1.Research progress on oral microecological imbalance and intervention strategies after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors
LIU Xue ; LI Yufei ; YANG Xinyao ; LI Hao ; ZHANG Ailin ; CUI Lei ; HUANG Zhengwei ; HOU Lili
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(4):385-394
Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for head and neck tumors. However, while effectively killing tumor cells, it significantly disrupts the homeostasis of the oral microecology, which is closely associated with various complications such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Literature review indicates that as radiotherapy doses accumulate and treatment durations extend, the richness and diversity of the oral microbiota show a declining trend, with the genus Streptococcus decreasing most markedly. In contrast, radiotherapy selectively promotes the proliferation of bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are rich in opportunistic pathogens. Mechanistically, radiotherapy activates the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, triggering chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the epithelial barrier, suppressing local immunity, and causing damage to organs such as the salivary glands. It can also induce systemic diseases via the oral-gut axis, forming a multi-level, interconnected pathogenic network. In terms of interventions, treatment strategies including probiotics and prebiotics have shown promising efficacy against side effects such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Saliva-based oral microbiota transplantation is an emerging strategy that is expected to become widely utilized for restoring oral microecological balance. Existing interventions provide preliminary pathways for clinical practice, but this field still faces several key scientific questions. The association between oral microecology and systemic diseases remains largely correlative, lacking causal evidence. Furthermore, critical parameters for oral microbiota transplantation, such as donor screening criteria, transplantation protocols, and long-term safety, are not yet well-defined. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized protocols and safety evaluation systems for oral microecological interventions, and explore combined treatment therapies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota transplantation to advance the development of personalized precision modulation. These will enable more effective management of radiotherapy-induced oral microecological dysbiosis and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck tumors.
2.Scoping review of assessment tools for taste disorders in head and neck cancer patients
Ailin ZHANG ; Junjun CAO ; Xinyao YANG ; Xue LIU ; Lili HOU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(34):4651-4658
Objective:To summarize assessment tools for taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer and provide a reference for clinical evaluation by healthcare professionals.Methods:A computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP for literature on taste dysfunction in head and neck cancer from database inception to May 10, 2025.Results:A total of 31 articles were included: five on tool development, three on tool validation, five on cross-cultural adaptation, and 18 on tool application.A total of 16 assessment tools were identified overall: ten subjective instruments and six objective instruments. Reliability and validity were most commonly examined using internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity.Conclusions:A wide variety of tools exist for assessing taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer. Tool selection should be based on clinical context and patient characteristics. Future work should develop disease-specific, locally adapted instruments aligned with the features of head and neck cancer.
3.Material basis revelation of anti-hepatoma effect of Huachansu (Cinobufacini) through down-regulation of thymidylate synthase.
Qi WU ; Qimei CHEN ; Jingyi YANG ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Ailin YANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):127-138
OBJECTIVE:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Huachansu (Cinobufacini) is active extract isolated from the dry skin of Bufo Bufo gargarizans. It has now been widely used in clinical treatment of cancer, this study is to clarify the material basis of down-regulation of thymidylate synthase (TYMS) induced by Huachansu.
METHODS:
Our study utilized UPLC-MS/MS to identify major bioactive components from Huachansu. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and clone formation assay were used to examine the cell viability of tumor cells. TYMS and γ-H2AX level were detected by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and/or western blotting. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to explore whether inhibition of TYMS could enhance the suppressive effect of Huachansu on cell growth of HCC cells.
RESULTS:
In our study, firstly, we identify 21 major bioactive components from Huachansu. CCK-8 assay results showed that Huachansu and its bioactive bufadienolides (Bufalin, Bufotalin, Cinobufotalin, Desacetylcinobufagin, Arenobufagin, Telocinobufagin, and Resibufogenin) significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Further molecular mechanistic investigation demonstrates that Huachansu significantly suppresses thymidylate synthase (TYMS), the enzyme which provides the sole de novo source of thymidylate for DNA synthesis. The inhibition of TYMS could lead to cell-cycle block and DNA damage of HCC cells. Furthermore, we identified that Huachansu markedly increased γ-H2AX expression, which indicated the presence of DNA damage. Moreover, we confirmed that transfection of cells with small interfering RNA specific to TYMS could increase the suppressive effects of Huachansu on the HCC cells proliferation. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that Huachansu treatment had no effect on the transcription level of TYMS. Furthermore, proteasomal inhibitor MG132 could block TYMS inhibition induced by Huachansu, and concomitant administration of protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) with Huachansu could further suppress the protein level of TYMS, indicating that Huachansu promotes proteasome-dependent degradation of TYMS in liver cancer cells. More importantly, the bioactive bufadienolides of Huachansu such as Bufalin, Bufotalin, Cinobufotalin, Desacetylcinobufagin, Arenobufagin, Telocinobufagin, and Resibufogenin could also significantly restrain the protein level of TYMS, revealing the material basis of inhibition of TYMS exposed to Huachansu. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a TYMS inhibitor, we also evaluate the effects of the combined treatment of Huachansu with 5-FU, the results show that interactions between Huachansu and 5-FU are synergistic or antagonistic. Thus, in clinical, attention should be paid to the dosage of Huachansu in combination with 5-FU.
CONCLUSION
Huachansu inhibits the growth and induces DNA damage of human HCC cells through proteasome-dependent degradation of TYMS, bioactive bufadienolides are the material basis of down-regulation of TYMS induced by Huachansu.
4.Scoping review of assessment tools for taste disorders in head and neck cancer patients
Ailin ZHANG ; Junjun CAO ; Xinyao YANG ; Xue LIU ; Lili HOU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(34):4651-4658
Objective:To summarize assessment tools for taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer and provide a reference for clinical evaluation by healthcare professionals.Methods:A computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP for literature on taste dysfunction in head and neck cancer from database inception to May 10, 2025.Results:A total of 31 articles were included: five on tool development, three on tool validation, five on cross-cultural adaptation, and 18 on tool application.A total of 16 assessment tools were identified overall: ten subjective instruments and six objective instruments. Reliability and validity were most commonly examined using internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity.Conclusions:A wide variety of tools exist for assessing taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer. Tool selection should be based on clinical context and patient characteristics. Future work should develop disease-specific, locally adapted instruments aligned with the features of head and neck cancer.
5.Establishment of risk prediction model for postoperative liver injury after non-liver surgery based on different machine learning algorithms
Yizhu SUN ; Yujie LI ; Hao LIANG ; Xiang LIU ; Jiahao HUANG ; Xin SHU ; Ailin SONG ; Zhiyong YANG ; Bin YI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(7):760-767
Objective To construct a machine learning prediction model for postoperative liver injury in patients with non-liver surgery based on preoperative and intraoperative medication indicators.Methods A case-control study was conducted on 315 patients with liver injury after non-liver surgery selected from the databases developed by 3 large general hospitals from January 2014 to September 2022.With the positive/negative ratio of 1 ∶3,928 cases in corresponding period with non-liver surgery and without liver injury were randomly matched as negative control cases.These 1243 patients were randomly divided into the modeling group(n=869)and the validation group(n=374)in a ratio of 7∶3 using the R language setting code.Preoperative clinical indicators(basic information,medical history,relevant scale score,surgical information and results of laboratory tests)and intraoperative medication were used to construct the prediction model for liver injury after non-liver surgery based on 4 machine learning algorithms,k-nearest neighbor(KNN),support vector machine linear(SVM),logic regression(LR)and extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost).In the validation group,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,precision-recall curve(P-R),decision curve analysis(DCA)curve,Kappa value,sensitivity,specificity,Brier score,and F1 score were applied to evaluate the efficacy of model.Results The model established by 4 machine learning algorithms to predict postoperative liver injury after non-liver surgery was optimal using the XGBoost algorithm.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was 0.916(95%CI:0.883~0.949),area under the precision-recall curve(AUPRC)was 0.841,Brier score was 0.097,and sensitivity and specificity was 78.95%and 87.10%,respectively.Conclusion The postoperative liver injury prediction model for non-liver surgery based on the XGBoost algorithm has effective prediction for the occurrence of postoperative liver injury.
6.Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3 complicated with type 5:A case report and literature review
Lijuan LI ; Liuping GONG ; Ailin ZHENG ; Qiaoling YANG ; Danlan PU ; Ying ZHANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(6):848-855
This report describes a case of maturity-onset diabetes of the young(MODY)type 3(MODY3)complicated with type 5(MODY5),including the patient's clinical features,diagnosis,and treatment,and reviews relevant literature.Using next-generation sequencing of MODY(types 1-14)gene exons and Sanger sequencing for verification,the patient and her mother were assessed.Based on the clinical phenotype and genetic test results,the patient was diagnosed as MODY3 combined with MODY5.Treatment included insulin and linagliptin,with monitoring of blood glucose changes.Clinicians should enhance their understanding of MODY clinical phenotypes.In adolescents with diabetes who have congenital pancreatic and renal developmental defects,elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,no spontaneous ketosis,insulin secretion defects,negative pancreatic autoantibodies,no significant insulin resistance,and who are not obese,gene testing should be conducted to screen for MODY.Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment can aid in achieving glycemic control,improving quality of life,and optimizing reproductive planning.
7.Continuous vital signs monitoring using wireless wearable devices in patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer: A prospective self-control study
Xiaoli MEI ; Yuchen HUANG ; Jian ZHOU ; Yuanyuan SONG ; Ailin LUO ; Mei YANG ; E ZHENG ; Yang QIU ; Beinuo WANG ; Zhenghao DONG ; Hu LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(02):229-235
Objective To explore the reliability and safety of continuous monitoring of vital signs in patients using wireless wearable monitoring devices after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer. Methods The patients undergoing VATS for lung cancer in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to August 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Both wireless wearable and traditional wired devices were used to monitor the vital signs of patients after surgery. Spearman correlation analysis, paired sample t test and ratio Bland-Altman method were used to test the correlation, difference and consistency of monitoring data measured by the two devices. The effective monitoring rate of the wireless wearable device within 12 hours was calculated to test the reliability of its continuous monitoring. Results A total of 20 patients were enrolled, including 15 females and 5 males with an average age of 46.20±11.52 years. Data collected by the two monitoring devices were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation data collected by the two devices showed no statistical difference (P>0.05), while heart rate measured by wireless wearable device was slightly lower (=−0.307±1.073, P<0.001), and the blood pressure (=1.259±5.354, P<0.001) and body temperature(=0.115±0.231, P<0.001) were slightly higher. The mean ratios of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and body temperature collected by the two devices were 0.996, 1.004, 1.000, 1.014, and 1.003, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and 95% confidence interval of 95%LoA of each indicator were within the clinically acceptable limit. The effective monitoring rate of each vital signs within 12 hours was above 98%. Conclusion The wireless wearable device has a high accuracy and reliability for continuous monitoring vital signs of patients after VATS for lung cancer, which provides a security guarantee for subsequent large-scale clinical application and further research.
8.Practice and research on the construction of supervision system in public hospitals under the background of comprehensive regulation
Qiaohong WANG ; Weiyue DING ; Ailin TAO ; Changsong YANG ; Zhengbing WANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(10):746-751
As the main force in the field of medical and health care, public hospitals are the main positions for people to have medical treatment. The governance quality and efficiency of public hospitals directly affect people′s medical needs and medical experience. Taking Y Hospital as an example, this paper introduced Y Hospital to deepen the requirements of " three turns" , focused on the main responsibility and main business, consolidated the three-level supervision responsibility of " examinee+ invigilator+ inspection" , explored the multi-department joint supervision mechanism of discipline inspection, audit, finance, and profession, and built a large supervision system of " two vertical, two horizontal and one pivot" that met the actual needs of current public hospitals, promoting the hospital from passively accepting external supervision to proactively strengthening internal supervision. It can provide reference for other public hospitals to strengthen their management and improve the efficiency of governance.
9.Practice and research on the construction of supervision system in public hospitals under the background of comprehensive regulation
Qiaohong WANG ; Weiyue DING ; Ailin TAO ; Changsong YANG ; Zhengbing WANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(10):746-751
As the main force in the field of medical and health care, public hospitals are the main positions for people to have medical treatment. The governance quality and efficiency of public hospitals directly affect people′s medical needs and medical experience. Taking Y Hospital as an example, this paper introduced Y Hospital to deepen the requirements of " three turns" , focused on the main responsibility and main business, consolidated the three-level supervision responsibility of " examinee+ invigilator+ inspection" , explored the multi-department joint supervision mechanism of discipline inspection, audit, finance, and profession, and built a large supervision system of " two vertical, two horizontal and one pivot" that met the actual needs of current public hospitals, promoting the hospital from passively accepting external supervision to proactively strengthening internal supervision. It can provide reference for other public hospitals to strengthen their management and improve the efficiency of governance.
10.Evaluation of automated digital cell morphology system for the detection of platelet clumps
Ailin FAN ; Lihua YANG ; Jiayun LIU ; Xinfeng ZHANG ; Enliang HU ; Jie FENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2023;46(7):732-737
Objective:To evaluate the performance of the automated digital cell morphology instrument in detecting platelet (PLT) clumps.Methods:A total of 4271 blood samples whose PLT reached the reviewing rules of thrombocytopenia were selected from inpatients having blood analysis in Xijing Hospital from January 1 st to June 30 th, 2019, including 2 200 males and 2 071 females,with a median age of (35±7.03) years old. The smears for these cases were made, stained by Wright-Giemsa, and examined to capture PLT clumps by digital cell morphology system and manual microscope separately. The digital cell analysis system (hereinafter referred to as the instrument method) as an evaluation method and the microscope method as a reference method were used to calculate the positive rate of platelet clump detection and evaluate the comparison of two methods and bias assessments. The chi-square test was used to compare counting data rates. Results:Among 4, 271 samples reaching the reviewing rule of thrombocytopenia, 128 cases with platelet clumps were detected by manual microscope(initial) with a positive detection rate of 96.24%, and a total 133 of cases with PLT clumps were detected by microscope (initial+reconfirmation) with a positive detection rate of 100 %. Meanwhile, 129 cases with platelet clumps were detected by instrument method with a positive detection rate of 96.9%. There was no significant difference in terms of positive rate of PLT clumps detection between the instrumental method and the microscope method (initial) ( χ2 =0.115, P=0.73); the positive rate of clumps detection by the instrumental method was lower than microscope method (initial+reconfirmation), and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 =4.061, P=0.04). For instrument method, the positive rate of PLT clumps detection by simultaneous observation of RBC analysis interface+PLT aggregation interface+WBC analysis interface was higher than only observation of PLT aggregation interface, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 =5.090, P=0.02). The average error of the deviation of PLT counting results before and after correction of the cases with PLT plumps missed by instrument method was significantly higher than microscope method (initial), and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 =56.26, P<0.001). Conclusion:The automated digital cell morphology system has a good consistency with manual microscope(initial) in terms of the sensitivity of platelet clumps detection and can be used as a supplementary method for detecting platelet aggregation.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail