1.Study on the mechanism of gossypol acetic acid in the treatment of uterine fibroids based on proteomics
Xin ZHANG ; Abulaiti GULISITAN ; Jing SHEN ; Pei ZHANG ; Zuwen MA ; Jun YAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):318-323
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of gossypol acetic acid (GAA) in the treatment of uterine fibroids. METHODS Human leiomyoma cells SK-UT-1 were selected as objects to investigate the effects of different concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 μmol/L) of GAA on the activities of cell proliferation. 4D-DIA proteomic detection and bioinformatics analysis were carried out to screen differential proteins. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis were performed. The expressions of top 3 proteins [N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), epidermal growth factor receptor feedback inhibitor 1 (ERRFI1), CXC chemokine ligand 3 (CXCL3)] with differential fold changes in SK-UT-1 cells were determined. RESULTS 10-160 μmol/L GAA could significantly reduce the survival rate of SK- UT-1 cells (P<0.05). Proteomics results showed that a total of 921 differentially expressed proteins were obtained, including 254 up-regulated proteins and 667 down-regulated proteins. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly distributed in mitochondria, nucleus, extracellular matrix, etc. Bioinformatics results showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B), MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), etc., which mainly involved cell apoptosis, aging, and movement. GAA significantly decreased protein expressions of NDRG1 and CXCL3 (P<0.05), but increased protein expression of ERRFI1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The improvement effect of GAA on uterine fibroids may involve signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAPK, TNF, etc. It can improve the occurrence and development of uterine fibroids by downregulating the expressions of NDRG1 and CXCL3 proteins, upregulating the expression of ERRFI1 protein, and affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of uterine fibroid cells.
2.Association Between the Coexistence of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases and Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Elderly People Living with HIV/AIDS
Yao ZHANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Cong LIU ; Haidan ZHONG ; Peishan DU ; Quanmin LI ; Linghua LI ; Jing GU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):161-171
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence rate of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the association with quality of life in middle-aged and elderly patients with HIV/AIDS. MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed 432 patients with HIV/AIDS (aged≥45 years) in the Infectious Disease Center in Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and 366 participants were included in the analysis after quality control. A questionnaire and the EuroQol 5-Dimensional 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L) were used to investigate NCDs and quality of life and Tobit regression model was used to estimate the association between chronic diseases and quality of life. ResultsAmong the 366 participants, 29(7.9%) had cardiovascular disease, 45(12.3%) had hypertension, 122(33.3%) had hyperglycemia, 151(41.3%)had hyperlipidemia,7(1.9%) had cancer, 17 (4.6%) had chronic kidney disease, 38 (10.4%) had chronic liver disease, 21(5.7%) had musculoskeletal disorders, and 253(69.1%) suffered from at least one type of chronic diseases. The median (lower and upper quartiles) of EQ-5D utility index was 1.000(0.964~1.000). Multivariate Tobit regression results of the total population showed that cancer [ba=-0.08,95%CI (-0.15,-0.01),P=0.036], chronic kidney disease [ba=-0.07, 95%CI (-0.12,-0.02),P=0.006], musculoskeletal disease [ba=-0.09, 95%CI (-0.13, -0.05),P<0.001], and ≥3 types of chronic diseases[ba=-0.05, 95%CI(-0.08,-0.01),P=0.013] were negatively correlated with EQ-5D utility index. The stratified analysis results of different CD4+T cell levels showed that hypertension [ba=-0.07, 95%CI (-0.12, -0.02), P=0.007], chronic kidney disease [ba=-0.10,95%CI (-0.18,-0.03), P=0.006], musculoskeletal disease [ba=-0.15, 95%CI (-0.22,-0.07), P<0.001] and ≥3 types of chronic diseases [ba=-0.09, 95%CI (-0.09, -0.01), P<0.001] were negatively correlated with EQ-5D utility index in the group with CD4≤500 (cells/μL), whereas cancer[ba=-0.11, 95%CI (-0.20,-0.01), P=0.031] was negatively correlated with EQ-5D utility index in the group with CD4>500(cells/μL). ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of chronic non-communicable diseases in middle-aged and elderly patients with HIV/AIDS is relatively high. The classification of NCDs such as cancer or chronic kidney disease or other chronic diseases and the numbers of NCDs categories are negatively correlated with quality of life. However,this association varies among patients with HIV/AIDS of different CD4+T cell levels. It is suggested that we should try to prevent and identify NCDs at an early stage, strengthen linkages and integration of health services for AIDS and chronic NCDs, and jointly manage and control AIDS with chronic diseases to improve the quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS.
3.Preliminary exploration of differentiating and treating multiple system atrophy from the perspective of the eight extraordinary meridians
Di ZHAO ; Zhigang CHEN ; Nannan LI ; Lu CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Jing XUE ; Xinning ZHANG ; Chengru JIA ; Xuan XU ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):392-397
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.
4.Current Research Status of Digital Technology in the Rehabilitation of Rare Neurological and Muscular Diseases
Yixuan GUO ; Yi GAO ; Yiyang YAO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):122-131
To review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at home and abroad on digital intelligence (DI)-driven rehabilitation in patients of neuromuscular disease, compare the effects of DI-driven rehabilitation with traditional rehabilitation, summarize the special needs and challenges faced by patients in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases, and provide evidence for the development and quality improvement of rehabilitation for rare neuromuscular diseases. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases for literature on neuromuscular diseases, rare diseases, digital and intelligent technologies, and rehabilitation published from the inception of the databases to June 2024. Basic and research-related information from the retrieved literature was extracted and analyzed. A total of 43 RCTs in English from 14 countries were included. The most studied diseases were Parkinson′s disease and multiple sclerosis. The application of DI-driven technologies in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases was still limited. The commonly used technologies were virtual reality (VR) games, intelligent treadmill assistance, gait training robots, hybrid assistive limb (HAL), wearable sensors and tele-rehabilitation (TR) systems. These technologies were applied in patients′ homes or rehabilitation service centers. The VR games significantly improved both static/dynamic balance functions and cognitive functions. The intelligent treadmill assistance significantly enhanced gait speed and stride length. The gait training robots significantly improved balance, gait speed and stride length of patients. The wearable exoskeletons significantly enhanced walking ability. DI-driven rehabilitation measures have great value and potential in the field of neuromuscular disease rehabilitation. Their advantages and characteristics can meet the diverse needs of rare disease patients. In the future, a hierarchical and collaborative rehabilitation service system should be established to meet the urgent needs of the rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases. Combining the advantages of digitization and intelligence will provide standardized, scientific, convenient and affordable rehabilitation services to patients.
5.The Application of Digital Intelligence Technology in the Management of Non-Hospitalized Patients with Rare Diseases
Yiyang YAO ; Yi GAO ; Yixuan GUO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):46-53
To provide references to and give suggestions to the development and optimiza-tion of Digital Intelligence (DI) technology in management of non-hospitalized patients by systematical review the application of digital technology in non-hospital settings. We designed the search strategy and used the words " rare diseases"" patient management"" non-hospitalized management"" community management"" digital intelligence"" big data"" telemedicine" as MESH terms or free words. We searched the database of PubMed, Science-Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from the beginning of the database to July 2024 and used computer retrieval to get the literatures on the application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospital setting. We extracted the information of the first author, country or region, publication time, research participants, DI technology application, and application effect for summary analysis. A total of 13 articles were included in this study, which were from 8 countries or regions. We found that DI technologies used were in the following forms: Internet information platform, wearable devices, telemedicine management platform and electronic database. The DI technology was used by the patients with rare diseases, patient caregivers and professional medical staffs. The application of all the forms above in different populations had good effect. The Internet information platform helped patients and their caregivers learn more about the disease and improved their self-management ability. The wearable device helped monitor the health status of patients in real time and predict the risk of emergent events. The telemedicine management platform facilitated to optimize the allocation of medical resources and strengthen doctor-patient communication. The electronic health database promoted the interconnection of data inside and outside the hospital and improved the accuracy of decision-making through data sharing. The application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospitalized settings has shown positive results. In the future, it is necessary to correct the shortcomings and to deal with the challenges in terms of accuracy, readiness, applicability, and privacy protection. Besides, the DI can be integrated into the tri-level management system of patients known as the "patient-community-hospital". It is advisable to take the advantages of digital intelligence technology to improve the efficiency and quality of management of patients in non-hospitalized settings.
6.Perioperative outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy after neoadjuvant therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Yang QING ; Meixin TENG ; Wangchao YAO ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):488-499
Objective To investigate the perioperative differences between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Clinical data of NSCLC patients who underwent VATS or thoracotomy after neoadjuvant therapy at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from June 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively collected. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 260 patients were enrolled, 184 (70.8%) patients underwent VATS and 76 (29.2%) patients underwent thoracotomy. After propensity matching, there were 113 (62.4%) patients in the VATS group and 68 (37.6%) patients in the thoracotomy group. VATS had similar lymph node dissection ability and postoperative complication rate with thoracotomy (P>0.05), with the advantage of having shorter operative time (146.00 min vs. 165.00 min, P=0.006), less intraoperative blood loss (50.00 mL vs. 100.00 mL, P<0.001), lower intraoperative blood transfusion rate (0.0% vs. 7.4%, P=0.003), less 3-day postoperative drainage (250.00 mL vs. 350.00 mL, P=0.011; 180.00 mL vs. 250.00 mL, P=0.002; 150.00 mL vs. 235.00 mL, P<0.001), and shorter postoperative drainage time (9.34 d vs. 13.84 d, P<0.001) and postoperative hospitalization time (6.19 d vs. 7.94 d, P=0.006). Conclusion VATS after neoadjuvant therapy for NSCLC is safer than thoracotomy and results in better postoperative recovery.
7.Distribution and drug resistance characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii in the environment of a general hospital in Xuhui District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2023
Yan WANG ; Jing WANG ; Yuqing YAO ; Junjie ZHANG ; Zhiyao TENG ; Bingqing YAN ; Congcong ZHANG ; Lufang JIANG ; Liang TIAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):476-483
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution, drug resistance characteristics, and changing trends of Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) isolated from environmental surfaces and healthcare workers’ hands in a grade Ⅱ level A general hospital in Xuhui District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2023, and to provide reference for infection control in the hospital. MethodsEnvironmental samples were collected quarterly from critical surfaces and healthcare workers’ hands in the intensive care unit (ICU), geriatrics, and respiratory departments from 2018 to 2023. Clinical isolates were obtained from all patients with AB infections in ICU, geriatrics, respiratory department, rehabilitation department, infectious diseases department, emergency department, cardiology department, and orthopedics of the hospital from 2018 to 2023. Retrospective analyses were performed on AB detection rates, strain origins, resistance rates to commonly used antimicrobial agents, and resistance gene features, comparing the antimicrobial resistance between clinically isolated strains and environmentally isolated strains. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2023, a total of 1 416 samples were collected from the hospital and a total of 272 strains of AB were detected, with a positive detection rate of 19.21%. The detection rate gradually decreased year-on-year (χ2trend=45.290, P<0.001). The majority of samples originated from patient-contacted items (34.56%, 94/272), followed by shared items (26.84%, 73/272) and healthcare worker-contacted items (15.07%, 41/272). From 2018 to 2023, the resistance rate of AB on environmental surfaces and healthcare workers’ hands to commonly tested antibiotics in the hospital ranged from 10% to 40%. The resistance rates to cefotaxime (42.52%) and piperacillin (38.58%) were relative high, while the resistance to polymyxin E (1.57%), polymyxin B (2.36%), and doxycycline (3.94%) maintained low. The annual fluctuations in resistance to cefotaxime, piperacillin, ceftriaxone, tobramycin, doxycycline, minocycline and cotrimoxazole were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the resistance of clinical and environmental isolates to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, subamphetamine, meropenem, piperacillin, aztreonam, gentamicin, tobramycin, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole in the hospital from 2018 to 2023 (all P<0.05). The resistance rate of clinical isolates was generally high, especially to β-lactam and quinolone drugs, which were mostly above 80% [such as cefepime (93.86%), cefotaxime (97.37%), imipenem (98.25%), and ciprofloxacin (99.12%)]. The resistance rate of environmental isolated strains to similar antibiotics was relatively lower, mostly concentrated at 10%‒30%. The whole-genome sequencing of 34 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) strains isolated from the hospital environment in 2023 revealed that the main resistance mechanism was overexpression of efflux pumps (51.97%), followed by changes in target sites (32.46%). Among the 34 CRAB strains, carbapenem resistance genes OXA-23 and OXA-51 were detected in 6 strains (17.65%), while genes such as KPC, IMP, VIM, and SIM were not detected. ConclusionFrom 2018 to 2023, AB in the hospital environment exhibited high resistance rates to certain antimicrobial agents and carried multiple resistance genes, indicating a potential transmission risk. It is necessary to further strengthen bacterial resistance monitoring and hospital infection control, and use antibiotics reasonably.
8.XK gene deletion leading to McLeod syndrome and high-frequency antigen antibodies: identification and transfusion strategy
Jing LI ; Kewen YAO ; Yun DU ; Haiyan HU ; Hongli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1107-1112
Objective: To investigate the hematological characteristics of the rare McLeod phenotype associated with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, KEL and XK gene analysis, identification of unexpected antibodies, serological characteristics of high-frequency antigen antibodies, and transfusion strategies. Methods: Serological methods were employed to determine the ABO, Rh, and other blood group system antigen phenotypes of the child, along with screening and identification of unexpected antibodies. The titers of high-frequency antigen antibodies were measured using tube antihuman globulin and microcolumn gel card techniques. Kell blood group typing was performed using serological and genotyping methods, while XK gene sequencing was conducted via next-generation sequencing. Peripheral blood smears from the child's mother were examined for erythrocyte morphology. Results: The child's serological results were as follows: blood group O, ccDEE, MM, Le(a-b+), JK(a+b+), Fy(a+b-), and Kell phenotype K-k+, Kp(a-b+). Plasma analysis revealed alloantibodies anti-C、e, as well as a high-frequency antigen antibody anti-KL, with titers of 512 (tube method) and 2 048 (microcolumn gel method). Genotyping results showed KEL genotype K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Js(a-b+), while XK gene NGS identified a hemizygous deletion of exons 1-3 (XK
N. 01), consistent with XK: -1 or Kx-(McLeod). The mother's peripheral blood smear exhibited prominent acanthocytes. Conclusion: The hematological features of this rare McLeod phenotype with X-CGD include weakened Kell antigen expression and a complete exon deletion in the XK gene. Early clinical attention should be given to the symptoms and laboratory diagnosis of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease in pediatric patients. XK genotyping for McLeod phenotype should be prioritized to guide cautious transfusion strategies, preventing life-threatening complications due to incompatible blood products.
9.Construction and application of the "Huaxi Hongyi" large medical model
Rui SHI ; Bing ZHENG ; Xun YAO ; Hao YANG ; Xuchen YANG ; Siyuan ZHANG ; Zhenwu WANG ; Dongfeng LIU ; Jing DONG ; Jiaxi XIE ; Hu MA ; Zhiyang HE ; Cheng JIANG ; Feng QIAO ; Fengming LUO ; Jin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):587-593
Objective To construct large medical model named by "Huaxi HongYi"and explore its application effectiveness in assisting medical record generation. Methods By the way of a full-chain medical large model construction paradigm of "data annotation - model training - scenario incubation", through strategies such as multimodal data fusion, domain adaptation training, and localization of hardware adaptation, "Huaxi HongYi" with 72 billion parameters was constructed. Combined with technologies such as speech recognition, knowledge graphs, and reinforcement learning, an application system for assisting in the generation of medical records was developed. Results Taking the assisted generation of discharge records as an example, in the pilot department, after using the application system, the average completion times of writing a medical records shortened (21 min vs. 5 min) with efficiency increased by 3.2 time, the accuracy rate of the model output reached 92.4%. Conclusion It is feasible for medical institutions to build independently controllable medical large models and incubate various applications based on these models, providing a reference pathway for artificial intelligence development in similar institutions.
10.Characteristics of gut microbiota determine effects of specific probiotics strains in patients with functional constipation.
Haohao ZHANG ; Lijuan SUN ; Zhixin ZHAO ; Yao ZHOU ; Yuyao LIU ; Nannan ZHANG ; Junya YAN ; Shibo WANG ; Renlong LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xueying WANG ; Wenjiao LI ; Yan PAN ; Meixia WANG ; Bing LUO ; Mengbin LI ; Zhihong SUN ; Yongxiang ZHAO ; Yongzhan NIE
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(1):120-122


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