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  • XIANG Leyang, GU Jianyi, ZHOU Junzhen, SHEN Weipeng, ZHANG Qing, CAO Mingrong, JIANG Jianwei
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 111-123. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230137

    In recent years, immunotherapy plays an important role in the systematic treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gradually becomes one of the first-line treatments. However, the objective remission rate of patients and other indicators still have a large room for improvement even for the most preferred regimen recommended by many guidelines, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. It is speculated that a large number of HCC patients are in a state of primary immunotherapy resistance, leading to tumor immune escape, which is closely related to tumor microenvironment and tumor internal factors. Recent studies have found that HCC patients have a wide range of microbial dysregulation, including intestinal flora and the intratumoral flora. The former may interact with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment through their lipopolysaccharide (LPS), bacterial metabolites (such as secondary bile acids and short-chain fatty acids) or their own structural proteins. The latter may change the biological characteristics of HCC cells and immune cells by regulating gene expressions at the epigenetic level and substance metabolites, thereby inducing immunosuppressive microenvironment and leading to immune escape of HCC. Here the characteristics of microbial dysregulation in HCC patients were summarized, and the potential mechanisms of HCC immune escape induced by intestinal flora and intratumoral flora were reviewed, in order to provide reference for the relationship between intestinal flora and immunotherapy resistance of HCC.

  • WANG Hongmin, ZHENG Weilong, ZHAO Sai, HE Jun, YI Bin, GAO Xiaoming, WANG Jun
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 227-239. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230186

    Objective: To investigate the effect of 630 nm LED irradiation on the polarization and function of murine M1-macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and primary peritoneal macrophages were irradiated with 630 nm LED (at a power density of 8 mW/cm2) either before or after the induction of M1-polarization by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Cell viabilities were measured by CCK-8 assay. Levels of surface activation/costimulatory molecules CD80 & CD86 were determined by flow cytometry, and expressions of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) & interleukin-1β(IL-1β) were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Despite no effect on cell viabilities, 630 nm LED irradiation, either before or after the induction of M1-polarization by LPS and IFN-γ, not only significantly reduced surface expressions of CD80 and CD86 on RAW264.7 cells, but also hampered their mRNA exprssion and productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.05). Moreover, pretreating mice with 630 nm LED followed by in vitro LED irradiation of cells repressed the ability of primary murine peritoneal macrophages to secrete TNF-α and IL-6 upon activation by LPS and IFN-γ in vitro as well (P<0.05). Conclusion: 630 nm LED irradiation blunts the M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of murine macrophages, which may provide new therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of M1 macrophage-mediated inflammatory diseases.

  • ZHOU Qin, LIN Weixia, SONG Yuanzong
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 124-131. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230259

    Objective: To investigate the value of minigene splicing variant analysis in the diagnosis of phosphomannomutase 2-congenital disorder of glycosylation (PMM2-CDG), and to explore the impact of a novel splicing-site variant on the transcript products of the PMM2 gene. Methods: High-throughput sequencing was performed on a PMM2-CDG patient to identify the genetic etiology. Minigene splicing variant analysis was performed to explore the pathogenicity of a novel splicing-site variant in the PMM2 gene. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of the novel variant was determined. Results: On genetic analysis, the patient was a compound heterozygote of the maternal c.691G>A(p.Val231Met) and the paternal c.447+5G>A variants of the PMM2 gene. On minigene splicing variant analysis, the c.447+5G>A variant resulted in the formation of the aberrant transcript r.348_447del, indicating a pathogenic PMM2 variant. The clinical features of the patient were jaundice of the skin and sclera. The serum total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, and total bile acids were significantly increased, albumin was significantly decreased, while alpha-fetoprotein, ferritin and thyrotropin were elevated. Symptomatic and supportive therapy was given, but the effect was not promising. Conclusion: Minigene splicing variant analysis revealed a new molecular marker for the definitive diagnosis and familial genetic counseling of PMM2-CDG, expanded the PMM2 genetic variant spectrum, and provided laboratory evidences for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

  • GUO Shouyun, YAO Lan
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 186-191. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230239

    Objective: To explore the correlation between video dependence and adolescent psychological anxiety, and to explore the effective prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: Linear correlation and multiple linear regression equations were used to analyze the relationship between psychological anxiety caused by video dependence in adolescents. Based on Tiktok video platform, relevant data were collected by adolescent video addiction scale and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). Results: A total of 214 adolescents in Guangzhou were investigated. The results showed that video dependence was positively correlated with psychological anxiety (r=0.448,P<0.01), and the four dimensions of video dependence were significantly positively correlated with psychological anxiety. The four dimensions included loss of control (r=0.451,P<0.01), withdrawal (r=0.433,P<0.01), avoidance (r=0.333,P<0.01) and inefficiency (r=0.325,P<0.01). The regression equation showed that the standard regression coefficients of the two dimensions of video dependence, loss of control and withdrawal, were 0.392 and 0.368 respectively (P<0.01). Conclusion: The video dependence of adolescents is positively correlated with their level of psychological anxiety, with the uncontrollable and withdrawal factors of video dependence having a more significant impact on anxiety. This study provides a reference basis for precise intervention of video dependence.

  • PU Qiumei, HUANG Bo, XI Zuoxin, ZHAO Lina
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 315-326. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230169

    Objective: Develop and validate a knee joint MR image segmentation algorithm to address challenges in accurately identifying the fine structure of cartilage, resolving fuzzy segmentation boundaries, and mitigating mis-segmentation. The goal is to detect early cartilage lesions and aid the diagnosis of chronic diseases such as knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Utilized the SKI10 public dataset for experimental verification, partitioned into training (60%), validation (20%), and test (20%) datasets. CE-TransUNet, a novel network architecture combining the Transformer and U-Net methods, was proposed. This model integrates channel attention and edge attention mechanisms. The performance of the proposed model in knee joint MR image segmentation was assessed using the average Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) as the primary evaluation metric. Results: Compared to the classical algorithm, CE-TransUNet demonstrates superior segmentation performance, achieving a DSC of 90.48%. Specifically, the DSC for femur and tibia segmentation reaches 93.55% and 93.10%, respectively. While for femoral and tibial cartilage, it is 87.69% and 87.58%. Conclusion: The segmentation results obtained using CE-TransUNet closely align with manual segmentation results, indicating superior performance compared to the comparison network model. This method presents a novel strategy to automatic knee cartilage segmentation, holding potential for clinical diagnosis and application.

  • FENG Jie, WEI Yan, TAN Long, FAN Ruifeng
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 327-336. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230231

    Objective: The community structure of endophytic fungi in the scale leaves and roots of the lilium lancifolium, as well as the fungi in the rhizosphere soil, was analyzed. Furthermore, the ecological functions of endophytic fungi in the scale leaves, a medicinal part, were predicted. This approach aimed to identify functional groups closely associated with the active ingredients of L. lancifolium. Methods: The Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was utilized to sequence the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region within the rhizosphere and endophytic fungi of L. lancifolium. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were used to functionally classify the scale leaves endophytic fungal community in FUNGuild software. Results: ① Ascomycota and Basidiomycetes are the predominant phyla in L. lancifolium. Cutaneotrichosporon and Fusarium are the dominant genera found on scale leaves. Cutaneotrichosporon is significantly more prevalent in scale leaves than in roots and rhizosphere soil.②The scale leaves of L. lancifolium are mainly divided into eight functional groups: undefined saprophytes, plant pathogens, plant endophytes-plant pathogens, animal pathogens-undefined saprophytes, ectomycorrhizal fungi, litter saprotroph-plant pathogen, endophyte-undefined saprotroph and wood saprotroph. Undefined saprotroph is the most dominant group of scale leaves, and OTUs mainly belong to Nemania. Conclusion: Cutaneotrichosporon and Fusarium may be closely related to the active ingredient of L. lancifolium.

