1.Honokiol inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by regulating the ATF4/CHOP/TRIB3 pathway
Kaihong DAI ; Xianhui WEN ; Yun HUANG ; Sixi WEI ; Hai HUANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):827-835
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of honokiol on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells and its underlying mechanistic. MethodsHuman gastric cancer cell lines HGC-27 and AGS were treated with Honokiol at concentrations of 0, 15, and 25 μmol/L. CCK-8 assays were conducted to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for both cell lines. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities were assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell migration and Transwell invasion assays. Apoptosis rates were measured via flow cytometry. Western blot analysis examined proteins related to proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway ATF4-CHOP-TRIB3. ResultsCompared with the control group, treatment with 15 and 25 μmol/L Honokiol significantly reduced the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion capabilities of the two gastric cancer cell lines, while significantly increasing the apoptosis rate (P<0.05). Additionally, compared to the control group, the protein expression levels of neural cadherin(N-cadherin), Vimentin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 protein(Bcl-2)decreased in the two gastric cancer cell lines after treatment with 15 and 25 μmol/L Honokiol, while the protein expression levels of epithelial cadherin(E-cadherin), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein(CHOP), and tribbles homolog 3(TRIB3)increased(P<0.05). ConclusionHonokiol promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer HGC-27 and AGS cells by regulating the ERS signaling pathway ATF4/CHOP/TRIB3.
2.Interpretation of the 2025 ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease
Jing LING ; Jiaxiong WU ; Runzhang LIANG ; Zirui PENG ; Haiyun YUAN ; Shusheng WEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):874-883
With the rapid advancements in surgical and interventional therapies, over 90% of children with congenital heart disease can now survive into adulthood with appropriate treatment. As a rapidly expanding population, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients often present with complex anatomical abnormalities and post-procedural complications, posing significant long-term management challenges for clinicians. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association jointly released the 2025 guidelines for the management of adult congenital heart disease, which represents a comprehensive and fundamental update following the inaugural 2008 edition. This new guideline not only integrates the latest evidence-based data but also marks a paradigm shift in ACHD management, from a disease-centered approach to a patient-centered lifelong continuum of care. This article aims to provide an interpretation of the guidelines from the perspective of a cardiac surgeon to provide references for the management of various disease subtypes.
3.Analysis of social emotional competence development and related factors among disadvantaged children aged 3-6 in rural areas of Guangxi
WEN Yanru, WEI Yiping, QU Yashan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):822-827
Objective:
To investigate the development status and associated factors of social emotional competence(SEC) among disadvantaged children aged 3-6 in rural areas of Guangxi, so as to provide empirical evidence to address the negative impacts of their disadvantaged circumstance.
Methods:
In May 2025, using convenience sampling, a study was conducted with 1 426 children aged 3-6 from disadvantaged backgrounds attending 11 rural kindergartens in Guilin, Liuzhou, and Qinzhou, Guangxi. A self designed questionnaire was used to investigate children s personal basic information, family situation (parents education level, family structure, parent-child separation status, family poverty status, multiple disadvantaged situations, family function) and kindergarten situation. Social Emotional Learning Rating Form-Parent (SELRF-P) was used to assess their social emotional competence. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and multiple Logistic regression were applied for data classification and related factor analysis, respectively.
Results:
The social emotional competence of disadvantaged children was categorized into four groups: well adjusted group (4.77%, n =68), basically adjusted group (38.43%, n =548), potential risk group (25.11%, n =358), and high risk delayed development group (31.69%, n = 452). Multinomial Logistic regression analysis revealed that family poverty ( OR = 1.98 ), parental education level of high school/technical secondary school or below ( OR =2.89), non parental caregivers ( OR = 3.81 ), private and non model kindergartens ( OR =1.96, 3.52), younger age (3 or 4 years old) ( OR =2.61, 2.79), low family cohesion ( OR =4.05), weak family adaptability ( OR =3.95), and multiple disadvantages ( OR =2.35) were more likely to lead children into the high risk delayed group; children seperated from parents were more likely to fall into the potential risk group ( OR = 1.82), while children from divorced families were less likely to enter the basically adjusted group ( OR =0.45) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Social emotional competence among disadvantaged children aged 3-6 years in rural areas shows significant group heterogeneity. Age, specific types of disadvantage, family functioning, and kindergarten characteristics are the main related factors. Precise intervention measures should be paid to improve the social emotional developmental difficulties of various disadvantaged children.
4.Association of dietary patterns with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents based on latent class analysis
CHEN Hongyuan, ZHANG Wen, LI Ziye, MA Yueyan, GUL Maham, ZHOU Jin, MA Fuchang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):883-887
Objective:
To analyze the characteristics of latent classes of dietary patterns among children and adolescents in Qinghai Province, and their association with overweight and obesity, so as to provide a scientific basis for conducting targeted nutritional interventions and weight management for the local population.
Methods:
From May to October 2025, a multi stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to recruit 1 611 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from Chengdong District of Xining City and Gonghe County of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. Questionnaire survey was conducted using a questionnaire developed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and physical examination was conducted by using unified measurement standards. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed on the food intake frequency of the participants. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression analysis were applied to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and overweight/obesity.
Results:
The detection rates of overweight, obesity, and overall overweight/obesity among the participants were 10.4%, 5.8%, and 16.2%, respectively. Latent class analysis identified three dietary patterns: modern mixed pattern ( n =399, 24.8%), low diversity pattern ( n =476, 29.5%), and traditional dietary pattern ( n =736, 45.7%). The potential category distribution differences of three dietary patterns among children and adolescents with and without overweight or obesity were statistically significant (non overweight and obesity: 22.5%, 29.1%, 48.4%; overweight and obesity: 36.4%, 31.8%, 31.8%) ( χ 2=30.69, P <0.01). Logistic regression showed that, compared with the traditional dietary pattern, the modern mixed pattern was associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity ( OR =1.68, 95% CI =1.13-2.49); female sex was associated with a lower risk of overweight/obesity compared with male sex ( OR =0.66, 95% CI =0.50-0.86) (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
A positive association exists between the modern mixed dietary pattern and obesity in children and adolescents. It is recommended to reduce the intake of grains and unhealthy foods among overweight and obese children and adolescents, while increasing the consumption of legumes, fish, and shrimp, in order to cultivate healthy and rational dietary habits.
5.Large "Growing" Adrenal Mass with an Unexpected Histology
Ling Hui Kiu ; Ee Wen Loh ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):24-
Introduction:
Large, rapidly enlarging adrenal masses typically mandate
surgical intervention given the high probability of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, benign processes can mimic these aggressive growth kinetics, creating a
diagnostic challenge for clinicians.
Case:
A 74-year-old male with hypertension, atrial fibrillation on
rivaroxaban, and prostate cancer was referred for evaluation
of a right adrenal incidentaloma detected on computed
tomography imaging performed for prostate cancer
staging. The well-defined mass measured 8.9 × 7.8 × 7.5 cm
(AP × W × CC) with areas of calcification. Mean attenuation
was +40 Hounsfield Unit, with no significant washout.
Biochemical evaluation confirmed a non-functioning
lesion (24-hour urine metanephrines 756 mcg/24 hours
[N 246–753 mcg/24 hours]; serum cortisol 62 nmol/L post
overnight dexamethasone suppression test). The patient was otherwise asymptomatic and declined surgical intervention. Repeat imaging 4 months later demonstrated
interval enlargement of the mass to 9.8 × 8.8 × 10.7 cm. Due
to this rapid growth, which was highly concerning for ACC,
the patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy.
Histopathological examination unexpectedly revealed
an adrenal hematoma without evidence of an underlying
tumor or malignancy.
This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating
aggressive cortical tumors from atypical hemorrhagic
events. Larger series on adrenal hemorrhage reported
trauma and procedural complications as the leading causes,
with a median size of 3–4 cm. Idiopathic large adrenal
hematomas presenting as rapidly expanding “pseudotumors” are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 20 cases
reported in which surgical resection was performed due to
high preoperative suspicion of malignancy. Additionally,
adrenal hemorrhage attributed to anticoagulant therapy
often occurs bilaterally. Unilateral lesion, especially when
large, can pose a diagnostic challenge as highlighted in
this case.
Conclusion
In patients on anticoagulation, rapid interval growth of
an adrenal mass does not always equate to malignancy.
Recognizing this mimicry in the era of widespread Direct
Oral Anticoagulant use is essential for refining treatment
decision regarding surgical intervention, as most cases exhibited a self-limiting process with spontaneous resolution.
6.Hidden Burden of Diabetes Risk Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Hui Soon Lim ; Ee Wen Loh ; Sing Yee Sim ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):40-
Introduction:
The increasing prevalence of diabetes represents a
significant global health challenge. Modifiable risk factors,
including physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, and obesity contribute substantially to this rising burden.
In conjunction with the 2025 World Diabetes Day (WDD)
campaign focusing on “diabetes and the workplace,” we
assessed diabetes risk among healthcare workers in our
hospital using the Modified Asian Finnish Diabetes Risk
Score (ModAsian FINDRISC).
Methodology:
Healthcare workers from various departments were invited
to participate in the hospital WDD celebration. A total of
286 attendees underwent anthropometric measurements
and completed the ModAsian FINDSRIC questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the
prevalence of risk factors and overall diabetes risk.
Results:
The participants included doctors, nurses, allied healthcare
professionals, as well as hospital support and administrative
staff. The majority of participants (74.8%) were aged below
45 years. 39.2% were overweight while 30.8% were obese.
One-third (37.4%) had increased waist circumference
(WC) (≥90 cm for men, ≥80 cm for women). Additionally,
20% of respondents reported being on antihypertensive
medication, and 23.8% had previously recorded high blood
glucose. A family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) was
reported by 62.6% of respondents. Additionally, about onethird were sedentary with less than 30 minutes of daily
exercise or physical activity, another one-third did not
consume fruits or vegetables on a daily basis. The median
ModAsian FINDRISC score was 8, with approximately
30% of them classified as having moderate to very high
risk of developing DM (moderate: 17.5%; high: 10.8%; very
high: 2.8%).
Conclusion
These results revealed high metabolic risk in healthcare
workers and highlight the need for targeted workplace
health promotion strategies to reduce the risk of developing
diabetes.
Tertiary Care Centers
;
Health Personnel
;
Diabetes Mellitus
7.Not Just Another Case of Type 2 Diabetes in an Adolescent
Aminuddin Ab Rahman ; Nga Xhi Wen Daniel ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Yong Siang Ng ; Norhaliza Mohd Ali
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):50-51
Introduction:
Cushing’s disease (CD) in adolescents may present with
subtle clinical features, resulting in a significant diagnostic
challenge. We report a case of a young lady whose CD
initially masqueraded as Type 2 diabetes (T2D), highlighting
the difficulties in differentiating early hypercortisolism
from T2D.
Case:
A 12-year-old female was incidentally diagnosed with
diabetes during routine medical screening. Examination
revealed an overweight female without the classical
features of Cushing’s syndrome. Due to the presence of
acanthosis nigricans, a diagnosis of T2D was initially made.
Her diabetes remained well-controlled with a single oral
glucose-lowering drug.
The diagnostic challenge became apparent over time.
She experienced delayed menarche at the age of 17, and
a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome was suspected when
she subsequently developed hypertension and reduced
bone mineral density. Biochemical evaluation was
consistent with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-
dependent hypercortisolism, evidenced by the failure of
serum cortisol suppression on low dose and overnight
dexamethasone suppression tests. Her 24-hour urinary
cortisol was elevated twofold, and plasma ACTH was
elevated (17.8 pmol/L). MRI demonstrated a right-sided
pituitary microadenoma (0.3 × 0.5 × 0.3 cm), and inferior
petrosal sinus sampling confirmed the diagnosis of CD. She underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery 7 years
later, which was complicated by panhypopituitarism and
cranial diabetes insipidus. Postoperatively, CD was cured,
with the resolution of her metabolic comorbidities.
Conclusion
Despite the increasing prevalence of T2D in adolescents,
clinicians must recognize the diagnostic challenge of CD
in this age group. Atypical manifestations in a presumed
T2D patient should prompt consideration of Cushing’s
syndrome.
Adolescent
;
Humans
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
8.Individualizing Therapy With Repaglinide: A Single-Centre Experience
Ioanna Ting Yung Sim ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan ; Pei Lin Chan ; Ee Wen Loh
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):55-
Introduction:
Repaglinide, a meglitinide analogue, has a rapid onset
and short duration of action. It offers prandial glucose
control while reducing hypoglycemia risk compared to
sulfonylureas. We describe its use in our special cohorts
of diabetic patients where repaglinide was prescribed to
reduce hypoglycemia in vulnerable patients or to optimize
glycemic control through pharmacotherapy intensification
or deintensification.
Cases:
Cohort A comprised 12 elderly patients with multiple
comorbidities (mean age: 70.3 years; mean DM duration:
18.3 years) characterized by high glucose variability and
problematic hypoglycemia. In seven patients, low-dose
gliclazide was replaced with repaglinide with reduction
in hypoglycemic episodes. One patient on low-dose premixed insulin was successfully switched to preprandial
repaglinide. Two patients on basal insulin were able to
reduce their insulin requirements and stabilize their glucose
levels. A younger patient with autonomic dysfunction had
hypoglycemia while on insulin glulisine, while its omission
led to severe hyperglycemia. Substituting glulisine with
repaglinide resolved the glucose variability. Repaglinide
effectively reduced hypoglycemic episodes while maintaining glycemic stability, with a mean hemoglobin A1c
(HbA1c) reduction of 0.36% over 3–6 months.
Cohort B consisted of six younger patients (mean age: 35.3
years) with focus on optimizing HbA1c and improving
treatment adherence. Two patients on basal-bolus regimes
success-fully transitioned off bolus insulin to repaglinide,
significantly improving compliance. One patient on
basal insulin was successfully transitioned to an all-oral
regimen. Three patients on existing oral hypoglycemic
agents were started on repaglinide to close the glycemic
gap. Cohort B achieved a robust mean HbA1c reduction of
2.1% within 3–6 months.
Conclusion
Repaglinide remains an important armamentarium in
personalized diabetes management. Its pharmacokinetics
and flexible dosing allow intensification of glycemic
control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. It also
offers a viable strategy for selected patients struggling
with complex insulin regime.
Repaglinide
9.Implementing low-cost 3D-printed brain coloring activities in neuroanatomy teaching for medical students in Singapore: a cross-sectional study
Jason Wen Yau LEE ; Fernando BELLO ; Jai Prashanth RAO
Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions 2026;23(1):5-
Purpose:
Three-dimensional (3D)–printed models have been increasingly used in medical education, but most studies have focused on satisfaction or outcomes following isolated learning activities. This study aimed to explore students’ perceptions of learning, engagement, usability, and learning strategies after completing a series of neuroanatomy-related coloring activities using a low-cost 3D-printed model.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study involved Year 1 medical students at Duke-NUS Medical School. Students participated in 3 structured coloring activities using a modular 3D-printed brain model during a neuroanatomy session. An anonymous survey was administered 1 week after the third activity to assess students’ perceived learning value, engagement (behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and agentic), usability, and learning strategies using Likert-scale items and open-ended questions.
Results:
A total of 48 students completed the survey, and the instrument showed acceptable to high internal consistency. Students reported high perceived learning value, positive engagement across multiple domains during the coloring activity, and high usability of the model. Participation in the learning activities was associated with significantly higher behavioral and agentic engagement, perceived learning value, and greater use of learning strategies than non-participation. Overall, active manipulation and hands-on exploration were perceived as beneficial for learning.
Conclusion
Low-cost 3D-printed brain models may serve as valuable learning tools to complement existing anatomy teaching approaches when paired with well-designed learning activities. Students reported positive learning experiences and high engagement during the activities. These findings highlight the importance of sound pedagogical design and curriculum integration to maximize learning.
10.Rewarding Work and Memory Perceptions: Evidence Among Older Workers in the Health and Retirement Study
Megan GUARDIANO ; Johannes SIEGRIST ; Jian LI
Safety and Health at Work 2026;17(1):106-111
Background:
The projected expansion of an aging United States (US) workforce prompts further evaluation of the potential impact of work on cognitive health. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of reward and effort at work with subjective memory among US older workers.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the population-based Health and Retirement Study. At the 2006 —2008 baseline, effort and reward were measured using hypotheses based on the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model. A subjective memory summary score that was composed of two items, in which higher scores indicated better subjective memory, was assessed biennially between the baseline and 2018. Generalized estimating equations analyzed longitudinal associations of effort and reward categories with changes in subjective memory between the baseline and follow-ups. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, health, and work covariates were adjusted for in linear regression models.Supplementary analyses explored the associations of ERI components with each of the two items that formed the subjective memory summary score.
Results:
Among 3,497 workers aged 50 years and older, after covariate adjustments, high reward was significantly associated with better subjective memory (regression coefficient: 0.15 [95% confidence interval: 0.07, 0.23], p < 0.001). Compared to the combination of “low effort and low reward,” other effort-reward combinations were also associated with increased subjective memory (p < 0.05). Supplementary analyses demonstrated significant positive associations with independent high reward and ERI combinations. High effort was positively related to subjective memory, although the association was not significant after adjustments.
Conclusion
Work-related reward, independently and in combination with effort, may contribute to improved subjective memory among US older workers.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail