1.Silencing progestagen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP) suppresses sorafenib resistance and enhances sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Fanlin Zeng ; Cuifu Fang ; Yijiang Wu ; Ling Yin ; Yilong Ge ; Honghui Zhang ; Caixin Song ; Yifeng Cai ; Binhui Xie ; Jian Wu
Liver Research 2026;10(1):82-92
Background and aims
As a ferroptosis inducer, sorafenib, a first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has a significant antitumor effect. Nonetheless, HCC patients frequently develop sorafenib resistance. Here, we investigated the impacts of progestagen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP), which controls sorafenib resistance and tumorigenesis in HCC. Furthermore, we investigated the function of PAEP and the underlying molecular mechanisms that cause HCC ferroptosis when sorafenib is applied.
Methods
Western blot analysis, cell proliferation, colony formation and animal experiments were performed to investigate the function of PAEP in sorafenib resistance and tumorigenesis in HCC. We detected the levels of reactive oxygen species, iron, and malondialdehyde and preformed transmission electron microscopy to investigate the relationship between PAEP and ferroptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay was performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of PAEP that cause HCC ferroptosis.
Results
PAEP was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues, and this was associated with a poor clinical prognosis. PAEP silencing dramatically reduced HCC cells’ malignant phenotype. We found that sorafenib-induced ferroptosis was more sensitive to HCC cells with PAEP knockdown. Furthermore, the orthotopic cell line-derived xenograft mouse model results showed that sorafenib sensitivity can be effectively increased in vivo by PAEP knockdown. We determined that transferrin (TF) was a PAEP target using the String database, and we further supported this finding with Co-IP analysis. Additionally, on sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in HCC cells, TF partially reversed the effects of PAEP knockdown.
Conclusions
Our research indicates that PAEP may be a potential biomarker for predicting sorafenib resistance in HCC and disruption of PAEP expression may be a potential cancer-directed therapeutic option for HCC.
2.Formulation and Explanation of the Management Standards for Look-alike/Sound-alike Medications
Yi WU ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Yin ZHOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Ling JIANG ; Ping HUANG ; Yongqing WANG ; Qianzhou LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):700-703
Managing look-alike/sound-alike medications is important to medical institutions'pharmaceutical manage-ment and pharmacy services.Based on national policies and regulations,this standard focuses on the whole life cycle of look-alike/sound-alike medications in medical institutions.It is developed based on the principles of scientific validity,universality,guidance,and applicability,formed by sorting out problems,soliciting opinions,expert argumentation,and deliberation.It is the first group standard to standardize the management of look-alike/sound-alike medications.This paper introduced and analyzed the team com-position,problem sorting and compilation process,and various elements of the standard in the process of formulating the standard,to provide a reference for medical institutions to use this standard.
3.Formulation and Explanation of the Management Standards for Look-alike/Sound-alike Medications
Yi WU ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Yin ZHOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Ling JIANG ; Ping HUANG ; Yongqing WANG ; Qianzhou LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):700-703
Managing look-alike/sound-alike medications is important to medical institutions'pharmaceutical manage-ment and pharmacy services.Based on national policies and regulations,this standard focuses on the whole life cycle of look-alike/sound-alike medications in medical institutions.It is developed based on the principles of scientific validity,universality,guidance,and applicability,formed by sorting out problems,soliciting opinions,expert argumentation,and deliberation.It is the first group standard to standardize the management of look-alike/sound-alike medications.This paper introduced and analyzed the team com-position,problem sorting and compilation process,and various elements of the standard in the process of formulating the standard,to provide a reference for medical institutions to use this standard.
4.Value of artificial intelligence in assisting ultrasound residents training for the identification,measurement and diagnosis of fetal nuchal translucency thickness
Liqun FENG ; Siying LIANG ; Rongbo LING ; Chengcheng WU ; Naimin SUN ; Chunya JI ; Yuanji ZHANG ; Xin YANG ; Dong NI ; Xuedong DENG ; Linliang YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(7):579-585
Objective:To explore the clinical application value of artificial intelligence(AI)-assisted training in enhancing the accuracy of nuchal translucency(NT)identification,standardization of measurement,and diagnostic efficacy for abnormalities among ultrasound residents.Methods:A retrospective collection of 300 standard fetal NT ultrasound images was conducted at the Center for Medical Ultrasound,Suzhou Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to June 2024. The AI model performed NT measurements and diagnoses once. Four sonographers of different seniority levels(including two resident physicians)independently conducted NT measurements and diagnoses twice. Prior to the experiment,the middle-age and resident sonographers had uniformly completed traditional theory training. Following the first independent measurements,the two resident sonographers received additional AI-assisted training,after which all 4 sonographers performed the second independent measurements. A fetal medicine expert evaluated blindly all the results and compared the differences in NT recognition accuracy,measurement standard rate and diagnosis accuracy between the middle-age sonographer(traditional training only)and two resident sonographers(traditional + AI-assisted training).Results:For the middle-aged sonographer who only received traditional lecture-based training,the accuracy of NT recognition,standardization rate of measurement,or diagnostic accuracy were not significantly improved befroe and after the training,and the diffrence was not statistically significant( χ2=0.189,1.887,0.326;all P>0.05). In contrast,the second-year resident(Resident 2)and first-year resident(Resident 1),who received both traditional lecture-based training and AI training,demonstrated some improvements in the accuracy of NT measurement site recognition,though the differences were not statistically significant( χ2=1.301,2.418;all P>0.05). However,both residents did significant improvements in the standardization rate of NT measurement( χ2=25.768,17.035;all P<0.05). In terms of diagnostic accuracy,Resident 1 did significant improvement( χ2=10.180, P<0.05),while Resident 2 also did some improvement,though the difference was not statistically significant( χ2=2.573, P>0.05). Conclusions:The AI-assisted training system enhances the ability of ultrasound resident sonographers to recognize,measure,and diagnose NT,providing a novel and efficient training model for standardized residency training in ultrasound specialties.
5.Diagnostic value of fetal cardiac ultrasound screening views in the first trimester for congenital heart disease
Chengcheng WU ; Chunya JI ; Liqun FENG ; Wei SHAO ; Naimin SUN ; Jun ZHANG ; Zhong YANG ; Chen LING ; Lingling SUN ; Qi PAN ; Xuedong DENG ; Linliang YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(9):799-804
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of fetal cardiac ultrasound view visualization in the first trimester for congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 13 323 singleton fetuses who underwent first-trimester(11-13 +6 weeks)ultrasound screening at the Ultrasound Medicine Center,the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to June 2024. Cardiac views including the four-chamber view(4CV),left ventricular outflow tract view(LVOT),and Results:The study group showed significantly higher rates of "poorly visualized" 4CV,LVOT,and 3VT than the control group(2.70% vs. 0.14%, P=0.005;36.49% vs. 4.76%, P<0.001;36.49% vs.2.46%, P<0.001). The efficacies of combination 1(any view abnormal)and combination 2(any view "poorly visualized" or "abnormal")were comparable,with AUCs of 0.86 and 0.85( P=0.424). The AUCs of combination 3(3VT "poorly visualized" or any view "abnormal")and combination 4(4CV "poorly visualized" or any view "abnormal")were 0.88 and 0.86( P=0.424),all significantly higher than combination 5(LVOT "poorly visualized" or any view "abnormal",AUC=0.84,all P<0.05). Conclusions:"Poorly visualized" cardiac views in the first trimester demonstrate good diagnostic efficacy for CHD,particularly when 3VT or 4CV are affected,warranting heightened clinical vigilance for fetal cardiac anomalies.
6.Transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion with antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to treat pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparative study in Asian population
Chao-Chien CHANG ; Hsiao-Kang CHANG ; Meng-Ling LU ; Adam WEGNER ; Re-Wen WU ; Tsung-Cheng YIN
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):38-45
Methods:
Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.
Conclusions
TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.
7.Transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion with antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to treat pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparative study in Asian population
Chao-Chien CHANG ; Hsiao-Kang CHANG ; Meng-Ling LU ; Adam WEGNER ; Re-Wen WU ; Tsung-Cheng YIN
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):38-45
Methods:
Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.
Conclusions
TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.
8.Transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion with antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to treat pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparative study in Asian population
Chao-Chien CHANG ; Hsiao-Kang CHANG ; Meng-Ling LU ; Adam WEGNER ; Re-Wen WU ; Tsung-Cheng YIN
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):38-45
Methods:
Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.
Conclusions
TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.
9.Application of PLIBEL and REBA for identifying and assessing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among medical staff
Tongsu ZHANG ; Ruijie LING ; Jingzhi SUN ; Zhongxu WANG ; Ning JIA ; Chuansha WU ; Yan YANG ; Fei LIU ; Hong YIN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(6):618-623
Objective To identify potential ergonomic risk factors of works and quickly assess their risks of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the medical staff. Methods A total of 188 medical staff were selected as the research objects using a two-stage random sampling method. The method for the identification of musculoskeletal stress factors (PLIBEL) was used to analyze the adverse ergonomic factors in the work process, and the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) was used to quickly assess the whole-body posture load. Results The PLIBEL assessment results showed that various adverse ergonomic factors affected different parts of the body during the work process of medical staff. Specifically, 18 adverse ergonomic factors were identified in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, while 10 adverse ergonomic factors were identified in the elbow, forearm, hand, and lower back. Rehabilitation therapists and nurses engaged in patient handling in general wards and medication preparation and blood collection were exposed to ≥35 adverse ergonomic factors. The REBA assessment showed that the REBA score was 3-12 points for medical staff during their work process. Rehabilitation therapists were classified as having an extremely high ergonomic risk. High-risk occupations included ward housekeeping nurses, surgery assistant nurses, operating-room instrument nurses, and surgeons. Medium-risk occupations included general ward nurses (medication preparation and blood collection, venipuncture/infusion, and patient handling), intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, internal medicine residents, and dentists. Low-risk occupations included administrative front-desk nurses, outpatient internal medicine physicians, and technicians/physicians in ultrasonography, laboratory medicine, physical examination, and occupational health departments. Conclusion Adverse ergonomic factors of medical staff predominantly affect the neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, forearms, hands, and the lower back during the work process. Rehabilitation therapists, ward housekeeping nurses, ICU nurses, operating-room instrument nurses, and surgeons are high-risk groups for WMSDs. Attention should be paid to the management and control of adverse ergonomic factors for medical staff to prevent the occurrence of WMSDs.
10.Susceptible Windows of Prenatal Ozone Exposure and Preterm Birth: A Hospital-Based Observational Study.
Rong Rong QU ; Dong Qin ZHANG ; Han Ying LI ; Jia Yin ZHI ; Yan Xi CHEN ; Ling CHAO ; Zhen Zhen LIANG ; Chen Guang ZHANG ; Wei Dong WU ; Jie SONG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):255-260


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