1.Quantitative Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI for Diagnosing Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Activity: A Prospective Feasibility Study
YunMeng WANG ; WeiYi ZHOU ; YuanYuan CUI ; JianKun DAI ; YuXin CHENG ; QingQing WEN ; TianYi XING ; HongBiao SUN ; Song JIANG ; MeiLing XU ; ZhenHuan WANG ; Yan SONG ; Tuo LI ; Yi XIAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):161-173
Objective:
This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for assessing disease activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 88 patients with active TAO, 76 with inactive TAO, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. CEST MRI-derived magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MTR asymmetry (MTRasym) at 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3.5 ppm were calculated. Clinical data, MTR, and MTRasym values for the extraocular muscles (one representative muscle per eye, yielding two measurements per participant) were compared among the groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine associations between imaging parameters and the clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent associations between imaging parameters and disease activity in patients with TAO (active vs. inactive). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for discriminating active from inactive TAO.
Results:
Patients with active TAO showed lower MTR values (P < 0.001) and higher MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (all P < 0.001) compared with those with inactive TAO. MTR was negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.402; P < 0.001), while MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.369, 0.350, and 0.349, respectively;all P < 0.001). MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) in discriminating active from inactive TAO were 0.772 and 0.730, respectively. Combining MTR with MTRasym (1 ppm) significantly improved diagnostic performance compared with either parameter alone, achieving an AUC of 0.805 (P = 0.029 and 0.001).
Conclusion
MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. Their combination further enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing active from inactive TAO, suggesting their potential as quantitative imaging biomarkers to guide treatment in patients with TAO.
2.Study on the impact of meteorological factors on influenza-like illness cases in Anhui Province based on the generalized additive model
Meng ZHU ; Jiabing WU ; Lei GONG ; Yuanfang SUN ; Wei SUN ; Biao ZHU ; Shuwen LI ; Qingqing ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1446-1452
ObjectiveTo explore the impact of meteorological factors on influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Anhui Province. MethodsILI surveillance data of Anhui Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected from the “China Influenza Surveillance Information System”, and meteorological data were obtained from Anhui Meteorological Center. R 4.2.1 was used to conduct Spearman rank correlation analysis between ILI cases and meteorological factors. A generalized additive model (GAM) was established to analyze the impact of meteorological factors on ILI cases. ResultsCorrelation analysis and GAM analysis showed that the average temperature and average relative humidity with a one-week lag had significant non-linear effects on ILI (P<0.05). When the weekly average temperature was below 14 ℃, the number of ILI cases gradually increased as the temperature decreased. When the weekly average relative humidity was below 65%, the number of ILI cases gradually increased as the weekly average relative humidity decreased. The changes in ILI among the age groups 5-14, 15-24 and 25-59 years were influenced by meteorological factors, exhibiting a nonlinear relationship with weekly average temperature or weekly average relative humidity. ConclusionWeekly average temperature and weekly average relative humidity are the main factors affecting ILI in Anhui Province, and there is a lag effect, which can provide a reference for influenza surveillance and early warning.
3.Association Between the Triglyceride High-density Cholesterol-glucose Body Index and Gestational Giabetes Mellitus
Qingqing WANG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Peiling GUO ; Xiaodan CHEN ; Zhenyan HAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(4):699-708
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between triglyceride high-density cholesterol-glucose body index (TyHGB) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 723 singleton pregnant women who received prenatal care and delivered at Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, from May 2024 to July 2024 were enrolled. Clinical baseline data and laboratory test results in the first trimester (before 13+6 weeks of gestation) were collected. Based on the tertiles of the TyHGB index were equally divided into 3 groups. Clinical baseline data, and GDM risk were compared among the three groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the GDM group had older maternal age, higher Pre-pregnancy BMI, FPG, TG, and higher values of 75 g OGTT fasting plasma glucose, 1 h plasma glucose, and 2 h plasma glucose. The early-pregnancy TyHGB index, andincidence of macrosomiawere all higher in the GDM group than in the control group ( all P<0.05), whereas gestational weight gain (GWG) was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The individuals were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the TyHGB index. Significantly differences were identified among TyHGB index tertiles in maternal age, parity, Pre-BMI, FPG, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDLL-C, Ur, 75 g OGTT fasting plasma glucose, 1 h plasma glucose, 2 h plasma glucose, GWG, neonatal birth weight, GDM, GH, macrosomia incidence, and cesarean section rate(all P<0.05). Further trend test analysis found that matenal age, parity, Pre-BMI, FPG, TC, TG, LDL-C, 75 g OGTT_FPG, 75 g OGTT_1 h PG and 75 g OGTT_2 h PG level, neonatal birth weight, GDM, GH, incidence of macrosomia and cesarean section rate all showed an upward trend. The multivariate Logistic regression models revealed that there was an independent positive correlation between TyHGB index and the risk of GDM. Curve fitting by restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to assess linearity between TyHGB and GDM, and there was a linear dose-response relationship between TyHGB and GDM (P nonlinear test = 0.597). The threshold value for early pregnancy TyHGB index to predict GDM was 6.449 , with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.644 (95% CI: 0.597-0.691), sensitivity of 0.480 , and specificity of 0.779. After adjusting for maternal age, Pre-BMI, family history of diabetes, and history of GDM, the AUC for the early pregnancy TyHGB index to predict GDM was 0.672 (95% CI: 0.626-0.718). ConclusionThe early-pregnancy TyHGB index is independently associated with GDM risk, and exhibits a linear dose-response relationship with GDM. It may serve as an early screening and monitoring tool for pregnant women at high risk of GDM. However, its predictive value for GDM requires further validation.
4.Huoxue Wentong Prescription Ameliorates Post-myocardial Infarction Ventricular Remodeling in Rats via HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN-mediated Regulation of EndMT
Xiaoning SUN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Cheng LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Jianguo LIN ; Mingyue WANG ; Ying YANG ; Kuiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):148-158
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism by which Huoxue Wentong prescription (HXWT) ameliorates post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular remodeling by regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/periostin (POSTN) signaling pathway. MethodsEighty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=70). The MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Successfully modeled rats were further randomized into a model group, a sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto, 0.021 g·kg-1) group, and low, medium, and high-dose (4.15, 8.30, and 16.60 g·kg-1, respectively) HXWTF groups (n=10 per group). From postoperative day 2, rats received HXWTF or sacubitril/valsartan by gavage once daily for 4 weeks, and those in sham and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline. After intervention, general conditions were assessed. Echocardiography was performed to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate myocardial histopathology, and Masson's trichrome staining to assess myocardial fibrosis. Serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence double staining was adopted to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot was performed to quantify the expression of collagen type Ⅰ α2 (Col1A2), VE-cadherin, CD31, α-SMA, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited thinning and collapse of the left ventricular wall, decreased LVEF and LVFS and increased LVEDD and LVESD (P<0.01), disrupted myocardial fibers with marked inflammatory cell infiltration, increased collagen deposition, enhanced ColⅠ immunoreactivity, elevate serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, a reduced IL-10 level (P<0.01), downregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, and upregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN (P<0.05,P<0.01), accompanied by increased CD31/α-SMA co-localization. Compared with the model group, the sacubitril/valsartan group and all HXWTF groups showed improved ventricular wall structure, increased LVEF and LVFS, decreased LVEDD and LVESD, attenuated myocardial injury with reduced inflammatory infiltration and collagen deposition, declined serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, an elevated serum IL-10 level, upregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, downregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN, and reduced CD31/α-SMA co-localization (P<0.05,P<0.01). No significant differences were observed between the sacubitril/valsartan group and the medium- and high-dose HXWTF groups. ConclusionHXWTF may regulate the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN pathway to inhibit EndMT, thereby ameliorating post-MI ventricular remodeling.
5.Establishment and clinical applications of a prognostic model based on disease progression within 24 months in patients with multiple myeloma
Gong YINGYING ; Cao YONGQIN ; Xia JUN ; Wang QINGQING ; Sun CHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(3):144-148
Objective:To establish a prognostic model and explore its clinical application based on disease progression within 24 months(POD24)in patients with multiple myeloma(MM).Methods:A total of 289 patients newly diagnosed with MM at Wuxi People's Hospital from January 2007 to June 2022 were selected as the training group for retrospective analysis.A prognostic model based on POD24 was constructed using Cox univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival(OS).A total of 184 patients from The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from August 2015 to December 2019 were included in the validation group to verify the predictive efficacy of the model.Results:Age,β2-microglobulin,Calcium,and POD24 were independent prognostic factors for MM.Patients in the high-risk group(≥2 points)had shorter OS(25.0 months vs.60.0 months)and progression-free survival(PFS)(14.0 months vs.56.0 months)than those in the low-risk group(<2 points).In addition,OS and PFS differed between the high-and low-risk groups in the entire validation group,as well as in each patient subgroup(P<0.05).Conclusions:The prognostic model based on POD24,age,β2 microglobulin,and Calcium holds prognostic value for patients newly diagnosed with MM in clinical practice.
6.Analysis of a child with Congenital leukemia and mosaicism trisomy 21 syndrome without GATA1 gene mutation
Liya ZHANG ; Yu LIU ; Yu DING ; Lulu YAN ; Fei LI ; Qingqing JIE ; Shuni SUN ; Lili CHEN ; Xiamin JIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(6):751-755
Objective:To explore the genetic characteristics and pathogenesis for a child with mosaicism trisomy 21 and Congenital leukemia (CL).Methods:A child who was admitted to Ningbo Women and Children′s Hospital in March 2023 was selected as the study subject. A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data, laboratory test results, immunophenotyping, and genetic characteristics of the child. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: EC2024-063).Results:Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that the child has mosaicism trisomy of chromosome 21, with a ratio of approximately 74%. In addition, pathogenic copy number variations involving multiple OMIM genes that could explain his clinical phenotype were detected and rated as pathogenic based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). No pathogenic variant was detected with the GATA1 gene. Blood immune typing of the child conformed to the immunophenotype of acute myeloid leukemia. Conclusion:For children with trisomy 21, even in the absence of GATA1 gene variants, the occurrence of CL should be monitored, and early diagnosis and treatment are of great significance for improving the prognosis.
7.Correlation between TRIM21 and Cisplatin induced acute kidney injury in mice
Qingqing Sun ; Lei Ni ; Wei Wei ; Chun Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):2005-2010
Objective:
To investigate the expression of triple motif protein 21 (TRIM21) at different time points in Cisplatin induced acute kidney injury (Cis-AKI) mouse model and its correlation with pathological score .
Methods:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (20 mg/kg) . Peripheral blood serum was collected at 12 , 24 , 48 and 72 h , respectively . Body weight and kidney mass were also recorded . The dynamic changes of serum creatinine ( SCr) and urea nitrogen ( BUN) were detected . The expressions of TRIM21 protein and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) proteins GRP78 , GRP94 , P-elf2αand CHOP were de- tected by Western blot. HE staining was used to observe the pathology of renal tissue and analyze the correlation between the expression of TRIM21 protein at different time points .
Results:
Compared with the control group , the renal body ratio of Cis-AKI mice significantly increased at 48 h and 72 h (P < 0. 01) . SCr and BUN of Cis-AKI mice significantly increased at 48 h and 72 h compared with control group ( P < 0. 01) . HE staining showed that compared with the control group , the renal pathological scores of Cis-AKI mice increased at 12 and 24 h ( P < 0. 000 1) . At the same time , the expression of TRIM21 protein significantly increased at 24 h (P < 0. 01) . Com- pared with the control group , the renal pathological score of Cis-AKI mice significantly increased at 48 h ( P < 0. 000 1) , and the protein expression of TRIM21 , CHOP and GRP78 was significantly up-regulated at 48 h (P < 0. 05) . Compared with the control group , the renal pathological score of Cis-AKI mice significantly increased at 72 h (P < 0. 000 1) , and the expression of TRIM21 , GRP94 and P-elf2αproteins was significantly up-regulated at 72 h (P < 0. 05) . The results of correlation analysis showed that the expression of TRIM21 protein at different time points was positively correlated with the HE pathological scores at different time points (P < 0. 000 1) .
Conclusion
At different time points , TRIM21 may participate in the pathological progression of Cis-AKI by affecting ERS ,and it is positively correlated with renal pathological scores , which is expected to become a potential early diagnos- tic marker and intervention target.
8.Preparation of polyclonal antibodies against VP8 protein of porcine rotavirus A and determination of neutralizing antibody titers
Jiachao XU ; Guangli HU ; Qingqing WU ; Xiaomei PAN ; Sun HE ; Yidi GUO ; Changchun TU ; Wenjie GONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1109-1116,1131
This study investigates the feasibility of the VP8*protein as a subunit vaccine target for porcine rotavirus A(PoRVA),a major causative agent of diarrhea in piglets.The VP8* genes of PoRVA P[13]and P[23]genotype strains were amplified by RT-PCR.These genes were then liga-ted into the pET-28a(+)vector,yielding recombinant plasmids pET-28a-XJWF1-VP8*-P[23]and pET-28a-ShXYW13-VP8*-P[13].These plasmids were subsequently transformed into BL21(DE3)competent cells.The VP8*protein,induced by IPTG,was purified using affinity chroma-tography,and its expression and purification were verified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.The purified VP8* protein was used to immunize mice,and serum samples were collected after three immunizations.Cross-neutralization assays were conducted to evaluate the ability of the VP8*protein immune serum to neutralize different genotype strains.The results demonstrated the ex-pression of soluble VP8*protein,with SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses showing that the purified VP8*protein existed in both monomeric(27 kDa)and homodimeric(54 kDa)forms.ELISA results indicated that high levels of antibodies were produced in mice immunized with VP 8*-P[13]and VP8*-P[23]after three immunizations.Serum cross-neutralization assays revealed that the neutralizing titers of PoRVA VP8*-P[13]and VP8*-P[23]immune sera against homol-ogous genotype strains ranged from 1∶4 800 to 1∶19 200,significantly higher than those against heterologous genotype strains(1∶1 200).This suggests that the VP8*protein of different geno-type strains exhibits both antigenic conservation and distinct variability.The data obtained in this study provide a solid foundation for further exploration of the antigenic structure of the PoRVA VP8* protein and the development of novel subunit vaccines.
9.Recent advances in the pathogenesis and preventive strategies of abdominal aortic an-eurysm
Qingqing LEI ; Ziwen SHEN ; Mengxian SUN ; Tingting ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(7):579-586
Abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)is characterized by a localized and irreversible enlargement of the abdominal aorta,which poses a significant risk to life in the event of rupture.Currently,the primary treatment for AAA is surgical intervention,as there are no effective pharmacological therapies available to prevent or slow postoperative vascular dilation.Therefore,understanding the detailed pathogenesis of AAA and identifying effective prevention and treatment strategies is essential.This review begins by examining the pathological and molecular mechanisms involved in AAA,fo-cusing on key research areas such as the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells,inflammation and metabolic reprogramming.Based on a large of animal and clinical studies,this review then explores therapeutic strategies and prom-ising drugs for AAA,including mesenchymal stem cell therapy,nanomaterial applications,and immunomodulatory inter-ventions.The review aims to provide researchers with new ideas and directions for the prevention and treatment of AAA.
10.Expression of ELAVL family in glioma and their clinicopathological significance
Qingqing YANG ; Wenjun LUO ; Cuiyun SUN ; Shizhu YU ; Xuexia ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(9):1149-1155
Purpose To investigate the expression and clinical significance of the embryonic lethal abnormal vi-sion-like(ELAVL)family in glioma.Methods Pan-cancer and glioma-specific analyses of mRNA expression profiles of the ELAVL family were analyzed using the TCGA and GTEx databases.The association between ELAVL family ex-pression and survival of glioma patients was evaluated via the gene expression profiling interactive analysis 2(GEPIA2)database.The expression level of ELAVL2 protein in human glioma tissues and non-tumor control brain tissues was ver-ified by immunohistochemistry,and the relationship between its expression and prognosis was analyzed based on the fol-low-up data of patients.Western blot was performed to assess ELAVL2 protein levels in human immortalized astrocytes of UC2 and seven glioma cell lines.Overexpression of ELAVL2 in glioma cells was achieved to evaluate its impact on cell proliferation using in vitro assays.Results Compared to normal tissues,the ELAVL family exhibited distinct ex-pression patterns across various cancers.In glioma,ELAVL1 was significantly upregulated,while ELAVL2,ELAVL3 and ELAVL4 were markedly downregulated.Survival analysis revealed that low ELAVL2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in glioma patients(P<0.05).Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the expression of ELAVL2 decreased with the increase of glioma grade,and its low expression indicated a poor prognosis for patients(P<0.001).Overexpression of ELAVL2 inhibited glioma cell proliferation in vitro(P<0.001),suggesting its tumor-suppressive role.Conclusion The ELAVL family members play a critical role in glioma progression.ELAVL2 downregulation serves as a marker for adverse clinical outcomes and represents a potential therapeutic target for glioma therapy.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail