1.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.Relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features of middle school students: the moderating effect of emotional regulation strategies
Run ZHONG ; Congwen YANG ; Junhong LIU ; Maoqian SUN ; Yujia WENG ; Jian WEN ; Guoping HUANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):76-82
BackgroundThe middle school stage represents a crucial period for the development of borderline personality features. Negative parenting styles and emotional regulation strategies are associated with the formation of borderline personality features. However, the moderating role of emotional regulation strategies between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the moderating influence of emotional regulation strategies in the relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students, and to provide references for the intervention of borderline personality features. MethodsIn October 2023, a total of 5 965 middle school students from three middle schools in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected by cluster sampling, and assessed by the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C), the Egna Minnen Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Chinese Revised Version (ERQ-CRV). Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between the scores of each scale, and the model 1 of the Process macro program was used to conduct the moderating effect test. ResultsA total of 5 572 middle school students (93.41%) completed this study, and 1 388 of them (24.91%) were identified as having high borderline personality features. The BPFS-C score of middle school students was positively correlated with the score of the negative parenting style dimension of EMBU (r=0.367, P<0.01), negatively correlated with the score of the cognitive reappraisal dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=-0.168, P<0.01), and positively correlated with the score of the expression inhibition dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=0.344, P<0.01). Cognitive reappraisal played a negative moderating effect between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features (β=-0.072, 95% CI: -0.104–-0.041, P<0.01), while expressive suppression played a positive moderating effect (β=0.076, 95% CI: 0.055–0.097, P<0.01). ConclusionCognitive reappraisal strategy may help mitigate the negative influence of negative parenting styles on middle school students' borderline personality features, while expressive suppression may exacerbate the harm of negative parenting styles to the borderline personality features of middle school students.
3.Target Trial Emulation in Health Policy Evaluation: Translation and Challenges from Individual Interventions to Population Effects
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):526-533
Randomized controlled trial(RCT) represents the "gold standard" for estimating the causal effects of interventions; however, their implementation in the field of health policy evaluation is frequently hindered by logistical feasibility and ethical constraints. Target Trial Emulation (TTE), a framework originating in clinical epidemiology, facilitates rigorous causal inference from observational data by explicitly emulating the design of an idealized "target trial". Recently, the application of TTE has transitioned from individual-level clinical interventions—such as pharmacological or surgical treatments—to population-level health policy evaluations. This interdisciplinary translation is not a localized conceptual shift but necessitates a series of comprehen-sive methodological adaptations. This paper systematically delineates the core logic of extending the TTEframework into the realm of health policy, providing a profound analysis of the transformation and reconstruction of critical elements, including study units, intervention definitions, time zero, causal estimands, and analytical strategies. Furthermore, it examines the unique challenges inherent in policy contexts, such as policy heterogeneity, staggered adoption, concurrent policy interference, and data granularity limitations. The paper also evaluates the integration of analytical methods, such as instrumental variables (IV) and difference-in-differences (DID), within the TTE framework. This synthesis aims to provide methodological guidance and prospective insights for conducting high-quality policy evaluations using real-world data (RWD).
4.Development and Validation of a Clinically Actionable Prediction Model for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Cardiac Surgery: A Focus on Modifiable Risk Factors
Ruoxi LI ; Meice TIAN ; Chuangshi WANG ; Yujia HUANG ; Weinan CHEN ; Ya SONG ; Bomiao LIU ; Liu DU ; Xue FENG
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(1):50-61
Objective:
To develop and validate a clinically actionable prediction model for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in cardiac surgery patients, focusing on modifiable preoperative risk factors amenable to targeted optimization.
Methods:
In this prospective observational cohort study, 492 adults undergoing open-chest cardiac surgery between August 15, 2023 and December 31, 2023 were analyzed. Prespecified predictors included gas exchange variables, pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, and physical performance. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to develop the prediction model. Discrimination was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:
A total of 90 patients (14.1%) developed PPCs after surgery. Five independent predictors were identified: elevated arterial PaCO2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.26), oxygen desaturation (SpO2<93%) (OR 12.47, 95% CI 3.51–48.13), reduced gait speed (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.71), lower FEV1/FVC ratio (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00), and diminished inspiratory muscle strength (MIP % predicted) (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99). The model demonstrated good discriminative ability with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.80–0.93) in the training cohort and 0.87 (95% CI 0.74–0.93) in the validation cohort.
