1.Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside on renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy
Chong ZHANG ; Chundong SONG ; Mo WANG ; Shuang LIANG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Peijia LI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):815-819
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TWM) on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats through tumor protein p53/microRNA-214 (miR-214)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) axis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=6) and modeling group (n=28); the modeling group was fed with high fat and high glucose plus intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish DN model. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, valsartan group [8.33 mg/(kg·d)] and TWM group[6.25 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each group were gavaged with the corresponding medication or normal saline, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, liver and renal function indexes [24 h urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT)], blood lipid indexes (triglycerides, total cholesterol) and blood glucose index (fasting blood glucose) in urine/blood sample of rats were detected in each group. Renal pathologic change was observed, protein and mRNA expressions of p53, ULK1, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and expression of miR-214 in renal tissue were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the renal tubular epithelium of rats in the model group showed obvious edema, cell swelling, accompanied by lymphocyte infiltration; the levels of 24h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 in rats in the model group and administration groups were significantly increased or up-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the histopathological damage of the kidney in rats was improved in administration groups; the levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 were all significantly decreased or down-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TG can alleviate renal damage in DN rats, and improve their liver and renal function, as well as glucose and lipid levels. These effects may be related to the regulation of the p53/miR-214/ULK1 axis and the restoration of cellular autophagy.
2.Factors influencing mental health of medical students based on an ecological systems theory perspective
XU Chenchen, WU Ruoxiu, WANG Lizhu, LI Moxuan, ZHANG Zhihao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):402-405
Objective:
To analyze factors impacting mental health status of medical students based on ecological systems theory, so as to provide reference for the mental health promotion system for medical students.
Methods:
In June 2024, 1 760 medical school students randomly selected from 19 different kinds of medical colleges in eastern China by stratified cluster were surveyed using questionnaires and expert interviews. Descriptive statistics, cross analysis, hierarchical linear regression analysis, structural equation models were used for data analysis.
Results:
Medical school students had higher satisfaction with the school (65.85%) and a great sense of perceived social support (57.16%). Furthermore, 91.14% of the students had normal interpersonal relationships. However, 44.89% reported that their mental health was impacted by high level of depression. The hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that the mental health outcomes of the medical students were positively predicted by higher perceived social support scores ( β =-11.40), institutional satisfaction ( β =-4.85 ), and lower help seeking stigma scores ( β =9.31) ( P <0.05). The structural equation modeling showed that the status of both perceived social support and self help seeking stigma had significant impacts on depression severity ( β =-0.32, -0.53) and interpersonal relationship sensitivity ( β =-0.31, 0.58) among medical students ( P <0.01).Through expert interviews, collaborations between the school and the tripartite organization (families, universities and society) was of growing importance.
Conclusions
Perceived social support and self stigma have a significant impact on the mental health status of medical students. The problem of self stigma of medical students should be paid attention to. Therefore, families, universities and society should work together to improve the mental health of medical students.
3.Study on the 90-day Feeding Experimental Background Data of SD Rats for Drug Safety Evaluation
Chao QIN ; Shuangxing LI ; Tingting ZHAO ; Chenchen JIANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Yanwei YANG ; Zhi LIN ; Sanlong WANG ; Hairuo WEN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):439-448
ObjectiveTo establish background data for a 90-day feeding trial of SD rats to ensure the reliability of research data. MethodsBackground data from six independent 90-day feeding trials of SD rats conducted by the National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs from 2020 to 2023 were summarized. These studies involved a blank control group of 120 SPF-grade 4-week-old SD rats, with an equal number of males and females, which were only given standard full-nutrient pelleted rat feed. After the quarantine period, the animals were observed for an additional 90 days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of Zoletil (50 mg/mL) for anesthesia, blood sampling, euthanasia, and necropsy. By analyzing the data from the blank control group, a relevant background database for SD rats was established. ResultsBoth male and female rats exhibited steady weight gain, with a more pronounced increase in male rats. Within 90 days, the average body weight of male and female rats increased to over 500 g and 300 g, respectively. Three weeks later, the average daily food intake of male rats stabilized at approximately 25~28 g per rat, while that of female rats remained stable at approximately 16~19 g per rat. The food utilization rate of all animals gradually decreased from the first week of the experiment. In the white blood cell (WBC) differential count results, significant differences were observed in the counts of WBCs, neutrophils (Neut), lymphocytes (Lymph), and monocytes (Mono) between males and females (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the percentages of neutrophil (%Neut), lymphocyte (%Lymph), and monocyte (%Mono) between the sexes (P>0.05). The average red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were higher in male animals than in female animals (P<0.05). The average values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose (GLU), and triglyceride (TG) in male rats were higher than those in female rats (P<0.05). The urinary pH range for male animals was 5.0 to 8.5, while for female animals it was 6.5 to 9.0. The majority of male animals had a urinary specific gravity lower than 1.020, and the majority of female animals had a urinary specific gravity lower than 1.015. The weights of various organs (excluding the adrenal glands and reproductive organs) in male animals were heavier than those in female animals (P<0.001), while the organ/body weight ratios (excluding the kidneys and reproductive organs) of female animals were higher than those of male animals (P<0.001). ConclusionThis study summarizes the background reference ranges for body weight, food intake, hematology, and serum biochemistry indicators in SPF-grade SD rats in the untreated control group from six 90-day feeding trials conducted by the National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs. It provides important reference data for related research. By summarizing the background and spontaneous histopathological changes in rats, this study aids in the standardization and normalization of subsequent research, as well as in the evaluation and analysis of abnormal results.
4.A deep learning model for the diagnosis of first-episode schizophrenia and grading of EEG abnormalities using EEG signals
Lili SHUI ; Chenchen LIU ; Yumin LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):308-314
BackgroundSchizophrenia is a highly heterogeneous disease with different clinical subtypes. Artificial intelligence technology represented by deep learning models has provided considerable benefits for the electroencephalogram (EEG)-based schizophrenia diagnosis, treatment and research, however, to date little research has been conducted regarding any of these benefits among Chinese schizophrenic patients. ObjectiveTo investigate the application of deep learning techniques utilizing EEG parameters for the diagnosis of first-episode schizophrenia and grading of EEG abnormalities in patients, with the aim of contributing to improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies for the disorder. MethodsFrom January 2020 to January 2023, a total of 130 patients with first-episode schizophrenia who met the diagnostic criteria of International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10), and attended at the Third People's Hospital of Fuyang, along with 150 health checkup examinees, were enrolled. All of them underwent EEG examination. An optimized long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning model was developed utilizing EEG signals. Ten-fold cross-validation method was employed to evaluate the model's performance. The dataset was then split into two components: a training set (90%) for LSTM model development and a test set (10%) for validation. The accuracy, recall rate, precision, F1-score, schizophrenia diagnosis and EEG abnormality grading were used as evaluation indicators, and the results of the proposed model were compared to the assessments made by experienced psychiatrists. ResultsFor schizophrenia diagnosis, the modeling group achieved the following performance metrics: precision (94.40±3.03)%, recall rate (94.30±3.23)%, accuracy (94.60±2.22)%, and F1-score (94.20±2.20)%. In the validation group, the corresponding metrics were precision (90.90±2.85)%, recall rate (92.20±1.14)%, accuracy (92.20±1.69)%, and F1-score (91.50±1.78)%. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the LSTM diagnostic model and the experienced psychiatrists in terms of precision, recall rate, accuracy, and F1-score for schizophrenia diagnosis (χ2=1.500, 0.750, 2.722, 1.056, P>0.05). The modeling group demonstrated an accuracy rate of (91.71±1.73)% in grading EEG abnormalities. For Grade 1 abnormalities, the modeling group reported a precision of (96.40±2.39)%, a recall rate of (94.77±1.40)%, and an F1-score of (95.55±1.14)%. In the case of Grade 2 abnormalities, the precision was (85.89±2.04)%, the recall rate was (88.10±6.18)%, and the F1-score was (87.06±3.12)%. For the more severe Grade 3 abnormalities, the modeling group's precision was (79.61±7.33)%, the recall rate was (81.79±9.87)%, and the F1-score was (80.41±6.79)%. Additionally, the validation group exhibited an accuracy rate of (85.61±6.16)%. The precision, recall rate, and F1-score for Grade 1 abnormalities were (91.43±6.25)%, (92.64±9.65)% and (91.56±4.83)%, respectively. For Grade 2 abnormalities, these metrics were (71.17±19.02)%, (77.64±17.24)% and (71.88±11.33)%. In the case of Grade 3 abnormalities, the precision was (90.00±21.08)%, the recall rate was (80.00±25.82)%, and the F1-score was (81.67±19.95)%. There was no significant difference in the accuracy, recall, accuracy and F1 value between LSTM model and senior doctors in evaluating the abnormal degree of EEG in schizophrenia (χ2=0.098, 0.036, 0.020, 0.336, P>0.05). The LSTM model takes less time to diagnose schizophrenia and EEG abnormalities than senior doctors, and the differences were statistically significant (t=57.147, 43.104, P<0.01). ConclusionThe study utilizes an EEG-based LSTM deep learning model for diagnosing first-episode schizophrenia and grading EEG abnormalities, and the model not only matches the performance of experienced psychiatrists but also significantly reduces the time required for diagnosis.
5.A nomogram prediction model for poor outcome in patients with minor ischemic stroke
Chenchen LI ; Jiaxuan LI ; Ziwei CAO ; Xiaolu HE ; Xiangzhu FAN ; Chi ZHANG
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(4):241-246
Objective:To develop and evaluate a nomogram prediction model for poor outcome in patients with minor acute ischemic stroke (MIS) at 90 days after onset.Methods:Patients with MIS admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Hefei from January 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. At 90 days after onset, the modified Rankin Scale was used for outcome evaluation. <2 points were defined as good outcome and ≥2 points were defined as poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for poor outcome, and a nomogram prediction model was developed based on these factors. Results:A total of 177 patients with MIS were included, of which 61 (34.46%) had poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio [ OR] 3.484, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.378-8.810; P=0.008), diabetes ( OR 2.936, 95% CI 1.301-6.625; P=0.009), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission ( OR 2.936, 95% CI 1.027-1.709; P=0.031) and systolic blood pressure at admission ( OR 1.083, 95% CI 1.053-1.115; P<0.001) were the independent risk factors for poor outcome. The established nomogram prediction model had a C-index of 0.828 and the area under the curve was 0.841 (95% CI 0.778-0.891). The calibration curve fitted well with the ideal curve. The clinical decision curve showed that the model had stronger clinical applicability. Conclusions:Hypertension, diabetes, NIHSS score and systolic blood pressure at admission are independent risk factors for poor outcome of patients with MIS. The nomogram based on the above factors has higher discriminative power and clinical value for predicting poor outcome in patients with MIS.
6.Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke depression
Xiangzhu FAN ; Chenchen LI ; Ziwei CAO ; Xiaolu HE ; Fei LI ; Zhi ZHANG
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(5):374-379
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is an important mental complication of stroke, affecting nearly 1/3 of stroke patients, seriously affecting patients' functional recovery and quality of life, and is associated with increased mortality of stroke patients. Traditional antidepressant treatments include medication and psychotherapy, but there may be problems with adverse reactions, tolerance, or limited effectiveness. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as a non-invasive neuroregulatory technique, offers a new treatment option for patients with PSD. This article reviews the application of rTMS in the treatment of PSD and its possible mechanism.
7.Clinical application cases and analysis of narrative medical records within care community
Fei LI ; Jianli WANG ; Menglan LIN ; Ying ZHENG ; Xiaoyan DAI ; Chenchen SUN ; Xiaohong NING
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(7):817-821
Objective:This study focuses on the use of narrative medical records in palliative care teams and analyzes text from cases.The goal is to establish a foundation for standardizing and structuring narrative content, providing guidance for incorporating future narratives into medical record writing.Methods:Three cases of narrative medical records from the palliative care team at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were chosen for text analysis to demonstrate the clinical significance of narrative medical records within palliative care teams.These records included medical consultation records, social work service records, and disease progress records, authored by nurses, social workers, and doctors, respectively.Results:Our study discovered that narrative medical records demonstrate traits such as structured writing, cooperative writing, and comprehensive documentation.Furthermore, the narrative information contained in these records can be efficiently organized and condensed.Conclusions:By examining the cases and utilization of narrative medical records in the healthcare community, we emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating narrative elements into existing medical documentation.These results offer valuable insights for enhancing medical education in the future.
