1.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
2.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
3.Association of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):65-69
Objective:
To explore the effects of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents, so as to provide a reference basis for precise interventions of junior and senior high school students mental health.
Methods:
In October 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 9 034 students aged 12-17 from Shiyan City as the study subjects. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used to collect information on sleep quality and psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Between group comparison was conducted by using t-test and Chi-square test. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the interaction and joint effects of personality and sleep quality on psychological distress.
Results:
The generalized linear model analysis showed that the interaction between personality and sleep quality on psychological distress was statistically significant of junior and senior high school students(effect size=0.80, P <0.01). The general linear model analysis indicated that, after adjusting for variables such as age, gender, screen time, and daily sitting time with the extroverted and good sleep quality group as the reference, the introverted and poor sleep quality group had the largest mean difference in psychological distress scores (difference=0.51, P <0.05). When stratified by sleep quality, psychological distress scores were higher in the introverted and neutral personality groups with both poor and good sleep quality compared to the extroverted group (poor sleep quality: introverted difference=3.71, neutral difference=1.14; good sleep quality: introverted difference=2.23, neutral difference=0.57, all P < 0.05). When stratified by personality, psychological distress scores were higher in the poor sleep quality groups for introverted, neutral, and extroverted individuals compared to their good sleep quality counterparts (differences=8.66, 7.83, 7.34, all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Personality and sleep quality have interactive and joint effects on psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Personalized psychological interventions should be developed based on personality and sleep quality.
4.Cage design-centric glider approach to full-endoscopic lumbar fusion: optimizing nerve root protection in facet-sparing and facet-resecting techniques
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):343-353
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.
5.Incidence and epidemic characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province from 2018 to 2023
Lingyun YUAN ; Min YANG ; Guo CHEN ; Minggang LI ; Yuanhui CHEN ; Hao ZOU ; Yarong QU ; Li YANG ; Huan JIAO
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):215-220
Objective:To study the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province.Methods:From 2018 to 2023, data on tsutsugamushi disease cases reported by various medical institutions at all levels in Ankang City were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. At the same time, individual epidemiological investigation of reported cases was carried out, and electronic medical records of patients were retrieved to verify their diagnosis. In 2023, the rodents and chigger mites were monitored in 3 townships with high incidence of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City by night clamping method, and the chigger mites rate and chigger mites index were calculated. Blood, liver, spleen and kidney samples of rodents were collected, DNA of blood and organ mixture was extracted, and quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect Orientia tsutsugamushi. Results:A total of 330 cases of tsutsugamushi disease were reported in Ankang City from 2018 to 2023, and the reported incidence rate increased from 0.56/100 000 in 2018 to 5.02/100 000 in 2023. Among them, 139 were males and 191 were females, with a sex ratio of 0.73∶1.00. The age was mainly 45 - 70 years old, accounting for 81.52% (269/330). The occupation was mainly farmers, accounting for 86.97% (287/330). The onset time was mainly concentrated from April to October, with a total of 317 cases, accounting for 96.06% (317/330). The main clinical manifestations were fever (93.20%, 274/294), ulcer or eschar (75.85%, 223/294), headache (44.56%, 131/294), and lymph node enlargement (44.22%, 130/294). The misdiagnosis rate at the first diagnosis was 73.81% (217/294). A total of 452 rodents were captured, of which 91 rodents carried chigger mites, and chigger mites rate was 20.13% (91/452). A total of 1 463 chigger mites were captured, and the chigger mites index was 3.24 (1 463/452). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on blood and organ mixture samples collected from 452 rodents, and one of the organ mixture samples tested positive for Orientia tsutsugamushi. Conclusions:The incidence of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City is relatively high, and the overall incidence is on the rise. The cases are mainly female, middle-aged and elderly, and farmers, with a high misdiagnosis rate at the first diagnosis. There are chigger mites in rodents in townships with high incidence of tsutsugamushi disease.
6.Risk factors for postoperative recurrence in solitary fibrous tumor of the central nervous system
Min GUO ; Anqi CHEN ; Huizhen LU ; Yongfei HAO ; Dandan LI ; Yingjuan CHANG ; Xing TANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1614-1618
Objective To explore the imaging data and pathological factors affecting the postoperative recurrence of solitary fibrous tumor(SFT)of the central nervous system.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 40 patients with SFT confirmed by pathology.All patients were divided into recurrence group(n=12)and non-recurrence group(n=28)based on the follow-up results.Univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to screen the risk factors of recurrence,and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the recurrence-free survival(RFS)among different groups.Results Univariate analysis showed that the Ki-67 index in the recurrence group was significantly higher than that in the non-recurrence group(median 38.5%vs 10.0%,P<0.001),and the proportion of WHO grade 3 was higher than that in the non-recurrence group(66.67%vs 7.14%,P<0.001).MRI features were significantly associated with recurrence,including the maximum diameter of the tumor[(6.63±1.10)cm vs(4.16±1.64)cm,P<0.001],peritumoral edema(91.67%vs 28.57%,P<0.001),and midline structure shift(83.33%vs 17.86%,P<0.001).Multivariate analysis suggested that the risk of recurrence increased by 122%for each 1 cm increase in the maximum diameter of the tumor[hazard ratio(HR)=2.22,95%confidence interval(CI)1.33-3.72],and by 27%for each 1%increase in the Ki-67 index(HR=1.27,95%CI 1.02-1.61),respectively.Conclusion MRI features such as maximum diameter of the tumor,significant peritumoral edema,and midline structure shift should be alert to high recurrence risk,and with pathological grading and Ki-67 index,it can provide significant basis for prognosis evaluation.
7.Incidence and epidemic characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province from 2018 to 2023
Lingyun YUAN ; Min YANG ; Guo CHEN ; Minggang LI ; Yuanhui CHEN ; Hao ZOU ; Yarong QU ; Li YANG ; Huan JIAO
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):215-220
Objective:To study the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province.Methods:From 2018 to 2023, data on tsutsugamushi disease cases reported by various medical institutions at all levels in Ankang City were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. At the same time, individual epidemiological investigation of reported cases was carried out, and electronic medical records of patients were retrieved to verify their diagnosis. In 2023, the rodents and chigger mites were monitored in 3 townships with high incidence of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City by night clamping method, and the chigger mites rate and chigger mites index were calculated. Blood, liver, spleen and kidney samples of rodents were collected, DNA of blood and organ mixture was extracted, and quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect Orientia tsutsugamushi. Results:A total of 330 cases of tsutsugamushi disease were reported in Ankang City from 2018 to 2023, and the reported incidence rate increased from 0.56/100 000 in 2018 to 5.02/100 000 in 2023. Among them, 139 were males and 191 were females, with a sex ratio of 0.73∶1.00. The age was mainly 45 - 70 years old, accounting for 81.52% (269/330). The occupation was mainly farmers, accounting for 86.97% (287/330). The onset time was mainly concentrated from April to October, with a total of 317 cases, accounting for 96.06% (317/330). The main clinical manifestations were fever (93.20%, 274/294), ulcer or eschar (75.85%, 223/294), headache (44.56%, 131/294), and lymph node enlargement (44.22%, 130/294). The misdiagnosis rate at the first diagnosis was 73.81% (217/294). A total of 452 rodents were captured, of which 91 rodents carried chigger mites, and chigger mites rate was 20.13% (91/452). A total of 1 463 chigger mites were captured, and the chigger mites index was 3.24 (1 463/452). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on blood and organ mixture samples collected from 452 rodents, and one of the organ mixture samples tested positive for Orientia tsutsugamushi. Conclusions:The incidence of tsutsugamushi disease in Ankang City is relatively high, and the overall incidence is on the rise. The cases are mainly female, middle-aged and elderly, and farmers, with a high misdiagnosis rate at the first diagnosis. There are chigger mites in rodents in townships with high incidence of tsutsugamushi disease.
8.Consensus on informed consent for orthodontic treatment
Yang CAO ; Bing FANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Lin WANG ; Haiping LU ; Zhihe ZHAO ; Tianmin XU ; Weiran LI ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Jun WANG ; Fang JIN ; Ding BAI ; Xianglong HAN ; Yuehua LIU ; Bin YAN ; Jie GUO ; Jiejun SHI ; Yongming LI ; Zhihua LI ; Xiuping WU ; Jiangtian HU ; Linyu XU ; Lin LIU ; Yi LIU ; Yanqin LU ; Wensheng MA ; Shuixue MO ; Liling REN ; Shuxia CUI ; Yongjie FAN ; Jianguang XU ; Lulu XU ; Zhijun ZHENG ; Peijun WANG ; Rui ZOU ; Chufeng LIU ; Lunguo XIA ; Li HU ; Weicai WANG ; Liping WU ; Xiaoxing KOU ; Jiali TAN ; Yuanbo LIU ; Bowen MENG ; Yuantao HAO ; Lili CHEN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(12):1327-1336
This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.
9.One-step diagnosis of cervical vertebra maturation and sagittal skeletal type based on convolutional neu-ral network
Li'na CHEN ; Jukun SONG ; Yuanqi JIANG ; Hao LV ; Min LI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(5):643-650
Objective:To compare the performance of 4 mainstream convolutional neural network models in one-step automatic di-agnosis of cervical vertebra maturation(CVM)and sagittal skeletal type on lateral cephalogram.Methods:600 lateral cephalograms were collected.2 orthodontists were included to determine the stage of CVM and semi-automatic measurement of sagittal skeletal type.After the data set was enhanced,80%was used as the training set and 20%as the test set.The same training method was used to compare the performance of convolutional neural network models of InceptionV3,ResNet50,ShuffleNetV2 and VGG16).Results:The accuracy of InceptionV3,ResNet50,ShuffleNetV2 and VGG16 in distinguishing CVM stage was 98.44%,89.85%,60.55%and 67.97%,and the accuracy of sagittal bone surface classification 96.56%,92.19%,80.00%and 88.13%,respec-tively.Conclusion:Among the 4 convolutional neural network models,InceptionV3 has the best overall learning performance for CVM stage and sagittal skeletal type classification.
10.Liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus:report of 21 cases
Qin LONG ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Chang CHEN ; Min HAO ; Xiaohua QIN
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):272-278
Objective To improve the diagnosis and treatment of Streptococcus liver abscesses by analyzing the clinical presentations,antibiotic susceptibility,and treatment strategies of patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 patients diagnosed with liver abscess caused by Streptococcus from June 2012 to June 2022.The data included demographic information,clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,imaging findings,treatment strategies,and outcomes.Results The 21 patients were 29 to 77 years of age,and 81.0%were male.Clinical manifestations included fever,chills,fatigue,and abdominal pain.Some patients also had headache and altered consciousness,indicating possible concomitant brain abscess.Hematogenous dissemination and biliary tract origin were the most common routes of infection.The predominant pathogen was Streptococcus anginosus group(76.2%).Single pathogen infection was found in 12 cases and mixed infection in 9 cases.All isolates were sensitive to penicillin,cefotaxime,vancomycin,and levofloxacin,but 36.4%(4/11)of the isolates showed resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin.Four patients developed metastatic abscesses,and two experienced septic shock.The main treatment approach was a combination of antibiotics and percutaneous liver puncture drainage,resulting in improvement in 18 patients.Conclusions Liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus are usually non-specific in terms of symptoms.Streptococcus anginosus group is the primary pathogen.Antibiotics combined with percutaneous drainage is an effective treatment approach.It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of potential brain abscesses and the necessity of early intervention.


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