1.Risk of chronic kidney disease in the population aged 60 and above with hypertension and diabetes in Nanjing based on LASSO-logistic regression model
Yucheng HUANG ; Caihong HU ; Huiqing XU ; Ruikang CHEN ; Guofeng AO ; Zhiyong WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):98-102
Objective To construct a prediction model for the population with hypertension and diabetes to assess the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted CKD prevention and control measures. Methods Based on physical examination data from community residents aged 60 years and above in Nanjing in 2022, 10 221 patients with hypertension and diabetes were selected as the study subjects. Variables associated with CKD prevalence were screened using univariate analysis, and further variable selection was performed using LASSO regression. Finally, a CKD risk prediction model was constructed based on logistic regression. The model's performance was evaluated using the ROC curve and calibration curve. Results The prevalence rate of CKD in the study population was 22.71%, with a mean age of 71.66 years. LASSO regression identified seven variables associated with CKD: age, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hemoglobin, uric acid, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR), and medical insurance type. The final logistic regression model incorporated six variables: age [OR=1.067 (95% CI: 1.058-1.076)], BUN [OR=1.377 (95% CI: 1.338-1.418)], hemoglobin [OR=0.992 (95% CI: 0.989-0.995)], uric acid [OR=1.004 (95% CI: 1.003-1.004)], TyG index [OR=1.445 (95% CI: 1.324-1.577)], and self-payment medical insurance [OR=1.732 (95% CI: 1.542-1.945)]. The model had an AUC of 0.759 (95% CI: 0.747-0.770) and a Brier score of 0.140 (95% CI: 0.136-0.145), indicating good predictive performance. The calibration curve showed good agreement between the predicted risk and the observed value. Conclusion The constructed LASSO-logistic regression risk prediction model in this study can effectively assess the risk of CKD in elderly individuals aged 60 years and above with hypertension and diabetes, providing a basis for early identification of high-risk individuals and the formulation of targeted CKD prevention and control measures.
2.Construction of An Automated Segmentation Visual Foundation Model for Pathological Images of Hemorrhoids and Its Application in Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Syndrome Analysis
Shijie ZHANG ; Ao ZHANG ; Kang WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xujing FENG ; Jinyu CAO ; Wenzhen HUANG ; Kang DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):764-769
This paper proposes a two-stage method integrating visual foundation models (VFM) and diffusion models. The segment anything model (SAM) as VFM is combined with the SegRefiner diffusion model to construct the SAM-SegRefiner framework for automated segmentation of edema, inflammation, and thrombus regions in histopathological images of hemorrhoidal tissue, providing a reproducible technical tool for the objective quantification of pathological morphology and its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome research. Trained and validated on multi-center retrospective data, the SAM-SegRefiner model achieved an average pixel accuracy of 95.32% and a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 66.81% on an independent test set, significantly outperfor-ming comparative models such as U-Net, MixU-Net, and SAM-Med2D, and also demonstrating robust cross-center generalization capability. Furthermore, by correlating the quantitatively segmented results from the model with the patients' TCM syndrome types, the potential associations between pathomorphological features and TCM syndrome differentiation have been explored. The analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the degree of inflammatory infiltration and thrombus formation among different syndrome types, suggesting a complex relationship between local pathological changes and systemic syndrome manifestations.
3.Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture modulates Glu/GABA-Gln metabolic loop abnormalities in insomniac rats
Jiarong XU ; Ao HUANG ; Zhikai DING ; Yu BAO ; Canghuan ZHAO ; Wenzhi CAI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1616-1624
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture in a rat model of insomnia and its regulatory effect on the glutamic acid(Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)-glutamine(Gln)metabolic loop.Methods Forty male SD rats were randomly assigned to control group,model group,Najia group and Nazi group(n=10).In the latter 3 groups,rat models of insomnia were established by intraperitoneal injections of p-chlorophenylalanine and verified using a sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep test.After modeling,the rats in Najia and Nazi groups received acupuncture for 7 days at specifically chosen sets of acupoints based on the Ziwuliuzhu rationale in traditional Chinese medicine.Pathological changes in the hypothalamic tissue of the rats were examined with HE staining,and the levels of Glu and GABA in the hypothalamus were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)-mass spectrometry(MS)/MS.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of GABAA receptors(GABAARs)in the hypothalamus,and the expression levels of glutamate decarboxylase(GAD65/67)and glutamine synthetase(GS)were determined with Western blotting.Results Compared with the model group,the rats in Najia and Nazi groups exhibited decreased Glu levels and GABAA receptor expression and increased GABA levels with a decreased Glu/GABA ratio in the hypothalamus.Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture significantly increased the protein expressions of GAD65 and GAD67 and lowered the expression of GS in the hypothalamus in the rat models of insomnia.Conclusion Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture produces sedative and hypnotic effects in rat models of insomnia possibly by regulating Glu and GABA-Gln metabolism to restore the excitatory/inhibitory balance between Glu and GABA.
4.Analysis of clinical features and genetic variants in a Chinese pedigree affected with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome due to variants of B3GALT6 gene.
Shaocong LAN ; Chengyan LI ; Binglong HUANG ; Yinhui CHEN ; Zaoye XIE ; Wenhao DENG ; Dang AO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(12):1482-1489
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic etiology of a child with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, spondylodysplastic type 2 (EDSSPD2).
METHODS:
A child who was admitted to the Children's Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University in July 2024 for "delayed motor development for 1 and a half year" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected, including medical history, family history, and results of auxiliary examinations. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the child and his two brothers and both parents. Genomic DNA was extracted from the child and his family members and subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES) and copy number variation (CNV) analysis. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the parental origin of the candidate variants. Multiple protein function prediction software tools, including SIFT, PolyPhen-2, and REVEL, were used to assess the impact of candidate variants on the protein function. Based on protein database information from UniProt, a two dimensional structural schematic of the target protein was generated. The pathogenicity of the variants was classified based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Relevant literature on the B3GALT6 gene variants leading to EDSSPD2 was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed databases. The procedures followed in this study were reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Ethics No.:PJ2021-097).
RESULTS:
The proband was a 2-year-old male with an onset in infancy. The main clinical manifestations included loose skin, scoliosis and kyphosis, generalized hypermobility of joints, and motor developmental delay. WES has revealed two compound heterozygous variants of the B3GALT6 gene (NM_080605.4): c.766C>T (p.Arg256Trp) and c.962G>A (p.Cys321Tyr). Sanger sequencing verification showed that the c.766C>T and c.962G>A variants were respectively derived from his phenotypically normal father and mother. Bioinformatics analysis showed that for the c.766C>T (p.Arg256Trp) variant, the Arg256 site is located within the galactosyltransferase catalytic domain (GalT domain) of the β3GalT6 protein. According to the ACMG guidelines, the c.766C>T variant was classified as a likely pathogenic (PS3+PM2_supporting+PM3+PP3), and the c.962G>A was classified as a variant of unknown significance (PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3). By following the pre-set literature retrieval strategy, a total of 12 articles related to B3GALT6 gene variants were identified (11 English and 1 Chinese), which involved a total of 71 patients. Among these, 4 reports (involving 20 patients) involved B3GALT6 gene variants leading to EDSSPD2. Among the 18 live-born EDSSPD2 patients (including the proband in this study), common clinical manifestations have included scoliosis (88.9%, 16/18), generalized hypotonia (83.3%, 15/18), and soft and lax skin (66.7%, 12/18). Some patients already showed skeletal abnormalities on prenatal ultrasound scan (22.2%, 4/18), while a few presented with cervical instability (16.7%, 3/18). One child had deceased at 18 months of age due to hypoxia caused by tracheomalacia and tracheal compression due to scoliosis. Among the 23 reported EDSSPD2 related B3GALT6 variant sites, missense variants were the most common (78.3%, 18/23), followed by nonsense variants (21.7%, 5/23).
CONCLUSION
Above finding has enriched the clinical and mutational spectra of EDSSPD2. Early genetic testing has important clinical value for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and genetic counseling of this disease.
Humans
;
Male
;
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/genetics*
;
Pedigree
;
N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferases/genetics*
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
DNA Copy Number Variations
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Phenotype
;
Mutation
;
China
;
East Asian People
;
Galactosyltransferases
5.Plasma miRNA testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Jie HU ; Ying XU ; Ao HUANG ; Lei YU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Zhenbin DING ; Qinghai YE ; Yinghong SHI ; Shuangjian QIU ; Huichuan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Jia FAN ; Jian ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):350-354
Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP<20 ng/mL, DCP<40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P<0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P<0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.
