1.Establishment of a new predictive model for esophagogastric variceal rebleeding in liver cirrhosis based on clinical features
Wen GUO ; Xuyulin YANG ; Run GAO ; Yaxin CHEN ; Kun YIN ; Qian LI ; Manli CUI ; Mingxin ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):101-110
ObjectiveTo establish a new noninvasive, simple, and convenient clinical predictive model by identifying independent predictive factors for rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), and to provide a basis for individualized risk assessment and development of clinical intervention strategies. MethodsCirrhotic patients with EGVB who were diagnosed and treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University from September 2018 to October 2023 were enrolled as subjects, and according to whether the patient experienced rebleeding within 1 year after endoscopic therapy, they were divided into rebleeding group with 93 patients and non-rebleeding group with 84 patients. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Logistic model was established based on the results of the univariate and multivariate analyses, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess the accuracy of the model. R software was used to visualize the model by plotting a nomogram, and the Bootstrap method was used for internal validation of the model. ResultsThe multivariate analysis showed that red blood cell count (RBC), cholinesterase (ChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (Alb), thrombin time (TT), portal vein trunk diameter, sequential therapy, and primary prevention were independent predictive factors for rebleeding. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, a logistic model was established as logit(P)=-0.805-1.978×(RBC)+0.001×(ChE)-0.020×(ALP)-0.314×(Alb)+0.567×(TT)+0.428×(portal vein trunk diameter)-2.303×[sequential therapy (yes=1, no=0)]-2.368×[primary prevention (yes=1, no=0)]. The logistic model (AUC=0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.893—0.964, P<0.001) had a better performance in predicting rebleeding than MELD score (AUC=0.603, 95%CI: 0.520—0.687, P=0.003), Child-Pugh class (AUC=0.650, 95%CI: 0.578—0.722, P=0.001), and FIB-4 index (AUC=0.587, 95%CI: 0.503—0.671, P=0.045). The model had an optimal cut-off value of 0.607, a sensitivity of 0.817, and a specificity of 0.817. Internal validation confirmed that the model had good predictive performance and accuracy. ConclusionSequential therapy, implementation of primary prevention, an increase in RBC, and an increase in Alb are protective factors against rebleeding, while prolonged TT and widened main portal vein diameter are risk factors. The logistic model based on these independent predictive factors can predict rebleeding and thus holds promise for clinical application.
2.Relationship between dietary inflammatory index and elevated blood pressure among primary school students in Ma anshan City
SUN Qian, LI Cui, ZHAI Guangfu, LU Fen, QU Guangbo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):319-322
Objective:
To explore the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and elevated blood pressure among primary school students, and to analyze the mediating role of body mass index (BMI) in this association, so as to provide a scientific basis for the early prevention of childhood hypertension and dietary guidance.
Methods:
Research conducted based on the Ma anshan Child Growth Cohort in Anhui Province. From April to June 2024, 4 057 primary school students were selected as study subjects using a multi stage cluster sampling method. Dietary information was collected via Semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to calculate the DII score. BMI was obtained by measuring students height and weight. Elevated blood pressure was defined based on the Blood Pressure Reference Standards for Children Aged 3-17 Years. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between DII scores and the risk of elevated blood pressure, and the Bootstrap method was employed to test for mediating effects.
Results:
The detection rate of elevated blood pressure among primary school students was 10.1% (408 cases). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for covariates such as gender and age, for each standard deviation increase in the DII score ( s =1.94), the risk of elevated blood pressure increased by 15% ( OR =1.15, 95% CI =1.04- 1.28 , P <0.05). Compared with the lowest quartile group of DII scores ( Q 1), students in the highest quartile group ( Q 4) had a 1.31-fold higher risk of elevated blood pressure ( OR =1.31, 95% CI =1.00-1.76, P <0.05). Restricted cubic spline results indicated a linear dose response relationship between DII scores and the risk of elevated blood pressure( P nonlinear =0.13). The mediation analysis revealed that BMI played a partial mediating role in the association between DII scores and elevated blood pressure. The mediation effect value was 0.06 (95% CI =0.04-0.08), accounting for 44.64% of the total effect.
Conclusions
DII scores are associated with elevated blood pressure among primary school students in Ma anshan City, and BMI plays a partial mediating role in this association. Promoting an anti inflammatory dietary pattern and weight control in early childhood should be emphasized to reduce the incidence of hypertension among primary school students.
3.Analysis of Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of SELENON-Related Myopathy
Xiaohong HUANG ; Min QIAN ; Lin CHEN ; Liying CUI ; Yi DAI
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):200-206
To summarize the clinical characteristics and genetic mutation spectrum of patients with SELENON-related myopathy(SELENON-RM), in order to improve awareness among physicians. A total of 12 patients from independent families with genetically confirmed SELENON-RM at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2016 and December 2025 were retrospectively included. Clinical data were collected, and their clinical and genetic features were analyzed. The mean age at presentation was(16.7±9.7) years(range: 6-35 years), with males accounting for 66.7%(8/12). Patients presented with delayed motor development since early childhood, followed by a relatively stable disease course without significant progression over several years. Among 10 patients tested for serum creatine kinase, 4 had normal levels and 6 showed elevated levels. Electromyography performed in 9 patients indicated myogenic damage in both upper and lower limbs. Muscle biopsy in 6 patients revealed myopathic changes, including variation in muscle fiber size and fiber-type disproportion with predominance of type Ⅰ fibers. Pulmonary function tests in 5 patients demonstrated restrictive ventilatory defects. Overnight polysomnography in 6 patients revealed severe nocturnal hypoxemia. Genetic analysis showed that among the 12 patients, 9 patients had compound heterozygous mutations in the Patients with SELENON-RM usually develop symptoms in early life, presenting with motor developmental delay, scoliosis or rigid spine, and frequently with occult but significant respiratory involvement. Patients in this study appear to predominantly carry compound heterozygous variants, and exons 1 and 11 of the
4.Study on the mechanism of PRMT1 regulating the proliferation,apoptosis and migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC-25 cells
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):855-860
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of protein arginine methyltransferase 1(PRMT1)in regulating the proliferation,apoptosis and migration of human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC-25 cells.Methods Normal oral mucosal cells S-G and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells SCC-25,OECM-1,and HSC-3 were collected and cultured,and the transcription level of PRMT1 was detected.SCC-25 cells were divided into the untransfected group(SCC-25 group),empty vector control group(SCC-25+NC group),and transfection group(SCC-25+si-PRMT1 group).Protein expression levels were detected by Western blot;cell proliferation and migration abilities were assessed by MTT assay and cell scratch wound healing assay,respectively;and the apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry.Exogenous TGF-β stimulation experiment was conducted on the basis of constructed SCC-25+si-PRMT1 cells to verify the role of TGF-β/Smad pathway in the PRMT1 silencing effect.Results Compared with normal oral mucosal cells S-G,PRMT1 was highly expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells SCC-25,OECM-1,and HSC-3(P<0.05),with the highest expression observed in SCC-25 cells(P<0.05).After silencing the PRMT1 gene,the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and C-Caspase-3 in SCC-25 cells significantly increased,the apoptosis rate significantly increased,the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 significantly decreased,and the cell proliferation and migration abilities were inhibited.Simultaneous silencing of the PRMT1 gene can significantly downregulated the expression levels of TGF-β and its downstream effector p-Smad.Compared with the SCC-25+si-PRMT1 group,the cell proliferation and migration abilities in the SCC-25+si-PRMT1+TGF-β group were enhanced,and the apoptosis rate decreased,which suggesting that TGF-β could partially reverse the tumor suppressor effect caused by PRMT1 silencing.Conclusion PRMT1 regulates the proliferation,apoptosis and migration of SCC-25 cells through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
5.Predictive value of the brief visuospatial memory test-revised for the outcome of subjects with clinical high-risk for psychosis
Lingchuan XIONG ; Huiru CUI ; Lihua XU ; Yanyan WEI ; Dan ZHANG ; Zhenying QIAN ; Yingy-ing TANG ; Tianhong ZHANG ; Jijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(9):528-534
Objective To explore the role of the brief visuospatial memory test-revised(BVMT-R)in predicting the clinical conversion to psychosis in subjects with clinical high-risk for psychosis(CHR-P).Methods A total of 217 CHR subjects were recruited and assessed using BVMT-R at baseline.Participants were followed up for three years to determine whether they converted to psychosis.The relationship between BVMT-R total score and CHR-P conversion probability was analyzed using generalized additive model,and the cutoff values of BVMT-R total score for predicting CHR-P conversion were calculated by maximally selected rank statistics.Then,the total BVMT-R score was stratified into different intervals based on the cutoff values obtained as previously described.Finally,the positive likelihood ratios and the conversion rates at different time points were calculated for each interval.Results A total of 168 subjects with CHR-P completed the 3-year follow-up assessment.According to the results of the generalized additive model,the relationship between the BVMT-R total score and CHR-P conversion probability exhibited the characteristics of a piecewise function model.The cutoff values identified using the maximally selected rank statistics method were 18 and 29,which divided the BVMT-R total scores into three intervals:0-18,19-29,and 30-36.The positive likelihood ratios of the three intervals for predicting CHR-P psychosis conversion were significantly different(all P<0.01).All three intervals had significantly different rates of psychosis conversion at different follow-up time points(all P<0.01).Conclusion The total BVMT-R score can be divided into three intervals,each associated with a distinct positive likelihood ratio for predicting psychosis conversion in CHR-P individuals.Accordingly,the BVMT-R total score may serve as a preliminary indicator for estimating the probability of psychosis conversion in the CHR-P population.
6.Protective Effects of Yao Medicine Shuilian Fengkui Formula on Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Rats Through Inhibiting TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qian QIN ; Chao LYU ; Li LIU ; Jiayu CUI ; Shan CHEN ; Hang XU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2503-2512
Objective To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of Shuilian Fengkui Formula(SFF)of Yao medicine on sequelae pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)in rats.Methods The SPID rat model was established by mechanical injury coupled with bacterial infection,and then the rats were randomly divided into:the SPID group,the positive drug(Fukeqianjin tablets)group,SFF groups at low,medium and high doses,and the sham-operation group,with 8 rats in each group;SPID group,SFF groups,TLR4 agonist CRX-527(CRX-527)group,SFF plus CRX-527 group,with 8 rats in each group.Corresponding drug intervention was given for 21 consecutive days.The indexes of uterus,spleen,thymus and other organs were calculated.The histopathological changes in rat uterus were observed by HE staining.The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),immunoglobulin G(IgG),immunoglobulin M(IgM)in serum were detected by ELISA;The protein expression levels of Toll receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor(MyD88),nuclear factor kappa B p65(NF-κB p65),and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B p65(p-NF-κB p65)in rat uterine tissues were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the sham operation group,the uterine index of SPID group significantly increased(P<0.01),the spleen index and thymus index significantly decreased(P<0.01),the pathological damage of uterine tissue was serious,the contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α in serum significantly increased(P<0.01),the contents of IgG and IgM significantly decreased(P<0.01),the TLR4,MyD88 protein and the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein in uterine tissue significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the SPID group,the uterine index of the positive drug group and the SFF groups significantly decreased(P<0.05),the spleen index and thymus index significantly increased(P<0.05),the pathological damage of uterine tissue significantly improved,the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly lowered(P<0.05),the contents of IgG and IgM significantly increased(P<0.05),and the TLR4,MyD88 protein and the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein in uterine tissue significantly downregulated(P<0.01).However,CRX-527 significantly reversed the effects of SFF on SPID in rats.Conclusion SFF could improve SPID in rats by impeding the inflammatory response,and its mechanism might be attributed to inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.A comparative study on pregnancy characteristics and preterm birth risks between assisted reproductive technology and natural conceived couples
Qiu-ping WAN ; Xin CUI ; Xiao-ming YANG ; Nai-si QIAN ; Shan JIN ; Xiao-ting CHU ; Chun-fang WANG ; Hui-ting YU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):617-628
Objective To investigate the differences in demographic characteristics,reproductive health status,and the distribution of pregnancy-related diseases between couples conceived via assisted reproductive technology(ART)and naturally conceived couples,and to analyze the impact of ART treatment on the incidence of preterm birth(PTB)in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the maternal and infant cohort data of Jing'an District from 2013 to 2020.Based on the conception method,the subjects were categorized into two groups:the ART group and the natural conception group.Chi-square test was applied to compare baseline characteristics and disease distributions differences between the two groups,and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ART and the PTB risks.A causal mediation model was used to evaluate the mediating effect of twin and multiple pregnancy in the relationship between ART and PTB.Results A total of 117 717 parturients were included,6 265 in the ART group and 111 452 in the natural conception group.Compared with the natural conception group,couples in the ART group were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of reproductive system diseases.The incidences of diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in ART parturient were 13.76%and 9.99%,respectively,which were significantly higher than 7.88%and 4.75%in the natural conception group(both P<0.001).The overall PTB rate in the ART group was 14.81%,higher than 5.35%in the natural conceptions group(P<0.001).The PTB rate in ART for singleton pregnancies in the ART group was 6.40%,higher than 4.83%in the natural conception group(P<0.001),while the PTB rate in ART for twin and multiple pregnancies in the ART group was 53.97%,lower than 60.42%in the natural conception group(P<0.05).Mediation analysis showed that 97.99%of the effect of ART on PTB was mediated by twin and multiple pregnancy,with ART increasing the PTB risk by 3.44 times through multiple pregnancy.Conclusion The overall PTB rate of ART recipients is higher than that of natural recipients,but ART does not increase the PTB risk in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Twin and multiple pregnancy is the key mediating factor contributing to PTB in ART-conceived recipients.Compared with naturally conceived couples,ART conception couples own more advanced maternal age,and have higher risks of suffering gestational diabetes,gestational hypertension,and PTB.
8.Wheat-grain moxibustion at the Guanyuan point to regulate low testosterone and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in naturally aged mice
Meng-fan CUI ; Bing-zhe MA ; Zhi-yang YIN ; Yu-tong QIAN ; Dan-li JIAO ; Shi-min LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):157-164
Objective:To investigate the effects of wheat-grain moxibustion at the Guanyuan point on testosterone(T)synthe-sis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal(HPG)axis in naturally aged mice.Methods:We fed 40 twelve-month-old SPF male C57BL/6J mice with a normal diet for 3 months,randomized them into a moxibustion and an aged group of an equal number,and se-lected 7 four-month-old ones as young controls.We treated the animals of the moxibustion group by wheat-grain moxibustion at the Guanyuan point,once 5 moxibustion sticks,qd,5 times a week,and fed those of the aged group normally,all for 12 weeks.After treatment,we obtained the testicular index of the mice,observed the histomorphology of the testis tissue by HE staining,measured the contents of T in the testis,gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)in the hypothalamus and total T(tT),free T(fT),luteinizing hormone(LH)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum by ELISA,and determined the expressions of silence information regulator-1(SIRT1),P53,glutathione peroxidase(GPX4)and cholesterol side-chain?cleavage enzym e(CYP11A1)in the testis by Western blot.Results:Compared with the young controls,the mice in the aged group showed obviously losing and dull hair,energy declination,loose structure of the spermatogenic tubule with different degrees of cell loss and rupture,reduced testicular index,and ev-ident aging phenotype.In comparison with the aged mice,the animals of the moxibustion group were fairly energetic and exhibited dis-tinct structure of the spermatogenic tubules,orderly arranged and highly differentiated cells at all levels,significantly increased T lev-el,up-regulated expressions of SIRT1,GPX4 and CYP11 A1,and down-regulated expression of P53 in testis tissue,and elevated levels of GnRH,FSH,LH,tT and fT in the HPG axis.Conclusion:Wheat-grain moxibustion at the Guanyuan point protects testosterone synthesis in the testis tissue of naturally aged mice,promotes negative feedback regulation of the HPG axis,and improves low testoster-one.
9.Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on the volumes of amygdala and hippocampal subfields in patients with major depressive disorder
Sirui WANG ; Gai KONG ; Hui LI ; Zhenying QIAN ; Huiru CUI ; Yingying TANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):434-442
Objective·To investigate the longitudinal changes in amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)treatment in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)and explore their correlation with the antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of TMS.Methods·A total of 58 patients diagnosed with MDD at Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,were included in this study between January 2018 and August 2023.Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(MADRS),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)at baseline and post-TMS treatment.Patients underwent a baseline magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan followed by TMS treatment targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)at a frequency of 10 Hz,totaling 20 sessions.A follow-up MRI scan was conducted on the same day the TMS treatment concluded.Amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes were segmented and calculated by using FreeSurfer v6.0.0 software.Longitudinal changes in the subfield volumes were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.Controlling for age,sex,and intracranial volume,partial correlation analysis was conducted between subfield volumes and baseline clinical scores.The association between the rate of volume change in brain regions with significant volume changes and symptom improvement(reduction in HAMD,MADRS,and HAMA scores)was evaluated.Results·Following TMS treatment,a significant increase in the volume of the right amygdala central nucleus was observed(t=-2.441,P=0.018).While the volumes of bilateral hippocampal fimbria decreased,the volumes of most hippocampal subfield and the total hippocampus increased(P<0.05).No significant correlations were found between baseline amygdala or hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.However,only in patients who responded effectively to TMS treatment,a positive correlation was found between the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail and reductions in anxiety symptoms(HAMA:r=0.334,P=0.044).Conclusion·High-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce volume increases in the right amygdala central nucleus and specific hippocampal subfields.Additionally,the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail is associated with anti-anxiety effects in TMS responders,suggesting that high-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce neuroplastic changes in the central nucleus of the right amygdala and key subfields of the hippocampus.
10.5-Aza-CdR reverses pericyte-myofibroblast transition by inhibiting Epo gene promoter hypermethylation in rat primary renal myofibroblasts
Ling YUAN ; Lei WANG ; Peng CHENG ; Qian JIANG ; Xiaoxue CUI
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):79-85
Objective To examine the effect of the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-Aza-CdR)on pericyte-myofibroblast transition(PMT)in primary rat renal myofibroblasts.Methods Rat primary renal myofibroblasts were treated with 5-Aza-CdR 250 ng/mL for 72 h,and the degree of Epo promoter methylation was detected by pyrosequencing.Protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β(PDGFRβ)and DNA methyltransferase(Dnmt3a)were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,and erythropoietin(EPO)levels in the supernatant were detected.Results Compared with the control group,5-Aza-CdR treatment significantly decreased the expression of Dnmt3a and hypermethylation of the Epo promoter,and subsequently decreased the expression of α-SMA and the expression ratio of α-SMA to PDGFRβ in myofibroblasts.Meanwhile,5-Aza-CdR treatment increased the level of EPO in the cell supernatant.Conclusions 5-Aza-CdR can reverse PMT by inhibiting Epo promoter hypermethylation in primary renal myofibroblasts.


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