1.Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mucin-rich salivary gland tumors
GUAN Weihang ; LIU Cangwei ; GUO Hao ; LI Jinwei ; WANG Dandan ; QIAO Chunyan ; NIE Mengdong ; QU Ming ; SHI Ce
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):606-619
This paper systematically elaborates on the key points of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of salivary gland tumors characterized by a substantial amount of extracellular mucus as a main or prominent feature, and clarifies the core differential features. The term "mucus-rich" specifically denotes that mucus is a major component of the tumor, rather than a focal or minor one. This phenomenon is associated with distinct histogenetic mechanisms: it may result from specific genetic mutations (e.g., AKT1 E17K in mucinous adenocarcinoma) that drive ductal epithelial differentiation into mucus-secreting cells, or from myoepithelial cells secreting glycosaminoglycans that form a myxoid stroma. Salivary gland tumors with abundant extracellular mucus include mucinous cystadenoma, sialadenoma papilliferum-like intraductal papillary tumors, mucinous myoepithelioma, pleomorphic adenoma with mucin-rich stroma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, mucin-rich salivary duct carcinoma and intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis of these tumors is complicated by the dual nature of extracellular mucus: while it is a defining feature of some entities, it can also obscure key diagnostic architectural features in others, leading to histological overlap and inconspicuous diagnostic areas. Given the frequent histological morphological overlap among these tumors, immunohistochemical findings and molecular characteristics have emerged as crucial differential diagnostic criteria. Core differential diagnostic points include the following: histologically, there must be meticulous identification of typical structures obscured by mucin (such as squamoid cells in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and apocrine features in salivary duct carcinoma); in immunohistochemical staining, CK20 is useful for distinguishing intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (positive) from mucinous adenocarcinoma (negative), while androgen receptor aids in differentiating salivary duct carcinoma (positive) from mucoepidermoid carcinoma (negative); and molecular testing plays a critical role in definitive diagnosis (e.g., the AKT1 E17K mutation for mucinous adenocarcinoma, MAML2 rearrangement for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and MEF2C::SS18 fusion for microsecretory adenocarcinoma). This paper systematically summarizes the core pathological features and differential diagnostic points of mucin-rich salivary gland tumors, aiming to provide a practical reference for clinical pathological diagnosis.
2.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
3.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
4.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
5.Rapid health technology assessment of serplulimab in the first-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer
Yibing HOU ; Shuo KANG ; Yuan GONG ; Xiaohui WANG ; Ying NIE ; Huanlong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1405-1410
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of serplulimab as a first-line treatment of small- cell lung cancer (SCLC), and provide an evidence-based basis for drug selection in hospitals. METHODS Rapid health technology assessment was adopted; PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and official websites of domestic and international health technology assessment agencies were systematically searched from the inception to Oct. 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, assessed the quality of included studies and carried out the qualitative analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS A total of 13 systematic reviews/meta-analyses and 9 economic studies were included, and the literature quality was generally good. In terms of effectiveness, compared with chemotherapy alone, serplulimab combined with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival, overall survival, and objective response rate in patients with SCLC. In terms of safety, serplulimab combined with chemotherapy showed no significant difference in the incidence of ≥3 grade adverse events compared with chemotherapy alone in the treatment of SCLC, indicating a good safety profile; compared with combination therapies involving other immunosuppressive agents, the incidence rate of adverse events was also lower. In terms of cost-effectiveness, compared with chemotherapy alone, serplulimab combined with chemotherapy is not cost- effective, which may be related to the high price of serplulimab. CONCLUSIONS Serplulimab is effective and safe in the treatment of SCLC, but has no obvious advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness.
6.Construction and practice of "three-stage" teaching empowers the ideological and political teaching model in the introduction to nursing course
Ying ZHU ; Yuhui ZHU ; Zhenli WANG ; Fangfang LIU ; Qingqing NIE ; Yating WANG ; Leshan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(13):1025-1029
Objective:To explore the ideological and political education elements and methods in the introduction to nursing course, so as to enhance its ideological educational effectiveness. Methods:In February 2024, based on a "three-stage" teaching model (pre-class, in-class, and post-class), this study reformed the ideological and political education plan for the introduction to nursing course by integrating online and offline case studies and resources, expanding educational materials, and organizing teaching assessments and effectiveness surveys. A semester-long ideological and political education practice was implemented for 237 first-year nursing students from four classes in Medical College of Xinjiang University of Science and Technology. The effectiveness was evaluated by exam scores and a self-designed Introduction to Nursing Teaching Effectiveness Evaluation Scale under the ideological and political education framework. Results:Among the 237 students, there were 107 males and 130 females, aged (18.50 ± 1.12) years old, 63 achieved a passing grade, 149 achieved a good grade, and 18 achieved an excellent grade, with a pass rate of 97.05% (230/237). The scores of the six dimensions of interest stimulation in teaching methods, acceptance of teaching methods, knowledge review and application, knowledge comprehension and retention, self-challenge and improvement, and satisfaction with learning outcomes within 1 week after the end of the course scores were (3.92 ± 1.11), (4.21 ± 0.82), (4.05 ± 0.97), (4.05 ± 0.89), (4.11 ± 0.94), (4.03 ± 0.90) points, which were significantly higher than 1 week before the start of the course (3.43 ± 1.00), (3.54 ± 1.03), (3.48 ± 1.08), (3.47 ± 1.04), (3.52 ± 1.05), (3.47 ± 1.01) points. The differences were statistically significant ( t values were -19.38- -13.22, all P < 0.01). Conclusions:The "three-stage" teaching model in the introduction to nursing course effectively integrates professional education with ideological and political education, improves students′ academic performance, enhances learning effectiveness in nursing practice, and strengthens the overall impact of ideological and political education.
7.Exploration and practice of the collaborative education mode integrating full-time master of public health postgraduates with standardized public health physician training
Hui WANG ; Xiuying LIU ; Huanling YU ; Ling NIE ; Lingling WANG ; Yue YU ; Xinghuo PANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(3):402-405
To enhance the practical ability and job competency of full-time master of public health (MPH) postgraduates and explore a collaborative training mode that integrates medical education with a prevention-and-control approach, in line with standardized public health physician training, the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the School of Public Health affiliated to Capital Medical University, had recruited full-time MPH postgraduates since 2015. These students were trained and assessed through a collaborative training mode based on the Beijing public health physician training mechanism. Through the introduction and analysis of the training objectives, training process, practical assessment methods, training quality, and results, this article suggests that the construction of a collaborative training mode integrating MPH postgraduate education of public health professionals and standardized public health physician training has explored a new pathway for cultivating "four-certification integration" public health professionals. This aligns with the Chinese national strategy for public health talent development and can alleviate the problems of "contradictions between work and study", including the current shortage of public health physicians at present and the difficulties in standardized training enrollment. In addition, this collaborative training mode provides valuable experience for other medical schools in training applied public health professionals who meet national public health standards and combine prevention with treatment.
8.PE_PGRS37 protein promotes intracellular colonization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by inhibiting macrophage autophagy flow
Mengyu LI ; Zhenjun ZHANG ; Tingting FENG ; Hui WANG ; Chanchan NIE ; Chunwen CHEN ; Yunjie GAO ; Yifan DUAN ; Ruonan GUO ; Yingying CUI ; Guanghui DANG ; Siguo LIU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(10):1005-1010,1015
This study explored the effect of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)PE/PPE family protein PE_PGRS37 on the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis(Ms)and macrophage autophagy during Mtb infection.The pe_pgrs37 gene was amplified from Mtb genome through PCR,and the recombinant vector pAIN-PE_PGRS37 was successfully constructed through homologous recombi-nation.pAIN-PE_PGRS37 and pAIN were integrated into Ms through electroshock to construct pAIN-PGRS37/Ms and pAIN/Ms re-combinant bacteria.Western blotting indicated that the PE_PGRS37 protein was correctly expressed in pAIN-PE_PGRS37/Ms.The re-combinant bacteria were inoculated in 7H9/7H10 medium,and their colony morphology and growth curves were observed.No signifi-cant difference in colony morphology was observed between pAIN-PE_PGRS37/Ms and pAIN/Ms.The growth rate significantly in-creased between 10 and 16 h,and a plateau was reached at 26 h.After infection of U937 cells with pAIN-PE_PGRS37/Ms and pAIN/Ms,macrophage autophagy flow was detected with western blotting and immunofluorescence.In the pAIN-PE_PGRS37/Ms-infected group,compared with the pAIN/Ms-infected group,macrophage LC3-II and p62 protein expression was significantly up-regulated(P<0.001)and inhibited autophagosome and lysosome fusion.The intracellular survival of the recombinant bacteria was detected through colony counting,and pAIN-PE_PGRS37/Ms showed significantly greater survival in macrophages at 12 h,24 h,and 48 h than pAIN/Ms(P<0.05).Our results suggested that PE_PGRS37 protein promotes Mycobacterium survival in macrophages by blocking macro-phage autophagy flow,thus inhibiting macrophage autophagy.
9.Sugemalimab as first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer:a rapid health technology assessment
Yibing HOU ; Shuo KANG ; Yuan GONG ; Xiaohui WANG ; Ying NIE ; Huanlong LIU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(7):806-814
Objective To evaluate the efficacy,safety and economy of sugemalimab in the first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)by rapid health technology assessment.Methods PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP and official websites of health technology assessment(HTA)institutions were systematically searched to collect HTA reports,systematic reviews/Meta-analysis and pharmacoeconomic studies of sugemalimab in first-line treatment of NSCLC from inception to October 31,2024.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted information and performed quality assessment of the included studies,and then performed descriptive analysis on the results.Results A total of 15 articles were selected,including 4 systematic reviews/Meta-analysis and 11 pharmacoeconomic studies.In terms of effectiveness,compared with chemotherapy alone,sugemalimab combined with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival(PFS),overall survival(OS),and objective response rate(ORR)in patients with NSCLC.In terms of safety,compared with chemotherapy alone,sugemalimab combined chemotherapy had higher incidence of overall adverse events,but it had a better safety profile compared to other immune combination therapies.In terms of economy,most studies suggested that compared with chemotherapy alone,sugemalimab combined with chemotherapy was not cost-effective,which may be related to the high price of sugemalimab.However,a few studies indicated that sugemalimab combined with chemotherapy could be cost-effective in specific scenarios.Conclusion Sugemalimab has good efficacy in the first-line treatment of NSCLC,but its safety and economy need to be further studied.
10.Application of totally laparoscopic right thoracic esophagojejunostomy in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) surgery
Yang LIU ; Jinxin HAN ; Zhen XIONG ; Chao LI ; Jialiang LI ; Zheng WANG ; Guobin WANG ; Xiaoming SHUAI ; Jun NIE ; Yongde LIAO ; Kaixiong TAO ; Ming CAI
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(9):1069-1072
Objective:This article introduces a novel technique for totally laparoscopic, right thoracic approach, esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who successfully underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic approach at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between February 2022 and March 2022.The surgical procedure was performed as follows:(1)Following total laparoscopic resection of the gastric tumor and lymph node dissection, the specimen was transected distal to the tumor margin. The specimen was then placed into a retrieval bag and extracted through the umbilical observation port.(2)Dissection was continued through the esophageal hiatus to mobilize the esophagus. The tumor-bearing tissue, along with the esophagus, was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus.(3)The jejunum was transected 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The distal Jejunum was mobilized for 15-20 cm and subsequently delivered into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus.(4)A Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was constructed 45-50 cm distal to the cut end of the distal jejunal limb; the mesenteric defect was closed, and the duodenal stump was reinforced.(5)The patient was repositioned into the left lateral decubitus position. Port placement was established as follows: the observation port at the 7th intercostal space (ICS) in the right midaxillary line, the main operating port at the 4th ICS in the anterior axillary line, and the assistant operating port at the 9th ICS in the scapular line.(6)The main operating port incision was enlarged. Using a purse-string instrument, the esophagus was clamped and transected at least 5 cm proximal to the upper tumor margin, and the specimen was removed. (7)The distal jejunum was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus. Under total laparoscopic visualization, esophagojejunostomy was completed.Results:Both patients who underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic cavity successfully completed the procedure without conversion to laparotomy, unplanned reoperation, or any intraoperative/postoperative complications. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no evidence of abdominal or thoracic hemorrhage. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen confirmed the absence of anastomotic leakage or other related complications.Conclusions:The esophagojejunostomy was performed totally laparoscopically via the right thoracic cavity. This approach overcomes the drawback of significant trauma associated with open surgery while ensuring safe esophageal resection margins and thorough lymph node dissection. This technique offers advantages including minimal invasiveness, accelerated postoperative recovery, and a reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis. To our knowledge, no similar method of digestive tract reconstruction has been reported in the literature. Its novelty and clinical potential may offer new therapeutic options for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).


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