1.Adolescent Smoking Addiction Diagnosis Based on TI-GNN
Xu-Wen WANG ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Xiao-Jiao LI ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Fang DONG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Juan WANG ; Kai YUAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2393-2405
ObjectiveTobacco-related diseases remain one of the leading preventable public health challenges worldwide and are among the primary causes of premature death. In recent years, accumulating evidence has supported the classification of nicotine addiction as a chronic brain disease, profoundly affecting both brain structure and function. Despite the urgency, effective diagnostic methods for smoking addiction remain lacking, posing significant challenges for early intervention and treatment. To address this issue and gain deeper insights into the neural mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence, this study proposes a novel graph neural network framework, termed TI-GNN. This model leverages functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify complex and subtle abnormalities in brain connectivity patterns associated with smoking addiction. MethodsThe study utilizes fMRI data to construct functional connectivity matrices that represent interaction patterns among brain regions. These matrices are interpreted as graphs, where brain regions are nodes and the strength of functional connectivity between them serves as edges. The proposed TI-GNN model integrates a Transformer module to effectively capture global interactions across the entire brain network, enabling a comprehensive understanding of high-level connectivity patterns. Additionally, a spatial attention mechanism is employed to selectively focus on informative inter-regional connections while filtering out irrelevant or noisy features. This design enhances the model’s ability to learn meaningful neural representations crucial for classification tasks. A key innovation of TI-GNN lies in its built-in causal interpretation module, which aims to infer directional and potentially causal relationships among brain regions. This not only improves predictive performance but also enhances model interpretability—an essential attribute for clinical applications. The identification of causal links provides valuable insights into the neuropathological basis of addiction and contributes to the development of biologically plausible and trustworthy diagnostic tools. ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that the TI-GNN model achieves superior classification performance on the smoking addiction dataset, outperforming several state-of-the-art baseline models. Specifically, TI-GNN attains an accuracy of 0.91, an F1-score of 0.91, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.83, indicating strong robustness and reliability. Beyond performance metrics, TI-GNN identifies critical abnormal connectivity patterns in several brain regions implicated in addiction. Notably, it highlights dysregulations in the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex, consistent with prior clinical and neuroimaging findings. These regions are well known for their roles in emotional regulation, reward processing, and impulse control—functions that are frequently disrupted in nicotine dependence. ConclusionThe TI-GNN framework offers a powerful and interpretable tool for the objective diagnosis of smoking addiction. By integrating advanced graph learning techniques with causal inference capabilities, the model not only achieves high diagnostic accuracy but also elucidates the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. The identification of specific abnormal brain networks and their causal interactions deepens our understanding of addiction pathophysiology and lays the groundwork for developing targeted intervention strategies and personalized treatment approaches in the future.
2. Effects of Tao Hong Si Wu decoction on IncRNA expression in rats with occlusion of middle cerebral artery
Li-Juan ZHANG ; Chang-Yi FEI ; Chao YU ; Su-Jun XUE ; Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Jing LI ; Ling-Yu PAN ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Li-Juan ZHANG ; Chang-Yi FEI ; Chao YU ; Su-Jun XUE ; Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Jing LI ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Dai-Yin PENG ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Dai-Yin PENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):582-591
Aim To screen and study the expression of long non-coding RNA (IncRNA) in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with MCAO treated with Tao Hong Si Wu decoction (THSWD) and determine the possible molecular mechanism of THSWD in treating MCAO rats. Methods Three cerebral hemisphere tissue were obtained from the control group, MCAO group and MCAO + THSWD group. RNA sequencing technology was used to identify IncRNA gene expression in the three groups. THSWD-regulated IncRNA genes were identified, and then a THSWD-regu-lated IncRNA-mRNA network was constructed. MCODE plug-in units were used to identify the modules of IncRNA-mRNA networks. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the enriched biological functions and signaling pathways. Cis- and trans-regulatory genes for THSWD-regulated IncRNAs were identified. Reverse transcription real-time quantitative pol-ymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify IncRNAs. Molecular docking was used to identify IncRNA-mRNA network targets and pathway-associated proteins. Results In MCAO rats, THSWD regulated a total of 302 IncRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that some core IncRNAs might play an important role in the treatment of MCAO rats with THSWD, and we further found that THSWD might also treat MCAO rats through multiple pathways such as IncRNA-mRNA network and network-enriched complement and coagulation cascades. The results of molecular docking showed that the active compounds gallic acid and a-mygdalin of THSWD had a certain binding ability to protein targets. Conclusions THSWD can protect the brain injury of MCAO rats through IncRNA, which may provide new insights for the treatment of ischemic stroke with THSWD.
3.Huaiqihuang Granules Affect Differentiation of Th17 Cells in IgA Vasculitis Nephritis Mice by Regulating AMPK/ACC Pathway
Xinglan YE ; Keying LI ; Jiaxuan LI ; Juan BAI ; Wencheng XU ; Hong LIU ; Xue XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):78-86
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Huaiqihuang granules (HQH) on immunoglobulin A vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) mice and explore the underlying therapeutic mechanism. MethodFifty SPF-grade male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a normal group, an IgAVN model group, a dexamethasone group (2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), a low-dose HQH group (4 g·kg-1·d-1), and a high-dose HQH group (8 g·kg-1·d-1). The mouse model was established using oral administration of gliadin combined with intravenous injection of India ink. After successful modeling, the mice were euthanized after 4 weeks of gastric gavage according to groups. The 24 h urinary total protein (24 h UTP), urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), serum total protein, albumin, IgA, etc. were detected in each group. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in spleen cell suspension. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), phosphorylated AMPKα (p-AMPKα), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), and phosphorylated ACC1 (p-ACC1) in Th17 cells. Pathological changes in the spleen and kidneys were observed. ResultCompared with the normal group, the IgAVN model group showed significant increases in 24 h UTP, urine β2-MG, total cholesterol (P<0.05), serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), IgA, Th17 proportion in the spleen cell suspension, and IL-17 expression in the spleen tissue (P<0.01), and significantly decreased serum total protein, albumin, p-AMPKα/AMPKα, and p-ACC1/ACC1 expression of Th17 cells (P<0.01). Compared with the IgAVN model group, in the 4th week, the 24 h UTP, urine β2-MG, serum IL-17, IgA levels, and renal IgA deposition were significantly reduced in each treatment group (P<0.01), and the Th17 proportion and IL-17 expression in spleen tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum albumin levels significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the IgAVN model group, the dexamethasone group and the high-dose HQH group showed increases in serum total protein (P<0.01), p-AMPKα/AMPKα, and p-ACC1/ACC1 expression of Th17 cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). The high-dose HQH group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol level (P<0.05). Various treatment groups showed different degrees of improvement in spleen and kidney pathological changes. ConclusionHQH may affect Th17 cell differentiation by regulating the AMPK/ACC pathway, correcting immune inflammatory disorders, and exerting therapeutic effects on IgAVN.
4.Imaging of lung cancer with molecular beacons delivered by octreotide-modified chitosan nanoparticles
Xue MA ; Jing WU ; Hongli ZHANG ; Yong LI ; Juan SONG ; Yuanli LI ; Liang LU ; Haizhen ZHU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(1):61-67
Objective To investigate the identification of octreotide(OCT)modified chitosan(CS)miR-155 molecular beacon nanoparticles(CS-miR-155-MB-OCT)and imaging of lung cancer cells for the early screening of lung cancer.Methods A nude mouse model of lung transplantation tumor was established by injecting A549 lung cancer cells into tail veins to establish lung xenograft models.Cre adenovirus was injected through nasal cavity,and mice were killed at 4,6,8 and 12 weeks after adenovirus injection to establish lung cancer models of atypical hyperplasia,adenoma,carcinoma in situ and adenocarcinoma of lung in LSL K-ras G12D transgenic mice at different pathological stages.Lung tissue samples were taken and observed by HE staining.Immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of somatostatin receptor 2(SSTR2).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect miR-155 expression levels in lung xenograft models and transgenic mice at different stages of lung cancer.Then CS-miR-155-MB and CS-miR-155-MB-OCT were injected via tail vein in lung xenograft models.CS-miR-155-MB-OCT was injected via tail vein in transgenic mice models.The fluorescence signals of lung in nude mice and transgenic mice at different disease stages were imaged by living imaging system.Frozen slices of lung tissue were made.The source of fluorescence signal was detected by laser confocal scanning microscope(CLSM).Results HE staining showed that lung transplantation tumor models and lung cancer models of atypical hyperplasia,adenoma,carcinoma in situ and lung adenocarcinoma at different pathological stages were successfully constructed.Immunohistochemical analysis showed somatostatin receptor 2(SSTR2)was expressed in transplanted lung tumor and tissue at different pathological stages.In transgenic mouse models,the expression of miR-155 was gradually increased as the disease progressed(P<0.05).In lung xenograft models,the fluorescence signals were significantly higher in the CS-miR-155-MB-OCT group than those of the CS-miR-155-MB group(P<0.05).In transgenic mouse models,the fluorescence signals gradually increased with the gradual progression of lesions(P<0.05).After re-imaging the lung tissue,it was found that the fluorescence signal came from lung,and CLSM showed that the fluorescence signal came from cancer cells and some normal alveolar epithelial cells.Conclusion CS-miR-155-MB-OCT can dynamically reflect the occurrence and development of lung cancer according to changes of different fluorescence intensity,thus providing a new technology for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
5.Influencing factors of malignant transformation of benign thyroid nodules
Juan ZHANG ; Xue HUANG ; Xiaohong ZHAO ; Xiangshan LI ; Yong CHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(4):145-148
Objective To preliminarily analyze the influencing factors of benign thyroid nodule malignant transformation and provide a basis for early intervention of benign thyroid nodule malignant transformation. Methods Selected 158 patients with benign thyroid nodules who visited our hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 for inclusion in the study, and followed up for 3 year to observe whether the nodules had malignant changes. The age, gender and dietary habits were collected. 3 mL of fasting venous blood of subject were collected , and the level of TT3, TT4, FT3, FT4, TSH, TgAb, CEA, thyroglobulin and calcitonin were collected. Results The results of this study suggest that the plasma levels of serum TgAb, TSH, TT4, TT3, FT3, FT4, CEA, thyroglobulin, and calcitonin of subjects were not statistically significant between sexes. The results of univariate analysis showed that compared with non malignant group, the patients in malignant nodule group were younger, the longest diameter of nodule was smaller, TgAb level was higher, TSH level was higher, FT3 level was lower, the proportion of internal calcification was higher, thyroglobulin level was higher, CEA level was higher, calcitonin level was higher, and the proportion of abnormal lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism was also higher, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TgAb positive, internal calcification, increased carcinoembryonic antigen level, dyslipidemia, elevated thyroglobulin level, and abnormal glucose metabolism, elevated calcitonin level were associated with the increased risk of node canceration, and increased total FT3 level was associated with the reduced risk of canceration (P<0.05). Conclusion TgAb positive, internal calcification, increased carcinoembryonic antigen level, small nodule diameter, abnormal blood lipids, elevated thyroglobulin level, low total FT3 level, abnormal glucose metabolism, and elevated calcitonin level are associated with the increased risk of malignant transformation of benign thyroid nodules, which should be paid attention to clinically.
6.Mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Xue LI ; Sha-Fei ZHAI ; Xin-Yang MA ; Dan-Yang WANG ; Juan CHAI ; Fang ZHOU ; Jia ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1888-1892
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of Ginsenosides Rg1(GS-Rg1)on the proliferation and metastasis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC),and its related mechanisms of action.Methods TSCC cells were treated with GS-Rg1 at concentrations of 1.25,2.5,5.0 and 10.0 μmol·L-1 for 48 hours.The proliferation ability of cells at different concentrations was measured by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)experiment,and the IC5ovalue of GS-Rg1 at CAL-27 for 48 hours was calculated.TSCC cells CAL-27 were divided into control group and GS-Rg1 group.The control group and GS-Rg1 group were treated with 0.9%NaCl and IC50concentration of GS-Rg1 for 48 hours,respectively.The cell cycle distribution of each group was detected by flow cytometry,and the cell metastasis ability of each group was detected by Transwell experiment.Construct TOP/FOP Flash plasmid,transfect control group and GS-Rg1 group,and detect the effect of GS-Rg1 effect on wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity in TSCC cell CAL-27 using luciferase assay.Using wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV939 treated GS-Rg1 group cells(XAV939+GS-Rg1 group),and wnt/β-catenin pathway activator HLY78 was used to treat GS-Rg1 group cells(HLY78+GS-Rg1 group)and detect changes of wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity,the cell proliferation ability,cell cycle distribution,and metastasis ability in XAV939+GS-Rg1 group,HLY78+GS-Rg1 group and GS-Rg1 group.The expression of wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related proteins β-catenin,and its downstream cell cycle related proteins cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene(cMYC),Cyclin dependent kinase 4(CDK4),andcyclinD1,as well as metastasis related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)were detected by Western blotting in each group of cells.Results GS-Rg1 significantly inhibited the proliferation ability of TSCC cells CAL-27(P<0.05),and the IC50value of GS-Rg1 on CAL-27 was(5.46±1.58)μmol·L-1.The ratio of GO/G1 phase cells in the control group and GS-Rg1 group were(60.65±2.16)%and(71.20±2.38)%,respectively;the number of cell transmembrane penetration were 87.33±7.51 and 50.67±3.21,respectively;the luciferase activity were 1.00±0.02 and 0.35±0.06,respectively.Compared with the control group,the GS-Rg1 group showed cell cycle arrest in GO/G1 phase,decreased cell metastasis ability,and the activity of wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the GS-Rg1 group,the activity of the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was decreased,cell proliferation ability and metastasis ability was decreased(P<0.05),while the number of GO/G1 phase cells was increased(P<0.05),the expression of β-catenin,cMYC,CDK4,cyclinD1,E-cadherin and MMP-2 proteins were decreased(P<0.05),while the expression of N-cadherin protein increased in XAV939+GS-Rg1 group cells.However,the result were opposite in the HLY78+GS-Rg1 group of cells.Conclusion GS-Rg1 downregulates wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits the proliferation and metastasis ability of TSCC cells.
7.Pharmacokinetics of wogonin-aloperine cocrystal in rats
Zhong-shui XIE ; Chun-xue JIA ; Yu-lu LIANG ; Xiao-jun ZHAO ; Bin-ran LI ; Jing-zhong HAN ; Hong-juan WANG ; Jian-mei HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2606-2611
Pharmaceutical cocrystals is an advanced technology to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of drugs. However, there are few studies on the
8.Diagnosis and treatment understanding of Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia in China: a cross-sectional study
Shuhua YI ; Wenjie XIONG ; Xinxin CAO ; Chunyan SUN ; Juan DU ; Huihan WANG ; Li WANG ; Ting NIU ; Zhongxing JIANG ; Yongqiang WEI ; Hua XUE ; Hongling CHU ; Lugui QIU ; Jian LI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(2):148-155
Objective:To conduct a nationwide physician survey to better understand clinicians’ disease awareness, treatment patterns, and experience of Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia (WM) in China.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022 by recruiting clinicians with WM treatment experience from hematology, hematology-oncology, and oncology departments throughout China. Quantitative surveys were designed based on the qualitative interviews.Results:The study included 415 clinicians from 219 hospitals spread across thirty-three cities and twenty-two provinces. As for diagnosis, the laboratory tests prescribed by physicians for suspected WM patients were relatively consistent (92% -99% recommendation for laboratory, 79% -95% recommendation for pathology, 96% recommendation for gene testing, and 63% -83% recommendation for imaging examination). However, from a physician's perspective, there was 22% misdiagnosis occurred in clinical practice. The rate of misdiagnosis was higher in lower-level hospitals than in tertiary grade A hospitals (29% vs 21%, P<0.001). The main reasons for misdiagnosis were that WM was easily confused with other diseases, and physicians lacked the necessary knowledge to make an accurate diagnosis. In terms of gene testing in clinical practice, 96% of participating physicians believed that WM patients would require gene testing for MYD88 and CXCR4 mutations because the results of gene testing would aid in confirming diagnosis and treatment options. In terms of treatment, 55% of physicians thought that the most important goal was to achieve remission, while 54% and 51% of physicians wanted to improve laboratory and/or examination results and extend overall survival time, respectively. Among patients with treatment indications, physicians estimated that approximately 21% of them refused to receive treatment, mainly owing to a lack of affordable care and disease awareness. When selecting the most appropriate treatment regimens, physicians would consider patient affordability (63% ), comorbidity (61% ), and risk level (54% ). Regimens containing Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) were most widely recommended for both treatment-na?ve and relapsed/refractory patients (94% for all patients, 95% for treatment-na?ve patients, and 75% for relapsed/refractory patients), and most physicians recommended Ibrutinib (84% ). For those patients who received treatment, physicians reported that approximately 23% of patients did not comply with the treatment regimen due to a lack of affordability and disease awareness. Furthermore, 66% of physicians believe that in the future, increasing disease awareness and improving diagnosis rates is critical. Conclusions:This study is the first national physician survey of WM conducted in China. It systematically describes the issues that exist in WM diagnosis and treatment in China, such as a high rate of misdiagnosis, limited access to gene testing and new drugs, and poor patient adherence to treatment. Chinese doctors believe that improving doctors’ and patients’ understanding of WM is one of the most urgent issues that must be addressed right now.
9.Application of BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation in teaching "ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia"
Hong PAN ; Wengang DING ; Xue LIN ; Juan LUO ; Di LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(11):1579-1584
Objective:To observe the application effect of BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation in standardized training of residents for "ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia" (UGRA).Methods:The anesthesiology students enrolled in 2019 for standardized resident training were selected as research objects. A total of 44 students were randomly divided into observation group ( n=22) and control group ( n=22). The control group received traditional teaching and the observation group received the BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation teaching. The differences in comprehensive theoretical knowledge and comprehensive ability of UGRA between the two groups were analyzed through the final assessment. The satisfaction of the two groups of students with teaching process was analyzed using the teaching feedback questionnaire. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used for the t-test, and the non-parametric test was used in cases of unequal variance. Results:Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly higher scores of comprehensive theoretical knowledge [(75.86±9.31) points vs. (64.00±7.76)points] and ultrasonic image interpretation [(37.73±4.60) points vs. (30.86±4.57) points] ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly reduced time of ultrasonic localization of target nerve [(92.00±22.67) seconds vs. (107.32±23.35) seconds] and the puncture time of simulated teaching aids [(67.82±17.83) seconds vs. (103.18±19.15) seconds] ( P<0.05). The overall satisfaction of students was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The teaching method of BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation is helpful to improve students' comprehensive ability of UGRA such as comprehensive theoretical knowledge, the interpretation of ultrasound image, and the localization of target nerve.
10.Clinical study of tube-fed enteral nutrition combined with ice stimulation in the treatment of patients with postoperative dysphagia after craniocerebral injury
Shan WANG ; Meng-Tong XUE ; Juan YU ; Lu LI ; Lei XU
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2024;31(3):167-171
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of enteral nutrition on improving ice stimulation for postoperative dysphagia after craniocerebral injury. Methods:Patients with dysphagia after craniocerebral injury admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University from May 2021 to November 2022 were included. The patients were randomly divided into treatment group (31 cases) and control group (30 cases) by random number table method. The treatment group adopted the method of infusion of enteral nutrition and ice stimulation through nasoenteral nutrition tube;the control group adopted oral diet and ice stimulation. Comparison of the two groups with the recovery of swallowing function,the occurrence of complications during the treatment period,and changes in nutritional indexes (hemoglobin,serum albumin,pre-serum protein) before and after the treatment of the two groups of patients. Results:After treatment,no significant difference was observed in the comparison of the scores of Swallowing Function Scale (SSA and VFSS) between the two groups (P>0.05),but the levels of hemoglobin,serum albumin and pre-serum protein of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The treatment group of complications (aspiration,choking and lung infection) during treatment in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion:In ice stimulation treatment of postoperative swallowing dysfunction after craniocerebral injury,the combined use of nasoenteral tube-fed enteral nutrition can improve the nutritional status and reduce the occurrence of complications such as misaspiration,although it cannot significantly enhance the recovery of swallowing function.


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