1.Clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features of primary liver cancer patients with different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types
Feng WU ; Muqing LUO ; Wantingting WEN ; Ziwei CAI ; Yinqi LIU ; Jian XIANG ; Xiaona ZHOU ; Qian GUO ; Kun ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1093-1100
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of primary liver cancer (PLC) with clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to provide a reference for the objectification of TCM syndrome differentiation and precise diagnosis and treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 312 patients who were diagnosed with PLC in The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine from March 2020 to June 2025, and according to the TCM syndrome type, they were divided into stagnation of liver Qi group with 40 patients, stagnation of liver Qi and spleen deficiency group with 109 patients, Qi stagnation and blood stasis group with 62 patients, dampness-heat toxin amassment group with 81 patients, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency group with 20 patients. Clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features were compared between the patients with different TCM syndrome types. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s multiple test was used for further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThere were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndrome types in China liver cancer staging (CNLC), Child-Pugh class, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, neutrophil, and albumin-bilirubin score (all P<0.05). In the stagnation of liver Qi group, the patients with Child-Pugh class A accounted for 75.00%; among the patients with CNLC stage I PLC, the patients with stagnation of liver Qi accounted for 60.00%, and those with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome accounted for 59.68%, while among the patients with CNLC stage IV PLC, the distribution proportion of dampness-heat toxin amassment (27.16%) and liver-kidney Yin deficiency (30.00%) was significantly higher than that of stagnation of liver Qi (2.50%) (all P<0.05). Radiological examination showed that there were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndrome types in the number of tumors, ascites, venous tumor thrombus, maximum tumor diameter, intrahepatic metastasis, and lymph node metastasis in the hepatic hilar and retroperitoneal regions (all P<0.05). Compared with the patients with stagnation of liver Qi, the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency or liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to develop intrahepatic metastasis; the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency, dampness-heat toxin amassment, or liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to develop lymph node metastasis in the hepatic hilar and retroperitoneal regions; the patients with liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to experience multiple tumors; the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency or dampness-heat toxin amassment were more likely to develop ascites (all P<0.05). Compared with the patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency had a significantly longer maximum tumor diameter and a significantly higher proportion of patients with venous tumor thrombus (both P<0.05). Furthermore, among the 184 patients with MRI diffusion-weighted imaging sequences, the patients with dampness-heat toxin amassment or Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome had significantly higher ADC values and relative ADC values than those with stagnation of liver Qi (all P<0.05). ConclusionThere are significant differences in CT/MRI radiological features and clinical features between PLC patients with different TCM syndrome types, among whom the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency, dampness-heat toxin amassment, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency tend to exhibit progressive radiological features, and those with dampness-heat toxin amassment or Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome tend to have higher ADC values. These findings provide an objective basis for TCM syndrome differentiation in PLC.
2.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
3.Expression and clinical significance of RAB24 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma based on multi-source databases and clinical cohort validation
Yali GUO ; Yangchen WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Xiang GAO ; Wenmei MA ; Nan DING ; Qiang HOU ; Wu DAI ; Limei WEN ; Junping HU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1647-1656
ObjectiveTo investigate the mRNA expression profile and clinical significance of the RAB24 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on multi-source database including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and clinical cohort validation. MethodsData from TCGA (n=424) were utilized to evaluate the prognostic value of RAB24 expression via Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. An independent clinical cohort comprising 90 HCC and 30 paracancerous tissues was established to validate protein expression and histopathological features through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and routine histological staining. The TIMER database was employed to analyze the association between RAB24 and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, integrated with LinkedOmics, GSEA and GSVA algorithms were used to quantitatively characterize the core molecular pathways regulated by RAB24. ResultsThe mRNA expression level of RAB24 in HCC was significantly higher than that in non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the overall survival (OS) of patients in the RAB24 low-expression group was significantly longer compared to the high-expression group (HR=1.570, Log-rank P=0.01). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that RAB24 expression (HR=1.480, P=0.028), T stage (HR=2.949, P<0.001), M stage (HR=4.077, P=0.017), and tumor residual status (HR=2.317, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for HCC. RAB24 expression was highly correlated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and immune infiltration levels (P<0.01), and showed a significant, low-level positive correlation with the TP53 gene (Rho=0.31, P<0.01). Quantitative analysis of the RAB24 protein in clinical samples validated that RAB24 expression in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). TIMER analysis confirmed that RAB24 expression was highly associated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells (such as B cells and NK cells), as well as stromal and tumor purity scores in tumor tissues (P<0.01). GSEA/GSVA enrichment revealed that the P53, MYC, and mTORC1 signaling pathways were activated in the RAB24 high-expression group; correlation analysis confirmed that the RAB24 expression level exhibited a significant, low-level positive correlation with the ribosome pathway activity score (r=0.23, P<0.01). ConclusionsThe RAB24 gene, as a poor prognostic factor for HCC patients, is a potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The study is expected to lay a theoretical foundation for the precise diagnosis and treatment of clinical HCC.
4.Habitat radiomics model in predicting the early therapeutic efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center retrospective study
Mingsong WU ; Zenglong QUE ; Guanhui LI ; Jie LONG ; Yuxin TANG ; Hao ZHONG ; Shujie LAI ; Qixian YAN ; Jun WANG ; Xiang LAN ; Liangzhi WEN
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):89-99
Objective:To develop habitat radiomics models to predict early treatment responses to the hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:From October 2021 to Decemeber 2023, at Army Characteristic Medical Center of PLA (Chongqing Daping Hospital) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 94 patients with advanced HCC who received HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy were retrospectively enrolled. According to the treatment results, the patients were divided into response group and non-response group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the clinical data of the patients. Based on contrast-enhanced CT images, tumor habitats were delineated and habitat features were extracted with k-means clustering, and the imaging features of arterial and venous phases were also extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used for dimensionality reduction. Feature selection was performed using LASSO to reduce dimensions, and then the selected features were further refined through stepwise logistic regression analysis.Binary logistic regression models were conducted to develop the habitat radiomics model, arterial phase radiomics model (APRM), venous phase radiomics model (VPRM), clinical data model, as well as the combination of radiomics model and clinical data model to predict early treatment (after 2 treatment cycles) response. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted, and model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve. The models were validated through Bootstrap methods (1 000 times). DeLong test was used to compare AUC values.Results:The results of cluster analysis identified 3 characteristic habitats in HCC imaging: low-, medium-, and high-enhancement tumor habitats. The proportion of high-enhancement habitats was higher than that in the non-response group. A predictive model was established based on the proportions of these 3 habitats. Based on the proportion of low-, medium-, and high-enhancement habitats within the tumor, a habitat radiomics model was constructed. After LASSO selection and logistic regression analysis, 3 arterial phase and 3 venous phase radiomic features were selected to build the APRM and VPRM, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors for the clinical data model: comorbidities ( OR=0.275, P=0.031), maximum tumor diameter ( OR=1.149, P=0.019), red blood cell count ( OR=0.463, P=0.022), alpha fetoprotein >400 μg/L ( OR=3.452, P=0.017), and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy ( OR=3.072, P=0.048). Among the single predictive model′s comparison, the AUC of habitat radiomics model was 0.860 (95% confidence interval(95% CI): 0.789 to 0.932), while those of the APRM、VPRM and clinical data model were 0.850 (95% CI: 0.773 to 0.926), 0.855 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.928), and 0.774 (95% CI: 0.681 to 0.867), respectively, and there were no statistically significant among these models (all P>0.05). Among the combination models, the AUC of the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.947); the AUC of arterial phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.897 (95% CI: 0.833 to 0.961); and the AUC of venous phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.826 to 0.951), but there were no statistically significant among the 3 models (all P>0.05). The calibration curve showed that the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model had the most accurate predictive probability. Internal validation showed that the AUC of habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.772 to 0.922), and the predictive performance was better than that of the clinical-data model (0.733 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.863)). Conclusion:The habitat radiomics model based on enhanced CT can effectively predict early treatment responses to the HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced HCC patients, which provides theoretical basis for individualized treatment in advanced HCC.
5.Habitat radiomics model in predicting the early therapeutic efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center retrospective study
Mingsong WU ; Zenglong QUE ; Guanhui LI ; Jie LONG ; Yuxin TANG ; Hao ZHONG ; Shujie LAI ; Qixian YAN ; Jun WANG ; Xiang LAN ; Liangzhi WEN
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):89-99
Objective:To develop habitat radiomics models to predict early treatment responses to the hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:From October 2021 to Decemeber 2023, at Army Characteristic Medical Center of PLA (Chongqing Daping Hospital) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 94 patients with advanced HCC who received HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy were retrospectively enrolled. According to the treatment results, the patients were divided into response group and non-response group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the clinical data of the patients. Based on contrast-enhanced CT images, tumor habitats were delineated and habitat features were extracted with k-means clustering, and the imaging features of arterial and venous phases were also extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used for dimensionality reduction. Feature selection was performed using LASSO to reduce dimensions, and then the selected features were further refined through stepwise logistic regression analysis.Binary logistic regression models were conducted to develop the habitat radiomics model, arterial phase radiomics model (APRM), venous phase radiomics model (VPRM), clinical data model, as well as the combination of radiomics model and clinical data model to predict early treatment (after 2 treatment cycles) response. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted, and model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve. The models were validated through Bootstrap methods (1 000 times). DeLong test was used to compare AUC values.Results:The results of cluster analysis identified 3 characteristic habitats in HCC imaging: low-, medium-, and high-enhancement tumor habitats. The proportion of high-enhancement habitats was higher than that in the non-response group. A predictive model was established based on the proportions of these 3 habitats. Based on the proportion of low-, medium-, and high-enhancement habitats within the tumor, a habitat radiomics model was constructed. After LASSO selection and logistic regression analysis, 3 arterial phase and 3 venous phase radiomic features were selected to build the APRM and VPRM, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors for the clinical data model: comorbidities ( OR=0.275, P=0.031), maximum tumor diameter ( OR=1.149, P=0.019), red blood cell count ( OR=0.463, P=0.022), alpha fetoprotein >400 μg/L ( OR=3.452, P=0.017), and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy ( OR=3.072, P=0.048). Among the single predictive model′s comparison, the AUC of habitat radiomics model was 0.860 (95% confidence interval(95% CI): 0.789 to 0.932), while those of the APRM、VPRM and clinical data model were 0.850 (95% CI: 0.773 to 0.926), 0.855 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.928), and 0.774 (95% CI: 0.681 to 0.867), respectively, and there were no statistically significant among these models (all P>0.05). Among the combination models, the AUC of the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.947); the AUC of arterial phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.897 (95% CI: 0.833 to 0.961); and the AUC of venous phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.826 to 0.951), but there were no statistically significant among the 3 models (all P>0.05). The calibration curve showed that the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model had the most accurate predictive probability. Internal validation showed that the AUC of habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.772 to 0.922), and the predictive performance was better than that of the clinical-data model (0.733 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.863)). Conclusion:The habitat radiomics model based on enhanced CT can effectively predict early treatment responses to the HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced HCC patients, which provides theoretical basis for individualized treatment in advanced HCC.
6.Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spine fracture and dislocation (version 2025)
Dongmei BIAN ; Ke SUN ; Ningbo CHEN ; Caixia BAI ; Miao WANG ; Yafeng QIAO ; Fei WANG ; Hong WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Mei YAN ; Meng BAI ; Linjuan ZHANG ; Liyan ZHAO ; Yaqing CUI ; Xue JIANG ; Leling FENG ; Ning NING ; Junqin DING ; Lan WEI ; Yonghua ZHAI ; Yu ZENG ; Zengmei ZHANG ; Jiqun HE ; Fenggui BIE ; Hong CHEN ; Zengyan WANG ; Li LI ; Li ZHANG ; Yaying ZHOU ; Bing SHAO ; Ying WANG ; Caixia XIE ; Yanfeng YAO ; Jingjing AN ; Wen SHI ; Xiongtao LIU ; Xiaoyan AN ; Ning NAN ; Lan LI ; Xiaohui GOU ; Qiaomei LI ; Xiuting WU ; Yuqin ZHANG ; Jing LIU ; Fusen XIANG ; Xu XU ; Na MEI ; Jiao ZHOU ; Shan FAN ; Qian WANG ; Shuixia LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(2):138-147
Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.
7.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
8.Analysis of PIKFYVE gene expression, clinical significance, and experimental validation based on TCGA database in hepatocellular carcinoma
Limei WEN ; Yali GUO ; Dongxuan ZHENG ; Qiang HOU ; Wu DAI ; Xiang GAO ; Jianhua YANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(2):159-169
Objective:To experimentally validate clinical samples, analyze the mRNA expression of the FYVE domain containing phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5 kinase ( PIKFYVE) gene, and its clinical significance based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:Data information on 424 clinical samples (including 374 cases of HCC tissues and 50 cases of non-tumorous liver tissues) were collected based on the TCGA database. Cox regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to analyze the relationship between mRNA expression of the PIKFYVE gene and the clinical characteristics as well as survival prognosis in patients with HCC. The relationship between the PIKFYVE gene and immune cell infiltration was examined by correlation analysis with 24 kinds of immune cells. In addition, the mRNA expression level of the PIKFYVE gene and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase ( AKT1), phosphatase and tensin homolog ( PTEN), protein kinase C alpha ( PRKCA), inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase ( INPP5D), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 ( PIK3R1), inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II ( INPP4B) and phospholipase C beta 4 ( PLCB4) gene correlations were analyzed in HCC tissues. At the same time, paraffin sections of highly differentiated, moderately differentiated, poorly differentiated, and non-tumor liver tissues from patients with HCC were collected from the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The histopathological observation was performed by HE staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression levels of the PIKFYVE and Ki67 proteins in each clinical sample. The t-test was used for intergroup comparison of continuous data. The χ2 test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for intergroup comparison of enumeration data. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results:The expression level of the PIKFYVE gene was higher in the HCC tumor than that in normal liver tissue ( P<0.01). The overall survival time of patients was significantly longer in the low expression group than that in the high expression group ( HR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.10~2.25, P=0.014). The results of univariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor stage, pathological grade, tumor status, residual tumor, and PIKFYVE expression level all had an effect on OS ( P<0.05). The PIKFYVE prognostic risk model had a proportionate score of HR=1.533 (95% CI: 1.077~2.181, P=0.018). Multivariate Cox risk regression analysis showed that the PIKFYVE prognostic risk model had a proportionate score of HR=1.481 (95% CI: 0.886~2.476, P=0.134) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.559, indicating that it had predictive value for survival prediction. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the expression level of PIKFYVE was strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration and TP53 ( P<0.01). The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression level of PIKFYVE was significantly higher in HCC tissue samples than that in non-tumor liver tissues ( P<0.01), and was negatively correlated with the degree of differentiation. Conclusion:PIKFYVE, as an independent risk factor, is expected to be developed into a biomarker for clinical diagnosis, offering a reference for novel therapeutic agents in HCC.
9.Clinical Efficacy of Tianma Xiongling Zhixuan Tablets in Treating Patients with Hypertension of the Type of Hyperactivity of Liver Yang or Combined with Phlegm and Blood Stasis,and Analysis of Plasma Metabolomics
Zhi-xiang CHEN ; Jun-liu HU ; Man WANG ; Fei-ying WANG ; Yao-wu CHEN ; Mao-wen WANG ; Meng-li JI ; Hui-hui LIU ; Jian-min FAN ; Wen ZHANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2138-2153
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Tianma Xionglin Zhixuan Tablets in treating hypertension patients with liver yang hyperactivity or comorbid phlegm-stasis syndrome and explore its therapeutic mechanisms through plasma metabolomics.Methods:Thirty-six hypertension patients(4 dropouts)diagnosed with liver yang hyperactivity or phlegm-stasis syndrome were enrolled as the treatment group from June 2022 to September 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine,while 30 healthy volunteers with balanced constitutions were recruited as the blank group.Plasma samples were collected from patients pre-and post-treatment and from healthy volunteers.Clinical outcomes,including syndrome scores,office blood pressure(BP),and 24-hour ambulatory BP,were recorded.Plasma metabolomic profiling was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).Results:Compared with baseline,Tianma Xionglin Zhixuan Tablets significantly reduced traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores(P<0.01),office systolic/diastolic BP(P<0.01),and 24-hour ambulatory BP parameters(24-hour mean BP,daytime/nighttime mean BP;all P<0.01).Metabolomic analysis identified 45 differential metabolites between the blank group and pretreatment patients,and 64 metabolites altered post-treatment(VIP>1,P<0.05).Enrichment analysis of 16 overlapping endogenous metabolites revealed that Tianma Xionglin Zhixuan Tablets primarily modulated arachidonic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism pathways.Conclusion:Tianma Xionglin Zhixuan Tablets demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in hypertension patients with liver yang hyperactivity or phlegm-stasis syndrome,potentially mediated through regulation of arachidonic acid and sphingolipid metabolism.
10.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.


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