1.Key risk factors for mortality in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration: A 10-year single-center cohort study in China
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(2):125-130
摘要
目的 肝豆状核变性(又称Wilson病,WD)是由ATP7B基因突变引起的铜代谢紊乱疾病,常累及肝脏和中枢神经系统,严重者可致死。目前关于WD患者死亡原因及危险因素的系统研究较少。本研究旨在探讨WD患者的常见死亡原因及其危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2011年1月—2022年1月间安徽中医药大学神经病学研究所附属医院87例死亡WD患者和113例存活WD患者的临床资料,分析死亡原因,并通过Cox回归分析死亡危险因素。结果 死亡组年龄中位数为32.00(27.00,41.00)岁、病程中位数为144.00(72.00,228.00)个月,存活组年龄中位数为31.00(25.00,37.00)岁、病程中位数为132.00(72.00,214.00)个月。主要死亡原因包括肝衰竭(33例)、感染(23例)、猝死(8例)、消化道出血(8例)及肝癌(4例)等。死亡组与存活组在性别、起病形式、低铜饮食、肝脏B超分型、脾脏切除、临床分型、治疗方案及多项实验室指标(如白细胞计数、TB、Alb等)上差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素Cox回归显示,基线尿铜每增加100 μg/24 h(HR=1.22, 95%CI 1.11~1.34)与肝硬化(HR=2.55,95%CI 1.02~6.36)使死亡风险增加。结论 WD患者的主要死亡原因为肝衰竭,高水平基线尿铜和肝硬化显著增加死亡风险。尿铜水平达400 μg/24 h(参考值<100 μg/24 h)的患者死亡风险较基线增加3.8倍(HR=3.8,P<0.001)。研究结果为WD患者的预后评估和临床干预提供了重要依据。
Abstract
Objective Hepatolenticular degeneration(also know as Wilson disease ,WD) is a copper metabolic disorder caused by ATP7B gene mutation, often involving the liver and the central nervous system and leading to death in severe cases. At present, there is a lack of systematic studies on the cause of death and related risk factors in WD patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the common causes of death and related risk factors in WD patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 87 WD patients who died and 113 WD patients who survived in our hospital from January 2011 to January 2022. The common causes of death in WD patients were analyzed, and the Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for death. Results The death group had a median age of 32.00 (27.00,41.00) years and a median course of disease of 144.00 (72.00,228.00) months, and the survival group had a median age of 31.00 (25.00,37.00) years and a median course of disease of 132.00 (72.00,214.00) months. The main causes of death included liver failure (33 patients), infection (23 patients), sudden death (8 patients), gastrointestinal bleeding (8 patients), and liver cancer (4 patients). There were significant differences between the death group and the survival group in sex, pattern of disease onset, low copper diet, liver ultrasound classification, splenectomy, clinical classification, treatment regimens, and various laboratory markers (such as white blood cell count, total bilirubin, and albumin)(P<0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of death was doubled for every 100 μg/24 h increase in urinary copper at baseline (HR=1.22,95%CI 1.11-1.34) and the presence of liver cirrhosis (HR=2.55,95%CI 1.02-6.36). Conclusion Liver failure is the main cause of death in WD patients, and a high level of urinary copper at baseline and the presence of liver cirrhosis significantly increase the risk of death. The risk of death in patients with a urinary copper level of 400 μg/24 h (reference value<100 μg/24 h) was increased by 3.8 times compared with the value at baseline (HR=3.8,P<0.001).The results of this study provide an important basis for the prognosis evaluation and clinical intervention of WD patients.
2.Comparative Analysis of Vehicles for the Regeneration of Mouse Endometrial Damage Model
Ji Yeon HAN ; Yoon Young KIM ; Bo Bin CHOI ; Sung Woo KIM ; Seung-Yup KU
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2026;23(1):175-184
BACKGROUND:
Endometrial damage is a critical factor contributing to infertility, particularly in women with refractory thin endometrium or intrauterine adhesions. Therefore, developing innovative therapeutic strategies for endometrial regeneration is essential. This study evaluates the regenerative potential of endometrial stromal cell (EMSC) injection and EMSC-loaded patch application in a mouse model with ethanol-induced endometrial damage.
METHODS:
A mouse model of endometrial damage was established using ethanol injection into the uterine horn. EMSCs were isolated, cultured, and either HA-injected into the damaged endometrium or transplanted via a small intestinal submucosa (SIS)-based EMSC patch. Histological analyses were performed to assess endometrial thickness, gland regeneration, and fibrosis reduction.
RESULTS:
Both EMSC injection and SIS-based EMSC patch engraftment promoted endometrial regeneration. However, the SIS-based EMSC patch group exhibited significant improvements in endometrial thickness, gland formation, and fibrosis reduction compared to the EMSC injection group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the superior regenerative potential of an SIS-based EMSC patch over direct EMSC injection for endometrial repair. The findings suggest that scaffold-assisted cell therapy could be a promising approach for treating endometrial damage-related infertility. Further studies are required to optimize this strategy for clinical applications.
3.Effects and mechanisms of atomization on the transdermal delivery behavior of active ingredients with diverse properties
Yating CHEN ; Ruifang HAN ; Jing SHANG ; Xiang LI ; Bin CU ; Wenting SONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):332-340
This study systematically examined the effects of atomization as a transdermal permeation enhancer on the transdermal delivery of active ingredients with different physicochemical properties and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Porcine ear skin served as an in vitro model, and skin permeation experiments were conducted using Franz diffusion cells. Receptor fluids were collected at specific time points, and samples of the stratum corneum and viable epidermis–dermis were separated and prepared. Quantitative and visualization methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography, fluorescence derivatization, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, were used to compare skin retention and transdermal permeation of adenosine (AD), tranexamic acid (TXA), calcein (CAL), and tocopheryl acetate (TA) under atomized and non-atomized conditions. Additionally, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were employed to analyze the mechanism behind the penetration enhancement caused by atomization. The findings showed that atomization increased skin retention within the stratum corneum and viable epidermis–dermis, as well as the transdermal permeation of all four active ingredients to varying degrees. The most significant enhancement was observed for TXA, which has a relatively low molecular weight and moderate lipophilicity, while the enhancement effects for highly hydrophilic AD and highly lipophilic TA were comparatively limited; however, atomization significantly increased the skin retention of TA. TEWL results indicated that skin permeability increased within 4 hours after atomization and largely recovered within 8 hours. ATR-FTIR analysis suggested that atomization may facilitate transdermal delivery by disrupting the lipid order and keratin conformation in the stratum corneum.This study provides theoretical support and experimental references for the advancement of atomization transdermal delivery technology, as well as the design and development of related atomization products.
4.Clinical efficacy of valve surgery for infective endocarditis in 343 patients: A retrospective study in a single center
Shuanglei ZHAO ; Zhou LIU ; Bin WANG ; Zhaoqing SUN ; Mingxiu WEN ; Qianxian LI ; Yi HU ; Wenjian JIANG ; Jie HAN ; Jiangang WANG ; Ming GONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1133-1139
Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of valve surgeries for infective endocarditis and the affecting factors, and compare the early- and long-term postoperative outcomes of different surgery approaches. Methods The patients with infective endocarditis who underwent valve replacement/valvuloplasty in our hospital from 2010 to 2022 were retrospectively collected. The clinical data of the patients were analyzed. Results A total of 343 patients were enrolled, including 197 patients with mechanical valve replacement, 62 patients with bioprosthetic valve replacement, and 84 patients with valvuloplasty. There were 238 males and 105 females with an average age of (44.2±14.8) years. Single-valve endocarditis was present in 200 (58.3%) patients, and multivalve involvement was present in 143 (41.7%) patients. Sixty (17.5%) patients had suffered thrombosis before surgery, including cerebral embolisms in 32 patients. The mean follow-up time was (60.6±43.8) months. Early mortality within one month after the surgery occurred in 17 (5.0%) patients, while later mortality occurred in 19 (5.5%) patients. Eight (2.3%) patients underwent postoperative dialysis, 13 (3.8%) patients suffered postoperative stroke, 6 patients underwent reoperation, and 3 patients suffered recurrence of infective endocarditis. Smoking (P=0.002), preoperative embolisms (P=0.001), duration of surgery (P=0.001), and postoperative dialysis (P=0.001) were risk factors for early mortality, and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥60% (P=0.022) was protective factor for early mortality. New York Heart Association classification Ⅲ-Ⅳ (P=0.010) and ≥3 valve procedures (P=0.028) were risk factors for late mortality. The rate of composite endpoint events was significantly lower in the valvuloplasty group than that in the valve replacement group. Conclusion For patients with infective endocarditis, smoking and preoperative embolisms are associated with high postoperative mortality, multiple-valve surgery is associated with a poorer prognosis, and valvuloplasty has advantages over valve replacement and should be attempted in the surgical management of patients with infective endocarditis.
5.Exploring Quality Makers of Xiaoqinglong Granules in Treating Bronchial Asthma Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process-entropy Weight Method, Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Huijuan XIE ; Zhuqian TANG ; Dan HU ; Yingbi XU ; Li HAN ; Bin YANG ; Hua LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):192-200
ObjectiveTo investigate the quality markers of Xiaoqinglong granules(XQLG) for treating bronchial asthma using the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM), network pharmacology and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) content determination. MethodsEffectiveness, testability and peculiarity component data of XQLG in treating bronchial asthma were constructed through database retrieval, literature review, and network pharmacology. Subsequently, AHP-EWM was used to quantitatively identify and weight the control layer and element layer, the relevant compounds were selected as candidate quality markers based on comprehensive scores. Further comparison of reference substances and establishment of HPLC content determination method were used to determine the potential quality markers of XQLG, which were verified by molecular docking with disease targets. ResultsA total of 13 components, including glycyrrhizic acid, paeoniflorin, schisandrol A, isoliquiritigenin, 6-gingerol, ephedrine, liquiritin, albiflorin, liquiritigenin, 6-shogaol, pseudoephedrine, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde, were identified as potential quality markers of XQLG by AHP-EWM. Quantitative analysis indicated that all aforementioned quality markers could be detected in 13 batches of XQLG, indicating that it had stable testability as a quality marker. Among these 13 batches of samples, ephedrine and paeoniflorin exhibited good consistency in content, while pseudoephedrine and cinnamaldehyde showed poor consistency. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the 13 compounds exhibited binding energies with the core targets -2.11 kcal·mol-1, indicating that the 13 compounds could spontaneously bind to the disease targets, which may be the material basis for the treatment of bronchial asthma with XQLG. ConclusionIn this study, 13 compounds were screened by AHP-EWM combined with network pharmacology and HPLC as quality markers for the treatment of bronchial asthma by XQLG, laying the foundation for enhancing the quality standards of this preparation.
6.Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Drug Targets
Han CHANG ; Meng-Xiang ZHAO ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; Bin-Bin YING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2512-2534
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide, accounting for more than 90% of all oral cancers, and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia are the main precancerous lesions lesions, with oral leukoplakia being the most common. Both OSCC and premalignant lesions are closely associated with aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways. Post-translational modifications (such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination) play key roles in regulating these pathways by controlling protein stability and activity. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulated ubiquitination/deubiquitination can mediate OSCC initiation and progression via aberrant activation of signaling pathways. The ubiquitination/deubiquitination process mainly involves E3 ligases (E3s) that catalyze substrate ubiquitination, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that remove ubiquitin chains, and the 26S proteasome complex that degrades ubiquitinated substrates. Abnormal expression or mutation of E3s and DUBs can lead to altered stability of critical tumor-related proteins, thereby driving OSCC initiation and progression. Therefore, understanding the aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC and the ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms within these pathways will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms and improve OSCC treatment by targeting relevant components. Here, we summarize four aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC―the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Hippo pathway, and canonical NF-κB pathway―and systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination/deubiquitination within these pathways, along with potential drug targets. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly activated in approximately 70% of OSCC cases. It is modulated by E3s (e.g., FBXW7 and NEDD4) and DUBs (e.g., USP7 and USP10): FBXW7 and USP10 inhibit signaling, while NEDD4 and USP7 potentiate it. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway leads to β‑catenin nuclear translocation and induction of cell proliferation. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., c-Cbl and RNF43) and DUBs (e.g., USP9X and USP20): c-Cbl and RNF43 inhibit signaling, while USP9X and USP20 potentiate it. Hippo pathway inactivation permits YAP/TAZ to enter the nucleus and promotes cancer cell metastasis. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., CRL4DCAF1 and SIAH2) and DUBs (e.g., USP1 and USP21): CRL4DCAF1 and SIAH2 inhibit signaling, while USP1 and USP21 potentiate it. Persistent activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., TRAF6 and LUBAC) and DUBs (e.g., A20 and CYLD): A20 and CYLD inhibit signaling, while TRAF6 and LUBAC potentiate it. Targeting these E3s and DUBs provides directions for OSCC drug research. Small-molecule inhibitors such as YCH2823 (a USP7 inhibitor), GSK2643943A (a USP20 inhibitor), and HOIPIN-8 (a LUBAC inhibitor) have shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical models; PROTAC molecules, by binding to surface sites of target proteins and recruiting E3s, achieve targeted ubiquitination and degradation of proteins insensitive to small-molecule inhibitors, for example, PU7-1-mediated USP7 degradation, offering new strategies to overcome traditional drug limitations. Currently, NX-1607 (a Cbl-b inhibitor) has entered phase I clinical trials, with preliminary results confirming its safety and antitumor activity. Future research on aberrant E3s and DUBs in OSCC and the development of highly specific inhibitors will be of great significance for OSCC precision therapy.
7.Investigation and analysis on the improvement of drug instructions based on the medication needs of parents of pediatric patients
Yilu WANG ; Rong DUAN ; Bin HAN ; Hengjie YUAN ; Zhengxiang LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2845-2849
OBJECTIVE To analyze the medication needs of parents of pediatric children in our hospital regarding drug instructions, and explore improvement strategies, thereby providing a basis for clinically guiding the rational use of drugs in pediatric patients. METHODS A self-designed questionnaire was used to randomly select the parents of pediatric patients in the pediatric outpatient and emergency departments of our hospital from July 1st to September 30th, 2024. A randomized face-to-face survey was conducted regarding their willingness to read drug instructions, their current understanding status, and their needs. The survey results were then statistically analyzed. RESULTS A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed in this survey, and 299 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 99.7%. Before medication, the parents who “always” and “often” read the drug instructions in detail accounted for 39.1% (117 respondents) and 35.1% (105 respondents), respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed in the willingness to read drug instructions among respondents with varying educational levels and occupations (P<0.05). Among the 299 respondents, only 48 people (16.1%)“ fully understood” the drug instructions, and the average understanding score of all the respondents was (3.77±0.83) points. The stronger the respondents’ willingness to read drug instructions, the higher their understanding scores of drug instructions (P<0.05). A total of 256 respondents thought that drug instructions were of great help to themselves, and the average helpfulness rating score of all the respondents was (4.28±0.78) points. Under the conditions of varying ages, educational levels, occupations, and willingness to read drug instructions, statistically significant differences were observed in the scores representing the degree of helpfulness of drug instructions to the respondents (P<0.05). Respondents paid the most attention to content in drug instructions such as “dosage and administration method”,“ adverse reactions”, and “indications and therapeutic categories”. The most difficult sections for them to understand included “chemical structure and properties”, “pharmacological and toxicological effects” , and “pharmacokinetics”, etc. The demographic characteristics of the respondents were not significantly associated with the content areas of drug instructions they most desired to see improved (P>0.05). Most respondents (86.0%) hoped to improve the instructions mainly by “simplifying professional terms to make them more accessible”. Others included “highlighting key information” (60.5%) and “providing more detailed medication guidance” (49.2%), etc. CONCLUSIONS Parents of pediatric patients in our hospital have a high demand for drug instructions but low comprehension. The pharmacy department should make targeted improvements to drug instructions based on parents’ actual needs, helping them accurately obtain medication knowledge and reduce potential medication safety risks.
8.Analysis of the demands for pharmaceutical clinic service and influential factors based on Kano model
Han SHAN ; Xuan YE ; Zihan GUO ; Jing WU ; Jinwei HU ; Xiaopei TONG ; Yufei BIN ; Jiyong LIU ; Qiong DU ; Mengmeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2850-2855
OBJECTIVE To explore the characteristics and influential factors of pharmaceutical clinic service demands, providing evidence for optimizing pharmaceutical service models and facilitating pharmaceutical service models of pharmacist role transformation. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and 410 outpatient participants were selected from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center through convenience sampling for questionnaire administration from February to May 2025. Kano model was applied to analyze the demand attributes of 25 pharmaceutical services, while questionnaires were used to assess patients’ awareness and demand status. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on key demographic variables such as gender, age, educational attainment, and economic burdens, to SACA- systematically examine the differences in Kano attribute classification among patients in each subgroup. RESULTS The awareness rate of pharmaceutical outpatient services among patients was only 14.63%, yet those who were aware demonstrated a significantly higher demand rate for such services compared to those who were unaware (P<0.001). The demand for pharmaceutical clinic services exhibited a hierarchical characteristic: twelve items were identified as attractive attributes (e. g., providing suggestions for more affordable treatment options, offering online consultation services, etc.), five items as expected attributes (e.g., having a good attitude and being able to patiently answer your questions, etc.), three items as must-have attributes (e.g., providing guidance on medication dosage and usage, providing guidance on medication precautions, etc.), five items as indifferent attributes (e.g., providing treatment plan recommendations based on the patient’s condition). There were zero items classified as reverse attribute. Subgroup analysis revealed that female patients showed greater concern for “neat and clean attire of medical staff” than male patients (P<0.001); patients under 60 years of age demonstrated stronger demand for “providing treatment plan recommendations based on patients’ conditions” compared to patients aged 60 or above (P=0.016); those with below high school education placed greater emphasis on “providing guidance on medication precautions” compared to those with a high school education or above (P=0.011); patients with lower economic burdens exhibited stronger preferences for “neat and clean attire of medical staff ” (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The public awareness rate of pharmaceutical clinic services is considerably low; however, those who are aware of such services demonstrate significantly higher demand. The medication safety-related services and convenience-oriented demands should be prioritized in the development of pharmaceutical clinics. Moreover, the study also revealed that factors such as gender, age, educational level, and economic burdens exert significant influences on patients’ service demands.
9.Advances in research of pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Ya-Nan WANG ; Ling REN ; Wei HAN ; Bin SUN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):632-640
Alzheimer's disease(AD),a major cause of dementia,is a common neurodegenerative disease,beginning with memory loss and difficulties with thinking,language and problem-solving skills.Intensification of population aging and the increasing incidence of AD have imposed a heavy burden on healthcare systems.Currently,the main pathological explanation remains the excessive accumulation of β-amyloid plaques,formation of neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal loss,but the true etiology and pathogenesis of AD remain unknown.The advances of research in AD,with respect to genetics,pathophysiological mechanism,imaging diagnosis and laboratory diagnosis,are reviewed in this article,aiming to provide references for relevant research and potential clinical applications.
10.Fat percentage and muscle mass in three nomadic populations in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province
Yuan HAN ; Yun BAI ; Yong-Lan LI ; Lian-Bin ZHENG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(1):105-113
Objective To reveal the development characteristics of fat percentage and muscle mass in three nomadic populations in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu.Methods Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to determine the values of 13 indexes of fat percentage and muscle mass in 263 cases of Gansu Kazakhs,400 cases of Gansu Mongols,and 362 cases of Yugu adults.Results In the three nomadic populations of the Hexi Corridor,visceral fat level of males was significantly positively correlated with age,while total body muscle mass and estimated bone mass were significantly negatively correlated with age.In females,percent body fat,visceral fat grade,percent left and right upper limb fat,percent right lower limb fat and percent trunk fat were all significantly positively correlated with age,while trunk muscle mass was significantly negatively correlated with age.The result of principal component analysis showed that the three nomadic populations in the Hexi Corridor were close to each other in terms of fat percentage and muscle mass characteristics,with high visceral fat grades in males and normal visceral fat grade in females.Among the 13 populations,three nomadic groups in the Hexi Corridor had high fat percentage and muscle mass.Overall,the nomadic population had greater fat percentage and muscle mass than the semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral population,and even more significantly greater than the agrarian population.The long-term integration of the historical Hexi Corridor populations result ed in the relative proximity of the genetic structure of three nomadic populations,which was a genetic factor for the proximity of their fat percentage and muscle mass.Higher per capita disposable income was a socio-economic factor for high fat percentage and muscle mass among Gansu Kazakhs and Gansu Mongolians.Low average annual temperature was an environmental factor for high muscle mass among Gansu Kazakhs and Yugus.Conclusion Gansu Kazakhs,Gansu Mongols,and Yugus have the fat percentage and muscle mass characteristic of northern Chinese populations.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail