1.The mediating role of reduced amygdala subregion volume between childhood trauma and depression severity in patients with major depressive disorder
Azi SHEN ; Wenyue GONG ; Yinghong HUANG ; Yiwen WANG ; Qiudong XIA ; Kaiyu SHI ; Qinghua ZHAI ; Rui YAN ; Qing LU ; Zhijian YAO
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(5):356-364
Objective:This study aims to explore the independent and interactive effects of childhood trauma (CT) and major depressive disorder (MDD) on amygdala subregion volumes and to examine whether volumetric changes in these subregions mediate the relationship between CT and depressive severity.Methods:A total of 129 MDD patients and 127 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited from Nanjing Brain Hospital between October 2022 and November 2024. All participants underwent 3D-T 1 weighted MRI scans,and amygdala subregions were segmented using the FreeSurfer software. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD 17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA),respectively. Childhood trauma exposure was evaluated via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Generalized linear models (GLM) were applied to analyze the main and interactive effects of MDD diagnosis (depression/healthy controls) and CT (presence/absence),adjusting for age,estimated intracranial volume,sex,medication history,and education years. Partial correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to explore associations between amygdala subregion volumes and clinical measures in MDD patients. Results:MDD diagnosis was independently associated with increased volumes in the right central nucleus ( Wald χ2=9.09, P=0.026) and medial nucleus ( Wald χ2=10.08, P=0.026). CT exposure was independently associated with reduced volumes in the right central nucleus ( Wald χ2=7.99, P=0.047) and medial nucleus ( Wald χ2=9.20, P=0.047). No significant interaction effects between MDD and CT were observed in any amygdala subregion. Mediation analysis revealed that reduced right medial nucleus volume partially mediated the relationship between total CTQ scores and depressive severity (proportion mediated: 26.69%,95% CI=0.002-0.060) and mediated the association between emotional neglect and depressive severity (proportion mediated: 26.75%,95% CI=0.006-0.150). Such mediating effects were not found for the right central nucleus. Conclusion:CT and MDD exhibit divergent patterns of influence on amygdala subregions. CT is linked to volumetric reductions,whereas MDD is associated with volumetric enlargement. Reduced volume of the right medial nucleus mediates the relationship between CT and depression severity.
2.Research progress on caffeine citrate for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(11):865-868
As a classic medication in neonatal intensive care units, caffeine citrate has a significant clinical benefits, especially in preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), showing significant clinical potential.This article reviews the latest research progress of caffeine citrate in the prevention and treatment of BPD, with a focus on analyzing its cellular targets and potential mechanisms for lung protection.At the same time, this article also proposes issues worth exploring in future research on the mechanism of BPD, aiming to provide more effective intervention strategies for the treatment of premature infants with BPD.
3.Research progress on caffeine citrate for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(11):865-868
As a classic medication in neonatal intensive care units, caffeine citrate has a significant clinical benefits, especially in preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), showing significant clinical potential.This article reviews the latest research progress of caffeine citrate in the prevention and treatment of BPD, with a focus on analyzing its cellular targets and potential mechanisms for lung protection.At the same time, this article also proposes issues worth exploring in future research on the mechanism of BPD, aiming to provide more effective intervention strategies for the treatment of premature infants with BPD.
4.Comparison of clinical outcomes between latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant for immediate breast reconstruction: a BREAST-Q assessment
Tinghong XIANG ; Lu YIN ; Tianyi NI ; Yiwen GAO ; Yingying WANG ; Xianglong ZU ; Shujie RUAN ; Wei YAN ; Zhechen ZHU ; Jingping SHI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):710-718
Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap with implant versus mesh with implant based on BREAST-Q evaluation.Methods:From the clinical database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, the patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction after total mastectomy from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All breast reconstruction surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical methods: the latissimus dorsi muscle flap combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (LD group) and the mesh combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (mesh group). Patients were followed up in outpatient clinics or by telephone one year after surgery. The BREAST-Q was used to evaluate the surgical outcomes of both groups from four dimensions: psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, chest-physical well-being, and breast satisfaction. The score range for each dimension was 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater patient satisfaction with quality of life and surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as Mean ± SD, and comparisons between the two groups were performed using independent sample t-test. Count data were expressed as number of cases and percentages, and comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 123 patients were included, with 59 patients in the LD group and 64 patients in the mesh group. In the LD group, the mean age was (37.7±7.0) years, body mass index (BMI) was (22.6±2.6) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 2, 22, 30, and 5 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. In the mesh group, the mean age was (39.1±7.0) years, BMI was (22.6±2.8) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 1, 25, 38, and 0 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics including age, BMI, and clinical tumor staging (all P>0.05). One year after surgery, the BREAST-Q result showed no statistically significant differences between the LD group and mesh group in psychosocial well-being [(83.0±19.8) points vs. (80.8±19.3) points] and sexual well-being [(62.1±30.4) points vs. (65.8±25.6) points] (all P>0.05). However, the LD group had lower chest-physical well-being scores than the mesh group [(40.6±9.7) points vs. (45.1±9.6) points, P<0.05], while breast satisfaction scores were higher in the LD group than in the mesh group [(68.0±17.8) points vs. (59.8±12.6) points, P<0.01]. Conclusion:Immediate breast reconstruction by both latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant can improve patients’ psychosocial and sexual well-being by enhancing breast appearance. However, LD technique provides better breast satisfaction, while the mesh technique offers advantages in physical well-being of the chest wall and upper body. Surgeons should select the most appropriate breast reconstruction technique based on patients’ anatomical conditions, treatment history, and individual needs to optimize postoperative quality of life and satisfaction.
5.The correlation between salivary IL-33,anti-salivary gland protein-1 antibody levels and salivary gland injury in primary Sjogren's syndrome
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(12):1879-1884
Objective To investigate the correlation between salivary interleukin-33(IL-33)and anti-salivary gland protein 1(SP-1)antibody levels and salivary gland injury in primary Sjogren's syndrome(pSS).Methods A total of 91 patients with pSS admitted to Yixing People's Hospital from March 2020 to January 2025 were recruited as the observation group.Meanwhile,42 healthy individuals who were matched for gender and age and visited the same hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva,along with clinical data,were compared between the observation group and the control group.Additionally,the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva were compared among patients with different salivary gland ultrasound(SGUS)scores.Moreover,the correlations between the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva of pSS patients and saliva flow rate,clinical indicators,and SGUS scores were analyzed.Results The levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The dynamic saliva flow rate and static saliva flow rate in the observation group were notably lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),while the neutrophil count,CD4+cell count,and immunoglobulin G(IgG)levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).In patients with a submandibular gland Sj?gren's Ultrasound Scoring(SGUS)score≥2,the levels of salivary IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies were significantly higher than those in patients with a submandibular gland SGUS score<2(P<0.05).Similarly,in patients with a parotid gland SGUS score≥2,the levels of salivary IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies were significantly higher than those in patients with a parotid SGUS score<2(P<0.05).Correlation analysis indicated that the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in the saliva of pSS patients were positively correlated with the dynamic saliva flow rate,static saliva flow rate,CD4+cell count,and SGUS score(P<0.05).However,the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in the saliva of pSS patients were not correlated with the IgG level and neutrophil count(P>0.05).Conclusions The levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva are positively correlated with the saliva flow rate,CD4+cell count,and SGUS score in pSS patients.These findings suggest that these factors can serve as valuable indicators for evaluating salivary gland injury in pSS patients.
6.The correlation between salivary IL-33,anti-salivary gland protein-1 antibody levels and salivary gland injury in primary Sjogren's syndrome
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(12):1879-1884
Objective To investigate the correlation between salivary interleukin-33(IL-33)and anti-salivary gland protein 1(SP-1)antibody levels and salivary gland injury in primary Sjogren's syndrome(pSS).Methods A total of 91 patients with pSS admitted to Yixing People's Hospital from March 2020 to January 2025 were recruited as the observation group.Meanwhile,42 healthy individuals who were matched for gender and age and visited the same hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva,along with clinical data,were compared between the observation group and the control group.Additionally,the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva were compared among patients with different salivary gland ultrasound(SGUS)scores.Moreover,the correlations between the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva of pSS patients and saliva flow rate,clinical indicators,and SGUS scores were analyzed.Results The levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The dynamic saliva flow rate and static saliva flow rate in the observation group were notably lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),while the neutrophil count,CD4+cell count,and immunoglobulin G(IgG)levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).In patients with a submandibular gland Sj?gren's Ultrasound Scoring(SGUS)score≥2,the levels of salivary IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies were significantly higher than those in patients with a submandibular gland SGUS score<2(P<0.05).Similarly,in patients with a parotid gland SGUS score≥2,the levels of salivary IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies were significantly higher than those in patients with a parotid SGUS score<2(P<0.05).Correlation analysis indicated that the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in the saliva of pSS patients were positively correlated with the dynamic saliva flow rate,static saliva flow rate,CD4+cell count,and SGUS score(P<0.05).However,the levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in the saliva of pSS patients were not correlated with the IgG level and neutrophil count(P>0.05).Conclusions The levels of IL-33 and anti-SP-1 antibodies in saliva are positively correlated with the saliva flow rate,CD4+cell count,and SGUS score in pSS patients.These findings suggest that these factors can serve as valuable indicators for evaluating salivary gland injury in pSS patients.
7.Comparison of clinical outcomes between latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant for immediate breast reconstruction: a BREAST-Q assessment
Tinghong XIANG ; Lu YIN ; Tianyi NI ; Yiwen GAO ; Yingying WANG ; Xianglong ZU ; Shujie RUAN ; Wei YAN ; Zhechen ZHU ; Jingping SHI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):710-718
Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap with implant versus mesh with implant based on BREAST-Q evaluation.Methods:From the clinical database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, the patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction after total mastectomy from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All breast reconstruction surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical methods: the latissimus dorsi muscle flap combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (LD group) and the mesh combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (mesh group). Patients were followed up in outpatient clinics or by telephone one year after surgery. The BREAST-Q was used to evaluate the surgical outcomes of both groups from four dimensions: psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, chest-physical well-being, and breast satisfaction. The score range for each dimension was 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater patient satisfaction with quality of life and surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as Mean ± SD, and comparisons between the two groups were performed using independent sample t-test. Count data were expressed as number of cases and percentages, and comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 123 patients were included, with 59 patients in the LD group and 64 patients in the mesh group. In the LD group, the mean age was (37.7±7.0) years, body mass index (BMI) was (22.6±2.6) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 2, 22, 30, and 5 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. In the mesh group, the mean age was (39.1±7.0) years, BMI was (22.6±2.8) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 1, 25, 38, and 0 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics including age, BMI, and clinical tumor staging (all P>0.05). One year after surgery, the BREAST-Q result showed no statistically significant differences between the LD group and mesh group in psychosocial well-being [(83.0±19.8) points vs. (80.8±19.3) points] and sexual well-being [(62.1±30.4) points vs. (65.8±25.6) points] (all P>0.05). However, the LD group had lower chest-physical well-being scores than the mesh group [(40.6±9.7) points vs. (45.1±9.6) points, P<0.05], while breast satisfaction scores were higher in the LD group than in the mesh group [(68.0±17.8) points vs. (59.8±12.6) points, P<0.01]. Conclusion:Immediate breast reconstruction by both latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant can improve patients’ psychosocial and sexual well-being by enhancing breast appearance. However, LD technique provides better breast satisfaction, while the mesh technique offers advantages in physical well-being of the chest wall and upper body. Surgeons should select the most appropriate breast reconstruction technique based on patients’ anatomical conditions, treatment history, and individual needs to optimize postoperative quality of life and satisfaction.
8.The mediating role of reduced amygdala subregion volume between childhood trauma and depression severity in patients with major depressive disorder
Azi SHEN ; Wenyue GONG ; Yinghong HUANG ; Yiwen WANG ; Qiudong XIA ; Kaiyu SHI ; Qinghua ZHAI ; Rui YAN ; Qing LU ; Zhijian YAO
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(5):356-364
Objective:This study aims to explore the independent and interactive effects of childhood trauma (CT) and major depressive disorder (MDD) on amygdala subregion volumes and to examine whether volumetric changes in these subregions mediate the relationship between CT and depressive severity.Methods:A total of 129 MDD patients and 127 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited from Nanjing Brain Hospital between October 2022 and November 2024. All participants underwent 3D-T 1 weighted MRI scans,and amygdala subregions were segmented using the FreeSurfer software. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD 17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA),respectively. Childhood trauma exposure was evaluated via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Generalized linear models (GLM) were applied to analyze the main and interactive effects of MDD diagnosis (depression/healthy controls) and CT (presence/absence),adjusting for age,estimated intracranial volume,sex,medication history,and education years. Partial correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to explore associations between amygdala subregion volumes and clinical measures in MDD patients. Results:MDD diagnosis was independently associated with increased volumes in the right central nucleus ( Wald χ2=9.09, P=0.026) and medial nucleus ( Wald χ2=10.08, P=0.026). CT exposure was independently associated with reduced volumes in the right central nucleus ( Wald χ2=7.99, P=0.047) and medial nucleus ( Wald χ2=9.20, P=0.047). No significant interaction effects between MDD and CT were observed in any amygdala subregion. Mediation analysis revealed that reduced right medial nucleus volume partially mediated the relationship between total CTQ scores and depressive severity (proportion mediated: 26.69%,95% CI=0.002-0.060) and mediated the association between emotional neglect and depressive severity (proportion mediated: 26.75%,95% CI=0.006-0.150). Such mediating effects were not found for the right central nucleus. Conclusion:CT and MDD exhibit divergent patterns of influence on amygdala subregions. CT is linked to volumetric reductions,whereas MDD is associated with volumetric enlargement. Reduced volume of the right medial nucleus mediates the relationship between CT and depression severity.
9.The effect of levocarnitine on fibrotic proliferation, apoptosis and migration of myocardial cells
Zhaojie LIU ; Li JIN ; Yiwen GU ; Jue SHI ; Haiya WANG ; Ningyuan FANG ; Jin SHU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(2):203-208
Objective:To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of levocarnitine on myocardial cell fibrosis, proliferation, apoptosis and migration.Methods:Between June and December 2022, an overexpression vector for tissue inhibitor-1 of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1)and siRNA TIMP-1 were used to transfect rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes(from the cell bank of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), and transfection efficiency was measured using fluorescence reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). After treating H9c2 cells with angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ), the expression of the MMP3 and TIMP-1 genes in the cells was detected by RT-qPCR.A CCK8 kit was used to assess the effect of levocarnitine intervention on the proliferation of myofibroblasts after overexpression or knockdown of TIMP-1.The effects of levocarnitine on apoptosis and migration of myofibroblasts were detected by flow cytometry and Transwell assays.Results:The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression level of the MMP3 gene(1.38±0.05)in cardiomyocytes treated with AngⅡ for 24 hours exhibited an upward trend( P<0.01), while the expression level of the TIMP-1 gene(0.71±0.03)showed a downward trend( P<0.01). In addition, H9c2 cells with TIMP-1 overexpression(905.98±24.17)and knockdown(0.18±0.01)%, respectively, were successfully constructed.Based on CCK-8 detection results, knockdown of TIMP-1(86.56±7.98)% was able to promote the proliferation of H9c2 cells induced by levocarnitine( P<0.01). Apoptosis experiments showed that inhibition of TIMP-1 expression(23.22±2.69)significantly reduced the apoptosis level of H9c2 cells induced by levocarnitine( P<0.01). Migration experiments showed that inhibition of TIMP-1 expression(217.67±23.44)significantly promoted the migration ability of H9c2 cells induced by levocarnitine( P<0.01). Conclusions:After intervention to reduce TIMP-1 expression, levocarnitine can promote proliferation, inhibit apoptosis and promote migration of myofibroblasts and may therefore ameliorate myocardial fibrosis.
10.Evaluation value of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging for cerebrovascular small vessel disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Kaidi WU ; Zhanyun REN ; Yiwen SHI ; Wenyun WANG ; Zhenyu QIAN ; Wuzhuang TANG
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2024;47(2):97-102
Objective:To explore the value of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating cerebrovascular small vessel disease (CSVD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:Eighty-two patients with SLE combined with CSVD treated at Yixing People's Hospital from January to December 2022 were selected. They were divided into acute phase infarction group (16 cases), chronic phase infarction group (26 cases), and chronic ischemic lesion group (40 cases) based on routine MRI examination results. All patients underwent DTI examination to obtain the average diffusion coefficient (DCavg) and anisotropy score (FA) of the affected and contralateral normal white matter areas, and the evaluation value of DTI for CSVD in SLE patients was analyzed.Results:The DCavg value on the affected side of 82 patients was significantly higher than that on the healthy side: (11.10 ± 3.48) 10 -3 mm 2/s vs. (8.18 ± 2.42) 10 -3 mm 2/s, and the FA value on the affected side was significantly lower than that on the healthy side: 0.28 ± 0.05 vs. 0.45 ± 0.08, with a statistical significant differences ( P<0.05). The DCavg values of the acute infarction group, chronic infarction group, and chronic ischemic focus group were (11.88 ± 3.50), (9.69 ± 3.24) and (8.52 ± 2.34) 10 -3 mm 2/s, respectively, with statistical significant differences ( P<0.05). The FA values of the acute infarction group, chronic infarction group, and chronic ischemic focus group were 0.28 ± 0.04, 0.33 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.07, respectively, with statistical significant differences ( P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the acute phase infarction group and the chronic phase infarction group evaluated by DCavg and FA alone and in combination were 0.757, 0.756, and 0.820, respectively. The AUC of the chronic phase infarction group and the chronic ischemic focus group evaluated by DCavg and FA were 0.772, 0.776, and 0.813, respectively. The AUC value of the combined evaluation was relatively large. Conclusions:DTI has good evaluation value for CSVD in SLE patients and can accurately determine the type of CSVD.

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