1.Mechanism of miR-21 targeting inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in ameliorating chronic renal fibrosis in mice
Jiao QI ; Shanshan XU ; Qige QI ; Yan MENG ; Jianrong ZHAO ; Liying ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):217-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism through which miR‑21 improves chronic renal fibrosis in mice via targeted modulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. MethodsThirty‑two chronic kidney disease model mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 each group): model group, miR‑21 overexpression group, miR‑21 inhibition group, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group. Eight healthy mice were included as the control group. The miR‑21 overexpression, miR‑21 inhibition, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 groups received tail‑vein injections of lentivirus (50 μL, 1×10⁸ TU per mouse) once weekly for three weeks. The control and model groups were injected with an equal volume of empty vector (LV‑NC). The miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group additionally received gavage of the AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor MK‑2206 (480 mg/kg) once weekly for three weeks. The expressions of miR‑21, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal tissue levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), and PTEN protein, as well as p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios, were compared among groups. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue, and Masson staining was used to observe the degree of renal fibrosis. A dual‑luciferase assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR‑21 and PTEN. ResultsCompared with the model group, miR‑21 expression in renal tissue increased in the miR‑21 overexpression group (P<0.05) and decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed increased 24 h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05), while these indicators decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group exhibited lower 24‑h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed decreased PTEN protein expression (P<0.05) and increased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), while the miR‑21 inhibition group showed increased PTEN expression (P<0.05) and decreased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group had lower p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), with no significant difference in PTEN protein expression. HE and Masson staining showed normal kidney structure and almost no fibrosis in the control group. The model group exhibited glomerular enlargement, capillary loop adhesion, and focal fibrosis. The miR-21 overexpression group showed severe destruction of glomerular structure, accompanied by extensive fibrosis and renal tubular atrophy. The pathological changes and degree of fibrosis were alleviated in the miR-21 inhibition group. The miR-21 inhibition + MK-2206 group showed only mild pathological changes and mild fibrosis, with the interstitium being largely normal. Compared with PTEN-WT + NC mimics 1, the relative luciferase activity in the PTEN-WT + miR-21 mimics group decreased (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in relative luciferase activity between PTEN-WT + NC mimics group and PTEN-MUT + miR-21 mimics group. ConclusionmiR‑21 may improve renal function indicators and alleviate renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease mice via targeted modulation of PTEN and subsequently inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway.
2.Evaluation of Proficiency Validation Results for Air Change Rate Testing in Laboratory Animal Facilities
Wei LIU ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Fengtian HOU ; Zhongkan XU ; Liying MA
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):87-95
Objective By organizing and implementing a laboratory proficiency validation plan for air change rate testing, this study aims to explore proficiency testing approaches in laboratory animal facilities, assess the current status of relevant laboratories regarding standard application and test capabilities, standardize air change rate testing methods, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Methods From September to November 2023, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) organized a laboratory proficiency validation plan for air change rate testing in laboratory animal facilities (Plan Number: NIFDC-PT-417). The proficiency testing was conducted on-site and consisted of two parts: a written test and practical operation. The written test was open-book. True/false questions focused on participants' understanding of specific clauses in relevant standards, while application-based questions assessed their ability to handle data processing in simulated testing scenarios. The practical operation was conducted according to the relevant criteria of the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). Two laboratory animal rooms were prepared as proficiency testing samples using a sample splitting approach. These rooms underwent uniformity and stability testing according to CNAS requirements and were approved. Participating laboratories were required to conduct three tests on each of the two laboratory animal rooms, complete the testing and calculation of air change rate within the specified timeframe, and submit their test result reports and original records. Results A total of 27 laboratories registered and participated in the proficiency testing. All participating laboratories submitted their results within the designated timeframe, and the outcomes of all tested laboratories were rated as satisfactory. Conclusion This proficiency validation program objectively and scientifically evaluates the air change rate testing capabilities of selected domestic laboratories, effectively promoting the overall improvement of testing capabilities in the industry. It provides technical support for regulatory authorities to standardize testing institutions and offers reliable references for the purchase of testing services. Through this activity, it was identified that some laboratories need to further enhance their calibration of instruments and the utilization of calibration results. Future efforts should focus on refining related standards to improve the accuracy and reliability of testing.
3.Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the mechanical effects of different heights of micro-implant anchorage on maxil-lary anterior teeth retraction in clear aligner treatment
Chi ZHANG ; Leheng ZHANG ; Youran XU ; Fengyang ZHAI ; Peiyu ZHANG ; Liying PIAO ; Minxuan HAN ; Shu LOU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(10):742-748,800
Objective To investigate the mechanical effects of various height combinations of canine long-arm hooks and micro-im-plant anchorage on the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment.It focuses on analyzing the stress distribution within the periodontal ligament and the movement tendencies of the anterior teeth,providing scientific evidence for optimizing orthodon-tic treatment strategies.Methods Three-dimensional finite element models were developed using CBCT scan data of patients and soft-ware including Mimics,Geomagic Studio,and Hypermesh.The models incorporated 16 different configurations of canine long-arm hooks(4,6,8,10 mm)and micro-implant anchorage(6,8,10,12 mm).Elastic traction forces of 3/16,3.5 oz were applied to these models.Simulations assessed how these variables influenced periodontal ligament stress distribution and the movement patterns of the maxillary anterior teeth.Results Stress during anterior teeth retraction was predominantly concentrated in the cervical and apex re-gions of the periodontal ligament,where it interfaced with the alveolar bone,indicating significant local concentration.Increasing the height of micro-implant anchorage and traction hooks markedly reduced positional changes in both the crown and apex.Specifically,when hooks exceeded 8 mm and anchorage heights surpassed 10 mm,canine movement became more uniform,preventing extrusion and minimizing the deepening of the overbite.Additionally,combinations of high traction hooks and high micro-implant anchorage promoted more uniform tooth movement,reducing unnecessary tipping and rotation.Conclusion In the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with clear aligners,using high-position micro-implant anchorage and high-position traction hooks significantly enhances torque control of anterior teeth and effectively prevents deepening of the overbite.
4.Evaluation Report on Animal Illuminance Detection Capability of Various Laboratory Animal Facility Testing Institutions in 2024
Wei LIU ; Zhongkan XU ; Fengtian HOU ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Han QIAO ; Liying MA
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):634-641
Objective Through organizing a proficiency evaluation activity for animal illuminance testing laboratories,to assess the accuracy of testing data from participating laboratories,and to propose suggestions for testing methods.Methods In September 2024,China National Institute for Food and Drug Control(NIFDC)organised reference laboratories to conduct on-site testing through open registration.A total of 35 laboratories participated,completed on-site testing,and submitted their reports.The samples to be tested were two adjacent guinea pig breeding rooms in the NIFDC laboratory animal facility.In order to reduce the impact of room voltage fluctuations on animal illumination,chip on board(COB)light sources powered by regulated power supply were used,and brightness was adjusted by regulating voltage output.Split-level test sample pairs were used to set animal illuminance in both rooms,and the reference laboratories conducted testing according to Laboratory animals——Environment and housing facilities(GB 14925-2023).Each reference laboratory was assigned a 3-digit random code,conducted 2 tests for each breeding room,and submitted an on-site test report,original records,and illuminance meter verification or calibration certificate.WPS Spreadsheet 12.1 was used to summarize data,Grubbs' test(α=0.01)was used to check the data and remove outliers,and SPSS 26.0 software was used for data processing and graph drawing.The median value from each reference laboratory was used as the specified value,the robust standard deviation was used as the uncertainty,the robust z-score method(both intra-laboratory and inter-laboratory z-scores)was used to evaluate the test results from each laboratory,and the factors affecting results were analyzed from aspects of personnel,equipment,and operational environment.Results Under the detection level of α=0.01,no outliers were identified.The specified values for Room 1 and Room 2 were 17.80 lx and 19.00 Ix,respectively.The results obtained from 34 laboratories were evaluated as"satisfactory",while the results from one laboratory were"unsatisfactory".Through analysis of illuminance meter calibration certificates from various laboratories,it was found that some reference laboratories had insufficient calibration points and coverage,which caused test results to fail to accurately reflect the actual illuminance of the facility.Conclusion The present study reveals that factors such as personnel,equipment,and operation environment have different impacts on animal illuminance measurements.The present study concentrates exclusively on animal illuminance in guinea pig breeding rooms,where the testing environment is relatively dim.Future research should focus on the development of more efficient methods for selecting measurement sites,with the combination of illuminance meters equipped with wireless probes and storage functions to enhance testing efficiency.
5.Nursing care of a patient with concurrent Nectriahaematococca infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Liying ZENG ; Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Liwei XU ; Zhengwen PAN ; Aiyun JIN ; Weiwei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(14):1109-1113
Summarized the nursing experience of a patient with concurrent Nectriahaematococca infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The nursing points included: implementing infection prevention and control measures to prevent the recurrence of severe infections. Provide goal oriented care measures to control skin infection symptoms. Provide preventive nursing interventions for fungal keratitis to prevent potential infections from occurring. Strengthen medication management and be vigilant against adverse drug reactions.Implementing multiple forms of psychological care to enhance confidence in disease treatment. After active treatment and meticulous care, the patient infection was controlled and successfully discharged on the 59th day after transplantation.
6.Metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the liver:a clinicopathological analysis of 4 cases
Wanni XU ; Yu GU ; Zengshan LI ; Liying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(10):1324-1328
Purpose To investigate the clinicopathologic,molecular genetic features of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC)of the liver.Methods The histological morphological characteristics,immunophenotype and prog-nosis of metastatic ACC in 4 cases of liver biopsy specimens collected were retrospectively analyzed,and the genetic characteristics were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH).Results There were 3 male patients and 1 female patients,ranging in age from 41 to 66 years,with an average age of 52.5 years.Pathologically,the tumor cells showed a variety of tubular,cribriform or solid structures.The tumor cells had a bland morphology,composed of two layers of cells:the luminal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and round nuclei,and the peripheral cell with deeply stained,triangular or irregular nuclei.Immunohistochemistry showed that CK7,CK19 and CD117 were positive in lu-minal cells.p63,Calponin,SMA and CK5/6 were positive in peripheral cells.TTF-1,Napsin A,CD10,CD56 and CRP were negative,and Ki67 proliferation index was 8%-20%.4 patients had a history of adenoid cystic carcinoma of lung or submandibular gland.FISH results showed that MYB gene rearrangement in case 3 and MYB gene amplifica-tion in case 2.All 4 patients were diagnosed with liver metastatic ACC.After 27 to 65 months of follow-up,all the 4 patients had multiple systemic metastases such as bone and lymph nodes,of which 1 patient died of disease 36 months after surgery,and 3 patients survived with tumor.Conclusion The histological morphology of metastatic ACC in the liver is similar to that of benign and malignant tumors and metastatic tumors of the primary bile duct in the liver,espe-cially when it presents as small tubular form.The characteristic morphology of the two layers of epithelia should be carefully observed during diagnosis,and the patient history should be asked.Combined with the histochemical results and molecular detection,it can distinguish from primary and metastatic tumors such as hepatic bile duct adenoma,in-trahepatic small bile duct type cholangiocarcinoma,hepatic metastatic epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma.
7.Effect of high glucose on blood-brain barrier tight junctions in hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Hongtao YANG ; Yongjie XU ; Yongjun ZHOU ; Shuang WANG ; Changyudong HUANG ; Liying ZHU ; Wei PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5536-5542
BACKGROUND:The blood-brain barrier is an important structure that protects the central nervous system,and the study of the effects of high glucose on the blood-brain barrier is important for the prevention of high glucose-induced damage to the central nervous system.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potential effect of high glucose on the blood-brain barrier function of hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells.METHODS:hCMEC/D3 cells were cultured in regular sugar medium(glucose concentration of 25 mmol/L)and high-sugar medium(glucose concentration of 55 mmol/L).The morphology of cells in each group was observed by light microscopy.CCK-8 assay was used to detect changes in cell viability.A monolayer blood-brain barrier model was established using hCMEC/D3 cell line with Transwell chamber device.Changes in cell transmembrane resistance were monitored daily.The permeability of cell monolayers was detected by phenol red permeability.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of the cells.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3,ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin-1,and histone deacetylase 4.The levels of histone deacetylase in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.The expression of histone deacetylase 4 in cells was detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The cell viability of high sugar group was significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.000 1).(2)The cells of the control group were in a good growth state,interwoven into a dense mesh,with interconnections between synapses.The cell growth of high glucose group was suppressed,and the connection of inter-cellular synapses was reduced.(3)Compared with the control group,the transmembrane resistance value of the high glucose group was reduced(P<0.05);phenol-red permeability of the monolayer cell membrane was increased(P<0.05);cell apoptosis rate was increased(P<0.01);the expression of Bax protein was increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of Caspase-3 protein had no significant change(P>0.05);the expression of Bcl-2,ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin-1,and histone deacetylase 4 proteins was decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.000 1,P<0.01);the fluorescence expression of histone deacetylase 4 was decreased(P<0.001)in the high glucose group.(4)The level of histone deacetylase 4 in the cell supernatant of the high glucose group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The results show that high glucose induces the increased apoptosis and enhances permeability of hCEMCE/D3 cells,and its mechanism may be related to the decreased expression level of histone deacetylase 4.
8.Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the mechanical effects of different heights of micro-implant anchorage on maxil-lary anterior teeth retraction in clear aligner treatment
Chi ZHANG ; Leheng ZHANG ; Youran XU ; Fengyang ZHAI ; Peiyu ZHANG ; Liying PIAO ; Minxuan HAN ; Shu LOU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(10):742-748,800
Objective To investigate the mechanical effects of various height combinations of canine long-arm hooks and micro-im-plant anchorage on the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment.It focuses on analyzing the stress distribution within the periodontal ligament and the movement tendencies of the anterior teeth,providing scientific evidence for optimizing orthodon-tic treatment strategies.Methods Three-dimensional finite element models were developed using CBCT scan data of patients and soft-ware including Mimics,Geomagic Studio,and Hypermesh.The models incorporated 16 different configurations of canine long-arm hooks(4,6,8,10 mm)and micro-implant anchorage(6,8,10,12 mm).Elastic traction forces of 3/16,3.5 oz were applied to these models.Simulations assessed how these variables influenced periodontal ligament stress distribution and the movement patterns of the maxillary anterior teeth.Results Stress during anterior teeth retraction was predominantly concentrated in the cervical and apex re-gions of the periodontal ligament,where it interfaced with the alveolar bone,indicating significant local concentration.Increasing the height of micro-implant anchorage and traction hooks markedly reduced positional changes in both the crown and apex.Specifically,when hooks exceeded 8 mm and anchorage heights surpassed 10 mm,canine movement became more uniform,preventing extrusion and minimizing the deepening of the overbite.Additionally,combinations of high traction hooks and high micro-implant anchorage promoted more uniform tooth movement,reducing unnecessary tipping and rotation.Conclusion In the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with clear aligners,using high-position micro-implant anchorage and high-position traction hooks significantly enhances torque control of anterior teeth and effectively prevents deepening of the overbite.
9.Evaluation Report on Animal Illuminance Detection Capability of Various Laboratory Animal Facility Testing Institutions in 2024
Wei LIU ; Zhongkan XU ; Fengtian HOU ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Han QIAO ; Liying MA
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):634-641
Objective Through organizing a proficiency evaluation activity for animal illuminance testing laboratories,to assess the accuracy of testing data from participating laboratories,and to propose suggestions for testing methods.Methods In September 2024,China National Institute for Food and Drug Control(NIFDC)organised reference laboratories to conduct on-site testing through open registration.A total of 35 laboratories participated,completed on-site testing,and submitted their reports.The samples to be tested were two adjacent guinea pig breeding rooms in the NIFDC laboratory animal facility.In order to reduce the impact of room voltage fluctuations on animal illumination,chip on board(COB)light sources powered by regulated power supply were used,and brightness was adjusted by regulating voltage output.Split-level test sample pairs were used to set animal illuminance in both rooms,and the reference laboratories conducted testing according to Laboratory animals——Environment and housing facilities(GB 14925-2023).Each reference laboratory was assigned a 3-digit random code,conducted 2 tests for each breeding room,and submitted an on-site test report,original records,and illuminance meter verification or calibration certificate.WPS Spreadsheet 12.1 was used to summarize data,Grubbs' test(α=0.01)was used to check the data and remove outliers,and SPSS 26.0 software was used for data processing and graph drawing.The median value from each reference laboratory was used as the specified value,the robust standard deviation was used as the uncertainty,the robust z-score method(both intra-laboratory and inter-laboratory z-scores)was used to evaluate the test results from each laboratory,and the factors affecting results were analyzed from aspects of personnel,equipment,and operational environment.Results Under the detection level of α=0.01,no outliers were identified.The specified values for Room 1 and Room 2 were 17.80 lx and 19.00 Ix,respectively.The results obtained from 34 laboratories were evaluated as"satisfactory",while the results from one laboratory were"unsatisfactory".Through analysis of illuminance meter calibration certificates from various laboratories,it was found that some reference laboratories had insufficient calibration points and coverage,which caused test results to fail to accurately reflect the actual illuminance of the facility.Conclusion The present study reveals that factors such as personnel,equipment,and operation environment have different impacts on animal illuminance measurements.The present study concentrates exclusively on animal illuminance in guinea pig breeding rooms,where the testing environment is relatively dim.Future research should focus on the development of more efficient methods for selecting measurement sites,with the combination of illuminance meters equipped with wireless probes and storage functions to enhance testing efficiency.
10.Application and evaluation of entrustable professional activities in the general practice internship of clinical medicine undergraduates
Chao MENG ; Yi LI ; Xiafeng XU ; Qi WANG ; Liying HUANG ; Shengying LING ; Li WANG ; Min ZHU ; Xingnan YANG ; Meijuan ZHU ; Li SHAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):736-743
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in the general practice internship of undergraduate clinical medicine students, identify issues that need improvement in the internship, and enhance medical students' competence.Methods:A total of 75 students in the five-year (English class) clinical medicine program enrolled in 2018 and 2019 who participated in general practice internship in Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from October 2021 to October 2023 were selected as study subjects. The design of core EPAs was adopted to assess the correlation among different EPA dimensions and to analyze the qualified rates.Results:The evaluation of EPAs showed that EPA2 (practicing respect, understanding and teamwork) had the highest mean score of 9.33, and EPA10 (chronic disease management and management of key populations) had the lowest mean score of 8.08. A supervision level of 3a and above was used as the criterion for qualification. The supervision levels of the students' EPAs were mostly concentrated at levels 3a and 3b. The highest qualified rate was for EPA2 (practicing respect, understanding and teamwork) at 85.33%, followed by EPA1 (complying with the rules of the profession and demonstrating professionalism) at 80.00% and EPA8 (reviewing information and solving clinical problems) at 72.00%. The lowest qualified rate was for EPA10 (chronic disease management and management of key populations) at 33.33%, followed by EPA4 (analyzing and interpreting test results) at 57.33%.Conclusions:EPAs concretize competency evaluation, which can effectively reflect the "competency-oriented" training objectives encompassing multiple elements such as knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, while maintaining professional specificity. Undergraduates demonstrated strengths in professionalism and academics, but showed deficiencies in community chronic disease management and management of key populations. These findings suggest the need to strengthen the training in health and social care to better align with the competencies required during standardized residency training.

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