1.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
2.Effect of dapagliflozin in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a randomized controlled trial
Xiaoyu LIAN ; Fei PENG ; Hui GONG ; Juying QIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):342-349
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) combined with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods A total of 120 patients with PAF combined with HFpEF treated at Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University from July 2022 to July 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the dapagliflozin group (n=60, standard treatment combined with dapagliflozin) and the control group (n=60, standard treatment combined with placebo). After 12 months of follow-up, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Total Symptom Score (KCCQ-TSS), PAF duration, recurrence rate and frequency of PAF, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, P-wave dispersion, blood pressure, plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were compared between the two groups. Cardiovascular outcomes and adverse events were observed. Results A total of 10 patients lost to follow-up, and 110 patients were included in the analysis (55 in each group). After 12 months of treatment, the KCCQ-TSS in the dapagliflozin group was significantly higher than that in the control group ([61.68±2.65] points vs [44.98±4.76] points, P<0.001). The PAF duration in the dapagliflozin group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ([144±18] min vs [270±24] min, P=0.045). After treatment, frequency of PAF, NT-proBNP levels, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter, P-wave dispersion, and HbA1C levels showed statistical differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The heart failure readmission rate and PAF recurrence rate in the dapagliflozin group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups during treatment. Conclusions Dapagliflozin improves patients’ quality of life, reduces PAF duration and recurrence rate, decreases heart failure readmission rate, lowers NT-proBNP levels, reverses cardiac remodeling, and demonstrates favorable safety in patients with PAF combined with HFpEF.
3.Application value of MR three-dimensional double inversion recovery sequence in the diagnosis of optic neuritis
Hui ZHANG ; Peng LIAN ; Shijie JIANG ; Peng LÜ ; Daoqing WEI ; Fengjun ZHAO ; Lijuan YANG ; Chenwang JIN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1449-1452
Objective To evaluate the application value of the MR three-dimensional double inversion recovery(3D DIR)sequence in the diagnosis of optic neuritis(ON).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on MRI images from 40 patients with sus-pected ON.All patients underwent conventional T2 WI fat suppression(FS)and 3D DIR sequences.The lesion detection rate and diag-nostic accuracy of the intraorbital,intracanalicular,and intracranial segments of the optic nerve were compared between the two sequences,respectively.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance,and the intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)were used to analyze interobserver consistency.Imaging assessments were independently performed by two senior and two junior radiologists.Results The sensitivity(SEN),specificity(SPE),and accuracy(ACC)in lesion detection of 3D DIR sequence were significantly better than those of conventional T2 WI FS sequence[odds ratio(OR)221 vs 104,P<0.001].Notably,3D DIR sequence exhibited superior performance in detecting lesions in the intraorbital segment[area under the curve(AUC)0.915,OR=102]and intracanalicular segment(AUC 0.858,OR=51)compared with conventional T2WI FS sequence.Additionally,3D DIR sequence significantly improved diagnostic consistency among junior radiologists(ICC value increased from 0.469 to 0.655),bring-ing their diagnostic performance closer to that of senior radiologists(AUC improved to 0.883,ACC reached 90.1%).Conclusion The 3D DIR sequence has outstanding diagnostic efficacy in detecting ON lesions,significantly improving ACC and interobserver consistency,thereby offering strong support for the precise diagnosis of ON.
4.Study on the correlation between myocardial fibrosis and heart failure severity in patients with heart failure via cardiac MR
Ping CUI ; Song WANG ; Jinxiang XIA ; Hu LIAN ; Hui WU ; Xing ZHONG ; Chuanmin LI ; Sutong WU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(2):226-230
Objective To investigate the correlation between myocardial fibrosis(MF)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and myocardial injury markers in heart failure patients via cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR).Methods Seventy-six patients with heart failure were selected,including 32 cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)(HFpEF group),15 cases of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmEF)(HFmEF group),and 29 patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)(HFrEF group).Additionally,7 healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations were included(control group).CMR parameters and biological markers for the heart failure groups were collected for all subjects.The differences in native T1 value and extracellular volume fraction(ECV)between the heart failure group and the control group were compared,respectively.The differences in native T1 value,ECV,late gadolinium enhancement(LGE)score,serum creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin Ⅰ knockdown(cTnI-KD),and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)among heart failure subgroups were also compared,respectively.Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between MF imaging indicators and LVEF,as well as NT-proBNP levels.Results The differences in native T1 value,ECV,LGE score,and NT-proBNP between the heart failure group and the control group,as well as between the heart failure subgroups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The native T1 value,ECV,and LGE score in the heart failure group were positively correlated with NT-proBNP,and negatively correlated with LVEF.Conclusion The native T1 value,ECV value and LGE score are correlated with heart failure severity.CMR can detect myocardial injury early in patients with HFpEF and provide valuable information for risk stratification of MF.
5.Construction and Evaluation of a Rat Model of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Hui LIAN ; Yanling JIANG ; Jia LIU ; Yuli ZHANG ; Wei XIE ; Xiaoou XUE ; Jian LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(2):130-146
Objective By simulating the etiology of abnormal uterine bleeding-ovulatory dysfunction(AUB-O)and establishing a rat model of abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB),this study aims to provide an experimental platform for investigating pathological mechanisms and developing therapeutic drugs for AUB.Methods After acclimation,24 adult(10-week-old)female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group(6 rats)and a model group(18 rats).The normal control group was housed in a barrier environment,while the model group underwent bilateral ovariectomy via dorsal approach in the same environment and rested for one week before starting to receive modeling drugs.In the model group,from Days 1 to 3 of modeling,each rat received a daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg estradiol into the dorsal region.From Days 4 to 7,a daily subcutaneous injection of 5.0 mg progesterone was administered.On Day 6,rats received bilateral injections of 0.5 mL soybean oil per uterine cavity(total 1.0 mL)via the same dorsal surgical incision.On Day 8,mifepristone(10 mg/kg)was administered via oral gavage.The estrous cycle stage and its dynamic changes were continuously monitored during modeling.Uterine bleeding was recorded during the 48-hour observation period post-modeling.Serum and uterine tissue samples were collected from the model group at 0,12,24,36,and 48 h after mifepristone administration,while the normal control group was sampled at 36 h.The samples were subjected to HE staining,serum sex hormone ELISA,immunohistochemistry,TUNEL apoptosis staining,Western blotting,transcriptome sequencing,and bioinformatics analysis for comprehensive evaluation of the AUB rat model.Results The AUB rats exhibited uterine bleeding,endometrial detachment and injury,incomplete uterine restoration,inflammatory cell infiltration in the endometrium,enhanced tissue apoptosis,and structural damage of the stroma,glands,and vasculature.Compared with the normal control group,the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),estradiol,and luteinizing hormone(LH)were significantly increased in the AUB rats(P<0.05).The vascular density of the endometrium was significantly reduced(P<0.05).The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)was qualitatively observed to be markedly enhanced at the site of endometrial detachment but significantly decreased around the stromal blood vessels(P<0.01).Matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)expression was qualitatively observed to be strongly upregulated at the site of endometrial injury but significantly reduced in the non-detached stroma and glands(P<0.01).Endometrial stromal cell apoptosis was significantly enhanced(P<0.01).The expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)and endothelin-1(ET-1)in uterine tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.05).After comparing the transcriptome sequencing results of uterine tissues between AUB and normal rats,a total of 4 723 differentially expressed genes were identified,including 2 191 up-regulated genes and 2 532 down-regulated genes.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to inflammation,immune apoptosis,cell signal transduction,proliferation and differentiation,and muscle contraction,among others.Conclusion An AUB rat model can be successfully established using a sequential administration protocol of estrogen,progesterone,and mifepristone to simulate the etiology of AUB-O.In this model,endometrial injury is associated with inflammation and apoptosis,with pathological manifestations influenced by abnormal vasoconstriction and impaired endometrial regeneration.This rat model closely recapitulates pathological characteristics of non-structural AUB observed in clinical practice,making it a validated experimental platform for exploring the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic interventions of non-structural AUB.
