1.Establishment and stress analysis of a finite element model for adolescent cervical disc herniation
Yuxin ZHAO ; Liang LIANG ; Feng JIN ; Yangyang XU ; Zhijie KANG ; Yuan FANG ; Yujie HE ; Xing WANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):448-454
BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.
2.Celastrol-loaded ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes boost immunotherapy by remodeling obesity-related immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in melanoma.
Hongyan ZHANG ; Jingyi HUANG ; Yujie LI ; Wanyu JIN ; Jiale WEI ; Ninghui MA ; Limei SHEN ; Mancang GU ; Chaofeng MU ; Donghang XU ; Yang XIONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2687-2702
Obesity usually exacerbates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME), hindering CD8+ T cell infiltration and function, which further represents a significant barrier to the efficacy of immunotherapy. Herein, a multifunctional liposomal system (CR-Lip) for encapsulating celastrol (CEL) was utilized to remodel obesity-related ITME and improve cancer immunotherapy, wherein Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) was detected interspersed in the phospholipid bilayer and its glycosyl exposed on the surface of the liposome. CR-Lip had a relatively uniform size (116.5 nm), facilitating favorable tumor tissue accumulation through the interaction between Rg3 and glucose transporter 1 overexpressed in obese tumor cells. Upon reaching the tumor region, CR-Lip was found to induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of HFD tumor cells. Notably, the level of PHD3 in HFD tumor cells was effectively boosted by CR-Lip to effectively block metabolic reprogramming and increase the availability of major free fatty acids fuel sources. In vivo, experiments studies revealed that the easy-obtained nano platform stimulated enhanced the production of various cytokines in tumor tissues, DC maturation, CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and synergistic anticancer therapeutic potency with aPD-1 (tumor inhibition rate = 82.1%) towards obesity-related melanoma. Consequently, this study presented an efficacious approach to tumor immunotherapy in obese mice by encompassing tumor eradication, inducing ICD, and reprogramming metabolism. Furthermore, it offered a unique insight into a valuable attempt at the immunotherapy of obesity-associated related tumors.
3.Dual-ferroptosis induction-based microneedle patches for enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal combination therapy against triple-negative breast cancer.
Yujie WANG ; Zhaoyou CHU ; Peisan WANG ; Tao LI ; Yu JIN ; Silong WU ; Xiaowei SONG ; Weinan ZHANG ; Miaomiao YANG ; Zhengbao ZHA ; Haisheng QIAN ; Yan MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4210-4224
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a refractory subtype of breast cancer due to its resistance to various therapeutic strategies. In this study, we introduce a "brake-release and accelerator-pressing" approach to engineer a microneedle patch embedded with copper-doped Prussian blue nanoparticles (Cu-PB) and the ferroptosis inducer sorafenib (SRF) for raised chemodynamic (CDT)/photothermal (PTT) combination therapy against TNBC. Upon transdermal insertion, the dissolving microneedles swiftly disintegrate and facilitate the release of SRF. Under gentle external light exposure, copper ions (Cu2+) and iron ions (Fe3+) were liberated from Cu-PB. The direct chelation of Cu2+ and the indirect suppression by SRF, collectively attenuate glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) enzymatic function, destabilizing the cellular redox equilibrium (referred to as the "brake-release" strategy). The release of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions instigates a Fenton/Fenton-like reaction within tumor cells, further yielding hydroxyl radicals and elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations (referred to as the "accelerator-pressing" strategy). This overwhelming ROS accumulation, coupled with the impaired clearance of resultant lipid peroxides (LPO), ultimately triggers a robust ferroptosis cell death response. In summary, this study presents an innovative combinatorial therapeutic strategy based on dual-ferroptosis induction for TNBC, implying a promising therapeutic platform for developing ferroptosis-centered treatments for this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
4.PARylation promotes acute kidney injury via RACK1 dimerization-mediated HIF-1α degradation.
Xiangyu LI ; Xiaoyu SHEN ; Xinfei MAO ; Yuqing WANG ; Yuhang DONG ; Shuai SUN ; Mengmeng ZHANG ; Jie WEI ; Jianan WANG ; Chao LI ; Minglu JI ; Xiaowei HU ; Xinyu CHEN ; Juan JIN ; Jiagen WEN ; Yujie LIU ; Mingfei WU ; Jutao YU ; Xiaoming MENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4673-4691
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a specific form of post-translational modification (PTM) predominantly triggered by the activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). However, the role and mechanism of PARylation in the advancement of acute kidney injury (AKI) remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrated the significant upregulation of PARP1 and its associated PARylation in murine models of AKI, consistent with renal biopsy findings in patients with AKI. This elevation in PARP1 expression might be attributed to trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3). Furthermore, a reduction in PARylation levels mitigated renal dysfunction in the AKI mouse models. Mechanistically, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that PARylation mainly occurred in receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), thereby facilitating its subsequent phosphorylation. Moreover, the phosphorylation of RACK1 enhanced its dimerization and accelerated the ubiquitination-mediated hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) degradation, thereby exacerbating kidney injury. Additionally, we identified a PARP1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), A19, as a PARP1 degrader that demonstrated superior protective effects against renal injury compared with PJ34, a previously identified PARP1 inhibitor. Collectively, both genetic and drug-based inhibition of PARylation mitigated kidney injury, indicating that the PARylated RACK1/HIF-1α axis could be a promising therapeutic target for AKI treatment.
5.Clinical efficacy of carvedilol combined with dual-wavelength pulsed dye laser in the treatment of rosacea
Yangmei CHEN ; Yujie ZHANG ; Tingqiao CHEN ; Xinyi SHAO ; Jin CHEN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1389-1393
Objective To observe and analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of carvedilol combined with dual-wavelength pulsed dye laser in the treatment of rosacea.Methods A retrospective analysis was per-formed on 50 patients with rosacea mainly characterized by flushing,erythema,and telangiectasia who were treated with dual-wavelength pulsed dye laser in the Department of Dermatology of this hospital from October 2023 to October 2024.They were divided into the observation group and the control group according to differ-ent treatment methods,with 25 cases in each group.The control group received dual-wavelength pulsed dye la-ser treatment,while the observation group received carvedilol combined with dual-wavelength pulsed dye laser treatment.The clinical erythema assessment(CEA)scale and physician global assessment(PGA)were used to evaluate the efficacy of the two groups,and the occurrence of adverse reactions was recorded.Results After treatment,the CEA scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment.The CEA score of the ob-servation group was lower than that of the control group,and the PGA score was higher than that of the con-trol group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).No singnifcant adverse reactions occurred in ei-ther group.Conclusion Carvedilol combined with dual-wavelength pulsed dye laser is more effective than sin-gle dual-wavelength pulsed dye laser in the treatment of rosacea,and the treatment method is safe.
6.Prognostic value of peripheral blood NLR and TrxR expression in ovarian cancer patients receiving immunotherapy
Qiumei JIN ; Xiaoli CAO ; Yifeng GU ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Yujie LI
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(6):714-718
Objective To investigate the prognostic value of peripheral blood neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and thioredoxin reductase(TrxR)in patients with ovarian cancer receiving immunotherapy.Methods A total of 109 patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated in the Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University from January 2021 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects.The levels of NLR and TrxR in peripheral blood before immunotherapy were detected,and the evaluation value of NLR and TrxR on short-term efficacy,progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)in ovarian cancer pa-tients receiving immunotherapy was explored.Results The optimal cut-off values of TrxR and NLR were 4.97 U/mL and 2.49%,respectively.According to the optimal cut-off value of TrxR and NLR,the patients were divided into the high level of TrxR group(69 cases,≥4.97 U/mL)and the low level of TrxR group(40 cases,<4.97 U/mL),the high level of NLR group(72 cases,≥2.49%)and the low level of NLR group(37 cases,<2.49%).The objective response rate(ORR)of the high level of NLR group was lower than that of the low level NLR group(P<0.05),and the disease progression rate(DPR)was higher than that of the low NLR group(P<0.05).The high level of TrxR group had a significantly lower ORR and a significantly higher DPR than the low level of TrxR group(P<0.05).The median PFS and OS of the high level of NLR group were 15.0 months and 16.0 months,respectively.The median PFS and OS of the low level of NLR group were 19.0 months and 21.0 months,respectively.The median PFS and OS of the high level of TrxR group were 15.0 months and 17.0 months,respectively.The median PFS was 18.0 months and the median OS was 21.0 months in the low level of TrxR group.NLR and TrxR were the influencing factors of PFS and OS in pa-tients with ovarian cancer immunotherapy(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of NLR and TrxR in peripheral blood can be used as important prognostic indicators for advanced ovarian cancer patients receiving immuno-therapy.The lower the levels of NLR and TrxR,the better the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients.
7.Classic Formula Zhigancao Tang: Textual Research and Analysis of Key Information
Zhidan GUO ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Jinyu CHEN ; Xinghang LYU ; Xuancui JIN ; Yifan SUN ; Yujie CHANG ; Yihan LI ; Bingqi WEI ; Zheng ZHOU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):198-207
Zhigancao Tang (also known as Fumaitang) is a classic formula for treating "intermittent pulse and palpitations" and is widely used in clinical practice. Sanjia Fumaitang, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas (First Batch) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China in 2018, is derived from this formula. This paper employed bibliometric methods to comprehensively investigate and summarize the historical evolution, drug composition, herb origins and preparation, prescription meanings, and ancient and modern applications of Zhigancao Tang, analyzed the composition and usage of Zhigancao Tang, and discussed the reasons and applications of the "Fumaitang" variants created by Wu Jutong. A total of 47 valid pieces of data from 38 ancient texts were included. Results showe that Zhigancao Tang originates from the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun), and the name "Fumaitang" is also recorded in the formula's description. Converted to modern measurements from the Han dynasty system, the recommended preparation for Zhigancao Tang includes 55.2 g of fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 41.4 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 27.6 g of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 220 g of fresh Rehmannia glutinosa, 27.6 g of Asini Corii Colla, 53 g of Ophiopogonis Radix, 45 g of Cannabis Fructus, and 90 g of Jujubae Fructus. All herbs should be decocted with 1 400 mL of yellow rice wine and 1 600 mL of water until 600 mL. Once the Asini Corii Colla is fully dissolved, the decoction should be taken warm at a dosage of 200 mL, three times a day. Zhigancao Tang is effective for replenishing Qi, warming Yang, nourishing Yin, and nourishing blood and is primarily used to treat “intermittent pulse and palpitations” caused by deficiencies in heart Yin and Yang, as well as malnutrition of the heart meridian and conditions like lung atrophy. Modern applications mainly focus on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, and premature ventricular contractions. The findings from this research provide a reference for the further development of Zhigancao Tang.
8.Mechanisms on radiation resistance induced by an estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells
Tianpeng YANG ; Shinan ZHANG ; Huilin JI ; Linhui ZHU ; Yujie ZHANG ; Jin HUANG ; Yingren WEN ; Shumei MA ; Xiaodong LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(2):88-95
Objective:To explore the effects of estrogen receptor α (ERα) encoded by protein encoding gene ESR1 on the radiation resistance of breast cancer cells and their molecular mechanisms.Methods:The ESR1 overexpression plasmid was transfected into estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells. Then, the shRNA-ESR1 vector was introduced into ER-positive cell to establish models with different phenotype. The ATG5 mRNA level and protein expression levels of LC3B-I, LC3B-II, P62, FIP200, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, Beclin1, ULK1 were detected using qPCR and Western blot techniques. Cell death was measured using flow cytometry. The radiation sensitivity was determined through the colony formation assay. The mortality of breast cancer cells under the autophagy gene knockdown and overexpression or treated with estrogen receptor inhibitor (TAM) combined with ionizing radiation were detected by trypan blue staining.Results:Under the condition of 8 Gy X-ray irradiation, the knockdown of ESR1 in ER-positive ZR75 breast cancer cells promoted cell death ( t = 3.49, 3.13, P < 0.05), while the overexpression of ESR1 in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells inhibited cell death ( t = 4.16, 7.48, P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment with chloroquine increased the number of formed colonies of ESR1 knockdown ZR75 cells ( t = 8.49, P < 0.05), and inhibiting autophagy could reduce the death of ZR75 cells caused by ESR1 silencing. Under the treatment with ionizing radiation, the overexpression of ESR1 in MDA-MB-231 cells promoted protective autophagy, which, however, was reduced after ESR1 knockdown in ZR75 cells. Furthermore, it was observed that the knockdown of ATG5 in ZR75 cells was associated with reduced autophagy and an increase in cell death ( t = 4.19, 6.39, P < 0.05). In contrast, the overexpression of ATG5 in ZR75 cells reversed the increase in cell death caused by ESR1 knockdown ( t = 1.70, 4.65, P < 0.05). After the treatment of ER-positive ZR75 breast cancer cells with TAM, the expressions of ATG5 and ATG12 decreased, suggesting inhibited autophagy and an increase in cell death ( t = 18.70, P < 0.05). Furthermore, these processes were promoted by ionizing radiation ( t = 16.82, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The estrogen receptor encoded by ESR1 promotes protective autophagy of ER-positive breast cancer cells by increasing ATG5, further leading to radiation resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Treatment with tamoxifen combined with ionizing radiation can increase the radiation sensitivity of ER-positive breast cancer cells.
9.Clinical progress of internal fixation in the treatment of femoral neck fracture in middle-aged and elderly patients
Tianjiao YAN ; Yujie JIN ; Chao SUN ; Xiaoqiang ZHOU ; Zhenquan XU ; Guangxiang CHEN ; Xiangxin ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(3):196-202
Middle-aged and elderly patients with femoral neck fracture often suffer from basic diseases. Conservative treatment will significantly increase the incidence of complications. At present, surgical treatment is mostly advocated. Internal fixation is one of the effective treatment methods for middle-aged and elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. It has the advantages of improving hip joint function, accelerating patient recovery, and improving patient quality of life. At present, there are many choices of internal fixation in the world, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no unified standard. Different surgical methods can be selected according to various factors such as fracture type, patient′s physical condition and surgical auxiliary technology. This article reviews the clinical progress of internal fixation for femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients from four aspects: the characteristics of femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients, common internal fixation methods, 3D printing guide plate auxiliary technology and artificial intelligence auxiliary technology.
10.Influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation
Lingzhi SHI ; Heng HUANG ; Mingzhao LIU ; Hang YANG ; Bo WU ; Jin ZHAO ; Haoji YAN ; Yujie ZUO ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Linxi LIU ; Dong TIAN ; Jingyu CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(2):236-243
Objective To analyze the influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 66 patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s regression models were adopted to analyze the influencing factors of survival of all patients with airway stenosis and those with early airway stenosis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and delineate the survival curve. Results For 66 patients with airway stenosis, the median airway stenosis-free time was 72 (52,102) d, 27% (18/66) for central airway stenosis and 73% (48/66) for distal airway stenosis. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time [hazard ratio (HR) 1.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005-1.070, P=0.024] and type of surgery (HR 0.400, 95%CI 0.177-0.903, P=0.027) were correlated with the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The longer the postoperative mechanical ventilation time, the higher the risk of mortality of the recipients. The overall survival of airway stenosis recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation was better than that of their counterparts after single lung transplantation. Subgroup analysis showed that grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (HR 4.577, 95%CI 1.439-14.555, P=0.010) and immunosuppressive drugs (HR 0.079, 95%CI 0.022-0.287, P<0.001) were associated with the survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation without grade 3 PGD was better compared with that of those with grade 3 PGD. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation treated with tacrolimus was superior to that of their counterparts treated with cyclosporine. Conclusions Long postoperative mechanical ventilation time, single lung transplantation, grade 3 PGD and use of cyclosporine may affect the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation.

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