1.Construction and validation of circadian rhythm genes-related prognostic risk model for lung adenocarcinoma
Yanqi CUI ; Hu ZHAO ; Yawei ZHANG ; Lin NI ; Duohuang LIAN ; Jingrong YANG ; Shixin YE ; Fengfeng XU ; Jincan ZHANG ; Zhiyong ZENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):550-558
Objective To explore the relationship between circadian rhythm genes and the occurrence, development, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to evaluate the expression, copy number variation, and somatic mutation frequency of circadian gene sets in LUAD. Gene ontology, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, and gene set enrichment analysis were used to explore the potential mechanisms by which circadian rhythm genes affected LUAD progression. Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, support vector machine recursive feature elimination, and random forest screened circadian genes and established prognostic models, and on this basis constructed nomogram to predict patients’ 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and time-dependent ROC curves were drawn to evaluate the predictive ability of the model, and the external dataset of GEO further verified the prognostic value of the prediction model. In addition, we evaluated the association of the prognostic model with immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to explore the molecular characteristics between prognostically relevant circadian genes and different immune cell populations in TME. Results Differentially expressed circadian rhythm genes were mainly enriched in biological processes related to cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Seven circadian rhythm genes: LGR4, CDK1, KLF10, ARNTL2, RORA, NPAS2, PTGDS were screened out, and a RiskScore model was established. According to the median RiskScore, samples were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group showed a poorer prognosis (P<0.001). Immunological characterization analysis showed that there were differences in the infiltration of multiple immune cells between the low-risk group and high-risk group. Most immune checkpoint genes had higher expression levels in the high-risk group than those in the low-risk group, and RiskScore was positively correlated with the expression of CD276, TNFSF4, PDCD1LG2, CD274, and TNFRSF9, and negatively correlated with the expression of CD40LG and TNFSF15. The scRNA-seq analysis showed that RORA and KLF10 were mainly expressed in natural killer cells. Conclusion The prognostic model based on seven feature circadian rhythm genes has certain predictive value for predicting survival of LUAD patients. Dysregulated expression of circadian genes may regulate the occurrence, progression as well as prognosis of LUAD through affecting TME, which provides a possible direction for finding potential strategies for treating LUAD from the perspective of mechanism by which circadian disorder affects immune cells.
2.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
3.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 promote skin wound healing in mice
Taotao HU ; Bing LIU ; Cheng CHEN ; Zongyin YIN ; Daohong KAN ; Jie NI ; Lingxiao YE ; Xiangbing ZHENG ; Min YAN ; Yong ZOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1343-1349
BACKGROUND:Neuregulin 1 has been shown to be characterized in cell proliferation,differentiation,and vascular growth.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells are important seed cells in the field of tissue engineering,and have been shown to be involved in tissue repair and regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To construct human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 and investigate their proliferation and migration abilities,as well as their effects on wound healing. METHODS:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were in vitro isolated and cultured and identified.(2)A lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1 was constructed.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were divided into empty group,neuregulin 1 group,and control group,and transfected with empty lentivirus and lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1,or not transfected,respectively.(3)Edu assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells of each group,and Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of the cells.(4)The C57 BL/6 mouse trauma models were constructed and randomly divided into control group,empty group,neuregulin 1 group,with 8 mice in each group.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells transfected with empty lentivirus or lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin-1 were uniformly injected with 1 mL at multiple local wound sites.The control group was injected with an equal amount of saline.(5)The healing of the trauma was observed at 1,7,and 14 days after model establishment.Histological changes of the healing of the trauma were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The expression of CD31 on the trauma was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 were successfully constructed.The mRNA and protein expression of intracellular neuregulin 1 was significantly up-regulated compared with the empty group(P<0.05).(2)The overexpression of neuregulin 1 promoted the migratory ability(P<0.01)and proliferative ability of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05).(3)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 promoted wound healing in mice(P<0.05)and wound angiogenesis(P<0.05).The results showed that overexpression of neuregulin 1 resulted in an increase in the proliferative and migratory capacities of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells,significantly promoting wound healing and angiogenesis.
