1.Regulatory effect of ten-eleven translocation 2-mediated epigenetics and the interaction between gut microbiota and immunity on autoimmune hepatitis
Lifen WANG ; Ling LI ; Guangwei LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):697-703
Ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2), as a core enzyme in epigenetic regulation, dynamically regulates the differentiation and function of CD4+ T cells by mediating DNA demethylation. Recent studies have shown that TET2 deficiency can promote the progression of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) by disrupting the Th17/Treg balance and activating inflammatory signals along the gut-liver axis. This article systematically reviews the bridging role of TET2 between CD4+ T cells and gut microbiota, explores the molecular mechanisms by which it drives AIH through the gut microbiota-epigenetics-immunity network, and discusses the potential intervention strategies targeting the TET2-microbiota axis.
2.Value of bedside ultrasound monitoring of quadriceps muscle changes in mechanically ventilated children in the early treatment of ICU-acquired muscle weakness
Zhijun LAI ; Wenhai YANG ; Yan LI ; Lifen GU ; Keze MA
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):103-107
Objective To investigate the application value of bedside ultrasound monitoring of quadriceps muscle changes in mechanically ventilated children in the early treatment of ICU-acquired muscle weakness (ICU-AW). Methods Eighty-two pediatric ICU patients with mechanical ventilation for>48 hours were selected. On the day of admission (D0) and on day 7 (D7), bedside ultrasound was performed to measure the thickness and cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscles. Patients were classified using Medical Research Council scores into control group (n = 63) and muscle weakness group (n = 19). Muscle parameters and atrophy rates were compared between groups. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The incidence of ICU-AW was 23.17%. At both D0 and D7, the average thickness of the rectus femoris, the average thickness of the vastus intermedius, the average area of the rectus femoris, and the average area of the vastus intermedius were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). The atrophy rates of the thickness of the rectus femoris and the area of the vastus intermedius were lower in the control group than in the muscle weakness group at both D0 and D7 (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for quadriceps parameters in diagnosing ICU-AW was 0.871, with a sensitivity of 89.47% and a specificity of 79.37%. Conclusion Bedside ultrasound dynamic monitoring of quadriceps changes enables early identification of ICU-AW and provides a basis for clinical intervention.
3.Development of an artificial intelligence-based automatic MRI scoring model for extramural vascular invasion in rectal cancer and its prognostic value
Haitao HUANG ; Yunrui YE ; Lifen YAN ; Yanfen CUI ; Lili FENG ; Huifen YE ; Yulin LIU ; Ying ZHU ; Zhongwei CHEN ; Zhenhui LI ; Ke ZHAO ; Zaiyi LIU ; Changhong LIANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(11):1267-1274
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automatic scoring model for magnetic resonance imaging-detected extramural vascular invasion (AI-mrEMVI) and evaluate its performance and prognostic value in patients with rectal cancer.Methods:In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, a total of 2 501 rectal cancer patients from seven centers between November 2012 and December 2020 were included and divided into completely independent training ( n=1 830) and validation ( n=671) cohorts. A nnUNet-based AI-mrEMVI scoring model was constructed. Manual mrEMVI scores assigned by two radiologists served as the reference standard for accessing the accuracy of the AI-mrEMVI scoring. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were used to evaluate the prognostic stratification ability of the AI-mrEMVI scores. The concordance index (C-index) was calculated to evaluate prognostic performance. Results:In the validation cohort, the manual mrEMVI scores were 0-2 in 425 patients (63.3%), 3 in 89 (13.4%), and 4 in 157 (23.4%). The AI-mrEMVI model identified 0-2 in 375 patients (55.9%), 3 in 95 (14.2%), and 4 in 201 (30.0%), with an overall accuracy of 81.1% (544/671, 95% CI 77.9%-84.0%). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates for patients with AI-mrEMVI scores of 0-2, 3, and 4 were 85.2%, 70.0%, and 58.2%, respectively, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 87.2%, 81.6%, and 62.6%, respectively (DFS: χ2=48.74, P<0.001; OS: χ2=30.04, P<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression showed that for DFS, AI-mrEMVI scores of 3 and 4 were associated with hazard ratios ( HR) of 1.75 (95% CI 1.11-2.77, P=0.016) and 2.65 (95% CI 1.86-3.78, P<0.001), respectively. For OS, an AI-mrEMVI score of 4 was associated with an HR of 2.56 (95% CI 1.62-4.03, P<0.001). The C-index values of the AI-mrEMVI scoring model for predicting DFS and OS were 0.647 (95% CI 0.608-0.686) and 0.650 (95% CI 0.598-0.702), respectively. Conclusion:The proposed AI-mrEMVI automatic scoring model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and performed favorably in predicting DFS and OS prognostic risk in patients with rectal cancer.
4.Effects of Electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF Pathway-Related Protein Expressions in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Xiaomei HU ; Xiqin YI ; Lifen ZHAN ; Qian LI ; Qiangsheng DING ; Shifeng DENG ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):112-118
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions in model mice of ulcerative colitis(UC);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture improving the intestinal mucus barrier.Methods Totally 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank group(12 mice)and modeling group(36 mice).The UC models were established in the modeling group using 3%dextran sulfate sodium free drinking.After successful modeling,mice were further randomly divided into model group,electroacupuncture group and sulfasalazine(SASP)group,with 12 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Guanyuan","Tianshu","Zusanli"and"Shangjuxu"acupoints for 20 minutes per day,the SASP group was administered sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablet suspension(500 mg/kg)by gavage,the blank group received no intervention,the model group was only confined for continuous 7 days.The general conditions were observed and disease activity index(DAI)score were recorded,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue and evaluate the colonic mucosal damage index(CMDI)score,AB-PAS staining was used to observe the number of goblet cells in colonic tissue,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of mucin 2(MUC2)protein in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and γ interferon(IFN-γ),and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of interleukin(IL)-4,signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)6 and epithelial specific transcription factor(SPDEF)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed mucous stool,bloody stool,reduced intake of food and water,reduced body mass,increased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.01),with intestinal villi shedding and necrosis,destruction of colonic crypt villi structure,accompanied by severe neutrophil infiltration,thinning of mucus layer,atrophy and reduction of goblet cells(P<0.01),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significant decreased(P<0.01),the contents of TNF-α and INF-γ in serum significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the electroacupuncture group and SASP group showed improved mucous stool,bloody stool,increased body mass,decreased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.05),the morphology of the intestinal epithelium was basically normal,the glandular structure has improved,there was a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration and slight edema,the thickness of the mucus layer was restored,the atrophy reduced and number of goblet cells increased(P<0.05),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),while the contents of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can facilitate the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibit inflammation,potentially through the activation of IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions.
5.Standardized perioperative nursing management of early hypopharyngeal carcinoma and precancerous lesions treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection
Jian LI ; Lifen WANG ; Haibin LOU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(2):69-71,87
Objective To summarize the effect of standardized perioperative nursing management in the treatment of early hypopharyngeal carcinoma and precancerous lesions with endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).Methods A total of 43 patients who underwent ESD treatment for hypopharyngeal mucosal lesions in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from June 1,2018 to June 1,2023 were selected as the study objects,and 12 patients who underwent ESD treatment from June 1,2018 to November 30,2020 were divided into control group,and 31 patients who underwent ESD treatment from December 1,2020 to June 1,2023 were divided into observation group,the control group received routine perioperative nursing management,and the observation group received standardized perioperative nursing management.Observation indicators were compared between two groups.Results Intubation method,operation time,postoperative exposure satisfaction,postoperative pain score,and hospital length were significant between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion ESD treatment of early hypopharyngeal cancer and precancerous lesions with standardized perioperative nursing management effect is good,can increase the surgical area exposure satisfaction,shorten the operation time and hospital stay,reduce patients'postoperative pain and discomfort,help patients to recover.
6.Construction of evaluation indicator system for power system of otolaryngology surgery
Anhai WEI ; Jiaqing YANG ; Anfa LIU ; Mengjia JIA ; Lifen XU ; Fei LI ; Hehua ZHANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):128-131
Objective:To construct an evaluation indicator system for power system of otolaryngology surgery,so as to provide references for the configuration of surgical power devices of medical institutions.Methods:Literature review and brainstorming were used to analyze existing literature related to surgical power.Combined with expert opinions and clinical demands,an evaluation indicator system was initially proposed.The Delphi method was adopted to determine the evaluation indicators of power system of otolaryngology surgery.The analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method was used to determine the evaluation indicator system of the power system of otolaryngology surgery,which were constructed by weight of each indicator.Results:The evaluation indicator system of power system of otolaryngology surgery included 5 first-level indicators(integrity of medical equipment,products'performance indicators,safety,clinical application effect,and after-sales service guarantee)and 49 second-level indicators under the first-level indicators.In the first-level indicators,equipment's safety had the highest weight(20.48%).In the second-level indicators,the top three of the combined weights were respectively integrity of equipment's main device(7.19%),accessory's integrity(7.03%),and identification's integrity(6.03%).Conclusion:The evaluation index system for otolaryngological surgical power systems clarifies the core dimensions,specific indicators and relative importance of the evaluation,and can be applied to the procurement and selection of surgical power devices in medical institutions,performance testing,clinical effect evaluation and other aspects.
7.Sero-conversion rate of HIV antibody and influencing factors in cross-border couples in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, 2017-2023
Qunbo ZHOU ; Xiaohan LI ; Lin LI ; Yuecheng YANG ; Lifen XIANG ; Renhai TANG ; Runhua YE ; Jibao WANG ; Yan HOU ; Ximei XIE ; Suoju XU ; Longqin WANG ; Ying LIU ; Yingying DING ; Na HE ; Song DUAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(3):455-461
Objective:To investigate the sero-conversion rate of HIV antibody and influencing factors in cross-border couples in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture(Dehong).Methods:A cohort design was used to recruit HIV-negative people in cross-border couples in Dehong in 2017. Follow-up was conducted in 2023, and questionnaire survey and HIV test were carried out to calculate the sero-conversion rate of HIV antibody. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the influence factors for HIV infections.Results:A total of 36 278 HIV-negative persons in cross-border couples were included in the 2017 baseline survey, of whom 22 438 (61.9%) were tested in follow-up in 2023. The sero-conversion rate between 2017 and 2023 was 0.51% (115/22 438). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that length of marriage <6 years, Jingpo ethnic group, education level of primary school or below, drug use, illegal marriage and HIV infected spouse were the risk factors of HIV infection in male spouses, and length of marriage <6 years, Jingpo ethnic group, illegal marriage and HIV infected spouse were the risk factors in female spouses.Conclusions:The sero-conversion rate of HIV antibody in cross-border couples in Dehong was relatively high. HIV infection was mainly caused by secondary transmission in the couples, and men might also be infected through drug use. It is necessary to strengthen the registration and management of cross-border couples, especially the couples with discordant HIV infection status, and the intervention in drug users to reduce the risk for secondary transmission of HIV in the cross-border couples.
8.Effect of Electroacupuncture on TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-related Protein Expression in Rats with Neurogenic Bladder After Spinal Cord Injury
Xiaojing LUO ; Chuning TIAN ; Lifen ZHAN ; Qian LI ; Roujun LIANG ; Lubo XIAO ; Yue ZHUO ; Kun AI ; Ming XU ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):120-126
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)related proteins in rats with neurogenic bladder(NB)after spinal cord injury;To explore the possible mechanism of EA in improving NB fibrosis.Methods Totally 36 female SD rats were randomly selected,with 10 rats in the sham-operation group and the remaining 26 rats undergoing complete transection of the spinal cord beneath the T8 vertebrae to establish a NB rat model.The modeling rats were randomly divided into model group and EA group,with 10 rats in each group.EA group was applied to"Ciliao","Zhongji"and"Sanyinjiao",20 min per time,once a day for 7 days.The general condition of the rats in each group was observed,the ultrasound index of the bladder was detected by ultrasound technique,the bladder function of the rats was detected by urodynamics,the body mass of the rats and the wet weight of the bladder were recorded,and the bladder index was calculated.HE staining was used to observe bladder tissue morphology,the degree of bladder tissue fibrosis and bladder wall thickness were detected by Masson staining.The positive expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin in bladder tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.The protein expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2/3,E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the upper and lower diameter,anteroposterior diameter,transverse diameter,bladder volume of the model group significantly increased(P<0.001),the maximum bladder pressure,leak point pressure difference,perfusion time and maximum bladder capacity significantly increased(P<0.001),the bladder index increased significantly(P<0.001),the bladder epithelial cells were thickened and arranged irregularly,the bladder collagen volume fraction and bladder wall thickness significantly increased(P<0.001),the expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2/3,N-cadherin and Vimentin in bladder tissue increased(P<0.01),and the expression of E-cadherin decreased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the upper and lower diameter,anteroposterior diameter,transverse diameter,bladder volume of the EA group decreased significantly(P<0.05),the maximum bladder pressure,leak point pressure difference,perfusion time and maximum bladder capacity significantly decreased(P<0.05),the bladder index significantly decreased(P<0.05),the thickness of the bladder epithelial cell layer became thinner and arranged more neatly,and the bladder collagen volume fraction and bladder wall thickness of the bladder were significantly reduced(P<0.05),the expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2/3,N-cadherin and Vimentin in bladder tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression of E-cadherin significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion EA may reduce the EMT of bladder epithelial cells and decrease the degree of bladder tissue fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway,thereby improving bladder function in NB rats after spinal cord injury.
9.IL-37 inhibits macrophage-mediated plasma cell mastitis
Youyuan DENG ; Hongjun ZHAO ; Lifen YE ; Jingyong LI ; Huaixiao ZHANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianguo WANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(11):1444-1450
Objective To investigate whether interleukin-37(IL-37)affects macrophage M1 polarization via nu-cleotide oligomerization of structural domain receptor protein 1(NOD1)/nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)in plasma cell mastitis.Methods A total of 15 patients with plasma cell mastitis were recruited according to the collection standard as inflammatory breast tissue and normal breast tissue with a distance of ≥ 3 cm from the edge of the in-flammatory breast tissue.QPCR was performed to detect NOD1 and IL-3.Phorbol ester(PE)was used to induce THP-1 cells to differentiate into resting macrophages(M0).Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)combined with interferon(IFN-γ)was used to induce the polarization of M0 macrophages towards the M1 phenotype.NOD1 lentiviral RNA interference or over-expression vectors were constructed to regulate the expression of NOD1 in M1 macrophages.M0 macrophages were pretreated with IL-37 recombinant protein and then incubated with LPS and IFN-γ for induction.The expression of NOD1,IL-37,M1 markers(IL-6 and iNOS)and M2 markers(IL-10 and Arg-1)was quantified by qPCR.Western blot was employed to assess the protein level of NOD1,NF-κB p65,and p-NF-κB p65.Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction between NOD1 and IL-37.Results Up-regulation of NOD1 and down-regulation of IL-37 as were found in inflammatory breast tissues(P<0.05).Compared to M0 cells,M1 cells showed up-regulated NOD1 and M1 markers and the elevated phosphorylated NF-κB p65 but the down-regulated IL-37(P<0.05).In M1 macrophages,both NF-κB inhibitor and NOD1 knockdown led to the down-regulation of NOD1 and M1 markers and caused a decrease in the phosphorylated NF-κB p65(P<0.05).IL-37 recombinant protein decreased phosphorylation of NOD1,M1 marker and NF-κB p65,which was reversed by over-expression of NOD1.IL-37 may interact with NOD1(P<0.05).Conclusions IL-37 may inhibit M1 polarization in macrophages by down-regulating NOD1/NF-κB pathway thereby preventing plasma cell mastitis progression.
10.Analysis of Major Syndromes and Their Typical Related Symptoms and Signs in 135 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome:A Clinical Study Based on Syndrome Element Differentiation and Latent Class Analysis
Tong WANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Lifen MI ; Shanyi SHEN ; Shujie XIA ; Candong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):376-381
ObjectiveTo explore the typical syndromes and their characteristic of symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic information was collected from 135 MS patients. Syndrome element differentiation and latent class analysis (LCA) were applied to identify the major TCM syndromes in MS patients. Symptoms were analyzed based on the differentiated syndromes, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value. ResultsA total of 135 MS patients were included, involving 163 symptoms and signs with a total frequency of 1749; twenty-three syndrome elements were extracted, 367 times frequency in total, among which 8 syndrome elements occurred ≥10 times with 323 frequencies (88.01% of the total). These included location-related elements such as kidney (48 times), spleen (14 times), and stomach (14 times), and nature-related elements such as phlegm (71 times), yin deficiency (64 times), dampness (57 times), heat (42 times), and qi deficiency (13 times). Based on LCA, the 135 patients were categorized into two groups distinguished by the syndrome elements of dampness and phlegm, forming the "phlegm-dampness syndrome" as the major syndrome type. Nine high-frequency symptoms and signs associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome were identified,i.e. obesity (39 times), greasy coating (38 times), slippery pulse (33 times), white coating (31 times), preference for fatty and heavy foods (30 times), excessive urination (30 times), fatigue and lack of strength (29 times), wiry pulse (25 times), and dark red tongue (25 times). A binary logistic regression model was constructed combining these nine symptoms and signs with the LCA classification results, ultimately identifying obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating as independent factors associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients (P<0.05). ConclusionThe major TCM syndrome in MS patients is phlegm-dampness syndrome, and obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating are the typical symptoms and signs for diagnosing phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients.

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