8.Role of CD8 + T cells in lethal Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection
Tong LYU ; Yuzhi CHANG ; Feifei LI ; Chenchen ZHANG ; Yaming CAO ; Hui FENG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(7):620-628
Objective:To investigate the role of CD8 + T cells in lethal Plasmodium yoelii 17XL ( Py 17XL) infection. Methods:BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice were infected with Py 17XL-infected red blood cells (1×10 6 cells/0.1 ml) through intraperitoneal injection to establish the mouse models of Py 17XL infection. Parasitemia (the percentage of erythrocytes infected with Py 17XL) and the survival rates of the mice was observed dynamically. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of effector T cells (T EFF) and central memory T cells (T CM) of CD8 + T cell subpopulations, the expression of IFN-γ and granzyme B (GB) levels, and the expression of surface chemokine receptors CXCR3, CXCR6 and CX3CR1. FTY720 blocking experiment was conducted on Py 17XL-infected C57BL/6 mice to analyze the impact of CD8 + T cell migration on Py 17XL infection. Results:The parasitemia of BALB/c mice increased rapidly 5 d after infection and reached the peak on 8 d [(79.57±3.82)%]. Besides, the parasitemia was higher in BALB/c mice than in C57BL/6 mice 5-8 d after infection ( P<0.000 1). All BALB/c mice died on 9 d. The parasitemia of C57BL/6 mice reached the peak on 14 d [(48.19±3.19)%] and then decreased to 0 on 26 d. There was statistically significant difference in the survival rate between the two groups ( P<0.000 1). Flow cytometry results showed that compared with the BALB/c mice, the absolute number of CD8 + T cells in spleen and liver tissues and the number of CD8 + T EFF and CD8 + T CM cells in spleen and lymph nodes of C57BL/6 mice increased significantly ( P<0.05). Compared with the BALB/c mice, the levels of GB, IFN-γ and chemokines expressed by CD8 + T cells in spleen and liver tissues of C57BL/6 mice increased significantly ( P<0.05). The FTY720 blocking experiment showed that the survival rate, the absolute number of CD8 + T cells in liver and spleen, and the number of CD8 + CXCR3 + T cells decreased significantly in the experimental group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:CD8 + T EFF and CD8 + T CM cells contribute to resistance against Py 17XL infection by secreting GB and IFN-γ. The chemokine receptor CXCR3 plays an important role in mediating the chemotaxis of CD8 + T cells to spleen and liver.
9.Effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac function and inflammatory factors of patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(13):60-63,72
Objective To investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac function and inflammatory factors of patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM)with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF).Methods A total of 100 T2DM patients with PAF treated in Bengbu First People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected and divided into control group and observation group according to the treatment plan,with 50 cases in each group.Patients in both groups were given conventional treatment,and patients in observation group were given dapagliflozin on the basis of conventional treatment.Both groups were treated for 6 months.The cardiac function indexes and serum inflammatory factors were compared between two groups before and after treatment.Results After 6 months of treatment,left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and left atrium diameter(LAD)in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)was significantly higher than that before treatment,and serum hypersensitive C-reaction protein(hsCRP),interleukin-6(IL-6)and monocyte to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio(MHR)were significantly lower than before treatment(P<0.05).LVEDD and LAD in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group,LVEF was significantly higher than those in control group,serum hsCRP,IL-6 and MHR were significantly lower than those in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dapagliflozin can significantly improve the cardiac function and reduce the level of inflammatory factors in T2DM patients with PAF,which has good clinical application value.
10.Effect of extracts from Balanophora involucrata Hook.f.on metabolic dys-function-associated fatty liver disease based on gut microbiota-FXR axis
Fengqin LI ; Lu TANG ; Chengnuo WANG ; Hui LU ; Zhenhua WU ; Xin LIU ; Chenchen JIA ; Rong YUE ; Fengjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(9):1660-1667
AIM:To investigate the effects of Balanophora involucrata Hook.f.(BIH)extracts on bile acid metabolism and liver injury in mice with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)through the gut mi-crobiota-farnesoid X receptor(FXR)axis,and to explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Forty C57BL mice were randomly divided into control group,MAFLD model group,medium-dose BIH group,and high-dose BIH group.The mice in control group received a regular diet,while those in other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce MAFLD.The mice in medium-and high-dose BIH groups received 0.598 and 0.299 g/kg BIH solution,respectively,while those in control and MAFLD groups received an equivalent volume of normal saline.Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer.Liver morphology,steatosis and fibrosis were assessed by HE,oil red O and Masson staining.Levels of TC,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in liver tissues,and bile acids in serum and ileum tissues were measured by ELISA.Protein expression of FXR and fibroblast growth factor 15(FGF15)in ileum tissues,and FXR,small heterodimer partner(SHP)and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1)in liver tissues were analyzed by Western blot.Intestinal microbiota changes were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.RESULTS:(1)The MAFLD mice exhibited increased serum TC,TG,LDL-C and bile acid levels,liver TC,TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and lipid deposition.However,BIH intervention improved these factors and increased FXR and SHP pro-teins,but decreased CYP7A1 expression in the liver.The protein levels FXR and FGF15 in the ileum were also elevated.(2)Intestinal flora analysis demonstrated that BIH intervention improved the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in MAFLD mice.Specifically,there was an increase in Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and a decrease in Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia.At the genus level,abundance of Duncaniella,Muribaculum and Paramuribaculum increased,while He-licobacter decreased.CONCLUSION:Treatment with BIH regulates intestinal flora,decreases FXR levels,enhances CYP7A1 expression,promotes bile acid synthesis,reduces hepatic cholesterol accumulation,and attenuates liver steato-sis and inflammation in MAFLD mice,indicating potential therapeutic effects.


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