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.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.
3.Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Technique in Evaluating Right Ventricle Function in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Myocarditis
Peijun LIU ; Yining WANG ; Yi LI ; Lu LIN ; Xiao LI ; Yingxian LIU ; Hanping WANG ; Jian CAO ; Shihai ZHAO ; Jian WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1400-1405
To investigate the clinical value of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) technology in the assessment of the right ventricle function in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs)-related myocarditis. Patients who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2022 to April 2024, were diagnosed as ICIs-related myocarditis by cardiologists, and had normal right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) were enrolled in myocarditis group. Meanwhile, healthy individuals without cardiovascular diseases were selected as healthy control group. All subjects underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations. Cardiac function parameters of the left and right ventricles were measured in the subjects, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), RVEF, left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), right ventricular end-systolic volume index (RVESVI), and right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI). Additionally, myocardial strain of the left and right ventricles were recorded, encompassing left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), left ventricular global circumferential strain (LV-GCS), left ventricular global radial strain (LV-GRS), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), right ventricular global circumferential strain (RV-GCS), and right ventricular global radial strain (RV-GRS). A total of 30 patients were induded in the myocarditis group and 20 in the healthy control group. The LVEF in the myocarditis group was was lower than that in the control group [(58.0±6.9)% Right ventricular myocardial strain obtained through CMR-FT technology can reveal early right ventricular cardiac dysfunction in patients with ICIs-related myocarditis, providing crucial evidence for early clinical prevention and timely intervention.
4.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.
5.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
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/toxicity*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cucurbitaceae/chemistry*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
6.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
;
Mice
;
Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
;
Mastic Resin/chemistry*
;
Nitric Oxide
;
Molecular Structure
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
7.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.
8.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve physiological metabolism and ameliorate root damage of Coleus scutellarioides under cadmium stress.
Yanan HOU ; Fan JIANG ; Shuyang ZHOU ; Dingyin CHEN ; Yijie ZHU ; Yining MIAO ; Kai CENG ; Yifang WANG ; Min WU ; Peng LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):680-692
Soil cadmium pollution can adversely affect the cultivation of the ornamental plant, Coleus scutellarioides. Upon cadmium contamination of the soil, the growth of C. scutellarioides is impeded, and it may even succumb to the toxic accumulation of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the adaptation of C. scutellarioides to cadmium stress, by measuring the physiological metabolism and the degree of root damage of C. scutellarioides, with Aspergillus oryzae as the test fungi. The results indicated that cadmium stress increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) within the cells of C. scutellarioides, but inhibited mycorrhizal infestation rate, root vigour and growth rate to a great degree. With the same cadmium concentration, the inoculation of AMF significantly improved the physiological indexes of C. scutellarioides. The maximum decrease of MDA content was 42.16%, and the content of secondary metabolites rosemarinic acid and anthocyanosides could be increased by up to 27.43% and 25.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of root vigour was as high as 35.35%, and the DNA damage of the root system was obviously repaired. In conclusion, the inoculation of AMF can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites, alleviate root damage, and enhance the tolerance to cadmium stress in C. scutellarioides.
Cadmium/toxicity*
;
Mycorrhizae/physiology*
;
Plant Roots/drug effects*
;
Soil Pollutants/toxicity*
;
Stress, Physiological
;
Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*
9.Research progress on influencing factors of bystander behavior in cyberbullying among adolescents
WANG Kexin, LU Yining, ZHANG Zhiyun, LIU Rongze, CHEN Xuan, CHEN Shuang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1809-1814
Abstract
To explore the influence of the occurrence and development of bystander behavior in cyberbullying among adolescents, the paper reviews the factors influencing bystander behavior from the perspective of social ecosystem theory at the individual level, microsystem (family and school factors), peripheral system (contextual factors), macrosystem (cultural factors) and digital environment (media factors). It is pointed out that the future research needs to further explore the internal interaction of micro system, the influence of time system and technological development on bystanders, and the complex interaction between social ecosystems, and design feasible intervention strategies to transform passive bystanders into active interveners.
10.Preparation of doxorubicin-loaded polyphyllin H liposomes and synergistic anti-tumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer in vitro
Yining LIU ; Dawei ZHOU ; Shouchang GAI ; Lu SUI ; Xue SUN ; Zhenhua TONG ; Yuhang WANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Xiaofeng YUAN ; Yong XIANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(17):2134-2144,封3
Objective To prepare glucose transporter 1(Glut1)-targeted doxorubicin(DOX)-loaded liposomes(doxorubicin/polyphyllin H-liposomes,DOX/ppH-LPs)using polyphyllin H(ppH)instead of cholesterol as the liposomal membrane material,and to investigate their in vitro synergistic anti-tumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods DOX/ppH-LPs were prepared using thin-film hydration,and the formulation was optimized by single-factor investigation.The optimized DOX/ppH-LPs were characterized for morphology,particle size,polydispersity index(PDI),and zeta potential with transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and dynamic light scattering(DLS).Drug loading DL%was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The storage stability was evaluated by observing in PBS at 4℃for 7 d,and the serum stability was observed in DMEM containing 10%fetal bovine serum(FBS)at 37℃for 48 h.In vitro drug release was studied in PBS at pH 7.4 and pH 5.0 values,respectively.Human NSCLC A549 cells were subjected as the model,MTT assay was performed to detect the proliferation inhibition by DOX/ppH-LPs at different concentrations(0.5,5.0,15.0 μg/mL)and the control group(ppH+DOX/LPs,a physical mixture of free ppH and DOX-loaded liposomes).Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cellular uptake of DOX/ppH-LPs and DOX/LPs(containing 5 μg/mL DOX)at 15 min and 2 h.Live/dead cell staining was applied to assess apoptosis/necrosis induced by formulations(15 μg/mL DOX)after 48 h incubation.Transwell assay was conducted to evaluate inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion,and the targeting property and in vitro synergistic anti-NSCLC activity of DOX/ppH-LPs were then comprehensively evaluated.Results The optimal formulation of DOX/ppH-LPs was determined as hydration temperature at 50℃,6 mg DOX,2 mg ppH,and 24 mg lecithin.The prepared DOX/ppH-LPs were in spherical shape,uniform distribution,and at an average particle size of 145.13±22.14 nm,a PDI of 0.15±0.05,a zeta potential of-23.92±1.73 mV,and a DL of 10.13±0.71%for DOX and(1.22±0.21)%for ppH.DOX/ppH-LPs maintained stable particle size,PDI,and exhibited significantly unchanged zeta potential after storage in PBS at 4℃for 7 d or incubation in DMEM containing 10%FBS at 37℃for 48 h,demonstrating excellent physical and serum stability.Both liposomes showed slow release at pH 7.4 value,while drug release was significantly accelerated at pH 5.0 value(P<0.05),indicating pH-sensitive release characteristics.MTT assay revealed that DOX/ppH-LPs exerted significantly stronger cytotoxicity against A549 cells than the ppH+DOX/LPs control group(P<0.05).Compared with ppH+DOX/LPs,DOX/ppH-LPs showed remarkably enhanced cellular uptake in A549 cells(P<0.05),with more DOX localized in the nucleus.Live/dead cell staining showed that at the same DOX concentration(15 μg/mL),the proportion of apoptotic/necrotic cells induced by DOX/ppH-LPs was significantly higher than that of the DOX/LPs control group.Transwell assay demonstrated that there were significantly less cells migrating and invading through the membrane in the DOX/ppH-LPs group than the ppH+DOX/LPs group.Conclusion Glut1-targeted doxorubicin-loaded liposomes(DOX/ppH-LPs)constructed by substituting cholesterol with ppH can target NSCLC cells,significantly enhance the in vitro synergistic anti-NSCLC activity of DOX and ppH.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail