1.A retrospective analysis of rescue events among 86 inpatients following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
LIAO Yanling ; WU Jianlin ; LIANG Feixin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):65-74
Objective:
To summarize the circumstances of rescue events in hospitalized patients after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in order to provide a reference for clinical decision-making.
Methods:
This study was approved by the hospital's medical ethics committee. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 86 hospitalized patients admitted between 2015 and 2023 for oral and maxillofacial diseases following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Based on the occurrence of rescue events, patients were divided into a rescue group (n=20) and a non-rescue group (n=66). In addition, 20 healthy subjects matched for age and gender with the rescue group were included as a control group. First, baseline characteristics were compared between the rescue and non-rescue groups. Second, a descriptive analysis of the clinical characteristics and rescue events of the rescue group patients was performed. Third, differences in laboratory inflammatory and nutritional indicators, as well as tracheostomy status, were compared between the rescue and non-rescue groups. Fourth, Dolphin Imaging software was used to measure cone beam computed tomography images of the rescue group, non-rescue group, and control group. Upper airway parameters were measured, including the sagittal and coronal diameters of the nasopharyngeal, palatopharyngeal, glossopharyngeal, and laryngopharyngeal segments
Results:
① A comparison of baseline characteristics between the rescue and non-rescue groups showed no statistically significant differences in age, gender, or body mass index, but the proportion of patients with comorbid pulmonary diseases was higher in the rescue group (P<0.05). ② In the rescue group, the primary reasons for radiotherapy were nasopharyngeal carcinoma (65%) and tongue cancer (25%). The mean age was (54.75 ± 11.59) years, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. The main reasons for this admission included radio-osteomyelitis in the mandible (55%) and recurrence of oral and maxillofacial tumors or new primary tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region (40%). The primary reason for rescue during hospitalization was dyspnea (55%), followed by acute massive hemorrhage (15%) and cardiac arrest (15%). Rescue events occurred mostly postoperatively (65%), with a median time of occurrence at 5 days post-operatively; 30% occurred preoperatively, and 5% occurred intraoperatively. ③ Laboratory indicators and tracheostomy status: preoperative and postoperative neutrophil counts, as well as the proportion of patients undergoing tracheostomy, were higher in the rescue group compared to the non-rescue group, while postoperative albumin levels were lower (P<0.05). ④ Upper airway measurements: the coronal and sagittal diameters of the nasopharyngeal segment and the coronal diameter of the glossopharyngeal segment were smaller in both the rescue and non-rescue groups compared to the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion
The data from this study indicate that hospitalized patients experiencing rescue events after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer often have comorbid pulmonary diseases or tumor recurrence/new primary tumors, and frequently present with dyspnea. They exhibit a higher inflammatory state, poorer nutritional status, a greater need for emergency airway intervention, and share a common anatomical basis for dyspnea--upper airway narrowing. Clinical attention should be fully given to high-risk patients with these characteristics.
2.Analysis of the ethical dilemmas of patients in a cancer specialty hospital in the context of the smart hospital
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):261-266
ObjectiveTo explore the ethical dilemmas of patients in a cancer specialty hospital in the context of the smart hospital and to propose relevant countermeasures. MethodsUsing the purposive sampling method, medical staff from a tertiary cancer specialty hospital in a certain city were selected as research subjects from December 2023 to January 2024. Qualitative interviews were conducted on the ethical dilemmas of the specialized cancer patients in the context of the smart hospital, and Nvivo 12.0 software was used for data transcription and analysis. ResultsThree themes were extracted. First, the ethical dilemmas faced by specialized cancer patients in the context of smart hospitals, including the ethical dilemma between privacy protection and information disclosure, the right to life and choice, fairness and priority, and scientific research and clinical practice. Second, smart hospitals relied on advanced information technology to improve the level of medical teaching and research, but this had led to various ethical dilemmas mentioned above. Medical staff should correctly view and scientifically respond to these ethical dilemmas. Third, the response strategies for ethical dilemmas in cancer specialty hospitals in the context of smart hospitals include improving relevant policies and regulations, optimizing medical resource allocation, strengthening ethics education of medical staff, enhancing doctor-patient communication, and strengthening feedback and regulatory mechanisms. ConclusionMedical institutions should strengthen ethical supervision while promoting innovation and application of medical information technology, to ensure compliance and sustainability in the development of smart hospitals.
3.Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma Polysaccharides Ameliorate Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota
Jingchen XIE ; Qianqian LIU ; Suhui XIONG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuexin LIU ; Ping WU ; Duanfang LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):84-92
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides on hyperlipidemia in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. MethodsNinety male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the following groups (n=15): control, model, simvastatin, low- (100 mg·kg-1), medium- (200 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (400 mg·kg-1) Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides groups. Other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat diet for the modeling of hyperlipidemia, and drug interventions lasted for 12 weeks. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes in the liver and epididymal fat were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and lipid accumulation in the liver was assessed by oil red O staining. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited an increase in body weight (P<0.01), along with marked elevations in serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05,P<0.01). Furthermore, the model group showcased increase in the liver index and epididymal fat coefficient (P<0.05), increased liver fat accumulation, enlargement of adipocytes in the epididymal fat, decreases in both alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota, and an increase in the relative abundance of Allobaculum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides suppressed the increase in body weight (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05,P<0.01), reduced the liver index and epididymal fat coefficient (P<0.05), alleviated liver fat accumulation, and decreased the size of adipocytes in the epididymal fat. Furthermore, it enhanced the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota in mice, reduced the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Clostridium (P<0.01), and increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Blautia (P<0.01). ConclusionPolygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides can ameliorate hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet in mice by regulating the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota.
4.Experience of Using Charcoal-Processed Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Gynecological Hemorrhagic Disorders
Xiaolan WU ; Zhaoling YOU ; Guiyun WANG ; Kailing WANG ; Xiaojuan YE ; Lingyu LIAO ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):308-311
Charcoal-processed traditional Chinese herbal medicine has various therapeutic effects, including astringing, hemostasis, anti-diarrhea, clearing heat, tonifying, and warming the interior. This paper summarizes the clinical application features, compatible experiences, dosages, and precautions for over 20 types of charcoal-processed herbal medicine in the treatment of gynecological bleeding disorders caused by dysfunctions such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometriosis, uterine incision pseudocavity, and vaginal bleeding resulting from threatened miscarriage. The charcoal-processed herbal medicine include Huangqin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Charcoal, Dahuang (Rheum Palmatum) Charcoal, Cebai (Platycladus Orientalis) Charcoal, Diyu (Sanguisorba Officinalis) Charcoal, Daji (Cirsium Setosum) Charcoal, Xiaoji (Cirsium Japonicum) Charcoal, Shengdi (Rehmannia Glutinosa) Charcoal, Aiye (Artemisia Argyi) Charcoal, Paojiang (Zingiber Officinale) Charcoal, Xuduan (Dipsacus Asper) Charcoal, Duzhong (Eucommia Ulmoides) Charcoal, Qiancao (Rubia Cordifolia) Charcoal, Puhuang (Typha Angustifolia) Charcoal, Shanzha (Crataegus Pinnatifida) Charcoal, Jingjie (Schizonepeta Tenuifolia) Charcoal, Xueyu (Carthamus Tinctorius) Charcoal, Zonglyu (Areca Catechu) Charcoal, Wumei (Prunus Mume) Charcoal, Shudahuang (Rheum Officinale) Charcoal, Lianfang (Nymphaea Alba) Charcoal, Mianmaguanzhong (Clematis Armandii) Charcoal, and Oujie (Nelumbo Nucifera) Charcoal.
5.Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Using Urine Metabolomics via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Hsiang-Po HUANG ; Kai-Hsiung CHANG ; Ming-Shyue LEE ; Cheng-Fan LEE ; Chih-Yu LIN ; Yuan Chi LIN ; William J. HUANG ; Chun-Hou LIAO ; Chih-Chin YU ; Shiu-Dong CHUNG ; Yao-Chou TSAI ; Chia-Chang WU ; Chen-Hsun HO ; Pei-Wen HSIAO ; Yeong-Shiau PU ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):376-386
Purpose:
Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion.
Results:
The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column.
Conclusions
Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.
6.Impact of childhood trauma on internet addiction in medical students: the mediating role of perceived stress
Xiaohong PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Dantong WU ; Yanyin ZHOU ; Yelu LIU ; Yuxiang WANG ; Luoya ZHANG ; Juan DENG ; Yanjie PENG ; Kezhi LIU ; Jing CHEN ; Wei LEI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):267-272
BackgroundWith the rapid development of the networking technologies, internet addiction has increasingly become a serious mental health issue. Previous studies have revealed the link between childhood trauma and internet addiction, while the mediating role of perceived stress in this link is not yet clear. ObjectiveTo investigate the role of medical students' perceived stress in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction, so as to provide references for the intervention of internet addiction. MethodsFrom February to March 2023, a random sampling technique was used to select 1 232 undergraduate students from the School of Clinical Medical Sciences of Southwest Medical University as research subjects. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS), and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) were used for assessment. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. The mediation effect of perceived stress in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction was tested using Model 4 in the SPSS Process 4.1, and Bootstrapping procedure involving 5 000 replicates was employed to confirm the statistical significance. ResultsA total of 1 016 (82.47%) valid completed questionnaires were gathered. The CTQ-SF scores of medical students were positively correlated with PSS scores, IGD scores, and BSMAS scores (r=0.583, 0.474, 0.465, P<0.01). PSS scores were positively correlated with IGD scores and BSMAS scores (r=0.369, 0.479, P<0.01). Childhood trauma in medical students was found to positively predict perceived stress (β=0.191, P<0.01), social media addiction (β=0.160, P<0.01), and internet gaming disorder (β=0.106, P<0.01). Perceived stress played a significant mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet gaming disorder, indirect effect value was 0.018 (95% CI: 0.009~0.027), accounting for 16.98%. Perceived stress also exhibited a significant mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and social media addiction, indirect effect value was 0.063 (95% CI: 0.048~0.079), accounting for 39.38%. ConclusionChildhood trauma in medical students may affect internet gaming disorder and social media addiction through perceived stress. [Funded by 2022 Annual Research Project of Sichuan Applied Psychology Research Center,(number,CSXL-22102)]
7.Downregulation of LINC00638 contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease via inhibiting the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway
Zhuojun LIAO ; Naiwang TANG ; Jiahui CHEN ; Xueying SUN ; Jiamin LU ; Qin WU ; Ronghuan YU ; Ying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):421-431
Objective To identify long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and investigate their mechanisms. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from RA-ILD patients (n=3), RA patients without lung involvement (n=3), and healthy controls (n=3). Next-generation sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNA. A human fibrotic lung cell model was established by inducing the MRC-5 cell line with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Following siRNA-mediated knockdown of target genes, changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress-related genes were analyzed via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays were used to validate protein expression, ubiquitination levels, and nuclear translocation of oxidative stress regulators, and antioxidant response element (ARE) transcriptional activity. Rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of target lncRNA in oxidative stress and inflammation in fibrotic lung cells. Results High-throughput sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LINC00638 in RA-ILD patients. Knockdown of LINC00638 markedly reduced transcriptional levels of interleukin (IL)-4, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), while increasing IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, LINC00638 knockdown decreased Nrf2 protein expression, increased its ubiquitination, reduced nuclear translocation, and suppressed ARE transcriptional activity. In MRC-5 cells, LINC00638 knockdown combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment restored Nrf2 and HO-1 levels while reducing IL-6 expression. Conclusions LINC00638 suppresses inflammatory responses in RA-ILD by activating the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.
