1.Role and mechanism of caffeic acid in a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis
Siyu XU ; Tao LIU ; Lulu LAN ; Yining XUE ; Wei WEI ; Yi HAN ; Sucheng MU ; Haiyan SONG ; Shilin DU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):722-730
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and potential mechanism of caffeic acid (CA) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) induced by caerulein combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to provide a basis for the research on novel drugs for the treatment of SAP. MethodsC57BL/6J mice, aged 6 weeks, were divided into control group, model group, CA group, and octreotide acetate (OA) group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the control group were given injection of normal saline, and those in the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of caerulein combined with LPS to establish a mouse model of SAP. At 1 hour after the first injection of caerulein, the mice in the CA group and the OA group were given intraperitoneal injection of CA or subcutaneous injection of OA at an interval of 8 hours. The general status of the mice was observed after 24 hours of modeling, and serum, pancreas, lung, and colon samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas and lungs, and the serum levels of α-amylase, lipase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine were measured. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of proinflammatory factors in the pancreas and lungs; myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunohistochemistry was used to observe the degree of neutrophil infiltration; Western blot was used to measure the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the level of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), a marker for the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in the pancreas and lungs, as well as the expression level of ZO-1 in colon tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunnett’s t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group had severe injury in the pancreas and lungs and significant increases in the activity of serum α- amylase and lipase and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (all P<0.05), as well as significant increases in NF-κB activation, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of NETs in the pancreas and lungs (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the CA group had alleviated pathological injury of the pancreas and lungs and significant reductions in the activity of serum α-amylase and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (all P<0.05), as well as significant reductions in NF-κB activation, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of NETs in the pancreas and lungs (all P<0.05). ConclusionCA can alleviate SAP induced by caerulein combined with LPS in mice, possibly by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and the formation of NETs.
2.Recommendations for solving the dilemma of end-stage patients participating in clinical trials under the palliative care philosophy
Xue HONG ; Lijie XU ; Haiyan LI ; Yahong CHEN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):924-928
Palliative care is recognized as an effective measure to improve the quality of life for patients with end-stage diseases, and the significance and role of such patients participating in clinical trials to conquer major diseases has also become a broad consensus. However, due to the special physical, psychological, and social conditions of terminal trial participants, the ethical problems encountered in the trial process are more serious and complex. Drawing on ethical practice experience, these seemingly common phenomena and issues were deeply analyzed. Combined with the palliative care philosophy for end-stage patients, this paper proposed a series of improvement suggestions throughout the entire life cycle of clinical trials, hoping to promote the quality improvement of clinical research in which end-stage patients participate as subjects, while effectively protecting the safety and rights of the subjects and ensuring they receive appropriate palliative care during their participation in clinical trials or clinical-related scientific research.
3.Klinefelter syndrome with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome: a case report and literature review
Qiong CHEN ; Xue WU ; Lili GE ; Shengnan WU ; Haihua YANG ; Bingyan CAO ; Haiyan WEI
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(4):310-313
The clinical data of a patient with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) complicated by partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) was retrospectively analyzed.The patient, a 2-month-and-22-day-old baby, was admitted to Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University due to abnormal external genitalia in October 2021.Upon birth, the patient exhibited abnormal external genitalia, manifested as clitoral hypertrophy.Hormonal examinations were consistent with those of peers, while chromosomal analysis revealed 47, XXY.Due to the severe undermasculinization, whole exome sequencing was conducted, indicating a heterozygous variant of the AR gene (c.1847G>A, p.Arg616His). The patient was diagnosed with PAIS, and her elder sister was diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.For further treatment, a multidisciplinary comprehensive evaluation is needed.This is a rare case of KS combined with PAIS, suggesting the possibility of AR gene mutations in KS children with severe undermasculinization.
4.Comprehensive evaluation of research outputs from the Capital′s Funds for Health Improvement and Research
Enci XUE ; Xinyi LU ; Xueying WANG ; Lin ZENG ; Bishan ZHANG ; Haiyan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2024;37(1):39-44
Objective:The Capital′s Funds for Health Improvement and Research (referred to as ″CFH″), established to address clinical medical issues, have been operating for over a decade. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the achievements of this fund and provide empirical support and recommendations for optimizing the operational model of the clinical research fund.Methods:An online questionnaire was used to investigate the following aspects of CFH: subject area, the person in charge, derived projects, theses, patents, transformation of results, and popularization and promotion.Results:A total of 745 projects were collected through the online survey, and after rechecking for outliers, 720 completed projects were ultimately included. The top three disciplinary domains, in terms of the number of completed projects, were oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. The age distribution of project leaders exhibited a left-skewed pattern, with a median age of 45 years. 319 (44%) received support from other related projects subsequently. 95% of the projects resulted in paper publication. 211 (29%) projects applied for patents and copyrights, with 141 projects being granted patent authorization. 78 (11%) projects successfully achieved technology transfer, with transfer and licensing being the most common modes. 156 (22%) projects disseminated their outputs, often targeting secondary hospitals and community health institutions.Conclusions:CFH aligns with local needs, and the outputs are substantial. In the future, consideration can be given to establishing an evaluation mechanism, increasing efforts to promote high-quality outputs, strengthening the organizational model set by the project guidelines, and further improving the rolling support mechanism.
5.Effect of Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Incompatible Pair with Haizao Yuhutang on Oxidative Stress in Liver of Goiter Rats
Xiao DONG ; Yi TIAN ; Xiaoqing LIU ; Can CAO ; Wenyong LIAO ; Xiangnan XU ; Meijing WU ; Haiyan LIU ; Shaohong CHEN ; Xue YU ; Angran FAN ; Linlin XIU ; Gansheng ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):37-45
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma incompatible pair with the Haizao Yuhutang (HYT) on oxidative stress in the liver of goiter rats under the condition of 2 times the dose limit of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020. MethodA total of 128 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a euthyrox group (20 μg·kg-1), a HYT group (12.06 g·kg-1), a HYT without Sargassum (HYT-H) group (9.90 g·kg-1), a HYT without Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (HYT-G) group (10.26 g·kg-1), a HYT without Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (HYT-HG) group (8.10 g·kg-1), and a Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (HG) group (3.96 g·kg-1). The blank group was given deionized water by gavage, and the others were given propylthiouracil (PTU) to replicate the goiter pathological model. Euthyrox was taken as a positive control drug, and the rest of the Chinese medicine groups were given the corresponding decoction by gavage, the material was collected 12 hours after the last dose. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liver tissue were detected in each group. The pathological changes in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to detect the mRNA expressions of Kelch-like Ech-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), p53 and Caspase-3 in liver tissues. Western blot was adopted to detect the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in liver tissues in oxidative stress-related signaling pathways. ResultCompared with control group, the model group showed significantly increased serum ALT level and contents of MDA and ROS in liver tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the liver (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA expression of Keap1 (P<0.01), and significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the HYT group manifested significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced contents of MDA and ROS in liver tissue (P<0.01), significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expressions of Keap1, p53, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionUnder the condition of 2 times the dose limit of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020, Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma incompatible pair with the HYT on oxidative stress in the liver of goiter rats had different effects. The HYT that contains Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has a protective effect on the liver of goiter rats, and the effect is better than that of the HG group, the euthyrox group, and the incomplete groups. Its mechanism may be related to activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to alleviate liver oxidative stress and inhibiting the p53/Caspase-3 signaling pathway to reduce hepatocyte apoptosis.