Conclusion
This parsimonious model achieved high predictive accuracy using five modifiable physiological variables. By targeting abnormalities in gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics, muscle strength, and functional reserve, the model offers a practical tool to guide individualized prehabilitation strategies for reducing PPC risk in cardiac surgery patients.
5."Integrating theory and practice"facilitates the advancement of undergraduate students'scientific research thinking:based on the"genetic engineering"course
Xinjing GAO ; Jiao WANG ; Yujia LIU ; Chang FENG ; Yanan GUO ; Xiaolin GUO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(10):1392-1395
In the current process of talent cultivation in biology majors,some challenges like teaching content that lags behind the forefront of scientific research,instructional models that deviate from the principles of effective knowledge transmission,and evaluation systems that lack dimensions reflecting scientific innovation.As a strategy of tackling challenges,the Genetic Engineering teaching team,drawing on theoretical analysis and extensive teaching practice,has explored a reform of the instructional model from the perspective of integrating theory with practice.This effort led to the development of a research-oriented teaching model characterized by four iterative stages:knowledge instruction,thinking exercises,practical operation,and feedback evaluation.This model is ground-ed in five core elements of scientific thinking:criticality,coherence,simplicity,logic,and integrity.Imple-mentation follows the four-step framework,emphasizing structured knowledge delivery,cultivation of analytical thinking,hands-on experimentation,and comprehensive feedback.After one semester of application,it was found that through reconstructed knowledge systems,immersive simulations of research contexts,realistic problem-solving of technical bottlenecks and all-round feedback,this teaching model effectively fosters scientific thinking among both instructors and students,significantly enhances students'scientific research ca-pabilities and improves overall teaching effectiveness.
6.Application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for trigger point combined with periapical steroid injec-tion on the quality of recovery in patients with primary frozen shoulder
Youhua LI ; Fan SUN ; Yulian LIN ; Chang LIU ; Yujia TANG ; Zhou WU ; Yan YUAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1387-1393
Objective To investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)combined with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection(CSI)for the treatment of primary frozen shoulder(PFS).Methods Ninety-nine patients with PFS who visited the pain department of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between April 2024 and July 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups according to the randomized number table method:ESWT group(T group),CSI group(I group),and combined treatment group(TI group),with 33 patients in each group.Visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,shoulder range of motion(SROM),and Constant-Murley shoulder scores(CMS)were recorded before treatment and at 1,4,8,and 12 weeks post-treatment.Additionally,the patients'Ascens Insomnia Scale(AIS)scores were recorded before treatment and 1 month after treatment.The occurrence of adverse effects and the use of remedial medications during the treatment period were also documented.Results Compared with pre-treatment,VAS scores decreased,and SROM and CM scores improved at all time points after treatment in all three groups(P<0.05).AIS scores also decreased in all three groups at 1 month post-treatment(all P<0.05).Intergroup comparisons revealed that the TI group exhibited signifi-cantly lower VAS pain scores,greater SROM(forward flexion and backward extension),and higher CM scores at 4,8,and 12 weeks post-treatment compared to the T and I groups(Bonferroni-corrected P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were observed between the T and I groups for these measures(Bonferroni-corrected P>0.05).Additionally,there were no statistically significant differences in AIS scores or adverse effects occurrence among the three groups at 1 month post-treatment(P>0.05).Conclusion The combined treatment demonstrated greater efficacy compared to trigger point extracorporeal shock wave therapy alone and periapical steroid injection alone,resulting in significant improvement in the patient's clinical symptoms and quality of life.
7.Discussion on the Treatment Formulas of Classical Prescriptions for Treating Type-2 Diabetes Secondary to Depression from the Theory of"Thirst Caused by Depression"
Zhichao ZHENG ; Mingze ZHENG ; Yujia LIU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(2):235-240
[Objective]To explore the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes(T2DM)secondary to depression by using classical formulas,based on the theory of"thirst induced by depression"as described in the Huangdi Neijing,and systematically review relevant texts in traditional Chinese medicine literature.[Methods]Utilizing the"thirst induced by depression"theory from the Huangdi Neijing,this study employs literature research to analyze ancient texts such as Jingui Yaolue,Zhubing Yuanhou Lun and Shennong Bencao Jing for theoretical support regarding the causes,pathogenesis and transmission of depressive syndromes and consumption disorders.This foundation allows for an exploration of the mechanisms through which depressive syndromes lead to consumption and the therapeutic strategies for managing T2DM secondary to depression in clinical practice.Finally,a test case was attached to support it.[Results]The concept of"Yin syndrome"characterized by"weakened organ Qi"shares a common pathological basis with"consumption",particularly during the"weakened five organs"stage.The pathological progression is similar to that seen in the development of T2DM secondary to depression.Specifically,the"Yin syndrome"associated with"weakened organ Qi"may evolve into a consumption syndrome due to prolonged Qi stagnation and increasing heat.Therefore,based on the pathological sequence of"fluid deficiency—Qi stagnation—heat transformation",the entire pathological process of depression leading to T2DM can be categorized into three stages for diagnosis and treatment:"early stage—progressive stage—end stage".The attached test case was of hot Qi stagnation and fluid injury type depression,treated to relieve heat for notifying fluid,clearing Qi and relieving depression,administered with revised Lily Powder and achieved good curative effect.[Conclusion]In the early stage of depression leading to T2DM,the primary condition is fluid and blood deficiency,treated by nourishing fluids,with reference to the Baihe Dihuang Decoction.During the progressive stage,Qi stagnation predominates alongside fluid deficiency,treated by regulating Qi and resolving stagnation,with references to the Chaihu Baihe Decoction.In the end stage,characterized by internal heat,the treatment focuses on clearing heat and nourishing fluids,with representative formulas including Guolou Muli San and Baihe San,depending on the presence or absence of Qi stagnation.
8.Screening and identification of vascular calcification-associated genes: implication of thymidine kinase 1
Yujia ZOU ; Jing WANG ; Dan LIU ; Chenghui YAN ; Yaling HAN
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(12):1383-1391
Objective:Investigate key genes influencing vascular calcification through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.Methods:Three vascular calcification datasets (GSE159832, GSE229679 and GSE37558) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and conventional gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on the common differential expressed genes(DEGs). For in vitro validation, a vascular smooth muscle cell calcification model was established by stimulating mouse primary vascular smooth muscle cells with high phosphate and calcium chloride (Pi+CaCl 2). Cells were divided into a control group and a Pi+CaCl 2 group. To investigate the role of TK1, cells were transfected with TK1-targeting siRNA (siTK1) or control siRNA (siControl) prior to Pi+CaCl 2 stimulation, creating siControl+Pi+CaCl 2 and siTK1+Pi+CaCl 2 groups. The association between key DEGs and vascular calcification was assessed at the protein and mRNA levels using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Changes in the phosphorylation of the downstream effector, AKT (p-AKT/AKT), were also measured. Results:A total of 2275, 449, and 381 DEGs were identified from the three vascular calcification datasets (GSE159832, GSE229679, and GSE37558), respectively. Two common DEGs-phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1)-were identified across all datasets. GO enrichment analysis revealed that TK1 was significantly enriched in pathways related to ribosome biogenesis, assembly, and rRNA processing and maturation. GSEA-KEGG analysis indicated significant enrichment in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cytoskeleton, and smooth muscle contraction. Conventional GSEA of TK1 further confirmed significant enrichment in pathways including dynein, epithelial tight junctions, axon guidance, and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathways. At the experimental level, both protein and mRNA expression of TK1, along with the p-AKT/AKT ratio, were significantly lower in the Pi+CaCl 2 group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the siControl+Pi+CaCl 2 group, the siTK1+Pi+CaCl 2 group exhibited decreased expression of differentiation markers, increased expression of calcification markers, and a further reduced p-AKT/AKT ratio (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Integrated bioinformatics and cellular validation demonstrate a correlation between TK1 expression and vascular calcification, suggesting a potential protective role for TK1 in this pathological process.
9.Research on efficient ventilation protection measures for organic solvent in composite materials impregnation room
Xiaoying NAN ; Cang LIU ; Rongrong MENG ; Yafei XING ; Wenxia DU ; Yujia WU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(6):417-421
Objective:To explore highly efficient ventilation protection technology for large-space workplaces adapted to the production process in composite material impregnation.Methods:A composite material impregnation room was selected as the research subject from August to December 2023. Occupational health investigation, on-site detection, and physical simulation of air distribution were used to analyze the distribution of the xylene concentrations in the impregnation room. In addition, the causes for excessive concentrations were analyzed, and the combination ventilation design of enclosed negative pressure cabinets and jet directional supply of fresh air was proposed. The concentration of xylene, the capture velocity and the differential pressure of ventilation facilities before and after the transformation were tested on the spot. The rationality of the airflow organization was determined through smoke testing, and the ventilation protection effects before and after the transformation were analyzed.Results:The time-weighted average allowable concentration ( CTWA) of xylene was reduced from 41.73 mg/m 3 to 7.78 mg/m 3, and the CTWA of xylene were reduced by 81.4%. The values of capture velocity at all areas were higer than 0.5 m/s, and the values of velocity unevenness in all regions were lower than or equal to 0.25. The differential pressure between the enclosed cabinet and the impregnation room corridor was -2 to -1 Pa. The overall velocity distribution at all areas was relatively uniform, the airflow organization was reasonable, and negative pressure was formed inside the enclosed cabinet. Conclusion:The combination ventilation design of xylene, the capture velocity and the differential pressure of ventilation facilities effectively reducing the xylene concentration in the workplace, and provide a reference for ventilation protection of xylene workplace.
10.A automatic segmentation model of bone lesion in bone SPECT/CT based on deep learning
Xueting WANG ; Weiming XIE ; Yujia MIAO ; Zhaomin YAO ; Yingxin DAI ; Fengmin LIU ; Guoxiu LU ; Guoxu ZHANG ; Zhiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(11):666-671
Objective:To develop a deep learning-based segmentation model MT-UNet to automatically segment bone metastases and benign bone lesions in bone scintigraphy with SPECT/CT.Methods:A total of 93 patients (48 males and 45 females, age 28-84 years) who underwent bone SPECT/CT in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from June 2023 to December 2023 were enrolled retrospectively in this study, with a total of 184 bone lesions (94 benign lesions and 90 metastatic tumors). The MT-UNet was employed to segment bone lesions in SPECT, CT and SPECT/CT images respectively. Comparative analysis with 8 segmentation models was performed. The training set and validation set were divided by using 5-fold cross-validation and transfer learning was introduced to further enhance the robustness of the model. An additional cohort of 22 patients (15 males and 7 females, age 37-87 years) who received bone SPECT/CT in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from April 2023 to May 2023 were included, comprising 40 bone lesions (22 benign lesions and 18 metastatic tumors) as the test set of MT-UNet. Segmentation performance of different models was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, AUC, intersection over union and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Delong test was used to compare the segmentation efficacy among different models in the test set.Results:In the validation set, MT-UNet demonstrated DSC of 0.940, 0.962, and 0.963 for SPECT, CT, and SPECT/CT bone lesion segmentation, respectively, which were outperformed other models. Following transfer learning implementation, the SPECT/CT model′s DSC was improved to 0.984. In the test set, MT-UNet maintained comparable segmentation performance to the validation set, with significant AUC differences among the three models ( Z values: from -15.42 to -9.27, all P<0.01). Compared with conventional image interpretation, MT-UNet-based segmentation reduced physician interpretation time from 164min to 102min. Conclusion:MT-UNet has shown good performance in automatic segmentation of bone metastases and benign bone lesions, and is expected to become an important part of SPECT/CT image intelligent diagnosis system for bone metastases.

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