8.Detoxification Strategies of Triptolide: A Review
Wenchen WANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shuangjie WU ; Zhenggen LIAO ; Wei DONG ; Xinli LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):278-287
Tripterygium wilfordii is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb belonging to the genus Tripterygium in the Celastraceae family, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling wind and dampness, and invigorating blood circulation to relieve pain, and is used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, lupus erythematosus, scabies, and stubborn tinea. Its chemical composition is diverse. Among them, triptolide(TP) is one of the main active and toxic components of T. wilfordii. It has significant biological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, and immunosuppression. However, it causes serious adverse reactions such as liver and kidney function damage and reproductive system disorders. At the same time, TP has poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and the enhancement of bioavailability by increasing the dosage undoubtedly improves the exposure of the drug in non-target organs, leading to the occurrence of adverse reactions, and these largely limit the clinical application of TP. Based on this, this article extracted relevant data from the Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) databases, summarized the research on the adverse reactions of TP in recent years, and reviewed the progress of toxicity reduction research from the perspectives of structural modification, novel drug delivery systems, and compatibility. Structural modification can precisely alter the chemical structure of TP, reduce the activity of its toxic groups, and retain its biological activity while fundamentally reducing the occurrence of adverse reactions. New drug delivery systems can achieve targeted delivery of TP, increase its concentration in target organs, and reduce its exposure in non-target organs, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects. In addition, the combination of TP with Chinese medicine compound, single-flavored Chinese medicine or monomer can reduce the adverse effects of TP and enhance the efficacy to different degrees, which is of clinical value. This paper systematically explains attenuation research from the above three perspectives, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the full utilization of biological activity and drug development of TP.
9.Network analysis of anxiety, depression and perceived stress with eating behaviors in adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):821-826
Objective:
To explore the network structure of eating behaviors with anxiety, depression and perceived stress in adolescents, so as to provide a basis for effective prevention and intervention of eating behavior problems and negative emotions in adolescents.
Methods:
Based on the Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents (2021) database, the study was conducted among 3 087 adolescents. Sakata Eating Behavior Scale Short From(EBS-SF) was used to investigate their eating behaviors. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 Item(GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Questionnaire-3 Item (PSQ-3) were used to evaluate their depression, anxiety and perceived stress. Network analysis method was applied to construct a network of eating behaviors and negative emotional symptoms among adolescents, so as to evaluate the centrality, bridge strength, stability and accuracy of each item.
Results:
The total scores of eating behaviors, depression,anxiety and stress perception in adolescents were 17.41±4.53,6.95±6.08,4.86±5.03,9.34±3.80,respectively. The symptom with the highest intensity and expected impact was "I am only satisfied when I buy more food than I need", with a node intensity and expected impact value of 4.37. The nodes Depression and Anxiety were the most closely connected(weight=0.87). There were no statistically significant differences in the network structure( M =0.13,0.11) and network connection strength(female and male:4.16,4.06, s =0.10;urban and rural areas:4.08,4.07, s =0.01) between different sexes and residents ( P >0.05).
Conclusion
The negative impact of comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, perceived stress and eating behaviors among adolescents can be reduced through targeted prevention and intervention of core symptoms and bridging symptoms.
10.Causal association of cathepsins with female infertility: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Lidan LIU ; Ming LIAO ; Bo LIU ; Qianyi HUANG ; Huimei WU ; Mujun LI
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(3):237-243
Objective:
This study aimed to systematically evaluate potential causal relationships between nine cathepsins and female infertility using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.
Methods:
A bidirectional MR analysis was conducted utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables to investigate the potential causal effects between nine cathepsins and female infertility. Genetic data on female infertility were sourced from the FinnGen study, and cathepsin-related data were obtained from genome-wide association studies datasets of European ancestry.
Results:
Elevated levels of cathepsin E were significantly and inversely associated with the risk of female infertility, suggesting a potential protective role. This finding was further supported by multivariable MR analysis. However, no significant associations were observed between the other eight cathepsins and female infertility.
Conclusion
This study represents the first systematic MR analysis to identify a potential protective effect of cathepsin E on female infertility.


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