1.Mechanism of Xielitang Against Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Based on "Intestinal Flora-bile Acid" Axis
Xiaotian WANG ; Yaning BIAO ; Yixin ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Ya GAO ; Yufang ZHANG ; Muqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):30-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Xielitang on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and its possible mechanism. MethodsDSS was used to establish UC model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a sulfasalazine group (0.6 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Xielitang groups (1.67, 3.34, 6.68 g·kg-1). After treatment for 42 d, the colon length was recorded, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes of colon. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), small heterodimer partner (SHP), liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in liver and FXR, sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) in ileum. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the intestinal flora. Moreover, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the bile acid content. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and content of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) (P<0.01), significantly increased DAI score, IL-6 and TNF-α content, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and taurocholic acid (TCA) (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly down-regulated protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and significantly up-regulated protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). In addition, the structure of colonic mucosa was destroyed, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with the model group, Xielitang could significantly increase the colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, the abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and DCA and LCA content (P<0.05, P<0.01), decrease DAI score, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of IL-6, TNF-α, CA, CDCA, and TCA (P<0.01), up-regulate the protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). The pathological damage of colonic mucosa was obviously alleviated. ConclusionXielitang protects against UC probably by regulating the "intestinal microbiota-bile acid" axis, regulating intestinal flora imbalance, and maintaining bile acid homeostasis.
2.Compound Xishu Granules Inhibit Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating Ferroptosis
Yuan TIAN ; Yuxi WANG ; Zhen LIU ; Yuncheng MA ; Hongyu ZHU ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Qian LI ; Jian GAO ; Weiling WANG ; Wenhui XU ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):37-45
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules (CXG) in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model, Fufang Banmao (0.21 g·kg-1), low-dose (1.87 g·kg-1) CXG, medium-dose (3.74 g·kg-1) CXG, and high-dose (7.49 g·kg-1) CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days, and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations (0, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1 000 mg·L-1) of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM, DCFH-DA, and C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxide (LPO), respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment, compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 (P<0.01). After treatment, the Fufang Banmao and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume, relative tumor volume, and tumor weight than the model group (P<0.05), with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%, 79.93%, 91.38%, and 97.36%, respectively. Moreover, the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume (P<0.05 in all the three dose groups) and lower tumor weight (P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups) than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells, necrotic foci with karyopyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, and nucleolysis, and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment, compared with the blank group, CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY581/591, which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe2+ (P<0.01), ROS (P<0.05), and LPO (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.05). In addition, the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 (P<0.05), and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 (P<0.05). ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe2+and LPO levels.
3.Risk factors of blood transfusion in total knee revision in the United States
Xiaoyin LI ; Liangxiao BAO ; Hao XIE ; Qinfeng YANG ; Pengcheng GAO ; Jian WANG ; Zhanjun SHI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):201-208
[Objective] To explore the incidence and risk factors of blood transfusion undergoing total knee revision (TKR) using a nationwide database. [Methods] A retrospective data analysis was conducted based on the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), enrolling patients who underwent TKR from 2015 to 2019 with complete information. Patients under 18 years old and those using anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antithrombotic and non-steroidal were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received blood transfusion or not. The demographic characteristics, length of stay (LOS), total charge of hospitalization, hospital characteristics, hospital mortality, comorbidities and perioperative complications by Wilcoxon rank test for continuous data and chi-square test for categorical data. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors of blood transfusion undergoing TKR. [Results] The NIS database included 63 359 patients who underwent TKR. Among them, 5 271 patients received blood transfusion, with an incidence of blood transfusion of 7.8%. There was a decrease in the incidence over the years from 2015 to 2019, dropping from 10.2% to 6.5%. TKR patients requiring transfusions had experienced longer LOS, incurred higher total medical expenses, utilized Medicare more frequently, and had increased in-hospital mortality rates (all P<0.001). Independent risk factors for blood transfusion included female gender, iron-deficiency anemia, rheumatoid disease, collagen vascular disease, chronic blood loss anemia, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, diabetes with chronic complications, lymphoma, fluid and electrolyte disorders, peripheral vascular disorders, renal failure, valvular disease and weight loss (malnutrition). In addition, risk factors for transfusion in TKR surgery included sepsis, acute myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, acute renal failure, postoperative delirium, wound infection, lower limb nerve injury, hemorrhage, seroma, hematoma, wound rupture and non healing. [Conclusion] Our findings highlight the importance of recognizing the risk factors of blood transfusion in TKR and establishing corresponding clinical pathways and intervention measures to reduce the occurrence of adverse events.
4.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
5.Seasonal distribution characteristics, source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City in 2019-2023
Shengnan GAO ; Jinkun LI ; Li CHEN ; Zhengdong XYU ; Hongru ZHU ; Jian WANG ; Zhiyang YAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):65-69
Objective To study the seasonal distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City, and analyze the sources of PAHs pollution, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs in different seasons. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected regularly from January 2019 to December 2023, and 16 types of PAHs were determined by HPLC. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the concentrations of PM2.5 and PAHs in different years and seasons. The source of PAHs was analyzed by characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA). Health risks were assessed using the BaP equivalent method and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model. Results The annual exceedance rates of PM2.5 and BaP in Lianyungang showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023. PM2.5, total PAHs and PAHs monomers (except Ace, Flu and Acy) all showed significant seasonal differences, with the highest concentration in winter (P<0.001). The average proportion of 4-ring PAHs was the highest and the average proportion of 2-ring PAHs was the lowest. The proportion of 5-6 ring PAHs was relatively high in winter and spring. PM2.5and PAHs were negatively correlated with temperature, relative humidity and precipitation, and were positively correlated with atmospheric pressure. PM2.5 was negatively correlated with wind speed, while some PAHs monomers were positively correlated with wind speed. The characteristic ratio and PCA results showed that the main sources of PAHs in Lianyungang City were mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources and biomass combustion sources. The results of ILCR showed that the highest risk was found in adults, with males slightly higher than females. In Lianyungang, the maximum value of ILCR in winter was more than 10-6 in people over 9 years old. Conclusion The main sources of PAHs in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City are mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources, and biomass combustion sources. Under the current exposure level of PAHs in PM2.5, residents have a certain potential carcinogenic risk.
6.Right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection for palliative treatment of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect in children: A single-center retrospective study
Shuai ZHANG ; Jianrui MA ; Hailong QIU ; Xinjian YAN ; Wen XIE ; Qiushi REN ; Juemin YU ; Tianyu CHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xiaohua LI ; Furong LIU ; Shusheng WEN ; Jian ZHUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Jianzheng CEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):366-371
Objective To compare the benefits and drawbacks of primary patch expansion versus pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection in patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PA/VSD who underwent primary right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection surgery at our center between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection: a pericardial tube group and a patch expansion group. Clinical data and imaging findings were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 51 patients were included in the study, comprising 31 males and 20 females, with a median age of 12.57 (4.57, 49.67) months. The pericardial tube group included 19 patients with a median age of 17.17 (7.33, 49.67) months, while the patch expansion group consisted of 32 patients with a median age of 8.58 (3.57, 52.72) months. In both groups, the diameter of pulmonary artery, McGoon index, and Nakata index significantly increased after treatment (P<0.001). However, the pericardial tube group exhibited a longer extracorporeal circulation time (P<0.001). The reoperation rate was notably high, with 74.51% of patients requiring further surgical intervention, including 26 (81.25%) patients in the patch expansion group and 12 (63.16%) patients in the pericardial tube group. No statistical differences were observed in long-term cure rates or mortality between the two groups (P>0.005). Conclusion In patients with PA/VSD, both patch expansion and pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection serve as effective initial palliative treatment strategies that promote pulmonary vessel development and provide a favorable foundation for subsequent radical operations. However, compared to the pericardial tube approach, the patch expansion technique is simpler to perform and preserves some intrinsic potential for pulmonary artery development, making it the preferred procedure.
7.Research progress of nano drug delivery system based on metal-polyphenol network for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases
Meng-jie ZHAO ; Xia-li ZHU ; Yi-jing LI ; Zi-ang WANG ; Yun-long ZHAO ; Gao-jian WEI ; Yu CHEN ; Sheng-nan HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):323-336
Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.
8.Development of a predictive model and application for spontaneous passage of common bile duct stones based on automated machine learning
Jian CHEN ; Kaijian XIA ; Fuli GAO ; Luojie LIU ; Ganhong WANG ; Xiaodan XU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):518-527
ObjectiveTo develop a predictive model and application for spontaneous passage of common bile duct stones using automated machine learning algorithms given the complexity of treatment decision-making for patients with common bile duct stones, and to reduce unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 835 patients who were scheduled for ERCP after a confirmed diagnosis of common bile duct stones based on imaging techniques in Changshu First People’s Hospital (dataset 1) and Changshu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (dataset 2). The dataset 1 was used for the training and internal validation of the machine learning model and the development of an application, and the dataset 2 was used for external testing. A total of 22 potential predictive variables were included for the establishment and internal validation of the LASSO regression model and various automated machine learning models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were used to assess the performance of models and identify the best model. Feature importance plots, force plots, and SHAP plots were used to interpret the model. The Python Dash library and the best model were used to develop a web application, and external testing was conducted using the dataset 2. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to examine whether the data were normally distributed, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between two groups, while the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAmong the 835 patients included in the study, 152 (18.20%) experienced spontaneous stone passage. The LASSO model achieved an AUC of 0.875 in the training set (n=588) and 0.864 in the validation set (n=171), and the top five predictive factors in terms of importance were solitary common bile duct stones, non-dilated common bile duct, diameter of common bile duct stones, a reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and a reduction in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). A total of 55 models were established using automated machine learning, among which the gradient boosting machine (GBM) model had the best performance, with an AUC of 0.891 (95% confidence interval: 0.859 — 0.927), outperforming the extreme randomized tree mode, the deep learning model, the generalized linear model, and the distributed random forest model. The GBM model had an accuracy of 0.855, a sensitivity of 0.846, and a specificity of 0.857 in the test set (n=76). The variable importance analysis showed that five factors had important influence on the prediction of spontaneous stone passage, i.e., were solitary common bile duct stones, non-dilated common bile duct, a stone diameter of <8 mm, a reduction in serum ALP, and a reduction in GGT. The SHAP analysis of the GBM model showed a significant increase in the probability of spontaneous stone passage in patients with solitary common bile duct stones, non-dilated common bile duct, a stone diameter of <8 mm, and a reduction in serum ALP or GGT. ConclusionThe GBM model and application developed using automated machine learning algorithms exhibit excellent predictive performance and user-friendliness in predicting spontaneous stone passage in patients with common bile duct stones. This application can help avoid unnecessary ERCP procedures, thereby reducing surgical risks and healthcare costs.
9.Chinese expert consensus on postoperative follow-up for non-small cell lung cancer (version 2025)
Lunxu LIU ; Shugeng GAO ; Jianxing HE ; Jian HU ; Di GE ; Hecheng LI ; Mingqiang KANG ; Fengwei TAN ; Fan YANG ; Qiang PU ; Kaican CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):281-290
Surgical treatment is one of the key approaches for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Regular postoperative follow-up is crucial for early detection and timely management of tumor recurrence, metastasis, or second primary tumors. A scientifically sound and reasonable follow-up strategy not only extends patient survival but also significantly improves quality of life, thereby enhancing overall prognosis. This consensus aims to build upon the previous version by incorporating the latest clinical research advancements and refining postoperative follow-up protocols for early-stage NSCLC patients based on different treatment modalities. It provides a scientific and practical reference for clinicians involved in the postoperative follow-up management of NSCLC. By optimizing follow-up strategies, this consensus seeks to promote the standardization and normalization of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in China, helping more patients receive high-quality care and long-term management. Additionally, the release of this consensus is expected to provide insights for related research and clinical practice both domestically and internationally, driving continuous development and innovation in the field of postoperative management for NSCLC.
10.Deep learning for accurate lung artery segmentation with shape-position priors
Chao GUO ; Xuehan GAO ; Qidi HU ; Jian LI ; Haixing ZHU ; Ke ZHAO ; Weipeng LIU ; Shanqing LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):332-338
Objective To propose a lung artery segmentation method that integrates shape and position prior knowledge, aiming to solve the issues of inaccurate segmentation caused by the high similarity and small size differences between the lung arteries and surrounding tissues in CT images. Methods Based on the three-dimensional U-Net network architecture and relying on the PARSE 2022 database image data, shape and position prior knowledge was introduced to design feature extraction and fusion strategies to enhance the ability of lung artery segmentation. The data of the patients were divided into three groups: a training set, a validation set, and a test set. The performance metrics for evaluating the model included Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, accuracy, and Hausdorff distance (HD95). Results The study included lung artery imaging data from 203 patients, including 100 patients in the training set, 30 patients in the validation set, and 73 patients in the test set. Through the backbone network, a rough segmentation of the lung arteries was performed to obtain a complete vascular structure; the branch network integrating shape and position information was used to extract features of small pulmonary arteries, reducing interference from the pulmonary artery trunk and left and right pulmonary arteries. Experimental results showed that the segmentation model based on shape and position prior knowledge had a higher DSC (82.81%±3.20% vs. 80.47%±3.17% vs. 80.36%±3.43%), sensitivity (85.30%±8.04% vs. 80.95%±6.89% vs. 82.82%±7.29%), and accuracy (81.63%±7.53% vs. 81.19%±8.35% vs. 79.36%±8.98%) compared to traditional three-dimensional U-Net and V-Net methods. HD95 could reach (9.52±4.29) mm, which was 6.05 mm shorter than traditional methods, showing excellent performance in segmentation boundaries. Conclusion The lung artery segmentation method based on shape and position prior knowledge can achieve precise segmentation of lung artery vessels and has potential application value in tasks such as bronchoscopy or percutaneous puncture surgery navigation.


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