1.column:Serum short-chain fatty acid levels and their association with atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients
Zhenxiang WANG ; Lele CHEN ; Liping DONG ; Sheng WANG ; Jinlei XU ; Xinying CAI ; Fengli XIAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):763-769
ObjectiveTo investigate the metabolic alterations of serum short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their correlation with different clinical phenotypes using targeted metabolomics. MethodsThis study enrolled 87 AD patients and 67 healthy controls (HC). Serum levels of eight SCFAs were quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The associations between SCFAs and AD were assessed using various statistical methods. ResultsCompared with the HC group, levels of acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), and caproic acid (CA) (P=0.002,P=0.002,P=0.043) decreased in the AD group. Logistic regression analysis identified AA (OR=0.449, 95% CI: 0.289–0.698) and PA (OR = 0.487, 95% CI: 0.324–0.732) as protective factors against AD. The combination of AA and PA yielded an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.7, indicating good diagnostic efficacy. Age-stratified analysis revealed that AA reduction was predominant in childhood, whereas PA reduction was predominant in adolescence. Pathway enrichment analysis showed significant enrichment of fatty acid biosynthesis (FDR=0.341, P=0.003) and vitamin K metabolism (FDR=1, P=0.039) pathways. Furthermore, subgroup analyses based on disease severity, personal/family history of atopy, and sex revealed no significant differences in SCFAs levels among the groups. ConclusionDifferential serum SCFAs and their enriched metabolic pathways may be implicated in the pathogenesis of AD.
2.C1q-like protein 4 promotes invasion and metastasis of breast cancer BT549 cells by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao LI ; Bo ZHAO ; Qing ZHANG ; Yi DONG ; Fan XU
Tumor 2025;45(1):12-21
Objective:To explore the effect of C1q like protein 4(C1ql4)on migration and invasion of breast cancer and its mechanism.Methods:Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of C1ql4 mRNA in tumor tissues and paracancerous tissues from 50 cases of breast cancer,as well as the breast cells including T549 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells,and MCF-10A normal breast cells.The siRNA targeting C1ql4 gene(siC1ql4)was synthesized and transfected into BT549 breast cancer cells by liposome transfection,and the silencing efficiency was detected by Western blotting.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative ability of the cells in each group,the invasive ability of the cells was detected by Transwell assay,and the migratory ability of the cells was detected by scratch healing assay.Western blotting was used to detect the proliferative ability of the cells in each group.The expression levels of Snail,Slug,nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and phospho-NF-κB(p-NF-κB)were detected.The immunofluorescence was used to localize the distribution of NF-κB.Real-time fluorescence PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of the NF-κB target genes TNF-α and IL-1β.Results:The expression level of C1ql4 mRNA in breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues,and the expression level of C1ql4 mRNA in BT549 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells was significantly higher than that in MCF-10A normal breast cells(P<0.05).After silencing C1ql4 expression,the proliferation,invasion and migration abilities of BT549 cells were significantly decreased(all P<0.001);the mRNA and prorein expression levels of Snail and Slug were significantly down-regulated(both P<0.001),and the mRNA expression levels of TNFα and IL-1β were significantly reduced(both P<0.001).The amount of NF-κB entering the nucleus was reduced,and the ratio of p-NF-κB to NF-κB was reduced(both P<0.05).Conclusion:The C1ql4 gene may regulate migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and promote breast cancer progression through the NF-κB pathway.
3.Risk prediction mode of breast cancer in patients with pathological nipple discharge based on decision tree method
Guang-dong SHAO ; Ming-ming SHI ; Yi-ning SONG ; Chun-hong XU ; Xiao-dong MA ; Xiao-liang HAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(3):175-179
Objective:To construct a decision tree model to predict the risk of breast cancer in patients with pathological nipple discharge.Methods:A total of 157 patients with pathological nipple discharge,who were diagnosed and treated at Weifang Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to April 2024 and met the inclusion criteria,were selected.A risk prediction model for concurrent breast cancer in patients with pathological nipple discharge was developed using Logistic regression analysis.A decision tree was then constructed,and the predictive performance of the model was assessed based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC).Re-sults:The incidence of concurrent breast cancer among patients with pathological nipple discharge was 24.2%.Accord-ing to the results of binary Logistic regression analysis,elevated CEA and CA 153 levels in nipple discharge,as well as bloody discharge,emerged as independent risk factors for the development of breast cancer in such patients(P<0.05).Based on these findings,a decision tree model was constructed to predict the risk of concurrent breast cancer in patients with pathological nipple discharge.The validation results showed that the Logistic regression model had an AUC value of 0.800,while the decision tree model achieved an AUC value of 0.889.Conclusions:The decision tree model,built upon the identified influencing factors,exhibits strong predictive power for the risk of developing concurrent breast can-cer in patients with pathological nipple discharge,thus facilitating more precise preoperative diagnoses by clinicians for these patients.
4.Epidemiological analysis of imported malaria in Yunnan Province,2020-2023
Chun-li DING ; Yao-wu ZHOU ; Zu-rui LIN ; Xiao-dong SUN ; Chun WEI ; Jian-wei XU ; Ya-ming YANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):193-199
This study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2023,to provide scientific evidence for formulating measures to decrease imported malaria and prevent re-establishment of malaria transmission.Malaria data reported by the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System were analyzed to determine parasite species;sources of infection;temporal,spatial,and population distributions;and importation routes.A total of 828 malaria cases were reported in the province.Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 89.98%and 8.33%of cases,respectively.A total of 47.58%of cases were imported from Myanmar,and all P.falciparum malaria ca-ses were from Africa.Thirteen(81.25%)prefectures or municipalities reported malaria,among which Dehong,Baoshan,Kunming,and Lincang reported 94.32%of cases.A total of 52.54%of cases were in young men.The proportion of cross-bor-der personnel flow,land input,and aircraft input were 88.89%and 11.11%respectively.A total of 98.19%of patients sought medical care within 7 days after fever onset,and 82.85%initiated diagnosis for malaria,and 84.90%of diagnoses were con-firmed by health facilities at or below the county level.Imported malaria is a major challenge in preventing re-establishment of transmission in Yunnan.Most imported cases involved cross-border malaria transmission of mainly Plasmodium vivax between China and Myanmar.To achieve malaria elimination,vigilance of health staff in malaria diagnosis and treatment should be pro-moted,and intensive malaria health education should be provided to people traveling to malaria endemic territories,to enable individual protection,and timely diagnosis and treatment after return from endemic countries.
5.Effect of 3D laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on urinary control and sexual function of patients with prostate cancer
Jie XIE ; Zhen-jia DONG ; Qiang-dong WANG ; Yao YAN ; Xu XIAO
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(8):703-708
Objective:To investigate the effects of 3 D laparoscopic radical resection prostatectomy(LRP)on urinary control and sexual function of patients with prostatic cancer.Methods:A total of 268 patients who were treated with LRP in the Fifth People's Hospital of Huai an City from January 2019 to May 2022 were selected and divided into 2 groups according to surgical methods,with 134 cases in each group.The patients in the control group were treated with traditional LRP,and the 3D LRP was used in the observa-tion group.The clinical effects of the two groups were compared.Results:The patients in observation group had less blood loss([135.62±13.58]mL vs[143.18±14.89]mL)and shorter indwelling catheter time([8.26±1.47]d vs[9.78±1.73]d)compared with control group,but the operation time([160.52±10.78]min vs[154.47±10.41]min)was longer than that in the control group(P<0.05).The recovery of sexual function and urinary control in the observation group was better than that in the con-trol group after 3,6 and 12 months of the surgery(P<0.05).After one month of surgery,the scores of ICIQ-SF and 1 h urine pad test were lower than those of the control group.The EPIC-UIN score([72.63±6.85]points vs[67.15±5.09]points)of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The patients in the observation group had lower level of residual urine volume([60.26±6.63]mL vs[76.89±7.89]mL),higher maximum urine flow rate([7.52±0.46]mL/s vs[6.17±0.43]mL/s)and detrusor pressure([85.19±7.18]mL vs[76.29±6.85]mL)at maximum urine flow rate compared with the control group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the incidence of complications between the observation group and the control group(5.97%vs 8.27%,P>0.05).The recurrence rate of tumor 3 years after operation in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(11.94%vs 29.10%,x2=12.102,P<0.05).Conclusion:3D LRP has obvious advantages in surgical clarity and preci-sion,which reduces the risk of postoperative complications and improves urinary control ability and sexual function of patients.
6.Correlation between serum creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio and muscle mass and strength in peritoneal dialysis patients
Nan ZHANG ; Xinqiu LI ; Xiao XU ; Jie DONG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(5):325-331
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio (Scr/CysC) and muscle mass and muscle strength, and evaluate the predictive value of Scr/CysC for all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.Methods:It was a prospective cohort study. The patients who received regular peritoneal dialysis treatment for more than 3 months and had stable conditions in the Renal Division of Peking University First Hospital from April 1, 2011 to August 1, 2012 were included, and the clinical data were collected. The patients were divided into the male group and the female group, and the differences of clinical data between the two groups were compared. The lean body mass (LBM) directly measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (LBM-DEXA) was used as the reference gold standard and compared with the LBM estimated by the creatinine method (LBM-CK) and the anthropometric method (LBM-A). Muscle strength was measured by a grip strength meter for the dominant hand grip strength. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis method were used to analyze the correlations between Scr/CysC and LBM as well as grip strength, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to gender groups. Cox regression model was used to analyze the value of Scr/CysC in predicting all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.Results:A total of 213 peritoneal dialysis patients were included in this study, including 95 males (44.6%) and 118 females (55.4%). The age was (56.46±12.42) years old. The dialysis age was 24.0 (9.0, 52.5) months. The baseline Scr/CysC was (1.77±0.73). LBM-DEXA ( t=-17.764, P<0.001), LBM-CK ( t=-7.702, P<0.001), LBM-A ( t=-16.813, P<0.001), grip strength ( t=-11.083, P<0.001) and Scr/CysC ( t=-2.965, P=0.003) in the male group were all significantly higher than those in the female group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that Scr/CysC was positively correlated with LBM-DEXA ( r=0.204, P=0.003), LBM-CK ( r=0.279, P<0.001), LBM-A ( r=0.198, P=0.004), and grip strength ( r=0.341, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Scr/CysC wasn't independently correlated with LBM-DEXA, but was independently correlated with grip strength ( β=0.134, P=0.006). Cox regression analysis showed that baseline Scr/CysC was not an independent influencing factor of all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients ( HR=1.005, 95% CI 0.751-1.346, P=0.972). Conclusion:Scr/CysC is associated with muscle mass and muscle strength in peritoneal dialysis patients, but has no value in predicting all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.
7.Total alkaloids of Cocculus orbiculatus attenuate ulcerative colitis in mice via PINK1/parkin mitophagy pathway
Qiling JIANG ; Yanfei XU ; Sha YANG ; Pengrui ZHANG ; Qiannan DONG ; Hao WU ; Xiao KANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):2001-2008
AIM:To investigate whether total alkaloids of Cocculus orbiculatus(COTA)attenuate ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice via PINK1/parkin mitophagy pathway.METHODS:Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group,model group,positive drug mesalazine group,and low-,medium-and high-dose(0.162,0.324 and 0.486 g/kg)COTA groups,with 10 mice in each group.Except for normal control group,the mice in all groups were given free access to 3%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)solution for 7 consecutive days to establish a UC model in mice,and were then treated with COTA or mesalazine via oral gavage.The general condition of the mice was observed,and the colon length and disease activity index(DAI)score were determined.Colon histopathological damage was observed by HE staining.The serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by ELISA.The pro-tein levels of PINK1,parkin,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3),P62 and beclin-1 in colon tissues were determined by Western blot.The protein expression of LC3 and parkin was detected by immunofluorescence.RE-SULTS:Compared with normal control group,the mice in model group showed varying degrees of soft stools or bloody stools,decreased body weight(P<0.05),increased DAI score,shortened colon length(P<0.05),and obvious pathologi-cal damage in the colon tissue.The serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were elevated(P<0.05).The protein levels of parkin,PINK1,LC3-II and beclin-1 were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while P62 protein expression was in-creased(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence showed a small number of autophagosomes in the colon tissue.In contrast,com-pared with model group,the mice in total alkaloids of Cocculus orbiculatus groups exhibited increased body weight(P<0.05),decreased DAI score,increased colon length(P<0.05),and reduced levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05).The protein levels of parkin,PINK1,LC3 and beclin-1 were elevated(P<0.05),while P62 expression was re-duced(P<0.05),with numerous autophagosomes visible in the colon tissue via immunofluorescence.CONCLUSION:Total alkaloids of Cocculus orbiculatus can enhance the expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1,parkin,LC3 and beclin-1,activate mitophagy,and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors,thereby attenuating the inflammatory re-sponse in the colon mucosa of DSS-induced UC mice.
8.Application of High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant and conversion therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer based on a multidisciplinary treatment model:a report of 4 cases
Yunfei LIU ; Dong LUO ; Hongwei ZHU ; Pei XU ; Qiongqiong XIE ; Jichun SUN ; Xiao YU ; Lang CHEN ; Zhiqiang LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1996-2006
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage,leaving most patients ineligible for radical resection.This study retrospectively analyzed four patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and conversion therapy.All cases were reviewed and individualized treatment plans were formulated through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.All patients received HIFU plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy,with assessments of tumor volume,vascular involvement,surgical conversion,symptom relief,and adverse events.Three patients achieved marked tumor shrinkage and reduction of vascular invasion,enabling successful R0 resection without recurrence during follow-up.The remaining patient achieved disease stability,significant pain relief,and maintained good quality of life under repeated HIFU therapy.All treatments were well tolerated,and no severe adverse reactions occurred.The combination of HIFU and chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic local and systemic effects,effectively achieving tumor downstaging,improving resectability,and alleviating symptoms.As a safe,noninvasive,and repeatable therapeutic approach,this strategy offers a promising option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its long-term efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
9.Total triterpenoids from Hovenia dulcis increase sensitivity of A549/DDP to cisplatin by inducing Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis
Xiao-lan KUANG ; Dong-ning SHEN ; Ting FU ; Fan WU ; Jian-zhan YANG ; Jin-lang ZHONG ; Bo LIU ; Fang-fang XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2128-2134
Aim To elucidate the underlying mecha-nism by which total triterpenoids extracted from Hove-nia dulcis(H-TP)enhance the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.Methods The ARE-Nrf2 lu-ciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the impact of H-TP on Nrf2 expression.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1,Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway,apoptosis-related proteins of Bcl-2 and Bax.Further validation of its effects on Nrf2 was conducted by using Nrf2 activator/inhibitor.Results H-TP could enhance the sensitivi-ty of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2,inhibiting the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signating pathway in A549/DDP cells,and inducing ferroptosis.Conclusion H-TP enhances the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by inducing the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway.
10.Establishment and evaluation of a lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome model in minipigs
Chuang-Ye WANG ; Ran WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Ling-Xiao QIU ; Bin QING ; Heng YOU ; Jin-Cheng LIU ; Bin WANG ; Nan-Bo WANG ; Jia-Yu LI ; Xing LIU ; Shuang WANG ; Jin HU ; Jian WEN ; Quan LI ; Xiao-Ou HUANG ; Kun ZHAO ; Shuang-Lin LIU ; Gang LIU ; Mei-Ju WANG ; Qing XIANG ; Hong-Mei WU ; Xiao-Rong SUN ; Tao GU ; Dong ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Zhi XU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(9):1154-1161
Objective To establish a stable,reliable,and clinically relevant porcine model of endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods Ten 8-month-old male Bama minipigs were deeply sedated,followed by invasive mechanical ventilation and electrocardiographic monitoring.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was intravenously pumped at 600 μg/(kg·h)for 3 hours,then maintained at 15 μg/(kg·h)thereafter.Dynamic monitoring was performed at five time points after LPS injection(LPS 0,1,3,5,and 8 h),including arterial blood gas analysis and chest computed tomography(CT)scans.Pathological examination of lung tissues obtained via bronchoscopic biopsy(HE staining and transmission electron microscopy)was conducted.These indicators were comprehensively used to evaluate the success of the animal model.Results At 5 hours after LPS administration,8 minipigs developed symptoms such as skin cyanosis,elevated body temperature,and respiratory distress.The oxygenation index decreased to<300 mmHg.Chest CT scans showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.Histopathology revealed alveolar edema and hyaline membrane formation.Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated disruption of pulmonary blood-air barrier,depletion of lamellar bodies in type Ⅱ pneumocytes,inflammatory cell infiltration,and exudation of plasma proteins and fibrin.Compared with LPS 0 h,at LPS 8 h,the oxygenation index and arterial blood pH were significantly decreased(P<0.001),while blood lactic acid and serum potassium were significantly increased(P<0.05);serum calcium and base excess were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the lung injury score based on HE-stained lung sections was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion The porcine ARDS model established by continuous LPS injection can dynamically simulate the pathophysiological characteristics and typical pathological manifestations of clinical septic ARDS,making it an effective tool to study the pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment strategies of septic ARDS.

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