  • CHENG Xiangyi, HUANG Chengfeng, XIONG Yumei, LU Hua, LIAO Shengjie, ZHANG Xiaoshen, WANG Hao, SHEN Si
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 132-139. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240002

    Objective: To analyze the correlation between peri-device leak (PDL)after thoracoscopic left atrial appendage ligation (LAAL) in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF) and left atrial appendage(LAA)morphology based on postoperative cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Methods: Sixty-two patients with AF who underwent successful LAAL at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from November 2017 to April 2023 were enrolled, as well as their clinical data. Their postoperative CCTA images were evaluated to assess LAA morphological parameter. Based on the follow-up results after LAAL, the patients were divided into two groups, the PDL group (n=34) and the non-PDL group (n=28). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors among the variables with statistical differences between the two groups. Results: The parameters of the LAA between two groups were included in the single factor logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the short diameter of LAA (OR=0.393, 95% CI: 0.167~0.926, P=0.033), the long diameter of LAAO (OR=0.330, 95% CI: 0.138~0.785, P=0.012), the short diameter of LAAO (OR=0.083, 95% CI: 0.019~0.367, P=0.001), the perimeter of LAAO (OR=0.078, 95% CI: 0.510~0.983, P=0.039), the area of LAAO (OR=0.499, 95% CI: 0.319~0.783, P=0.002), and the volume of LAA (OR=0.855, 95% CI: 0.768~0.953, P=0.005) were associated with the occurrence of PDL. After multivariate logistic regression correction, that LAAO short diameter becomes longer was a risk factor for the occurence of PDL. Conclusion: The assessment of LAA morphology through CCTA has a certain predictive value for the occurrence of postoperative PDL in AF patients. When the short diameter of LAAO becomes longer, we need to be alert to the occurrence of PDL.

  • REN Aihui, LIANG Yubin, ZHUO Wenyan
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 240-247. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230251

    Mitofusion2 (Mfn2), a key factor regulating mitochondrial fusion, maintains dynamic changes in mitochondrial number, structure and biological functions by modulating the fusion and fission processes of mitochondria. The homeostasis of mitochondrial dynamics is the premise of regulating organelle function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the brains of AD patients, β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and hyperphosphorylation of Tau proteins are accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression level of Mfn2, suggesting Mfn2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. This review focuses on the role of Mfn2 in mitochondrial dynamics of AD. Understanding the correlation between Mfn2 and the pathogenesis of AD will provide important information for the development of the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.

  • HU Qingru, YE Yunrui, HUANG Haitao, XU Weixiong, ZHAO Ke, CUI Yanfen, LIU Zaiyi
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 140-149. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230261

    Objective: To investigate the predictive value of tumor growth patterns on computed tomography (CT-TGP) for the postoperative recurrence and metastasis in non-metastatic colon cancer. Methods: Data of 426 patients with non-metastatic colon cancer who underwent surgical resection was retrospectively analyzed from two independent research centers (center1, n=204; center2, n=222). Preoperative CT images were analyzed to assess CT-TGP and tumor (CT-T) stage of enrolled patients. According to the signs of tumor outer margin, CT-TGP was classified as G1 (with smooth and clear tumor outer margin) or G2 (tumor outer margin was indistinct with irregular protrusions).CT-T stage was categorized into T1/2-T3ab (≤5 mm) or T3cd-T4 (>5 mm) based on the depth of tumor infiltration beyond the outer contour of the intestinal wall. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of the risk of recurrence and metastasis in colon cancer with CT-TGP and CT-T stages. Disease-free survival (DFS) of different CT-TGP or CT-T stage was compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The prognostic value of CT-TGP and CT-T stage was quantified using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index). The interobserver agreements of CT-TGP and CT-T stage were quantified utilizing Cohen’s kappa and Light’s kappa. Results: CT-TGP was identified significantly associated with DFS in both center 1and center 2. The hazard ratios (HRs) of CT-TGP in center 1 and center 2 were 2.48(95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32~4.64, P<0.01, C-index 0.61) and 2.59(95%CI 1.50~4.48, P<0.001, C-index 0.62) respectively. CT-T staging was only found significantly prognostic for DFS in center 1 (HR 2.65, 95% CI, 1.32~5.34, P<0.01,C-index 0.60). In center 2, there was no statistically significant difference in DFS between T3cd-T4 stage and T1/2-T3ab stage patients (HR 1.54, 95% CI, 0.83~2.83, P=0.17, C-index 0.55). Additionally, CT-TGP demonstrated better interobserver consistency than CT-T stage (Light’s kappa 0.67 vs 0.52). Conclusion: CT-TGP was associated with postoperative recurrence and metastasis in patients with non-metastatic colon cancer and exhibited good prognostic value in different centers. Compared to CT-T stage, CT-TGP possessed better inter-observer consistency. Therefore, CT-TGP was an effective prognostic biomarker and could be used for the analysis of risk stratification in patients with non-metastatic colon cancer.

  • GUO Yunxia, GAO Chunming, FAN Fenfei, FANG Yungang
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 256-262. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230160

    Objective: To clarify the impact of a first-time hospitalization history of sepsis (her einafter referred to as sepsis) on long-term cardiovascular events in surviving adult patients. Methods: Applying queue research methods. According to the 1∶2 case-control matching principle, sepsis patients hospitalized in our hospital and non sepsis patients hospitalized in the same period were selected as the research subjects. Follow-up studies were conducted on two groups of patients after discharge. Recorded the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in two groups of patients during the follow-up period. Applying Logistic regression analysis to explore the impact of hospitalization history leading to sepsis on cardiovascular events.Results: Multivariate Logistic regression showed that:①Outcome of myocardial infarction: family history of heart disease, history of diabetes mellitus and hospitalization history of sepsis were significant influence factors of myocardial infarction during the follow-up period (P<0.05). OR were 2.012, 2.436, 1.473. ②Outcome of stroke: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, history of stroke and hospitalization history of sepsis were significant influence factors of stroke during follow-up period. OR were 1.392, 3.141, 1.893, 1.428. ③Cardiovascular death outcome: older age, diabetes mellitus, low BMI and sepsis hospitalization history were significant influence factors of cardiovascular death during the follow-up period. OR were 2.013, 1.876, 1.592, 1.404.④ All-cause death outcome: older age, male, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, active malignant tumor, smoking, and sepsis hospitalization history were significant influence factors of all-cause death during the follow-up period. OR were 2.446, 1.229, 2.398, 1.892, 2.713, 1.455, 1.454. Conclusion: Compared to non sepsis hospitalized survivors, adult sepsis survivors have an increased risk of experiencing cardiovascular events.

  • XIE Zhuojun, MA Guangyu, CHEN Pengyu, CHEN Ying'er, XIAO Xiaomin
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 248-255. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230250

    As the largest and most complex microbial ecosystem within the human body, the intestinal microbiota forms a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with the host. The composition and function of the intestinal microbiota undergo changes throughout the entire life cycle while maintaining relative stability. With advancements in intestinal microbiota research technologies, recent studies have increasingly focused on the impact of genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors on the intestinal microbiota, with particular attention to the dynamic changes at different stages of life. The intestinal microbiota undergoes continuous development, maturation, and aging, exhibiting age-specific characters. Fetal microbiota begins to colonize in utero, and the mode of delivery and feeding practices lay the foundation for early colonization of the intestinal microbiota. The weaning process facilitates the gradual maturation of the intestinal microbiota. During adolescence and menopause, the substantial fluctuations in sex hormone levels interact with the intestinal microbiota. In the aging phase, changes in the intestinal microbiota are closely associated with immune aging and chronic low-grade inflammation. Antibiotics exert significant disruptive effects on the intestinal microbiota throughout the life cycle, especially with more pronounced effects in early life stage. This review analyzed the key factors influencing the normal initiation, maturation, and aging of the intestinal microbiota, aiming to explore the interrelationships between these factors and host physiological functions, providing a foundation for a deeper understanding of the dynamic changes in the intestinal microbial ecosystem.

  • WANG Hongwei, TIAN Fangying, ZHAO Ming, WANG Xueyu, ZHANG Hansheng, CUI Xinyu
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 168-175. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230170

    Objective: To study the prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in patients with osteomyelitis by meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM were searched for Prevalence of MRSA infection in patients with osteomyelitis from inception to August 2023. The data were independently screened and extracted by 2 investigators according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the quality of literature was evaluated using the NOS. Data were combined using prevalence as an outcome indicator, and meta-analysis was conducted using R (4.3.1) software with subgroup analysis based on types of osteomyelitis, age and research region. Results: A total of 26 papers containing 20 860 patients with osteomyelitis were included. Meta-analysis showed that the combined prevalence of MRSA infection in patients with osteomyelitis was 0.240 (95% CI: 0.183~0.297). Subgroup analyses showed a higher prevalence of MRSA infection in patients with VO, aged 18~60 years, and in patients with osteomyelitis in North America. Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA infection is high in patients with osteomyelitis, and effective prevention and control measures are needed to reduce the transmission of MRSA.

  • PENG Sihui, FU Bei, WANG Wenwen, ZHOU Long, YANG Tingzhong
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 176-185. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230190

    Objective: The short-form Chinese smartphone dependence questionnaire(SPDQ) was developed and validated and established a cutoff point for screening smartphone dependence in China. Methods: A total of 221 participants completed a four-wave online survey that collected demographic data, general mental health, and responses to the 10-item Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-SF) and 7-tiem SPDQ. Factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and correlation analysis were conducted to verify the reliability and validity of SPDQ. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the 7-item SPDQ was selected to represent two-factor construct, including cognitive or mental response to dependence and behavioral response to dependence. For maximal diagnostic accuracy, a cutoff point of 4/5 best-discriminated cases of smartphone dependence as a reference to SPAI-SF. Conclusion: SPDQ demonstrated acceptable construct validity and fair to moderate levels of test reliability. This finding provides a valuable tool in population-based research on smartphone dependence in China.

  • Research on basic medicine
    ZHAO Zihan, JIANG Qianchan, XIE Qiuling
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 447-455. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240207

    Objective: The interleukin-33 (IL-33)/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of tumors. Increased IL-33 levels promote the proliferation of tumor cells. This article aims to screen and express nanoantibodies targeting interleukin IL-33, block the transduction of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway by binding to IL-33, regulate inflammatory responses, and prevent tumor deterioration. Methods: Nanoantibody sequences that specifically bind to interleukin IL-33 were screened from a large-capacity natural phage nanoantibody library by panning, enrichment verification and screening, and two NbIL-33 nanoantibodies with different amino acid sequences were obtained; the NbIL-33 nanoantibody sequence was amplified from the phage plasmid pMECS by PCR technology, and the nanoantibody sequence was connected to the expression vector pMal-c4x by plasmid construction method and transformed into the expression strain BL21 (DE3) to obtain the soluble fusion expression strain of NbIL-33 and MBP tag protein: Ni-NTA affinity chromatography was used to purify NbA1 fusion protein and NbE12 fusion protein; ELISA method was used to detect the specificity, affinity and thermal stability of NbIL-33; CCK8 method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of NbIL-33 on IL-33-induced human breast cancer cell proliferation. Results: By screening the nanoantibody sequence that specifically binds to interleukin IL-33 from the natural phage nanoantibody library, two NbIL-33 nanoantibodies with different amino acid sequences were obtained, named NbA1 and NbE12 respectively; they were expressed in E.coli BL21, and two nanoantibodies with a purity of more than 90% were obtained by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. ELISA showed that both NbA1 and NbE12 could bind to IL-33, and their affinity constants Ka values were (6.068±2.58)×105 mol/L and (2.17±0.37)×106 mol/L, respectively; CCK8 assay proved that both NbA1 and NbE12 had an inhibitory effect on IL-33-induced human breast cancer cell proliferation, and the inhibitory effect of NbA1 was greater than that of NbE12. Conclusion: In this study, two IL33-targeting nanoantibody sequences were screened from the natural phage nanoantibody library, and the NbIL-33 fusion protein expression strain was constructed. Non-fusion proteins NbA1 and NbE12 with a purity greater than 90% were purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, and their biological functions were preliminarily studied, laying the foundation for the tumor treatment strategy targeting IL-33.

  • LIN Jinli, DENG Shunjian, FANG Liguang, ZHANG Cici, ZHOU Quan
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 150-159. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230249

    Objective: To construct a 3D imaging model based on dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to predict the expression level of Ki-67 in breast cancer. Methods: The clinical, pathological and MR Dynamic enhanced imaging data of 110 female patients with invasive breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to Ki-67 value, those with Ki-67 value ≥30% was defined as high expression group and <30% was defined as low expression group. The 3D imaging features of the tumor area in the fourth stage of DCE-MRI were extracted. The optimal features were selected to construct the expression state model of Ki-67 prediction in breast cancer, and the Nomogram was drawn to visualize the model and evaluate the effectiveness of the model. Bootstrap was used to sample the training sample for 1000 times and reconstruct the model for internal verification. Results: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the training group showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.876 (95%CI 0.803~0.949), the optimal cut-off value was 0.513, the sensitivity was 80.6%, and the specificity was 86.9%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was 0.735. The decision curve (DCA) threshold ranges from 17% to 100%. In the internal validation group, AUC was 0.854 (95%CI 0.851~0.878), sensitivity was 84.0%, and specificity was 72.9%. Conclusion: The expression status of Ki-67 in breast cancer can be predicted before surgery based on the 3D features of DCE-MRI imaging, which provides an effective and non-invasive imaging model to evaluate the proliferation of breast cancer tumor cells before surgery, and provides a new reference for the treatment decision selection of breast cancer.

  • Special recommendation
    LI Hongying, GU Jingyi, LAI Winghang, CHEN Jiansu, TANG Shibo, SO KwokFai
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(6): 559-572. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240118

    Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Lycium barbarum extracts (LBE, Ningxia, China) on the retinal structure and function in the mice administrated with optic nerve crush (ONC). Methods: The changes of flash electroretinogram (fERG) and retinal structure in the normal group, ONC-2 d group and ONC-7 d group were compared. Then, the effects of intraperitoneal injection of various dosages of LBE on the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the ONC-7 d group were compared. After that, the LBE dosage with the best protective effect was selected for the next experiment. Finally, we further studied the effects of 1.0 mg/kg LBE on the retinal ERG and structure preservation ONC-7 d group. In all the mentioned experiments, the full-field flash ERG was used to detect the changes in the a-wave and b-wave amplitude and latency under dark and light conditions in the living animals. The collected retinas were processed as the retinal flat whole-mounts and used for the immunofluorescent labeling of the RGCs, or as the frozen sections to be utilized for the fluorescent staining of the retinal bipolar cells, cones, synaptophysin (SYN), anti-postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS). ImageJ software was used to count the numbers of the surviving RGCs, bipolar cells and cones, to calculate the percentage of the fluorescence-positive area (PP) of the bipolar cell protrusions in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), to measure the fluorescence intensity (FI) of the SYN in the IPL and outer plexiform layer (OPL), to measure the FI and PP of the PSD95 in the OPL, and to detect the red FI after the DHE detection. Results: Compared with the N and ONC-2 d groups, the numbers of the survival RGCs, bipolar cells and cones, the PP of the bipolar cell protrusion in the INL, and the FI of the SYN in the IPL and OPL decreased (P<0.05) in the ONC-7 d group. The FI of the PSD95 did not change (P>0.05); but the PP decreased in the OPL (P<0.050). The results of ERG examination showed that the amplitudes of a- and b-waves decreased under dark adaptation (P<0.01) and the reduction in the amplitude of b wave during light adaptation was significant 7 days after surgery (P<0.05). DHE staining showed that the ROS was increased 7 days after the operation (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, treatment with LBE could increase the survival of the RGCs (P<0.01) with the largest survival average density of RGCs in the 1.0 mg/kg LBE group (P<0.01). In addition, compared with the control group, 1.0 mg/kg LBE could increase the PP occupied by the bipolar cell protrusions in the IPL (P<0.05), the number of surviving cone cells (P<0.01), the FI of SYN in the IPL (P<0.01) and OPL (P<0.05), and the FI and the PP of PSD95 in the OPL (P<0.05). The improved function of the retina was shown by the increasing amplitudes under dark adaptation (P<0.05) and light adaptation (P<0.01). LBE reduced the FI of ROS (P<0.05). Conclusion: LBE has a protective effect on the retina after ONC injury in mice, and its protective effect may be related to its inhibition of oxidative stress in the retina.

  • ZHU Mengzhen, ZHANG Hong, YANG Meng
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 160-167. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230185

    Objective: A hypothermia risk prediction model in elderly total hip arthroplasty (THA) was constructed. Methods: The data of 252 elderly patients who underwent hip replacement surgery from January 2019 to May 2022 were included, and the risk factors for hypothermia were analyzed, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed and validated. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that anesthesia time, operation time, operating room ambient temperature, intraoperative infusion, and surgical bleeding were independent influencing factors of intraoperative hypothermia in elderly people with THA (P<0.05). The AUC of the nomogram prediction model is 0.888(95%CI:0.849~0.928), and the consistency results are close to the ideal predictive ability, and the clinical decision curve shows that the threshold is 0.15~0.95, which can benefit clinically. Conclusion: The model constructed in this study can accurately predict intraoperative hypothermia in elderly patients with total hip arthroplasty, which can provide reference for clinical decision-making.

  • MA Ao, MENG Zhichao, TAN Minghui
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 306-314. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240019

    Objective: This study aimed to achieve the design, in vitro preparation and validation of recombinant antibodies against human Spastin using the machine learning software Rosetta. Methods: Antibodies targeting the antigenic determinant of human Spastin protein were designed using Rosetta. The amino acid sequences of the Fab segment’s light and heavy chains variable regions were obtained and converted into nucleotide sequences to obtain the full-length cDNA of the light and heavy chains after codon optimization. Subsequently, the sequences of the full human-derived anti-Spastin light and heavy chains were constructed in recombinant expression vectors. The antibodies were expressed and purified in the 293FT eukaryotic expression system. The ability of the antibodies to recognize the recombinant human Spastin protein were identified using Western blot. The binding and conformation of the antibody-antigen complex were simulated through Rosetta modeling. Results: The recombinant antibodies against human Spastin were successfully constructed and expressed in the eukaryotic system. The recombinant antibody’s light and heavy chains formed complete antibodies that could specifically recognize the human Spastin protein. Conclusion: Using Rosetta software, this study successfully designed recombinant antibodies capable of specifically recognizing Spastin.

  • Research on basic medicine
    ZHOU Qiang, CHEN Mei, LIN Lijuan, GENG Chengliang
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 456-469. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240174

    Objective: This study aims to explore the characteristic genes and potential mechanisms of ferroptosis-related idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: To construct a ferroptosis-related IPF risk model (Fer-Score) by using WGCNA and ssGSEA. Subsequently analyzed immune cell infiltration and pathway enrichment in different risk subtypes. The LASSO algorithm was employed to screen ferroptosis-related genes characteristic of IPF and assess the correlation between immune cell infiltration abundance, key pathway scores and characteristic genes. Finally, we validated the expression of characteristic genes and conducted functional studies using an IPF cell model. Results: Nine ferroptosis-related IPF genes were identified for constructing the Fer-Score. The risk scores of different subtypes of Fer-Score showed significant difference, with the model achieving an area under the ROC curve of 0.917 7 and 0.937 5 for the discovery and validation sets, respectively. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant correlations between enrichment scores and memory B cells, dendritic cells, resting NK cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. Pathway enrichment analysis identified 24 pathways significantly enriched by GSEA, seven of which were notably related to immune cell infiltration. Combined LASSO algorithm and Pearson correlation analysis identified MEG8, ALOX15, and ADAM23 as characteristic genes contributing to IPF. Cell experiments showed that ADAM23 was significantly overexpressed in the IPF cell model, and knockdown of ADAM23 inhibited LPS induced proliferation and migration of BEAS-2Bs cells. Conclusion: Knockdown of ADAM23 can inhibit the progression of IPF potentially by regulating metabolism-related pathways to influence the infiltration patterns of five types of immune cells. Thereby ADAM23 may contribute to the occurrence of IPF.

  • LI Ruijun, CHEN Xinru, HU Dahai, LI Tao, XIAO Lei, HOU Huige
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 263-273. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230232

    Objective: To explore the short-term clinical efficacy of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) suture augmentation repair, PLUS suture augmentation repair and anterior tibiofibular ligament’s distal fascicle (ATiFL-DF) transfer augmentation repair under arthroscopy. Methods: The retrospective study included a cohort of sixty-seven patients who underwent surgical treatment for an anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury between June 2019 and February 2021, with a follow-up period of two years. The patient groupings consisted of 25 individuals who underwent ATFL suture augmentation repair (suture group), 22 who received the PLUS suture augmentation repair (PLUS suture group), and 20 who were treated with ATiFL-DF transfer augmentation repair (biological group). Postoperative evaluations were conducted using a suite of standardized measures, including the American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score, foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and stress radiographs.Results: At 1 and 3 months postoperatively, the AOFAS score of patients in the biological group was significantly lower than that in the suture group and PLUS suture group (AOFAS score of 1 month is 78.2±7.2, 83.7±5.7 and 85.0±6.2 in biological group, suture group and PLUS suture group respectively, P=0.002; AOFAS score of 3 months is 86.9±4.3, 91.2±3.6 and 91.8±3.7 in biological group, suture group and PLUS suture group respectively, P<0.001). At 1 and 3 months postoperatively, the VAS scores in the biological group were significantly higher than those in the suture group and PLUS suture group (VAS score of 1 month is 3.5±1.2, 2.6±1.1 and 2.8±0.8 in biological group, suture group and PLUS suture group respectively, P=0.001; VAS score of 3 months is 2.9±1.1, 2.1±1.3 and 2.0±1.0 in biological group, suture group and PLUS suture group respectively, P=0.001). In addition, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months postoperatively, there were no significant differences among the three treatment groups in terms of AOFAS, VAS, FAAM, and stress radiogram (P>0.05).Conclusion: ATFL suture augmentation repair, PLUS suture augmentation repair, and ATiFL-DF transfer augmentation repair have all demonstrated efficacious therapeutic outcomes. However, it was observed that the early postoperative pain experienced by patients who underwent the ATiFL-DF transfer augmentation repair was more intense when compared to those who received suture augmentation repair and PLUS suture augmentation repair.

  • FU Huilan, WU Jiajin, ZENG Shan, REN Jie
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 274-282. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230134

    Objective: To explore the value of the peripheral blood parameters including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in evaluating RA disease activity and drug efficacy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 99 patients with active RA and 100 healthy subjects as the control group from December 2019 to December 2021. The differences of NLR, PLR and LMR between active RA groups and healthy control group, as well as the correlation between NLR, PLR, LMR and RA disease activity were analyzed. In 53 active RA patients who had received infliximab treatment for 14 weeks, the changes of NLR, PLR and LMR and their correlation with the efficacy of infliximab were analyzed in clinical responder group and clinical unresponder group. Results: ① The NLR and PLR of the active RA group were higher than those of the healthy control group, while the LMR was lower than that of the healthy control group (P<0.05). ② The NLR and PLR of low disease activity group were lower than those of medium/high disease activity group,while LMR was higher than that of medium/high disease activity group (P<0.05). ③ The NLR and PLR were positively correlated with DAS28-ESR, ESR and CRP in active RA patients. However, LMR was negatively correlated with DAS28-ESR, ESR and CRP (P<0.05). ④ ESR, CRP,DAS28-ESR, NLR and PLR decreased and LMR increased significantly compared to baseline in RA patients treated with infliximab for 14 weeks(P<0.05). ⑤ After treatment with infliximab, the clinical responder group had lower NLR and PLR than the clinical non-responder group, while the clinical responder group had higher LMR than the clinical non-responder group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Peripheral blood NLR, PLR and LMR in active RA can help evaluate disease activity and efficacy of infliximab.

  • Innovative research on natural drug
    ZHU Hainan, ZHANG Zhimin, WU Yu, WANG Qiaoli, WANG Yifei
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 512-522. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240210

    Objective: To screen an extract against Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae from Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant, and to explore its in vitro antimicrobial activity and mechanism. Methods: The agar plate diffusion method was used to screen for Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant extracts with excellent in vitro antibacterial effects. Subsequently, the minimum inhibitory concentration against Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae was determined. By observing the formation of biofilms, the hydrophobicity and relative conductivity of bacterial surfaces treated with the extract, and the structure of bacterial cells, its antibacterial mechanisms were explored. Results: The selected Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant extract with good antibacterial effect was Artemisia argyi water extract (AWE). AWE can increase cell membrane permeability by inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilm, reducing surface hydrophobicity, and increasing relative conductivity, thereby damaging bacterial cell membrane and bacterial structure. Conclusion: AWE is an excellent antibacterial extract of Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant, which has the potential to serve as a natural antibacterial agent for Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae.

  • WEI Jianjie, ZENG Ping, LIU Jinfu, NONG Jiao, LIANG Juan, TAO Hongcheng, CHEN Limin, LU Zhihao, LI Chaohui, WANG Yingzan
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 378-389. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240045

    Objective: The risk factors for collapse in association research circulation osseous (ARCO) stage Ⅱ (non-collapse) nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH) were analyzed, and a nomogram risk prediction model was developed to provide a simple tool and theoretical basis for identifying ARCO stage Ⅱ patients with a high collapse risk. Methods: Patients with ARCO stage Ⅱ and stage ⅢA (early collapse) NONFH diagnosed and treated from July 2017 to February 2024 were retrospectively selected as subjects. The patients were randomly divided into a training group and a verification group at a ratio of 6:4 to screen the independent risk factors of collapse and develop a prediction model and test the model's effectiveness. The optimal characteristic values were screened using LASSO regression analysis of the indexes of the patients in the training group with R statistical software. The risk factors of collapse were screened using a multifactor Logistic regression analysis. A prediction model was developed, and thus, the prediction and differentiation performance of the model for the risk of collapse in ARCO stage Ⅱ patients were compared between the training and verification groups. The evaluation indexes included the C-index and calibration curve. The model was visually quantified by a nomogram and its clinical effectiveness was evaluated by a decision curve. Results: A total of 78 patients (95 hips) with ARCO stage Ⅱ NONFH and 80 patients (102 hips) with ARCO stage ⅢA NONFH who met the criteria were included, totaling 197 hips. Multifactor Logistic regression analysis showed a long pain time (OR=1.176,95%CI:1.090-1.313), the percentage of femoral head involvement (PFHI) >30% (OR=25.257,95%CI:2.771-436.321), bone marrow edema (BME) grade 3 (OR=1.963,95%CI:0.017-22.424), combined preserved angle (CPA) <118.7°(OR=6.814,95%CI:1.658-37.099), high red blood cell volume distribution width (OR=1.097,95%CI:0.611-1.570) and high platelet volume distribution width (OR=1.174,95%CI:0.119-13.149) were independent risk factors for femoral head collapse (P<0.05). The collapse risk prediction model for patients with NONFH in ARCO stage Ⅱ developed in this study showed good differentiation, and its C-indices in the training and verification groups were 0.844 and 0.878, respectively. In the training and verification groups, the calibration curve showed that the predicted results of the nomogram agreed well with the actual observational results. The results of the decision curve analysis showed that the prediction model could provide more net benefits to patients within a more extensive probability threshold range. Conclusion: Long pain duration, PFHI >30%, BME grade 3, CPA <118.7°, high red blood cell volume distribution width and high platelet volume distribution width can be used as predictive factors for the occurrence of femoral head collapse in ARCO stage Ⅱ, which is helpful for clinicians to detect and intervene in the occurrence and development of femoral head collapse in the early stages.

  • WANG Gaoyan, LI Qingyuan, YANG Rongfang, WANG Yonghong, SHEN Supeng
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 337-347. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230205

    Objective: To utilize the GEO database for screening DEGs in tissues of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It aims to further analyze the correlation with immune cell infiltration and prognosis. Methods: The dataset GSE23400, containing data on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, was extracted from the GEO database. DEGs analysis was subsequently performed using the Limma package in the R software. The two-platform data of GSE23400 were integrated and the immune cell infiltration in each sample was calculated by ssGSEA algorithm of GSVA package, and the correlation between immune infiltrated cells and DEGs were calculated. The association between DEGs and the overall survival of patients was investigated using the GSE53624 dataset. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between immune infiltrating cells and genes associated with patient survival was evaluated. Also, the expression levels of the survival-related genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were validated using the GSE53622 dataset, and their correlation with patient prognosis was examined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to detect the protein expression levels of DEGs in 38 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and the corresponding non-tumor tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EHF and CSTB in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Results: Through the analysis of data from 104 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a total of 38 DEGs between cancerous and normal tissues were identified. In immune-infiltration analysis, the immune cell infiltration in cancerous and normal tissue was different, the 38 DEGs were related to the abundance of immune cells infiltration. It was exposed that the expressions of EHF and CSTB genes were significantly correlated with survival time of the patients with esophageal cancer through survival analysis (both P<0.05). In GSE53624 dataset, a significant positive correlation was found between EHF gene expression and CD4+T cells, B cells. The correlation coefficients r were 0.69 and 0.67, respectively (both P<0.01). The positively correlation between CSTB gene expression and CD8+T cells, natural killer T cells was significant, with the correlation coefficients r were 0.76 and 0.62, respectively (both P<0.01). The survival time of patients with increased EHF and CSTB genes expression was significantly higher than that of patients with low expression level (median survival 59.1 vs. 24.1; 63.1 vs. 23.9). The expressions of EHF and CSTB genes were decreased in GSE53622 dataset (both P<0.01). Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who exhibited high expression of EHF and CSTB genes showed a more favorable prognosis compared to those with low expression level (median survival NA vs. 29.7; NA vs. 17.9, both P<0.05). The results from IHC demonstrated a significant decrease in the protein expression levels of EHF and CSTB in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to the corresponding adjacent tissues (both P<0.05). Similarly, the results from RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis indicated a significantly lower expression of EHF and CSTB in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells when compared to normal esophageal squamous epithelial cells (both P<0.05). Conclusion: EHF and CSTB genes are likely to play significant roles in tumor immunity and the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. These findings could potentially serve as a theoretical foundation for the development of immunotherapy strategies and prognostic evaluations.

  • Research on clinical medicine
    GAO Ping, LYU Qiao, LI Songbo, CHEN Guo, LI Yutong, PAN Bin
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 488-492. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230260

    Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intelligent controlled pressure ureterorenoscopy in treating polycystic kidney disease with renal calculi. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of three patients with polycystic kidney disease and renal calculi treated in the first affiliated hospital of Jinan University between June 2022 and September 2023. Intelligent controlled pressure ureterorenoscopy was performed, and the treatment outcomes and incidence of complications were analyzed. Results: All three patients were male, with an average age of (51.00±6.08) years old. The average surface area of the stones in (4.75±4.53) cm2. Two patients had stones on the left side, and one had stones on the right side. All three patients exhibited varying degrees of renal hydronephrosis. All three surgeries were successfully completed. The average operative time was (195.30±65.61) min. No active bleeding occurred during or after the surgery. None of the patients experienced complications such as sepsis, organ injury, or irrigation fluid absorption syndrome. Routine blood and biochemical tests were conducted on the first day post-surgery. The average decrease in hemoglobin was (9.73±13.35) g/L, and no patient required blood transfusion. The average postoperative serum creatinine level was (265.10±194.28) μmol/L. Conclusion: Intelligent controlled pressure ureterorenoscopy is a safe and effective treatment for polycystic kidney with renal calculi.

  • CAO Mingyuan, ZHANG Zhendong, HOU Xinrui, WANG Xiaoping
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 348-356. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240051

    Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death different from apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis and autophagy, which mainly involves three metabolic pathways namely iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant. It plays an important role in the occurrence, progression and drug resistance of digestive tract tumors. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA), including microRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA, regulate the expression of ferroptosis-related genes in digestive tract tumors, thereby influencing the ferroptosis pathway of tumor cells and affecting the initiation and progression of tumors. Therefore, ncRNAs play a crucial role in regulating ferroptosis in digestive tract tumors. This review summarizes the mechanisms of ferroptosis and provides an overview of ncRNA involved in regulating and modulating ferroptosis in digestive tract tumors in recent years, offering theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive tract tumors in the future.

  • WANG Yang, ZHANG Sai, HAO Yongci, ZHU Xien, LANG Yilin, GU Ping
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 357-365. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240093

    Objective: To explore the characteristics of vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and analyze its correlation with postural balance disorders and non-motor symptoms. Methods: A total of 65 patients with primary PD and 60 healthy individuals (HC) matched for gender and age were included in the neurology department of the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to June 2023, and all underwent VEMP examination. Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn-Yahr staging (H-Y) were used to assess patients' motor symptoms and disease severity. Montreal cognitive assessment(MOCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Hamilton depression rating scale-24 (HAMD-24), Hamilton anxiety rating scale-14 (HAMA-14), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire (RBD-SQ), Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS), scale for outcomes in Parkinson's disease-autonomic(SCOPA-AUT), brief fatigue inventory (BFI), international restless legs scale (IRLS), Kings's Parkinson's disease pain scale (KPPS) and Wexner continence grading score (WCGS) were used to evaluate the non-motor symptoms of patients. Berg balance scale (BBS), activities balance confidence scale (ABC) and Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment (Tinetti-POMA) were used to assess patients' postural balance disorders. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between VEMP and postural balance disorders and non-motor symptoms. Results: The abnormal rate of VEMP in PD patients was significantly higher than that in HC group [72.31% (47/65) vs. 33.33% (20/60), χ2=19.056, P<0.001], and the abnormal pattern was mainly due to lack of response [58.46% (38/47)]. Spearman correlation analysis between VEMP score and PD patient course, LEDD and various scale scores showed that VEMP score was negatively correlated with BBS score (r=-0.307, P=0.013) and Tinetti-POMA score (r=-0.255, P=0.042), and positively correlated with HAMA-14 score (r=0.323, P=0.009) and RBD-SQ score (r=0.476, P=0.001). Conclusion: The abnormal rate of VEMP in PD patients will significantly increase, and the abnormal pattern was mainly response loss. VEMP abnormalities were significantly correlated with posture balance disorders, anxiety severity, and RBD severity in PD patients. VEMP, as a non-invasive and objective neurophysiological indicator, can provide a basis for diagnosing brainstem dysfunction in PD and lay a theoretical foundation for auxiliary treatments such as vestibular stimulation and vestibular rehabilitation.

  • LU Xinyu, SHEN Haoyang, ZHANG Ying, CHEN Libo, JIN Menghao, YU Qiyuan, WANG Jinghan, ZHAN Xinyi, GAO Chongjing, GUO Ying
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 210-226. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230233

    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common non-communicable diseases in the world, with high morbidity, disability and mortality rates, and are a serious threat to human health. Studies have shown that CVDs are the leading cause of death in the world. Environmental pollution is an important risk factor for CVDs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common semi-volatile organic pollutants in the atmosphere. They can cause a variety of CVDs including hypertension, arrhythmias, atherosclerosis (AS) and congenital heart disease (CHD). This study systematically reviewed the relationship between PAHs and CVDs as well as the effects of PAHs exposure on CVDs, summarized the in vivo and in vitro experimental and epidemiological studies related to PAHs and CVDs, and elucidated the mechanisms of cardiovascular system damage (oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, vascular homeostasis imbalance, cell electrophysiological abnormality, gene toxicity, etc.) induced by PAHs exposure. It provides important scientific basis and research direction for clarifying the harm of PAHs to CVDs, reducing the disease burden of CVDs and studying the pathogenesis of CVDs in the future.

  • Innovative research on natural drug
    CHEN Jiming, LIU Tao, DAI Minghui, REN Zhe, WANG Yifei, WANG Zhiping
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 539-554. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240208

    Objective: To investigate the active anti-neuroinflammatory components and mechanisms of Artemisia vulgaris L. from Tangyin, providing a theoretical basis for the discovery of lead compounds and the development of anti-neuroinflammatory drugs from this plant. Methods: Terpenoids from Artemisia vulgaris L. were isolated using open column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their structures and configurations were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The CCK8 method was utilized to assess the effect of compounds on cellular proliferation capacity. The content of NO in cells was detected by the Griess assay, while the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were assessed by RT-qPCR. Protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were determined by ELISA. Furthermore, Western Blot analysis was employed to determine the expression levels of relevant proteins within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Results: Nineteen compounds were isolated and identified from the active fraction of Artemisia vulgaris L. with anti-neuroinflammatory activity. Among them, artemvulactone U(AU) had no obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of BV-2 cells, as determined by the CCK-8 assay. Notably, AU also demonstrated the most significant inhibition of NO production, as evidenced by the Griess assay. RT-qPCR and ELISA results indicated that AU suppressed the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Western blot analysis revealed that AU alleviated neuroinflammation by downregulating the expression of INOS and COX-2. Furthermore, Western blot analysis suggesting that its anti-inflammatory activity may be mediated through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways.Conclusion: The compound artemvulactone U isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of Artemisia vulgaris L.has good anti-neuroinflammatory activity and holds the potential for further research and development as an anti-inflammatory agent.

  • Research on basic medicine
    MA Yue, LIU Lingjie, LIN Mengxuan, HUANG Yi
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(6): 573-584. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240001

    Bone homeostasis is a dynamic homeostasis process maintained by osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which is essential for the growth and development of bone. Protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation can affect bone formation and development. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), as an important member of the protein phosphatase family of cellular dephosphorylation, contains many subunits, has a complex structure and a wide range of functions. It can dephosphorylate proteins and participate in cellular biological processes like regulation of enzymes, transcription factors and signaling. It also plays a key role in the differentiation process of osteogenesis and osteoclasts. This review summarizes the regulatory role of PP2A in bone homeostasis and the research progress of its various inhibitors in the treatment of bone-related diseases, hoping to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the drug treatment of bone-related diseases in clinical practice.

  • Research on basic medicine
    ZHENG Jian, ZHANG Zhao, ZHANG Haitao
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 470-477. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240190

    Currently, the incidence and mortality rates of tumors are increasing. Traditional tumor diagnosis and treatment methods have many limitations, while photodynamic therapy (PDT), as an emerging tumor treatment method, has attracted more and more attention due to its unique advantages. PDT relies on the photophysical and photochemical actions of photosensitizers under specific wavelengths of light to produce a series of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce tumor cell death. Corrole, due to its unique optical properties, selectivity for tumor tissues, rich potential for chemical modification, and good biocompatibility, has broad application prospects in photodynamic therapy. This article provides a systematic review of the synthesis of corrole-based compounds and their progress in tumor treatment.

  • ZHAO Yanjie, WANG Qiuxia, ZHANG Jinhua
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 283-290. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230113

    Objective: To explore the body surface area (BSA)-based individualized iodine contrast agent protocol in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: Thirty patients suspected of having coronary artery disease were randomly allocated into two groups based on body surface area (BSA): Large BSA group comprised individuals with BSA below 1.6 m2, while small BSA group B included those with BSA equal to or above 1.6 m2. The dosage of iodine contrast agents was calculated based on BSA×10/iodine concentration, the injection time of the contrast agent is 10 s. Coronary arteries were imaged in the patient’s free breathing state using Revolution CT. Radiologists with over 5 years chest imaging diagnosis experience scored the subjective and objective image quality. CT images were subjectively evaluated by the five-point scale, and objectively measured by the CT values and SNR values of the six main blood vessels, including descending aorta, ascending aorta, left coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, left circumflex branch and right coronary artery.Results: The subjective assessment revealed that both groups of images obtained scores exceeding 3 points, meeting diagnostic criteria. Moreover, there was good agreement between the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of the two physicians (0.81 and 0.71, respectively). Objective evaluation demonstrated satisfactory visualization of coronary arteries in both image sets. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in coronary artery CT values and SNR measurements between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: BSA-based individualized contrast agent injection protocol showed clinical feasibility, and the degree of enhancement of the coronary arteries is appropriate and uniform, meeting clinical diagnostic requirements.

  • Innovative research on natural drug
    WANG Zui, YOU Yuejiao, LIU Chuang, ZHANG Wei, WANG Yifei, WANG Zhiping
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 523-538. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240206

    Objective: To isolate terpenoids from supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of Artemisia argyi L. and evaluae their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities, in order to provide a basis for the development of highly effective and low-toxicity anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour drug leads. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technique after crushing the air-dried Artemisia argyi leaves. The crude extracts of essential oil were separated and purified using various separation chromatographic columns (silica gel columns, ODS, MCI, LH-20, semi-preparative HPLC, etc). The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was determined by the Griess method; the anti-tumor activity of the compounds and their toxicity to normal cells were determined by the CCK8 method. Results: Twenty-eight monomer compounds were isolated from Artemisia argyi leaves, including 3 monoterpenes, 21 sesquiterpenes, 1 diterpene compound and 3 aliphatic alcohols compounds. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14 and 15 were found to have anti-inflammatory activity, among which compounds 4, 9 and 15 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50s of (1.8±0.3) μmol/L, (1.2±0.1) μmol/L, (1.5±0.2) μmol/L, and CC50s of (28.6±1.5) μmol/L, (15.6±0.6) μmol/L, (18.9±0.7) μmol/L. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 9 and 14 possessed anti-tumour activity, of which compounds 4 and 5 were more significant, the IC50s were (5.9±0.6) μmol/L, (6.3±0.1) μmol/L and (13.5±0.9) μmol/L, (20.5±0.6) μmol/L for tumour cells U251 and A549, and the CC50s were (41.0±1.2) μmol/L and (37.4±0.2) μmol/L for normal cells BV2, which provided a certain degree of safety. Conclusion: A total of 28 compounds were isolated from the supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Artemisia argyi L. Compounds 1, 9, 11, 12, 23, and 24 were isolated from Artemisia argyi L for the first time. Compounds 4, 9, and 15 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, while compounds 4 and 5 had significant anti-tumor activity and had pharmacological value for further study.

  • LU Yizi, FENG Xinyu, ZHANG Wang, ZHANG Fengli, WEI Yun, CHEN Chuchu
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 438-446. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230246

    Objective: Analyze the efficacy of the fully convolutional single-stage breast AI algorithm based on fully digital mammography (FD) and the 3D multi image fusion AI algorithm based on digital breast tomography (DBT) in the diagnosis of breast tumor images. Methods: The FD AI algorithm (AI-FD) and DBT AI algorithm (AI-DBT) were used to calculate the imaging data of 469 cases (515 lesions) with the pathologically confirmed breast diseases in breast surgery department of Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital in 2022. Based on the pathological results, collect and record the positive number and coincidence number of the results of the two algorithms, and compare the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the two algorithms for breast cancer.With pathological diagnosis as the gold standard,the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) of diagnostic methods such as AI algorithm, ultrasound (US), and manual diagnosis of molybdenum target X-ray (manual MG). Results: The positive data of AI-DBT group was 67.81%, higher than the AI-FD group (49.11%), the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=35.01, P<0.05). The coincidence data of AI-DBT group was 44.33%, slightly lower than the AI-FD group (46.90%), there was no statistical difference between groups according to the meaning ( χ2=0.42, P>0.05). Comparing between the two algorithms, AI-DBT has high sensitivity but weak specificity in the diagnosis of breast cancer, while the specificity of AI-FD group was better. In terms of AUC value, manual diagnosis (MG) was the highest, 0.804, followed by the two AI algorithms, which were both slightly higher than ultrasound. Conclusion: The AI algorithm based on three-dimensional tomographic images of breast DBT and two-dimensional images of FD has certain accuracy in the diagnosis of breast tumors, especially breast cancer. However, there is still a certain gap of the diagnostic efficacy between it and manual MG. Therefore, it cannot completely replace manual diagnosis at present.

  • XIE Zhihao, LU Gang, LONG Xinghu, JIANG Li, LONG Chuqi, LIU Hai
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(2): 201-209. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240020

    Objective: Coating films were fabricated with antibacterial and antiviral activity, which can be widely used on surfaces of public facilities to control the microbiological risk. Methods: The resin polyvinyl butyral (PVB) was dissolved in non-toxic and volatile ethanol, and then nano-zinc oxide (ZnONP) or nano-copper oxide (CuONP) particles with antibacterial and antiviral effects were added. The disinfection performance of the coating films was investigated via adding nanoparticles with different sizes and amounts. Results: Analyses of scanning electron microscopy showed that CuONP and ZnONP formed uniform films with PVB. In addition, the larger contact area and the higher dosage of nanoparticles promoted the bactericidal effect against E. coli and MS2 phage. With the contact area larger than 80 cm2, the removal can reach up to 90% with removal rate over 1%/min. Conclusion: The PVB composite coating films have high antibacterial and antiviral activity, which provides a new approach to control microbiological risk for public health.

  • LIAN Zhouyang, CHEN Kaiyuan, CHEN Xianzan, LIU Hongjun, LIU Chunling
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(3): 291-297. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230224

    Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of abbreviated protocols(AP) of magnetic resonance protocols (MRI) in the detection of breast cancer. Methods: A total of 193 lesions were retrospectively collected from 186 cases of breast routine MRI with pathological results. Radiologists reviewed the images with three protocols respectively, including the standard full diagnostic protocol (FDP), Ap1 [consisting of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), pre- and the first postcontrast acquisition with derived images (postcontrast subtracted images)], and AP2 [consisting of DWI, pre-, the first and the second postcontrast acquisition with derived images (subtracted images)]. The scanning time, imaging reading time and diagnostic performance indexes of above three protocols were compared respectively. Results: The scanning time and imaging reading time of AP1 and AP2 were shorter than FDP (P<0.001). The sensitivity of the three protocols were AP1 (80.9%), FDP (93.3%) and AP2 (96.6%) respectively. There was no significant difference in AP1 vs. AP2 (P=0.104) and AP2 vs. FDP (P=0.305), but the sensitivity of AP1 vs. AP2 (P=0.011) showed a statistically significant difference. No significant difference was observed in the specificity between FDP (86.5%), AP1 (92.3%) and AP2 (89.4%) (P>0.05). FDP, AP1 and AP2 all showed high diagnostic performance, and the AUC were 0.899±0.025, 0.866±0.029 and 0.930±0.021, respectively. The area under curve of AP1 was lower than that of FDP (P=0.014) and AP2 (P=0.002), and there was no statistical difference between AP2 and FDP (P=0.116). Conclusion: AP of MRI can save medical resources and improve work efficiency, and the diagnostic efficiency of AP2 is comparable to that of FDP. AP2 has good clinical utility for breast cancer screening.

  • Research on clinical medicine
    JIN Chengyue, YANG Wei, YANG Wencai, CHEN Lifang, LI Yangyang, QIU Feifeng
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(5): 478-487. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230266

    Objective: To compare the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) versus TACE alone in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Retrospective clinical data from 156 patients diagnosed with advanced HCC and treated either with TACE combined with HAIC (55 cases) or TACE alone (101 cases) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University between March 2018 and October 2021 were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to minimize between-group differences. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response rate, and adverse reaction rates were compared. Results: In the pre-adjusted PSM cohort, the TACE-HAIC group demonstrated significantly longer median OS (19.7 months vs. 9.8 months, P=0.010) and median PFS (10.7 months vs. 5.1 months, P=0.008) compared to the TACE alone group. Although the objective response rate (ORR) did not significantly differ between groups (23.6% vs. 20.2%, P=0.303), the disease control rate (DCR) was higher in the TACE-HAIC group (72.7% vs. 65.8%, P=0.024). After 1∶1 propensity score matching, a matched cohort of 78 cases showed that the TACE-HAIC group had significantly better median OS (19.1 months vs. 7.4 months) and median PFS (10.7 months vs. 5.0 months) than the TACE alone group (P<0.05). The combined treatment also exhibited advantages in overall response rate and DCR, with comparable incidence of adverse reactions between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The combination of TACE and HAIC offers superior survival benefits and tumor response rates compared to traditional TACE alone in treating advanced HCC, with good tolerability.

  • ZHAO Biyi, SUN Weipeng, LIN Qing, ZHONG Wenqiang, ZHU Xiaofeng, ZHANG Ronghua
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 366-377. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240008

    Objective: To analyze the correlation between the prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) from the genetic perspective based on Mendelian randomization analysis (MR). Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) were used as instrumental variables to analyze potential causal relationships between exposure factors and outcome factors. The causal relationship between OP and OA in morbidity was analyzed by MR Method. Inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression and weighted median method were used to calculate the causal association between OP and OA in terms of morbidity. Results: When bone mineral density (BMD) level was used as exposure dataset and OA as outcome dataset, there was a positive causal effect between BMD level and OA (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, P=2.00×10-4<0.01). When OA was used as exposure dataset and BMD level as outcome dataset, there was a negative causal effect between them (OR<1.00, P<0.01). MR analysis results of BMD level and OA in different parts showed: In the positive MR analysis, only when forearm bone density level (FA-BMD) was used as exposure dataset and knee arthritis (KOA) as outcome dataset, there was a negative causal effect between BMD level and OA (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.08-1.19, P<0.01); In reverse MR analysis, there was no statistical correlation between OA and OP (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.08-1.19, P>0.05); The relationship between OA and OP was affected by the site of disease. Conclusion: Elevated BMD level may increase the risk of OA. There may be a negative correlation between OP and OA in terms of incidence, meaning that OP patients have a lower probability of developing OA.

  • LEI Yanpeng, YUAN Xiu, LIANG Yuting, SUN Zhaohui
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(4): 412-419. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20230262

    Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of MRI parameters combined with serum AFP and IL-33 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Patients with HCC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or benign liver disease admitted to Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2020 to April 1, 2024 were included. 106 cases of HCC, 58 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 179 cases of benign liver disease group (59 cases of hepatic hemangioma, 62 cases of hepatic cyst, 58 cases of and hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia were finally included). All patients were examined by MRI and the levels of AFP and IL-33 were detected. The transport constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), extracellular space volume percentage (Ve), and serum AFP and IL-33 levels were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the above indexes alone or in combination for HCC. Results: The levels of Ktrans, Kep and Ve in HCC group were significantly higher than those in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and benign liver disease group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The levels of serum AFP and IL-33 in HCC group were significantly higher than those in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and benign liver disease group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of MRI parameters Ktrans, Kep and Ve in the diagnosis of HCC were 0.38 mL/min, 1.32 mL/min and 0.36%. The optimal cut-off values of AFP and IL-33 for HCC diagnosis were 44.52 ng/mL and 100.81 ng/mL. The sensitivity of Ktrans, Kep, Ve, AFP and IL-33 in the diagnosis of HCC were 74.58%, 74.58%, 71.19%, 77.12% and 77.97%, and the specificity was 74.53%, 77.36%, 73.58%, 74.53% and 74.53%. The AUC of Ktrans, Kep, Ve combined with AFP and IL-33 in the diagnosis of HCC was 0.959 (95%CI: 0.936-0.982), and the predictive sensitivity and specificity were 91.53% and 90.57%. Conclusion: The combined detection of Ktrans, Kep, Ve, AFP, and IL-33 show good diagnostic efficacy of HCC, which may provide certain clinical reference value for HCC diagnosis.

  • Research on clinical medicine
    HU Yunyan, ZHANG Hongyong, Qin Yongjie
    Journal of Jinan University Natural Science & Medicine Edition. 2024, 45(6): 604-610. https://doi.org/10.11778/j.jdxb.20240348

    Radiation retinopathy (RR) is primarily treated with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), which is costly and requires repeated administration. Currently, there is no unified standard for the treatment of RR. This paper reports a case where anti-VEGF therapy was ineffective in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital in 2018, but 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) treatment successfully resolved the severe macular edema caused by radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with stable therapeutic effects maintained over a 5-year follow-up period without recurrence. There have been no domestic reports on the use of SML treatment for RR macular edema. By reviewing the existing literature, SML is considered to be a cost-effective and non-invasive, allowing for repeatable procedures, it can provide a new strategy for the treatment of RR.