1.Gender-specific patterns of external occipital protuberance hyperplasia: associations with nuchal ligament ossification and cervical sagittal imbalance in myelopathy patients
Zhaoyang GONG ; Hanqiu SUN ; Dachuan LI ; Xiao LU ; Siyang LIU ; Ximeng WANG ; Xinlei XIA ; Feizhou LYU ; Jianyuan JIANG ; Fei ZOU ; Hongli WANG ; Xiaosheng MA
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):10-19
Methods:
Cervical radiographs were analyzed. EOP hyperplasia was classified into three subtypes with standardized length measurements. Variables encompassed demographics, ONL-related indices, and sagittal parameters. Subtype comparisons and multivariate regression analyses (with EOP length as dependent variable) were conducted.
Results:
Analysis of 187 CSM patients (64.2% male) identified gender-specific patterns: males exhibited greater EOP length (9.4±6.8 mm vs. 4.6±3.4 mm, p<0.001). Type III EOP demonstrated male predominance (82.4% vs. type I 31.8%, type II 51.4%; p<0.001), with associated longer hyperplasia length (11.6±6.6 mm vs. type II 5.1±1.9 mm, p<0.001). Type III EOP was associated with higher ONL prevalence (type III 64.8% vs. type I 45.5%, type II 41.9%; p=0.010) and longer ONL osteophyte length (type III 18.8±9.8 mm vs. type I 14.2±8.1 mm, type II 14.2±9.4 mm; p=0.046). Multivariate regression confirmed male sex (β=–3.82, p=0.009), ONL osteophyte length (β=0.16, p=0.017), T1 slope (β=0.27, p=0.041), and spino-cranial angle (β=–0.19, p=0.009) as factors independently associated with EOP length (adjusted R²=0.382).
Conclusions
Severe EOP hyperplasia exhibits a male-predominant distribution pattern and demonstrates significant radiological associations with ONL and cervical sagittal imbalance in CSM patients. These findings advocate for EOP evaluation in clinical evaluations to identify high-risk biomechanical profiles.
2.Transcriptomic analysis of the regulatory mechanism of lipocalin-2 in silicosis inflammation
Yanan SUN ; Yue ZHANG ; Xinyao WANG ; Fangze WAN ; Heliang LIU ; Hongli WANG ; Sanqiao YAO ; Hailan HE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):702-708
Background Lung tissue fibrosis caused by exposure to free silica (SiO2) dust is the core pathological feature of silicosis. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), as a secreted glycoprotein, plays an important role in various inflammatory diseases, but its specific role in silicosis-induced inflammatory injury remains unclear. Objective To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways in the lung tissues of rats with silicosis, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of LCN2 in silicosis inflammation. Methods Twenty specific pathogen-free male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a silicosis model group (n=10 per group). The silicosis model was established via a single intratracheal instillation of silicon dioxide (SiO2) suspension (50 mg), while the control group received an equal volume of normal saline. In vitro, NR8383 cells were divided into a control group and a SiO2 treatment group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Van Gieson (VG) staining were used to evaluate alveolar structure damage, inflammatory infiltration, and collagen deposition in the lung tissues. Transcriptomic sequencing was applied to screen for DEGs and enriched signaling pathways. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), E-cadherin (ECA), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), liver X receptor (LXR), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and LCN2 in both rat lung tissues and NR8383 cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to further assess LCN2 expression and localization. Additionally, NR8383 cells were treated with the LCN2 inhibitor ZINC00640089 and assigned to four groups: control, ZINC00640089-only, SiO2, and SiO2+ZINC00640089. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of LCN2, IL-6, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results HE and VG staining revealed disorganized lung tissue structure, damaged alveolar walls, nodule formation, and increased collagen deposition in the silicosis model group compared to the controls. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2723 DEGs in the lung tissues of silicosis rats (312 down-regulated and 2411 up-regulated) with LCN2 expression being significantly up-regulated. These DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways related to the innate immune response, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and inflammatory response. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed elevated LCN2 levels in the lung tissues of the model rats. Western blot demonstrated that the protein levels of IL-6, CD36, and LCN2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas ABCA1 and ECA were significantly decreased in the silicosis group (P<0.05). Similarly, in SiO2-treated NR8383 cells, IL-6, CD36, and LCN2 expressions significantly increased (P<0.05), while ABCA1 and LXR significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the SiO2 group, treatment with ZINC00640089 significantly reduced the expression levels of LCN2, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05). Conclusion LCN2 is significantly upregulated in both the lung tissues of silicosis rats and SiO2-treated NR8383 cells. Inhibiting LCN2 expression effectively reduces the SiO2-induced inflammatory response, indicating that LCN2 serves as a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
3.Effects of family functioning,peer victimization and school connectedness on adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury:the mediating effect of psychache
Nan KANG ; Ruyun WU ; Hongli SUN ; Ruiqin XIE ; Dan ZHANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):580-585
Objective To explore the effects of family functioning,peer victimization and school connectedness on nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents,as well as the mediating effect of psychache in these relationships.Methods A total of 525 junior high school students in Foshan City were surveyed using the brief Family Function Scale,Peer Victimization Scale,School Connectedness Scale,Psychache Scale,and Nonsuicidal Self-injury Scale.Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0,and mediation analysis was conducted using Mplus 7.4.Results ① Family functioning could directly predict adolescent non-suicidal self-injury(β=-0.20,P<0.01),but did not exert an indirect effect through psychache(P=0.123).② Peer victimization could not directly predict adolescent non-suicidal self-injury(β=0.10,P=0.133),but had an indirect effect through psychache,with an indirect effect value of 0.142(P<0.001).③ School connectedness could not directly predict adolescent non-suicidal self-injury(β=0.13,P=0.053),but had an indirect effect through psychache,with an indirect effect value of-0.128(P<0.001).Conclusion Psychache fully mediates the relationship between peer victimization,school connectedness,and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents,but it does not mediate the relationship between family functioning and adolescent non-suicidal self-injury.
