1.Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating immune cells
Lijuan LONG ; Zongyu WANG ; Yali ZHAO ; Chuanfu QIN ; Hua QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):349-358
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, an insidious onset, and complex pathological mechanisms. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-promoting immune cells protect tumor cells from immune attacks, while dysfunction of anti-tumor immune cells causes the inhibition of immune response, thereby leading to the continuous deterioration of cancer. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has shown good efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and it can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells by regulating immune cells. By analyzing related articles in China and globally, this article summarizes how immune cells affect the progression of HCC through the immunosuppressive pathway and how traditional Chinese medicine exerts an anti-HCC effect by regulating immune cells, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for optimizing the treatment of HCC.
2.A review of transformer models in drug discovery and beyond
Jian JIANG ; Long CHEN ; Lu KE ; Bozheng DOU ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Hongsong FENG ; Yueying ZHU ; Huahai QIU ; Bengong ZHANG ; Guo-Wei WEI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1187-1201
Transformer models have emerged as pivotal tools within the realm of drug discovery,distinguished by their unique architectural features and exceptional performance in managing intricate data landscapes.Leveraging the innate capabilities of transformer architectures to comprehend intricate hierarchical dependencies inherent in sequential data,these models showcase remarkable efficacy across various tasks,including new drug design and drug target identification.The adaptability of pre-trained trans-former-based models renders them indispensable assets for driving data-centric advancements in drug discovery,chemistry,and biology,furnishing a robust framework that expedites innovation and dis-covery within these domains.Beyond their technical prowess,the success of transformer-based models in drug discovery,chemistry,and biology extends to their interdisciplinary potential,seamlessly combining biological,physical,chemical,and pharmacological insights to bridge gaps across diverse disciplines.This integrative approach not only enhances the depth and breadth of research endeavors but also fosters synergistic collaborations and exchange of ideas among disparate fields.In our review,we elucidate the myriad applications of transformers in drug discovery,as well as chemistry and biology,spanning from protein design and protein engineering,to molecular dynamics(MD),drug target iden-tification,transformer-enabled drug virtual screening(VS),drug lead optimization,drug addiction,small data set challenges,chemical and biological image analysis,chemical language understanding,and single cell data.Finally,we conclude the survey by deliberating on promising trends in transformer models within the context of drug discovery and other sciences.
3.Preliminary study on the application of three-dimensional bioprinted methacrylated gelatin-hyaluronic acid hydrogel in tissue engineering
Daojing QIU ; Chen LI ; Long OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(8):847-854
Objective:Objective The potential of a three- dimensional bioprinted cell-laden gelatin methactyloyl (GelMA)+ hyaluronic acid (HA) composite bioink in tissue engineering was assessed by evaluating cell viability, scaffold morphology, and cell compatibility.Methods:Rabbit chondrocytes were isolated and cultured. Composite hydrogels were prepared using GelMA and HA, and their applicability in tissue engineering was assessed by evaluating physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, and printability. The swelling and mechanical properties of 100g/L GelMA inks as the control group, and 100g/L GelMA+ 20g/L HA inks as the experimental group were assessed following photocrosslinking of the cylindrical model. The printing resolution of the GelMA/HA mesh scaffold loaded with chondrocytes was evaluated based on appearance and expansion ratio. Cell viability was determined using cell live/dead test after 14 days, while cytocompatibility was observed through in vitro microscopy and multiple immunofluorescence staining after 7 days. GraphPad Prism 8.0 was utilized for data visualization and statistical analysis. Independent-samples t-test was employed to compare differences among groups. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The swelling ratio of GelMA group was 10.57±0.40, which exceeded that of the GelMA+ HA group (7.63±0.61, P<0.05). The compressive elastic modulus of GelMA+ HA group measured (77.53±4.30) kPa, significantly surpassing that of the GelMA group [(25.60±5.70) kPa, P<0.05]. The extension ratio of GelMA was 2.59±0.33, while the experimental group recorded 2.66±0.12, with no statistically significant difference between them ( P>0.05). There were no notable disparities in cell viability between the two groups; both exhibited viabilities greater than 85%. On the initial day of culture, both groups exhibited intact structures, regular pores, and a substantial number of spherical cells. After 14 days of culture, the GelMA scaffold structure appeared blurred with nearly vanished pores, while large live cells were visible. The GelMA+ HA scaffold structure was slightly more relaxed with relatively intact pores and a significant presence of live cells. Furthermore, multiple immunofluorescence staining after 7 days of culture revealed no notable disparity in cell count and collagen components between the two groups; however, cell morphology in the GelMA+ HA group displayed significant elongation and clustering. Conclusion:The GelMA+ HA hydrogel exhibits enhanced mechanical properties and reduced swelling ratio, rendering it suitable for the fabrication of complex structures. Additionally, it demonstrates excellent cell compatibility.
4.ED50 of 0.375% ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block with L-shaped pressure baffle intervention based on cross sectional area
Liangguang ZHANG ; Long ZHANG ; Rufa PANG ; Wen QIU ; Jinsong ZHAO ; Jianwu QI
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(18):54-58
Objective To explore median effective dose(ED50)of 0.375%ropivacaine based on the cross sectional area(CSA)of supraclavicular brachial plexus block(SCBPB)with L-shaped baffle intervention.Methods Patients scheduled for upper limb surgery from September 2023 to May 2024 at Ningbo NO.6 Hospital were enrolled.Patients were randomly divided into two groups:L-shaped baffle compression group(group L)and non-compression group(group C).CSA of supraclavicular brachial plexus was measured by ultrasound,and 0.375%ropivacaine was administered based on the CSA.The ED50 was determined by using the Dixon up-and-down sequential method,with an initial dose of 0.4 ml/mm2 and an incremental difference of 0.04ml/mm2.If the block was effective within 30 minutes,the next patient received a lower dose;If ineffective,a higher dose was administered.The process continued until seven cross-over points(ineffective to effective)were observed.ED50 and its 95%CI were calculated by using the Probit method.Adverse reactions,such as phrenic nerve paralysis,nerve injury,dyspnea were recorded.Results The ED50 of 0.375%ropivacaine for SCBPB in group C was 0.254 ml/mm2(95%CI:0.228-0.278),while in group L,it was 0.239 ml/mm2(95%CI:0.215-0.262),with no statistically significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of phrenic nerve paralysis in group L was significantly lower than that in group C(14.29%vs.41.67%,P<0.05).No significant nerve injuries,dyspnea,or local anesthetic toxicity were observed in either group.Conclusion The ED50 of 0.375%ropivacaine for SCBPB with L-shaped baffle compression,based on the CSA of the brachial plexus,was 0.239 ml/mm2(95%CI:0.215-0.262).L-shaped baffle compression significantly reduced the incidence of phrenic nerve paralysis without notable side effects.
5.Electron microscopic evaluation of pre-transplant biopsies from deceased donor kidneys and preliminary study on graft outcome
Yujie ZHOU ; Fangcheng ZHANG ; Tao QIU ; Zeya JIN ; Long ZHANG ; Zhongbao CHEN ; Yang GUAN ; Jiangqiao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(7):497-503
Objective:To investigate the electron microscopic evaluation results of pre-transplant biopsies of deceased donor kidneys and the corresponding recovery of graft function in recipients after kidney transplantation.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and donor kidney electron microscopy (EM) reports of 196 kidney transplant recipients who underwent pre-implantation kidney biopsies at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between October 2020 and June 2023. The ultrastructural pathological features assessed in the pre-transplant kidney biopsy included: the number of glomeruli, the presence of leukocytes and endothelial cells within the glomeruli, the arrangement of capillary loops, abnormalities in podocytes, mesangial cells, mesangial matrix and glomerular basement membrane (GBM), and multilayering of the peritubular capillary basement membrane. Referring to the Mayo Clinic/Renal Pathology Society Consensus Report on the pathological classification, diagnosis, and reporting of glomerulonephritis, the expert consensus on renal biopsy pathology reporting models, and the content of the 2019 Banff Transplant Pathology Meeting, a scoring system was established for ultrastructural pathology of donor kidneys. According to the scores, the recipients were divided into three groups: Group A (total score ≥ 8 points, 94 cases), Group B (total score between 6 and 8 points, 85 cases), and Group C (total score < 6 points, 17 cases). The serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and proteinuria at postoperative day 1, day 7, month 1, month 3, month 6, and year 1 were compared among the three groups.Results:Among the 196 donor kidneys, EM examination before transplantation showed the following findings: 19 cases (9.7%) had prominent leukocyte infiltration within the glomeruli, 8 cases (4.1%) had mild leukocyte infiltration, and the remaining 169 cases (86.2%) showed no obvious increase in glomerular leukocytes. Glomerular capillary loop collapse or narrowing was seen in 19 cases (9.7%). Endothelial cell proliferation was observed in 32 cases (16.3%). Homogeneous thickening of the GBM (400-900 nm) was present in 82 cases (41.8%). Foot process effacement ranged from partial to diffuse. Podocyte vacuolar degeneration was seen in 62 cases (32.1%), and podocyte swelling in 10 cases (5.1%). Electron-dense deposits in the mesangial area were observed in 9 cases (4.6%). Mild tubular epithelial swelling was present in 6 cases (3.1%). Only 22 cases (11.2%) showed no multilayering of the peritubular capillary basement membrane, while 174 cases (88.8%) showed 2 to 5 layers of multilayering. All donor glomeruli showed irregular capillary loop arrangement, and the renal interstitium showed scattered inflammatory infiltration and varying degrees of collagen fiber deposition. Group C had significantly higher qualitative proteinuria levels at day 7 and month 1 post-transplantation compared with Groups A and B ( P=0.036, 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences in other renal function indicators among the groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Pre-transplant electron microscopy of donor kidneys helps in accurately assessing donor kidney quality and identifying subtle pre-existing pathological changes. It can serve as a reference tool for predicting post-transplant functional recovery. Mild ultrastructural abnormalities in donor kidneys have a relatively controllable impact on long-term graft outcomes.
6.CMTM3 regulates proliferation and migration of glioblastoma U251 cells via the NF-κB signaling pathway
Lishi JIANG ; Wei TENG ; Wenjin QIU ; Yuanguo LING ; Xueping SHI ; Niya LONG ; Liangzhao CHU ; Jian LIU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(2):136-148
Objective:To explore the effects and potential mechanisms of chemokine-like factor-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing Protein 3 (CMTM3) on the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma (GBM) cells.Methods:Using CMTM3 expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases, we analyzed the differential expression of CMTM3 in GBM tissues and its impact on the prognosis of GBM patients. Immunohistochemical staining and protein content determination of CMTM3 was performed on GBM and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples from 11 GBM patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University between November 3, 2022 and March 15, 2023. Additionally, the expression of CMTM3 was validated in GBM cell lines U87, U251, LN229, and the human astrocyte (NHA) cell line using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Stable cell lines with silenced and overexpressed CMTM3 (sh-CMTM3 group and OE-CMTM3 group) were constructed using U251 cells. The effect of CMTM3 expression on cell proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the impact of CMTM3 expression on the cell cycle. Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the influence of CMTM3 expression on cell migration. Bioinformatics analysis, Western blotting, NF-κB activation-nuclear translocation assays, and the NF-κB pathway inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium (PDTC) were used to validate the effect of CMTM3 on the NF-κB pathway. Finally, a subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay in nude mice was performed to observe the impact of CMTM3 expression on the in vivo growth of U251 cells. Results:Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CMTM3 is highly expressed in GBM tissues. Patients with a high CMTM3 expression had lower overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates compared with those with a low CMTM3 expression (with P values of 0.010 and 0.032, respectively). Among the 11 GBM pathological specimens, 10 samples exhibited higher CMTM3 protein expression levels in the cancerous tissue compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissue. The average CMTM3 protein expression in these samples was 0.44±0.09, significantly higher than that in the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (0.12±0.02, P<0.001). In one sample, the difference in CMTM3 protein expression between the cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues was not statistically significant ( P=0.750).The RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression level of CMTM3 in NHA cells was 1.0±0.1, whereas in GBM cells U87, LN229, and U251, the levels were 2.1±0.3, 3.4±0.5, and 3.7±0.8, respectively, all significantly higher than that in NHA cells (all P<0.01). Western blot results demonstrated that the protein expression levels of CMTM3 in GBM cells U87, LN229, and U251 were 1.5±0.2, 1.8±0.2, and 1.9±0.1, respectively, also higher than that in NHA cells (0.7±0.2, all P<0.01), with the highest level observed in U251 cells. The CCK-8 assay, Flow cytometry, and Transwell migration experiments indicated that cell viability was inhibited in the sh-CMTM3 group, with an increase in the proportion of cells in the G 0/G 1 phase ( P<0.01) and a decrease in the S phase ( P<0.01), and the number of migrated cells was 233.6±35.5, lower than that in the sh-NC group ( P<0.001). Conversely, the OE-CMTM3 group showed enhanced cell viability, a reduction in the proportion of cells in the G 0/G 1 phase ( P<0.01), and an increase in the S phase ( P<0.01), and the number of migrated cells was 1212.0±20.8, higher than that in the OE-NC group ( P<0.001). However, in the OE-CMTM3+PDTC group, cell viability, cell cycle distribution (G 1, S, and G 2 phases), and cell migration numbers showed no significant changes (all P>0.05). Western blot analysis and NF-κB activation-nuclear translocation assay results indicated that in the sh-CMTM3 group, the p-p65/p65 ratio was 0.51±0.04 and the p-IκBα/IκBα ratio was 0.39±0.03, both lower than those in the sh-NC group (both P<0.01). The cytoplasmic staining rate was (49.29±1.98)%, higher than that in the sh-NC group ( P<0.01). In the OE-CMTM3 group, the p-p65/p65 ratio was 2.27±0.10 and the p-IκBα/IκBα ratio was 2.14±0.15, both higher than those in the OE-NC group (both P<0.01). The cytoplasmic staining rate was (18.96±1.44)%, lower than that in the OE-NC group ( P<0.01). In the OE-CMTM3+PDTC group, there were no significant differences in the p-p65/p65 ratio, p-IκBα/IκBα ratio, and cytoplasmic staining rate compared with the OE-NC group (all P>0.05). The subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay in nude mice showed that the tumor volume in the sh-CMTM3 group was (408.9±96.2) mm3, smaller than that in the sh-NC group ( P=0.003). The tumor volume in the OE-CMTM3 group was (1 514.5±251.5) mm3, larger than that in the OE-NC group ( P=0.005). Conclusions:In GBM, CMTM3 is highly expressed and negatively correlated with both OS and DFS of patients. CMTM3 regulates the proliferation and migration abilities of U251 cells through the NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Correlation between negative emotions, coping strategies and psychological resilience in hospitalized youth type 2 diabetes
Tian Jiang ; Yanlei Wang ; Yi Zhang ; Long Chen ; Ping Yang ; Fangting Lu ; Yahu Miao ; Xiaohong Chu ; Bangqing Wu ; Qiu Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):524-535
Objective :
To investigate the prevalence of negative emotions in hospitalized youth patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM) and its correlation with coping strategies and psychological resilience.
Methods :
141 youth T2DM patients who met the research standards were selected. Blood glucose related indicators, blood pressure, body mass index(BMI), diabetes chronic complications screening results and other data were collected. The basic information and disease related information questionnaire, self-rating depression scale(SDS), self-rating anxiety scale(SAS), diabetes distress scale(DDS), medical coping modes questionnaire(MCMQ) and Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC) were completed.
Results:
Among 141 hospitalized youth T2DM patients, 37.6% were combined with depression, 32.6% were combined with anxiety, and 35.5% were combined with diabetic distress(DD). Univariate analysis showed that systolic blood pressure(P<0.01), educational level, and the form of hospitalization expenses(P<0.05) were significantly correlated with depression. Marital status(P<0.01), family residence, blood glucose monitoring methods, and the last fasting blood glucose(P<0.05) were significantly correlated with anxiety. BMI, whether it was first diagnosed or treated(P<0.01), gender, occupation, disease course, weekly blood glucose monitoring frequency, and the presence of chronic complications(P<0.05) were significantly correlated with DD. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure(P<0.01), educational level, and the form of hospitalization expenses were significantly correlated with depression, marital status(P<0.05) was significantly correlated with anxiety; BMI and weekly blood glucose monitoring frequency(P<0.01) were significantly correlated with DD. SDS, SAS, total scores and dimensions of DDS were negatively correlated with the total score and dimensions of CD-RISC(rs=-0.182--0.467, P<0.05 or 0.01), and positively correlated with the yielding coping strategies(rs=0.177-0.271,P<0.05 or 0.01). SAS,total scores and dimensions of DDS were positively correlated with avoiding coping strategies(rs=0.237-0.419,P<0.05 or 0.01). The total and dimensions of CD-RISC were positively correlated with facing coping strategies(rs=0.215-0.349,P<0.05 or 0.01),and negatively correlated with yielding coping strategies(rs=-0.234--0.325,P<0.01).
Conclusion
More than 30% of hospitalized youth T2DM may experience negative emotions such as depression,anxiety,and DD. The occurrence of negative emotions in such patients may be related to disease management or socio-economic issues such as systolic blood pressure,educational level,hospitalization expenses,marital status,BMI,and frequency of blood glucose monitoring,as well as decreased psychological resilience and negative coping strategies.
8.Analysis of the Development and Implementation of the Environmental Damage Compensation System in Japan
Kai HE ; Jin-Long YUAN ; Chang-Mao QIU ; Ze-Jun LIU ; Yuan-Feng QI ; Zhen-Hui GAO
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):74-82
In the 1950s and 1960s,Japan's implementation of policies prioritizing economic develop-ment caused a lack of effective supervision over the discharge of industrial wastewater and exhaust gases,which led to the occurrence of the"Four Major Pollution Diseases",including Minamata disease,causing serious social and public health problems.To more effectively address public nuisances and pro-vide compensation to victims,the Japanese government gradually established an environmental damage compensation system with administrative relief characteristics since the 1970s.Through long-term prac-tice and system optimization,this system has evolved into a mature institutional framework with a clear division of labor and efficient collaboration.This paper systematically reviews the development process of Japan's environmental damage compensation system and deeply analyzes its legal frame-work and supporting policies,aiming to provide useful references for the construction and improve-ment of China's environmental damage compensation system.Meanwhile,through the case analysis of Minamata disease,the paper explores the specific mechanisms and effects in the compensation practices,further revealing the system's operational characteristics and implications,and providing a reference ba-sis for the construction of China's environmental governance legal system.
9.Analysis of Refined Management of Medical Insurance in Public Hospitals Based on Behavioral Economics
Qiu ZHANG ; Sitong LIU ; Junyan CHEN ; Shuxia ZENG ; Zhiqi LONG ; Ming ZHU ; Lixiang ZHAI
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(10):60-64
With the progress of medical insurance reform,the refinement of medical insurance management in pub-lic hospitals still fails to meet the actual demands for medical insurance work.Based on the existing problems of medical insurance management,it emphasizes the necessity of the refined management of medical insurance.By integrating be-havioral economics theory,it divides the refined management of medical insurance into five distinct stages:develop-ment planning,process-oriented platform,organizational framework,staff training programs and regulatory supervi-sion.The behavioral logic of the refined management of medical insurance in public hospitals is analyzed.Building on this analysis,the relevant key insights are summarized to provide a reference for promoting the public welfare-oriented reform of public hospitals and realizing the high-quality development of public hospitals.
10.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.


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