1.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
2.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
3.Dehydrodiisoeugenol resists H1N1 virus infection via TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Zhe LIU ; Jun-Liang LI ; Yi-Xiang ZHOU ; Xia LIU ; Yan-Li YU ; Zheng LUO ; Yao WANG ; Xin JIA
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1650-1658
The present study delves into the cellular mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects of dehydrodiisoeugenol(DEH) by focusing on the transcription factor EB(TFEB)/autophagy-lysosome pathway. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was utilized to assess the impact of DEH on the viability of human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549). The inhibitory effect of DEH on the replication of influenza A virus(H1N1) was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Western blot was employed to evaluate the influence of DEH on the expression level of the H1N1 virus nucleoprotein(NP). The effect of DEH on the fluorescence intensity of NP was examined by the immunofluorescence assay. A mouse model of H1N1 virus infection was established via nasal inhalation to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 30 mg·kg~(-1) DEH on H1N1 virus infection. RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) was performed for the transcriptional profiling of mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs) in response to DEH. The fluorescent protein-tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) was used to assess the autophagy induced by DEH. Western blot was employed to determine the effect of DEH on the autophagy flux of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ under viral infection conditions. Lastly, the role of TFEB expression in the inhibition of DEH against H1N1 infection was evaluated in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophage(iBMDM), both wild-type and TFEB knockout. The results revealed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50)) of DEH for A549 cells was(87.17±0.247)μmol·L~(-1), and DEH inhibited H1N1 virus replication in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Compared with the H1N1 virus-infected mouse model, the treatment with DEH significantly improved the body weights and survival time of mice. DEH induced LC3 aggregation, and the absence of TFEB expression in iBMDM markedly limited the ability of DEH to counteract H1N1 virus replication. In conclusion, DEH exerts its inhibitory activity against H1N1 infection by activating the TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics*
;
Animals
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Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics*
;
Influenza, Human/metabolism*
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Lysosomes/metabolism*
;
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/genetics*
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Eugenol/pharmacology*
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Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*
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Virus Replication/drug effects*
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A549 Cells
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Male
4.Association between PM 2.5 Chemical Constituents and Preterm Birth: The Undeniable Role of Preconception H19 Gene Variation.
Ya Long WANG ; Pan Pan SUN ; Xin Ying WANG ; Jun Xi ZHANG ; Xiang Yu YU ; Jian CHAI ; Ruo DU ; Wen Yi LIU ; Fang Fang YU ; Yue BA ; Guo Yu ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1016-1022
5.Development of A High-performance Rectangular Ion Trap for Multi-reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Xiao-Xia CHEN ; Yi REN ; Qi HUANG ; Da-Jun XIANG ; Chang-Wei LI ; Yi HONG ; Lei LI ; Zheng-Xu HUANG ; Mei LI ; Jing-Wei XU ; Zhen ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):38-46
As a new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MR-TOF-MS)has been increasingly applied in the fields such as nuclear physics,chemistry,and biology due to its ultra-high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities.However,the analytical performance of MR-TOF-MS largely depends on the ion bunch state entering the mass analyzer.In this study,a rectangular ion trap(RIT)was developed,designed and processed using printed circuit board technology,as an ion accumulating and focusing device for MR-TOF mass analyzer.Compared to traditional ion traps composed of two sets of planar electrodes,this RIT had higher voltage utilization efficiency,resulting in more efficient ion collection and focusing.The ions were cooled to a sufficiently small bunch for precise mass measurement with MR-TOF-MS mass spectrometry in only 1 ms of cooling time in the RIT,then orthogonally ejected to the MR-TOF mass spectrometer for mass analysis.Experimental results indicated that the working cycle,ion flux,and ion focusing state of the RIT fully met the requirements of the MR-TOF mass analyzer.When coupled with the MR-TOF mass analyzer,the RIT enabled MR-TOF-MS to achieve a mass resolution of 1.5×105.
6.Time trend analysis of the disease burden of colorectal cancer among young and middle-aged adults in China from 1990 to 2021
Jun CHEN ; Dandan TANG ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Yuting TAN ; Honglan LI ; Qun XU ; Yongbing XIANG
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(8):508-516
Objective:To analyze the disease burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) among young and middle-aged people in China from 1990 to 2021, and to explore the influence of age, period and cohort on the incidence and mortality of CRC in young and middle-aged people of China.Methods:Data on CRC in patients aged 40-59 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database. Statistics such as incidence rate, mortality rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), and their corresponding age-standardized rates were calculated to analyze the CRC incidence and mortality in different age and sex groups of young and middle-aged Chinese young people from 1990 to 2021. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the CRC incidence, the mortality and the DALY rate, as well as to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC). The effects of three independent factors, namely age, period and cohort, on the incidence and mortality of CRC in young and middle-aged people of China were analyzed and evaluated through the age-period-cohort model.Results:From 1990 to 2021, there was a remarkable upward trend in the incidence, mortality, and DALY of CRC among Chinese young and middle-aged adults. In 2021, the number of incidence cases of CRC among young and middle-aged people in China reached 181 000, and the number of deaths reached 57 900, which were 236.80% and 75.48% higher than those in 1990 (53 800 and 33 000, respectively). During the same period, DALY increased by 62.59%, with the 55-59 age group having the largest increase at 83.35%. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased by 49.04%, rising from 25.51/100 000 to 38.02/100 000, and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) declined by 28.75%, decreasing from 17.01/100 000 to 12.12/100 000, respectively. The increase in ASIR was the greatest among the 40-44 age group, reaching 57.31%, while the decline in ASMR was the most significant among the 50-54 age group, amounting to 30.18%. However, the DALY rate declined by 26.66%, from 673.52/100 000 to 493.94/100 000. The decline in DALY was the greatest among the 50-54 age group, reaching 28.26%. Joinpoint regression model analysis showed that, from 1990 to 2021, the incidence of CRC in Chinese young and middle-aged adults rose on average by 1.32% annually, and the increase was higher in men (1.87%) than that in women (0.36%). The mortality rate showed a downward trend, with an average annual decline of 1.10%, with a higher decline in women than in men (-2.14% vs. -0.50%). The DALY rate showed a downward trend, with an average annual decline of 1.00%, and more decline in women than in men (-2.06% vs. -0.41%). All of these trends were statistically significant (all P<0.001). The age-period-cohort model analysis showed that, the net drift of CRC incidence was 1.21% (1.02%-1.41%) per year among Chinese young and middle-aged adults between 1990 and 2021, while the net drift in mortality was -1.40% (-1.59%--1.21%) per year. The impact of age on CRC incidence and mortality intensified with advancing age. Incidence attributable to age rose from 12.66% (11.90%- 13.46%) in the 40-44 age group to 56.68% (54.37%-59.08%) in the 55-59 age group. Similarly, mortality attributable to age increased from 6.47% (6.12%-6.85%) in the 40-44 age group to 25.74% (24.58%-26.96%) in the 55-59 age group. In all age groups, the role of CRC incidence and mortality attributable to age was higher in men than in women. Period effects on the RR value of CRC incidence showed a declining trend followed by an upward trend, with the highest risk during 2015-2019 ( RR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.28-1.43), using 2000-2004 as the reference. For mortality, period effects exhibited a declining trend, with the highest risk during 1990-1994 ( RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.15-1.32), using 2000-2004 as the reference. Cohort effects indicated that later birth cohorts had higher incidence risks, with the highest incidence observed in the 1973-1977 birth cohort ( RR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.16-1.45), using the 1953-1957 birth cohort as the reference. Conversely, later birth cohorts had lower mortality risks, with the lowest mortality in the 1973-1977 birth cohort ( RR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88), using the 1953-1957 birth cohort as the reference. Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, the changes in the disease burden of CRC among young and middle-aged people in China are manifested as an increase in standardized incidence rate and a decrease in standardized mortality rate. Meanwhile, there are gender differences in the trend of temporal changes. Age, period and cohort all have a significant impact on the incidence and mortality trends of colorectal cancer in young and middle-aged people. Research on the etiology of CRC should be strengthened, and targeted prevention and control strategies should be formulated.
7.4 Weeks of HIIT Modulates Metabolic Homeostasis of Hippocampal Pyruvate-lactate Axis in CUMS Rats Improving Their Depression-like Behavior
Yu-Mei HAN ; Chun-Hui BAO ; Zi-Wei ZHANG ; Jia-Ren LIANG ; Huan XIANG ; Jun-Sheng TIAN ; Shi ZHOU ; Shuang-Shuang WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1468-1483
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in modulating the metabolic homeostasis of the pyruvate-lactate axis in the hippocampus of rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to improve their depressive-like behavior. MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal quiet group (C), the CUMS quiet group (M), the normal exercise group (HC), and the CUMS exercise group (HM). The M and HM groups received 8 weeks of CUMS modeling, while the HC and HM groups were exposed to 4 weeks of HIIT starting from the 5th week (3 min (85%-90%) Smax+1 min (50%-55%) Smax, 3-5 cycles, Smax is the maximum movement speed). A lactate analyzer was used to detect the blood lactate concentration in the quiet state of rats in the HC and HM groups at week 4 and in the 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after exercise, as well as in the quiet state of rats in each group at week 8. Behavioral indexes such as sucrose preference rate, number of times of uprightness and number of traversing frames in the absenteeism experiment, and other behavioral indexes were used to assess the depressive-like behavior of the rats at week 4 and week 8. The rats were anesthetized on the next day after the behavioral test in week 8, and hippocampal tissues were taken for assay. LC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, target quantification, ELISA and Western blot were used to detect the changes in metabolite content, lactate and pyruvate concentration, the content of key metabolic enzymes in the pyruvate-lactate axis, and the protein expression levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). Results4-week HIIT intervention significantly increased the sucrose preference rate, the number of uprights and the number of traversed frames in the absent field experiment in CUMS rats; non-targeted metabolomics assay found that 21 metabolites were significantly changed in group M compared to group C, and 14 and 11 differential metabolites were significantly dialed back in the HC and HM groups, respectively, after the 4-week HIIT intervention; the quantitative results of the targeting showed that, compared to group C, lactate concentration in the hippocampal tissues of M group, compared with group C, lactate concentration in hippocampal tissue was significantly reduced and pyruvate concentration was significantly increased, and 4-week HIIT intervention significantly increased the concentration of lactate and pyruvate in hippocampal tissue of HM group; the trend of changes in blood lactate concentration was consistent with the change in lactate concentration in hippocampal tissue; compared with group C, the LDHB content of group M was significantly increased, the content of PKM2 and PDH, as well as the protein expression level of MCT2 and MCT4 were significantly reduced. The 4-week HIIT intervention upregulated the PKM2 and PDH content as well as the protein expression levels of MCT2 and MCT4 in the HM group. ConclusionThe 4-week HIIT intervention upregulated blood lactate concentration and PKM2 and PDH metabolizing enzymes in hippocampal tissues of CUMS rats, and upregulated the expression of MCT2 and MCT4 transport carrier proteins to promote central lactate uptake and utilization, which regulated metabolic homeostasis of the pyruvate-lactate axis and improved depressive-like behaviors.
8.Four Weeks of HIIT Modulates Lactate-mediated Synaptic Plasticity to Improve Depressive-like Behavior in CUMS Rats
Yu-Mei HAN ; Zi-Wei ZHANG ; Jia-Ren LIANG ; Chun-Hui BAO ; Jun-Sheng TIAN ; Shi ZHOU ; Huan XIANG ; Yong-Hong YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1499-1510
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C), model (M), control plus HIIT (HC), and model plus HIIT (HM). Rats in groups M and HM underwent 8 weeks of CUMS to establish depression-like behaviors, while groups HC and HM received HIIT intervention beginning from the 5th week for 4 consecutive weeks. The HIIT protocol consisted of repeated intervals of 3 min at high speed (85%-90% maximal training speed, Smax) alternated with one minute at low speed (50%-55% Smax), with 3 to 5 sets per session, conducted 5 d per week. Behavioral assessments and tail-vein blood lactate levels were measured at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks. After the intervention, rat PFC tissues were collected for Golgi staining to analyze synaptic morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were employed to detect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), lactate, and glutamate levels in the PFC, as well as serotonin (5-HT) levels in serum. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to quantify the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins, including c-Fos, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1). ResultsCompared to the control group (C), the CUMS-exposed rats (group M) exhibited significant reductions in sucrose preference rates, number of grid crossings, frequency of upright postures, and entries into and duration spent in open arms of the elevated plus maze, indicating marked depressive-like behaviors. Additionally, the group M showed significantly reduced dendritic spine density in the PFC, along with elevated levels of c-Fos, Arc, NMDAR1 protein expression, and increased concentrations of lactate and glutamate. Conversely, BDNF and MCT1 contents in the PFC and 5-HT levels in serum were significantly decreased. Following HIIT intervention, rats in the group HM displayed considerable improvement in behavioral indicators compared with the group M, accompanied by significant elevations in PFC MCT1 and lactate concentrations. Furthermore, HIIT notably normalized the expression levels of c-Fos, Arc, NMDAR1, as well as glutamate and BDNF contents in the PFC. Synaptic spine density also exhibited significant recovery. ConclusionFour weeks of HIIT intervention may alleviate depressive-like behaviors in CUMS rats by increasing lactate levels and reducing glutamate concentration in the PFC, thereby downregulating the overexpression of NMDAR, attenuating excitotoxicity, and enhancing synaptic plasticity.
9.Effects of Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula on mitochondrial function of Aβ25-35-induced BV-2 cells based on PGAM5-Drp1 axis
Ding ZHANG ; Zhi-han HU ; Ke-qing ZHOU ; Wei CHEN ; Hong-ling QING ; Jun-jun XIANG ; Yue-qiang HU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2558-2565
AIM To investigate the effects of Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula on mitochondrial function of Aβ25-35-induced BV-2 cells.METHODS In the establishment of cell model of Alzheimer's disease(AD)using Aβ25-35 on the BV-2 cells,the optimal concentration and time point of Aβ25-35 intervention were determined;and the groups for the intervention of LFHP-1c group(inhibitor)or the serum containing Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula were set up.The detection of the optimal intervention concentration and time point by CCK-8 assay;the observation of cell migration and apoptosis by Transwell assay and Hoechst 33342 staining;the detection of the positive expressions of PGAM5 and Drp1 by immunofluorescence;and the detection of cellular PGAM5,Drp1,OPA1,and Mfn1/2 mRNA and protein expressions by RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted.RESULTS The best AD cell model was established by 48 h exposure to 5 μmol/L of Aβ25-35,and most active cell viability was achieved with the 48 h use of serum containing 20%Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula.Compared with the control group,the model group displayed decreased number of cell migration,more bright blue positive apoptotic cells,increased number of PGAM5 and Drp1 positive cells and their mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.05);and decreased mRNA and protein expressions of OPA1 and Mfn1/2(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with the medicines shared increased number of cell migration,less bright blue positive apoptotic cells,decreased number of PGAM5 and Drp1 positive cells and their mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.05);and elevated OPA1 and Mfn1/2 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula exerts cerebroprotective effects to improve cognition by reducing cell damage and improving the balance of mitochondrial homeostasis through PGAM5-Drp1 axis in AD model.
10.Data-driven quality improvement in critical-value management:design and practice
Qijun SHAN ; Jun WANG ; Shaobo WANG ; Xie WANG ; Xutong TAN ; Feng ZHANG ; Xiang ZHOU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(11):1757-1760
Objective The digital transformation of healthcare has made data-driven approaches critical for improving the quality and efficiency of medical services.This study aims to improve the quality of critical value management by a data-driv-en intervention.Methods This study built an advanced digital platform to precisely record the time-stamp of each step,from de-tection to solution.This platform also delivered real-time notifications of patient critical value information to doctors' mobile de-vices,thereby optimizing the critical value management.Data were collected via this platform.A cohort study was designed:March 2024 data(pre-go-live)served as the control group and May 2024 data(post-go-live)as the intervention group.Comple-tion rate,processing time,and the proportion of in-patient critical values which were entered into the electronic progress were compared.Results The critical-value completion rate rose from 97.1%to 100.0%,and the proportion of values processed within 30 min increased from 80.91%to 83.42%.Among alerts that required ≥30 min,median(IQR)processing time fell from 100.27(230.09)min in March 2024 to 91.07(169.73)min in May 2024.Median processing time shortened for both e-mergency and out-patient alerts,with the out-patient reduction being statistically significant(median-45 min,P=0.042).Conclusion The data-driven platform not only improved the critical-value management,but also enhanced the transparency and traceability,providing clinical decision support and enhancing patient safety.

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