1.Visual analysis of the research hotspots and frontiers of the"gut-liver axis"theory
Linrong ZHU ; Xiaping LIU ; Xiaoqu ZHU ; Jinlian ZHENG ; Qianqian HU ; Yuanyuan WU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(11):1-4
Objective To analyze the literature on the"gut-liver axis"theory,and to understand the hotspots and development trends of the"gut-liver axis"theory.Methods Literatures related to the"gut-liver axis"in databases were searched from the establishment of the database to October 1,2024.A total of 292 Chinese and 1591 English articles were included.CiteSpace 6.4R1 and VOSviewer1.6.20 software were used for analysis.Results High-frequency Chinese keywords included"gut-liver axis""intestinal flora""non-alcoholic fatty liver disease"etc,10 clusters were formed.High-frequency English keywords included"gut-liver axis""gut microbiota""inflammation",etc,14 clusters were formed.Conclusion The research on the"gut-liver axis"is increasing year by year,and the direction of liver fibrosis and immunity will be the hot direction in the future.
2.Support vector machine model based on gray matter volume for identifying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and analysis of relevant brain regions
Shan WU ; Haining LI ; Qiuli ZHANG ; Qianqian DUAN ; Xinyi YU ; Xing QIN ; Fangfang HU ; Jiaoting JIN ; Jingxia DANG ; Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1051-1055
Objective To explore the value of support vector machine(SVM)model based on gray matter volume(GMV)for identifying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS),also to analyze the relevant brain regions.Methods MR 3D T1WI data of 60 ALS patients(ALS group)and 60 healthy volunteers(control group)were retrospectively analyzed.Taken GMV of each brain region obtained by voxel-based morphometry as the input features.F-score analysis was used to select feature with the highest classification accuracy to construct SVM model.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the efficacy of SVM model for identifying ALS,and top 10%was used as the weight threshold to obtain gray matter brain regions contributed the most to this model.Results SVM model constructed based on the top 40%GMV features had the highest classification accuracy(82.50%),with sensitivity,specificity and area under the curve(AUG)of 85.05%,80.40%and 0.890,respectively.The left precentral gyrus,left anterior cingulate gyrus and paracingulate gyrus,right middle temporal gyrus,opercular part of left inferior frontal gyrus,right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus,left temporal pole:middle temporal gyrus,right superior occipital gyrus,orbital part of right middle frontal gyrus,right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex,right fusiform gyrus were the top 1-10 gray matter brain regions contributed to this model.Conclusion ALS had specific GMV change pattern.SVM model based on GMV could be used to effectively identify ALS,while the left precentral gyrus was the most contributive brain region to this model.
3.Association between thyroid hormone sensitivity indices and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in euthyroid population
Manling HU ; Xinlei MIAO ; Qianqian WANG ; Shuang LIU ; Xiaoling XIE ; Ziping SONG ; Yuting SUN ; Yangxuan HE ; Song LENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(9):747-754
Objective:To explore the relationship between thyroid hormone sensitivity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD) in a population with normal thyroid function, with a particular focus on sex-specific differences.Methods:This retrospective study included 41 355 euthyroid cases who underwent routine health examinations at the Health Management Centre of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2014 to December 2023 were included. The free triiodothyronine(FT 3) to free thyroxine(FT 4) ratio(FT 3/FT 4) was calculated in order to reflect the peripheral sensitivity of the thyroid gland. Similarly, thyroid feedback quantile-based index(TFQI), thyrotrophic thyroxine resistance index(TT 4RI), and the FT 3-based TFQI-derived index(TFQI-FT 3) were calculated in order to reflect the central sensitivity of the thyroid gland. A Logistic regression was employed to analyse the effect of sex-specific thyroid hormone sensitivity indices on the prevalence of MASLD. The restricted cubic spline was used to analyse the non-linear relationship between the thyroid sensitivity hormone indices and MASLD. Furthermore, the correlation between the thyroid hormone sensitivity indices and MASLD in different subgroups was also analysed. Results:The prevalence of MASLD in the study population was 28.8%. After adjusting the model for confounders, the risk of MASLD increased by 7%, 3%, 10%, and 5% for each standard deviation increase in FT 3/FT 4, TFQI, TFQI-FT 3, and TT 4RI in the total population, respectively. The risk of MASLD increased by 6% and 5% for each standard deviation increase in FT 3/FT 4 and TFQI-FT 3 in men, respectively. For each standard deviation increase in FT 3/FT 4, TFQI, TFQI-FT 3, and TT 4RI in women, the risk of MASLD increased by 6%, 5%, 11%, and 5%, respectively. Higher FT 3/FT 4 and TFQI-FT 3 were positively associated with the risk of developing MASLD in men, and higher FT 3/FT 4, TFQI, TFQI-FT 3, and TT 4RI were positively associated with the risk of developing MASLD in women. There was a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship between TFQI and risk of MASLD in women. Subgroup analyses showed positive associations between FT 3/FT 4, TFQI, TFQI-FT 3, and MASLD. Conclusions:The thyroid hormone sensitivity indices may provide a basis for clinical prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with normal thyroid function. Additionally, FT 3/FT 4 and TFQI-FT 3 may indicate the risk of MASLD in the general population, while TFQI and TT 4RI are more suitable for assessing the risk of MASLD in women.
4.Pulmonary hamartoma: a clinicopathological analysis of 316 cases
Yan DONG ; Fanqing MENG ; Huidi HU ; Lihua SHEN ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Xiaoyan JIN ; Jue ZOU
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(11):1172-1179
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features, pathological classification, and molecular characteristics of pulmonary hamartomas.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 316 cases of pulmonary hamartomas diagnosed at Nanjing Chest Hospital, Nanjing, China from January 2015 to June 2024. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on 15 cases of this study. The clinical data, histopathological features, immunophenotypes, and molecular alterations were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed.Results:Among the 316 patients, there were 154 males and 162 females, with an average age of 56±10 years. Among the 316 cases, 310 were intrapulmonary hamartomas and 6 were intraluminal bronchial hamartomas. Microscopically, there were complex proliferative mesenchymal components and epithelial components, presenting various combinations and hamartomatous morphologies. These hamartomas were morphologically classified into mesenchymal-type hamartomas (cartilaginous, fibrous, smooth muscle, adipose tissue, and mixed types) and epithelial-mesenchymal mixed-type hamartomas (respiratory epithelial-mesenchymal mixed and mucosal gland-mesenchymal mixed types). The cartilaginous hamartomas accounted for 72.8% (230/316) of them, and the non-cartilaginous hamartoma accounted for 27.2% (86/316). Secondary changes such as calcification, ossification, collagenization, mucin degeneration, and cystic changes were commonly present. The immunophenotype was CK7 +/TTF1 + for respiratory epithelial cells, or TTF1 -/CK7 +/p40 + for interstitial cells. Interstitial cells might express desmin, SMA, S-100, caldesmon, etc, while CD34 +/CD10 +/ER + spindle-shaped interstitial cells were also commonly noted. Genetic variations were detected in 11 of the 15 cases that were subject to NGS, including HMGA2-related fusion genes, EP300 mutations, FLT1 mutations, JAK1 mutations, SETD2 and TAP2 mutations, and high-copy amplification of CDK4/PHF1/TSPAN31. The patients were followed up for 6 to 110 months without any known recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions:Pulmonary hamartomas mainly occur in the peripheral lung parenchyma, with the cartilaginous type being the most common. Their clinical pathological and molecular features of pulmonary hamartomas are characterized and the histological types are roughly ascertained in this study, with emphasis of the key points of diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Classification of pulmonary hamartomas is valuable for guiding future research. Pulmonary hamartomas overall have a good prognosis. However, those with cystic changes or intraluminal hamartomas in the bronchus may cause serious airway lesions and therefore require special attention.
5.A cohort study of relationship between serum ferritin and risk of lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Ziping SONG ; Xinlei MIAO ; Xiaoling XIE ; Manling HU ; Shuang LIU ; Yuting SUN ; Qianqian WANG ; Song LENG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):82-88
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum ferritin (SF) and risk of lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so as to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of lean NAFLD.Methods:A total of 7 187 people without NAFLD at baseline who took at least 2 physical examinations in the Health Management Center of the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2014 to December 2023 and met the selection criteria were selected as the research subjects, and all the subjects had no NAFLD at baseline. Subjects were divided into four groups according to baseline SF quartiles: 1 797 cases in the first quartile ( Q1) group, 1 797 cases in the second quartile ( Q2) group, 1 797 cases in the third quartile ( Q3) group, and 1 796 cases in the fourth quartile ( Q4) group. The incidence of lean NAFLD in each group were observed. Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted to calculate the cumulative incidence of lean NAFLD which compared by log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the correlation between SF and new-onset lean NAFLD, Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 of SF were taken as continuous variables into the model for trend test.The stability of the results was verified by two item sensitivity analyses. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of SF for the onset of lean NAFLD. Results:The cumulative follow-up were 25 076 person-years. There were 230 new cases of lean NAFLD, and the incidence density was 9.172/1 000 person-years. The incidence densities of lean NAFLD in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 groups were 6.915/1 000 person-years, 8.552/1 000 person-years, 9.641/1 000 person-years, 12.003/1 000 person-years, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that the incidence of lean NAFLD was increased with the increment of SF, and the difference was statistically significant (log-rank test, χ2=9.92, P=0.019). Cox proportional hazard regression model results showed that the risk of developing lean NAFLD in Q4 group increased by 72.8% ( HR=1.728, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.059 to 2.820) compared with Q1 group. Trend analysis revealed that the risk of lean NAFLD increased by 18.9% for each one-quartile increase of SF( HR=1.189, 95% CI: 1.012 to 1.396). Two sensitivity analyses indicated that the risk of NAFLD in Q4 group was 1.795 times ( HR=1.795, 95% CI: 1.083 to 2.975) or 1.654 times ( HR=1.654, 95% CI: 1.022 to 2.678) higher than that in Q1 group. The area under the curve (95% CI) of SF for predicting the incidence of lean NAFLD at 2-, 3-, 7- and 8-year follow-up based on time-dependent ROC were 0.645 (0.593 to 0.698), 0.652 (0.603 to 0.700), 0.605 (0.539 to 0.672) and 0.716 (0.597 to 0.836), respectively. Conclusion:SF is an independent risk factor for lean NAFLD and has predictive value for the new-onset of lean NAFLD.
6.ShenXiankang formula modulates the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway to ameliorate renal fibrosis
Yufang NI ; Luna ZHANG ; Shuhan YAN ; Qianqian LI ; Hongwei SU ; Qiongdan HU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jianchun LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):501-511
Objective To evaluate the protective effects of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Shenxiankang on renal injury and fibrosis,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action.Methods Chronic kidney disease(CKD)model was established in mice using unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).The mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham,UUO,and Shenxiankang(SXK)Low/High dose groups(1500,4500 mg/(kg·d)),each comprising eight mice.The each SXK groups received daily oral administration of Shenxiankang,and the remaining mice were gavaged equivalent volumes of saline for 7 d.After the experiment,renal tissues were collected for assessment of renal injury and fibrosis using HE and Masson staining.The expression levels of fibrosis markers and proteins involved in the epithelial membrane protein 3(Emp3)and Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway were determined by Real-time PCR,immunohistochemistry,and Western Blot.In cell-based experiments,the effects of Shenxiankang on the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 pathway and its interaction with TGF-beta receptor R2(Tgfβ2)were further analyzed using an Emp3 knockdown and Co-IP assays.Results Shenxiankang significantly reduced immune cell infiltration and tubular atrophy in the UUO model group and decreased the expression of kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule 1(Kim1)and Lipocalin 2(Lcn2),confirming its efficacy in alleviating renal injury.Masson staining and analysis of fibrosis markers Fibronectin(Fn)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)indicated that Shenxiankang effectively suppressed fibrosis induced by UUO.Mechanistic studies revealed that Shenxiankang exerted its effects by selectively downregulating the abnormal activation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,a finding further supported by cellular experiments showing that Shenxiankang modulates Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling through Emp3 regulation.Moreover,the Co-IP experiment result indicate that Shenxiankang exerts its effects by regulating the interaction between Emp3 and Tgfβ2.Conclusions Shenxiankang exhibits significant protective effects in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease,effectively reducing renal injury and fibrosis.These effects are likely mediated through the downregulation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,suggesting Shenxiankang's potential therapeutic value in renal protection.
7.TCMKD:From ancient wisdom to modern insights-A comprehensive platform for traditional Chinese medicine knowledge discovery
Wenke XIAO ; Mengqing ZHANG ; Danni ZHAO ; Fanbo MENG ; Qiang TANG ; Lianjiang HU ; Hongguo CHEN ; Yixi XU ; Qianqian TIAN ; Mingrui LI ; Guiyang ZHANG ; Liang LENG ; Shilin CHEN ; Chi SONG ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1390-1402
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge,holding a crucial position in the medical field.However,the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization,completeness,and accuracy,primarily due to the decen-tralized distribution of TCM resources.To address these issues,we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery(TCMKD,https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/).Seven types of data,including syndromes,formulas,Chinese patent drugs(CPDs),Chinese medicinal materials(CMMs),ingredients,targets,and diseases,were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD.To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine,TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining,enrichment analysis,and network localization and separation.These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights.In addition to its analytical capabilities,a quick question and answer(Q&A)system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently,thereby improving the interactivity of the platform.The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool,offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining.Overall,TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM,delving into the pharmaco-logical foundations of TCM treatments,but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems,extending beyond just TCM.
