1.Efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection comorbid with gallbladder polyps
Qianqian NIU ; Huan CHEN ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunyan GOU ; Chen XU ; Li LI ; Xinxin WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Xiuhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):304-311
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule (BBD) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder comorbid with gallbladder polyps. MethodsA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled single-center trial was conducted among 120 patients with chronic HBV infection who were admitted to Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from August 2020 to April 2023, and they were divided into treatment group (BBD) and control group (placebo), with 60 patients in each group. The course of treatment was 24 weeks, and follow-up assessments were conducted every 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the number and maximum diameter of gallbladder polyps (assessed by ultrasound), and the secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, blood lipid levels, and liver function parameters. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of ranked data between two groups; the generalized estimating equation was used to analyze repeated measures data. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly smaller diameter of polyps and a significantly lower number of polyps than the control group (Z=-1.76 and -1.80, both P<0.05), and after 24 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly higher polyp reduction rate than the control group (30.51% vs 10.91%, P<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that patients receiving combined antiviral therapy, male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps tended to achieve significantly greater benefits. At week 8 of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly better TCM syndrome score than the control group (Z=-2.35, P<0.05); after treatment, compared with the control group, the treatment group had a significantly greater increase in high-density lipoprotein (Z=-1.85, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (Z=-2.06, P <0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (Z=-2.13, P<0.05), total bilirubin (Z=-2.12, P<0.05), and direct bilirubin (Z=-3.09, P<0.05). No serious adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionBBD can effectively reduce the size of gallbladder polyps, improve TCM syndrome score, and reduce the level of bilirubin in patients with chronic HBV infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, with a favorable safety profile, and it may be more suitable for patients receiving combined antiviral therapy and specific subgroups (male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps.
2.Prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in a manganese enterprise
Tianzi SHAN ; Junxiang MA ; Tian CHEN ; Kang NONG ; Yucheng SUN ; Xueting WANG ; Gaoman ZHANG ; Teng MA ; Zhuoran XIA ; Fengtao CUI ; Li CHEN ; Yanyan ZHENG ; Piye NIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):333-340
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern, particularly among workers exposed to adverse ergonomic conditions. Manganese production involves heavy physical demands, yet research on WMSDs among manganese workers remains limited. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among manganese workers in a manganese enterprise in Guangxi. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2024 on workers at a manganese factory in Guangxi. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms, and work-related exposures. χ2 test was applied to compare differences in positive WMSDs rates across groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors. Results A total of 1476 workers were enrolled in the study after pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 34.15%. The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back (17.28%), neck (16.67%), and shoulders (13.82%). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that female, older age, and education level of college or above were associated with a higher risk of WMSDs (P<0.05). Awkward working postures were significantly associated with WMSDs in corresponding body regions; in particular, awkward postures of the neck, upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs were related to an increased risk of WMSDs in multiple body sites (P<0.05). In addition, poor lighting conditions, high workplace temperature, frequent or sustained arm support during work, and high job demands were associated with an increased risk of overall or site-specific WMSDs (P<0.05). Conclusion The high prevalence of WMSDs among manganese workers is closely associated with demographic characteristics, working postures, and work environment and organizational factors. Targeted ergonomic interventions focusing on high-risk body regions and key ergonomic exposures are warranted to reduce the risk of WMSDs among manganese workers.
3.B7-H3 molecule inhibits apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway
Lin ZHENG ; Jianxin ZHONG ; Ke NIU ; Qing XU ; Huijuan LING ; Yayu ZHU ; Bing CHEN ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):232-238
ObjectiveTo explore the role of the histone deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/p53 signaling pathway in promoting apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) induced by the co-stimulatory molecule B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3). MethodsThe GEPIA 2 platform was used for survival analysis of NSCLC patients based on B7⁃H3 gene expression levels. The Gene Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method was used to analyze the enrichment characteristics of B7⁃H3 molecules in the gene set of cell apoptosis. In the non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line, B7⁃H3 was knocked down, and the protein expression levels of SIRT1 and p53 were detected by Western blot. B7⁃H3 was overexpressed in A549 cells and the apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. Overexpression of B7⁃H3 and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed in A549 cell line. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected respectively by Western blot. Cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. ResultsThe overall survival of the B7-H3 high-expression group was significantly lower than that of the low-expression group (P<0.01). B7-H3 was significantly enriched in the cell apoptosis signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 was significantly downregulated, and p53 was significantly upregulated in the B7⁃H3 knockdown group (both P<0.001). Overexpression of B7-H3 significantly up-regulated SIRT1 protein expression (P<0.05), down-regulated p53 expression (P<0.01), and markedly increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio of apoptosis-related proteins (P<0.001). The results of Annexin V/PI double staining showed that the apoptosis rate of A549 cells with overexpressed B7⁃H3 decreased (the apoptosis rate of the control group was 26.72%±4.13%, while that of the B7⁃H3 overexpression group was 13.87%±0.82%; P<0.01). In B7-H3-overexpressing cell lines, SIRT1 knockdown significantly reversed apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated p53 protein expression (P<0.001), and markedly reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.001). ConclusionB7-H3 molecule inhibits the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.
4.Microcirculatory Dysfunction After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Predicts the Early Prognosis of Patients With ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Guohui CHEN ; Yuxuan ZHANG ; Abuduwufuer YIDILISI ; Yiyue ZHENG ; Delong CHEN ; Jiacheng FANG ; Zining CHEN ; Rui JI ; Jiamu CHEN ; Tiesheng NIU ; Jun PU ; Jian'an WANG ; Jun JIANG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(9):892-897
Objectives:To explore the predictive value of angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance(Angio-IMR)for early prognosis in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:This multicenter study enrolled 1 629 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent successful PCI at three grade A tertiary hospitals(The Second Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine;Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University;Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine)from June 1,2017,to May 31,2020.According to postoperative Angio-IMR,patients was stratified into two groups:the Angio-IMR>40 group(n=508)and the Angio-IMR≤40 group(n=1 121).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE;defined as a composite endpoint including cardiac death,heart failure rehospitalization,cardiogenic shock,malignant arrhythmia,cardiopulmonary resuscitation and stent thrombosis)within 1-month post-PCI was compared between the two groups.Results:The median Angio-IMR after PCI was 32.4(22.3,42.6).The cumulative incidence of early-term MACE was significantly higher in patients with Angio-IMR>40,compared to those with Angio-IMR≤40(5.5%vs.2.3%,log-rank P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Angio-IMR>40 was an independent predictor of early-term MACE(HR=2.07,95%CI:1.20-3.58,P=0.009).The addition of Angio-IMR enhanced the predicting performance of the clinical risk model to predict early adverse outcomes(AUC:0.820 vs.0.794,P=0.043).Conclusions:In patients with STEMI after PCI,Angio-IMR can predict the occurrence of early-term MACE.The incorporation of Angio-IMR to clinical models significantly improves the model ability to predict early adverse outcomes in these patients.
5.Effects of data-centric multi-task learning with larger patch sizes on pulmonary nodule segmentation performance
Jian LIU ; Zheng ZHANG ; Bing NIU ; Shuai KANG ; Juan REN ; Lei WANG ; Kai XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(10):1306-1320
Given the lack of annotations for key lung organs and tissues in existing public datasets,this study collected 863 cases of chest CT scan images and constructed the first comprehensive dataset containing annotations of pulmonary vessels,airways,and nodules using a semi-automated method that combines computer vision algorithms with manual corrections by radiologists.On this basis,a lung nodule segmentation model based on multi-task learning is proposed.By incorporating annotations of pulmonary vessels(pulmonary arteries and veins)and the trachea to enhance model's ability to learn lung features,the proposed model reduces the false discovery rate in lung nodule detection,and improves generalization ability.Additionally,the use of larger image patches further optimizes model performance.The trained VAAN_128 model achieves the best performance,with a Dice coefficient of 0.694 and a false discovery rate of 0.210 for lung nodule segmentation.Moreover,it simultaneously provides accurate segmentation results of pulmonary vessels and the trachea,assisting in the formulation of more precise diagnosis and treatment plans.Based on the VAAN_128 model,a software system for navigation and localization in biopsy procedures is developed.In clinical practice,this system can assist physicians in accurately locating lung nodules,distinguishing critical tissues,and improving preoperative planning efficiency.This provides precise and efficient technical support for early diagnosis and disease monitoring of lung diseases,and is of great significance for path planning in clinical navigation system and future lung imaging research.
6.Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with seated Taijiquan Yunshou in different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiplegia:a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Qi XU ; Dingzhao ZHENG ; Zhenyuan NIU ; Yaling YANG ; Weiyou WEN ; Jingsheng XU ; Longqiang WU ; Fan WU ; Tiebin YAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(10):1121-1127
Objective To investigate the immediate effect of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)combined with seated Tai-jiquan Yunshou training under different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiple-gia.Methods From September to December,2024,14 stroke inpatients with hemiplegia were enrolled from the Fifth Hospi-tal of Xiamen.Based on the routine medication and rehabilitation,the patients were randomly assigned to a spe-cific intervention sequence,receiving three interventions in a fixed order:tDCS followed by Yunshou(S-Y group),Yunshou followed by tDCS(Y-S group),and simultaneous tDCS and Yunshou(Sim group).Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect oxyhemoglobin(HbO?)concentration in bilateral sensorimotor cor-tex,premotor and supplementary motor cortex,and prefrontal cortex before and after each intervention.Results Three patients dropped out.In all the regions of interest,inter-group effects were significant in HbO? concentra-tions(F>3.697,P<0.05),and interaction effects were significant in some brain regions(F>3.276,P<0.05).Post-hoc test showed a general trend of Sim Group≥S-Y Group>Y-S Group(P<0.05),although some varia-tions existed across different brain regions.Conclusion Both simultaneous intervention(tDCS and Yunshou)and tDCS followed by Yunshou are more effective on immediate activation of key motor-related cortices in stroke patients with hemiplegia than Yunshou followed by tDCS intervention.
7.Preliminary establishment of reference intervals for 12 cytokines in adult plasma by multiplex bead-based flow fluorescent immunoassay
Xinyu WANG ; Xing CHENG ; Lu ZHENG ; Yue ZHANG ; Yuting MA ; Guoping NIU ; Feng GU ; Yongqiang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1202-1207
Objective:To establish the reference interval of 12 types of cytokines(IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17,IFN-γ,IFN-α,TNF-α)in adult plasma based on multiple microsphere flow immunofluorescence(MBFFI).Methods:A total of 140 healthy adult patients who were examined at Xuzhou Central Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 were included in the study.Plasma cytokine levels were detected and reference intervals were established by the flow cytometer and the assay kits produced by Qingdao Raisecare Biotechnology Co.,Ltd and Jiangsu BioPredia Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.Results:All of the cytokines exhibited a non-normal distribution,and there was a discrepancy in the 95%reference interval between the two re-agents.The reference intervals for the 12 cytokine kits produced by Qingdao Raisecare Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.were as follows:IFN-α:<4.91 pg/ml,IL-12 p70:<1.95 pg/ml,IL-5:<12.72 pg/ml,IL-8:<60.68 pg/ml,IL-1β:<27.67 pg/ml,IL-2:<5.01 pg/ml,IL-4:<1.22 pg/ml,IL-6:<6.11 pg/ml,TNF-α:<2.92 pg/ml,IL-17:<10.27 pg/ml,IL-10:<6.88 pg/ml,IFN-γ:<17.68 pg/ml.The reference intervals of the 12 cytokines produced by Jiangsu BioPredia Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.were as follows:IFN-α:<4.05 pg/ml,IL-12 p70:<7.33 pg/ml,IL-5:<7.80 pg/ml,IL-8:<13.24 pg/ml,IL-1β:<19.24 pg/ml,IL-2:<2.42 pg/ml,IL-4:<0.99 pg/ml,IL-6:<2.10 pg/ml,TNF-α:<0.87 pg/ml,IL-17:<1.42 pg/ml,IL-10:<1.10 pg/ml,IFN-γ:<1.34 pg/ml.Conclusion:In this study,the ref-erence range of two reagents for the detection of 12 kinds of cytokines in plasma of healthy adults is established by MBFFI,which pro-vides a valuable reference for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical-related diseases.
8.Ultrasound radiomics combined with machine learning for early diagnosis of seronegative hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Wenjun WU ; Chang LIU ; Shengsheng YAO ; Daming LIU ; Yuan LUO ; Yihan SUN ; Ting RUAN ; Mengyou LIU ; Li SHI ; Mingming XIAO ; Qi ZHANG ; Zhengshuai LIU ; Xingai JU ; Jiahao WANG ; Xiang FEI ; Li LU ; Yang GAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Liying GONG ; Xuanyu CHEN ; Wanli ZHENG ; Xiali NIU ; Xiao YANG ; Huimei CAO ; Shijie CHANG ; Zuoxin MA ; Jianchun CUI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):313-319
Objective:To evaluate the value of ultrasound radiomics combined with machine learning for early diagnosis of seronegative Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (SN-HT) .Methods:This retrospective study included 164 patients from Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital , Lixin County People’s Hospital, Linghai Dalinghe Hospital, Fengcheng Phoenix Hospital, who underwent thyroidectomy for solitary nodules with normal thyroid function between Nov. 2016 and Jan. 2024. Postoperative pathology confirmed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in some cases, who were further categorized into antibody-positive and antibody-negative groups based on serum antibody status. Patients without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis served as the control group. A total of 298 ultrasound images were analyzed. Radiomics features were extracted from hypoechoic non-nodular areas within 0.5 cm surrounding the tumor. Two senior pathologists and two senior ultrasound physicians independently assessed lymphocytic infiltration, eosinophilic changes of follicular epithelium, and the proportion of hypoechoic areas in pathology and ultrasound images, respectively. A machine learning model, CCH-NET, was developed using linear regression and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) techniques. The dataset was divided into a training set (80%) and a validation set (20%) to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CCH-NET with that of senior ultrasound physicians. Results:In internal validation, CCH-NET achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 88.89% for both antibody-positive and antibody-negative groups, significantly higher than the 66.67% accuracy of senior ultrasound physicians ( P<0.01). In external validation, CCH-NET achieved 75.00% and 66.67% accuracy for the two groups, compared to 50.00% by senior ultrasound physicians. For the control group, both methods achieved 93.33% accuracy. The AUC of CCH-NET was 0.848, outperforming senior ultrasound physicians (0.681) ,demonstrating superior diagnostic performance. Conclusion:The radiomics-based CCH-NET model, using non-nodular hypoechoic areas as a specific indicator, can accurately identify early SN-HT in euthyroid patients. It significantly outperforms senior ultrasound physicians, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing missed diagnoses.
9.Effects of 12.5% carbohydrate solution and MCT solutions at various concentrations on gastric emptying in healthy volunteers
Jinran YANG ; Ruilan NIU ; Lin ZHENG ; Xiangrong LIU ; Xinsheng ZHANG ; Yinghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(1):40-47
Objective:To observe the effects of 12.5% carbohydrate (CHO) solution and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) solutions at various concentrations on gastric emptying, in order to determine the optimal MCT-CHO combination for enhanced recovery after surgery.Methods:This study was a prospective study. Ten healthy volunteers were selected to ingest 400 ml of the following 5 solutions every day: water, 12.5% CHO, 1% MCT, 2% MCT and 4% MCT. According to the above results, the optimal concentration of MCT solution was 2% MCT, showing comparable gastric emptying rate compared with 12.5% CHO solution. On this basis, combinations of MCT and CHO solutions were determined to be 30 energy % (EN%) MCT+70 EN% CHO and 20 EN% MCT+80 EN% CHO according to the energy distribution ratio. Then the volunteers were given 400 ml of the following 4 solutions every day: 12.5% CHO, 2% MCT, 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO (equivalent to 2% MCT+8% CHO), and 20 EN% MCT+80 EN% CHO (equivalent to 4.4% MCT+10% CHO). Gastric emptying during fasting (T m) and immediately (T 1), 30 min (T 2), 60 min (T 3), 90 min (T 4) and 120 min after ingestion (T 5) were observed by antral ultrasonography. The degree of thirst, hunger, and anxiety was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale, and the taste was rated. Results:The gastric emptying rate in descending order was 20%EN MCT+80%EN CHO group>30%EN MCT+70%EN CHO group≈2%MCT group≈12.5%CHO group. There was no significant difference in gastric emptying rate between 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO group and 12.5% CHO group ( P>0.05). The scores of thirst, hunger and anxiety in 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO group at T 1 to T 5 were significantly lower than those at T m ( P<0.05). 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO group showed the highest taste score. Conclusion:30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO solution has similar gastric emptying rate compared with 12.5% CHO solution. It can relieve thirst, hunger, anxiety and other subjective feelings caused by fasting, with tastes better than 12.5% CHO solution.
10.Interaction between perceived social support and TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism and its association with risk of developing depression
Xingmeng NIU ; Hanyun LI ; Xueyi WANG ; Sifang NIU ; Yan QIN ; Yi ZHENG ; Fuqin MU ; Yueqin HUANG ; Yan LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(2):107-114
Objective:To explore the association between perceived social support,TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism,and their interaction with incidence of depressive symptoms in the freshmen.Methods:A total of 9928 freshmen from two medical universities were investigated at baseline and follow-up two years later during 2018-2020 by cluster sampling.A self-report demographic characteristics questionnaire was used to collect information of general demographic characteristics.Perceived Social Support Scale,Beck Depression Inventory,Beck Anxiety Inventory and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List were used to measure the level of perceived social support,depressive symptoms,anxiety symptoms and the number of negative life events of individuals.Blood sam-ples were collected and typed for DNA by professionals.Results:Family support and other support were all nega-tively associated with depressive symptoms in the freshmen(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-0.99;OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.98).There was no correlation between friend support and depressive symptoms in the freshmen(OR=0.99,95%CI:0.95-1.02).TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism(AG)was positively associated with de-pressive symptoms in the freshmen(OR=1.58,95%CI:1.12-2.23).The interactions of friend support with TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism(AG)(OR=1.13,95%CI:1.02-1.26)and other support with TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism(AG)(OR=1.13,95%CI:1.02-1.25)had significant effects on the incidence of depressive symptoms in the females and no significant effect in the males.Conclusion:The perceived social support,TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism and their interaction are associated with influence of de-pressive symptoms,and have sex difference in the freshmen.

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