1.Hypothalamic-superior frontal gyrus functional connectivity alterations and luteinizing hormone correlations in girls with central precocious puberty
Hongqiang CAI ; Lianzi SU ; Xiyan CHEN ; Moran YANG ; Jiajia XU ; Yanqi SHAN ; Ru ZHAO ; Longsheng WANG ; Yue YU ; Liwei ZOU
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism 2026;31(2):129-137
Purpose:
In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis.
Methods:
Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed.
Results:
Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus.
Conclusion
Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.
2.Intravesical instillation of urokinase plus heparin sodium for bladder clot irrigation:preliminary experience with 3 cases
Qi'ao JING ; Shengtong YE ; Jiaying SONG ; Tongjingzhi LIN ; Qi ZHANG ; Zicheng LI ; Yang SU ; Zhihui ZOU ; Chaozhao LIANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):57-59
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of intravesical instillation of urokinase and heparin sodium in the treatment of bladder clot irrigation.Methods This report discusses the diagnosis and treatment of three patients with bladder blood clot tamponade confirmed by abdominal and pelvic computed tomography(CT)scans enrolled from our hospital during Jun. to Sep. 2024, and discuss the relevant literature.Results A solution containing urokinase(20 000 IU)and heparin sodium(125 000 U)was instilled through a three-way catheter and retained for 30 minutes before drainage. Complete clot dissolution was achieved in all cases, with immediate relief of hypogastric distension and pain. Post-procedural CT showed restored bladder lumen patency. Hemoglobin levels decreased by 2-5 g/L without complications.Conclusion This preliminary trial demonstrated that intravesical instillation of urokinase-heparin provides a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative for bladder clot in irrigation cases.
3.A new exploration and innovative development on the cultivation of core values in traditional Chinese medicine culture from the perspective of local knowledge
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):777-783
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a type of local knowledge system. The cultivation and innovative development of its core values must be rooted in specific regional cultural soil and practical contexts. Traditional Chinese culture is not only the matrix of TCM culture, but also the local knowledge gene pool for the formation of its core values. Stemming from local knowledge’s characteristics of practicality, value, and diversity, this paper systematically elucidated the symbiotic relationship between the core values of TCM culture and local knowledge. It also proposed a cultivation path based on the inheritance and transformation of local knowledge. That is, through activating local practical wisdom, strengthening cultural gene recognition, and constructing a cross-cultural dialogue paradigm, it injected sustainable vitality into the core values of TCM culture.
4.The role of probiotics in ameliorating hyperuricemia: a review
ZOU Yan ; HUANG Enshan ; ZHAO Dong ; HUANG Lichun ; SU Danting ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):36-39
Abstract
Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder syndrome caused by purine metabolism dysregulation, and its prevalence increases year by year. The development and progression of HUA are accompanied by significant alterations in the composition of intestinal microbiota, making probiotics a potential and safe method to reduce serum uric acid. Probiotics ameliorate HUA through three pathways: competing with intestinal epithelial cells for purine absorption to decrease uric acid synthesis, inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity through modulation of inflammatory cytokines to reduce the conversion of purine to uric acid, as well as restoring and maintaining an orderly state of the gut microbiota to facilitate normal uric acid excretion. This article reviews the role of probiotics in ameliorating HUA, so as to provide the reference for the application of probiotics in the prevention and intervention of HUA.
5.Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients
Yu LI ; Sheng LI ; Qing LI ; Kai LI ; Jing HAN ; Siyue MAO ; Xiaohong XU ; Zhongzhen SU ; Yanling ZUO ; Shousong XIE ; Hong WEN ; Xuebin ZOU ; Jingxian SHEN ; Lingling LI ; Jianhua ZHOU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):346-359
Objective:
The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB.
Results:
In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%).
Conclusion
The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.
6.Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients
Yu LI ; Sheng LI ; Qing LI ; Kai LI ; Jing HAN ; Siyue MAO ; Xiaohong XU ; Zhongzhen SU ; Yanling ZUO ; Shousong XIE ; Hong WEN ; Xuebin ZOU ; Jingxian SHEN ; Lingling LI ; Jianhua ZHOU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):346-359
Objective:
The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB.
Results:
In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%).
Conclusion
The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.
7.Antipyretic effects of ethanol extracts of Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bile from different sources.
Run ZOU ; Fa-Zhi SU ; En-Lin ZHU ; Chen-Xi BAI ; Yan-Ping SUN ; Hai-Xue KUANG ; Qiu-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1781-1791
This study aims to investigate the antipyretic effects and mechanisms of ethanol extracts from Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bile from different sources on a rat model of fever induced by a dry-yeast suspension. The rat model of fever was established by subcutaneous injection of 20% dry-yeast suspension into the rat back. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6) in the serum, as well as prostaglandin E_2(PGE_2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) in the hypothalamus, were determined by ELISA. Metabolomics analysis was then performed on serum and hypothalamus samples based on UPLC-Q-TOF MS to explore the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. The results showed that the body temperatures of rats significantly rose 4 h after modeling. After oral administration of high-dose ethanol extracts of Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bovine bile(NCH) and porcine bile(ZCH), the body temperatures of rats declined(P<0.05), and the NCH group showed better antipyretic effect than the ZCH group. Additionally, compared with the model group, the NCH and ZCH groups showed lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE_2, and cAMP(P<0.01). The results of serum and hypothalamus metabolomics analysis indicated that both NCH and ZCH exerted antipyretic effects by regulating phenylalanine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Collectively, both NCH and ZCH can play an obvious antipyretic role in the rat model of dry yeast-induced fever, and the underlying mechanism might be closely associated with inhibiting inflammation and regulating metabolic disorders. Moreover, NCH demonstrates better antipyretic effect.
Animals
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Fermentation
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rhizome/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Bile/chemistry*
;
Antipyretics/chemistry*
;
Fever/metabolism*
;
Cattle
;
Swine
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Ethanol/chemistry*
;
Interleukin-6/blood*
;
Interleukin-1beta/blood*
8.Application of Different Inferior Vena Cava Filters Placed in the Renal Vein for Endovascular Treatment of Deep Venous Thrombosis
Jiashuo CHANG ; Zhengyong ZHA ; Guangsi ZOU ; Xianli HUANG ; Qiuyan SU ; Zhenggan GAO
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(6):119-126
Objective To study the application effects of different inferior vena cava filters(IVCF)placed in the renal vein for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis(DVT).Methods A total of 102 patients with lower limb DVT who underwent renal vein IVCF at the Second People's Hospital of Baoshan from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected.According to the type of IVCF,patients were divided into a retrievable group(n=51)and a permanent group(n=51).The two groups were compared in terms of filter placement conditions,perioperative limb circumference differences,D-dimer,fibrinogen,venous recanalization scores,venous recanalization rates,as well as complications and recurrence-free survival status 12 months post-operation.Results The surgical success rate was 100%.The differences in limb circumference above the knee(15 cm)and below the knee(10 cm)at 1 day,3 days,and 7 days post-operation were significantly reduced compared to pre-operative measurements and showed a downward trend(P<0.05).D-dimer and fibrinogen levels at 1 day,3 days,and 7 days post-operation were also significantly reduced compared to pre-operative levels,with a downward tren(P<0.05).The venous recanalization scores at 7 days post-operation were significantly lower than pre-operative scores in both groups(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications in the retrievable group was lower than that in the permanent group(P<0.05).Conclusion The placement of a retrievable IVCF on the renal vein for endovascular treatment of DVT has significant therapeutic effects,can adjust the circumference difference of the lower limb,improve coagulation function,and reduce the incidence of complications and recurrence.
9.The core essentials, solid foundations, and value implications of the important expositions on traditional Chinese Medicine in the new era
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(10):1315-1320
The Communist Party of China’s important expositions on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the New Era provide an in-depth interpretation of how to understand the value of TCM and how to promote its long-term development and innovation. These expositions are underpinned by a solid theoretical foundation, profound historical origins, and rich practical accumulation. Moreover, they not only demonstrate deep respect for China’s fine traditional culture but also convey earnest expectations for the future development of TCM. Serving as valuable ideological resources and a guide for action for TCM, these expositions contribute to advancing the globalization of TCM and leveraging Chinese wisdom to boost the development of the cause of human health.
10.Research progress in silver ion tolerance mechanisms of Escherichia coli.
Yuhuang WU ; Xi ZHENG ; Haoyue AN ; Shuchu SHEN ; Zhongbao WU ; Su ZHOU ; Jun WANG ; Lili ZOU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1252-1267
Due to the wide application of silver-containing dressings and silver-coated medical devices in clinical treatment; the extensive use of antibacterial agents and heavy metal agents in feed factories, Escherichia coli has formed the tolerance to silver ions. To systematically understand the known silver ion resistance mechanisms of E. coli, this article reviews the complex regulatory network and various physiological mechanisms of silver ion tolerance in E. coli, including the regulation of outer membrane porins, energy metabolism modulation, the role of efflux systems, motility regulation, and silver ion reduction. E. coli reduces the influx of silver ions by missing or mutating outer membrane porins such as OmpR, OmpC, and OmpF. It adapts to high concentrations of silver ions by altering the expression of ArcA/B and enhances the efflux capacity of silver ions under high-concentration silver stress via the endogenous Cus system and exogenous Sil system. Furthermore, the motility of bacteria is related to silver tolerance. E. coli has the ability to reduce silver ions, thereby alleviating the oxidative stress induced by silver ions. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding the formation and spread of bacterial tolerance and provide directions for the development of next-generation silver-based antimicrobials and therapies.
Escherichia coli/genetics*
;
Silver/pharmacology*
;
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
;
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
;
Porins/metabolism*


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