1.The prognostic value and immune regulatory role of BRF1 in pan-cancer, and its function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Jianxin XU ; Zihao LI ; Wang LÜ ; ; Zhiyang XU ; Yunfeng YI ; Songlin CHEN ; Jian HU ; Luming WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):122-131
Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
2.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
3.Systematic review of predictive models for delayed graft function after kidney transplantation
Qimeng ZHU ; Wei JIANG ; Ying CHEN ; Danfeng TANG ; Yi XU ; Jian SHI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):495-502
Objective To systematically review the studies on predictive models for delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation. Methods Databases including China Biology Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched to collect studies on predictive models for DGF after kidney transplantation published from the establishment of each database to June 29, 2025. Two researchers screened the literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality of the literatures using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST), and conducted a meta-analysis of the common predictors of the models using R software. Results A total of 12 literatures were included, involving 14 predictive models with sample sizes ranging from 103 to 24 653 cases. Donor serum creatinine level, cold ischemia time, donor age and donor body mass index were the top four common predictors. All the predictive models were at high risk of bias and low in applicability. The results of meta-analysis showed that abnormal donor body mass index, advanced donor age, prolonged cold ischemia time and elevated donor serum creatinine level were all associated with an increased risk of DGF after transplantation (all P<0.01), but there was high heterogeneity among the studies. Fixed-effect model and random-effect model were used to re-pool the effect sizes separately. The results indicated that the fixed-effect model and random-effect model had good consistency in terms of donor body mass index, donor age and cold ischemia time, while there was a significant difference in the effect sizes of the two models for donor serum creatinine level. Conclusions The predictive models for DGF risk after kidney transplantation have good predictive performance, but the overall risk of bias is high. In the future, large-sample, multicenter and high-quality prospective clinical studies should be carried out to optimize the predictive models, so as to improve their predictive ability and clinical application value.
4.Research progress on the association between physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents
WANG Jinxian*, LIU Yuan, WU Jian, WU Huipan, WANG Zhe, ZHANG Yingkun, WANG Yi, YIN Xiaojian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):140-143
Abstract
To promote adolescents active participation in physical activity and improve sleep quality, the article analyzes the relationship of adolescent physical activity with subjective sleep satisfaction, sleep latency, sleep continuity, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration. It explores potential mechanisms underlying the link between physical activity and sleep quality, including physiological mechanisms (circadian rhythms, body temperature, neuroendocrine systems, and immune function), and psychological mechanisms (stress relief, improvement of negative emotions, and promotion of mental relaxation). Based on existing research, it is recommended that adolescents engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity daily to promote improved sleep quality.
5.Develop and assessment of a predictive model for the first-course efficacy of acute myeloid leukemia
Feng ZHU ; Yile ZHOU ; Yi ZHANG ; Liping MAO ; De ZHOU ; Liya MA ; Chunmei YANG ; Wenjuan YU ; Xingnong YE ; Juying WEI ; Haitao MENG ; Min YANG ; Wenyuan MAI ; Jiejing QIAN ; Yanling REN ; Yinjun LOU ; Jian HUANG ; Gaixiang XU ; Wanzhuo XIE ; Hongyan TONG ; Huafeng WANG ; Jie JIN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(4):336-342
Objective:To identify the relevant factors for the first-course remission of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to develop a predictive model as well as assess its predictive capability.Methods:Clinical data of 749 patients newly diagnosed with AML admitted to the Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2023, were collected and randomly divided into training and validation sets. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine variables associated with complete remission in the first course of induction therapy, and a predictive model was established based on these variables. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the predictive model was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.Results:The indicators predicting the first remission course included peripheral blood white blood cell count during onset, CBF::MYH11 fusion gene, CEBPA bZIP region mutation, myelodysplastic syndrome-related gene mutation, and induction chemotherapy regimen selection as independent factors for the first remission course. The model’s area under the training and validation curves was 0.738 (95% CI: 0.696-0.780) and 0.726 (95% CI: 0.650-0.801), respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results yielded P-values of 0.993 and 0.335, respectively. Conclusion:In this study, the developed model demonstrates a strong predictive capability for the efficacy of the first course of patients with AML, providing valuable guidance to clinicians in assessing patient prognosis and selecting appropriate treatment strategies.
6.Advances in the pathology of bone lesions in China over the past ten years: retrospect and prospect
Yi DING ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Huaiyin SHI ; Hong CHENG ; Anjia HAN ; Hongying ZHANG ; Qixing GONG ; Jian WANG ; Xiaochu YAN
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(7):683-688
Over the past decade, the field of bone tumor pathology in China has made remarkable progress. These achievements are reflected not only in the innovation and standardization of diagnostic techniques, which have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, but also in the in-depth exploration of tumor pathogenesis and the continuous refinement of treatment protocols. More than one hundred research papers on bone tumor pathology published in the Chinese Journal of Pathology stand as a testament to the relentless efforts and practical contributions of Chinese pathologists in this field. On the occasion of the Chinese Journal of Pathology′s 70th anniversary, we summarize the progress in bone tumor pathology while also looking forward to the future, aiming to promote greater advancements in this field.
7.Machine learning model based on chest non-contrast CT radiomics for diagnosing metabolic syndrome in males
Yi WEI ; Zhimin DING ; Jian ZHAI ; Xingwang WU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1103-1108
Objective To observe the value of machine learning(ML)model based on chest non-contrast CT(NCCT)radiomics for diagnosing metabolic syndrome(MetS)in males.Methods A total of 792 males who would undergo chest NCCT and bone density CT examination for physical check-up were prospectively enrolled and divided into training set(n=554,including 171 cases of MetS)and validation set(n=238,including 70 cases of MetS)at the ratio of 7∶3.Chest NCCT was performed,ROI of liver,intra-abdominal fat and skeletal muscle were delineated,and visceral fat area(VFA)at L2-3 intervertebral disc level was measured.Then radiomic signature(RS)of liver,intra-abdominal fat and skeletal muscle were established,and ML models were constructed using logistic regression(LR),random forests(RF)and extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)algorithms,respectively,and their diagnostic performance were observed.Results Significant difference of age was found between MetS and non-MetS males in training set(P=0.010),while of RS scores were noticed in both training set and validation set(all P<0.001).Combined ML models were constructed with age and RS.The area under the curve(AUC)of combined LR,RF and XGBoost models for diagnosing male MetS in training set was 0.899,0.996 and 0.943,while that in validation set was 0.861,0.860 and 0.876,respectively.Combined XGBoost model had the best performance.Conclusion XGBoost model based on chest NCCT radiomics was helpful for diagnosing male MetS.Combining with age could further improve its efficacy.
8.Ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice
Li-na LIU ; Yu-fang SHEN ; Qin-qin WANG ; Lin-yu XIAO ; Jing-yu LIU ; Jun-ni MO ; Ren-yi-kun YUAN ; Hong-wei GAO ; Jian XIAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3249-3256
AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture(CFM)on cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice.METHODS Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the blank control group,the model group,the levamisole hydrochloride group(40 mg/kg)and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose CFM groups(3.75,7.5,10 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,and given respective intervention orally once daily for 14 days.On the 5th to 7th day of administration,with the blank control group given normal saline intraperitoneally,the other groups underwent intraperitoneal CTX injections(80 mg/kg).24 hours after the last administration,organ indices of thymus and spleen were calculated;splenic histopathological alterations were assessed by HE staining;serum levels of IL-2,IL-6 and IgG were quantified using ELISA;splenic CD4+,CD8+T lymphocytes,alongside CD86+and CD206+macrophages populations were analyzed by flow cytometry;and splenic expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS In CTX-treated mice,CFM administration mitigated body weight loss;enhanced thymus weight and thymic index;ameliorated splenic immune cell populations,elevated serum levels of cytokines IL-2,IL-6 and IgG in serum;and upregulated splenic levels of CD45+CD3+T lymphocytes and F4/80+CD11b+macrophages,alongside increasing the expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 surface markers.CONCLUSION CFM alleviates CTX-induced immunosuppression state in mice by modulating immune cells,restoring immune function and enhancing anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capabilities.
9.Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of patients with locally advanced or metastatic pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors
Zhang YI ; Fang JIAN ; Ma XU ; Mi LAN ; Han SEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(5):234-239
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with locally advanced or metastatic pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors(NETs).Methods:The clinical records of patients with locally advanced or metastatic pulmonary NETs in Peking Uni-versity Cancer Hospital&Institute were selected from January 2014 to June 2024.The clinical characteristics,treatment,and survival pro-gnosis were then analyzed.Results:There were 32 patients,of which 18 were male and 14 female.The median age was 56 years.Nine pa-tients had typical carcinoid and 23 had atypical carcinoid,with six in stage Ⅲ and 26 in stage Ⅳ.The common metastatic sites included the bones(18 cases),lungs(8 cases),pleura(7 cases),and liver(7 cases).The median length of the measurable primary tumor was 5.2 cm,which was mostly located centrally(22 cases).Five among the 16 patients who underwent somatostatin receptor(SSTR)imaging had high SSTR ex-pression.The initial symptoms mainly included respiratory symptoms,and none of them were combined with carcinoid syndrome.For the first-line treatment,19 patients were treated with chemotherapy,seven were treated with targeted therapy,four were treated with soma-tostatin analogs(SSAs),and two were treated with surgery.The best efficacy was evaluated as a partial response in one case(3.1%),stable disease in 23 cases(71.9%),and non-evaluable or unknown in eight cases(25%)in the first-line treatment.The median progression-free sur-vival(mPFS)of patients who received first-line treatment was 5.2 months(95%CI:0.0-13.9).The PFS of targeted therapy was the longest(11.0 months,95%CI:0.0-29.6),but there was no significant difference compared with the PFS of chemotherapy and SSA groups(P>0.05).The longest PFS(24.5 months,95%CI:0.0-58.7)was found in patients treated with chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy,but there was no significant difference compared to the PFS of the combined immunotherapy and combined anti-angiogenesis groups(P>0.05).The survival rates at 1,3,and 5 years were 79.1%,65.5%,and 58.9%,respectively.Cox regression analysis did not identify independent risk factors for prognosis.Conclusions:The initial symptoms of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NETs were mainly respiratory symp-toms but without specific manifestations.Some of them were accompanied by high SSTR expression,and there was generally no carcinoid syndrome.The first-line systemic therapy mainly included chemotherapy and target therapy,with relatively low objective response and high disease control rates.Targeted therapy and combined radiotherapy have longer PFS than that of chemotherapy.The overall survival of pa-tients with pulmonary NETs was good.
10.Comparison of efficacy of different regimens treating pruritus in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Suzhen SHAO ; Yi ZHANG ; Huijuan XU ; Jian HUANG ; Fan DING
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(8):62-65
Objective To compare clinical efficacy of different regimens in treatment of pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.Methods A total of 50 patients with MHD admitted to the Sixth People's Hospital of Jiujiang City from August 1,2022 to April 30,2024 as subjects and were divided into two groups according to random number table method.Control group(n=25)was treated with sodium thiosulfate.On this basis,gabapentin combination therapy was added in observation group(n=25).Effects of two groups were compared after 8 weeks of treatment.Results Total clinical effective rate of observation group was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,scores and total scores of all dimensions of quality of life in two groups were higher than before treatment,and observation group was higher than control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Sodium thiosulfate combined with gabapentin in treatment of MHD patients with pruritus can not only relieve pruritus symptoms,improve sleep quality,but also have good safety.


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