6.Research progress on dry eye-related factors and treatment after phacoemulsification
Ao ZHANG ; Shiyi LI ; Ju HUANG ; Kang WANG ; Lin WANG ; Yingbin XIE
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):770-774
Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation(Phaco+lOL)has become the main treatment for cataracts due to small incision and fast recovery. Phacoemulsification can damage the conjunctiva, cornea and other ocular surface tissues, causing local inflammation, which in turn leads to eye dryness and discomfort after surgery. According to studies, patients who suffer from phacoemulsification most experience dry eye syndrome within 24 h, which gradually worsens and reaches its peak in the following 1 wk, seriously affecting their quality of life. The review aims to comprehensively investigate the effects of preoperative patient physical conditions and local ocular status, intraoperative maneuvers and postoperative treatments on postoperative dry eye, with the expectation of formulating scientific and effective preventive measures for potential dry eye patients after phacoemulsification, and providing a theoretical basis for postoperative dry eye treatment.
7.Effect of MOTS-c on hepatocyte injury induced by glycochenodeoxycholic acid by regulating transporter MRP2 expression
Yu AO ; Xuyang ZHANG ; Dan TANG ; Gongwei LIU ; Dan HUANG ; Zhifang CAI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):425-434
Objective To investigate the effects and related mechanisms of mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c on glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA)-induced injury in human hepatocytes (THLE-3 cells). Methods THLE-3 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of GCDCA and MOTS-c. The optimal concentrations of GCDCA and MOTS-c were determined by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 method. Subsequently, THLE-3 cells were treated or pre-treated with GCDCA (200 µmol/L), MOTS-c (15, 30, 60 µmol/L), the multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) inhibitor Probenecid (500 µmol/L), and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor ML385 (10 µmol/L). Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 method. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the culture medium were measured by biochemical method. Cell apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry. MRP2 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). MRP2 and Nrf2 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blotting. Results As the concentration of GCDCA increased, the proliferation activity of THLE-3 cells gradually decreased, while LDH activity in the culture medium and apoptosis levels increased, and the expression levels of MRP2 in the cells decreased (all P<0.05). Treatment with 30 and 60 µmol/L MOTS-c significantly enhanced the proliferation activity of THLE-3 cells exposed to GCDCA, upregulated the expression of MRP2 and Nrf2, and reduced LDH activity and apoptosis levels (all P<0.05). Co-treatment with Probenecid partially reversed the protective effects of MOTS-c on GCDCA-induced THLE-3 cells injury, while co-treatment with ML385 partially inhibited the induction of MRP2 expression by MOTS-c in THLE-3 cells exposed to GCDCA. Conclusions MOTS-c may alleviate GCDCA-induced injury in human hepatocytes (THLE-3 cells), and its mechanism may be related to the upregulation of MRP2 expression mediated by Nrf2.
8.Effects of visual impairment and its restoration on electroencephalogram during walking in aged females.
Mingxin AO ; Hongshi HUANG ; Xuemin LI ; Yingfang AO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(6):738-744
BACKGROUND:
Visual input significantly influences cerebral activity related to locomotor navigation, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effects of chronic visual impairment and its rehabilitation on sensorimotor integration during level walking in patients with age-related cataract.
METHODS:
This prospective case series enrolled 14 female patients (68.4 ± 4.7 years) with age-related cataract, scheduled for consecutive cataract surgeries at the Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals during level walking were recorded using a portable EEG system before and 4 weeks after visual restoration. Walking speed was assessed using the Footscan system. Spectral power of the theta and alpha bands was analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance, with Assignment (rest and walking), Phase (preoperative and postoperative), and Electrode sites (F3, Fz, F4, O1, and O2) as within-subject factors.
RESULTS:
Compared to the visual impairment state, theta band power significantly decreased after visual restoration (13.16 ± 1.58 μV 2vs. 23.65 ± 3.48 μV 2 , P = 0.018). Theta activity was notably reduced during walking (17.24 ± 2.43 μV 2vs. 37.86 ± 6.62 μV 2 , P = 0.017), while theta power at rest was not significantly different between the two phases (9.44 ± 1.24 μV 2vs. 9.08 ± 1.74 μV 2 , P = 0.864). Changes in walking speed were correlated with alterations in theta power at electrode sites of O1 ( r = -0.574, P = 0.032) and O2 ( r = -0.648, P = 0.012). Alpha band power remained stable during walking and was unaffected by visual status.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic visual impairment from age-related cataract triggers enhanced cerebral activation of sensorimotor integration to compensate for visual decline during locomotion. This cerebral over-activation is effectively alleviated by visual restoration.
Humans
;
Female
;
Walking/physiology*
;
Aged
;
Electroencephalography/methods*
;
Prospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Cataract/physiopathology*
;
Vision Disorders/physiopathology*
9.Influencing factors for employment self-confidence in non-medical senior students in medical colleges and universities
Ao HUANG ; Jie LI ; Qianxi ZHANG ; Xiaoqiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(1):82-86
Objective:To investigate the influencing factors for employment self-confidence in non-medical senior students in medical colleges and universities, and to provide a reference for decision-making of student employment work in the employment guidance center of medical colleges and universities.Methods:Based on the valid questionnaire data of 519 non-medical senior students in medical colleges and universities, SPSS 26.0 was used to perform structural validity analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis.Results:Career orientation skills and college employment support were significantly and positively correlated with employment self-confidence ( r=0.52 and 0.47, both P<0.001). Career orientation skills had a positive influence on employment self-confidence ( β=0.38, P<0.001), and college employment support had a positive influence on employment self-confidence ( β=0.26, P<0.001), while negative emotions of the epidemic had no influence on employment self-confidence ( β=0.07, P>0.05). Conclusions:Medical colleges and universities need to pay more attention to the psychological aspects of employment in non-medical senior students, enhance their support for employment, and emphasize the development of career orientation skills for non-medical senior students, so as to improve their self-confidence in employment.
10.The role of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biosynthesis in the protection of AMPK agonist against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Yu Ao ; Xuyang Zhang ; Dan Tang ; Gongwei Liu ; Dan Huang ; Zhifang Cai
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1194-1203
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of PGC-1 α-mediated mitochondrial biosynthesis in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist anti-hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) .
Methods :
SD rats were randomly divided into Control group,HIRI group,HIRI + AICAR group,HIRI + SR-18292 group and HIRI + AICAR + SR-18292 group,with 8 rats in each group.The rats were intraperitoneally injected with AICAR (500 mg / kg) or SR-18292 (32 mg / kg) before operation,and then the HIRI model was established by non-invasive vascular clamp clamping method.The samples were taken 24 hours after reperfusion.The contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) ,superoxide dis- mutase (SOD) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in liver tissue were detected.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue.The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the changes of mitochondri- al membrane potential in liver tissue were detected by fluorescence probe.The copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the mitochondrial biosynthesis-related genes PGC-1 α, NRF1,TFAM,UQCRC2 and other mRNA ex- pression levels were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of AMPKα, p-AMPKα , mTOR , p-mTOR , PGC-1α and TFAM in liver tissue.
Results :
Compared with the control group,the levels of ALT and AST in serum and MDA and ROS in liver tissue of rats in HIRI group increased,while the levels of SOD and ATP decreased ( all P <0. 05) .At the same time,the mtDNA copy number,mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α , NRF1,TFAM,and UQCRC2 in liver tissues de- creased,and the protein ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM de- creased.The ratio of p-mTOR/ mTOR protein increased (both P<0. 05) .Compared with HIRI group,the levels of ALT and AST in serum and MDA and ROS in liver tissue of rats in HIRI + AICAR group decreased,while the levels of SOD and ATP increased ( all P <0. 05) .At the same time,the mtDNA copy number,mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α , NRF1,TFAM,and UQCRC2 in liver tissue increased,and the protein ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM increased.The ratio of p-mTOR/ mTOR protein decreased (both P<0. 05) .However,combined with SR-18292 intervention,the protective effect of AICAR on liver tissue of HIRI rats was significantly reversed.
Conclusion
PGC-1α mediated mitochondri- al biosynthesis is involved in the regulation of AMPK agonist-mediated protective effect of HIRI,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/ mTOR signaling pathway.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail