1.Experience of Seasonal Acupuncture for Treating Allergic Rhinitis Based on the Theory of Latent Pathogen
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):798-802
The seasonal onset or worsening of allergic rhinitis is consistent with the characteristics of not develo-ping, lurking in the body, and recurrent attacks due to the suffering of latent pathogen. Based on the theory of latent pathogen, a seasonal acupuncture treatment approach for allergic rhinitis is proposed. Qi is in the channels in spring, and it is advisable to take the Luo-connecting points and the Ying-spring points and transport points between the muscle interspaces of the body; qi is in the minute collaterals in summer, it is advisable to take the superficial collateral vessels and puncture them for bloodletting; qi is on the skin in autumn, and He-sea points and back-shu points are recommended; qi is in the bone marrow in winter, so it is advisable to take the Jing-well points and Ying-spring points and needle them deeply to the bone.
2.Potential Mechanism of Zuojinwan in Improving Liver Fibrosis Based on Hepatic Tissue Metabolomics
Yiting JIANG ; Kexin LIU ; Yixi QIAN ; Rui ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Hongyan WU ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):54-61
ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of Zuojinwan in improving liver fibrosis through hepatic tissue metabolomics analysis. MethodsTwenty-four mice were randomly allocated into normal group, model group , positive drug group (silymarin, 100 mg·kg-1), and Zuojinwan group (Zuojinwan solution, 2.5 g·kg-1), with per group six mice. Liver fibrosis model was induced via intraperitoneal injection of olive oil solution with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (0.5 μL·g-1, three times weekly for 8 weeks) in all groups except the normal group. During the final 4 weeks, the silymarin group received silymarin (100 mg·kg-1) by gavage thrice weekly, while the Zuojinwan group was administered Zuojinwan solution (2.5 g·kg-1) under the same regimen. After the last administration, the levels of liver fibrosis indicators and liver injury markers in serum were detected. The pathological morphological changes of the liver tissues were observed. The levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ(ColⅠ) were detected. Metabolomics was analyzed on mice's liver tissues. The mice's serum was collected for metabolomics analysis. ResultsCompared with the model group, Zuojinwan significantly improved indicators related to liver fibrosis and liver injury. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated levels of fibrosis markers such as laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen typeⅢ (PC-Ⅲ), and type Ⅳ Collagen (Ⅳ-C), while liver injury indicators such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total bilirubin (TBIL), exhibited a marked upward trend (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the silymarin group showed a significant decrease in the aforementioned indicators (P<0.05). Notably, compared with the model group, the Zuojinwan group exhibited a significant reduction in all these indicators (P<0.05), with efficacy comparable to that of the silymarin group. Zuojinwan reduced mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ColⅠ in the liver tissue. Metabolomics results revealed that compared with the model group, Zuojiinwan significantly reduced levels of glucose metabolism-related metabolites such as D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), sodium beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate (F6P), dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), fumaric acid, and D-glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) (P<0.05). Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect glucose metabolism indicators and further validate the regulatory effect of Zuojinwan on glucose metabolism. ConclusionThese results suggest that Zuojinwan may improve liver fibrosis by regulating the dysregulated levels of glucose metabolism during the progression of liver fibrosis.
3.Effects of three internal fixation techniques on biomechanics of adjacent segment degeneration in lumbar interbody fusion
ABUDUSALAMU·TUOHETI ; Yang XIAO ; Yixi WANG ; MUSITAPA·MIJITI ; Qihao CHEN ; MAIMAITIMING·SAIYITI ; Hailong GUO ; PAERHATI·REXITI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):586-595
BACKGROUND:In 2019,the modified cortical bone trajectory technique was proposed by our team,significantly improving traditional methods.Previous studies have highlighted its superior biomechanical properties for segment fixation.However,a comprehensive systematic analysis of its specific biomechanical effects on adjacent segment degeneration is lacking,particularly regarding its influence on range of motion and intervertebral disc stress in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical effects of modified cortical bone trajectory screw techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.METHODS:CT scans were performed on three human cadaver specimens to establish and validate three-dimensional intact finite element models of the L1-S1 segment.For each of these,the posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with three different fixation techniques was reconstructed at the L4-L5 segment.The L4-L5 segment was fixed using three different internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws).The range of motion and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were recorded with a 400 N compressive load and 7.5 N moments in flexion,extension,left-right bending,and left-right rotation.The impacts of the three internal fixation techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in the two kinds of fusion were compared and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group showed a reduced range of motion on adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)under six loading conditions compared to both the cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional bone trajectory screw group.Specifically,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared to the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.005),while the stress on the intervertebral disc in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)exhibited greater dispersion.Similarly,the cortical bone trajectory screw group also significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared with the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.03).(2)Compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,the three internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws)showed a trend of reduced range of motion in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)under six loading conditions.In contrast,the maximum stress on the intervertebral discs in both the superior and inferior adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)exhibited an increasing trend in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model.(3)It is concluded that in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw exhibited superior biomechanical properties in reducing the range of motion at adjacent segments,which may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.
4.Effects of three internal fixation techniques on biomechanics of adjacent segment degeneration in lumbar interbody fusion
ABUDUSALAMU·TUOHETI ; Yang XIAO ; Yixi WANG ; MUSITAPA·MIJITI ; Qihao CHEN ; MAIMAITIMING·SAIYITI ; Hailong GUO ; PAERHATI·REXITI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):586-595
BACKGROUND:In 2019,the modified cortical bone trajectory technique was proposed by our team,significantly improving traditional methods.Previous studies have highlighted its superior biomechanical properties for segment fixation.However,a comprehensive systematic analysis of its specific biomechanical effects on adjacent segment degeneration is lacking,particularly regarding its influence on range of motion and intervertebral disc stress in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical effects of modified cortical bone trajectory screw techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.METHODS:CT scans were performed on three human cadaver specimens to establish and validate three-dimensional intact finite element models of the L1-S1 segment.For each of these,the posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with three different fixation techniques was reconstructed at the L4-L5 segment.The L4-L5 segment was fixed using three different internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws).The range of motion and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were recorded with a 400 N compressive load and 7.5 N moments in flexion,extension,left-right bending,and left-right rotation.The impacts of the three internal fixation techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in the two kinds of fusion were compared and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group showed a reduced range of motion on adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)under six loading conditions compared to both the cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional bone trajectory screw group.Specifically,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared to the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.005),while the stress on the intervertebral disc in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)exhibited greater dispersion.Similarly,the cortical bone trajectory screw group also significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared with the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.03).(2)Compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,the three internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws)showed a trend of reduced range of motion in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)under six loading conditions.In contrast,the maximum stress on the intervertebral discs in both the superior and inferior adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)exhibited an increasing trend in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model.(3)It is concluded that in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw exhibited superior biomechanical properties in reducing the range of motion at adjacent segments,which may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.
5.TCMKD:From ancient wisdom to modern insights-A comprehensive platform for traditional Chinese medicine knowledge discovery
Wenke XIAO ; Mengqing ZHANG ; Danni ZHAO ; Fanbo MENG ; Qiang TANG ; Lianjiang HU ; Hongguo CHEN ; Yixi XU ; Qianqian TIAN ; Mingrui LI ; Guiyang ZHANG ; Liang LENG ; Shilin CHEN ; Chi SONG ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1390-1402
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge,holding a crucial position in the medical field.However,the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization,completeness,and accuracy,primarily due to the decen-tralized distribution of TCM resources.To address these issues,we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery(TCMKD,https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/).Seven types of data,including syndromes,formulas,Chinese patent drugs(CPDs),Chinese medicinal materials(CMMs),ingredients,targets,and diseases,were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD.To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine,TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining,enrichment analysis,and network localization and separation.These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights.In addition to its analytical capabilities,a quick question and answer(Q&A)system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently,thereby improving the interactivity of the platform.The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool,offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining.Overall,TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM,delving into the pharmaco-logical foundations of TCM treatments,but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems,extending beyond just TCM.
6.Analysis of the current status and countermeasures for diagnosis and treatment in the epilepsy specialty clinic at a single-center comprehensive hospital in Lhasa,plateau region
Yuxiu CHEN ; Weiwei ZHAO ; Baizhen YIXI ; Yuqing LIAN ; Wenqing WANG ; Yu HAO ; Yang CI ; Yuhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(1):20-25
Objective Exploring the clinical diagnosis and treatment status of epilepsy patients at the epilepsy specialty clinic in a single-center comprehensive hospital in the Lhasa area of the Tibetan Plateau.Methods Epilepsy patients who visited the epilepsy specialty clinic of the Department of Neurology at the Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital from September 2021 to June 2023 were continuously enrolled.Data such as clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment conditions of the enrolled patients was analyzed.Results A total of 121 patients were enrolled in this study,with 33.9%(41/121 cases)being new patients at our hospital and 6.6%(8/121 cases)being referred to our hospital.Non-adherence to treatment,with patients self-reducing or stopping medication without medical advice,accounted for 8.3%(10/121 cases)of the cases.The majority of epilepsy patients were in the young and middle-aged group,with 51.2%(62/121 cases)being between 18 and 44 years old.There were significant differences in the distribution of epilepsy patients across different age groups(P<0.001),while there was no significant difference in gender distribution(49.6%male vs.50.4%female,P>0.05).Generalized seizures were the predominant type of seizure(75.2%,91/121 cases),and 73.6%(89/121 cases)of the patients had an unknown etiology for their epilepsy,with symptomatic epilepsy accounting for 26.4%(32/121 cases)and structural causes being the most common at 24.8%(30/121 cases).Monotherapy was the main treatment for epilepsy(55.4%,67/121 cases),with sodium valproate being the most frequently prescribed drug for monotherapy at 22.3%(27/121 cases).Conclusion In the epilepsy specialty clinic in the plateau region,newly diagnosed patients account for about one-third,and over one-tenth of revisiting patients have not been receiving standardized treatment.The majority of our epilepsy patients are young to middle-aged adults.Generalized seizures are the predominant type.The etiology is unknown in the majority of cases,with structural causes being a common etiology in symptomatic epilepsy.Sodium valproate is the most frequently used antiseizure medication(ASM)in monotherapy in the plateau area.
7.Effect and mechanism of DDX21 on improving myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating ATP5J alternative splicing
Tongtong YANG ; Liuhua ZHOU ; Yixi CHEN ; Lingfeng GU ; Hao WANG ; Xiangqing KONG ; Liansheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(6):631-643
Objective:To investigate the effect of DEAD-box helicase (DDX) 21 on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and its potential mechanisms.Methods:In vivo, adult male Bama pigs and C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a myocardial I/R injury model by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, with sham-operated groups set as controls. The expression of DDX21 in myocardium after I/R injury was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Following the establishment of the myocardial I/R injury model in mice, AAV9 vectors with cardiac-specific expression were injected in situ into the peri-infarct region (The I/R+DDX21 group, I/R+negative control (NC) group, I/R+sh-NC group and I/R+sh-DDX21 group were injected with AAV9:cTnT-DDX21, AAV9:cTnT-NC, AAV9:cTnT-sh-NC and AAV9:cTnT-sh-DDX21, respectively). Additionally, the I/R+A-485 group received intraperitoneal injections of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding protein inhibitor A-485, while the I/R+PBS group was injected with an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as the control. Echocardiography was performed on postoperative days 1 and 28 to evaluate cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening). At 28 days post-surgery, mice were euthanized and heart tissues were harvested for histological sectioning. Myocardial fibrosis was evaluated using Masson′s trichrome staining. In vitro, primary cardiomyocytes were isolated from neonatal day 1 C57BL/6J mice using enzymatic digestion method. Cardiomyocytes were transfected with plasmids or small interfering RNA (siRNA). The cardiomyocytes transfected with DDX21-siRNA were assigned to the siDDX21 group, those transfected with the DDX21 plasmid were assigned to the DDX21 group, and those transfected with the corresponding empty plasmid or siRNA were assigned to the NC group. Additionally, cardiomyocytes were treated with A-485 (A-485 group) or PBS (PBS group). An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was used to simulate cellular injury. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify downstream mechanisms of DDX21. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using software such as DESeq2, and alternative splicing events in the mRNA transcriptome were analyzed using rMATS software. Mitochondrial superoxide, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme activity in cardiomyocytes were detected using immunofluorescence staining and commercial assay kits. The oxidative phosphorylation level of the cells was assessed by the Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer. Acetylated DDX21 levels were measured using co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assays.Results:The expression levels of DDX21 in myocardium from the Bama pigs and mice in the I/R injury model were significantly higher than those in the sham group (all P<0.001). Echocardiographic results showed that at 28 days post-surgery, compared to the I/R+NC group, the I/R+DDX21 group exhibited higher left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, while the I/R+sh-DDX21 group showed lower values; Masson staining results demonstrated that, compared to the I/R+NC group, the myocardial fibrosis area in the I/R+DDX21 group was significantly reduced, whereas it was significantly increased in the I/R+sh-DDX21 group (all P<0.001). Transcriptomic sequencing results suggested that DDX21 may influence myocardial injury by regulating mitochondrial metabolic activity. In vitro, compared to the OGD/R+NC group, the OGD/R+DDX21 group exhibited lower mitochondrial superoxide levels, higher polymer/monomer ratio, maximal oxygen consumption, reserve capacity, and ATP content. In contrast, the OGD/R+siDDX21 group showed the opposite results, with reduced activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex V (all P<0.05). Mechanistically, rMATS software and other analyses indicated that knockdown of DDX21 affected the alternative 3′ splicing sites of ATP5J precursor mRNA, inhibiting the splicing of certain exonic sequences. Overexpression of DDX21 upregulated both mRNA and protein levels of ATP5J. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that, compared to the PBS group, acetylated DDX21 levels were reduced in the A-485 group. Further in vivo experiments showed that, compared to the I/R+PBS group, the I/R+A-485 group exhibited higher left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, and a lower proportion of left ventricular fibrosis (all P<0.001). Conclusions:DDX21 improves cardiomyocyte energy metabolism and alleviates I/R injury by regulating the alternative splicing of ATP5J. A-485 holds potential as a novel small molecule candidate for the treatment of myocardial injury.
8.CHK1 attenuates cardiac senescence of mice through activating Rap1/Nox4 mediated oxidative stress homeostasis
Peng JING ; Liuhua ZHOU ; Yixi CHEN ; Lingfeng GU ; Chong DU ; Tongtong YANG ; Shuxuan CHEN ; Hao WANG ; Liansheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(12):1411-1421
Objective:To investigate the biological role and molecular mechanism of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) in delaying cardiac aging in mice.Methods:In vitro, a senescence model of H9C2 cells (a cardiomyocyte line) was induced using H 2O 2. A control group (without H 2O 2 treatment) and three H 2O 2-treated groups (at concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 μmol/L) were set up. The CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the proliferative activity of cells in each group; Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression level of CHK1; and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to determine the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of P16 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In vivo, C57BL/6 wild-type mice aged 2 months ( n=15) and 24 months ( n=40), as well as myocardial-specific CHK1-overexpressing (CHK1-TG) mice aged 2 months ( n=15) and 24 months ( n=40), were selected. The mice were divided into four groups based on age and genotype: 2-month-old wild-type (WT-2M), 24-month-old wild-type (WT-24M), 2-month-old CHK1-TG (CHK1-TG-2M), and 24-month-old CHK1-TG (CHK1-TG-24M). Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function of mice in the WT-24M and CHK1-TG-24M groups. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression levels of CHK1, total Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1), NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), and Rap1-guanosine triphosphate (Rap1-GTP, the active form of Rap1) in the cardiac tissue of mice in each group. qRT-PCR was used to detect the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of CHK1, collagen type Ⅰ (Coll1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (Mmp2), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), P53, P21, P16, thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), glutathione recluctase (GR), Rap1, and Nox4. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to determine the protein expression levels of P53, P21, and P16, as well as the proportion of histone H2AX phosphorylation-positive cells. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the relative intensity of DHE. Wheat germ agglutinin staining, HE staining, Masson staining and Sirius red staining were applied to measure the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, cardiac morphology, and myocardial fibrosis area. Mice in the WT-24M and CHK1-TG-24M groups were intraperitoneally injected with the Rap1 activity inhibitor GGTI298 (25 μmol/kg). After injection, the oxidative stress damage in the cardiac tissue of the mice was detected, along with the mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related indicators (Coll1, Mmp2, and α-SMA) and cell cycle inhibitory proteins (P16, P21, and P53). Results:A concentration of 30 μmol/L was determined as the optimal concentration for establishing an H 2O 2-induced senescence model of myocardial cells in vitro. The expression level of CHK1 in H9C2 cells of the 30 μmol/L H 2O 2 group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Echocardiographic examination showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction ((61.08±1.13)% vs. (52.55±2.02)%) and fractional shortening ((31.80±1.27)% vs. (25.18±1.59)%) of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group were higher than those in the WT-24M group (both P<0.05). qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that, compared with the WT-24M group, mice in CHK1-TG-24M group had higher expression levels of CHK1 and its mRNA, lower expression levels of Nox4 and its mRNA, and higher expression level of Rap1-guanosine triphosphate (Rap1-GTP) (all P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the total expression level of Rap1 and its mRNA between the two groups (both P>0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of Coll1, Mmp2, and α-SMA in myocardial tissue of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group were lower than those in the WT-24M group (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression levels of P53, P21, and P16 proteins, as well as the proportion of phosphorylated histone H2AX-positive cells in myocardial tissue of mice in the WT-24M group were higher than those in the CHK1-TG-24M group (all P<0.05). qRT-PCR further confirmed that the mRNA expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins in cardiac tissue of mice in the WT-24M group were higher than those in the CHK1-TG-24M group (all P<0.05). DHE staining results indicated that the relative intensity of DHE in cardiac tissue of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group was lower than that in the WT-24M group ( P<0.05). Meanwhile, the left ventricular internal diameter, cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and myocardial fibrosis area of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group were all smaller than those in the WT-24M group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the degree of DNA damage in cardiac tissue as well as the mRNA levels of fibrosis-related indicators (Coll1, Mmp2, and α-SMA) and cell cycle inhibitory proteins (P53, P21, P16) in mice of the WT-24M+GGTI298 group were higher than those in the WT-24M group and the CHK1-TG-24M+GGTI298 group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:CHK1 alleviates oxidative stress-induced damage in mouse cardiomyocytes by activating the Rap1/Nox4 signaling pathway, thereby delaying cardiac aging in mice.
9.Application of deep learning models based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound in predicting perineural invasion in rectal cancer
Yajiao GAN ; Qiping HU ; Xinyi WANG ; Yixi SU ; Qingling SHEN ; Minling ZHUO ; Yi TANG ; Xiaodong LIN ; Yue YU ; Youjia LIN ; Qingfu QIAN ; Zhikui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):848-857
Objective:To develop a deep learning model based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound(ERUS)images for the preoperative prediction of perineural invasion(PNI)in patients with rectal cancer,thereby providing a reference for risk stratification and individualized treatment planning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 382 patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between June 2019 and February 2024. Patients were randomly divided into a training set( n=305)and a test set( n=77)at a ratio of 8∶2,and further grouped into PNI-negative group and PNI-positive group subgroups based on pathological results. Super-resolution ultrasound images were generated from original ERUS images using a generative adversarial network(GAN). Deep convolutional neural networks were developed based on features from intratumoral and peritumoral regions to identify the optimal region of interest(ROI). The dSR5_ResNet18 and dSR5_ResNet50 models were constructed using the super-resolution images with a 5-pixel peritumoral extension. Representative clinical features were selected for subgroup analysis based on sample size and intergroup statistical differences between PNI-positive and PNI-negative patients. Forest plots were used to evaluate model applicability and robustness across subgroups. Results:The dSR5_ResNet18 model,built using super-resolution images of the tumor combined with a 5-pixel peritumoral region,achieved the best predictive performance,with an AUC of 0.867(95% CI=0.782 - 0.952)in the test set. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the dSR5_ResNet18 model provided the greatest net clinical benefit. Forest plot analysis indicated strong generalizability of the models across subgroups such as pathological N stage,maximum lesion length,and lymph node enlargement,though relatively weaker performance was observed in the carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)subgroup. Among all models,dSR5_ResNet18 exhibited the most consistent performance across subgroups,with the narrowest confidence intervals and highest robustness. Conclusions:The deep learning model incorporating ERUS-based super-resolution reconstruction demonstrated excellent performance in the preoperative prediction of PNI in rectal cancer. It offers significant advantages in image quality and generalizability,and may serve as a valuable tool to assist clinicians in formulating personalized treatment strategies.
10.Biomechanical performance of novel fully cortical bone threaded screws in modified cortical bone trajectory screw technique for lumbar vertebrae
MUZAIPAER·MAITUSONG ; Yang XIAO ; GULIMIRE·ADILI ; ZHIGEER·LEHALEBIEKE ; AIZIHAIER·AISIKAER ; Yixi WANG ; Ruilin CHEN ; PAERHATI·REXITI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(27):5765-5772
BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic trabecular structures are insufficient to maintain screw holding force,often leading to spinal fixation failure.Currently,the following four aspects are mainly used to solve this problem:(1)screw material;(2)surface coating treatment;(3)screw channel solidification strategy;(4)screw shape.The screw channel of the modified cortical bone trajectory screw placement technique has been proven to have a good fixation effect,but there is an urgent need to develop matching screws.OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical performance differences of various types of spinal cortical bone thread screws in the modified cortical bone trajectory fixation of lumbar vertebrae using the finite element method.METHODS:The L4 vertebral models were constructed based on the CT data of three adult wet lumbar specimens(two males and one female)and subjected to finite element analysis.In the modified cortical bone trajectory fixation technique,fully cortical bone thread screws(single thread screws)with lengths of 45 mm and diameters of 5.5 mm and 4.5 mm were used and considered as groups A and B,which were compared with those of the traditional pedicle screw technique group(group C,6.0 mm diameter,45 mm length,double-threaded screw)and the cortical bone trajectory screw group(group D,4.5 mm diameter,45 mm length,double-threaded screw).Axial pull-out force,screw stability(determined by the displacement ratio of upper,lower,left,and right loads),and anti-spin-out torque were measured to compare fixation strength of each group of screws.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Axial pull-out force:Group A>group B(P=0.003),and both group A and group B were greater than the group C(P<0.001,P=0.003)and group D(all P<0.001).(2)Screw stability:When load was applied in the upward and downward directions on the screw,the load displacement ratio of the four screw double threads was greater in group A than in group B(P>0.05);both group A and group B were greater than the group C(all P<0.001)and the group D(all P<0.001).(3)Anti-spin-out torque:Group A>group B(P=0.008),and both group A and group B were greater than the group C(P=0.008,P=0.131).(4)It is indicated that during modified cortical bone trajectory fixation of lumbar vertebrae,the novel spinal cortical bone thread screw demonstrates superior biomechanical performance compared to double thread screws applied in the clinically classic pedicle screw trajectory and cortical bone trajectory.Additionally,the novel spinal cortical bone thread screw(D=5.5 mm,L=45 mm)becomes the optimal adaptation for the modified cortical bone trajectory screw path.

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