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.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.
3.Study on mechanism of Vaccarin improving EMT in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3
Meng-jiao CUI ; Qi-ming XU ; Yu CAO ; Ye-nan FAN ; Yi-qing YANG ; Guang-bo GE ; Wen-rui LIU ; Jian-rao LU ; Jing HU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):745-752
Aim To investigate the protective effect of Vaccarin(Va)on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3,and the underlying mechanism.Methods Left ureter ligation was used to establish a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO);human kid-ney tubular epithelial(HK2)cells were induced to differentiate by transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in vitro.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of renal tissue;kits were used to detect the levels of BUN,Cr,IL-1β and IL-7 in mouse serum;CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of Va on the viability of HK2 cells;RT-PCR was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in HK2 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3,p-STAT3,E-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in renal tissue and HK2 cells;to further investigate the regulation of Va on STAT3,JAK/STAT3 pathway acti-vator RO8191 was used to treat TGF-β-induced HK2 cells,and functional loss was detected.Results Va improved the pathological damage in UUO mice,inhibi-ted the levels of BUN,Cr and inflammatory factors;Va inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3,upregulated E-cadherin,and downregulated α-SMA protein expres-sion;RO8191 counteracted the inhibitory effect of Va on the phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusions Va inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the release of inflammatory factors,improves EMT,thus exerting an anti-renal fibrosis effect.
4.Influence of Shumian Capsules Combined with Quetiapine on Negative Symptoms,Sleep Quality and Neurotransmitters in Patients with Schizophrenia
Fei-yan CHEN ; Jian-yi XU ; Hong LIN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(18):2973-2980
Objective:This prospective study is conducted to explored the influence of Shumian Capsules combine with quetiapine on negative symptoms,sleep quality and neurotransmitters in patients with schizophrenia.Methods:50 patients with schizophrenia admitted to Fuzhou Gulou District Hospital of Fujian Province from April 2022 to May 2024 were retrospectively selected as the study group.According to the principle of 1∶1 matching cases,50 patients with schizophrenia in the same period were selected as the reference group.Reference group received quetiapine treatment,while study group was treated with Shumian capsules on the basis of the reference group.Negative symptom scale(SANS),positive and negative symptom scale(PANSS),Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),social-skills for psychiatric inpatients(SSPI),treatment emergent symptom scale(TESS),self-rating anxiety scale SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS)score,neurotransmitter levels[γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),glutamic acid(Glu)and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:The scores of SANS,PANSS,PSQI,TESS,SAS,SDS and Glu levels decreased 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment in both groups,and study group were lower than those in reference group,SSPI score and GABA and BDNF levels increased,and study group were higher than those in the reference group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Shumian Capsules combined with quetiapine can effectively improve negative symptoms,sleep quality and neurotransmitters in patients with schizophrenia,and have good safety.
5.Research on predicting the optimal insertion time point of painless gastroscopy by tip perfusion index
Yi CHENG ; Lei WANG ; Jian DAI ; Wenping XU ; Yicheng FENG
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(10):23-29
Objective Compare the tip perfusion index(TPI)with the disappearance of eyelash reflex in guiding the timing of intubation for painless gastroscopy,in order to find the optimal timing for painless gastroscopy.Methods 362 patients who underwent painless gastroscopy from January to June 2024 were selected.According to the random number table method,they were divided into group N(122 cases,direct endoscopic examination after the disappearance of eyelash reflex),group NS(121 cases,endoscopic examination 30 seconds after the disappearance of eyelash reflex),and group E[119 cases,endoscopic examination after continuous increase of TPI(newly measured value>previous measured value more than 3 times)].The changes in heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation(SpO2)before anesthesia induction(T0),before intubation(T1),through the throat(T2),and after examination(T3)were recorded and compared among the three groups.The intubation waiting time(from the completion of general anesthesia induction to the moment of intubation)and the incidence of adverse reaction were compared among the three groups.Results The waiting time for endoscopy in group N was(5.52±2.17)s,which was significantly shorter than that in group E[(18.60±3.89)s]and group NS[(35.74±2.17)s],and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).At T1 time point,the SpO2 of the group E was significantly higher than that of group N and group NS,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).There were no statistical difference of SpO2 at T0,T2 and T3 time points among the three groups(P>0.05).There were no statistical differences in HR and MAP at the T0,T1,T2 and T3 time points among the three groups(P>0.05);The MAP and HR of the three groups of patients at time point T0 were significantly higher than those at time points T1,T2 and T3,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of lower jaw support in group E was significantly lower than that in group NS and group N,the incidence of body movement and the rate of additional propofol administration were significantly lower than those in group N,the incidence of coughing was significantly lower than that in group NS,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The TPI is a simple,non-invasive,objective,and real-time predictor of the timing of intubation for painless gastroscopy,which is significantly better than guiding the timing of intubation through the eyelash reflex.When the TPI continuously increases from a low point,it is a good time for painless gastroscopy intubation.
6.Effects of deep hyperthermia on immune function during postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer
Lei ZHAO ; Hongbo WANG ; Wenzhi LIU ; Feng LIN ; Jian YU ; Mingjun SUN ; Baosheng YU ; Yunxiao ZHONG ; Yougang CUI ; Xu ZHANG ; Yupeng YI ; Na WANG ; Daocheng WU ; Chenyang LI ; Pan HU ; Ning FENG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(5):461-467
Objective:To explore the effects of deep hyperthermia on chemotherapy-related adverse effects and immune-inflammatory indicators in the patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.Methods:This retrospective study included 52 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University from September 2021 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on treatment method: the combination group ( n=29) received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy combined with deep hyperthermia, while the chemotherapy group ( n=23) received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy alone. Both groups were treated with the XELOX regimen (oxaliplatin + capecitabine). The degree of bone marrow suppression during treatment was assessed by analyzing peripheral blood parameters, including hemoglobin, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and platelet count. Immune-inflammatory indicators, including complement, procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were compared before and after treatment in both groups to evaluate the effects of deep hyperthermia on the immune-inflammatory response. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) was used to compare bone marrow suppression rates, and the immune-inflammatory indicators between the two groups were compared using t-tests or non-parametric tests, depending on whether the data conformed to a normal distribution. Results:In terms of myelosuppression, the incidence rates of moderate to severe decreases in leukocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and hemoglobin in the combination group were 31%, 31%, 21%, and 14%, respectively, compared to 52%, 61%, 48%, and 9% in the chemotherapy group. The change in PCT levels before and after treatment was significantly greater in the combination group than in the chemotherapy group ( P = 0.010). Both the combination group and the chemotherapy group showed significant reductions in SII, NLR and PLR after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The change in NLR before and after treatment was significantly greater in the combination group than in the chemotherapy group ( P = 0.031). Conclusions:Deep hyperthermia can alleviate chemotherapy-induced adverse effects such as thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. It also appears to improve the inflammatory response in these patients.
7.Study on the effectiveness and safety of a novel intravascular shock wave balloon for pre-treatment of severe coronary artery calcification lesions
Rui-tao ZHANG ; Zhen-yu TIAN ; Yong ZENG ; Guo-sheng FU ; Li XU ; Jian LIU ; Jian-ping LI ; Zhi-hui ZHANG ; Xin-qun HU ; Xiang CHENG ; Wen LU ; Ming CUI ; Yi-da TANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):61-70
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)balloon—Vesscrack shockwave balloon—for vascular preparation before stent implantation in patients with severe coronary artery calcification(CAC).Methods This was a prospective,single-arm,multicenter study conducted in China from June 2022 to October 2022.Patients with severe CAC were treated with the Vesscrack shockwave balloon for lesion preparation,followed by drug-eluting stent(DES)implantation.Of these,33 patients underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT).The primary endpoint was procedural success,defined as successful stent implantation with residual stenosis≤30%and the absence of in-hospital major adverse events,including cardiac death,target vessel-related myocardial infarction,or target lesion revascularization.Results A total of 170 patients[mean age:(65.9±7.9)years,116 males]were enrolled.After treatment with IVL and DES,the minimum lumen diameter increased significantly compared to baseline[(2.34±0.40)mm vs.(0.95±0.33)mm,P<0.001],the degree of stenosis was significantly reduced[(13.24±6.60)%vs.(65.18±10.59)%,P<0.001].Procedural success was achieved in 100%of cases,and device success was 98.8%.The 30-day patient-related cardiovascular clinical composite endpoint(POCE)rate was 0.0,with no target lesion failure,no confirmed or potential thrombotic events were observed.The shockwave energy generator demonstrated excellent stability and ease of use.Among the 33 patients assessed with OCT,after IVL intervention,the maximum calcified area of the lumen[(3.51±1.51)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P<0.001],and the minimum lumen area within the target lesion[(3.08±1.04)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P<0.001],and after DES intervention,the luminal area of the largest calcified site[(6.59±1.64)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P<0.001]and the minimum luminal area within the target lesion[(6.19±1.45)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P<0.001]were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions The Vesscrack shockwave balloon is effective and safe for vascular preparation in patients with severe CAC prior to stent implantation.It achieves significant calcified plaque modification,high procedural success rates,and minimal complications.
8.Practice research on the construction of a reserve teaching supervision expert echelon and competence improvement in university-affiliated hospitals
Mingyu DUAN ; Yanmin CHEN ; Huiming LI ; Xu ZHOU ; Jiayang XIA ; Jian LIN ; Yi ZHENG ; Chongzhi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(8):1045-1050
Objective:To provide theoretical support and practice model for improving the clinical medical education supervision system of university-affiliated hospitals.Methods:This study focused on the group of reserve teaching supervision experts. Through literature research, questionnaire survey, and expert interview, the Competency Evaluation Criteria for Reserve Teaching Supervision Experts was constructed, which was implemented according to the training framework of "theory, practice, summary, and feedback". The paired t-test was performed using SPSS 24.0. Results:The research team formulated the Competency Evaluation Criteria for Reserve Teaching Supervision Experts through expert interviews. Six basic competencies and three advanced competencies for reserve teaching supervision experts were identified and their weights were assigned. A supervision team was established with supervision experts (including reserve teaching supervision experts) and teaching staff at a ratio of 1∶6.9, achieving an increase in the coverage of supervised specialties. A toolkit for enhancing the supervision capabilities of reserve experts was developed, and its effectiveness was analyzed. Statistical analysis showed that the overall score gap between reserve teaching supervision experts and senior supervision experts gradually narrowed. In terms of teaching demeanor and teaching effectiveness, there were no significant differences between the two types of experts. However, in terms of teaching content scores, there was a significant difference between reserve teaching supervision experts and senior supervision experts ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The training mechanism of reserve teaching supervision experts can effectively bridge the structural defects of the traditional supervision team. However, further emphasis is needed on the standardization and professionalization of teaching content supervision.
9.Kui Jie Kang regulates intestinal FXR and affects bile acid metabolism in treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice
Rong-yi XU ; Xiao-si LI ; Jian-guo MA ; Xue-qing YANG ; Hua-ning WANG ; Yan QI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):383-391
Aim To explore the effects of Kui Jie Kang(KJK)on modulating the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)pathway in the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods Mice were subjected to DSS-induced UC and randomly as-signed to the control(CON),model(MOD),and two KJK-dosed groups(KJK.H at 12.8 g·kg-1,KJK.L at 3.2 g·kg-1).Mouse body weight was recorded,and disease activity index(DAI)was scored.The his-topathological changes in colonic tissue were observed via HE staining,and the number of goblet cells and mucosal layer repair were assessed using PAS and Al-cian blue staining.Bile acid content in feces was measured using LC-MS/MS,gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing,and the expression of FXR target genes and related proteins was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results KJK significantly ameliorated colonic shortening,de-creased disease activity index in UC mice,reduced his-topathological scores,increased the number of goblet cells and mucus secretion,altered the levels of primary and secondary bile acids,and increased the relative a-bundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus.Additionally,it significantly upregulated the expression of FXR and FGF15 mRNA and protein in colonic tissue and downregulated the expression of hepatic CYP7A1 mRNA,and the correlation analysis in this study clearly revealed a significant correlation between bile acid me-tabolism disorders and gut microbiota imbalance in UC.Conclusion KJK activates the intestinal FXR-FGF15-CYP7A1 pathway,thereby regulating bile acid metabolism and restoring gut microbiota balance,which may be key to its improvement of UC.
10.The novel compound Austocystin R induces cycle arrest and autophagy in triple-negative breast cancer cells by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Xin-yue GONG ; Min WEI ; Xiao-qin YU ; Yun-lei XU ; Yi-fan BAI ; Cheng-xiong LIU ; Fan CHENG ; Kun ZOU ; Jian-feng CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1651-1658
Aim To explore the in vitro anti-human triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)effect and mech-anism of Austocystin R.Methods MTT assay was used to evaluate the anti-tumor potential of Austocystin R for various human tumor cells and normal cells.Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the influence on cell cycle progression.mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection was used to evaluate the autophagic flux process.Western blot assay was used to verify the effect of Austocystin R on the expression of related pro-teins.Results The results showed that Austocystin R significantly inhibited the proliferation of multiple tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner,especially for the MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 of 1.45μmol·L-1.In addition,Austocystin R increased the protein expression of PTEN,p53,p-p53,p27,p21,and down-regulated the expression of p-PI3K,p-AKT and p-mTOR.Austocystin R can significantly increase the proportion of S-phase MDA-MB-231 cells,inhibit the expression of Cyclin D1,CDK4,CDK6,Rb,Cyclin B1 and CDK1,and promote the expression of Cyclin E1 and CDK2.Austocystin R can promote the autophagic flux process of MDA-MB-231 cells,promote the expres-sion of LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ,p-Beclin-1,p-ULK1,HMGB-1 and Atg 14 proteins,and inhibit the expression of Beclin-1,ULK1,p62,ATG 3,ATG 4B,ATG 5,ATG 7,ATG 12,ATG 13 and ATG 16L1 proteins.Conclusion Austo-cystin R can exhibit its anti-TNBC activity by inhibi-ting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway,blocking the cell cycle at the S phase and inducing autophagic cell death.

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