwan PENG ; Xiaojin HE ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Jing WANG ; Binbin WANG ; Dongdong TANG ; Zhaolian WEI ; Yunxia CAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):931-936
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between endothelin receptor type A gene (EDNRA) and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). MethodsThis case-control study consisted of 124 subjects with CBAVD and 100 fertile controls.Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: rs5335 and rs1801708) in the EDNRA gene were genotyped via PCR, PCR-RFLP analysis, and direct sequencing. ResultsNo significant differences existed between EDNRA polymorphisms and CBAVD phenotype (rs1801708: P=0.220 2, 0.163 2; rs5335: P=0.805 8, 0.818 6). However, the rs1801708-rs5335 haplotype AG was notably associated with an increased risk of CBAVD (P=0.008 6, OR=2.178, 95% CI: 1.207-3.929). A significantly protective effect of rs1801708-rs5335 haplotype GG on CBAVD (P=0.038 5, OR= 0.671, 95% CI: 0.460-0.980) was observed. After Bonferroni correction, the result for haplotype A-G remained significant (P =0.008 6<0.012 5), while haplotype G-G was not significant. ConclusionThe rs1801708-rs5335 AG haplotype of EDNRA is a potential risk factor for CBAVD development in Han Chinese.
4.Association between adverse childhood experiences and digital self harm behavior among college students
SU Yujie, TANG Ting, WANG Gengfu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):814-817
Objective:
To explore the correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and digital self harm behavior among college students, so as to provide scientific evidence for preventing and intervening digital self harm behavior.
Methods:
A total of 5 917 college students from five provinces (Anhui, Guangdong, Hebei, Jilin, and Sichuan) were selected by using a method combining stratified cluster random sampling with convenient sampling to complete an electronic questionnaire survey, from May to June 2024. The survey was conducted to assesse digital self harm behavior and ten dimensions of ACEs, including peer bullying, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, adverse family events, adverse school or social events, adverse life experiences, and personal adverse problems. A multivariable Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between ACEs and digital selfharm among college students.
Results:
The reporting rate of digital self harm behavior among college students was 11.5%. There were statistically significant differences in the reporting rates of digital self harm behaviors among college students with different household registration location and the numbers of close friends ( χ 2=3.91, 8.09 , both P <0.05). Univariate analyses showed that the prevalence of digital self harm behavior was significantly higher among students who reported any type of ACEs compared with those without such experiences ( χ 2=7.99-27.63, all P <0.01). After controlling for demographic variables, each type of ACE was separately included in multivariable Logistic regression models as an independent variable, and all types of ACEs were significantly associated with digital self harm behavior among college students ( OR =1.27-1.91, all P <0.01). Notably, the OR values for sexual abuse and personal adverse problems were relatively high, being 1.91 and 1.83 respectively. Moreover, the risk of reporting digital self harm increased with the number of types of ACEs ( OR= 1.17 , P <0.01).
Conclusions
ACEs are related factors for digital self harm behavior among college students. Early psychological intervention should be strengthened, particularly for college students who have experienced sexual abuse and personal adverse problems during childhood.
5.Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Based on the Midnight-Noon Ebb-Low Method with Hour-Prescription on BMAL1 Protein and NETs Markers in Lung Tissue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model Rats with Lung-Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Changtian JIAO-LI ; Nise Pantaleo SHIO ; Lianqing CAI ; Qingyao JIANG ; Siyu TANG ; Qianqian WAN ; Mengchen WAN ; Yuqi YE ; Jie ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1422-1430
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy with the midnight-noon ebb-low method with hour-prescription for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with lung-qi deficiency syndrome from the perspective of brain and muscle basic helix-loop-helix ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) as well as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe experiment was conducted in two phases. For the therapeutic effectiveness observation, 24 rats were randomly allocated into control group 1, model group 1, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 and conventional electro-acupuncture group, with 6 rats per group. Rat models of COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome were established via cigarette smoke exposure combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After successful modelling, rats in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 received electro-acupuncture at acupoints "Taiyuan (LU 9)", "Feishu (BL 13)" and "Zusanli (ST 36)" during 05:00—07:00, 30 minutes per treatment once every other day for 14 consecutive days (7 sessions in total). Rats in the conventional electro-acupuncture group received identical electroacupuncture manipulation at random daytime hours (08:00—18:00). Pulmonary function parameters including forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second (FEV0.3), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV0.3/FVC ratio were detected. Pulmonary histopathological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as pulmonary reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, BMAL1 protein expression and the levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in lung tissue were determined. For the mechanistic verification phase, 36 rats were divided into control group 2, model group 2, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2, overexpression empty group, overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group, with 6 rats in each group. At the 5th week of model construction, rats in the overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group received intratracheal instillation of 100 μl adenoviral suspension carrying overexpressed Bmal1 gene. Rats in the overexpression empty group were injected with an equal titer and equal volume of blank adenovirus without the Bmal1 coding sequence into the lung at the identical time point. Midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2 and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group were consistent with the aforementioned protocol. Finally, pulmonary levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were measured in all groups. ResultsCompared with the control group 1, the model group 1 exhibited decreased FEV0.3, FVC and FEV0.3/FVC ratio, elevated plasma IL-1β, TNF-α and pulmonary ROS levels, downregulated lung BMAL1 protein expression, and increased contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 (all P<0.05); typical NETs-like structures with sparse granular substances attached to fibrous networks were observed under scanning electron microscopy; HE staining revealed damaged alveolar architecture accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with model group 1, both the midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 and conventional electro-acupuncture group achieved obvious improvements in all above indicators, with superior therapeutic effects in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 (P<0.05). Consistently, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 showed more prominent alleviation of NETs-like structure formation and lung pathological injury compared to the conventional electro-acupuncture group. Mechanistic validation results demonstrated that compared with model group 2, the average optical density of MPO as well as the protein levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were markedly reduced in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2, overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group (P<0.05); furthermore, these parameters were significantly lower in the overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group than in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2 (P<0.05). ConclusionElectro-acupuncture based on the midnight-noon ebb-low method with hour-prescription may alleviate pulmonary inflammation in COPD by upregulating the expression of clock protein BMAL1 and inhibiting excessive accumulation of NETs in lung tissue.
6.Construction and Practice Evaluation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Postoperative Rehabilitation Teaching Model Supported by MedOncoGPT
Can BAI ; Zi-Jian WU ; Xian-Jun HAN ; Yuan GAO ; Yong TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1264-1278
ObjectiveTo enhance teaching in postoperative cancer rehabilitation, this study developed an integrative Chinese-Western medicine postoperative oncology rehabilitation system, termed the medical oncology generative pre-trained transformer (MedOncoGPT). By introducing MedOncoGPT as an intelligent assistant, an integrated teaching model combining Chinese and Western medicine was established. The study evaluated its impact on students’ integrative clinical reasoning and practical abilities, providing support for instructional reform in related courses. MethodsUsing teaching resources as the knowledge base, MedOncoGPT was built upon the open-source ChatGLM model and incorporated Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques to address postoperative integrative oncology scenarios. The system was applied in courses and clinical clerkships related to integrative oncology. In alignment with course objectives, a five-stage instructional process—pre-class preparation, in-class inquiry, simulated multidisciplinary consultation, clinical reinforcement, and teaching reflection—was designed to guide students in completing syndrome differentiation, comprehensive assessment, and follow-up planning within real or simulated case contexts. Comparative analyses of student engagement, syndrome differentiation thinking, evidence-based awareness, and interdisciplinary integration skills before and after the teaching reform were conducted using questionnaires, course assessments, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. ResultsFollowing the implementation of MedOncoGPT, students demonstrated improved performance in case analysis, prescription formulation, and integrative Chinese-Western medical evaluation compared with those receiving traditional instruction. Classroom participation and the relevance of student inquiries also increased. Self-assessment results indicated high levels of satisfaction with respect to clarity of integrative clinical reasoning, ability to retrieve and apply guideline-based evidence, and awareness of appropriate use of intelligent tools in clinical decision-making. More than 92% of students reported that the system facilitated understanding of abstract theoretical concepts presented in textbooks. Instructors noted that the system helped reduce lesson preparation time, enriched typical case materials and discussion scenarios, and promoted the translation of research findings into classroom teaching. Pilot data showed that, with MedOncoGPT assistance, the mean time for initial syndrome differentiation decreased from 18.4 min to 12.1 min, and the agreement rate increased from 68.3% to 82.5%. In the teaching pilot, the experimental group achieved a higher mean score on the final case analysis assessment than the control group (82.6 vs. 74.3). ConclusionThe integration of MedOncoGPT into teaching on postoperative integrative cancer rehabilitation enabled the establishment of a stable instructional process within existing curricula and enhanced students’ integrative clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice capabilities. The approach demonstrates positive potential for advancing the integration of research, clinical practice, and education and represents a valuable exploratory strategy for instructional reform in courses on integrative Chinese-Western medicine.
7.The application value of deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in ultra-low dose abdominal CT scanning
Xing TANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Hongmin SHU ; Weishu HOU ; Jun WANG ; Xiaohu LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):758-762
ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of various strength levels of deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms for improving non-contrast abdominal CT image quality at ultra-low radiation doses, by comparing ultra-low-dose DLIR images with low-dose filtered back projection (FBP) images. MethodsA prospective collection of 85 patients undergoing non-contrast abdominal CT scans was performed, and a self-controlled study method was employed to conduct low-dose (LD) group and ultra-low-dose (ULD) group scans. The LD group used a noise index of 10 and employed FBP for image reconstruction (LD-FBP group). The ULD group used a noise index of 30 and employed DLIR at different levels (low, medium, high), resulting in three subgroups of reconstructed images: ULD-DLIR-L, ULD-DLIR-M, and ULD-DLIR-H. For each group, CT values, standard devia-tion (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured and calculated for the liver, spleen, kidneys, aorta, psoas major, and subcutaneous fat. Effective dose (ED) was also recorded. Two radiologists independently performed subjective evaluations of image quality using a 5-point scale. ResultsCompared with the LD-FBP group, the ULD-DLIR-L group showed significantly lower SNR and CNR values in the liver, spleen, kidneys, aorta, and psoas major (P<0.001), while the ULD-DLIR-H group exhibited significantly higher values (P<0.001). The difference of SNR and CNR values for the ULD-DLIR-M group showed no statistically significant difference. For subjective evaluation, the scores of the ULD-DLIR-L and ULD-DLIR-M groups were lower than those of the LD-FBP group, while there was no statistically significant difference in scores between the ULD-DLIR-H group and the LD-FBP group. The ED value of the ULD group was approximately 88% lower than that of the LD group. ConclusionCompared with the LD-FBP group, the ULD-DLIR-H group significantly reduces SD values while increasing SNR and CNR values, effectively improving the image quality of non-contrast abdominal CT scans.
8.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
9.Microbiological characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis with hemolytic phenotype
Guiyun LENG ; Wei CHEN ; Chenghao WANG ; Jie YAO ; Chuanping CHEN ; Wei TANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):60-66
ObjectiveTo explore the microbiological characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis with hemolytic phenotype (SEHP). MethodsHemolytic phenotype was detected using the three-point inoculation method, involving a total of 5 strains of SEHP and 5 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis with non-hemolytic phenotype (SENHP) . Bacterial species were identified using the Microflex LT MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed through 16S rRNA sequence alignment. Growth curves were monitored through the microcultivation assay. Biofilm formation ability was assessed by microplate crystal violet staining. Red blood cell toxicity was detected using the microplate method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of SEHP and SENHP against commonly used antibiotics was performed using a VITEK 2 GP639 test kit. Antagonistic effects of SEHP and SENHP against Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium striatum were evaluated by the Oxford cup inhibition assay. ResultsCompared with SENHP, SEHP exhibited a marked decrease in growth rate during the late logarithmic phase, accompanied by significant hemolytic toxicity. Additionally, it showed lower resistance rates to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, and could antagonize Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium striatum. ConclusionThe microbiological characteristics of SEHP differ from those of SENHP in that SEHP demonstrates antagonistic effects against S. aureus and C. striatum.
10.Investigation of somatization symptoms and related factors in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei
Yu ZHUANG ; Pei TANG ; Yinghan TIAN ; Peng YAO ; Lei XIA ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):141-145
ObjectiveTo investigate somatization symptoms in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei, and to explore their correlation with earthquake experiences. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was used to select 324 adolescents in Hefei as the survey objects. The self-rating scale of somatization symptoms (SSS) and the fatigue intensity scale (FIS) were used to evaluate the somatization symptoms and fatigue degree of middle school students, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of somatization symptoms and fatigue among middle school students. ResultsA total of 324 adolescents were included, and the overall detection rate of somatization symptoms was 6.5%, and the detection rate of moderate or above fatigue was 20.1%. The results of regression analysis showed that adolescents who were concerned about the earthquake for a longer time (≥1 h) had a higher risk of somatization symptoms (OR=5.430, 95%CI: 1.547-19.058), and adolescents who received pre-earthquake training had a lower degree of fatigue (OR=0.535, 95%CI: 0.292-0.981) (P<0.05). ConclusionDuring the frequent earthquakes, adolescents have more somatization symptoms and fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance health education, reduce the emphasis on event-related reports, and implement earthquake prevention and disaster reduction training to improve the physical and mental health of adolescents.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail