1.Machine learning models in hospice care:a scope review
Chunjian XU ; Tingting CAI ; Yifei XIE ; Aiyong ZHU ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(12):1524-1531
Objective To systematically search the research literature related to the application of machine learning models in hospice care,with a view to providing references for clinical practice.Methods A systematic search of Wanfang database,CNKI,VIP database,China Biomedical Literature Database,PubMed,Embase,Scopus,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and CINAHL was conducted in accordance with the methodology of the scoping review as a guideline,with the timeframe of searching from the establishment of the database to August 30,2024,and the included literature was screened,summarized,extracted,and analyzed.Results Totally 17 studies were included.Analysis revealed that supervised machine learning algorithms(including random forest,decision tree,and neural networks)predominated in palliative care applications.Data sources and collection methods varied widely,with models applied across diverse scenarios.Model functions include assessing hospice needs,predicting a patient's risk of death,assisting with symptom management,analyzing hospice communication content,and more.Conclusion Machine learning models in palliative care demonstrate considerable utility and broad applicability.Future research should enhance data quality,optimize model development workflows,and improve model performance.
2.Research progress on additives regulating drug crystal morphology
Yifei REN ; Yuan SU ; Ting CAI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(4):524-530
Crystal morphology significantly affects downstream processing and the solubility of pharmaceutical products. Therefore, controlling crystal morphology is of great importance in the pharmaceutical industry. In recent years, the use of additives to regulate drug crystal morphology has received widespread attention. Specific additives can influence crystal morphology by modulating crystal growth. Still, the underlying mechanisms through which additives control crystal morphology remain incompletely understood, and the application of additives for this purpose is still in the trial-and-error phase. This review discusses the mechanism of two types of additives-polymer (mainly pharmaceutical excipients) and small molecule (including surfactants and tailor-made additives)-on drug crystal morphology. These mechanisms include interfering with the attachment of solutes at the crystal-solution interface, altering the surface energy of crystals, and modifying solute-solvent interactions. By regulating the crystal growth process, these additives can effectively alter crystal morphology. This review also summarizes the application of these additives in solution crystallization, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for the use of additives in the modification of drug crystal morphology during crystallization processes.
3.Mechanistic study on low expression of Ace2 gene activated senescence-related signals and promoted the progression of silicotic fibrosis in mice
Yifei BAI ; Zejin LI ; Xuliang AN ; Wenchen CAI ; Xuemin GAO ; Yaqian LI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):344-352
Objective:To observe the effects of low expressed Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( Ace2) gene on senescence related signals of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells in silicotic mice. Methods:In March 2022, 20 8-12W SPF male wild-type C57BL/6 mice and 20 Ace2 gene knockdown mice (Ace2 +/-, C57BL/6 background) were randomly divided into wild-type control group, Ace2 low expression group, wild-type silicosis group, Ace2 low expression silicosis group, with 10 mice in each group. In vitro MLE-12 cells were divided into control group, MLN-4760 (ACE2 inhibitor) group, SiO 2 group and SiO 2+MLN-4760 group. The expression of ACE2, collagen I (Col I), fibronectin 1 (Fn1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), phosphorylation-ataxia telangiectasia-mutated serine/threonine kinase (p-ATM), phosphorylation-ATM Rad3-related kinase (p-ATR), p-p53, p21 and p16 in mice and MLE-12 cells were detected by Western blotting. The expression and location of β-galactosidase were detected by immunofluorescence, β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining were used to detect the senescence of MLE-12 cells. Results:HE and VG staining results showed that typical silicon nodules with collagen deposition were formed in the lung of wild-type silicotic mice and Ace2 low expression silicotic mice. Immunofluorescence staining results showed that β-galactosidase was mainly located in alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells. Western blot results showed that, compared with wild-type silicosis group, the expression of Col I, α-SMA, p-ATM, p-ATR, p-p53, p21 and p16 in Ace2 low expression silicosis group were significantly up-regulated by 540.71%、26.58%、336.84%、139.58%、152.78%、120.10% and 994.63% ( P<0.05). In MLE-12 cells, results of western blot showed that compared with SiO 2 group, the expression levels of p-ATM, p-ATR, p-p53, p21 and p16 in SiO 2+MLN-4760 group were significantly up-regulated by 168.71%、750.78%、149.51%、554.26% and 254.07% ( P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with SiO 2 group, β-galactosidase positive cells were strongly up-regulated in SiO 2+MLN-4760 group, and SA-β-Gal staining results showed that compared with SiO 2 group, the number of senescent cells in SiO 2+MLN-4760 group increased by 63.18% ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Low expression of Ace2 gene activated senescence related signals of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells and promoted the progression of silicotic fibrosis in mice.
4.Establishment and validation of urine AD7c-NTP reference intervals for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method
Yurong ZHANG ; Yifei HE ; Ping YANG ; Zixi XU ; Zhilong CAI ; Yang LIU ; Dan WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Bing HOU ; Jia YANG ; Xuemei JIANG ; Kun FANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(5):378-381
Objective To establish the reference interval of urine Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein(AD7c-NTP)for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method.Methods The detection results of urine AD7c-NTP from 5 093 healthy in-dividuals were collected from the information management database of Medical Laboratory Department of Sichuan Science City Hospital from March 2017 to March 2022.Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to determine whether the data followed a normal distribution.After removing outliers using the Box Plots method,the enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age.The Mann-Whitney U or Kruska-Wallis H tests were used to analyze the between-group differences of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy individu-als with different genders and ages.The adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05)were combined,and the indirect method(non-parametric test method)was used to calculate the reference intervals for different gender and age groups.Results Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests showed that the data followed a non-normal distribution.After removing 293 outliers using the Box Plots method,a total of 4 800 subjects,including 3 199 males and 1 601 females,were enrolled.The enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age,and the non-parametric test method were used to establish the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders.The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed that urine AD7c-NTP levels existed gen-der differences(Z=14.09,P<0.01),and the reference intervals for males and females were≤1.10 ng/mL and≤1.40 ng/mL,re-spectively.There were also statistical differences in urine AD7c-NTP levels among different age groups of the same gender.After combi-ning adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05),the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages were established by the non-parametric test method,which were≤1.00 ng/mL for male 20-39 years old group,≤1.10 ng/mL for male 40-79 years old group,≤1.60 ng/mL for male≥80 years old group,≤1.30 ng/mL for female 20-69 years old group,and≤1.60 ng/mL for female≥70 years old group,respectively.The established reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP were further verified by healthy individuals,and the results met the standards.Conclusion The reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages in Mianyang area are established successfully using the indi-rect method,which may help to predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease in clinical practice and provide support for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
5.Identification and Analysis of MHCⅡ Genes in Wuzhishan Pigs
Yuanyuan LIU ; Wenshui XIN ; Zhe CHAO ; Zongxi CAO ; Yifei CAI ; Qiang LI ; Lingwei LI ; Guangliang LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):340-348
ObjectiveTo obtain the gene sequences of major histocompatibility complex (MHC ) Ⅱgenes of Wuzhishan pigs, analyze their genetic information, and explore the biological functions of their MHC system. MethodsSpleen samples were collected from 3 adult male Wuzhishan pigs. Primers were designed according to MHCⅡ gene sequences, and the coding sequences of Wuzhishan pig MHCⅡ genes were amplified by RT-PCR. Sanger sequencing was performed to determine the full-length sequences. Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze the physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, structural domains, chromosomal localization, and syntenic relationships of these genes. ResultsEight MHCⅡ genes were identified in Wuzhishan pigs, designated as SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, SLA-DMB, SLA-DMA and SLA-DOA. The full-length sequences of these genes were determined by Sanger sequencing and subsequently deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PQ182796, PQ182797, PQ182798, PQ182799, PQ182800, PQ182801, PQ182802, and PQ164779. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the six MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs clustered separately from their counterparts in Duroc, Meishan, Large White, and Bama pigs, indicating distinct evolutionary trajectories. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that most MHC Ⅱ proteins were hydrophobic, with molecular weights ranging from 27 700 to 30 000 Da. Genes within the same subregion shared conserved motifs. Specifically, four MHCⅡ proteins encoded by SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, and SLA-DMB contained the MHCⅡβ conserved domain, while those encoded by the genes SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DMA, and SLA-DOA contained the MHCⅡα conserved domain. The eight MHCⅡ genes were scattered along the long arm of chromosome 7 in the Wuzhishan pigs, exhibiting syntenic relationships with three human genes and five Duroc pig genes. ConclusionThe MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs may possess a unique evolutionary origin.
6.Identification and Analysis of MHCⅡ Genes in Wuzhishan Pigs
Yuanyuan LIU ; Wenshui XIN ; Zhe CHAO ; Zongxi CAO ; Yifei CAI ; Qiang LI ; Lingwei LI ; Guangliang LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):340-348
ObjectiveTo obtain the gene sequences of major histocompatibility complex (MHC ) Ⅱgenes of Wuzhishan pigs, analyze their genetic information, and explore the biological functions of their MHC system. MethodsSpleen samples were collected from 3 adult male Wuzhishan pigs. Primers were designed according to MHCⅡ gene sequences, and the coding sequences of Wuzhishan pig MHCⅡ genes were amplified by RT-PCR. Sanger sequencing was performed to determine the full-length sequences. Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze the physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, structural domains, chromosomal localization, and syntenic relationships of these genes. ResultsEight MHCⅡ genes were identified in Wuzhishan pigs, designated as SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, SLA-DMB, SLA-DMA and SLA-DOA. The full-length sequences of these genes were determined by Sanger sequencing and subsequently deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PQ182796, PQ182797, PQ182798, PQ182799, PQ182800, PQ182801, PQ182802, and PQ164779. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the six MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs clustered separately from their counterparts in Duroc, Meishan, Large White, and Bama pigs, indicating distinct evolutionary trajectories. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that most MHC Ⅱ proteins were hydrophobic, with molecular weights ranging from 27 700 to 30 000 Da. Genes within the same subregion shared conserved motifs. Specifically, four MHCⅡ proteins encoded by SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, and SLA-DMB contained the MHCⅡβ conserved domain, while those encoded by the genes SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DMA, and SLA-DOA contained the MHCⅡα conserved domain. The eight MHCⅡ genes were scattered along the long arm of chromosome 7 in the Wuzhishan pigs, exhibiting syntenic relationships with three human genes and five Duroc pig genes. ConclusionThe MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs may possess a unique evolutionary origin.
7.Predictive modeling of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation efficacy in treating anhedonia in adolescents using connectome-based approaches
Jianghua NING ; Runxin LYU ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yangchao LIU ; Dongyu CHEN ; Baojuan LI ; Min CAI ; Huaning WANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(12):912-924
Objective:To explore the characteristics of brain functional connectivity changes associated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in adolescents with anhedonia symptoms, and to develop a predictive model of treatment efficacy based on baseline functional connectivity.Methods:A total of 88 adolescents (aged 13-18 years) with major depressive disorder and comorbid anhedonia, diagnosed according to the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, block-design trial. Participants received either active rTMS ( n=44) or sham stimulation ( n=44) for 15 consecutive days with individualized targeting. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and clinical assessments were collected before and after the intervention. Brain regions were parcellated using the Brainnetome Atlas to construct whole-brain functional connectivity matrices. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify functional connections showing significant group×time interaction effects. The percentage change in Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) scores (ΔSHAPS) served as the dependent variable in multiple regression analyses to examine the explanatory power of connectivity changes for treatment response. A connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) approach was employed to predict individual treatment responses based on baseline functional connectivity with permutation testing used to validate model robustness. Results:Thirty-one functional connections showing significant group×time interaction ( F=6.67-15.69, all P<0.01) were identified between the active and sham stimulation groups, primarily involving the subcortical network (SCN), dorsal attention network (DAN), limbic network (LN), and default mode network (DMN). Changes in these connections accounted for 53% of the variance in ΔSHAPS (adjusted R2=0.53, F=4.574, P=0.001). The CPM model based on baseline connectivity showed strong predictive performance (10-fold cross-validation: r=0.65, R2=0.40, MAE=0.095, permutation P<0.001; leave-one-out cross-validation: r=0.74, R2=0.52, MAE=0.013, permutation P<0.001). Among the 59 predictive features, those originating from the LN contributed most substantially, particularly cross-network connections with the DMN and SCN. Correlation analyses revealed widespread associations between baseline predictive features and rTMS-induced connectivity changes, including significant negative correlations between baseline LN-DMN connectivity and post-treatment changes in DAN and subcortical connectivity. Conclusion:rTMS significantly alleviates anhedonia symptoms in adolescents with depression and induces widespread reconfiguration of functional connectivity across multiple brain networks. The CPM model based on baseline connectivity features effectively predicts rTMS treatment efficacy for anhedonia, providing new insights for individualized treatment strategies in adolescent depression.
8.Progress on mechanism of IL-32 in transformation process of gastric"inflammation to cancer"
Weijian ZHANG ; Yuqi WU ; Dishu ZHOU ; Shuya SONG ; Xinxin HONG ; Yifei XU ; Tiantian CAI ; Shaoju GUO ; Huafeng PAN ; Haiwen LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2264-2271
IL-32 is a multifunctional cytokine with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.It has been proved that expression of IL-32 increases with progression of gastric mucosal diseases and severity of gastric cancer(GC),thus participating in process of gastric"inflammation-cancer"transformation.However,how IL-32 affects malignant transformation of gastric"inflamma-tion-cancer"and finally leads to adverse outcome of GC invasion and migration is still controversial.In order to better clarify regulatory effect and possible mechanism of abnormal expression of IL-32 on different histopathological stages of gastric"inflammation-cancer"transformation,and to explore new directions and breakthroughs in molecular mechanism of early truncation and treatment of gastric precancerous lesion(GPL),we searched literatures related to IL-32 in six authoritative databases at home and abroad,such as Pubmed,Web of Science and CNKI,in past 30 years.It was found that pathogenicity or protective function of IL-32 in different histo-pathological stages of gastric"inflammation-cancer"transformation depended on its different subtypes,secretory forms,surrounding cytokine environment,disease status and genetic factors.IL-32 may regulate polarization of macrophages through NF-κB,MAPK,COX2,PR3,IDO,NOD,PKCδ,FAK and STAT3,amplify or inhibit chronic inflammatory stimulation of gastric mucosa,and thus participate in process of gastric"inflammation-cancer"transformation.Our new understanding of role of IL-32 in different stages of Cor-rea cascade may contribute to development of cytokine-directed therapy,and therapy aimed at regulating different alternative splicing subtypes of IL-32 and targeting IL-32 signals can be used as a new strategy for medical treatment of GPL and GC in future.
9.Analysis of Obstetric Factors in Adverse Outcomes of Preterm Infants with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Fan WU ; Yifei CAI ; Shaofang HUA
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(8):666-671
Objective:To explore the association between adverse outcomes of preterm infants and obstetric factors such as infection,maternal disease and treatment measures in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM),so as to provide more accurate and effective prediction and intervention methods for im-proving maternal and infant prognosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 534 PPROM patients who gave births in the obstetrics department of The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical Uni-versity from January 1,2018,to August 31,2023.Based on the presence of severe preterm birth complications in premature infants(including bronchopulmonary dysplasia,necrotizing enterocolitis,retinopathy of prematurity,neonatal infectious pneumonia,neonatal respiratory distress syndrome,neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopa-thy,and neonatal sepsis)or death,the patients were divided into two groups:the adverse outcome group(n=121)and the non-adverse outcome group(n=413).The study compared differences between the two groups in general conditions,pregnancy complications and comorbidities,treatment and management,amniotic fluid and pla-cental infections.Logistics regression analysis was used to identify obstetric factors associated with adverse out-comes in preterm infants.Results:Univariate analysis revealed that patients in the adverse outcome group had smaller gestational weeks at delivery,longer intervals between membrane rupture and delivery,and a lower rate of vaginal delivery compared to those in the non-adverse outcome group.They also had a higher proportion of con-current cervical insufficiency,antepartum hemorrhage,hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,and anemia of preg-nancy.The use of prenatal magnesium sulfate and glucocorticoids for fetal lung maturity promotion before delivery was higher,and the effective coverage rates of prophylactic antibiotics was lower.The positive rates of amniotic fluid bacterial culture,the proportion of clinical chorioamnionitis,and histological chorioamnionitis were higher.All of the above differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that positive amniotic fluid bacterial culture(OR 4.602,95%CI 2.303-9.196,P<0.05),anemia of pregnancy(OR 4.192,95%CI 2.064-8.510,P<0.05),and cervical insufficiency(OR 9.435,95%CI 1.138-78.261,P<0.05)were independ-ent risk factors for adverse outcomes in preterm infants among PPROM patients,while gestational weeks at deliv-ery(OR0.466,95%CI 0.370-0.586,P<0.05),effective coverage of prophylactic antibiotics before delivery(OR 0.286,95%CI 0.121-0.673,P<0.05),and treatment for lung maturity promotion(OR 0.225,95%CI 0.107-0.474,P<0.05)were protective factors for adverse outcomes in premature infants in PPROM patients.Conclu-sions:The adverse outcomes of preterm infants in PPROM patients are closely related to obstetric factors such as infection,maternal diseases,and treatment measures.Among these,positive amniotic fluid bacterial culture,a-nemia during pregnancy,and cervical insufficiency are independent risk factors for adverse outcomes in premature infants in PPROM patients.On the other hand,gestational age at deli very,effective coverage of prenatal antibiot-ics,and pulmonary maturity promotion therapy are protective factors.
10.Mechanistic study on low expression of Ace2 gene activated senescence-related signals and promoted the progression of silicotic fibrosis in mice
Yifei BAI ; Zejin LI ; Xuliang AN ; Wenchen CAI ; Xuemin GAO ; Yaqian LI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):344-352
Objective:To observe the effects of low expressed Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( Ace2) gene on senescence related signals of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells in silicotic mice. Methods:In March 2022, 20 8-12W SPF male wild-type C57BL/6 mice and 20 Ace2 gene knockdown mice (Ace2 +/-, C57BL/6 background) were randomly divided into wild-type control group, Ace2 low expression group, wild-type silicosis group, Ace2 low expression silicosis group, with 10 mice in each group. In vitro MLE-12 cells were divided into control group, MLN-4760 (ACE2 inhibitor) group, SiO 2 group and SiO 2+MLN-4760 group. The expression of ACE2, collagen I (Col I), fibronectin 1 (Fn1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), phosphorylation-ataxia telangiectasia-mutated serine/threonine kinase (p-ATM), phosphorylation-ATM Rad3-related kinase (p-ATR), p-p53, p21 and p16 in mice and MLE-12 cells were detected by Western blotting. The expression and location of β-galactosidase were detected by immunofluorescence, β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining were used to detect the senescence of MLE-12 cells. Results:HE and VG staining results showed that typical silicon nodules with collagen deposition were formed in the lung of wild-type silicotic mice and Ace2 low expression silicotic mice. Immunofluorescence staining results showed that β-galactosidase was mainly located in alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells. Western blot results showed that, compared with wild-type silicosis group, the expression of Col I, α-SMA, p-ATM, p-ATR, p-p53, p21 and p16 in Ace2 low expression silicosis group were significantly up-regulated by 540.71%、26.58%、336.84%、139.58%、152.78%、120.10% and 994.63% ( P<0.05). In MLE-12 cells, results of western blot showed that compared with SiO 2 group, the expression levels of p-ATM, p-ATR, p-p53, p21 and p16 in SiO 2+MLN-4760 group were significantly up-regulated by 168.71%、750.78%、149.51%、554.26% and 254.07% ( P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with SiO 2 group, β-galactosidase positive cells were strongly up-regulated in SiO 2+MLN-4760 group, and SA-β-Gal staining results showed that compared with SiO 2 group, the number of senescent cells in SiO 2+MLN-4760 group increased by 63.18% ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Low expression of Ace2 gene activated senescence related signals of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells and promoted the progression of silicotic fibrosis in mice.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail