1.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Precription in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Autophagy
Xin KANG ; Chaodi SUN ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN ; Mingmin DU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):166-173
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription in regulating autophagy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by bioinformatics and animal experiments. MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and those overlapped with autophagy genes were obtained as the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs). DEARGs were imported into Metascape and STRING, respectively, for gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (GO/KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Finally, 15 key DEARGs were obtained. The core DEARGs were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the immunoinfiltration of UC patients and the correlations between core DEARGs and immune cells. C57BL/6J mice were assigned into a normal group and a modeling group. The mouse model of UC was established by free drinking of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium. The modeled mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription and mesalazine groups according to the random number table method and administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. The colonic mucosal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein and mRNA levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), cathepsin B (CTSB), C-C motif chemokine-2 (CCL2), CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), and hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultsThe dataset GSE87466 was screened from GEO and interlaced with autophagy genes. After PPI analysis, LASSO regression, and ROC analysis, the core DEARGs (Caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4) were obtained. The results of immunoinfiltration analysis showed that the counts of NK cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients had significant differences, and core DEARGs had significant correlations with these immune cells. This result, combined with the prediction results of network pharmacology, suggested that the HIF-1α signaling pathway may play a key role in the regulation of UC by Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription. The animal experiments showed that Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription significantly alleviated colonic mucosal inflammation in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, CXCR4, and HIF-1α, which were down-regulated after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription or mesalazine. ConclusionCaspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4 are autophagy genes that are closely related to the onset of UC. Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription can down-regulate the expression of core autophagy genes to alleviate the inflammation in the colonic mucosa of mice.
2.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
3.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
4.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
5.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
6.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
7.Impact of the number of microsatellite markers on the analysis of population genetic diversity of Schistosoma japonicum
Juan LONG ; Lang MA ; Hongying ZONG ; Zhipeng ZHOU ; Hao YAN ; Qinping ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):239-246
Objective To examine the impact of different numbers of microsatellite markers on the analysis of population genetic diversity of Schistosoma japonicum, so as to provide insights into studies on the population genetic diversity of S. japonicum. Methods Oncomelania hupensis snails were collected from a wasteland in Gong’an County, Hubei Province, and 37 S. japonicum-infected O. hupensis snails were identified using the cercarial shedding method. A single cercaria released from each S. japonicum-infected O. hupensis snail was collected, and 10 cercariae were randomly collected from DNA extraction. Nine previously validated microsatellite loci and 15 additional microsatellite loci screened from literature review and the GenBank database and confirmed with stable amplification efficiency were selected as molecular markers. Genomic DNA from cercariae was subjected to three multiplex PCR amplifications of microsatellite markers with the Type-it Microsatellite PCR kit, and genotyped using capillary electrophoresis. The population genetic diversity of S. japonicum cercariae DNA was analyzed with observed number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ae), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and polymorphism information content (PIC), and tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and linkage disequilibrium (LD). To further investigate the impact of the number of microsatellite loci on the population genetic diversity of S. japonicum, the number of microsatellite markers was sequentially assigned from 1 to 24, and the mean and standard deviation of Na were calculated for S. japonicum populations at different locus numbers. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV) of allelic number (defined as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean) was determined, and the variation in Na with increasing microsatellite locus numbers was analyzed. Results Genomic DNA from 345 S. japonicum cercariae was selected for genotyping of 24 microsatellite markers, and all 24 microsatellite loci met linkage equilibrium (standardized linkage disequilibrium coefficient D′ < 0.7, r2 < 0.3) and deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.001). The mean Na, Ae, Ho and He were 27.46 ± 2.18, 12.46 ± 0.95, 0.46 ± 0.03, and 0.91 ± 0.01 for 24 microsatellite loci in S. japonicum cercarial populations, respectively, and PIC ranged from 0.85 to 0.96, indicating high genome-wide representativeness of 24 microsatellite loci. The mean value of Na-Ae was higher in genotyping with 9 previously validated microsatellite loci (19.88 ± 8.43) than with all 24 loci (14.99 ± 8.09). As the number of microsatellite loci increased, the mean Na showed no significant variation; however, the standard deviation gradually decreased. Notably, if the locus number reached 18 or more, the variation in the standard deviation of Na remarkably reduced. In addition, the standard deviation of Na at 18 loci was less than 5% of the mean Na at 24 loci, with a CV of 4.6%. Conclusions The number of microsatellite loci significantly affects the population genetic diversity analysis of S. japonicum. Eighteen or more microsatellite loci are recommended for analysis of the population genetic diversity of S. japonicum under the current conditions of low-prevalence infection and unbalanced genetic distribution of S. japonicum.
8.Therapeutic effect of different biliary drainage methods after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in elderly patients with choledocholithiasis: An analysis based on propensity score matching
Kaifang DU ; Xichun WANG ; Lei WEI ; Changzhi ZHAO ; Zhongyi FENG ; Mingjie CHENG ; Hanshuo LI ; Guiling LANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2359-2364
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and feasibility of intra-biliary drainage tube placement after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in elderly patients with choledocholithiasis, and to provide more options for surgical procedures in the clinical management of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 52 elderly patients with choledocholithiasis who were admitted to Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Dalian Friendship Hospital of Dalian Medical University, from November 2021 to October 2024. According to the biliary drainage method after surgery, the patients were divided into internal drainage group with 24 patients and T-tube drainage group with 28 patients, and there were 19 patients in each group after propensity score matching. The two groups were compared in terms of perioperative parameters and postoperative complications. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsCompared with the T-tube drainage group, the internal drainage group had a significantly shorter length of postoperative hospital stay and a significantly lower volume of postoperative bile loss (Z=-2.845 and -5.633, both P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the two groups in time of operation, intraoperative blood loss, and drainage tube indwelling time (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative bile leak, stone recurrence, biliary stricture, and drainage tube-related complications, and the internal drainage group had a significantly lower total complication rate than the T-tube drainage group [1 (5.3%) vs 7 (36.8%), P<0.05]. ConclusionFor elderly patients with choledocholithiasis, intra-biliary drainage tube placement after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration can shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay, reduce bile loss, and lower the incidence rate of postoperative complications, thereby helping to accelerate postoperative recovery.
9.Epidemiological characteristics of stroke incidence from 2017 to 2022 in Songjiang District, Shanghai
Xuyan SU ; Yuzhuo WANG ; Yiling WU ; Jingyi HE ; Peng YANG ; Dongchen LANG ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Yang ZHENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(11):1065-1069
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of stroke in Songjiang District from 2017 to 2022, to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of stroke incidence, so as to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of stroke prevention and control policies. MethodsData of new stroke incidence from 2017 to 2022 in Songjiang District were obtained from the Shanghai Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction Registration and Reporting Information System. In addition, different classifications such as time of onset, gender, age group and types of stroke, were statistically analyzed. Statistical indicators, such as the number of incidence, crude incidence rate, standardized incidence rate and average age of incidence were calculated simultaneously. Joinpoint software were used to calculate the annual change percentage (APC) and the trend of stroke incidence in Songjiang District. ResultsFrom 2017 to 2022, the newly reported cases of stroke were 12 988 in Songjiang District, the crude incidence rate was 325.76/105, and the standardized incidence rate was 127.58/105. The crude incidence rate and standardized incidence rate in males were 363.45/105 and 157.17/105, respectively, but 288.68/105 and 99.02/105 in females. The mean age of onset was (73.12±11.75) years, of which the mean age of onset was (70.86±11.96) years for men and (75.91±10.85) years for women. The incidence of stroke increased with age, rising rapidly after 60 years and reaching a peak in the age group of ≥ 80 years old. The crude incidence rate and standardized incidence rate of stroke in Songjiang District showed a downward trend from 2017 to 2022, with an APC of -6.20% and -8.01%, respectively (P=0.018, 0.007). The newly reported stroke was dominated by ischemic stroke, accounting for 82.81% of the total cases, with a crude incidence rate of 269.77/105 and a standardized rate of 103.84/105. The incidence of stroke presented seasonal characteristics, with the highest incidence in winter, accounting for 26.11% of the whole year. ConclusionThe incidence rate of stroke in Songjiang District shows a declined trend, but the overall incidence is still at a high level. The situation of prevention and control is still serious, with a heavy disease burden. It is necessary to strengthen health education and disease management for the elderly.
10.Neuroprotective Effect of Sinomenine on Parkinson's Disease Mice by Regulating GSK3β/Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Lingyu ZHANG ; Changhong HE ; Zhongzheng ZHAO ; Haojie NI ; Lang YI ; Yan DONG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(5):607-614
Objective To investigate the intervention effect and mechanism of sinomenine(SIN)on Parkinson's disease(PD)mice based on GSK3 β/Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κ B signaling pathways.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group,model group,positive drug group(Levodopa,75 mg?kg-1)and SIN low-,medium-and high-dose groups(20,40,80 mg?kg-1),with 8 mice in each group.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg?kg-1 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)once a day for 5 days.Intragastric administration was performed 1 hour after injection of MPTP,once a day for 12 days.On the day 11 of administration,the mice were subjected to a pole-climbing experiment,and on the day 12,a rotating rod experiment was performed to test the behavioral changes of the mice.The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in brain tissue were detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expression levels of TH,Nrf2,HO-1,p-GSK3β,GSK3β,p-IκB,IκB,p-NF-κB and NF-κB in brain tissue were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the automatic turning latency(T-turn)of the model group was significantly prolonged(P<0.05),and the number of falls was significantly increased(P<0.001).The expression level of TH protein in brain tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.001).The serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The protein expression levels of p-GSK3β/GSK3β,Nrf2 and HO-1 in brain tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.001),and the protein expression ratios of p-IκB/IκB and p-NF-κB/NF-κB were significantly increased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the T-turn in the Sin medium-and high-dose groups was significantly shortened(P<0.05,P<0.001),the falling latency was significantly prolonged(P<0.05,P<0.01),the times of falls was significantly reduced(P<0.001),the expression level of TH protein in brain tissue was significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.001),and the level of serum TNF-α was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6 in brain tissue of mice in each administration group were significantly decreased(P<0.001),the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),the protein expression levels of p-GSK3β/GSK3β,Nrf2 and HO-1 in brain tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),and the protein expression ratios of p-IκB/IκB and p-NF-κB/NF-κB were significantly decreased(P<0.001).Conclusion SIN can enhance anti-oxidative stress and inhibit neuroinflammation by regulating GSK3β/Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways in the brain of Parkinson's disease mice,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.

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