1.A Meta-analysis of Randomized Placebo-controlled Trials on the Effects of Probiotics for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Ping-Wen HUANG ; Shun-Chin LIANG ; Cheuk-Kwan SUN ; Yu-Shian CHENG ; Kuo-Chuan HUNG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(4):560-571
Objective:
The current meta-analysis aimed at updating evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of probiotics against autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms and identifying outcome confounders.
Methods:
Following PRISMA guidelines, randomized placebo-controlled trials retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ScienceDirect were analyzed for effect size of primary outcomes (i.e., overall behavioral symptom changes) expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios (ORs) for continuous and categorical variables, respectively, with 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results:
Meta-analysis of eight studies (465 participants, mean age: 6.03, range: 1.5−45, female: 17.4%) revealed total ASD symptom improvements in the probiotic group compared to placebos (SMD: −0.19, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%, eight studies, 465 participants, certainty of evidence [COE]: low). Subgroup analyses showed probiotics-associated improvements only in studies recruiting predominantly preschool children (SMD: −0.30, 95% CI:−0.59 to −0.01, p = 0.04, three studies, 191 participants) or those using probiotics for over three months (SMD:−0.39, 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.06, p = 0.04, three studies, 144 participants) without difference between multipleand single-strain probiotics. No difference was noted in overall dropouts between individuals treated with probiotics and those taking placebos (OR: 0.98, p = 0.94, eight studies, I2 = 0%, 464 participants, COE: low). Despite a low risk of bias in most studies, COE was deemed low from limited trials and inconsistencies on sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion
The current study showed an association between probiotics use and an improvement in ASD symptoms, mainly in those aged below six or over three-month treatments. More large-scale investigations are warranted to support our findings.
2.Application of anti-idiotypic antibodies in antibody screening and crossmatch tests of patients treated with CD47 monoclonal antibody
Peng LI ; Kuo FANG ; Jingdan ZHANG ; Da FU ; Jiali SUN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(4):392-398
【Objective】 To perform pre-transfusion examination and major crossmatch test using CD47 anti-idiotypic antibody (CD47 AID) (method 1) and reagent lack of anti-IgG4 anti-human globulin(method 2) in patients treated with CD47 monoclonal antibodies, and evaluate the feasibility of method 1 by comparing the transfusion efficacy of patients after cross matching with two methods. 【Methods】 Post-drug samples were collected from 18 clinical subjects treated with CD47 monoclonal antibody in our hospital. Antibody screening and major crossmatch test were performed using method 1 and method 2, and the difference of ΔHb (post-transfusion Hb minus pre-transfusion Hb) was compared after transfusion. The differences in ΔHb after transfusion were analyzed between the test group using method 1 and the control group without CD47 monoclonal antibody using ordinary microcolumn gel method. 【Results】 There was no significant difference in ΔHb between the test group using method 1 and test group using method 2 (8.40±0.71 vs 7.36±0.94, P>0.05). No significant difference was noticed in ΔHb between the test group using method 1 and the control group without CD47 monoclonal antibody (8.40±0.71 vs 6.59±0.77, P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 In the test group, major crossmatch test with method 1 has the same transfusion efficacy as the test with method 2. Method 1 is simple and easy to operate, and the results are objective and accurate. It is recommended to use method 1 for pre-transfusion antibody screening and major crossmatch tests for patients using CD47 monoclonal antibody.
3.Expression of CRKL in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its effect on the proliferation and invasion of cholangiocarci-noma cells
Wen-Lei KUO ; Xin-Yue BAO ; Jing-Bo CHANG ; Qi SUN ; Li-Min WEI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(9):684-688
Objective:To investigate the expression of kinase-like gene CT10 regulatory fac-tor(CRKL)in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)and its effect on the proliferation and invasion of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells.Methods:qRT-PCR detected CRKL transcription in ICC pa-tient tissues and adjacent tissues.Immunohistochemistry assessed CRKL expression in ICC tissues and adjacent tissues,and analyzed its relationship with clinicopathological features.For the inhibition of CRKL expression in QBC939 cells by siRNA technology,the effect of CRKL silencing on AKT and ERK signaling pathway was measured by Western blot.CRKL's influence on QBC939 cell prolifera-tion and invasion was analyzed by MTT,clonogenesis,and Transwell assays.Results:The expres-sion of CRKL in ICC tissues was up-regulated,and there were statistically significant differences in CRKL expression in ICC with different clinicopathological features such as tumor size,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage.Cellular experiments showed a significant decrease in the phosphoryla-tion of AKT and ERK upon inhibition of CRKL,and the proliferation and invasion ability of ICC cells was significantly diminished(P<0.05).Conclusion:CRKL promotes ICC cell proliferation and invasion through AKT and ERK pathways,offering new molecular targets and directions for targeted therapy.
4.Discussion on the Treatment of Fatty Liver Type Hepatolenticular Degeneration Based on the Theory of "Spleen Rules Transformation"
Fei WANG ; Meixia WANG ; Zhuang TAO ; Kuo SUN ; Hui HAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(9):8-11
Lipid metabolism disorders is a prevalent clinical symptom observed in patients with fatty liver type hepatolenticular degeneration.According to TCM,the key pathogenesis of this disease is deficiency of spleen yang.The method of warming yang and dissipating qi is the basic method to treat this disease.This article explored the pathological foundation of fatty liver type hepatolenticular degeneration based on the"spleen rules transformation".It elucidated that lipid metabolism disorder is a significant characteristic of this disease,considering both TCM and Western medicine perspectives.It also examined the treatment of fatty liver type hepatolenticular degeneration by regulating lipid metabolism through the method of warming yang and dissipating qi,with the purpose to guide the treatment of the disease.
6.Artificial intelligence predicts direct-acting antivirals failure among hepatitis C virus patients: A nationwide hepatitis C virus registry program
Ming-Ying LU ; Chung-Feng HUANG ; Chao-Hung HUNG ; Chi‐Ming TAI ; Lein-Ray MO ; Hsing-Tao KUO ; Kuo-Chih TSENG ; Ching-Chu LO ; Ming-Jong BAIR ; Szu-Jen WANG ; Jee-Fu HUANG ; Ming-Lun YEH ; Chun-Ting CHEN ; Ming-Chang TSAI ; Chien-Wei HUANG ; Pei-Lun LEE ; Tzeng-Hue YANG ; Yi-Hsiang HUANG ; Lee-Won CHONG ; Chien-Lin CHEN ; Chi-Chieh YANG ; Sheng‐Shun YANG ; Pin-Nan CHENG ; Tsai-Yuan HSIEH ; Jui-Ting HU ; Wen-Chih WU ; Chien-Yu CHENG ; Guei-Ying CHEN ; Guo-Xiong ZHOU ; Wei-Lun TSAI ; Chien-Neng KAO ; Chih-Lang LIN ; Chia-Chi WANG ; Ta-Ya LIN ; Chih‐Lin LIN ; Wei-Wen SU ; Tzong-Hsi LEE ; Te-Sheng CHANG ; Chun-Jen LIU ; Chia-Yen DAI ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Han-Chieh LIN ; Wan-Long CHUANG ; Cheng-Yuan PENG ; Chun-Wei- TSAI ; Chi-Yi CHEN ; Ming-Lung YU ;
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(1):64-79
Background/Aims:
Despite the high efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), approximately 1–3% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. We conducted a nationwide study to investigate risk factors associated with DAA treatment failure. Machine-learning algorithms have been applied to discriminate subjects who may fail to respond to DAA therapy.
Methods:
We analyzed the Taiwan HCV Registry Program database to explore predictors of DAA failure in HCV patients. Fifty-five host and virological features were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and artificial neural network. The primary outcome was undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment.
Results:
The training (n=23,955) and validation (n=10,346) datasets had similar baseline demographics, with an overall DAA failure rate of 1.6% (n=538). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, poor DAA adherence, and higher hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with virological failure. XGBoost outperformed the other algorithms and logistic regression models, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 1.000 in the training dataset and 0.803 in the validation dataset. The top five predictors of treatment failure were HCV RNA, body mass index, α-fetoprotein, platelets, and FIB-4 index. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the XGBoost model (cutoff value=0.5) were 99.5%, 69.7%, 99.9%, 97.4%, and 99.5%, respectively, for the entire dataset.
Conclusions
Machine learning algorithms effectively provide risk stratification for DAA failure and additional information on the factors associated with DAA failure.
7.Full-Endoscopic Extraforaminal Approach for Extraforaminal Herniated Intervertebral Disc Disease: Exploring Challenging Case
Jae Hwan LEE ; Kai-Sheng CHANG ; Li-Wei SUN ; Kuo-Tai CHEN ; Chien-Min CHEN
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2024;9(Suppl 1):S85-S91
Extraforaminal lumbar disk herniation (E-LDH) constitutes a challenging subset of lumbar disk herniations. Minimally invasive methods like full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy provide benefits but carry risks of complications, such as postoperative dysesthesia and nerve root injury. A 62-year-old male with comorbidities presented with severe leg pain due to left L3/4 E-LDH. An L3 nerve block, guided by fluoroscopy, was performed with the patient in a right decubitus position. After alleviating the pain, the patient was placed in a prone position to undergo the extraforaminal full-endoscopic procedure under local anesthesia. The tip of the needle was targeted to the base of the superior articular process (SAP). Foraminoplasty was precisely performed with a high-speed diamond burr at the base of the SAP, facilitating the removal of the extraforaminal portion of the herniated disc. The procedure yielded immediate relief (visual analogue scale score reduced from 10 to 0). There was no leg pain or associated back pain at the 6-month follow-up. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of an extraforaminal full-endoscopic technique for E-LDH, overcoming challenges associated with the uncooperative patient due to the severe leg pain. However, the technique demands technical proficiency and warrants further research to establish its broader applicability.
8.Protective Effect of Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo Prescription on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via Regulating Autophagy Based on JNK Signaling Pathway
Minhan ZHAO ; Xinqiao CHU ; Xiaohui CAO ; Ruiqing HUO ; Kuo SUN ; Fangzhao LI ; Yufan HAN ; Junbiao TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(7):115-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription in alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulating nerve cell autophagy based on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway . MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: sham group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) group (model group), Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription group [traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group(25.0 g·kg-1)], JNK inhibitor SP600125 (SP) group(5 mg·kg-1), TCM+SP group and JNK agonist Anisomycin (Ani) group(15 mg·kg-1). After 24 h of modeling, TCM group and TCM+SP group were given TCM decoction (ig) for 3 consecutive days, and the other groups were given equal volume of normal saline (ig). Neurological deficit was evaluated by neurological function score and cerebral infarct volume was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazole chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the structural changes of brain tissue and the damage of neurons, respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) was performed to detect cell apoptosis. The ultrastructure of autophagosomes was observed by transmission electron microscope. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A/B (LC3A/B), autophagy related 5 (Atg5), the ortholog of yeast Atg6 (Beclin1), p62, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), JNK, phosphorylated (p)-JNK and c-Jun in brain tissue. The mRNA expressions of LC3A/B, Beclin1, p62, Atg5, Bcl-2, JNK and c-Jun were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the sham group, the model group had elevated neurological deficit score (P<0.05), enlarged cerebral infarct volume (P<0.05)and typical infarction manifestations formed in hippocampal region and its surrounding brain tissue. In addition, there were a large number of neuronal cell degeneration, necrosis, liquefaction, nucleus pyknosis and deep staining, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cortex in the model group, and severe swelling of mitochondria, lysosomes, autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes were clearly seen under electron microscope. TUNEL positive cells were increased (P<0.05), and cell apoptosis was severe. The nuclear membrane and nucleolus of neurons in brain tissue were blurred with discontinuous processes, and Nissl bodies in cytoplasm were stained light with reduced number. Western blot revealed that the model group had up-regulated protein expressions of LC3A/B, Beclin1, Atg5, JNK, p-JNK and c-Jun in brain tissue (P<0.05), while down-regulated protein expressions of p62 and Bcl-2 (P<0.05)as compared with the sham group. Real-time PCR indicated that the mRNA expressions of LC3A/B, Beclin1, Atg5, JNK and c-Jun in the model group were higher (P<0.05) while the mRNA expressions of p62 and Bcl-2 were lower (P<0.05) than those in the sham group. Compared with the conditions in model group, the neurological deficit scores of TCM, SP and TCM+SP groups were lowered (P<0.05), and the cerebral infarct volume was reduced (P<0.05), with improved pathological status of brain tissue, especially in the TCM group. Furthermore, there were abundant and basically normal mitochondrial cristae, slightly dilated endoplasmic reticulum, slightly swollen golgi apparatus, slightly fused nuclear membrane, and few visible lysosomes, autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. TUNEL positive cells were decreased (P<0.05), displaying reduced apoptosis, especially in the TCM group. The nucleolus and nuclear membrane of neurons in brain tissue were discernible, and Nissl bodies in cytoplasm was reduced to a certain degree as compared with those in the model group. Western blot showed a decrease in the protein expressions of LC3A/B, Beclin1, Atg5, JNK, p-JNK and c-Jun in the TCM group ,the SP group,and the TCM+SP group(P<0.05),while an increase in the protein expressions of p62 in the TCM group and SP group(P<0.05),and an increase in the protein expressions of Bcl-2 in the TCM group and TCM+SP group. By Real-time PCR, the mRNA expressions of LC3A, LC3B, Beclin1, Atg5, JNK and c-Jun had a down-regulation(P<0.05) while the mRNA expression of p62 a up-regulation in the TCM group ,the SP group,and the TCM+SP group(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 a up-regulation in the TCM group and the TCM+SP group(P<0.05).Scores of the Ani group were raised (P<0.05), and infarct volume was increased significantly, with aggravated neuronal cell necrosis and obvious inflammatory infiltration. Moreover, there were neuronal nuclear membrane fusion with abnormal protrusion, increased heterochromatin aggregation in edge, severe mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, increased lysosomes, increased intracytoplasmic vesicles, and visible autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. TUNEL positive cells were increased (P<0.05), representing severe apoptosis. The number of Nissl bodies dropped with light staining, and the nucleolus and nuclear membrane were blurred. Real-time PCR found that the mNRA expressions of Atg5, c-Jun, JNK were up-regulated (P<0.05),while Beclin1, p62, Bcl-2 were were down-regulated in the Ani group (P<0.05). Compared with the TCM group and SP group,the protein expressions of LC3A/B, Beclin1, Atg5, JNK, p-JNK, c-Jun were decreased,and p62, Bcl-2 were increased in the Ani group(P<0.05). Compared with the TCM group,the mRNA expressions of JNK mRNA had a down-regulation in the SP group and TCM+SP group,while LC3A, LC3B, Atg5, c-Jun, JNK had an up-regulation(P<0.05) and Bcl-2 had a down-regulation in the Ani group(P<0.05). Compared with the SP group,the mRNA expressions of Atg5, c-Jun, JNK had an up-regulation(P<0.05), and Beclin1, p62, Bcl-2 had a down-regulation in the Ani group(P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription significantly up-regulates the protein and mRNA expressions of LC3A/B, Beclin1, Atg5, JNK, p-JNK and c-Jun, and down-regulates the protein and mRNA expressions of p62 and Bcl-2, suggesting that the prescription can inhibit autophagy through JNK signaling pathway to reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.