4.Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods: a scoping review
PAN Xiang ; TONG Yingge ; LI Yixuan ; NI Ke ; CHENG Wenqian ; XIN Mengyu ; HU Yuying
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):148-153
Objective:
To conduct a scoping review on the types, construction methods and predictive performance of health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods, so as to provide the reference for the improvement and application of such models.
Methods:
Publications on health literacy prediction models conducted using machine learning methods were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2024. The quality of literature was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool. Basic characteristics, modeling methods, data sources, missing value handling, predictors and predictive performance were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 524 publications were retrieved, and 22 publications between 2007 and 2024 were finally enrolled. Totally 48 health literacy prediction models were involved, and 25 had a high risk of bias (52.08%), with major issues focusing on missing value handling, predictor selection and model evaluation methods. Modeling methods included regression models, tree-based machine learning methods, support vector machines and neural network models. Predictors primarily encompassed factors at four aspects: individual, interpersonal, organizational and society/policy aspects, with age, educational level, economic status, health status and internet use appearing frequently. Internal validation was conducted in 14 publications, and external validation was conducted in 4 publications. Forty-two models reported the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.52 to 0.983, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods perform well, but have deficiencies in risk of bias, data processing and validation.
5.Spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of phantom limb pain: A case report and literature review.
Lanxing WU ; Rong HU ; Honglian ZHANG ; Yuncheng NI ; Jianping ZHANG ; Gangwen GUO ; Yonghui LI
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):313-318
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a form of neuropathic pain occurring after limb amputation, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear, posing significant challenges for clinical management. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a neuromodulation technique, has shown potential in relieving chronic pain, though its long-term efficacy and safety in treating PLP require further validation. This report presents a case of a 42-year-old male experiencing persistent radiating, lightning-like pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score 8-9], following right upper limb amputation. Preoperative imaging revealed signal loss in the right nerve roots at C6-T1. A percutaneous electrode was implanted surgically to achieve full coverage of the painful region. Five days postoperatively, the VAS score dropped to 2-3, and after 1 year of follow-up, the patient continued to experience significant pain relief (VAS 1-2), with complete resolution of depressive symptoms and cessation of analgesic medication. Existing studies suggest that the long-term outcomes of SCS may fluctuate, and attention should be paid to potential complications such as infection and electrode displacement.
Humans
;
Phantom Limb/therapy*
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods*
;
Electrodes, Implanted
;
Amputation, Surgical/adverse effects*
6.A clinical study of electrocochleography monitoring for residual hearing retention during minimally invasive cochlear implant.
Ruijie WANG ; Jianfen LUO ; Qinglei DAI ; Xiuhua CHAO ; Yifei NI ; Fangxia HU ; Yueran CAO ; Haibo WANG ; Xiaohui ZHOU ; Lei XU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(5):425-432
Objective:To investigate the application value of intraoperative electrocochleography(ECochG) monitoring technique and insertion techniques in cochlear implant(CI) and analyze its relationship with postoperative residual hearing(RH) preservation. Methods:Thirty-one patients(35 ears) who received CI in our hospital from June 2022 to July 2024 were enrolled. The Advanced Bionics Active Insertion Monitoring(AIM) system was used for real-time ECochG monitoring during surgery. Intraoperative cochlear microphonics (CM) waveform changes were recorded and analyzed in relation to postoperative RH preservation. Results:①ECochG recordings were successfully obtained in 34 of 35 ears (97.1%). ②According to Harris classification, there were 7 ears(20.6%) of Type A(rising), 7 ears(20.6%) of Type C(declining), 8 ears(23.5%) of Type CC(fluctuating), and 12 ears(35.3%) of Type D(no response). ③The total CM amplitude decrease was significantly moderately correlated with postoperative low-mid frequency hearing loss(r=0.67, P=0.017). The total CM amplitude decrease was significantly moderately correlated with postoperative low frequency hearing loss(r=0.65, P=0.023). ④For the mean amplitude variation, the Amax was 30.70 μV, the Amin was 8.64 μV, and the Aend was 18.27 μV. ⑤Sixteen cases completed postoperative follow-up, with an average low-mid frequency(125-1 000 Hz) residual hearing loss of 15.25 dB HL and a RH preservation rate of 87.5%. Conclusion:Intraoperative ECochG monitoring can effectively predict postoperative residual hearing changes, effectively guide surgical manipulation, and improve residual hearing preservation rate.
Humans
;
Cochlear Implantation/methods*
;
Audiometry, Evoked Response
;
Cochlear Implants
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Monitoring, Intraoperative
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
;
Child
;
Aged
;
Postoperative Period
7.Survey on human T-lymphotropic virus infection among blood donors in Hunan province
Binbin ZOU ; Qing HU ; Ni SUN ; Xiangmei KANG ; Tingting HU ; Fei FAN ; Feixue ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1077-1082
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection among blood donors in Hunan Province from 2022 to 2024. Methods: A total of 1 830 342 blood donors from 14 prefecture-level blood centers in Hunan Province over the past three years were screened for anti-HTLV-Ⅰ/Ⅱ using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Initially reactive samples were further tested with Line Immunoassay (LIA
)/MP-Western blot and RT-PCR nucleic acid test for confirmation. Blood donors confirmed positive for HTLV were tracked and followed up. Results: From 2022 to 2024, the initial ELISA reactive rate for anti-HTLV-I/II among blood donors in Hunan Province was 1.36 per 10 000 (249/1 830 342). The confirmed positive rate was 0.20 per 10 000 (37/1 830 342), accounting for 14.86% of the initially reactive donors. The follow-up success rate for confirmed HTLV-positive blood donors was only 18.92%, while that for HTLV-indeterminate donors was 54.17%. Conclusion: The confirmed HTLV infection rates in Yueyang, Loudi, Shaoyang, Yiyang, and Zhuzhou cities were higher than the provincial (0.20 per 10 000). Chenzhou, Yongzhou, Zhangjiajie, and Xiangxi were identified as low prevalence areas, with an infection rate of 0. The overall follow-up success rate was low, indicating significant difficulties and bottlenecks in follow-up work. The comprehensive screening for HTLV and follow-up studies in Hunan provide valuable data to further improve blood safety testing strategies and risk warning mechanisms.
8.Application Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT Metabolic Parameters in Prognosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Shanshan HE ; Nana LUO ; Xiaoyan HU ; Lei LI ; Yin NI ; Dasheng QIU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(9):741-746
Objective To investigate the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters in the prognostic assessment of nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Methods The clinical data and PET/CT metabolic parameters of 185 nasopharyngeal cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. The collected parameters were SUVmax, MTV, TLG, total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) and whole-body total lesion glycolysis (WTLG). The ROC curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of PET/CT metabolic parameters. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to screen the independent prognostic factors. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to analyze the survival differences. Results The results of univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, pathologic type, WTLG, TMTV, MTV, and TLG were closely associated with OS and PFS; and SUVmax was associated with PFS (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that age, TMTV, and WTLG were the independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS (P<0.05). The combination of WTLG with T/N staging (AUC=0.781 and 0.781) and TMTV with T/N staging (AUC=0.800 and 0.790) yielded greater predictive accuracy than that of WTLG and TMTV alone (AUC=0.724 and 0.719) or T/N staging (AUC=0.593 and 0.575). Conclusion TMTV and WTLG are important prognostic predictors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. TLG and MTV of primary lesions are prognostic factors for patients’ PFS and OS. SUVmax has limited prognostic value. Systemic metabolic indexes (TMTV and WTLG), when combined with T/N staging, can optimize prognostic stratification.
9.Relative positioning of the superior orbital fissure and internal carotid artery based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction
Wei-Ni HU ; Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Xiu LIU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):202-207
Objective To explore the relative positioning of the superior orbital fissure and internal carotid artery through CT three-dimensional reconstruction,and to provide anatomical references for safe dissection during surgeries involving the orbital apex from a radiological perspective.Methods Totally 64 cases(128 sides)of head and neck CT angiography were analyzed and Mimics 21.0 software was employed for three-dimensional reconstruction.Measurements were taken on the three-dimensional models,including the distance from the inner boundary of the superior orbital fissure to the anterior convexity,proximaldural ring,and distaldural ring of the internal carotid artery.Distances were also measured from the lower boundary of the superior orbital fissure to the anterior convexity,proximaldural ring,and distaldural ring of the internal carotid artery.Additionally,measurements were taken from the upper boundary of the superior orbital fissure to the anterior convexity,proximaldural ring,and distaldural ring of the internal carotid artery.Patient demographic data such as gender,age,and sphenoid sinus aeration were recorded,and anatomical variations were analyzed in correlation with the measured result.Results Distances were measured as follows,d1(6.32±1.98)mm,d2(7.13±2.66)mm,and d3(9.88±2.29)mm from the inner boundary of the superior orbital fissure to the anterior convexity,proximaldural ring,and distaldural ring of the internal carotid artery,respectively.Distances were also measured as d4(11.93±2.17)mm,d5(10.39±2.36)mm,and d6(16.18±2.28)mm from the lower boundary of the superior orbital fissure to the anterior convexity,proximaldural ring,and distaldural ring of the internal carotid artery,respectively.Distances from the upper boundary of the superior orbital fissure to the anterior convexity,proximaldural ring,and distaldural ring of the internal carotid artery were measured as d7(7.91±2.55)mm,d8(9.63±2.99)mm,and d9(10.09±2.72)mm,respectively.The relative distance between the superior orbital fissure and the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery was significantly greater in males than in females.In patients under 20 years of age,d7-d9 were significantly smaller than in patients over 20 years old,with statistically significant differences.There was a correlation between the type of sphenoid sinus aeration and the main measured parameters d1-d6,while the degree of sphenoid sinus aeration and the presence of the superior orbital fissure were not significantly correlated with the main measured parameters.Conclusion Three-dimensional reconstruction based on CT angiography provides a better assessment of the distance between the superior orbital fissure and internal carotid artery.This method holds clinical reference value for orbital apex surgeries and ensures a safe dissection distance.
10.Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided enterocolon anastomosis in patients with malignant bowel obstruction:analysis of its clinical efficacy and safety
Chunyan JIN ; Hua YANG ; Qin YIN ; Mengyun HU ; Muhan NI ; Shanshan SHEN ; Lei WANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(4):375-379
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided(EUS-guided)enterocolon anastomosis in treating patients with malignant bowel obstruction(MBO).Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with MBO,who underwent EUS-guided enterocolon anastomosis at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of China from April 2023 to December 2023,were collected.The perioperative clinical efficacy and safety were retrospectively analyzed.Results Successful EUS-guided enterocolon anastomosis was accomplished in all the 12 patients,with a technical success rate of 100%(12/12).The clinical success rate was 83.3%(11/12),one patient developed obstruction of the stent.The clinical symptoms were relieved in 2-68 hours after treatment,and the time to resume defecation and exhaust was(18.02±15.75)hours.Within one week after the operation,4 patients took liquid diet and 8 patients took semi-fluid diet.Each dimension score of the Quality of Life Core-30 scale of The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC QLQ-C30)was remarkably improved,the patient's overall health score was increased from preoperative median 5 points to postoperative 8 points(P<0.001).During the operation,stent displacement occurred in 2 patients,and the operation was successfully completed after promptly taking remedial measures.After operation,11 patients developed fever(37.5-39.4 ℃),and all the patients were discharged smoothly after symptomatic treatment.No complication such as bleeding,perforation,or stent displacement occurred.Conclusion EUS-guided enterocolon anastomosis is clinically safe and effective,it can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with MBO.


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