1.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
2.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
3.Progress of Research on Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with HER-2 Mutation
Liang ZHANG ; Changliang YANG ; Peidong LI ; Ying CHENG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(2):87-92
Anti-tumor drug research and development in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly developing, and the clinical application of high-throughput sequencing technology is also becoming widespread. Accordingly, researchers are focusing on human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) gene as a rare target of NSCLC, and a series of exploratory studies has been performed. Traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy are unsatisfactory in the HER-2 mutant population, whereas the survival improvement of anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibodies and pan-HER inhibitors is limited. The development of antibody drug conjugate (ADC) ushers in a turning point for HER-2-mutated NSCLC, and new ADC drugs represented by trastuzumab deruxtecan are making a breakthrough. It opens up a new era of precision therapy for advanced HER-2-mutated NSCLC. Additionally, novel HER-2 inhibitors show very encouraging initial efficacy and safety, and clinical trials are ongoing. This review focuses on the latest progress of research on HER-2-mutated NSCLC.
4.Optimization of Discrete Element Simulation Parameter Calibration Method for Traditional Chinese Medicine Extract Powder Under Low Shear Conditions
Xuefang TANG ; Huanzheng LI ; Zichen LIANG ; Yifei LIU ; Ying LIU ; Fangfang XU ; Bing XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):211-218
ObjectiveTo improve the accuracy of discrete element method in simulating the processing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) powder system under low shear conditions. MethodsIn this study, extract powders of Tongsaimai tablets and Qige granules were used as the research objects, the angle of repose(AOR) and effective angle of internal friction of the two materials were determined by AOR test method and shear cell test method. Based on the Hertz-Mindlin with JKR V2 contact model and particle scaling theory, taking the particle-particle restitution coefficient(A), particle-particle static friction coefficient(B), particle-particle rolling friction coefficient(C), particle-steel restitution coefficient(D), particle-steel static friction coefficient(E), particle-steel rolling friction coefficient(F) and Johnson-Kendall-Roberts(JKR) surface energy(G) as test factors, the simulated contact parameters of Tongsaimai tablets extract powder were first calibrated with a single reference value using AOR as the reference value, and then the simulated contact parameters of Tongsaimai tablets extract powder as well as Qige granules extract powder were co-calibrated with AOR and effective angle of internal friction as the joint reference value, respectively. Then, Plackett-Burman design was used to screen the critical contact parameters that have a significant effect on the simulated reference value, and the steepest ascent design was used to determine the optimal range of the critical contact parameters, finally, the regression model between the critical contact parameters and the simulated reference values was established through the design of the response surface test, and the critical contact parameters were calibrated based on the regression model and the desirability function approach. ResultsThe optimal combination of discrete elemental contact parameters A-G for Tongsaimai tablets extract powder under a single reference value was 0.100, 0.718, 0.616, 0.100, 0.400, 0.250 and 0.075 J·m-2, which was validated to have relative errors of 0.10% and -8.64% for the simulated AOR and the simulated effective angle of internal friction, respectively. And the optimal combination of discrete elemental contact parameters A-G for Tongsaimai tablets extract powder at the joint reference values was 0.100, 0.682, 0.598, 0.100, 0.521, 0.294 and 0.075 J·m-2, which was verified to have relative errors of 0.10% and -0.18% for the simulated AOR and the simulated effective angle of internal friction, respectively. The optimal combination of discrete elemental contact parameters A-G for Qige granules extract powder at the joint reference values was 0.150, 0.370, 0.330, 0.150, 0.500, 0.500 and 0.100 J·m-2, which was verified to have relative errors of 2.70% and -1.30% for the simulated AOR and the simulated effective angle of internal friction, respectively. Compared with the single reference value method, the joint calibration method not only increased the number of the critical contact parameters for characterizing particle-device interactions, but also was more accurate and reliable. ConclusionCompared with the results of single reference value calibration, the results obtained by the method of joint calibration of discrete element simulation contact parameters with AOR and effective angle of internal friction as the reference values are more accurate, which can provide more accurate and reliable simulation physical property data for the simulation experiments of TCM extract powder under low shear process conditions.
5.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
6.Study on Kinetic and Static Tasks With Different Resistance Coefficients in Post-stroke Rehabilitation Training Based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Ling-Di FU ; Jia-Xuan DOU ; Ting-Ting YING ; Li-Yong YIN ; Min TANG ; Zhen-Hu LIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1890-1903
ObjectiveFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a novel non-invasive technique for monitoring cerebral activity, can be integrated with upper limb rehabilitation robots to facilitate the real-time assessment of neurological rehabilitation outcomes. The rehabilitation robot is designed with 3 training modes: passive, active, and resistance. Among these, the resistance mode has been demonstrated to yield superior rehabilitative outcomes for patients with a certain level of muscle strength. The control modes in the resistance mode can be categorized into dynamic and static control. However, the effects of different control modes in the resistance mode on the motor function of patients with upper limb hemiplegia in stroke remain unclear. Furthermore, the effects of force, an important parameter of different control modes, on the activation of brain regions have rarely been reported. This study investigates the effects of dynamic and static resistance modes under varying resistance levels on cerebral functional alterations during motor rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. MethodsA cohort of 20 stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction was enrolled in the study, completing preparatory adaptive training followed by 3 intensity-level tasks across 2 motor paradigms. The bilateral prefrontal cortices (PFC), bilateral primary motor cortices (M1), bilateral primary somatosensory cortices (S1), and bilateral premotor and supplementary motor cortices (PM) were examined in both the resting and motor training states. The lateralization index (LI), phase locking value (PLV), network metrics were employed to examine cortical activation patterns and topological properties of brain connectivity. ResultsThe data indicated that both dynamic and static modes resulted in significantly greater activation of the contralateral M1 area and the ipsilateral PM area when compared to the resting state. The static patterns demonstrated a more pronounced activation in the contralateral M1 in comparison to the dynamic patterns. The results of brain network analysis revealed significant differences between the dynamic and resting states in the contralateral PFC area and contralateral M1 area (F=4.709, P=0.038), as well as in the contralateral PM area and ipsilateral M1 area (F=4.218, P=0.049). Moreover, the findings indicated a positive correlation between the activation of the M1 region and the increase in force in the dynamic mode, which was reversed in the static mode. ConclusionBoth dynamic and static resistance training modes have been demonstrated to activate the corresponding brain functional regions. Dynamic resistance modes elicit greater oxygen changes and connectivity to the region of interest (ROI) than static resistance modes. Furthermore, the effects of increasing force differ between the two modes. In patients who have suffered a stroke, dynamic modes may have a more pronounced effect on the activation of exercise-related functional brain regions.
7.Clinical features of recompensation in autoimmune hepatitis-related decompensated cirrhosis and related predictive factors
Xiaolong LU ; Lin HAN ; Huan XIE ; Lilong YAN ; Xuemei MA ; Dongyan LIU ; Xun LI ; Qingsheng LIANG ; Zhengsheng ZOU ; Caizhe GU ; Ying SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1808-1817
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features and outcomes of recompensation in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-related decompensated cirrhosis, to identify independent predictive factors, and to construct a nomogram prediction model for the probability of recompensation. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among the adult patients with AIH-related decompensated cirrhosis who were admitted to The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to August 2023 (n=211). The primary endpoint was achievement of recompensation, and the secondary endpoint was liver-related death or liver transplantation. According to the outcome of the patients at the end of the follow-up, the patients were divided into the recompensation group (n=16) and the persistent decompensation group(n=150).The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data with homogeneity of variance, and the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data with heterogeneity of variance; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis; the Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to identify independent predictive factors, and a nomogram model was constructed and validated. ResultsA total of 211 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 55.0 years and a median follow-up time of 44.0 months, and female patients accounted for 87.2%. Among the 211 patients, 61 (with a cumulative proportion of 35.5%) achieved recompensation. Compared with the persistent decompensation group, the recompensation group had significantly higher white blood cell count, platelet count (PLT), total bilirubin (TBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bile acid, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), SMA positive rate, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child-Pugh score, and rate of use of glucocorticoids (all P0.05), as well as significantly lower age at baseline, number of complications, and death/liver transplantation rate (all P0.05). At 3 and 12 months after treatment, the recompensation group had continuous improvements in AST, TBil, INR, IgG, MELD score, and Child-Pugh score, which were significantly lower than the values in the persistent decompensation group (all P0.05), alongside with continuous increases in PLT and albumin, which were significantly higher than the values in the persistent decompensation group (P0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that baseline ALT (hazard ratio [HR]=1.067, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010 — 1.127, P=0.021), IgG (HR=0.463,95%CI:0.258 — 0.833, P=0.010), SMA positivity (HR=3.122,95%CI:1.768 — 5.515, P0.001), and glucocorticoid therapy (HR=20.651,95%CI:8.744 — 48.770, P0.001) were independent predictive factors for recompensation, and the nomogram model based on these predictive factors showed excellent predictive performance (C-index=0.87,95%CI:0.84 — 0.90). ConclusionAchieving recompensation significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with AIH-related decompensated cirrhosis. Baseline SMA positivity, a high level of ALT, a low level of IgG, and corticosteroid therapy are independent predictive factors for recompensation. The predictive model constructed based on these factors can provide a basis for decision-making in individualized clinical management.
8.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of piracetam for the treatment of spinal cord injury in rats through MAPK path-way
Bo DONG ; Yue LI ; Ying-Chun LI ; Tong WANG ; Zhuang LIANG ; Xi-Jing HE
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(6):591-598
Objective To explore mechanism of piracetam for the treatment of spinal cord injury in rats through mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathway.Methods Fifty-four healthy 6-week-old SD female rats with body weight of 80 to 100 g were divided into sham operation group,spinal cord injury group and piracetam group by random number table method,with 18 rats in each group.Spinal cord injury model was established in spinal cord injury group and piracetam group using percussion apparatus,while sham operation group did not damage spinal cord.Piracetam group was injected with pirac-etam injection through tail vein according to 5 ml·kg-1 standard,once a day for 3 days;the other two groups were injected with normal saline at the same dose,the same frequency and the same duration.The rats were sacrificed at 1,3,and 7 days after surgery,and changes of Basso,Beattie and Bresnahan(BBB)locomotor rating scale was observed and compared.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect spinal cord inflammatory factors,such as interleukin-6(IL-6),in-terleukin-10(IL-10),interleukin-1β(interleukin-1β),necrosis factor-α(IL-1β)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α);HE staining was used to observe morphological changes of rats with spinal cord injury,and immunohistochemistry was used to observe expression level of aquaporin 4(AQP4).The activation of MAPK signaling pathway in spinal cord of rats after spinal cord injury was observed by western blotting(WB).Results BBB scores of sham operation group on 1,3 and 7 day were 21 points.In spinal cord injury group,the scores were(1±1),(4±1)and(7±2);piracetam group was(1±1),(5±1),(9±2),re-spectively;the difference between spinal cord injury group and sham operation group was statistically significant(P<0.05).HE staining showed that no abnormality was found in sham operation group.In spinal cord injury group,bleeding and degeneration of spinal cord tissue appeared at 1 day after operation;flaky necrotic areas were appeared in spinal cord at 3 days after surgery,and spinal cord tissue began to slowly repair at 7 days after surgery.In piracetam group,the bleeding area was less than that of spinal cord injury group at 1 day after surgery;at 3 days after operation,the necrotic area was reduced and the range of nuclear disappearance was reduced;and the spinal cord began to recover slowly at 7 days after surgery.AQP4 staining of spinal cord of rats in sham operation group was weak at 1,3 and 7 days after modeling,AQP4 staining was deepened and area increased in spinal cord injury group,AQP4 staining of piracetam group was lighter than that of spinal cord injury group,and the positive cells were slightly increased and the staining was slightly darker than that of sham operation group.At 1,3 and 7 days,the level of IL-6,IL-10,IL-1β and TNF-α in spinal cord injury group were higher than those in sham operation group and piracetam group(P<0.05).Compared with spinal cord injury group,the area of spinal cord bleeding and necrosis were de-creased by HE staining in piracetam group,and AQP4 staining was decreased by immunohistochemistry.WB results showed that P-ERK,P-JNK and P-P38 levels in spinal cord injury group at 3 days were higher than those in sham operation group and piracetam group(P<0.05).Conclusion Piracetam not only showed significant effect in promoting motor function recovery after spinal cord injury,but also showed positive therapeutic potential in reducing lesion area,regulating AQP4 expression to reduce edema,and reducing inflammatory response by regulating MAPK signaling pathway.
9.Comparative study of total hip arthroplasty with and without femoral osteotomy in Crowe Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip
Bo SUN ; Ke-Wei LI ; Ying-Zhou HOU ; Jin-Liang WANG ; Xuan WEI ; Shao-Hua WANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(10):972-977
Objective To compare the clinical effects of total hip arthroplasty(THA)with and without femoral osteotomy in Crowe Ⅳ developmental hip dislocation(DDH).Methods The data on 46 patients who underwent THA for unilateral Crowe ⅣDDH between 2012 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods.There were 24 patients in the osteotomy group,3 males and 21 females,with an average age of(47.3±9.0)years old ranged from 34 to 57 years old;and 22 patients in the non-osteotomy group,2 males and 20 females,with an average age of(51.6±8.3)years old ranged from 40 to 61 years old.The operative time,bleed loss,postoperative drainage volume,postoperative com-plications,ROM of hip,Harris hip score,limb length discrepancy(LLD),and radiological data were recorded.The femoral dislo-cation height and the implantation depth of sleeve were measured.Results All patients were followed up.The mean follow-up time was(3.8±1.2)years ranged from 2 to 6 years in the osteotomy group and(3.2±0.9)years ranged from 1 to 5 years in the non-os-teotomy group.The operative time(136.8±18.9)min,bleed loss(709.8±89.4)ml,postoperative drainage volume(308.8±98.2)ml of osteotomy group were all significantly greater than those of non-osteotomy group(100.7±15.8)min,(516.5±103.3)ml,(245.3±79.3)ml(P<0.05).The Harris score at the latest follow up was significantly increased compared with preoperative score in two groups(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).The LLD at last follow up was sig-nificantly increased compared with preoperative LLD in two groups,the LLD in non-osteotomy group(0.7±0.2)cm showed signif-cant smaller than the two osteotomy group(1.2±0.4)cm.Between osteotomy and non-osteotomy groups,the preoperative range of motion of hip joint[(89.5±19.7)°vs(102.5±16.8)°],the preoperative height of dislocation of femoral head[(4.56±0.61)cm vs(3.10±0.73)cm],the proximal implant depth of S-ROM[(0.93±0.36)cm vs(1.67±0.28)cm]was significantly different(P<0.05).Eleven patients in the osteotomy group still had claudication,and 4 patients in the non-osteotomy group had mild claudica-tion(P<0.05).In non-osteotomy group,3 patients developed nerve injury(1 patient of sciatic nerve,2 patients of femoral nerve)and 1 case developed periprosthetic fracture.In osteotomy group,2 case of dislocation and 2 cases of periprosthetic fractures.Conclusion Whether osteotomy or not can achieve satisfactory results for treating Crowe type Ⅳ DDH and significantly improve LLD.However,osteotomy is more complex and time-consuming,limb length difference is greater,and the incidence of claudica-tion is higher.Furthermore,patients with smaller preoperative hip mobility,higher femoral dislocation,limb lengthening≥4 cm and severely narrow femoral proximal canals are prone to be peformed with subtrochanteric osteotomy.
10.Detection of five tick-borne pathogens in Maanshan City,Anhui Province,China
Guo-Dong YANG ; Kun YANG ; Liang-Liang JIANG ; Ming WU ; Ying HONG ; Ke-Xia XIANG ; Jia HE ; Lei GONG ; Dan-Dan SONG ; Ming-Jia BAO ; Xing-Zhou LI ; Tian QIN ; Yan-Hua WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):308-314
Here,5 important pathogens carried by ticks in Maanshan City,Anhui Province,China were identified.In to-tal,642 ticks were collected from 13 villages around Maanshan City and identified by morphological and mitochondrial COI genes.The 16S rRNA gene of Francisella tularensis,ssrA gene of Bartonella,16S rRNA,ompA and ompB genes of Rickett-sia,16S rRNA and gltA genes of Anaplasma,and groEL and rpoB genes of Coxiella were sequenced.Reference sequences were retrieved from a public database.Phylogenetic trees were constructed with MEG A1 1.0 software.In total,36 Rickettsiae isolates were detected in 640 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks,which included 20 isolates of Rickettsia heilongjian-gensis,16 of Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis,2 of Ana-plasma bovis,and 186 of Coxiella-like endosymbiont.R.hei-longjiangensis HY2 detected in this study and Anhui B8 strain,Ca.R.jingxinensis QL3 and those from Shanxi Prov-ince and Jiangsu Province,A.bovis JX4 and those from Shanxi Province were clustered on the same branch.Overall,17 ticks had combined infections and none of the 5 bacteria were detected in two Amblyomma testudinarium ticks.This is the first report of Ca.R.jingxinensis detected in H.longicornis ticks from Anhui Province.It is recommended that the two types of Rickettsia that cause spotted fever and A.bovis should be reported to local health authorities to initiate appropriate prevention and control measures.

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