1.A VBM study on gray matter structure alterations in patients with Alzheimer’s disease comorbid with apathy
Yi JI ; Xuerui PANG ; Chaoyi YANG ; Yulong DAI ; Shanshan ZHOU ; Xingqi WU ; Kai WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):156-162
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of gray matter structure and clinical symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) comorbid with apathy (AD-A). MethodsThe study included 30 patients with AD-A, 30 AD disease patients without apathy (AD without apathy, AD-NA), and 30 healthy controls (HCs) matched in gender, age, and years of education. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to analyze changes in gray matter volume among the three groups. Additionally, the correlation between the identified abnormal brain regions and apathy scale scores was analyzed. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, gender, years of education, or total intracranial volume. Compared with the HCs group, both the AD-A and AD-NA groups showed significantly lower scores in cognitive function (P<0.001). The AD-A group exhibited significantly higher apathy scale scores compared with the AD-NA group (P<0.001). Compared with the AD-NA group, the AD-A group showed reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral caudate nucleus, left orbitofrontal cortex, lingual gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, entorhinal cortex, right middle frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex (FWE-corrected, P<0.05 for all). Compared with the HCs group, the AD-A group exhibited reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, calcarine sulcus, postcentral gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus (FWE-corrected, P<0.05 for all). Compared with the HCs group, the AD-NA group showed reduced gray matter volume in the left precuneus, inferior temporal gyrus, and right inferior temporal gyrus (FWE-corrected, P<0.05 for all). In the AD-A group, changes in the gray matter volume of the left caudate nucleus (r= -0.557, P=0.002) and right middle frontal gyrus (r=-0.620, P=0.001) were negatively correlated with the apathy evaluation scale (AES) scores. ConclusionPatients in the AD-A group exhibited significant atrophy in the frontal-temporal-basal ganglia circuit, and the degree of gray matter atrophy was correlated with the severity of apathy.
2.Treatment of Idiopathic Olfactory Disorders from the Perspective of Heart and Lungs
Lei HAN ; Shanshan XUE ; Yongjun WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):83-86
To summarize the clinical experience of treating idiopathic olfactory disorder from the perspective of heart and lungs. It is believed that the sense of olfaction is based on the nose, rooted in the heart, functioning through the lungs, and conveyed by pectoral qi. The key pathogenesis of idiopathic olfactory disorder lies in the accumulation of pathogenic factors in the heart and lungs, blood vessel obstruction, the failure of the lungs to disperse and descend, and the loss of control of pectoral qi. In treatment, internal and external therapies could be combined. The internal therapy can correct the imbalance of the zang-fu organs, using the self-prescribed Bilong Formula (鼻聋方) to dispel wind and diffuse the lung, invigorate blood and relieving stuffy orifices; the external therapy can clear nasal obstruction, supplemented by intradermal needle embedding at three acupoints, bilateral Yingxiang (LI 20), bilateral Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8) and Yintang (GV 29), and integrated olfactory training for comprehensive treatment.
3.Relationship between short video addiction and learning burnout in adolescent patients with depression: the pathways of impulsivity and coping disposition
Yanyun QIN ; Jianghui DONG ; Lichang WU ; Shanshan QI ; Minmin CHEN ; Yanling ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):126-132
BackgroundCurrently, the incidence of depression among teenagers is on the rise, and the related academic problems are becoming increasingly serious. Short video addiction has a negative impact on teenagers' emotional issues and academic achievements. However, few studies have explored the relationship between this addiction and the learning burnout of teenagers with depression, and even fewer have focused on the role paths of impulsivity and coping disposition in this process. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between short video addiction and learning burnout in adolescent patients with depression, as well as the pathway of impulsivity and coping disposition, so as to provide references for the intervention of learning burnout in adolescent patients with depression. MethodsA total of 191 adolescent patients who were hospitalized at The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from December 2024 to April 2025 and met the diagnostic criteria for depression according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) were selected consecutively. The Short Video Addiction Measurement Scale (SVAMS), the Brief Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BBIS), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and the Adolescent Student Burnout Inventory (ASBI) were used for assessment. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the correlations of the scores of each scale. Model 6 of the SPSS macro Process 4.2 was employed to analyze the chained mediation pathway of impulsivity and coping disposition between short video addiction and learning burnout. ResultsA total of 173 cases (90.58%) of adolescent patients with depression completed the valid questionnaire survey. Correlation analysis showed that SCSQ coping disposition score was negatively correlated with the SVAMS score, the BBIS score, and the ASBI score (r=-0.282, -0.341, -0.431, P<0.01), the SVAMS score was positively correlated with the BBIS score and the ASBI score (r=0.339, 0.262, P<0.01), and the BBIS score was positively correlated with the ASBI score (r=0.486, P<0.01). The pathway analysis showed that the direct effect of short video addiction on learning burnout was not statistically significant, but the total effect and the indirect effect were statistically significant. The effect values were 0.275 (95% CI: 0.207–0.343) and 0.193 (95% CI: 0.143–0.246), respectively, with the indirect effect accounting for 70.18%. Impulsivity and coping disposition both played independent mediating roles between short video addiction and learning burnout, with effect values of 0.122 (95% CI: 0.090–0.156) and 0.054 (95% CI: 0.032–0.079), accounting for 44.36% and 19.64% of the total effect, respectively. The chained mediation effect of impulsivity and coping disposition was significant, with an effect value of 0.017 (95% CI: 0.011–0.026), accounting for 6.18% of the total effect. ConclusionAlthough short video addiction does not directly affect learning burnout in adolescent patients with depression, it may indirectly influence learning burnout through independent and chain paths of impulsivity and coping disposition. [Funded by Guangzhou Key Clinical Specialty (Clinical Medical Research Institute)]
4.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
5.Regulation of Renal Interstitial Fibrosis-related Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Dandan WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Yongjie WANG ; Hongling WANG ; Zongyao WU ; Qingbo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):254-265
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological change process from the development of various chronic nephropathies to the end stage, and it is an important histological manifestation of renal function decline. At present, no effective anti-fibrosis drugs have been found in clinical practice. In recent years, with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacology, molecular biology, system biology, and network pharmacology, the research on regulating RIF with TCM monomer, single TCM, TCM compound, Chinese patent medicine, and TCM injection is deepening. Among them, Jianpi Yishen recipe, Shendi Bushen capsules, Jianzhong Bushen Xiaozheng decoction, Liuwei Dihuangtang, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can regulate transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (TGF-β1/Smads), Wnt/β-catenin, and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch) signaling pathways. Wulingsan, Zhenwutang, pachymic acid ZA, pachymic acid ZC, and pachymic acid ZD, which mainly induce diuresis, can regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hirudin, curcumin, and Fuzheng Huayu recipe, which mainly promote blood circulation, can inhibit inflammation-related pathways such as p-nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptor 4/p-nuclear transcription factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB), and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT), so as to achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects and alleviate the progression of RIF. Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction, Shenkang injection, and Shenshuai recipe, which are mainly used for invigorating Qi, removing blood stasis, and removing turbidity, can inhibit transdifferentiation of pericytes-myofibroblasts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathway. At present, there are many studies on the regulation of the RIF signaling pathway by TCM, but there is a lack of a systematic summary. In this study, by combing the signaling pathway of TCM in the treatment of RIF, the effective target of TCM treatment is screened, and its possible mechanism is found, which provides new ideas for clinical treatment and new drug research and development.