8.Construction and evaluation of oral infection risk warning model for patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy
Jie ZHANG ; Qin WANG ; Zongjing HU ; Yue SUN ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Yueshen MA ; Wenjun XIE
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(1):13-19
Objective:To establish an early warning model of oral infection risk in patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy and to verify its predictive efficacy, so as to provide reference for formulating strategies to prevent oral infections.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to select 288 patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy from January 2021 to January 2023 in Hematology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Institute of Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences) as the training set. According to whether they developed oral infection after chemotherapy, they were divided into the infected group and the non-infected group. The risk factors of oral infection in patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy were investigated, and a risk warning model was established. A total of 246 acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy patients admitted to the same hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected as the validation set to conduct external verification of the model.Results:The oral infection rate was 19.44% (56/288) in the training set. There were 21 males and 35 females in the infected group (56 cases), with 49 cases<60 years old and 7 cases ≥60 years old. There were 102 males and 130 females in the non infected group (232 cases), with 196 cases<60 years old and 36 cases ≥60 years old. Multivariate analysis showed that neutrophil count <1.5×10 9/L, nutritional risk screening 2002≥3 points, high-dose of methotrexate, antibiotic types ≥3, poor oral self-cleaning habits, oral pH ≤6.5 were the risk factors for oral infection in patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy ( OR values were 2.716-10.074, all P<0.05). Based on this, the risk early warning model was as follows: Logit ( P)=-5.849+2.310× neutrophil count <1.5×10 9/L+1.363× nutritional risk screening 2002≥3 points +1.150× high-dose methotrexate +1.132× antibiotic types ≥3 + 1.044× oral pH ≤6.5 + 0.999× poor oral self-cleaning habits. The area under receiver operator characteristics curves (ROC) curve of this model Logit ( P) was 0.892, the maximum approximate entry index was 0.653, the sensitivity was 0.804, and the specificity was 0.849. Hosmer-Lemeshow test results indicated that χ2=4.91, P=0.768. For external validation, the goodness of fit test results were χ2=6.47, P=0.595. The area under ROC curve was 0.884, the sensitivity was 0.832, and the specificity was 0.825. Conclusions:The established early warning model of oral infection risk in patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy has good predictive value, which is helpful for medical staff to conduct early risk assessment of oral infection in such patients, and formulate countermeasures to reduce the incidence and improve the treatment effect of the disease.
9.Emotional Abuse and Neglect, Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model of Neuroticism and Psychological Resilience
Yueyang HU ; Junsong FEI ; Jingyi YUE ; Ren GAO ; Qianqian SONG ; Xixi ZHAO ; Songli MEI
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):389-396
Objective:
There were associations between emotional abuse and neglect (EAN) and depression, but few studies had tested potential mechanisms underlying these relationships. We aimed to provide insights on how (the mediation role of neuroticism), and under what conditions (the moderator role of psychological resilience), led to a higher level of depression.
Methods:
This study was a cross-sectional study that used a random cluster sampling method. We randomly selected 3,993 participants from four junior middle schools in northern city of China. Participants were asked to complete four self-reported questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Children Depression Inventory-Short Form, Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory Brief Version, and Chinese Resilience Scale.
Results:
The results showed that neuroticism mediated the associations between EAN and depression. In addition, the mediating effect of neuroticism was moderated by psychological resilience (p<0.05).
Conclusion
EAN and neuroticism could have an adverse impact on depression, and psychological resilience could alleviate these negative effects as a moderator. Our model suggested psychological resilience could be a particularly effective intervention point for victims of EAN.
10.Emotional Abuse and Neglect, Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model of Neuroticism and Psychological Resilience
Yueyang HU ; Junsong FEI ; Jingyi YUE ; Ren GAO ; Qianqian SONG ; Xixi ZHAO ; Songli MEI
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):389-396
Objective:
There were associations between emotional abuse and neglect (EAN) and depression, but few studies had tested potential mechanisms underlying these relationships. We aimed to provide insights on how (the mediation role of neuroticism), and under what conditions (the moderator role of psychological resilience), led to a higher level of depression.
Methods:
This study was a cross-sectional study that used a random cluster sampling method. We randomly selected 3,993 participants from four junior middle schools in northern city of China. Participants were asked to complete four self-reported questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Children Depression Inventory-Short Form, Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory Brief Version, and Chinese Resilience Scale.
Results:
The results showed that neuroticism mediated the associations between EAN and depression. In addition, the mediating effect of neuroticism was moderated by psychological resilience (p<0.05).
Conclusion
EAN and neuroticism could have an adverse impact on depression, and psychological resilience could alleviate these negative effects as a moderator. Our model suggested psychological resilience could be a particularly effective intervention point for victims of EAN.

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