1.Mechanisms of Diabetic Tendinopathy and Exercise Intervention
Ya-Ke WU ; Rui DENG ; Yu-Miao XIE ; Fang ZOU ; Shuai-Wei QIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2041-2052
Diabetic tendinopathy is a common and disabling musculoskeletal complication of diabetes, clinically characterized by tendon thickening, pain, impaired healing capacity and compromised biomechanical performance, collectively undermining joint function and quality of life. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial. On the one hand, chronic hyperglycaemia promotes the abnormal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) within tendon collagen, leading to non-enzymatic crosslinking and engagement of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which in turn triggers inflammasome activation and sustains inflammatory responses. On the other hand, the diabetic milieu disrupts collagen metabolic homeostasis, impairs microvascular function and induces peripheral neuropathy; together, these alterations drive extracellular matrix degeneration and weaken the mechanical properties of tendon. Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, can ameliorate these pathological changes through multiple integrated mechanisms. First, exercise attenuates tendon inflammation and restores microenvironmental homeostasis. Regular physical activity reduces AGE-RAGE signalling, thereby suppressing downstream expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). This shift from a pro-inflammatory to a pro-resolving milieu not only restrains chronic inflammation but may also limit excessive inflammasome activation in tenocytes and tissue-resident immune cells. Second, exercise enhances local expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. This axis stimulates tenocyte proliferation, augments synthesis of type I collagen —— the principal load-bearing component of tendon —— and thereby promotes tissue repair, preserves tensile strength and supports matrix synthesis and structural integrity. In addition, exercise improves blood supply and nutrient delivery to tendon by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin (DCN), thereby enhancing capillary growth, coordinating collagen fibrillogenesis and actively suppressing pathological vascular calcification. Exercise also increases the expression of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and CD34. Through the concerted actions of these factors, exercise promotes angiogenesis, restores the microvascular network and ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to relatively ischaemic tendon tissue. Finally, exercise elevates levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting neuronal survival, axonal growth and the function of sensory and sympathetic nerve endings within tendon, thereby exerting neurotrophic and neuromodulatory effects and improving tendon innervation and neuromuscular control. Moreover, exercise upregulates collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), a molecule involved in axonal guidance and regeneration, and moderately increases the activity of substance P (SP), thereby helping to regulate neurogenic inflammation, pain perception and trophic support for tenocytes. Drawing together current evidence, this review systematically summarizes the mechanisms underlying diabetic tendinopathy and examines the mechanistic basis of exercise intervention, with the aim of providing a theoretical framework for the development of precise exercise strategies for affected individuals. However, several key issues remain unresolved: the therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic specificity of different exercise modalities in diabetic tendinopathy have yet to be defined, and early diagnostic biomarkers remain insufficiently characterized. Future studies should apply multi-omics approaches to profile AGE subtypes, miRNA signatures and collagen metabolic products, and should also clarify the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of excessive exercise or mechanical overloading in diabetic tendinopathy. Such efforts will further elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of exercise in diabetic tendinopathy and provide a stronger basis for precision exercise prescription and fitness guidance in patients with diabetes.
2.Calcitriol reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression via VDR/Ca2+/pyroptosis signaling pathway
Shenglan SHANG ; Shuo ZOU ; Yuqi WEI ; Mengchen YU ; Fan ZHOU ; Yan ZHAO ; Airong YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2232-2237
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of calcitriol on sepsis-induced immunosuppression and its potential mechanism. METHODS A sepsis-induced immunosuppression mice model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The 7-day survival rate, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were determined in sham operation group, CLP group and calcitriol group (1 μg/kg); the morphological changes of lung tissue in mice were observed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance macrophage models (representing sepsis-induced immunosuppression) were established using mice macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants as well as mRNA expressions of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), IL-18 and caspase-1 were assessed in culture medium group, LPS group, LPS tolerance group, and calcitriol (5 μmol/L) group. The following parameters were measured: propidium iodide (PI)-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and Ca2+ levels. RESULTS Compared with CLP group, 7-day survival rate and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). Additionally, pulmonary tissue damage was markedly attenuated in calcitriol group. Compared with LPS tolerance group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants, mRNA expressions of IL- 1β, NLRP3, IL-18 and caspase-1, PI-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, LDH release, and Ca2+ levels were all increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Calcitriol can reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression, and the mechanism of action may be E-mail:yarfwy@163.com achieved by the binding of calcitriol to vitamin D receptor,which promotes the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby driving the NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis pathway.
3.Acupuncture for Wernicke encephalopathy: a case report.
Xiangyu CHEN ; Yuhan MAO ; Jiayong YAO ; Xueping YU ; Wei ZOU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(2):262-264
This case report introduces Professor ZOU Wei 's experience of treating a patient with Wernicke encephalopathy using the "regulating spirit and promoting yang acupuncture method". The patient was diagnosed as spleen and stomach deficiency with internal liver wind. The treatment principle focused on regulating spirit and awakening the brain, strengthening the spleen, calming wind, and relaxing the tendons. Three groups of acupoints were selected: ①acupoints for awakening the brain by regulating spirit and unblocking meridians (Baihui [GV20], Qianshencong [EX-HN1] and bilateral Taiyang [EX-HN5], Fengchi [GB20]), etc.; ②acupoints for harmonizing the spleen, stomach, qi, and blood (bilateral Tianshu [ST25], Daheng [SP15], Taixi [KI3], etc.); ③acupoints for relaxing and softening the tendons (bilateral Waiguan [TE5], Hegu [LI4], Yanglingquan [GB34], Xuanzhong [GB39]).The needles were retained for 50 min per session, once daily, 7 days a week. After 16-week treatment, the patient was able to walk a few steps slowly with assistance, and other symptoms returned to normal. A two-month follow-up showed the patient's condition remained stable, walking distance further increased, and overall health significantly improved.
Humans
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Acupuncture Points
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Acupuncture Therapy
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Wernicke Encephalopathy/physiopathology*
4.Processing technology of calcined Magnetitum based on concept of QbD and its XRD characteristic spectra.
De-Wen ZENG ; Jing-Wei ZHOU ; Tian-Xing HE ; Yu-Mei CHEN ; Huan-Huan XU ; Jian FENG ; Yue YANG ; Xin CHEN ; Jia-Liang ZOU ; Lin CHEN ; Hong-Ping CHEN ; Shi-Lin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; You-Ping LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2391-2403
Guided by the concept of quality by design(QbD), this study optimizes the calcination and quenching process of calcined Magnetitum and establishes the XRD characteristic spectra of calcined Magnetitum, providing a scientific basis for the formulation of quality standards. Based on the processing methods and quality requirements of Magnetitum in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the critical process parameters(CPPs) identified were calcination temperature, calcination time, particle size, laying thickness, and the number of vinegar quenching cycles. The critical quality attributes(CQAs) included Fe mass fraction, Fe~(2+) dissolution, and surface color. The weight coefficients were determined by combining Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP) and the criteria importance though intercrieria correlation(CRITIC) method, and the calcination process was optimized using orthogonal experimentation. Surface color was selected as a CQA, and based on the principle of color value, the surface color of calcined Magnetitum was objectively quantified. The vinegar quenching process was then optimized to determine the best processing conditions. X-ray diffraction(XRD) was used to establish the characteristic spectra of calcined Magnetitum, and methods such as similarity evaluation, cluster analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate the quality of the spectra. The optimized calcined Magnetitum preparation process was found to be calcination at 750 ℃ for 1 h, with a laying thickness of 4 cm, a particle size of 0.4-0.8 cm, and one vinegar quenching cycle(Magnetitum-vinegar ratio 10∶3), which was stable and feasible. The XRD characteristic spectra analysis method, featuring 9 common peaks as fingerprint information, was established. The average correlation coefficient ranged from 0.839 5-0.988 1, and the average angle cosine ranged from 0.914 4 to 0.995 6, indicating good similarity. Cluster analysis results showed that Magnetitum and calcined Magnetitum could be grouped together, with similar compositions. OPLS-DA discriminant analysis identified three key characteristic peaks, with Fe_2O_3 being the distinguishing component between the two. The final optimized processing method is stable and feasible, and the XRD characteristic spectra of calcined Magnetitum was initially established, providing a reference for subsequent quality control and the formulation of quality standards for calcined Magnetitum.
X-Ray Diffraction/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Quality Control
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Particle Size
5.Occupational Hazard Factors and the Trajectory of Fasting Blood Glucose Changes in Chinese Male Steelworkers Based on Environmental Risk Scores: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Ming Xia ZOU ; Wei DU ; Qin KANG ; Yu Hao XIA ; Nuo Yun ZHANG ; Liu FENG ; Fei Yue LI ; Tian Cheng MA ; Ya Jing BAO ; Hong Min FAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):666-677
OBJECTIVE:
We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers.
METHODS:
The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories.
RESULTS:
FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45).
CONCLUSION
An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans
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Male
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Adult
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Blood Glucose/analysis*
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China
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Prospective Studies
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Occupational Exposure/adverse effects*
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Risk Factors
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Middle Aged
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Steel
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Fasting/blood*
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Metal Workers
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East Asian People
6.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
7.MITF expression in acral melanoma tissues and its association with clinical,pathological characteristics and prognosis
Tong WANG ; Wei SUN ; Yu XU ; Tu HU ; Wanlin LIU ; Qiongdan ZHENG ; Zijian ZOU ; Zirui DONG ; Wenjie MA ; Yong CHEN
China Oncology 2025;35(9):859-866
Background and purpose:The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF)plays a complex role in melanoma pathogenesis and progression.It is known to regulate multiple processes both in melanocytes and melanoma cells.While numerous studies have explored MITF in cutaneous melanoma(CM),research in acral melanoma(AM)is still limited.This study retrospectively analyzed the correlation between MITF expression and clinical,pathological characteristics and prognosis in AM patients,providing a basis for prognosis evaluation and personalized treatment plan formulation for patients.Methods:Patients who underwent primary resection of AM at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from March 2008 to February 2022 were included.All surgical samples were diagnosed by clinical histopathology and used to construct the tissue microarray(TMA).This study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center(approval number:2203-ZZK-69-3).Cutting complete tissue microarray and evaluating MITF expression levels by immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining were carried out.The results were independently assessed and scored by three pathologists.Clinical and pathological data were collected from the hospital's electronic medical record system,and each patient's data was matched to their corresponding tissue sample on the chip.Patients were stratified into two groups based on MITF expression levels.Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences in clinical,pathological characteristics and survival outcomes between these two groups.Results:A total of 137 AM patients were included.MITF expression was significantly associated with T stage,N stage,American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)stage,clark level,sentinel lymph node status,and presence of ulceration.Among these,N stage and ulceration were independent risk factors for high expression of MITF after adjusting for confounding factors.Survival analysis showed that AM patients with high MITF expression or higher T stage were associated with shorter disease-free survival(DFS).Patients with high MITF expression showed no significant difference in overall survival(OS)between observation or cytokine therapy and adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)therapy,whereas those with low MITF expression derived significant survival benefits from ICI treatment.Conclusion:A higher N stage or the presence of ulceration indicates high MITF expression in tumor cells,with high MITF levels serving as a warning signal for early recurrence,metastasis,and even death.Patients with low MITF expression could receive improved OS with early adjuvant ICI therapy.MITF could not only serve as an auxiliary diagnostic marker for melanoma but also provide a basis for clinical prognosis assessment and the formulation of personalized treatment plans.
8.The novel compound Austocystin R induces cycle arrest and autophagy in triple-negative breast cancer cells by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Xin-yue GONG ; Min WEI ; Xiao-qin YU ; Yun-lei XU ; Yi-fan BAI ; Cheng-xiong LIU ; Fan CHENG ; Kun ZOU ; Jian-feng CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1651-1658
Aim To explore the in vitro anti-human triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)effect and mech-anism of Austocystin R.Methods MTT assay was used to evaluate the anti-tumor potential of Austocystin R for various human tumor cells and normal cells.Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the influence on cell cycle progression.mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection was used to evaluate the autophagic flux process.Western blot assay was used to verify the effect of Austocystin R on the expression of related pro-teins.Results The results showed that Austocystin R significantly inhibited the proliferation of multiple tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner,especially for the MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 of 1.45μmol·L-1.In addition,Austocystin R increased the protein expression of PTEN,p53,p-p53,p27,p21,and down-regulated the expression of p-PI3K,p-AKT and p-mTOR.Austocystin R can significantly increase the proportion of S-phase MDA-MB-231 cells,inhibit the expression of Cyclin D1,CDK4,CDK6,Rb,Cyclin B1 and CDK1,and promote the expression of Cyclin E1 and CDK2.Austocystin R can promote the autophagic flux process of MDA-MB-231 cells,promote the expres-sion of LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ,p-Beclin-1,p-ULK1,HMGB-1 and Atg 14 proteins,and inhibit the expression of Beclin-1,ULK1,p62,ATG 3,ATG 4B,ATG 5,ATG 7,ATG 12,ATG 13 and ATG 16L1 proteins.Conclusion Austo-cystin R can exhibit its anti-TNBC activity by inhibi-ting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway,blocking the cell cycle at the S phase and inducing autophagic cell death.
9.Construction of a multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment quality evaluation index system based on the delphi method
Xiao ZOU ; Hong YU ; Wei PENG ; Sanzhi TAN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(1):68-71
Objective To establish a multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment quality evaluation index system,provi-ding reference for the evaluation of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment work by medical management departments.Methods A framework of evaluation indicators for multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment was formed through literature research and ex-pert interviews,and the content of the indicators was improved using the Delphi expert consultation method.Results After two rounds of expert consultation,an evaluation index system was constructed with 3 primary indicators,8 secondary indicators,and 29 tertiary indicators.The positive coefficient of the two rounds of consultation was 97.3%and 100%respectively,the authority coefficient was 0.89,and the overall Kendall's harmony coefficient was between 0.3 and 1.Conclusion The index system de-veloped in this study is in line with the practicality of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model in current tertiary com-prehensive hospitals and specialized hospitals.It has strong operability and can provide reference for the evaluation and improve-ment of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment quality.
10.Association between GLIM-diagnosed malnutrition and postoperative adverse outcomes in surgical patients:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Jia-Wei SHI ; Hong-Shuang CHEN ; Ling-Yu LI ; Hai-Ou ZOU
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(3):155-164
Objective:This study aimed to examine the association between malnutrition diagnosed by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition(GLIM)criteria and clinical outcomes in surgical patients,as well as to assess its prognostic impact on postoperative adverse clinical outcomes.Methods:Electronic databases,including PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,CINAHL,Scopus,The Cochrane Library,Clinical Trials,CNKI,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,were systematically searched.Relevant cohort studies utilizing GLIM criteria to preoperatively diagnose malnutrition in surgical inpatients were included.The exposed group comprised surgical patients diagnosed with preoperative malnutrition using GLIM criteria,while the control group consisted of surgically treated patients without malnutrition as per GLIM criteria.Literature quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS),and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.Results:Fourteen literatures were included,with a total sample size of 10,045 patients.Meta-analysis revealed that the malnourished group had a higher incidence of postoperative complications compared to the non-malnourished group[risk ratio(RR)=1.81,95%CI:1.66~1.98),P<0.00001].Additionally,the incidence of severe complications was significantly higher in GLIM-diagnosed malnourished patients.The malnourished group exhibited poorer overall survival[hazard ratio(HR)=1.90,95%CI:1.55~2.34,P<0.00001]and disease-free survival[HR=2.25,95%CI:1.02~4.93,P=0.04]compared to the non-malnourished group.Conclusion:GLIM-diagnosed malnutrition is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in surgical patients,increasing postoperative complication rates and reducing overall and disease-free survival.The GLIM criteria demonstrate value in predicting adverse clinical outcomes in this population.Further high-quality studies are warranted to validate these findings.

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