1.Expression of SLC7A11 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and its preliminary study on mediating tumor cell metabolism
Huakun ZHANG ; Mengfei SUN ; Qi SUN ; Ziru ZHOU ; Jie YU ; Yunzhao CHEN ; Xiaobin CUI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):270-276
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and clinical prognosis, and to determine its effects on ESCC cell growth, migration, and other biological activities. MethodsSLC7A11 protein expression was measured in 310 ESCC tissues and 259 adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry to statistically assess the association of SLC7A11 with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in ESCC patients. The expression of SLC7A11 in ESCC cell lines was suppressed through siRNA-mediated knockdown. The specific effects of SLC7A11 knockdown on proliferation and migration were evaluated using CCK-8, clonogenic assay, and Transwell assays. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactic acid and pyruvate assays were used to measure ESCC metabolism. ResultsSLC7A11 protein expression was localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of ESCC tissues. Significantly higher SLC7A11 expression levels were observed in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). High SLC7A11 expression was associated with poorer differentiation in patients (P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival in patients with high SLC7A11 expression compared to those with low expression (P<0.05). CCK-8 and colony formation assays demonstrated that the knockdown of SLC7A11 expression significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of tumor cells (P<0.001). Furthermore, Transwell assays revealed a marked decline in tumor cell migration capacity following SLC7A11 suppression (P<0.001). Critically, SLC7A11 knockdown also reduced intracellular levels of ATP, lactate, and pyruvate, demonstrating that SLC7A11 modulated metabolic activity in ESCC cells(P<0.001). ConclusionThe expression level of SLC7A11 is relatively high in ESCC and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Silencing SLC7A11 significantly inhibits esophageal cancer cell growth and migration. SLC7A11 has the ability to regulate glucose, lactic acid and ATP metabolism levels in ESCC, thereby affecting the metabolic microenvironment of ESCC.
2.Optimal Ratio of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos Couplet Medicines and Its Anti-ischemic Stroke Effect
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):21-31
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the optimal compatibility ratio of the Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos (CR-CF) couplet medicines in ischemic stroke (IS) therapy and its pharmacological action mechanism, providing a scientific basis for the clinical application of CR-CF couplet medicines in IS therapy. MethodsThe chemical composition of CR-CF was analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The contents of eight characteristic chemical components in aqueous extracts of CR-CF with common clinical compatibility ratios (1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶3, 3∶2, 2∶1) were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UHPLC). An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cell injury model was established, and cells were treated with different CR-CF compatibility ratios. The collaborative index (CI) was calculated by using CompuSyn software. A cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model of rats was induced by using the modified Longa suture method. The rats were divided into the sham group, model group, Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) group (1.3 g·kg-1), Carthami Flos (CF) group (3.9 g·kg-1), CR-CF group (5.2 g·kg-1), and edaravone group (5 mg·kg-1). Neuronal defect scores were assessed by the Longa scoring method. Cerebral infarction volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. Neuronal damage was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Neuronal apoptosis of rats was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed by Western blot. Label-free proteomics was employed to screen differentially expressed proteins, and Western blot was used to examine the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway-related proteins. Finally, molecular docking was performed to predict the binding affinity of eight active constituents in CR-CF (1∶3) with PI3K. ResultsWhen CR-CF was combined at a 1∶3 ratio, the total content of the eight active constituents in the extract was the highest, and the synergistic protective effect on OGD/R-injured HT22 cells was the strongest (CI=0.308). Animal experiments showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased neuroecological score points (P<0.01), larger cerebral infarction volumes (P<0.01), aggravated brain tissue damage, elevated neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), and increased B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and cleaved Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3/Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3) ratios (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CR-CF (1∶3) significantly reduced neurological scores (P<0.01), significantly decreased cerebral infarction volume (P<0.01), alleviated brain tissue damage, inhibited neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), and significantly lowered the Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 ratios (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of CR-CF (1∶3) was superior to that of CR or CF alone. Proteomic analysis revealed that CR-CF (1∶3) activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Validation experiments demonstrated that compared with the sham group, the model group showed obviously reduced p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios (P<0.05) obviously increased. Compared with the CR-CF group, the 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one LY294002 inhibitor+CR-CF group exhibited obviously decreased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.05). Molecular docking results indicated that the active constituents of CR-CF (1∶3) had strong binding affinity with PI3K. ConclusionThe CR-CF couplet medicines at a 1∶3 ratio exhibit optimal synergistic effects, and their anti-IS mechanism is closely related to activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis.
3.Efficacy of toludesvenlafaxine in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder with anhedonia
Wei LIU ; Jie MA ; Wenfeng QI ; Hongjing SONG ; Bing LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1596-1600
OBJECTIVE To explore the efficacy and safety of toludesvenlafaxine in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with anhedonia. METHODS This retrospective study included 160 patients with MDD with anhedonia who were treated at Hebei Mental Health Center from May 2023 to August 2025. These patients were divided into a control group ( n =81) and an observation group ( n =79) according to treatment regimens. All patients received transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. On this basis,the control group was treated with Sertraline Hydrochloride Tablets, while the observation group received Toludesvenlafaxine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets,with an 8-week continuous treatment course.To compare t he clinical total effective rate, anhedonia remission rate,the severity of depressive symptoms,degree of anhedonia,cognitive function,social function and quality of life between the two groups before and after treatment, the incidence of adverse reactions during treatment was recorded simultaneously. RESULTS After treatment,the total effective rate and anhedonia remission rate of the observation group were significantly higher than the control group ( P <0.05). At the 4th and 8th weeks of treatment, the scores of Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 Items, and Sheehan Disability Scale of both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group ( P <0.05); the scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form were significantly higher than those before treatment in the same group, and the observation group was significantly higher than the control group ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Toludesvenlafaxine can significantly improve depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and social function in MDD patients with anhedonia,with good safety.
4.Application progress of high-field magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and assessment of kidney diseases
Yangyang XU ; Jie ZHANG ; Ruiying QI ; Bo XIAO ; Jianxing LI
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(5):467-474
High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), typically referring to systems with a magnetic field strength of ≥ 3 Tesla (T), offers significant advantages over conventional MRI in terms of higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and improved resolution. These advantages have opened new prospects for the assessment of kidney diseases. This review summarizes the application progress of high-field MRI in evaluating kidney diseases, focusing on advanced techniques for refined assessment of renal anatomy and function, including arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging, blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) oxygenation imaging, sodium (23Na) imaging, and quantitative evaluation of renal fibrosis. Furthermore, the review explores the value of high-field MRI in the diagnosis of renal tumors and kidney stones, tumor characterization, and its role in supporting treatments such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Specifically, high-field MRI provides new approaches for early diagnosis and accurate staging of renal tumors, as well as radiation-free detection, composition analysis, and preoperative planning for PCNL in kidney stones. Finally, the review discusses current technical challenges, practical issues such as equipment accessibility, and future development directions. High-field MRI is emerging as a powerful non-invasive tool, providing crucial support for improving the diagnosis, management, and research of kidney diseases.
5.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
6.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of brivaracetam versus perampanel as add-on therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy
Jiale QIAO ; Fanqi LIU ; Yuchen TANG ; Jie CHENG ; Yan SHI ; Jun QI ; Zhiqiang DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2382-2388
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of brivaracetam (BRV) versus perampanel (PER) as add-on therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.METHODS A Markov model was established to simulate the progression of drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults, with a simulation cycle of 5 months, a time horizon of 44 years, and a discount rate of 4.5%. Clinical data required for the model were derived from the phase Ⅲ clinical trial of BRV and a post hoc analysis of PER; cost data and utility data were obtained from Yaozh and related literature. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at twice China’s 2025 per capita gross domestic product (GDP) [199 330 yuan per quality-adjusted life year (QALY)], and a cost-effectiveness analysis was adopted to compare the cost-effectiveness of the regimens. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to confirm the stability of the base-case analysis conclusions.RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of BRV 50 mg/d as an add-on therapy versus PER 8 mg/d was 44 823.08 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold; the ICER of BRV 200 mg/d versus PER 12 mg/d was 238 783.00 yuan/QALY, which was above the WTP threshold. In the one-way sensitivity analysis, the direct medical cost of seizures ≥53 times/year and the health utility value of a seizure-free state per year had a relatively large impact on the two ICER results mentioned above, respectively. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the above results were robust.CONCLUSIONS For the selection of add-on therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults in China, when twice China’s per capita GDP is used as the WTP threshold, BRV 50 mg/d has a cost-effectiveness advantage over PER 8 mg/d, whereas BRV 200 mg/d not have a cost-effectiveness advantage over PER 12 mg/d.
7.Mediating effects of coping styles and activities of daily living on social support and depressive symptoms among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
LI Dan ; JIE Jinhu ; LI Hong ; LIN Qi ; ZHUANG Hailin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):279-283,290
Objective:
To analyze the mediating effects of coping styles and activities of daily living on social support and depressive symptoms among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), so as to provide evidence for promoting mental health in elderly T2DM patients.
Methods:
From March 2019 to June 2020, elderly T2DM patients aged ≥60 years were selected from 11 community health service centers in Taijiang and Gulou Districts, Fuzhou City using a multi-stage sampling method. Basic information such as gender and age was collected through self-designed questionnaires. Social support, depressive symptoms, coping styles (positive coping style and negative coping style), and activities of daily living (physical self-care ability and instrumental activities of daily living) were assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (Chinese version), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Activities of Daily Living Scale, respectively. The mediating effects of coping styles and activities of daily living on social support and depressive symptoms were analyzed using Process macro 4.1, and the significance of mediating effects was tested using the Bootstrap method.
Results:
A total of 2 013 elderly T2DM patients were surveyed, including 910 males (45.21%) and 1 103 females (54.79%). The scores of social support, positive coping style, negative coping style, physical self-care ability, and instrumental activities of daily living were (38.56±7.17), (30.93±6.81), (16.52±4.74), (6.20±1.10), and (8.71±2.50), respectively. The score of depressive symptoms was (8.14±4.97), and 622 cases were detected with depressive symptoms, with a detection rate of 30.90%. Mediating effect analysis showed that social support could directly affect depressive symptoms (β=-0.048, 95%CI: -0.063-0.033), and could also indirectly affect depressive symptoms through positive coping style (β=-0.014, 95%CI: -0.020-0.009), negative coping style (β=0.005, 95%CI: 0.002-0.009), and instrumental activities of daily living (β=0.002, 95%CI: 0.000-0.004), respectively. The mediating effects of positive coping style, negative coping style, and instrumental activities of daily living accounted for 25.45%, -9.09%, and -3.63% of the total effect, respectively.
Conclusions
Higher level of social support can directly reduce the risk of depressive symptoms among elderly T2DM patients, and also exert effects through indirect pathways of increasing positive coping, reducing negative coping, and delaying the decline of instrumental activities of daily living.
8.Summary of surgical techniques for pectus excavatum bar removal
Dingyi LIU ; Qi ZENG ; Chenghao CHEN ; Na ZHANG ; Jie YU ; Dong YAN ; Changqi XU ; Qian ZHANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Ting YANG ; Jinghua JIAO
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(3):151-155
Objective:To retrospectively analyse the clinical data of patients after NUSS procedure for pectus excavatum, and summary of surgical techniques for NUSS bar removal.Methods:Retrospectively collected the clinical data of 276 patients undergoing NUSS bar removal from January 2024 to September 2024 in Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University. The age of the patients ranged from 6 to 20 years old, 211 males and 65 females. The average time the bar was in place in the body was 36 months.Results:All 276 patients successfully completed the NUSS bar removal. The average operative time was 22.6 min, with an average blood loss of 3.3 ml. 90 patients with bone scabs, 104 patients with wire breakage were successfully removed. 2 cases of postoperative wound infection, no other intraoperative and postoperative complications. The average hospitalization time after surgery was 1.2 days. Follow up for 3 months after surgery, and no abnormalities were found on the chest X-ray.Conclusion:Mastering the surgical techniques for pectus excavatum bar removal enhances the safety and efficiency of the procedure. It effectively reduces the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, shortens operative time, and alleviates postoperative pain in patients.
9.Outcome of thoracoscopic minimally invasive " one-stop" radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of isolated atrial fibrillation
Jie CAI ; Shaohang XU ; Yiren SUN ; Qi TONG ; Mahamoud Oumar ABDEL ; Yongjun QIAN
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(6):341-345
Objective:To summarize the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic minimally invasive " one-stop" ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on all patients with isolated atrial fibrillation who underwent thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation combined with left atrial appendage clipping(LAAC) at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2019 to October 2023. Preoperative baseline data, perioperative complications, and 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month postoperative follow-up data were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 87 patients were included, with a mean age of(60.5±9.0) years old. Among them, 47 were males and 40 were females. Of these patients, 12 had paroxysmal AF, and 75 had persistent AF. Fourteen patients had a prior history of catheter-based radiofrequency ablation, and 11 had a history of transient ischemic attack(TIA) or stroke. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open thoracotomy, perioperative mortality, or perioperative stroke events. During the follow-up period, one patient died, no strokes or left atrial appendage reconnection events were observed. The sinus rhythm maintenance rates at 3、6 and 12 months postoperatively were 89.6%(78/87)、82.8%(72/87) and 75.9%(66/87), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a preoperative left atrial anteroposterior diameter>40 mm as an independent risk factor for postoperative AF recurrence. Conclusion:Thoracoscopic minimally invasive ablation combined with left atrial appendage clipping as a " one-stop" procedure is a safe and effective method for the treatment of isolated atrial fibrillation, achieving satisfactory surgical ablation success rates while effectively preventing stroke.
10.Building a child-friendly hospital of multi-campuses based on lean six sigma method
Jing GAO ; Shurui MA ; Yingying YU ; Xiaomin ZHANG ; Fanlong BU ; Chenning YAO ; Senqi YANG ; Hao WU ; Zhe CAO ; Qi ZHOU ; Weilin LI ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(8):580-586
Lean six sigma (LSS) emphasizes patient demand-oriented, and continuously optimizing prolesses to achieve efficiency and standardization in medical services. Starting in 2021, a specialized children′s hospital (comprising one main campus and three branch campuses) introduced the LSS management method. Through define, measure, analyze, improve, and control, the hospital utilized tools such as questionnaire surveys, SIPOC models, and fishbone diagrams to identify pain points in the building of multi-campus child-friendly hospital and develop improvement measures.To address the main issues of insufficient cross-campus collaboration, significant disparities in service quality among different campuses, unclear functional positioning of each campus, and inadequate integration with social security mechanisms, the hospital implemented a " homogeneity-differentiation-coordination" management mode. The hospital implemented unified diagnosis and treatment standards and clinical pathways, carried out remote consultations and expert rotations, completed mutual recognition of examination and testing results, optimized child friendly labeling and child friendly environment, and built a " hospital-to-hospitals, hospital to medical schools, and hospital to community health centers" linkage platform, etc., to promote the standardization of diagnosis and treatment processes, clear functional positioning of the hospital area, and efficient resource allocation. Through practice, the outpatient appointment rate and patient satisfaction rate in the main hospital had increased from 86.72% and 98.64% in January December 2021 to 91.87% and 99.72% in January December 2024, respectively; The patient waiting time had been shortened from 26.54 minutes to 21.94 minutes, and the efficiency of medical treatment and service experience had been significantly improved. As of 2024, mutual recognition of 214 inspection and testing items had been achieved cross hospital campuses, forming a collaborative pattern of " main hospital leading, campuses support, and resource complementarity", and significantly improving the level of collaboration and child friendly connotation among multi-campus. This practice explored the integration path of multi-campus collaborative governance and child-friendly services, which could provide reference and inspiration for the similar hospitals.


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