9.Virtual Screening and Testing of GSK-3 Inhibitors Using Human SH-SY5Y Cells Expressing Tau Folding Reporter and Mouse Hippocampal Primary Culture under Tau Cytotoxicity
Chih-Hsin LIN ; Yu-Shao HSIEH ; Ying-Chieh SUN ; Wun-Han HUANG ; Shu-Ling CHEN ; Zheng-Kui WENG ; Te-Hsien LIN ; Yih-Ru WU ; Kuo-Hsuan CHANG ; Hei-Jen HUANG ; Guan-Chiun LEE ; Hsiu Mei HSIEH-LI ; Guey-Jen LEE-CHEN
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2023;31(1):127-138
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is an important serine/threonine kinase that implicates in multiple cellular processes and links with the neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, structure-based virtual screening was performed to search database for compounds targeting GSK-3β from Enamine’s screening collection. Of the top-ranked compounds, 7 primary hits underwent a luminescent kinase assay and a cell assay using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells expressing Tau repeat domain (TauRD) with pro-aggregant mutation ΔK280. In the kinase assay for these 7 compounds, residual GSK-3β activities ranged from 36.1% to 90.0% were detected at the IC50 of SB-216763. In the cell assay, only compounds VB-030 and VB-037 reduced Tau aggregation in SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 TauRD-DsRed folding reporter. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 TauRD, neither VB-030 nor VB-037 increased expression of GSK-3α Ser21 or GSK-3β Ser9. Among extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (P38) and mitogenactivated protein kinase 8 (JNK) which modulate Tau phosphorylation, VB-037 attenuated active phosphorylation of P38 Thr180/ Tyr182, whereas VB-030 had no effect on the phosphorylation status of ERK, AKT, P38 or JNK. However, both VB-030 and VB-037 reduced endogenous Tau phosphorylation at Ser202, Thr231, Ser396 and Ser404 in neuronally differentiated SH-SY5Y expressing ΔK280 TauRD. In addition, VB-030 and VB-037 further improved neuronal survival and/or neurite length and branch in mouse hippocampal primary culture under Tau cytotoxicity. Overall, through inhibiting GSK-3β kinase activity and/or p-P38 (Thr180/Tyr182), both compounds may serve as promising candidates to reduce Tau aggregation/cytotoxicity for AD treatment.
10.Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder in the elderly (version 2023)
Yan HU ; Dongliang WANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Zhongmin SHI ; Fengjin ZHOU ; Jianzheng ZHANG ; Yanxi CHEN ; Liehu CAO ; Sicheng WANG ; Jianfei WANG ; Hongliang WANG ; Yong FENG ; Zhimin YING ; Chengdong HU ; Qinglin HAN ; Ming LI ; Xiaotao CHEN ; Zhengrong GU ; Biaotong HUANG ; Liming XIONG ; Yunfei ZHANG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Baoqing YU ; Yong WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Peijian TONG ; Ximing LIU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Feng NIU ; Weiguo YANG ; Wencai ZHANG ; Shijie CHEN ; Jinpeng JIA ; Qiang YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Bin YU ; Peng ZHANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Jun MIAO ; Kuo SUN ; Haodong LIN ; Yinxian YU ; Jinwu WANG ; Kun TAO ; Daqian WAN ; Lei WANG ; Xin MA ; Chengqing YI ; Hongjian LIU ; Kun ZHANG ; Guohui LIU ; Dianying ZHANG ; Zhiyong HOU ; Xisheng WENG ; Yingze ZHANG ; Jiacan SU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2023;39(4):289-298
Periarticular fracture of the shoulder is a common type of fractures in the elderly. Postoperative adverse events such as internal fixation failure, humeral head ischemic necrosis and upper limb dysfunction occur frequently, which seriously endangers the exercise and health of the elderly. Compared with the fracture with normal bone mass, the osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder is complicated with slow healing and poor rehabilitation, so the clinical management becomes more difficult. At present, there is no targeted guideline or consensus for this type of fracture in China. In such context, experts from Youth Osteoporosis Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatrics Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Osteoporosis Group of Youth Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Chinese Integrative Medicine developed the Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder in the elderly ( version 2023). Nine recommendations were put forward from the aspects of diagnosis, treatment strategies and rehabilitation of osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder, hoping to promote the standardized, systematic and personalized diagnosis and treatment concept and improve functional outcomes and quality of life in elderly patients with osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder.

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