4.Effects of aerobic exercise on skeletal muscle mass and function in colon cancer-loaded mice
Hongli LI ; Luyu ZUO ; Shiliang HU ; Yequn LIU ; Min YANG ; Jianjun YANG ; Huangyan LI ; Shuling ZHANG ; Junzhi SUN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(3):353-364
Objective To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and different exercise habits on skeletal muscle function and the possible molecular mechanisms in colorectal cancer-loaded mice.Methods Thirty-five 5-week-old BABL/c male mice were acclimatized to feeding for 1 week and then divided randomly into the following groups:control(D),tumor(M),exercise preconditioning(QAM),lifetime exercise(AM),and exercise(HAM)groups(n=7 mice per group).Mice in the QAM and AM groups underwent aerobic exercise regimen 1 from weeks 2~6.At week 7,mice in the experimental groups received 0.2 mL of CT26 colon cancer cell suspension subcutaneously in the dorsal aspect of the left hind limb,while control mice received 0.2 mL of saline at the corresponding site.Mice in the AM and HAM groups were subjected to aerobic exercise regimen 2 for weeks 7~9.The general status and skeletal muscle mass and function were monitored in all mice throughout the experiments.After completion of the experiment,samples were collected and the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers(CSA)was measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining and expression levels of proteins related to synthesis and catabolism of the gastrocnemius muscle were analyzed by Western Blot.Results(1)The weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly lower in mice in the M,QAM,and HAM groups compared with group D,and was significantly higher in AM mice compared with M,QAM,and HAM mice.(2)Grip strength,endurance,skeletal muscle circumference,and CSA were significantly lower in group D mice compared with the other groups,and was most enhanced in group HAM.Endurance and CSA were consistently enhanced in groups QAM,AM,and HAM.(3)Muscle RING-finger protein-1(MuRF1)expression levels were significantly lower in groups M,QAM,AM,and HAM than in group D,significantly lower in groups AM and HAM than in group M,and significantly lower in group HAM than in group QAM.(4)Fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 5(FNDC5)expression levels were significantly lower in group M than in groups D and QAM.(5)Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha expression levels were significantly lower in the QAM and HAM groups compared with group M.(6)Expression levels of phospho(p)-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/AMPK and p-AMPK were significantly higher in group QAM than in groups D and M,p-AMPK expression significantly lower in groups AM and HAM was than in group QAM,and AMPK expression was significantly lower in groups QAM,AM,and HAM than in group D.Conclusions Exercise preconditioning and continuous aerobic exercise can improve skeletal muscle mass and function in CT26 colon cancer-loaded mice by activating AMPK phosphorylation to stimulate skeletal muscle secretion of FNDC5,thereby regulating the expression of MuRF1 protein.
5.Investigation of the molecular difference of plasma lipids in mice with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on lipidomics
Qingshuang Wu ; Rong Qi ; Chunchao Zheng ; Yanan Sun ; Heliang Liu ; Hongli Wang ; Hailan He
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):642-648
Objective:
To explore the differential lipid metabolites in the plasma of mice with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF).
Methods :
Thirty SPF C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into 2 groups with 15 mice in each group. The experimental groups were divided into control group and bleomycin(BLM) group. The model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was induced by one-time intratracheal infusion of BLM(1 mg/kg). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the lung histopathology. The collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue was observed by Sirius red staining. The differential lipid metabolites in plasma of IPF mice were screened and enriched by lipidomics.
Results :
HE staining showed that the pulmonary tissue structure was disordered, alveolar septum was broken and alveolar wall was destroyed in BLM group. Sirius red staining showed a large amount of collagen fiber deposition in the lung interstitium of BLM group. The results of lipidomics analysis showed that the lipid metabolism profile of BLM group changed, 15 differential lipid metabolites were screened out, of which 11 differential lipid metabolites were up-regulated, and 4 differential lipid metabolites were down-regulated, mainly concentrated in glycerophosphoglycerophosphates, glycerophosphocholines, steroid lactones, etc.
Conclusion
The lipid metabolism profile of BLM group mice changes, differential lipid metabolites such as phosphoglycolate phosphatase(PGP)(18:0/18:0), PGP(i-12:0/i-24:0), PGP(i-13:0/a-25:0), and phosphatidylcholine(PC)(18:0/14:0), PC(18:3/16:0), lysophosphatidylcholine(LPC)(16:1), and LPC(18:3) may play an important role in the progression of IPF. These findings provide a new reference for further study of the molecular mechanism of IPF, and also provide a potential new target for clinical treatment.
6.Plasma interleukin-37 level in type 1 diabetes mellitus and its regulatory effects on monocyte activity
Ying ZHANG ; Hongli CHEN ; Zhendan XU ; Suyu WU ; Xianshan GUO ; Yingrui WANG ; Chao SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(9):731-739
Objective:To investigate the plasma level of interleukin(IL)-37 and assess its regulatory effects on monocyte activity in type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) patients.Methods:This prospective study included 57 T1DM patients and 21 healthy controls who were continuously enrolled from December 2022 to January 2024 at Xinxiang Central Hospital. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated. IL-37 and soluble interleukin 1 receptor 8(IL-1R8) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Levels of IL-37 receptor subunits in monocytes were analyzed via flow cytometry. Purified monocytes were stimulated with recombinant IL-37 and co-cultured with a human pancreatic β-cell line to assess cytotoxicity, measured by target cell death and cytokine levels. Additionally, monocytes were co-cultured with autologous CD4 + T cells to evaluate antigen presentation by measuring interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and IL-17A secretion. Results:Plasma IL-37 level and IL-37 receptor subunit expression in monocytes were significantly lower in T1DM patients compared to controls(both P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in soluble IL-1R8 levels between the groups( P=0.457). Monocytes from T1DM patients exhibited increased cytotoxicity, as indicated by higher target cell death and elevated levels of granzyme A, granzyme B, granzyme H, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α( P<0.05). Additionally, monocyte-induced secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17A by CD4 + T cells was elevated in T1DM patients(all P<0.05). Stimulation of T1DM monocytes with recombinant IL-37 reduced target cell death and decreased granzyme B secretion compared to unstimulated monocytes(both P<0.05). However, IL-37 stimulation had no significant effect on other cytokine levels or monocyte-induced IFN-γ and IL-17A secretion( P>0.05). Conclusions:Monocytes exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity and antigen-presenting capacity in T1DM patients. IL-37 reduces monocyte cytotoxicity by inhibiting granzyme B secretion, but does not affect antigen presenting function in T1DM.
7.Case 06 (2025): A case of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes with severe diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy
Hongli HUANG ; Huixia YANG ; Geng SONG ; Shuxian WANG ; Ye FENG ; Yumei WEI ; Yu SUN ; Sufang SHI ; Xiaoyong YUAN ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):51-56
This paper reported a type 1 diabetes patient who had severe diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, hypertension, and hypothyroidism before pregnancy. The patient's blood glucose control was poor before pregnancy, and the complications were not properly treated. This was an unintended pregnancy, with a pre-pregnancy glycated hemoglobin A1c of 7.8% and early pregnancy urine protein of 3.81-4.53 g/24 h. Considering the patient's poor blood glucose control before pregnancy and the lack of proper treatment for multiple complications including nephropathy, a multidisciplinary consultation at an external hospital recommended termination of the pregnancy. However, the patient was determined to continue the pregnancy and was referred to Peking University First Hospital. Through strict blood glucose control, monitoring and evaluation of complications, and comprehensive management, the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure were well controlled during pregnancy. Regular monitoring of urine protein, renal function, and ocular fundus was conducted. At 31 weeks and 4 days of gestation, the patient's 24-hour urine protein significantly increased. After promoting fetal lung maturity, a cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks and 1 day of gestation, resulting in a successful delivery with good maternal and neonatal outcomes. At the 42-day postpartum follow-up, the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure were stable, urine protein returned to pre-pregnancy levels, and the infant was in good general condition.
8.Effects of family functioning,peer victimization and school connectedness on adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury:the mediating effect of psychache
Nan KANG ; Ruyun WU ; Hongli SUN ; Ruiqin XIE ; Dan ZHANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):580-585
Objective To explore the effects of family functioning,peer victimization and school connectedness on nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents,as well as the mediating effect of psychache in these relationships.Methods A total of 525 junior high school students in Foshan City were surveyed using the brief Family Function Scale,Peer Victimization Scale,School Connectedness Scale,Psychache Scale,and Nonsuicidal Self-injury Scale.Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0,and mediation analysis was conducted using Mplus 7.4.Results ① Family functioning could directly predict adolescent non-suicidal self-injury(β=-0.20,P<0.01),but did not exert an indirect effect through psychache(P=0.123).② Peer victimization could not directly predict adolescent non-suicidal self-injury(β=0.10,P=0.133),but had an indirect effect through psychache,with an indirect effect value of 0.142(P<0.001).③ School connectedness could not directly predict adolescent non-suicidal self-injury(β=0.13,P=0.053),but had an indirect effect through psychache,with an indirect effect value of-0.128(P<0.001).Conclusion Psychache fully mediates the relationship between peer victimization,school connectedness,and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents,but it does not mediate the relationship between family functioning and adolescent non-suicidal self-injury.
9.Retrospective epidemiological analysis of fungal infection of a hospital from 2018 to 2024
Zhihao LIU ; Yali LIU ; Lina GUO ; Yao WANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiuli XIE ; Wenjing LIU ; Renyuan ZHU ; Hongli SUN ; Hongtao DOU ; Dingding LI ; Lingli LIU ; Shuying YU ; Menglan ZHOU ; Qiwen YANG ; Yingchun XU ; Li ZHANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(21):2588-2594
Objective To analyze the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infection in this hospital in the past 7 years,and to provide reference for clinical treatment and prevention and control strategies of fun-gal infection.Methods The fungal data and clinical data of related patients isolated from clinical samples in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from early January 2018 to the end of May 2024 were selected,and the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infection in this hospital were identified and described through multi-angle statistical analysis.Results A total of 4 479 patients with filamentous fungal infection were en-rolled.The proportion of male patients[57.5%(2 576/4 479)]was higher than that of female patients[42.5%(1 903/4 143)],mainly distributed in internal medicine,Intensive Care Unit(ICU)and emergency de-partment,among which internal medicine accounted for the highest proportion[50.0%(2 241/4 479)].About 90.0%of the specimens were from the lower respiratory tract,in addition to specimens from skin and soft tis-sue,tissue,ear and blood culture.In terms of seasonal distribution,there are more patients in winter.The fun-gi were mainly composed of Aspergillus,Mucor,Cerdosporium,Fusarium and Penicillium,among which As-pergillus was the most abundant,accounting for 74.6%of the total.Aspergillus fumigatus was the most a-bundant Aspergillus,accounting for 42.5%of the total Aspergillus(1 418/3 340).Among the related infec-tions caused by mold,Aspergillus was the most common in the lower respiratory tract,accounting for 76.8%.Among them,Aspergillus fumigatus accounted for the highest proportion(33.6%).98.6%of the molds infected the ear were Aspergillus,of which Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus were the most common.Skin infections are mainly caused by Sporothrix schenckii,Trichophyton rubrum,Microsporum ca-nis.The results of in vitro drug sensitivity test showed that the four common Aspergillus isolated in this hos-pital were sensitive to voriconazole,and amphotericin B had better antifungal activity against Mucorales in vitro.Conclusion Based on the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infections in this hospital,it is recommended that special attention be paid to the admission of patients in the respiratory department during the peak infection period in autumn and winter.In the treatment of fungal infections in different regions and on different body parts,attention should be paid to the differences in the distribution of bacterial species.
10.Role of psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity in relationship between anxiety and dispositional mindfulness among college students
Hongli SUN ; Mingxin LI ; Nan KANG ; Hanqing WANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(7):649-654
Objective:To explore the relationship between anxiety symptoms and dispositional mindfulness and analyze the role of psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity in their relationship.Methods:A total of 478 college students were selected and assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Anxiety subscale(DASS-A),Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS),Brief Resilience Scale(BRS)and Symptom Checklist 90-Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale(IPS).SPSS macro program PROCESS3.5 was used to test the mediating role.Results:The DASS-A scores were negatively correlated with the MAAS and BRS scores(r=-0.38,-0.33,Ps<0.01),and positively correlated with the IPS scores(r=0.40,P<0.01).The MAAS scores were positively correlated with the BRS scores(r=0.40,P<0.01),and negatively with the IPS scores(r=-0.39,P<0.01).The BRS scores were negatively correlated with the IPS scores(r=-0.42,P<0.01).Psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity acted as mediators and chain mediators between dispositional mindfulness and anxiety symptoms,with effect sizes of-0.06,-0.07,-0.03,accounting for 15.79%,18.42%,7.89%of the total effect,respectively.Conclusion:It suggests that anxiety symptoms are related to dispositional mindfulness in college students,and psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity play a chain mediating role between them.


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