1.An integrated optoelectronic fiber for simultaneous transmission of laser and electrical current and validation of tissue vaporization in ex vivo pig kidneys
Dongchong SUN ; Yutao ZHANG ; Likun GAI ; Chenglin ZHANG ; Yanna WANG ; Hao ZHANG ; Yalin SUN ; Yongmei WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):168-171
Objective To design and fabricate an integrated optoelectrical fiber to enable the simultaneous transmission of high-power laser and electrical current, thereby developing a novel tool for urological surgery.Methods A miniature metal sleeve was installed at the front end of a medical high-energy optical fiber, and corresponding conductive circuits were configured. The fiber was connected to a fiber thulium laser and a bipolar plasma generator simultaneously. Experiments of simulated vaporization were conducted on ex vivo porcine kidney tissues using thulium laser (50 W), plasma (100 W), and thulium laser + plasma (50 W+100 W), respectively. Tissue removal efficiency was calculated using the weighing method:tissue clearance rate (g/min)=[mass before vaporization (g) - mass after vaporization (g)]/vaporization time (min). Lateral tissue thermal damage was assessed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. One-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test were used for statistical analysis.Results The integrated optoelectrical fiber was successfully constructed, which could simultaneously and continuously transmit thulium laser and plasma electrocision current. The tissue clearance rate of the thulium laser+plasma group was significantly higher than that of the thulium laser group and plasma group [(0.49±0.13) g/min vs. (0.14±0.02) g/min vs. (0.11±0.04) g/min, P<0.001]. The average lateral thermal damage depth of the thulium laser + plasma group showed no statistically significant difference compared to the thulium laser group [(985.5±178.5) μm vs.(957.5±197.4) μm, P>0.05], but both were significantly higher than that of the simple plasma group [(499.6±78.0) μm] (P<0.001). Conclusion The thulium laser + plasma energy transmitted simultaneously by the integrated optoelectrical fiber can vaporize kidney tissue more efficiently without additional thermal damage.
2.Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, 1400 Blood Metabolites, and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Yuxi LIU ; Daxiong FENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Likun WANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):211-221
Objective:
The precise mechanisms driving intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) development remain unclear, but evidence suggests a significant involvement of gut microbiota (GM) and blood metabolites. We aimed to investigate the causal relationships between GM, IVDD, and blood metabolites using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We utilized the summary statistics of GM from the MiBioGen consortium, 1400 blood metabolites from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Catalog, and IVDD data from the FinnGen repository, which are sourced from the largest GWAS conducted to date. Employing bidirectional MR analyses, we investigated the causal relationships between GM and IVDD. Additionally, we conducted 2 mediation analyses, 2-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR), to identify potential mediating metabolites.
Results:
Five bacterial genera were causally associated with IVDD, while IVDD did not show a significant causal effect on GM. In the 2-step MR analysis, Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup, RuminococcaceaeUCG003, Lachnoclostridium, and Marvinbryantia genera, along with metabolites X-24949, Pimeloylcarnitine/3-methyladipoylcarnitine (C7-DC), X-24456, histidine, 2-methylserine, Phosphocholine, and N-delta-acetylornithine, were all significantly associated with IVDD (all p < 0.05). MVMR analysis revealed that the associations between Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup genus and IVDD were mediated by X-24949 (8.1%, p = 0.024); Lachnoclostridium genus and IVDD were mediated by histidine (18.1%, p = 0.013); and RuminococcaceaeUCG003 genus and IVDD were mediated by C7-DC (-7.5%, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
The present MR study offers evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and IVDD, as well as identifying potential mediating metabolites.
3.Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, 1400 Blood Metabolites, and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Yuxi LIU ; Daxiong FENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Likun WANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):211-221
Objective:
The precise mechanisms driving intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) development remain unclear, but evidence suggests a significant involvement of gut microbiota (GM) and blood metabolites. We aimed to investigate the causal relationships between GM, IVDD, and blood metabolites using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We utilized the summary statistics of GM from the MiBioGen consortium, 1400 blood metabolites from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Catalog, and IVDD data from the FinnGen repository, which are sourced from the largest GWAS conducted to date. Employing bidirectional MR analyses, we investigated the causal relationships between GM and IVDD. Additionally, we conducted 2 mediation analyses, 2-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR), to identify potential mediating metabolites.
Results:
Five bacterial genera were causally associated with IVDD, while IVDD did not show a significant causal effect on GM. In the 2-step MR analysis, Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup, RuminococcaceaeUCG003, Lachnoclostridium, and Marvinbryantia genera, along with metabolites X-24949, Pimeloylcarnitine/3-methyladipoylcarnitine (C7-DC), X-24456, histidine, 2-methylserine, Phosphocholine, and N-delta-acetylornithine, were all significantly associated with IVDD (all p < 0.05). MVMR analysis revealed that the associations between Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup genus and IVDD were mediated by X-24949 (8.1%, p = 0.024); Lachnoclostridium genus and IVDD were mediated by histidine (18.1%, p = 0.013); and RuminococcaceaeUCG003 genus and IVDD were mediated by C7-DC (-7.5%, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
The present MR study offers evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and IVDD, as well as identifying potential mediating metabolites.
4.Research on the physical anatomical structure of the Lieque(LU7)acupoint
Chunlin WANG ; Zhaoyu SHU ; Shuai ZHANG ; Quan HAN ; Peigang FANG ; Hengtao QI ; Tiezheng WANG ; Ziyu KANG ; Wenxu ZHANG ; Linjiang WANG ; Qiang WANG ; Likun DONG ; Tao WANG ; Zengtao WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):992-999
Objective To investigate the anatomical structure and surface location of the Lieque(LU7)acupoint.Methods Firstly,the anatomical localization descriptions of the Lieque(LU7)acupoint from classical medical literature were reviewed and summarized.A total of 21 participants were recruited from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January to March 2025.A Cartesian coordinate system was established over the Lieque(LU7)region on the right forearm.Following standardized manual pressure stimulation,the coordinates of the participant′s reported acupoint sensations were recorded.Based on surface pressure mapping result,10 participants were arbitrarily selected for acupuncture intervention.Upon elicitation of acupoint sensation,the ultrasound imaging was used for real-time visualization of anatomical spatial relationships between the needle tip and distal radial osseous landmarks.Five red latex-perfused adult upper limb specimens were selected for microdissection of the Lieque(LU7)regions pre-localized via ultrasonography,achieving definitive structural characterization of its anatomical strata.Another 10 participants were arbitrarily selected to find the physical structure of the Lieque(LU7)acupoint using ultrasound,and the similarities and differences of acupoint sensation responses were verified using acupuncture needle insertions into both the demarcated zone and peripheral tissues.Results The descriptions of the localization of the Lieque(LU7)acupoint in ancient books can be summarized as"one and a half cun above the wrist side"longitudinally,and"at the intersection head,between two tendons and two bones in the hollow"transversely.During surface pressure application,the sites of the participant′s elicited acupoint sensation were anatomically concentrated in the proximal depression adjacent to the radiopalmar ridge,specifically at the transitional interface between the extensor pollicis brevis tendon and scaphoid bone.During acupuncture-induced acupoint sensation,ultrasound imaging demonstrated that the location of the needle tip was located within the proximal depression adjacent to the radiopalmar ridge,accompanied by arterial hemodynamic perfusion signals into adjacent osseous interfaces.Microdissection findings revealed perforating branches of the radial artery traversing the cortical bone interface within the Lieque(LU7)acupoint region.Acupuncture stimulation at the proximal depression adjacent to the radiopalmar ridge elicited consistent acupoint sensations in all 10 participants,and the acupoint sensations differed from those of other surrounding tissues.Conclusion The anatomical structure of Lieque(LU7)acupoint is located within the proximal depression adjacent to the radiopalmar ridge,characterized by the presence of"hilus of bone"structure.
5.Characteristics of gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis
Jie WANG ; Lulu SHEN ; Xin ZHANG ; Hongxia LU ; Yi JIA ; Jing LIU ; Peng BU ; Likun ZAN
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(7):748-754
Objective:To investigate the clinical, pathological, and molecular biological characteristics of gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAS) in order to provide reference for clinical treatment.Methods:Thirty-two patients diagnosed with hepatoid adenocarcinoma after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Shanxi Cancer Hospital were included from January 2019 to December 2021. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods were used to analyze immune markers and molecular characteristics in the pathological tissues from 32 patients with HAS. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier method were used to analyze the prognostic factors of overall survival and disease-free survival.Results:Among the 32 patients with HAS, 26 were male, 6 were female; aged 28-77 years, with an median age 62.0 (53.8, 67.2) years. Fifteen cases of HAS were located in the cardia, 10 cases in the antrum, and 7 cases in the body of the stomach. The maximum diameter of the mass was 3-10 cm, and mainly ulcerative in gross. The immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization results showed that the positive rates of AFP, SALLA4, and Glypican-3 were 68.8% (22/32), 68.8% (22/32), 78.1% (25/32), respectively; Seven patients had microsatellite status of dMMR. Two cases of HER2 gene amplification and 2 cases of EB virus positivity. The NGS results showed that HAS was often accompanied by multiple gene mutations, with 23 cases having ≥ 2 gene mutations and 6 cases having ≥10 gene mutations. The TP53 gene had the highest mutation frequency; 4 cases had genetic structural variations; 28 cases had copy number variation. In addition, there were 7 cases of MSI-H and 9 cases of TMB-H. Follow-up results showed that 12 cases died, 9 cases developed metastasis, and the shortest survival time was 5 months.Conclusions:Gastric HAS is a type of tumor with high invasiveness and poor prognosis. The combined detection of AFP, SALLA4 and Glypican-3 can improve the diagnostic rate of tumors. dMMR/MSI-H and TMB-H patients in HAS are significantly higher than those in ordinary gastric cancer, and the high frequency mutation genes in HAS are often accompanied by multiple potential therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy are expected to become the treatment direction of HAS.
6.Clinicopathological characteristics and SDHB phenotype of 30 cases of paragangli-oma with literature review
Likun ZHANG ; Shuyi LIU ; Chunyan CHEN ; Yi WANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Keyang SUN ; Jie CHEN ; Zhiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(1):31-36
Purpose To summarize the clinicopathological features of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma(PPGL)and discuss the potential correlation between SDHB immunophenotype and prognosis in PPGLs.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 samples of PPGL along with their corresponding clinicopathological informa-tion,SDHB immunophenotype characteristics,and the risk of recurrence and metastasis.Results The study included 20 extra-adrenal paragangliomas and 10 pheochromocytoma cases.The male-to-female ratio was 13∶17,with a mean age of 56(range from 21 to 79).Four cases recurred,one case resulted in death and five cases failed to follow-up.All recurrent or fatal cases were paraganglioma patients.Among the 30 cases,3 had multiple nodular lesions,and the re-maining cases were single nodule.The neck was the most frequent site for paraganglioma(6/20),followed by retroper-itoneum(5/20).Histologically,the tumors displayed a variable"zellballen"architecture with a highly vascularized stroma.The chief cells had abundant pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and slightly to moderately atypical nuclei,and pe-ripherally located sustentacular cells.Positive immunoreactivity with markers of neuroendocrine cells,including Syn,CgA,and GATA3,was found in tumor chief cells,which were nonreactive for CK.The sustentacular cells exhibited positive immunoreactivity for the S-100 protein.SDHB deficiency was demonstrated in 12 of 30 cases,with only one case being pheochromocytoma.The recurrence rate in SDHB-deficient group was higher than that in the positive group(33.3%vs 6.7%).Only one case of paraganglioma developed distant metastasis and death.Conclusion SDHB de-ficiency was predominantly observed in paragangliomas and serverd as an indipentent factor for metastatic risk in PPGLs.It was closely associated with younger age at onset,invasiveness,extra-adrenal tumorgenesis,and a high rate of tumor recurrence.
7.SV2A inhibits AIF/CyPA nuclear translocation and mitochondrial damage to alleviate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in drug-resistant epilepsy rats
Mianmian REN ; Chen LI ; Siying REN ; Guofeng WU ; Likun WANG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(10):973-985
Objective:To investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in apoptosis of drug-resistant epilepsy neurons.Methods:One hundred and fifty specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly numbered; 20 rats were selected as a normal control group (NC group), and the remaining 130 rats were subjected to chronic epilepsy models of lithium-pilocarpine. Phenobarbital and phenytoin sodium for 2 weeks were given to these rats after modeling; fanally, 94 rats with chronic epilepsy were divided into a drug-resistant group (phenobarbital and phenytoin sodium-resistant epilepsy [PRE] group, reduction in episodes<50%, n= 55) and a drug-sensitive group (phenobarbital and phenytoin sodium-sensitive epilepsy [PSE] group, reduction in episodes by≥50%, n=38). Rats in the PRE group were further randomly divided into 5 groups, namely a up-regulated-SV2A PRE group (UPRE group), a down-regulated-SV2A PRE group (DPRE group), a up-regulated-SV2A control group (UPRC group), a down-regulated-SV2A control group (DPRC group), and a non-transfected PRE group; different types of lentivirus were given to the first 4 groups via stereotactic brain injection. Ten days after lentiviral transfection, virus detection was performed; and 2 weeks after lentiviral transfection, occurrence of epileptic seizures was observed, and after that, rats were sacrificed and the hippocampal tissues were collected for subsequent experiments. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of SV2A, cyclophilin A (CyPA), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in the cell nucleus or mitochondria; coimmunoprecipitation experiment was performed to observe the interaction among SV2A, CyPA and AIF proteins; immunofluorescent co-staining was used to observe the CyPA/AIF localization; mitochondrial damage was detected by electron microscopy; ATP content in the hippocampal tissues was detected by luciferase method, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) expression was detected by immunofluorescent staining, and neuronal apoptosis rate was calculated by double staining with neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) and TUNEL. Results:(1) Confocal microscopy revealed that the hippocampal tissues in the 4 transfected groups showed green fluorescence inherent to the lentivirus, indicating successful viral infection. Compared with the UPRC group, the UPRE group had significantly reduced frequency of epileptic seizures and seizure duration ( P<0.05). (2) Western blotting showed that, in mitochondria, the UPRE group had significantly higher expressions of SV2A (0.475± 0.105 vs. 0.136±0.043), CyPA (0.473±0.041 vs. 0.175±0.047), AIF (0.443±0.058 vs. 0.131±0.037), and SOD2 (0.457±0.037 vs. 0.152±0.038) compared with the UPRC group ( P<0.05); the DPRE group had significantly decreased expressions of SV2A (0.038±0.013 vs. 0.184±0.047), CyPA (0.041±0.010 vs. 0.214±0.040), AIF (0.040±0.019 vs. 0.175±0.046), and SOD2 (0.043±0.017 vs. 0.187±0.039) compared with the DPRC group ( P<0.05). In the cell nucleus, the UPRE group had significantly lower expressions of AIF (0.336±0.084 vs. 0.649±0.209) and CyPA (0.331±0.086 vs. 0.620±0.162) compared with the UPRC group ( P<0.05); the DPRE group had statistically higher expressions of AIF (0.771± 0.180 vs. 0.519±0.144) and CyPA (0.738±0.223 vs. 0.488±0.091) compared with the DPRC group ( P< 0.05). (3) Co-immunoprecipitation experiment results showed that the bidirectional precipitation results of SV2A and AIF, SV2A and CyPA, and AIF and CyPA were all positive, suggesting existence of interactions. (4) Immunofluorescent co-staining showed that the fluorescence changes of CyPA and AIF were consistent. (5) Electron microscopy showed that mitochondria in the NC group had intact structure; mitochondria in the UPRE group, UPRC group, DPRC group and DPRE group showed swelling and cristae fragmentation; among them, injury in the UPRE group was relatively less severe than that in the UPRC group, while that in the DPRC group was more severe than that in the DPRE group. (6) Compared with the UPRC group, the UPRE group had statistically higher ATP content ( P<0.05); compared with the DPRC group, the DPRE group had significantly lower ATP content ( P<0.05).(7) Immunofluorescent staining results showed that the UPRE group had significantly lower 8-OHDG expression than the UPRC group ( P<0.05); compared with the DPRC group, the DPRE group had statistically higher 8-OHDG expression ( P<0.05). (8) The UPRE group had significantly lower NeuN-TUNEL double staining positive rate than the UPRC group ( P<0.05); compared with the DPRC group, the DPRE group had significantly higher NeuN-TUNEL double staining positive rate ( P<0.05). Conclusion:SV2A can play a role in the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in rats with drug-resistant epilepsy by regulating the nuclear translocation of AIF/CyPA and mitochondrial damage.
8.Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, 1400 Blood Metabolites, and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Yuxi LIU ; Daxiong FENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Likun WANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):211-221
Objective:
The precise mechanisms driving intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) development remain unclear, but evidence suggests a significant involvement of gut microbiota (GM) and blood metabolites. We aimed to investigate the causal relationships between GM, IVDD, and blood metabolites using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We utilized the summary statistics of GM from the MiBioGen consortium, 1400 blood metabolites from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Catalog, and IVDD data from the FinnGen repository, which are sourced from the largest GWAS conducted to date. Employing bidirectional MR analyses, we investigated the causal relationships between GM and IVDD. Additionally, we conducted 2 mediation analyses, 2-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR), to identify potential mediating metabolites.
Results:
Five bacterial genera were causally associated with IVDD, while IVDD did not show a significant causal effect on GM. In the 2-step MR analysis, Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup, RuminococcaceaeUCG003, Lachnoclostridium, and Marvinbryantia genera, along with metabolites X-24949, Pimeloylcarnitine/3-methyladipoylcarnitine (C7-DC), X-24456, histidine, 2-methylserine, Phosphocholine, and N-delta-acetylornithine, were all significantly associated with IVDD (all p < 0.05). MVMR analysis revealed that the associations between Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup genus and IVDD were mediated by X-24949 (8.1%, p = 0.024); Lachnoclostridium genus and IVDD were mediated by histidine (18.1%, p = 0.013); and RuminococcaceaeUCG003 genus and IVDD were mediated by C7-DC (-7.5%, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
The present MR study offers evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and IVDD, as well as identifying potential mediating metabolites.
9.Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, 1400 Blood Metabolites, and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Yuxi LIU ; Daxiong FENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Likun WANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):211-221
Objective:
The precise mechanisms driving intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) development remain unclear, but evidence suggests a significant involvement of gut microbiota (GM) and blood metabolites. We aimed to investigate the causal relationships between GM, IVDD, and blood metabolites using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We utilized the summary statistics of GM from the MiBioGen consortium, 1400 blood metabolites from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Catalog, and IVDD data from the FinnGen repository, which are sourced from the largest GWAS conducted to date. Employing bidirectional MR analyses, we investigated the causal relationships between GM and IVDD. Additionally, we conducted 2 mediation analyses, 2-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR), to identify potential mediating metabolites.
Results:
Five bacterial genera were causally associated with IVDD, while IVDD did not show a significant causal effect on GM. In the 2-step MR analysis, Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup, RuminococcaceaeUCG003, Lachnoclostridium, and Marvinbryantia genera, along with metabolites X-24949, Pimeloylcarnitine/3-methyladipoylcarnitine (C7-DC), X-24456, histidine, 2-methylserine, Phosphocholine, and N-delta-acetylornithine, were all significantly associated with IVDD (all p < 0.05). MVMR analysis revealed that the associations between Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup genus and IVDD were mediated by X-24949 (8.1%, p = 0.024); Lachnoclostridium genus and IVDD were mediated by histidine (18.1%, p = 0.013); and RuminococcaceaeUCG003 genus and IVDD were mediated by C7-DC (-7.5%, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
The present MR study offers evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and IVDD, as well as identifying potential mediating metabolites.
10.Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, 1400 Blood Metabolites, and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Yuxi LIU ; Daxiong FENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Likun WANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):211-221
Objective:
The precise mechanisms driving intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) development remain unclear, but evidence suggests a significant involvement of gut microbiota (GM) and blood metabolites. We aimed to investigate the causal relationships between GM, IVDD, and blood metabolites using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We utilized the summary statistics of GM from the MiBioGen consortium, 1400 blood metabolites from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Catalog, and IVDD data from the FinnGen repository, which are sourced from the largest GWAS conducted to date. Employing bidirectional MR analyses, we investigated the causal relationships between GM and IVDD. Additionally, we conducted 2 mediation analyses, 2-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR), to identify potential mediating metabolites.
Results:
Five bacterial genera were causally associated with IVDD, while IVDD did not show a significant causal effect on GM. In the 2-step MR analysis, Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup, RuminococcaceaeUCG003, Lachnoclostridium, and Marvinbryantia genera, along with metabolites X-24949, Pimeloylcarnitine/3-methyladipoylcarnitine (C7-DC), X-24456, histidine, 2-methylserine, Phosphocholine, and N-delta-acetylornithine, were all significantly associated with IVDD (all p < 0.05). MVMR analysis revealed that the associations between Eubacteriumfissicatenagroup genus and IVDD were mediated by X-24949 (8.1%, p = 0.024); Lachnoclostridium genus and IVDD were mediated by histidine (18.1%, p = 0.013); and RuminococcaceaeUCG003 genus and IVDD were mediated by C7-DC (-7.5%, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
The present MR study offers evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and IVDD, as well as identifying potential mediating metabolites.

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