6.Construction of a prediction efficacy model for PD-1 inhibitor in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Shanshan WU ; Xiaojie HUANG ; Xiaochun XIE ; Shaokai HUANG ; Lina HUANG ; Xiaofen WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2154-2159
OBJECTIVE To develop a prediction model for durable clinical benefit (DCB) in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) receiving programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor. METHODS The clinical data of patients with advanced ESCC who received PD-1 inhibitor in Jieyang People’s Hospital were retrospectively collected between January 2020 to December 2023. Predictors were screened by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression, and a multivariable Logistic regression model was developed to predict DCB. A nomogram was constructed based on the model. Internal validation of the prediction model was performed by using the Bootstrap method, and the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS A total of 91 patients with advanced ESCC were included. The results of Lasso regression combined with Logistic regression analysis indicated that the baseline lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR) [odds ratio (OR)=1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-3.36, P=0.013], albumin (ALB) content (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.13-1.60, P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) category 1 [normal vs. low: OR= 0.28, 95%CI (0.09-0.96), P=0.042], BMI category 2 [overweight-obesity vs. low: OR=0.08, 95%CI (0.01-0.59), P=0.013], and treatment regimen [monotherapy vs. monotherapy combination therapy: OR=0.07, 95%CI (0.01-0.50), P=0.008] were predictive factors for patients with advanced ESCC to achieve DCB when treated with PD-1 inhibitor. A prediction model was constructed based on the above indicators. Internal validation of the model using the Bootstrap method showed an area under the curve of 0.831 (95%CI: 0.746-0.904), with specificity of 74.4% and sensitivity of 75.0%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded χ2= 9.930, P=0.270, and the calibration curve slope was close to 1. The decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model exhibited good clinical utility within a threshold range of 0.1 to 1.0. CONCLUSIONS The prediction model based on baseline LMR, ALB content, BMI, and treatment regimen demonstrates robust predictive performance and clinical utility for assessing therapeutic efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor in the treatment of advanced ESCC.
7.Effects of behavior change intervention based on multiple-theory model in patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke
Jing WANG ; Yitong CHEN ; Meiru WU ; Meixia YANG ; Shanshan PEI ; Yongmei DENG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(16):46-50
Objective To explore the effects of behavior change intervention based on the multi-ple-theory model on patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 93 patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke who were hospitalized in the vascular neurology ward of Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University from January to August 2024 were selected as the study subjects using the convenience sampling method.They were randomly divided into control group(n=49)and intervention group(n=44)using the envelope-drawing method.Patients in the control group re-ceived routine stroke health education,while those in the intervention group underwent a 3-month be-havior change program guided by the multiple-theory model.The levels of healthy behaviors,body mass index(BMI),total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C),and low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C)were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences in general information and disease-related data between the two groups(P>0.05).At 1-,3-,and 6-month after the intervention,the level of healthy behaviors in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group,with statistically significant differ-ences(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in BMI between the two groups at 6 months after the intervention(P<0.05).The TC levels in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months after the intervention were lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The HDL-C level in the intervention group at 6 months after the intervention was high-er than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).The LDL-C levels in the intervention group at 1-,3-,and 6-month after the intervention were lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in TG levels between the intervention group and the control group at different time points after the intervention(P>0.05).Conclusion The behavior change intervention pro-gram based on the multiple-theory model can effectively improve and maintain healthy behaviors and improve blood lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke.
8.Extracorporeal blood purification therapy for acute poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China: a cross-sectional, multicenter real-world study
Li QIAO ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Jianrong CHEN ; Lijun LIU ; Ping GENG ; Hong SUN ; Yeping DU ; Zhiguang TIAN ; Jianjun MA ; Rushan YANG ; Jiancheng DONG ; Zheng QIN ; Shanshan WU ; Yumin PAN ; Yigang WU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(3):369-375
Objective:To investigate the current application of blood purification in the treatment of acute poisoning within Jiangsu Province and to evaluate the impact of extracorporeal blood purification on the clinical outcomes of critically poisoned patients.Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional real-world observational study followed patients presenting with poisoning to the emergency departments of nine hospitals in Jiangsu Province between June 2015 and May 2019. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, vital signs within the first hour of emergency presentation, treatment modalities, length of hospital stay, and survival outcomes. Clinical data from patients who underwent extracorporeal blood purification were compared with those who did not, using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Chi-square test.Results:A total of 4 178 poisoning cases were included between June 2015 and May 2019. Among them, 21.7% (908/4 178) received blood purification therapy, while 78.3% (3 270/4 178) did not. Hemoperfusion (90.4%) was the most frequently employed method, followed by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (4.4%). In combined blood purification modalities, 4.8% underwent hemoperfusion combined with CRRT, 0.1% received hemoperfusion with plasma exchange, and another 0.1% underwent hemoperfusion combined with both CRRT and plasma exchange. Among patients who underwent blood purification, pesticide poisoning was the most prevalent (76.3%), with the most common toxic agents being paraquat (23.7%), dichlorvos (8.7%), methamidophos (5.2%), omethoate (4.0%), and glyphosate (3.7%). Compared to the non-blood purification group, patients in the blood purification group were more likely to present within the first hour with a low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (3-8) (22.6% vs. 9.7%, P <0.05), low mean arterial pressure (8.0% vs. 3.2%, P <0.05), longer hospital stays [5(3,9) days vs. 2(1,4) days, P <0.05] and a higher in-hospital mortality rate (21.1% vs. 5.3%, P <0.05). Follow-up via telephone 28 days after discharge revealed a survival rate of 78.9%, with a mortality rate of 21.1% in the blood purification group. Conclusions:Hemoperfusion is the most commonly utilized blood purification technique for treating poisoning in Jiangsu Province, with pesticides being the primary toxic agents treated. Although the mortality rate is higher in the blood purification group, the intervention may still contribute to improved patient outcomes.
9.The establishment of a mouse model of self-antigen-induced chronic interstitial lung injury
Yuling Wu ; Qing Xu ; Di Wang ; Shanshan Hu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(12):2255-2263
Objective:
To establish a mouse model of lung injury induced by self-antigens and explore its pathological mechanisms to provide a reliable animal model for studying the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).
Methods:
The mice were injected intradermal with antigenemulsion made of complete freund′s adjuvant(CFA) and lung tissue protein, and the emulsion prepared with incomplete Freund′s adjuvant(IFA) was used to enhance immunity. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the mice. Masson staining was used to detect pulmonary fibrosis. The mRNA levels of rheumatoid factor(RF), krebs von den lungen-6(KL-6) and surfactant protein D(SP-D) were detected by qPCR. The levels of ACPA, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG3 antibodies were detected by ELISA. The changes of inflammatory cells and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The protein expression levels of Collagen I and α-SMA were detected by Western blot. The changes of immune cells were detected by flow cytometry.
Results:
HE staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration increased and tissue structure changed significantly in lung tissue after the model was established by self-lung tissue antigen. Masson staining showed increased collagen deposition in lung tissue of model mice. qPCR tests revealed elevated mRNA levels of RF, KL-6 and SP-D. ELISA tests revealed elevated levels of ACPA, IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies. Immunofluorescence results showed that monocytes and T cells increased, and α-SMA expression increased in the model group. Western blot results showed increased protein expressions of Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA. The flow cytometry results showed an increase in T cells and monocytes in the lung tissue.
Conclusion
The mouse model of lung injury induced by self-antigens is successfully established, and T cells and monocytes may be involved in the occurrence and progression of the disease.
10.The role of tumor necrosis factor-α in spleen infection caused by Leishmania
Erna Zhen ; Yuling Wu ; Shanshan Hu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(12):2325-2332
Objective:
To explore the role of tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in splenic infection of mice by Leishmania major.
Methods:
To establish an infection model, promastigotes of Leishmania were injected intradermally into the right hind foot of mice. The thickness of the footpad and body weight were measured to monitor the infection. Histological changes in the spleen after infection were observed by HE staining. Changes in lymphocytes and monocytes in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry. The expression level of arginase-1(Arg-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in the spleen was determined by indirect immunofluorescence. The effect of TNF-α on macrophage infection with Leishmania was evaluated in vitro.
Results:
Compared to B6.WT mice, the spleens of B6.TNF-/- mice showed significant enlargement 42 days post-infection, with structural disruption. Various cells infiltrated and were dispersed throughout the entire spleen. Flow cytometry results indicated that after infection with Leishmania, there was no significant change in the proportions of T cells and B cells in the spleens of the mice, while CD11b monocytic cells significantly increased. Immunofluorescence results revealed that the M2 macrophage/monocyte marker Arg-1 was highly expressed in the spleens of B6.TNF-/- mice(P < 0. 05) . The expression of iNOS in the spleens of B6. WT mice was relatively strong (P < 0. 05) . In vitro studies found that the absence or inhibition of TNF⁃α significantly increased the infection of Leishmania by peritoneal macrophages ( P <0. 01), while the addition of TNF-a markedly inhibited this infection (P <0. 01).
Conclusion
The splenic infec-tion in B6. TNF mice following subcutaneous inoculation of Leishmania in the hind footpad may be associatedwith the absence of TNF-a, which leads to M2-type differentiation of macrophages and reduced nitric oxide producton.


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