1.Kynurenine Pathway and Its Metabolites in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Close Link
Ya-Qian XIAO ; Li-Chen QIAO ; De-Chang RONG ; Yu-Chen LEI ; Hakan ÜREY ; Lan-Lan ZUO ; Hasan BAYRAM ; Reza A. GHILADI ; Yi-Fan DUAN ; Meng-Jiao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2402-2413
Kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major catabolic route of tryptophan, generating a series of bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine. Beyond its fundamental role in amino acid metabolism, KP exerts critical regulatory functions in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and immune modulation. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with onset in early childhood, characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Despite extensive research, the etiological mechanisms underlying ASD remain highly complex and incompletely understood, involving genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Emerging clinical evidence has consistently revealed a significant imbalance in KP metabolites in individuals with ASD, often accompanied by altered ratios of neuroprotective versus neurotoxic byproducts. However, the primary drivers of this metabolic dysregulation and its causative contribution to ASD pathogenesis are not yet fully elucidated. In this review, we systematically review the enzymatic steps of KP and the principal physiological functions of its major metabolites, with particular emphasis on their dual roles in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. We then analyze the potential pathogenic mechanisms through which KP dysfunction may contribute to ASD, focusing on two interconnected etiological dimensions. First, KP imbalance can promote oxidative stress, which in turn triggers chronic inflammatory responses via microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby disrupting neuronal homeostasis. Second, aberrant KP metabolism affects neurotransmitter systems, particularly glutamatergic and dopaminergic signaling, leading to impaired neural circuit development and synaptic pruning. By integrating current findings on the KP-ASD association, this review offers a comprehensive etiological framework and a clinically relevant paradigm. Furthermore, we highlight that specific KP metabolites, such as the KA/quinolinic acid ratio, hold promise as peripheral biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease stratification. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting KP enzymes or receptors for personalized intervention strategies, while acknowledging the challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice.
2.Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Between Gynecological Teaching Outpatient Clinics and General Clinics and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Xiaochen SONG ; Huiying HU ; Qian ZHOU ; Jie YIN ; Shuo LIANG ; Xiaochuan LI ; Rong CHEN ; Lan ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1390-1396
To evaluate patient satisfaction levels in a gynecological teaching clinic and to explore its associated influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for optimizing the operational model of teaching clinics. This was a single-center retrospective cross-sectional survey. Patients who attended the gynecological teaching clinic(teaching clinic group) and the general outpatient clinic(general clinic group) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2023 to July 2025 were enrolled. Satisfaction wasassessed using the Chinese version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18, with the 5-level ordinal overall satisfaction as the primary outcome. Ordinal logistic regression was employed to identify independent influencing factors of satisfaction. A total of 1146 patients(578 in the teaching clinic group and 568 in the general clinic group) were enrolled, among whom 985 completed the questionnaire follow-up(496 in the teaching clinic group and 489 in the general clinic group), yielding a response rate of 85.95%. The 5-level ordinal overall satisfaction was higher in the teaching clinic group than in the general clinic group( Patient satisfaction in the gynecological teaching clinic is relatively high, with notable strength in doctor-patient communication; however, there remains room for improvement in technical service quality and humanistic care. Adequate consultation duration and the teaching clinic model are associated with higher patient satisfaction.
3.Establishment of a nursing quality evaluation indicator system for pulse indicator continuous cardiac output monitoring
Yirong ZHU ; Lizhu WANG ; Qian LI ; Junfeng HE ; Xiaodan LU ; Yan XIANG ; Meijuan LAN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(4):267-274
Objective:To construct a nursing quality evaluation indicator system for pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring and provide a basis for evaluating the nursing quality of PiCCO monitoring.Methods:Using Donabedian′s "structure-process-result" three-dimensional quality evaluation model as the theoretical framework, the nursing quality evaluation indicator system for PiCCO was established through literature search, Delphi expert correspondence, and hierarchical analysis during the period May to August 2023.Results:Of the 22 experts, 6 were male and 16 were female, aged (46.59 ± 4.34) years. The return rates of the questionnaires of the 2 rounds of expert correspondence were both 100%, the coefficients of expert authority were both 0.945, and the Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.045-0.186 ( χ2 values were 2.00-221.46, all P<0.05) and 0.045-0.132 ( χ2 values were 2.00-82.16, all P<0.05), respectively. The finalized nursing quality evaluation indicator system for PiCCO included 3 primary indicators, 7 secondary indicators, and 36 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The nursing quality evaluation indicator system for PiCCO is practical and scientific, which can provide reference for PiCCO monitoring nursing quality evaluation.
4.Meta-analysis of the incidence and influencing factors of transient severe motion in the arterial phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI
Fukun SHI ; Jiaxu LIANG ; Qian XU ; Junjie SHU ; Jiameng SI ; Yihao YAN ; Yong CHEN ; Suo YIN ; Lan ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(8):1392-1398
Objective To explore the incidence and its influencing factors of transient severe motion(TSM)in the arterial phase of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(Gd-EOB-DTPA)enhanced MRI.Methods The databases of China National Knowledge Network(CNKI),VIP,Wanfang,PubMed,and Embase were searched for studies on the incidence and influencing factors of TSM,and the search time was from the establishment of the databases to October 2024.Meta-analysis was performed via Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 30 papers(33 studies)were finally included,totaling 12 565 patients.Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of TSM in the arterial phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI was 13.0%.The risk factors for TSM included age[odds ratio(OR)=1.03;95%confidence interval(CI)1.02-1.05;P<0.001),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)(OR=4.21;95%CI 1.76-10.09;P=0.001),and moderate-to-severe pleural effusion(OR=3.34;95%CI 1.69-6.63;P=0.001),while a previous usage history of Gd-EOB-DTPA(OR=0.56;95%CI 0.39-0.81;P=0.002)was a protective factor of TSM.Conclusion The incidence of TSM in the arterial phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI is relatively high.Age,COPD,moderate-to-severe pleural effusion are risk factors for TSM,while the previous usage history of Gd-EOB-DTPA is a protective factor for TSM.
5.Diagnosis of An Abbreviated Breast MRI Protocol Based on First Post-Contrast Subtracted for Breast Cancer
Xu HE ; Tingting HUANG ; Jiacheng ZHANG ; Dingsheng HAN ; Fukun SHI ; Qian XU ; Yanru ZHOU ; Lan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):531-536
Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic value of an abbreviated protocol MRI(AP-MRI)based on first post-contrast subtracted(FAST)images for breast cancer detection.Materials and Methods This study included imaging data from 160 female patients with solid breast lesions who underwent breast MRI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from April 2021 to January 2024.Two AP-MRI protocols were extracted from the full diagnostic protocol(FDP),including:dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI(DCE-MRI)A protocol:FAST and maximum-intensity projection(MIP)images,and DCE-MRI B protocol:FAST+MIP+diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI).Lesions categorized as breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS)1-3 were classified as negative,and those categorized as BI-RADS 4-5 were classified as positive.Pathological findings served as the diagnostic gold standard.Two radiologists independently evaluated the lesions as negative/positive and compared with the gold standard.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the three protocols were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for each protocol,and the area under the curve(AUC)was compared.Results The accuracy of the three protocols showed statistically significant differences(Cochran's Qreader1=6.000,P=0.050;Cochran's Qreader2=10.909,P=0.012).The accuracy of the DCE-MRI A protocol was significantly lower than that of the FDP protocol(Z=2.449,Preader1=0.043;Z=2.858,Preader2=0.013).There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity(Cochran's Qreader1=3.000,P=0.223;Cochran's Qreader2=2.667,P=0.264)or specificity(Cochran's Qreader1=3.000,P=0.223;Cochran's Qreader2=2.800,P=0.247)between the two AP-MRI protocols and the FDP protocol.There were no statistically significant differences in AUC between the DCE-MRI B protocol and the FDP protocol(Z=1.390-1.719,all P>0.05),while the AUC of the DCE-MRI A protocol had lower AUCs than the FDP protocol(Z=1.980,2.441;both P<0.05).Conclusion The AP-MRI protocol combining FAST,MIP and DWI shows diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of the FDP and greatly saves time and cost,suggesting its potential as an alternative imaging strategy for women with dense breasts and as a new diagnostic approach for high-risk populations.
6.Emphasizing Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma:Adoption and Promotion of A Standardized Terminology System of Imaging
Qian XU ; Jiameng SI ; Lan ZHANG ; Shengxiang RAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(3):233-237
As a globally prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates,hepatocellular carcinoma has demonstrated significant potential in prognostic prediction and therapeutic evaluation through its imaging manifestations.This article focuses on the potential correlations between current imaging characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma and its prognosis,emphasizing the importance of adopting and promoting a standardized imaging terminology system.It illustrates specific examples of imaging features associated with prognosis,reviews recent research hotspots and advancements in hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis.The aim is to offer precise prognostication,diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
7.Research Progress on Prognosis Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on MRI Features
Yihao YAN ; Lan ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Jiameng SI ; Fukun SHI ; Junjie SHU ; Jiacheng ZHANG ; Xu HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(3):274-279
In clinical practice,the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma primarily relies on imaging findings.For cases with atypical imaging features or insufficient diagnostic specificity,pathological analysis remains essential.With the advancement of precision medicine,research focus has expanded from pure diagnostic evaluation to therapeutic efficacy prediction.Imaging-based prognostic biomarkers have emerged as a key research frontier in hepatocellular carcinoma management.Although accurate diagnosis remains paramount,current investigations increasingly prioritize the identification of biomarkers for treatment response prediction and outcome stratification.Recent studies demonstrate that radiological characteristics not only reflect tumor heterogeneity but also carry prognostic implications for hepatocellular carcinoma.These imaging biomarkers enable non-invasive outcome prediction and provide objective evidence to optimize therapeutic decision-making.This comprehensive review summarizes MRI-derived imaging features associated with hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis,aiming to guide personalized treatment strategies and ultimately improve survival outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
8.Mechanism of action of Gegen QinLian Decoction in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting ferroptosis based on the Nrf2/SCLC7A11/GPX4 pathway
Qian LUO ; Tao LUO ; Zhenzhen SONG ; Fang LIANG ; Junsen LI ; Shuhong PENG ; Lan CAO ; Haiping ZHAO ; Changhua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(2):72-84
Objective To investigate the mechanism of action of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)signaling pathway in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and to explore the mechanism of Gegen QinLian Decoction for the treatment of NAFLD,using in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Rats were fed with high-fat chow for 24 weeks to induce NAFLD,and were then divided randomly into normal(C),model(M),high-,medium-,and low-dose Gegen QinLian Decoction(GGQLT-H,GGQLT-M,GGQLT-L),and metformin(Met)groups.From week 25 onwards,the rats were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage for 2 weeks according to the grouping,until sampling.Levels of the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde(MDA)and glutathione(GSH)in the liver tissues were measured in each group using biochemical kits and ferrous iron(Fe2+)in rat liver tissues was detected using a Fe2+kit.Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),SLC7A11,glutathione synthetase(GSS),GPX4,and acyl coenzyme A synthetase 4(ACSL4)mRNA levels in rat liver tissues were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.For cellular experiments lipid acc umulation was induced in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells using 1 mmol/L free fatty acid,to mimic the NAFLD in vitro model.Different concentrations of Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin-containing serum were added for treatment.Lipid accumulation was detected in the cells in each group by Oil red O staining.The MDA and GSH contents of HepG2 cells in the different groups were determined using appropriate kits,and the ferrous contents were detected using a cell-specific ferrous kit.Expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GSS,GPX4,and ACSL4 mRNA was detected in each group of cells using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results In the animal experiments,MDA and Fe2+liver levels were significantly higher in the M group than in the C group,while GSH levels were significantly lower(P<0.01).GGQLT-H,GGQLT-M and Met groups showed significantly reduced MDA and Fe2+and elevated GSH levels compared with the M group(P<0.01,P<0.05).High-and medium-dose Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin increased Nrf2,HO-1,GSS,and GPX4 mRNA and decreased ACSL4 mRNA expression levels(P<0.01,P<0.05).In cellular experiments,lipid droplets were significantly increased in the HepG2 cell M group compared with those in the C group,and lipid droplets were significantly reduced by Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin.MDA and Fe2+levels were significantly increased and GSH levels were significantly decreased in the HepG2 M group compared with the levels in the C group(P<0.01),while all doses of Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin significantly decreased MDA and Fe2+levels(P<0.01)and increased the GSH content(P<0.01,P<0.05).Nrf2,GSS,GPX4,and SLC7A11 mRNA expression levels in the GGQLT-H group,Nrf2,HO-1,and SLC7A11 in the GGQLT-L group,HO-1,SLC7A11,and GSS in the GGQLT-M group,and GSS,Nrf2,and HO-1 in the Met group were all significantly increased compared with the findings in the M group(P<0.01,P<0.05).ACSL4 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in the GGQLT-M and GGQLT-L groups and the Met group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusions Gegen QinLian Decoction can improve NAFLD by inhibiting ferroptosis,and its mechanism may he related to regulation of the Nrf2/SLC7A 11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
9.Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spine fracture and dislocation (version 2025)
Dongmei BIAN ; Ke SUN ; Ningbo CHEN ; Caixia BAI ; Miao WANG ; Yafeng QIAO ; Fei WANG ; Hong WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Mei YAN ; Meng BAI ; Linjuan ZHANG ; Liyan ZHAO ; Yaqing CUI ; Xue JIANG ; Leling FENG ; Ning NING ; Junqin DING ; Lan WEI ; Yonghua ZHAI ; Yu ZENG ; Zengmei ZHANG ; Jiqun HE ; Fenggui BIE ; Hong CHEN ; Zengyan WANG ; Li LI ; Li ZHANG ; Yaying ZHOU ; Bing SHAO ; Ying WANG ; Caixia XIE ; Yanfeng YAO ; Jingjing AN ; Wen SHI ; Xiongtao LIU ; Xiaoyan AN ; Ning NAN ; Lan LI ; Xiaohui GOU ; Qiaomei LI ; Xiuting WU ; Yuqin ZHANG ; Jing LIU ; Fusen XIANG ; Xu XU ; Na MEI ; Jiao ZHOU ; Shan FAN ; Qian WANG ; Shuixia LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(2):138-147
Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.
10.Pituitary radiomics combined with MRI features for predicting growth hormone status in pediatric short stature
Fukun SHI ; Lan ZHANG ; Yu GAO ; Xiaoyang ZHAI ; Qian XU ; Jiaxu LIANG ; Shengli SHI ; Ling WU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1073-1078
Objective To observe the value of pituitary radiomics and MRI features combined model for predicting growth hormone(GH)status in pediatric short stature.Methods Totally 300 children with short stature were enrolled as training set,while other 73 cases were taken as external validation set.Based on growth hormone stimulation test,the children were divided into GH deficiency(GHD)group(n=228)and non-GHD group(n=145).The training set included 196 cases in GHD subgroup and 104 cases in non-GHD subgroup,while the validation set included 32 cases in GHD subgroup and 41 cases in non-GHD subgroup.Radiomics features of pituitary were extracted from T1WI.The key features were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression,and machine learning models were subsequently constructed using support vector machine(SVM),logistic regression(LR),naive Bayes(NB)and K-nearest neighbor(KNN),respectively.Then combined models were constructed combining with MRI features,and the efficacy of each model was evaluated.Results The area under the curve(AUC)of SVM,LR,NB,and KNN radiomics model for predicting GH status in pediatric short stature was 0.860,0.831,0.838 and 0.901 in training set,0.788,0.829,0.823 and 0.770 in validation set,while of the relative combined SVM,LR,NB and KNN model was 0.924,0.903,0.859 and 0.920 in training set,and 0.827,0.881,0.836 and 0.718 in validation set.LRcombined model had the best overall performance,with sensitivity of 84.94%,specificity of 80.56%and accuracy of 83.61%in training set,and 80.95%,72.22%and 80.00%in validation set,respectively.Conclusion Pituitary radiomics and MRI features combined model could effectively predict GH status in pediatric short stature.

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