6.Study on the current situation and influencing factors of nutritional risk in children in PICU
Lian-Ye LI ; Ying-Jie DUAN ; Guang-Yu LI ; Qi LI ; Mao MAO ; Yu TIAN ; Dong-Xue LÜ ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin-Hui LIU
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(1):23-28
Objective:To investigate the nutritional risk status of children in PICU and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:From July 2021 to February 2023,all children aged 1 to 18 years admitted to PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital were investigated by using the pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Scoring tool(PYMS)and the clinical data questionnaire.Results:A total of 492 children in PICU were enrolled.The first nutritional risk screening results showed that there were 32 cases of no/low nutritional risk(6.5%),76 cases of medium risk(15.4%),and 384 cases of high risk(78.1%).The incidence of medium/high nutritional risk was as high as 93.5%.The PYMS score of nutritional risk in PICU was(2.61±1.42).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that weight,fever time before admission,white blood cells,body mass index,primary diagnosis,father's education,and diet before illness were the main influencing factors of nutritional risk of children in PICU(P<0.05).Conclusion:Children in PICU are in a state of high nutritional risk.It is suggested that children in PICU should carry out nutritional screening in a standardized manner,identify children with high nutritional risk and its influencing factors early.To actively conduct nutritional assessment and nutritional intervention could improve the clinical outcome of children in PICU.
7.Predictive value of color Doppler ultrasound combined with electrocardiogram for right heart dys func-tion in patients with pulmonary heart disease
Wan-wan WU ; Hai-bo SHEN ; Chun-lian MA ; Dian-dong HUANG ; Fang-hong WANG ; Hui-qin WANG ; Li KAN ; Jian SUN ; Ji-wen SHEN ; Meng HUANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(3):332-337
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of color Doppler ultrasound combined with electrocardio-gram for right heart dys function in patients with pulmonary heart disease(PHD).Methods:A total of 100 PHD patients admitted in Dongcheng Branch of First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2020 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to results of 6min walking test(6MWT),pa-tients were divided into good right heart function group(n=64,≥350m)and right heart dysfunction group(n=36,<350m).The indexes of cardiac color ultrasound[isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT),isovolumetric contraction time(IVCT)and right ventricular Tei index],ECG[24h mean R-R interval standard deviation(SDNN),normal R-R interval standard deviation per 5min(SDANN)and the ratio of low frequency components to high frequency components(LF/HF)]were compared between two groups.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasound,ECG and their combination for right heart dys-function in PHD patients.Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association of color Doppler ul-trasound,ECG and their combination with right heart dysfunction in PHD patients.Results:Compared with those in good right heart function group,patients in right heart dysfunction group had significant higher IVRT[(120.64±14.08)ms vs.(97.87±10.93)ms],IVCT[(84.28±12.33)ms vs.(71.92±10.61)ms]and Tei index[(0.85±0.11)vs.(0.63±0.07)](P<0.001 all),and significant lower SDNN[(75.52±12.58)ms vs.(85.58±11.75)ms],SDANN[(63.86±10.92)ms vs.(76.75±11.71)ms]and LF/HF[(1.33±0.19)vs.(1.84±0.27)](P<0.001 all).ROC curve indicated that the AUC of color Doppler ultrasound combined ECG in diagnosing right heart dysfunction in PHD patients was 0.911(95%CI 0.838~0.959),which was significantly higher than those of color Doppler ultrasound[0.775(95%CI 0.681~0.853),Z=2.404,P=0.016]and ECG[0.688(95%CI 0.588~0.777),Z=3.968,P=0.001]alone.Spearman correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive correlation of color Doppler ultrasound(r=0.547),ECG(r=0.375)and their combination(r=0.810)with right heart dysfunction in PHD patients(P<0.001 all),and the correlation between combined detection and right heart dysfunction in PHD patients was significantly higher.Conclusion:Color Doppler ultrasound combined with ECG possesses high diagnostic performance for right heart dysfunction in PHD patients.
