1.Dosimetric comparison and analysis of AXB and AAA algorithms in postoperative radiotherapy planning for left-sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery
Jianhui WU ; Yufeng GAO ; Kai GAO ; Chengqiong TANG ; Jiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):120-127
Objective To investigate the impact of two different algorithms, AAA and AXB, on the dose distribution of postoperative radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. Methods A total of 96 target volumes from patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer were selected for dose verification using a two-dimensional matrix system. The planned dose distributions were simulated using both AAA and AXB algorithms. Dosimetric differences in organs at risk and the target volumes were then compared to identify the algorithm that could reduce the radiation dose to organs at risk without compromising the dose distribution to the target volume. Dose verification was performed on the plans generated by both algorithms, and the pass rates of plans for each target volume using both algorithms were compared to provide a quantitative basis for the precise selection of subsequent radiotherapy plans. Results Both AAA and AXB plans met the radiotherapy requirements. The AXB algorithm demonstrated significant advantages in the D98, D2, homogeneity index, and conformity index for the planning target volume, as well as in the V5 and V20 for the left lung. The AXB algorithm showed advantages in the V30 for the heart and the maximum and mean doses for the skin. With the 2 mm/2% criterion in dose verification, the gamma pass rate was higher for the AXB algorithm. Conclusion Through a comparative analysis of the two algorithms, this study revealed that the AXB algorithm offers certain advantages in the dose distribution of radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer. These findings provide an important reference for the rational selection of algorithms in clinical practice and are expected to improve radiotherapy efficacy and patient prognosis.
2.Extension and Application Strategy of Four Examinations of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chronic Kidney Disease
Zhengxin LIU ; Qin SONG ; Yining HE ; Xiaofan YIN ; Tianyang QIAN ; Weiming HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1327-1332
Traditional four examinations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are based on the symptoms and signs of patients, which are the advantages of TCM but also have shortcomings. Chronic kidney disease has the characteristics of insidiousness, long-term, deficiency and variability during its onset, which are difficult to be intervened in time based on only symptoms, therefore it is necessary to extend the application of the four examinations in the diagnosis and treatment process of chronic kidney disease. Based on the background of the continuous development of TCM syndrome differentiation techniques, this article proposed the extension and application strategies of the traditional four examinations in chronic kidney disease, including the incorporation of microscopic syndrome differentiation to identify the causes of kidney disease and prevent symptom deterioration; the utilization of accurate examination information enhanced by artificial intelligence for controlling development of existing disease; the integration of disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation to summarize clinical rules towards using constant to measure variation; and the establishment of a kidney disease database for the storage of four examinations information to prevent recurrence after recovery. The four above extension and application strategies can be used to achieve the long-term management and treatment effects of timely and early diagnosis, dynamic observation of the condition, accurate application of intervention, and strengthened prognosis assessment in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease, and expand the advantages of TCM in the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease.
3.Chemical constituents from Ecballium elaterium and their cytotoxicity.
Yu-Wei SUN ; AYIZUOKELAMU YASEN ; Xue-Rui AN ; Wei LIU ; Tao YUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2159-2166
To explore the chemical constituents of Ecballium elaterium and their cytotoxicity, this study employed multiple chromatographic techniques including normal-phase silica gel, MCI, octadecylsilyl(ODS), Sephadex LH-20 gel, and semi-preparative liquid chromatography for compound isolation from its active fraction. A total of 12 compounds were obtained, and they were identified according to the analysis of a variety of spectral data and literature comparison as 24Z-20,27-dihydroxy-16α,23α-epoxy-cucurbita-2-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside(1), cucurbitacin R(2), cucurbitacin B(3), cucurbitacin D(4), cucurbitacin I(5), cucurbitacin L(6), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol(7), 3-hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid(8), ferulaic acid(9), p-coumaric acid(10), rutin(11), and lariciresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucoside(12), among which compound 1 was a new compound. Compounds 2-6 had strong cytotoxicity against human lung carcinoma A549 cells with the IC_(50) values of(0.48±0.09),(0.03±0.002),(0.13±0.03),(0.87±0.14),(0.15±0.03) μmol·L~(-1), respectively, which were stronger than the positive control doxorubicin \[IC_(50)=(3.92±1.60) μmol·L~(-1)\].
Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/toxicity*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cucurbitaceae/chemistry*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
4.Two new taraxerane triterpenoids from mastic.
Zhi-Qiang ZHAO ; Xue-Rui AN ; Tian-Zhi LI ; Ting HE ; Hao-Kun HOU ; Wei LIU ; Tao YUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3723-3743
Three taraxerane nortriterpenoids were isolated from mastic by using various modern chromatographic separation techniques. They were identified as(5R,8R,9R,10S,11S,12R,13S,17R,18R)-28-norlupa-11,12-epoxy-14-taraxerene-3,16-dione(1),(5R,8R,9R,10S,11S,12R,13S,17S,18S)-17-hydroxy-28-norlupa-11,12-epoxy-14-taraxerene-3-one(2), and(5R,8R,9R,10R,11S,12R,13R,14S,17S,18S)-14,17-epoxy-28-norlupa-11,12-oxidotaraxerone(3) through the high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), infrared(IR), ultraviolet(UV), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques as well as comparison with literature data. Compounds 1-3 were C-28 nortriterpenoids and isolated from mastic for the first time, and compounds 1-2 were new ones. In the model for RAW264.7 cell anti-inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS), compound 1 demonstrates an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide(NO) [IC_(50)=(13.38±0.68) μmol·L~(-1)], comparable to the activity of the positive control dexamethasone [IC_(50)=(14.59±1.49) μmol·L~(-1)]. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibit weaker inhibitory effects, with IC_(50) values of(24.17±2.56) and(22.25±2.84) μmol·L~(-1), respectively.
Animals
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Mice
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Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Mastic Resin/chemistry*
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Nitric Oxide
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Molecular Structure
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Macrophages/immunology*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
5.Probing the biological efficacy and mechanistic pathways of natural compounds in breast cancer therapy via the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
Yining CHENG ; Wenfeng ZHANG ; Qi SUN ; Xue WANG ; Qihang SHANG ; Jingyang LIU ; Yubao ZHANG ; Ruijuan LIU ; Changgang SUN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101143-101143
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women worldwide, with its incidence rate continuously increasing. As a result, treatment strategies for this disease have received considerable attention. Research has highlighted the crucial role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of BC, particularly in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, molecular targets within this pathway represent promising opportunities for the development of novel BC therapies. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which natural compounds modulate the Hh signaling pathway in BC. By conducting a comprehensive review of various natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, we reveal both common and unique regulatory mechanisms that influence this pathway. This investigation represents the first comprehensive analysis of five distinct mechanisms through which natural compounds modulate key molecules within the Hh pathway and their impact on the aggressive behaviors of BC. Furthermore, by exploring the structure-activity relationships between these compounds and their molecular targets, we shed light on the specific structural features that enable natural compounds to interact with various components of the Hh pathway. These novel insights contribute to advancing the development and clinical application of natural compound-based therapeutics. Our thorough review not only lays the groundwork for exploring innovative BC treatments but also opens new avenues for leveraging natural compounds in cancer therapy.
6.Role and mechanism of caffeic acid in a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis
Siyu XU ; Tao LIU ; Lulu LAN ; Yining XUE ; Wei WEI ; Yi HAN ; Sucheng MU ; Haiyan SONG ; Shilin DU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):722-730
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and potential mechanism of caffeic acid (CA) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) induced by caerulein combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to provide a basis for the research on novel drugs for the treatment of SAP. MethodsC57BL/6J mice, aged 6 weeks, were divided into control group, model group, CA group, and octreotide acetate (OA) group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the control group were given injection of normal saline, and those in the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of caerulein combined with LPS to establish a mouse model of SAP. At 1 hour after the first injection of caerulein, the mice in the CA group and the OA group were given intraperitoneal injection of CA or subcutaneous injection of OA at an interval of 8 hours. The general status of the mice was observed after 24 hours of modeling, and serum, pancreas, lung, and colon samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas and lungs, and the serum levels of α-amylase, lipase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine were measured. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of proinflammatory factors in the pancreas and lungs; myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunohistochemistry was used to observe the degree of neutrophil infiltration; Western blot was used to measure the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the level of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), a marker for the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in the pancreas and lungs, as well as the expression level of ZO-1 in colon tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunnett’s t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group had severe injury in the pancreas and lungs and significant increases in the activity of serum α- amylase and lipase and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (all P<0.05), as well as significant increases in NF-κB activation, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of NETs in the pancreas and lungs (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the CA group had alleviated pathological injury of the pancreas and lungs and significant reductions in the activity of serum α-amylase and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (all P<0.05), as well as significant reductions in NF-κB activation, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of NETs in the pancreas and lungs (all P<0.05). ConclusionCA can alleviate SAP induced by caerulein combined with LPS in mice, possibly by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and the formation of NETs.
7.Visualizationforbibliometricanalysis of current status in research field of digital health and digital medicine
Xinyi FANG ; Han YU ; Anwei LIU ; Yining LUO ; Lei CUI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(3):108-114
Objective:To analyze the current status of the research in two emerging fields-digital health and digital medicine,and the distinctions and interconnections between them,and to explore critical cognitionfor benign development of this field.Methods:Based on bibliometric method,this study analyzed 1 747 papers published in two Q1 journals categorized under"medical informatics"in Chinese Academy of Sciences Journal Citation Reports between January 1st,2019,and June 30th,2024.A biclustering analysis of highly cited and source article was conducted using a"co-cited literature clustering and all articles citing this cluster"approach.Results:In 1 747 literature,a total of 28 classic high cited articles in digital medicinejournals and digital health journals were screened out afterthe literatures of irrelevant citations were deleted,and then,they were further analyzed.The clustering performancesof similar clusters for high cited articles of two kinds of journals were similar,and the difference of intra-cluster similarity(Isim)between them was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The inter-cluster similarity(Esim)of digital health journal was 0.0480,which was significantly higher than that of digital health journal,and the difference of that between them wasstatistically significant(t=-3.925,P<0.05).The clustering result of digital medicine was better,which whole research direction could be divided into deep learning-based ophthalmic medical image analysis,image recognition with artificial intelligence(AI),algorithm model of using AI,reporting standard and assessment method of digital medicine and scientific research by using AI.However,the contents of high cited literatures of digital health field had a lot of overlap with digital medicine field,and various clusters of literature have inconsistent themesafter these literatures were clustered.Conclusions:Research of digital medicine is tending towards two primary directions:specific application of AI,and theimprovement of digital medical standards and processes.Meanwhile,the articles and literatures with high quality in digital health still cannot divorce the medical field,and the discipline system still is immature.
8.Correlation between PTEN/TP53 expression and molecular imaging phenotypes in primary prostate cancer
Yining WANG ; Qiaochu CHEN ; Liangrong WAN ; Cheng WANG ; Jianjun LIU
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(5):257-262
Objective:To explore the impact of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/tumor protein 53 (TP53) expression on the 68Ga-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11 and 18F-FDG molecular imaging phenotypes in primary prostate cancer. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 75 prostate cancer patients (age (67.9±6.3) years) who received both 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging on initial diagnosis and subsequent radical prostatectomy at Renji Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, between Auguest 2018 and July 2022. The correlation between PTEN and TP53 expression in prostate cancer and molecular imaging phenotype was analyzed by χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Bonferroni method based on the uptake of imaging agents in primary lesions and the results of immunohistochemical analysis of surgical specimens. Results:In prostate cancer tissues with PTEN expression loss, the positive rates of 18F-FDG uptake and 68Ga-PSMA uptake were 14/14 and 11/14, with the SUV max of 7.70(6.15, 11.05) and 15.55(6.75, 23.49) respectively. In prostate cancer tissues with TP53 expression loss, the positive rates of 18F-FDG uptake and 68Ga-PSMA uptake were 10/10 and 6/10, with the SUV max of 7.70(6.95, 8.05) and 9.50(5.38, 19.89) respectively. In prostate cancer tissues with different expression patterns of PTEN and TP53, there were significant differences in the positive rates of 18F-FDG uptake ( χ2=20.45, P< 0.001), 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake ( χ2=14.97, P=0.002), and the SUV max of 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake ( H=9.62, P=0.022). Additionally, patients with concurrent loss of PTEN and TP53 expression in the primary tumor had significantly lower SUV max of 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake compared to those with expression of both PTEN and TP53 (5.70(4.40, 11.70) vs 20.95(13.73, 37.58); P=0.003 (Bonferroni method corrected)). Conclusion:PTEN/TP53 expression is associated with the 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-FDG molecular imaging phenotype in primary prostate cancer.
9.Circular RNA_005987 mediates contrast-associated acute kidney injury through activating autophagy signaling by sponging miRNA-129-5p
Yeshen ZHANG ; Siyu KONG ; Haobin LIU ; Weikun CHEN ; Guangjun HUANG ; Yining DAI ; Ning TAN ; Yuanhui LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(2):114-124
Objective:To investigate the effect of circular RNA (circRNA)_005987 on contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and its mechanism, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of CA-AKI.Methods:CA-AKI rat models and HK-2 cell injury models were established using iopromide, and CA-AKI-related circRNA_005987 was screened based on circRNA expression chip and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Knockdown and overexpression of circRNA_005987 were performed in HK-2 cell model, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of autophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), P62, beclin-1 and autophagy-related gene 14 (ATG14). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect protein expression of LC3B. Electron microscope was used to observe the autophagosome formation. Autophagy activator rapamycin and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine were used for in vitro rescue experiments to observe the changes of the above indicators. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis was applied to analyze the binding site among circRNA_005987, miR-129-5p and ATG14, and dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify their interactions. CircRNA_005987 was knocked down and overexpressed in HK-2 cell model, and RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-129-5p. HK-2 cells were treated with miR-129-5p inhibitor and mimic, Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of ATG14, and CCK8 and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Results:CircRNA_005987 expression was up-regulated in vitro and vivo CA-AKI models (both P<0.05). Overexpression of circRNA_005987 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell autophagy, while knockdown of circRNA_005987 had opposite effects (all P<0.05). In vitro rescue experiments confirmed that circRNA_005987 inhibited cell proliferation by activating autophagy ( P<0.05). The dual luciferase reporter assay suggested that there was an interaction between circRNA_005987, miR-129-5p and ATG14. Knockdown of circRNA_005987 increased miR-129-5p expression, while overexpression of circRNA_005987 inhibited miR-129-5p expression (both P<0.05). Knockdown of miR-129-5p inhibited cell proliferation, while overexpression of miR-129-5p reversed the effect (both P<0.05). Conclusion:CircRNA_005987 promotes CA-AKI through activating autophagy via sponging miR-129-5p, suggesting that circRNA_005987 plays an important role in the pathological process of CA-AKI.
10.Preliminary study of risk factors for Multi-center Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial
Lingyan CHEN ; Yining HE ; Wenyuan DONG ; Xian XIE ; Hong ZHEN ; Mochi LIU ; Feng XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2025;38(1):75-80
Objective:This study aims to explore the risk factors of Multi-center Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials (MIITs), and provide a basis for developing study management strategies.Methods:The original draft of MIIT risk evaluation factors was determined through literature analysis and internal discussions of the research group. Thirty five experts were consulted using the Delphi method, and then the MIIT risk evaluation elements were finally determined. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate the weights of each index.Results:The recovery rates of both rounds of expert consultation were 100%, and the degree of expert authority was 0.856. The study ultimately formed an MIIT risk evaluation framework consisting of three first-class indexes, twelve second-class indexes, and thirty-eight third-class indexes. The weight values of the first-class indexes (start-up period, implementation period, and summary period) were 0.209 8, 0.710 6, and 0.079 6, respectively. Meanwhile, the weight values of the second-class indexes and third-class indexes were determined.Conclusions:Exploring the risk evaluation factors of MIIT provides valuable insights into identifying critical risk points, which, in turn, contributes to enhancing MIIT management efficiency, research progress, and quality.

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