1.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
2.Mechanistic Study on IRF7-mediated Regulation of Learning and Memory Function by Aerobic Exercise in Aged Mice
Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2449-2461
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hippocampal neuroinflammation and learning and memory ability in brain-aged mice via interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). MethodsA total of 60 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were enrolled in the experiment, including 30 young mice (2 months old) and 30 naturally aging mice (12 months old). Young mice and old mice were respectively randomly assigned to four groups: young control group (group C, n=15), young exercise group (group CE, n=15), and aging control group (group A, n=15), aging exercise group (group AE, n=15). Mice in the exercise groups received an 8-week continuous treadmill aerobic exercise intervention, while control mice were kept under routine feeding without exercise intervention. After the intervention, Barnes maze and Y-maze behavioral tests were performed to comprehensively assess the learning and memory abilities of each group of mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural morphological changes of hippocampal synapses. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), as well as the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Immunofluorescence staining was applied to quantify the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) in hippocampal tissues. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression level of IRF7, and DNA methylation assay was further conducted to analyze the methylation level of the IRF7 gene in mouse hippocampus. ResultsAt the molecular level, compared with group C, the protein expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, p‑JAK1, and p‑STAT1 in group A were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas PSD95 expression was decreased (P<0.05). ELISA assays showed that the levels of IFN‑α, IFN‑β, TNF‑α, and IL‑1β were significantly elevated in group A (P<0.001). RT‑PCR analysis revealed that, compared with group C, the mRNA expression of IRF7 in group A was markedly upregulated (P<0.000 1), while the CpG methylation rate of the IRF7 promoter was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In contrast, all the above parameters in the AE group showed improvements relative to those in group A. Immunofluorescence staining indicated positive IBA1 expression in the brain tissues of group A mice. Exercise intervention reversed these abnormal changes. ConclusionIn aged mice, aerobic exercise induces hypermethylation of the IRF7 promoter region, suppresses IRF7 expression and activation of the downstream IFN‑I/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway, accompanied by alleviated neuroinflammation, improved learning and memory, and ameliorated brain aging-related phenotypes.
3.Mechanism of kaempferol-induced apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Jiahui WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Lukui HUANG ; Lei WANG ; Shiquan YANG ; Hao LIU ; Huaye XIAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1531-1540
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism of kaempferol-induced apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) via the mitochondrial pathway. MethodsHSC were divided into five groups: blank control, transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) (10 ng/mL) group, and groups treated with different concentrations of kaempferol (8, 16, 32 µmol/L). Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate chrysin's effect on HSC proliferation. Transwell assay was used to assess chrysin's impact on HSC migration. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening across groups. 5,5′,6,6′-Tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylimidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) assay was used to test mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression levels of mitochondrial apoptosis-associated proteins, namely B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Cleaved-Caspase3, Cleaved-Caspase9, and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial structural alterations. Molecular docking and kinetic simulations were used to analyze the targeted interaction between kaempferol and NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-3 (SIRT3). ResultsCompared with the blank control group: in the TGF-β1 group, HSC proliferation and migration rates increased (P<0.01), ROS levels and mPTP opening both increased (P<0.05), the JC-1 red/green fluorescence ratio increased (P<0.01), and the expression of Cleaved-Caspase-3, Cleaved-Caspase-9 and Bcl-2 increased (P<0.05), whilst SIRT3 expression decreased (P<0.01); the number of mitochondria increased (P<0.05), and mitochondrial length decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the TGF-β1 group: treatment with all groups of kaempferol reduced HSC proliferation and migration rates (P<0.01), whilst simultaneously increasing the HSC apoptosis rate (P<0.01); HSC ROS levels and mPTP opening both increased (P<0.05); the JC-1 red/green fluorescence ratio decreased (P<0.01), and the expression levels of Bax, Cleaved-Caspase-3 and Cleaved-Caspase-9 were upregulated (P<0.01), whilst the expression levels of Bcl-2 and SIRT3 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the number of mitochondria increased (P<0.05); mitochondrial length was reduced (P<0.01). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that the docking energy for kaempferol with SIRT3 was 108.89 kcal/mol; the RMSD curve stabilized after 20 ns; and RMSF analysis indicated that most residues exhibited minimal fluctuations. ConclusionKaempferol induces HSC apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, potentially via targeting SIRT3 and disrupting mitochondrial function.
4.Screening and influencing factors analysis of myopia in children and adolescent in Wulong district of Chongqing
Huabin ZHENG ; Ting XIAO ; Ji LI ; Qirong HUANG ; Zhi ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):297-300
AIM:To investigate myopia status and analyze the influence factors in children and adolescent in Wulong district of Chongqing.METHODS:Cross-sectional study. A stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 2 504 primary and secondary school students in Wulong district, and all students underwent myopia screen and questionnaire survey, statistics and analyses the data.RESULTS:Totally 2 431 students were participated in this study, and 1 217 students with myopia were screened out, the prevalence rate of myopia was 50.06%, awareness rate of myopia was 64.59%, glasses wearing rate of myopia was 51.85%. The prevalence of myopia increased with age and grade(P<0.05), the prevalence of myopia in male(46.97%)was lower than in female(53.18%), and the prevalence of myopia in township(47.06%)was lower than in urban area(52.11%; all P<0.05). Regression analysis showed that outdoor activities were protective factor for myopia, while female, myopic parents, near vision work, short sleep duration and sweet tooth were risk factors for myopia.CONCLUSION:The prevalence rate of myopia was higher in children and adolescent in Wulong district of Chongqing, awareness rate of myopia and glasses wearing rate of myopia were lower, and the genesis of myopia is highly relevant to outdoor activities, gender, myopic parents, near vision work, short sleep duration and sweet tooth.
5.Applications of Vaterite in Drug Loading and Controlled Release
Xiao-Hui SONG ; Ming-Yu PAN ; Jian-Feng XU ; Zheng-Yu HUANG ; Qing PAN ; Qing-Ning LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):162-181
Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.
6.Proximal effect of anxiety on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in adolescent patients with depression and the intervention efficacy of modified cognitive behavioral therapy: an ecological momentary assessment study
Shaonan HUANG ; Jun KONG ; Zheng LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijuan ZHANG ; Xiao WANG ; Xiucheng TANG ; Jiansong ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):414-420
BackgroundIn recent years, the prevalence of depression among adolescents has risen steadily, alongside an increasing prominence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in this population, which may elevate suicide risk and constitute a serious public health problem. Negative emotions such as anxiety and depression are closely related to NSSI behaviors. Previous studies have predominantly relied on retrospective reports, limiting the ability to dynamically capture temporal relationships between emotional fluctuations and NSSI behaviors. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) often lacks targeted design to address proximal triggers in interventions for NSSI behaviors. ObjectiveTo verify that anxiety as a proximal trigger factor for NSSI behaviors in adolescent patients with depression, and to evaluate the efficacy of modified CBT integrated with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data in alleviating their anxiety and self-injury urges. MethodsA prospective cohort study design was adopted. A total of 132 adolescent patients with a history of NSSI behaviors who were treated at Jiujiang Fifth People's Hospital from January to December 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria for depression in the Diagnosed and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). A smartphone-based EMA application to conduct natural situation emotions on participants for 14 consecutive days. The monitoring period spanned from 10∶00 to 22∶00 daily, with randomized assessments pushed every 2 hours. The assessment tools included the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the negative affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), with real-time recording of NSSI behaviors and emotional states before and after their occurrence. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the dynamic changes in the scores of each scale before and after the episodes of NSSI behaviors. A modified CBT was administered to 83 participants who completed EMA data collection, with sessions conducted once weekly for 12 weeks. Anxiety levels were accessed using the SAS, and the self-injury urges was evaluated using the Ottawa Self-injury Inventory (OSI) before and after the intervention. ResultsEMA data revealed that SAS scores were significantly higher during the 1-2 hours before NSSI episodes compared to baseline periods [(56.19±11.06)vs.(52.83±10.25),P<0.01]. SAS scores were positively correlated with the NSSI behavioral scores (r=0.460,P<0.01,95% CI:0.310-0.580). After receiving modified CBT intervention, adolescent patients with depression demonstrated statistically significant decreases in both SAS scores [(52.30±8.10) vs.(48.70±7.30),t(82)=4.820,P<0.01,Cohen's d=0.420] and the OSI self-injury impulse subcale scores [(12.80±2.70) vs.(9.60±2.50),t(82)=5.170,P<0.01,Cohen's d=0.510] compared to their pre-intervention levels. ConclusionAnxiety may serve as a proximal trigger for NSSI behaviors in adolescent patients with depression. Modified CBT integrating EMA data could potentially alleviate their anxiety level and self-injury urges. [Funded by Science and Technology Plan Project of Jiangxi Provincial Health Commission (number, SKJP220227629)]
7.Curative effect of ear acupoint bean pressing in improving gastrointestinal function and gastrointestinal hormone level after laparoscopic hysteromyoma operation
Jinhua HUANG ; Wenye ZHANG ; Xiaofeng YOU ; Jing XIAO ; Liurong ZHENG ; Jilai LIU ; Mei WANG ; Shujing XIANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):516-522
Objective:To investigate the effect of ear acupoint bean pressing on gastrointestinal motility and related hormones after laparoscopic surgery in patients with hysteromyoma,and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of ear acupoint bean pressing.Methods:Patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy in the Department of Gynecology of The People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Univer-sity of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2022 to December 2023 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group,with 57 patients in each group.The experimental group was treated with postoperative routine nursing and ear acupoint bean pressing(targeting the spleen,stomach,and sympathetic),and the control group was treated with postoperative routine nursing and sham ear acupoint bean pressing(containing no Vaccaria seed,targeting the spleen,stomach,and sympathetic).After the intervention,the time to first postoperative passing of flatus and defecation,clinical efficacy,and changes in gastrointestinal hormone levels were compared between the two groups.Results:The time to first postoperative passing of flatus[20.31(17.52,22.38)h vs.21.51(18.53,28.15)h]and defecation[35.32(31.47,39.17)h vs.38.12(33.44,42.78)h]in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the clinical efficacy was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differ-ences in motilin(MTL),gastrin(GAS),somatostatin(SS),and substance P(SP)levels between the two groups before operation(P>0.05).The MTL and GAS levels were increased and the SS and SP levels were decreased after operation.The MTL[(451.52±54.33)pg/mL vs.(476.24±56.35)pg/mL]and GAS[150.50(133.93,164.52)pg/mL vs.173.44(154.45,184.63)pg/mL]levels at 24 h after operation in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the SS[38.34(33.24,40.23)pg/mL vs.33.36(29.13,38.76)pg/mL]level at 24 h after operation was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),with no significant change in the SP level(P>0.05).The results of repeated measures analysis of variance and generalized estimation equation showed that there were significant differences in the time effect and interaction effect of MTL(P<0.05),a significant difference in the time effect of SP(P<0.05),and significant differences in the time effect,intergroup effect,and interaction effect of GAS and SS(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ear acupoint bean pressing has significant effect on abdominal distension after laparoscopic surgery in patients with hysteromyoma,ef-fectively regulates the level of gastrointestinal motility related hormones,and promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function.
8.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.
9.Analysis of the immunization status and related factors for children aged 0-7 years old with special health status in Tianhe District, Guangzhou City from 2023 to 2024
Chunhuan ZHANG ; Zhiwei ZHENG ; Yong HUANG ; Jun XIA ; Jueyu WU ; Yan KANG ; Zhoubin ZHANG ; Min CUI ; Jiali XIAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1512-1520
Objective:To analyze the immunization status of routine vaccines for children aged 0-7 years old with special health status in Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, from 2023 to 2024.Methods:From April 2023 to March 2024, 42 vaccination units in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, were organized to collect data on diseases and vaccination history of children with special health status. Vaccination rates were calculated, and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the impact of special health status on vaccination rates.Results:A total of 1 976 children aged 0-7 years old with special health status were included, with an average of (1.26±0.58) diseases per participant. The average number of vaccine doses administered for routine immunizations was (14.29±4.27), and the full vaccination coverage was 72.76%. The vaccination rate of 10 doses in the immunization program vaccine was less than 90.00%. The timely rate of the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB1) was 74.14%, and that of the first dose of measles vaccine (MCV1) was 63.93%. Compared with children with infectious diseases, those with neonatal diseases were more likely to miss the third dose of poliomyelitis vaccine (PV3), MCV1 and the second dose of Group A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV-A2). Those with neuromuscular system diseases were more likely to miss PV3, MPSV-A2 and the first dose of Japanese encephalitis vaccine, live (JE-L1). Those with congenital heart disease were more likely to miss PV3, the third dose of diphtheria tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP3), MCV1, MPSV-A2, and JE-L1. Those with hematological disorders were more likely to miss PV3, MCV1, MPSV-A2, and JE-L1. Those with genetic diseases were more likely to miss MPSV-A2. Those with comorbidities were more likely to miss MCV1 and MPSV-A2. Those with neonatal diseases, neuromuscular system diseases, congenital heart disease, hematopoietic system diseases, genetic diseases, or comorbidities had difficulties in completing the full vaccination process.Conclusion:Children with special health conditions have lower rates of routine immunization and timely vaccination. More measures are needed to improve vaccination rates.
10.Facilitators and barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation in postoperative lung cancer patients:a Meta-synthesis
Tingting XIAO ; Lichun XU ; Hui ZHENG ; Meiling HUANG ; Man ZHANG ; Mingqi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(18):2279-2286
Objective To synthesize qualitative studies on the experiences of postoperative lung cancer patients participating in pulmonary rehabilitation,aiming to comprehensively understand the barriers and facilitators influencing their engagement and to provide evidence-based insights for improving rehabilitation adherence.Methods Qualitative studies were retrieved from databases including Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIPand Sinomed,with a search period spanning from database inception to January,2025.The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research.Extracted findings were mapped and synthesized using the Theoretical Domains Framework(TDF)and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior mode(COM-B).Results Ultimately,a total of 11 studies were included,yielding 48 findings.Using the Theoretical Domains Framework(TDF)and COM-B model,facilitators and barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation in postoperative lung cancer patients were mapped and consolidated into 14 categories,culminating in 2 synthesized findings.Conclusion Participation in pulmonary rehabilitation among postoperative lung cancer patients is influenced by multiple factors.Clinicians should develop patient-centered pulmonary rehabilitation plans by considering these factors and incorporating patients' attitudes and perspectives.

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