8.Predictive value of color Doppler ultrasound combined with electrocardiogram for right heart dys func-tion in patients with pulmonary heart disease
Wan-wan WU ; Hai-bo SHEN ; Chun-lian MA ; Dian-dong HUANG ; Fang-hong WANG ; Hui-qin WANG ; Li KAN ; Jian SUN ; Ji-wen SHEN ; Meng HUANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(3):332-337
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of color Doppler ultrasound combined with electrocardio-gram for right heart dys function in patients with pulmonary heart disease(PHD).Methods:A total of 100 PHD patients admitted in Dongcheng Branch of First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2020 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to results of 6min walking test(6MWT),pa-tients were divided into good right heart function group(n=64,≥350m)and right heart dysfunction group(n=36,<350m).The indexes of cardiac color ultrasound[isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT),isovolumetric contraction time(IVCT)and right ventricular Tei index],ECG[24h mean R-R interval standard deviation(SDNN),normal R-R interval standard deviation per 5min(SDANN)and the ratio of low frequency components to high frequency components(LF/HF)]were compared between two groups.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasound,ECG and their combination for right heart dys-function in PHD patients.Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association of color Doppler ul-trasound,ECG and their combination with right heart dysfunction in PHD patients.Results:Compared with those in good right heart function group,patients in right heart dysfunction group had significant higher IVRT[(120.64±14.08)ms vs.(97.87±10.93)ms],IVCT[(84.28±12.33)ms vs.(71.92±10.61)ms]and Tei index[(0.85±0.11)vs.(0.63±0.07)](P<0.001 all),and significant lower SDNN[(75.52±12.58)ms vs.(85.58±11.75)ms],SDANN[(63.86±10.92)ms vs.(76.75±11.71)ms]and LF/HF[(1.33±0.19)vs.(1.84±0.27)](P<0.001 all).ROC curve indicated that the AUC of color Doppler ultrasound combined ECG in diagnosing right heart dysfunction in PHD patients was 0.911(95%CI 0.838~0.959),which was significantly higher than those of color Doppler ultrasound[0.775(95%CI 0.681~0.853),Z=2.404,P=0.016]and ECG[0.688(95%CI 0.588~0.777),Z=3.968,P=0.001]alone.Spearman correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive correlation of color Doppler ultrasound(r=0.547),ECG(r=0.375)and their combination(r=0.810)with right heart dysfunction in PHD patients(P<0.001 all),and the correlation between combined detection and right heart dysfunction in PHD patients was significantly higher.Conclusion:Color Doppler ultrasound combined with ECG possesses high diagnostic performance for right heart dysfunction in PHD patients.
9.A longitudinal case study on the dynamic evolution of rural family doctor contract service mode
Ya-yan TIAN ; Ting-hui LIAN ; Xin-yu SHI ; Jian-tao LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(6):51-57
Objective:To explore the development context and evolution mechanism of family doctor contract service mode in rural areas,and provide reference for relevant departments to continuously optimize the family doctor contract service policy.Methods:Based on the principle of theoretical sampling,J City in S Province,which is listed as one of the national primary health comprehensive pilot areas,was selected as the case study object,and the data were collected through interviews and literature review,and then grounded and coded with NVivo11 software.Results:74 initial concepts,24 sub categories and 9 main categories were sorted out,and the core categories were formed through selective coding.The signing service of family doctors in rural areas has gone through three stages:individual signing of rural doctors,team signing and team signing under the county medical community.Its evolution conditions have gone through the formalization of signing,service capability and efficiency synergy in turn.The three elements of the system adaptation action successively presents differential execution under the system de embedding,collaborative block under the structure embedding and collaborative execution under the system coupling,so as to gradually realize the system coupling from responsibility construction to ability improvement,and then to responsibility,ability and interest.Conclusion:the evolution mechanism of the contracted service mode of family doctors in rural areas reflects the dynamic adaptation under the conditions of political situation,social situation and policy situation,and gradually realizes the closed-loop of the three elements of responsibility,ability and interest based on the differentiation of the three elements of the system.
10.Construction and Evaluation of a Rat Model of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Hui LIAN ; Yanling JIANG ; Jia LIU ; Yuli ZHANG ; Wei XIE ; Xiaoou XUE ; Jian LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(2):130-146
Objective By simulating the etiology of abnormal uterine bleeding-ovulatory dysfunction(AUB-O)and establishing a rat model of abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB),this study aims to provide an experimental platform for investigating pathological mechanisms and developing therapeutic drugs for AUB.Methods After acclimation,24 adult(10-week-old)female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group(6 rats)and a model group(18 rats).The normal control group was housed in a barrier environment,while the model group underwent bilateral ovariectomy via dorsal approach in the same environment and rested for one week before starting to receive modeling drugs.In the model group,from Days 1 to 3 of modeling,each rat received a daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg estradiol into the dorsal region.From Days 4 to 7,a daily subcutaneous injection of 5.0 mg progesterone was administered.On Day 6,rats received bilateral injections of 0.5 mL soybean oil per uterine cavity(total 1.0 mL)via the same dorsal surgical incision.On Day 8,mifepristone(10 mg/kg)was administered via oral gavage.The estrous cycle stage and its dynamic changes were continuously monitored during modeling.Uterine bleeding was recorded during the 48-hour observation period post-modeling.Serum and uterine tissue samples were collected from the model group at 0,12,24,36,and 48 h after mifepristone administration,while the normal control group was sampled at 36 h.The samples were subjected to HE staining,serum sex hormone ELISA,immunohistochemistry,TUNEL apoptosis staining,Western blotting,transcriptome sequencing,and bioinformatics analysis for comprehensive evaluation of the AUB rat model.Results The AUB rats exhibited uterine bleeding,endometrial detachment and injury,incomplete uterine restoration,inflammatory cell infiltration in the endometrium,enhanced tissue apoptosis,and structural damage of the stroma,glands,and vasculature.Compared with the normal control group,the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),estradiol,and luteinizing hormone(LH)were significantly increased in the AUB rats(P<0.05).The vascular density of the endometrium was significantly reduced(P<0.05).The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)was qualitatively observed to be markedly enhanced at the site of endometrial detachment but significantly decreased around the stromal blood vessels(P<0.01).Matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)expression was qualitatively observed to be strongly upregulated at the site of endometrial injury but significantly reduced in the non-detached stroma and glands(P<0.01).Endometrial stromal cell apoptosis was significantly enhanced(P<0.01).The expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)and endothelin-1(ET-1)in uterine tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.05).After comparing the transcriptome sequencing results of uterine tissues between AUB and normal rats,a total of 4 723 differentially expressed genes were identified,including 2 191 up-regulated genes and 2 532 down-regulated genes.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to inflammation,immune apoptosis,cell signal transduction,proliferation and differentiation,and muscle contraction,among others.Conclusion An AUB rat model can be successfully established using a sequential administration protocol of estrogen,progesterone,and mifepristone to simulate the etiology of AUB-O.In this model,endometrial injury is associated with inflammation and apoptosis,with pathological manifestations influenced by abnormal vasoconstriction and impaired endometrial regeneration.This rat model closely recapitulates pathological characteristics of non-structural AUB observed in clinical practice,making it a validated experimental platform for exploring the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic interventions of non-structural AUB.

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