6.A nomogram based on clinical, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features for preoperative differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from hepatocellular carcinoma
Chunrui LIU ; Haiyan XUE ; Han LIU ; Peng WAN ; Wentao KONG ; Zhengyang ZHOU ; Jing YAO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(5):369-377
Objective:To establish a nomogram for preoperative differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on clinical, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) data.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on ultrasound and CEUS data of 462 patients who underwent hepatectomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2016 to December 2023, including 262 cases of HCC (56.7%) and 200 cases of ICC (43.3%). The data were randomly divided into training set ( n=324) and validation set ( n=138) in a 7∶3 ratio. Univariate analysis was used to initially screen for variables with statistically significant differences between HCC and ICC groups in the training set, and LASSO regression was performed to select the variables with higher coefficients. Logistic regression analyses were then used to predict independent risk factors for ICC. A nomogram was drawn using R software. The performance of the nomogram was then validated using ROC curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, gender, liver cirrhosis, HBsAg (+ ), ALP >185 U/L, CA19-9 >27 kU/L, CA242>10 kU/L, irregular shape, border, cholangiectasis, portal vein tumor thrombus, enhanced pattern in arterial phase, clearance time <60 s, intra-tumoral vein between ICC and HCC groups (all P<0.05). The top 10 features were selected for LASSO regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, cirrhosis, CA19-9>27 kU/L, CA242>10 kU/L, cholangiectasis, clearance time <60 s, intra-tumoral vein and enhanced pattern in arterial phase were risk factors for ICC (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve in the training and validation groups were 0.963 and 0.914, respectively. In the training group, the specificity and sensitivity of the nomogram were 0.926 and 0.917, respectively, and in the validation group, they were 0.875 and 0.871, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the prediction effect of the model was in good agreement with the actual situation. DCA showed that the nomogram could increase the net benefit to the different diagnosis of ICC in patients. Conclusions:The nomogram based on clinical, ultrasound and CEUS features has a good predictive value for preoperative identification of ICC and provides reliable evidence for clinical practice.
7.Development and evaluation of a clinical and ultrasound features-based nomogram for the preoperative diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Chunrui LIU ; Haiyan XUE ; Han LIU ; Peng WAN ; Jing YAO ; Wentao KONG ; Zhengyang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2024;30(5):354-359
Objective:To establish and evaluate a clinical and ultrasound parameters-based nomogram for the preoperative differentiating diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:A total of 723 patients undergoing hepatectomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University from January 2016 to August 2022 were retrospectively screened. A total of 399 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 198 cases) or ICC (201 cases) were enrolled in this study, including 284 males and 115 females, aged (60.5±10.5) years. Through random sampling using computer-generated random numbers, patients were divided into training ( n=279) and validation groups ( n=120) in a ratio of 7∶3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors differentiating ICC, and a nomogram was established using R software based on independent risk factors for ICC. The accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curves. Decision curve analysis was performed to assess the net benefit of the model. Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that irregular shape, cholangiectasis, female, cirrhosis, carbohydrate antigen 242 >10 U/ml, carbohydrate antigen 125 >30 U/ml and alpha-fetoprotein >10 μg/L were independent differentiating factors for ICC (all P<0.05). A nomogram was constructed based on those factors. The nomogram showed a better discrimination between ICC and HCC. The area under the curve of the training group and the validation group were 0.966 and 0.956, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the prediction effect of the model is in good agreement with the actual situation. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram was more effective than diagnosing all patients as either HCC or ICC, which yielded a net benefit at the most reasonable threshold probabilities. Conclusion:The nomogram for the preoperative diagnosis of ICC based on clinical and ultrasound features showed a good diagnostic performance.
8.The application of a psychological nursing programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy in end-stage cancer patients
Rong XUE ; Xuejing WANG ; Runping YANG ; Qiaohong DU ; Jing ZHANG ; Haiyan HE
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(15):1832-1839
Objective To explore the effects of a psychological nursing programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy on patients with end-stage cancer.Methods The convenience sampling method was adopted to select 120 patients with end-stage cancer who were hospitalized in the radiotherapy department of a tertiary A maternity and general hospital in Yuncheng from June 2021 to December 2022 as the research subjects.The Research Randomizer was used to divide them into an experimental group and a control group,with 60 cases in each group.The experimental group adopted the psychological nursing programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy,and the control group received the routine psychological nursing.The differences of psychological resilience,psychological pain,experiential avoidance level and quality of life before and after intervention were compared between the 2 groups.Results 57 cases in the experimental group and 58 cases in the control group completed the study.The scores of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were(35.14±4.76)points in the experimental group and(33.17±2.97)points in the control group,and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(t=2.664,P=0.009).After intervention,the scores of the Distress Thermometer in experimental group and control group were(4.14±1.88)points and(5.69±2.13)points,and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(t=-4.138,P<0.001).The scores of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Ⅱwere(16.19±3.80)points in the experimental group and(23.93±2.46)points in the control group,and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(t=-13.002,P<0.001).The EORTC QLQ-C30 score in the experimental group was(117.00±8.50)points,and that in the control group was(101.45±11.88)points,and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(t=8.066,P<0.001).Conclusion The psychological nursing programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy can effectively reduce the level of psychological pain and experiential avoidance,improve psychological resilience and improve the quality of life of patients.
9.Sirolimus therapy for diazoxide resistant congenital hyperinsulinism: A retrospective analysis
Qiong CHEN ; Xue WU ; Xiaohong WANG ; Yongxing CHEN ; Yingxian ZHANG ; Shiyu LI-YANG ; Haihua YANG ; Shengnan WU ; Haiyan WEI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(9):740-745
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of diazoxide unresponsive congenital hyperinsulinism(CHI) and summarize the single-center experience.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 5 cases of CHI treated with sirolimus after ineffective treatment with diazoxide, admitted to the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to December 2022. The efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of CHI were evaluated.Results:The study included 5 patients, 3 males and 2 females. The age of onset ranged from 1 to 90 days. Initial symptoms included poor mental state(2/5) and convulsions(3/5). Blood glucose levels were 1.1 to 2.3 mmol/L, and insulin levels ranged from 13.52 to 70.53 μIU/mL. Two cases were classified as diffuse type, and the histological type of 3 cases was unknown. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis, with whole-exome sequencing revealing an unreported novel mutation in 1 case(ABCC8 exon 25_28del). Of the five patients, three patients were treated with sirolimus after diazoxide and octreotide failed, one patient was treated after unresponsive diazoxide, and the other one was treated after diazoxide, octreotide, and even near-total pancreatectomy failed. The onset age of sirolimus therapy ranged from 1 to 20 months. The maximum dosage of sirolimus was 1.2-3.2 mg·m -2·d -1, and the duration of medication ranged from 2 to 12 months. One patient was fully responsive to sirolimus, and the other four patients were partially responsive. All patients achieved euglycemia with sirolimus alone or in combination with standard CHI treatment. During follow-up, non-infectious diarrhea, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen, elevated triglycerides, and elevated liver enzymes were observed. Conclusion:This study indicates that sirolimus has a certain degree of efficacy in CHI patients for whom diazoxide treatment is ineffective. However, the long-term efficacy and safety warrant further multicenter trials.
10.Clinical and genetic features of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: A case series of 95 children
Dongxia FU ; Yongxing CHEN ; Xue WU ; Huizhen WANG ; Jing GAO ; Haiyan WEI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(11):948-955
Objective:To analyze clinical and genetic characteristics of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(CHH) in children.Methods:Clinical data of 0-18 year old CHH patients diagnosed in the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism of Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including their hormone levels and genetic test results.Results:A total of 95 patients with CHH were included. Among them, 25 were diagnosed before the age of 3, 37 between the ages of 3-14, and 33 were over 14 years old at the time of first diagnosis. The primary manifestations were micropenis(95 cases, 100%) and cryptorchidism(46 cases, 48.5%). The incidence of cryptorchidism was the lowest in the group over 14 years of age. Hormonal analysis revealed that the peak levels of LH following statin B and GnRH stimulation, the peak levels of FSH after GnRH stimulation, and testosterone levels following hCG stimulation were the highest in the infant group. Genetic analysis identified 20 CHH-related genes in 61 out of 77 cases.Double-gene mutation accounted for 7.8%(6/77) and triple-gene mutation accounted for 3.9%(3/77). The most common mutations were FGFR1(18/77, 23.4%), CHD7(12/77, 15.6%), PROKR2(11/77, 14.3%) and ANOS1(6/77, 7.8%). The incidence of cryptorchidism in these four genotypes was 50%, 75%, 45.5% and 83.3%, respectively. The incidence of testicular dysfunction was 22.2%, 16.7%, 27.3%, and 16.7%, respectively, with no statistical significance.Conclusion:The primary manifestation of CHH is micropenis and cryptorchidism. In children with CHH, the incidence of testicular Leydig cell and Sertoli cell dysfunction increased with age in CHH children. FGFR1, CHD7, PROKR2 and ANOS1 were common variants of CHH.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail