American Journal Of Translational Research[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Predictors of right ventricular dysfunction and its clinical value after reperfusion of acute right coronary artery occlusion: a single-center retrospective analysis.
Zhang X, Cao S
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42170419 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To investigate independent predictors of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction following successful reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute right coronary artery (RCA) occlu...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate independent predictors of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction following successful reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion, and to assess its association with short-term clinical outcomes. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent emergency PCI for acute RCA occlusion. Based on right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) measured by echocardiography 24-72 hours post-PCI, patients were divided into an RV dysfunction group (RVFAC < 35%) and an RV normal function group (RVFAC ≥ 35%). Baseline characteristics, laboratory data, angiographic findings, and in-hospital and 30-day outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of RV dysfunction. RESULTS: Among 136 patients, 29.4% had right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. These patients were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors. Independent predictors of RV dysfunction included an NLR ≥ 5, lactate ≥ 2 mmol/L, cardiogenic shock (Killip class IV) at admission, and age ≥ 65 years. A composite score of NLR and lactate demonstrated excellent predictive value for RV dysfunction. During hospitalization, patients with RV dysfunction experienced significantly higher rates of cardiogenic shock, malignant arrhythmias, acute kidney injury, and cardiac death. At 30 days, they also had a higher rate of readmission for heart failure. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute RCA occlusion undergoing successful PCI, elevated NLR (≥ 5), hyperlactatemia (≥ 2 mmol/L), cardiogenic shock at admission, and age ≥ 65 years are independent predictors of early postoperative RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction is strongly associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes and increased 30-day heart failure readmission. Early identification of these factors may guide risk stratification and individualized management.
Circulating tumor DNA mediates the effect of intrapleural cisplatin retention on non-small cell lung cancer malignant pleural effusion.
Shi H, Liu S, Yuan Z … +2 more , Hao Y, Liu Y
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42170418 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the therapeutic effects of different cisplatin retention times on malignant pleural effusion and to explore whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) played a mediating role in this process. METHODS: A...
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the therapeutic effects of different cisplatin retention times on malignant pleural effusion and to explore whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) played a mediating role in this process. METHODS: A total of 207 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pleural effusion were enrolled. According to the retention time after intrapleural injection of cisplatin, patients were divided into three groups: a 1 h retention group (n=68), a 6 h retention group (n=69), and a 24 h retention group (n=70). The short-term efficacy (disease control rate, objective response rate) and long-term efficacy (progression-free survival, overall survival (OS)) were compared among the three groups, and the role of ctDNA was explored through mediation effect analysis. RESULTS: The disease control rate in the 24 h retention group was 92.9%, significantly higher than that in the 6 h group (92.7%) and the 1 h group (80.9%) (<0.05). Regarding survival outcomes, the median progression-free survival (PFS) in the 24 h group was 11.8 months, and the median OS was 18.5 months, both significantly longer than those in the 6 hr and 1 h groups (<0.001). Mediation analysis showed that ctDNA concentration played a partial mediating role in the association between cisplatin retention duration and patient survival (both PFS and OS). CONCLUSIONS: 24 h intrapleural cisplatin retention significantly improves the short-term and long-term treatment outcomes in NSCLC patients with pleural effusion. Changes in ctDNA concentration play a key mediating role in this efficacy improvement, suggesting that ctDNA could serve as a novel potential biomarker for guiding personalized treatment.
Analgesic efficacy and safety of transversus abdominis plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block in laparoscopic total hysterectomy: propensity score matching and mFI-5 subgroup analysis.
Liu W, Liu Y, Zhu Q … +2 more , Huang M, Tian W
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007168 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The analgesic efficacy and safety of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) were compared following laparoscopic total hysterectomy (LTH), and whether their treatment...
OBJECTIVE: The analgesic efficacy and safety of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) were compared following laparoscopic total hysterectomy (LTH), and whether their treatment effects differ by frailty level was also examined. METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2024, an enrolled population of 368 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy was analyzed. Out of 368 patients, 200 patients received TAPB and 168 patients received TPVB. We used propensity score matching to control for baseline confounders, analysed between-group differences in baseline confounders, and in the outcome measure, i.e. 30-day postoperative complication rate. The main outcomes were NRS pain scores and 24-hour sufentanil consumption at 6, 12, and 24 hours post-operatively. Ramsay sedation scores, time to first demand for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), surgical factors, and adverse events were secondary outcomes. An mFI-5-stratified subgroup interaction analysis was done to evaluate effect robustness across different levels of frailty. RESULTS: PSM yielded 161 matched pairs. Compared to TAPB, TPVB showed significantly lower NRS scores at all postoperative time points (all P<0.001), but higher 24-hour sufentanil consumption (21.50 vs 19.30 μg, P<0.001). Patients in the TPVB group experienced significantly higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. There was no difference in time to first PCA demand (P=0.325). The treatment effects were similar irrespective of frailty level. CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic total hysterectomy, TPVB proved to be more effective than TAPB in controlling postoperative pain, but it required more opioids and was associated with a higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Safety for all degrees of frailty remained acceptable.
Prognostic value of IL-6, HMGB1, and TLR4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
Zong S, Shen T, Zhang X
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007167 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducte...
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 109 patients with CAP who were admitted between June 2022 and May 2024. Based on clinical outcome on day 10 after treatment initiation, patients were classified into an improved group (n = 58) and a deteriorated group (n = 51). Levels of white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in BALF were measured and compared between the two groups. Risk factors associated with poor prognosis were identified using logistic regression analyses, and a predictive model for disease deterioration was developed incorporating the identified independent risk factors. The clinical use of the predictive model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The deteriorated group had significantly higher levels of WBC, CRP, IL-6, HMGB1, and TLR4 (all < 0.05). IL-6, HMGB1, and TLR4 showed strong positive correlations with poor prognosis (all < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed IL-6 (OR = 1.052, < 0.001), HMGB1 (OR = 6.769, < 0.001), and TLR4 (OR = 66.929, = 0.002) as independent predictors of adverse outcome. A combined predictive model incorporating IL-6, HMGB1, and TLR4 demonstrated excellent discriminative ability, with an AUC of 0.940, outperforming each single marker. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6, HMGB1, and TLR4 in BALF are critical prognostic biomarkers in CAP, reflecting their roles in inflammatory response and disease progression.
Obstructive sleep apnea contributes to coronary artery disease development and poor prognosis.
Lv M, Zhou X, Luo D … +2 more , Zhu X, Xia Y
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007166 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as the impact of OSA severity on the short-term outcomes of CHD patients. METHODS: A...
OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as the impact of OSA severity on the short-term outcomes of CHD patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 CHD patients admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024, with another 78 subjects who underwent health checkups in the same hospital during the same period enrolled as the control group. The prevalence of OSA and baseline data were compared between the two groups. Meanwhile, CHD patients were divided into the mild-to-moderate (n = 26) and severe (n = 19) OSA groups according to OSA severity. Baseline data of patients in different subgroups were compared, and all patients were followed up. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events was recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The CHD group had higher incidences of OSA, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified these factors as independent risk factors for CHD. A predictive model constructed based on these factors showed good performance with an AUC of 0.638. Further analysis revealed that patients with severe OSA had higher levels of peripheral hemoglobin and IL-6, higher incidence of coagulation dysfunction and diabetes mellitus than those with mild-to-moderate OSA (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OSA is closely associated with the occurrence of CHD, and the predictive model established by combining OSA with other baseline data has favorable predictive efficacy for CHD. In addition, OSA severity exerts a notable impact on the prognosis of CHD patients.
Effects of coagulation dysfunction and platelet changes on rebleeding and prognosis in acute subdural hematoma.
Li D, Wang P, Zhang X … +1 more , Zhao K
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007165 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between coagulation indices (prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and D-dimer) and platelet in...
OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between coagulation indices (prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and D-dimer) and platelet indices (platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW)) and early rebleeding and 2-year prognosis in patients with acute subdural hematoma (aSDH), and to identify independent predictive factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 413 aSDH patients treated in the neurosurgery department from February 2018 to February 2021 (training set: 314 patients; validation set: 99 patients). Relevant indices, baseline data, surgical procedures, and 2-year survival rates were recorded. Multivariate logistic/Cox regression analysis was used, and a nomogram model was constructed and validated using ROC curves. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups. The rebleeding rate in the training set was 29.3%. Patients with rebleeding had lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, higher PT, APTT, and MPV, lower FIB and platelet count, and a higher proportion undergoing craniotomy (all P<0.05). PT, APTT, and MPV were independent risk factors for rebleeding, while craniotomy, FIB, PLT, and GCS were protective factors. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.955 in the training set and 0.928 in the validation set. The 2-year survival rate was 33.70% in the rebleeding group and 88.29% in the non-rebleeding group (P<0.001). Rebleeding, traffic injuries, and prolonged PT were associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSION: Prolonged PT, INR, decreased FIB, and decreased platelet counts were associated with an increased risk of early rebleeding and poor 2-year prognosis in aSDH patients. Joint models can effectively stratify risks, but external validation is still required.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of combined adiponectin, D-dimer, and Framingham Stroke Profilein patients with isolated vertigo and concurrent cerebral infarction.
Guo Y, Gao X, Cao Y … +3 more , Zhang J, Jia X, Bai W
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007164 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of adiponectin (APN), D-dimer (D-D), and the Framingham Stroke Profile (FSP) in patients with isolated vertigo, and further examine the performance of a combined...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of adiponectin (APN), D-dimer (D-D), and the Framingham Stroke Profile (FSP) in patients with isolated vertigo, and further examine the performance of a combined predictive model. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 270 patients with isolated vertigo and 150 healthy controls admitted between March 2022 and March 2025. Based on imaging data, patients were categorized into two groups: isolated vertigo without infarction (n = 184) and isolated vertigo with concurrent cerebral infarction (n = 86). Neurological recovery was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Serum levels of APN and D-D, and FSP scores were measured at admission. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. Diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of the markers was compared using the DeLong test, and a combined model was established. RESULTS: Patients with vertigo exhibited significantly lower APN levels and higher D-D and FSP scores than controls (all P < 0.001), with more pronounced changes in those with cerebral infarction. APN was the strongest single diagnostic marker (AUC = 0.855), followed by D-D (AUC = 0.821) and FSP score (AUC = 0.816). The combined model achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.928; accuracy 89.6%). D-D showed a strong correlation with intracranial atherosclerosis (r = 0.551). For prognosis, D-D was the best individual predictor (AUC = 0.854), but the combined model again outperformed all single markers (AUC = 0.861, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: APN, D-D, and FSP each contribute to the identification of cerebral infarction and the prediction of recovery in patients with isolated vertigo. A combined model integrating all three markers significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment, offering a valuable tool for clinical decision-making.
Serum glucose-to-potassium ratio is associated with delirium and all-cause mortality in intensive care unit patients: insights from the MIMIC database analysis.
Zhu G, Cao Q, Hu Z … +5 more , Guo H, Li X, Zhu M, Gui L, Huang J
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007163 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between the glucose-to-potassium ratio (GPR) and intensive care unit (ICU) delirium as well as with all-cause mortality. METHODS: We analyzed 32,025 first-time ICU pat...
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between the glucose-to-potassium ratio (GPR) and intensive care unit (ICU) delirium as well as with all-cause mortality. METHODS: We analyzed 32,025 first-time ICU patients from MIMIC-IV v3.1, categorized by GPR quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to analyze the GPR-delirium relationship. The optimal GPR cutoff was determined using ROC analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control confounders. Cox models assessed associations with 28-, 90-, and 365-day mortality. Mediation analysis evaluated delirium's role. RESULTS: Delirium incidence was 16.09% (n=5,152) and increased with GPR (Q1:13.93% vs. Q4:21.71%, P<0.001). After adjustment, Q4 had 58% higher delirium risk (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.43-1.75). RCS showed a nonlinear positive association (P<0.001). The optimal GPR cutoff was 1.837 (AUC=0.829). After PSM, high GPR (≥1.837) remained a significant predictor (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.24-1.64). High GPR was associated with high mortality at 28, 90, and 365 days (HR=1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.28; HR=1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18; HR=1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18). Delirium mediated 19.067%, 32.218%, and 26.197% of the GPR-mortality relationship at these time points. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated GPR is associated with higher delirium risk and short- and long-term mortality in ICU patients, with delirium partially mediating this relationship. GPR may serve as a practical biomarker for early risk stratification.
Factors influencing clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing arthroscopic treatment.
Huang C, Lin X, Liu Z … +2 more , Jiang H, Lu F
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007162 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by pain and limited joint function. Arthroscopic debridement is a commonly used surgical intervention; however, its efficacy r...
BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by pain and limited joint function. Arthroscopic debridement is a commonly used surgical intervention; however, its efficacy remains controversial. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for KOA. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 169 patients with KOA treated between January 2019 and December 2023. Patients were divided into an observation group (arthroscopic debridement, n=85) and a control group (integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine conservative treatment, n=84) according to the treatment modality. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, Lysholm knee score, range of motion (ROM), and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 4, 7, and 24 months postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of treatment efficacy, and a nomogram model was constructed for outcome prediction. RESULTS: The observation group exhibited significantly lower VAS scores and higher Lysholm scores at 1, 4, and 7 months postoperatively compared with the control group (all < 0.05). Improvements in ROM and K-L grade were also more pronounced in the observation group. Multivariate analysis identified body mass index (BMI) > 26 kg/m, higher K-L grade, and higher Outerbridge grade as significant predictors of worse treatment outcomes. The nomogram demonstrated good predictive performance (concordance index = 0.82, area under the curve = 0.83). CONCLUSION: BMI, K-L grade, and Outerbridge grade are key determinants of clinical outcomes following arthroscopic treatment for KOA. The proposed nomogram offers a practical tool for preoperative prediction of surgical efficacy.
Context-dependent roles of 11β-HSD1 in bone and skeletal muscle diseases.
Huo L, Sui W, Wang S … +5 more , Zhu W, Yang Y, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Wang X
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007161 · Full text
Bone and skeletal muscles are vital to human health, and diseases related to these tissues can place significant stress on patients, families, and society. The key enzyme regulating glucocorticoid metabolism, 11β-hydroxy...
Bone and skeletal muscles are vital to human health, and diseases related to these tissues can place significant stress on patients, families, and society. The key enzyme regulating glucocorticoid metabolism, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), is encoded by the gene and can convert inactive cortisone into active cortisol. Recent studies have shown that 11β-HSD1 is a key enzyme in the pathogenesis of bone and skeletal muscle, with its function being strictly context-dependent. 11β-HSD1 inhibits osteoblast differentiation and activates osteoclast formation, contributing to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). 11β-HSD1 accelerates skeletal muscle atrophy by disrupting the stability of muscle proteins. It plays a dual role in anti-inflammation and bone protection, participating in polyarthritis; 11β-HSD1 also contributes to bone loss and anti-inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through multiple pathways. Clarifying the context-specific mechanisms of 11β-HSD1 in bone and skeletal muscle diseases is critical for clinical translation. This review systematically summarizes the role of 11β-HSD1 in bone and skeletal muscle diseases, outlines its potential as a disease-specific therapeutic target, and provides new insights for precise treatment of these diseases.
Correlation of immune-inflammatory and tumor markers with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.
Wang YX, Zhou Y, Wang LG … +1 more , Hou KZ
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007160 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined predictive value of immune-inflammatory and tumor markers for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer (GC) patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 207 GC patient...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined predictive value of immune-inflammatory and tumor markers for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer (GC) patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 207 GC patients who underwent radical gastrectomy. Based on postoperative histology, patients were categorized into LNM and non-LNM groups. Preoperative serologic levels of markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA724), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were collected. A nomogram prediction model was developed using multivariate logistic regression. Internal validation was performed using Bootstrap resampling, and external validation was conducted on an independent cohort of 97 patients. RESULTS: LNM was present in 55 (26.6%) patients in the training cohort. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative levels of CEA (odds ratio [OR]=1.52, P<0.001), CA724 (OR=1.24, P<0.001), NLR (OR=2.86, P<0.001), and IL-6 (OR=1.97, P<0.001) as independent risk factors for LNM. The nomogram model incorporating these four factors demonstrated excellent discrimination, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93. The model significantly outperformed conventional clinicopathologic indicators (P<0.001). Good calibration and clinical utility were confirmed by calibration curves and decision curve analysis, respectively. The model maintained strong predictive performance in both internal (AUC=0.92) and external (AUC=0.91) validation cohorts. CONCLUSION: The combination of CEA, CA724, NLR, and IL-6 serves as an effective preoperative predictor of LNM in GC. The nomogram model based on these markers provides a reliable, non-invasive tool for individualized risk assessment and treatment planning.
Risk factors for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in Xinjiang, China: a single-center case-control study with a focus on high-altitude exposure.
Hasimu A, Maimaiti A, Chen B … +5 more , Zheng G, Ma Z, Wang J, Zou Z, Luo K
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007159 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is uncommon but clinically serious. Evidence regarding specific environmental factors, such as high-altitude exposure, remains limited. This study was done to identify p...
OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is uncommon but clinically serious. Evidence regarding specific environmental factors, such as high-altitude exposure, remains limited. This study was done to identify patient-level and environmental factors associated with CVST and to summarize a single-center management model. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective case-control study. Participants included imaging-confirmed, consecutive adult patients with CVST (n = 33, study group) who were treated at a tertiary Hospital between March 2018 and January 2022, and controls (n = 882) without CVST during the same period. Pre-specified exposure factors included living or working at high altitudes (≥4000 meters for 6 consecutive months within the past 12 months), recent surgery (≤3 months), systemic diseases (e.g., autoimmune diseases or nephrotic syndrome), and exogenous hormone exposure (≤3 months). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the adjusted model, high altitude exposure, systemic disease, and recent surgery were all independently associated with a higher risk of CVST. Older age was negatively associated with CVST. By univariate analysis, exogenous hormone exposure showed a positive correlation, but this correlation was no longer significant after adjustment. Imaging studies most commonly showed involvement of the transverse sinus and superior sagittal sinus. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center cohort, high altitude exposure, systemic disease, and recent surgery were independently associated with CVST, while the negative correlation with age may reflect residual confounding factors. These findings suggest a need for multicenter, altitude-stratified studies and careful consideration of environmental context factors when evaluating suspected CVST.
Aquaporin-1 upregulation is associated with scleral remodeling during myopia development in mice.
Zhang W, Cheng Y, Wu J … +7 more , Jia X, Gao H, Yan J, Li W, Zhang C, Wang X, Gao J
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007158 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional importance of aquaporin-1 (Aqp1) in scleral remodeling during myopia development using and models. METHODS: Forty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into experimental (n=28)...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional importance of aquaporin-1 (Aqp1) in scleral remodeling during myopia development using and models. METHODS: Forty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into experimental (n=28) and normal control (NC) groups (n=14). In the experimental group, the right eyes underwent form deprivation (deprived eye, DE), whereas the left eyes served as self-controls (fellow eye, FE). Mice in the normal control (NC) group received no treatment in either eye. Refraction was measured before and after myopia induction, and axial length was measured at the end of the experiment. The expression levels of Aqp1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (Hif-1α), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (Mmp9), and collagen type I alpha1 (Col1α1) in sclera were determined by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, and/or western blotting. Scleral morphology was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: After two weeks of form-deprivation, DE eyes exhibited a significant myopic shift (1.66±0.09 D) compared with FE eyes (4.92±0.06 D) and NC eyes (left: 4.78±0.11 D; right: 4.91±0.10 D). Scleral thinning was found in DE eyes. Expression levels of Aqp1, HIF-1α, and Mmp9 were significantly upregulated, whereas Col1α1 expression level was significantly downregulated in DE eyes compared to FE and NC eyes. , hypoxic exposure significantly increased Aqp1 expression level in human scleral fibroblasts (HSFs). Aqp1 overexpression induced a concomitant upregulation of Mmp9. Conversely, treatment with 200 mM acetazolamide under hypoxic conditions inhibited the expression levels of both Aqp1 and Mmp9. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that Aqp1 upregulation was associated with scleral remodeling during myopia development and Aqp1 could contribute to this process, at least in part, through regulation of Mmp9 expression level.
Astragaloside IV in type 2 diabetic vascular complications: from traditional mechanisms to an emerging epitranscriptomic (m6A) perspective.
Kang Y, Dai Y, Yin L
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007157 · Full text
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant health problem of global concern, largely attributable to its catastrophic micro- and macro-vascular complications. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a major bioactive saponin ext...
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant health problem of global concern, largely attributable to its catastrophic micro- and macro-vascular complications. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a major bioactive saponin extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, has emerged as a multi-target therapeutic candidate due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and pro-survival properties. Dysregulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, as one of the most prevalent epitranscriptomic modifications, has been proposed as a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, including chronic inflammation, aberrant cell death, and impaired tissue repair. This review integrates these two research fields and proposes a novel concept that modulation of m6A epitranscriptome represents a central mechanism underlying the vascular protective action of AS-IV. New evidence indicates that AS-IV can directly regulate key elements of the m6A machinery, including the upregulation of the methyltransferase methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) to enhance sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in diabetic wounds or suppressing the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) demethylase to suppress inflammatory signaling in diabetic retinopathy. AS-IV acts as a pharmacological modulator of m6A methylation, linking its conventional biological activities to epitranscriptomic regulation. Elucidation of the AS-IV-m6A axis may provide deeper mechanistic understanding and facilitate the development of epitranscriptome-targeted therapies for diabetic vascular complications.
The impact of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on the activation status of retinal macrophages/microglia in patients with diabetic retinopathy and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and its association with treatment response.
Li J, Fei P, Zhang X … +3 more , Rao Y, Li J, Zhao P
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007156 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy on retinal macrophage/microglial activation in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and familial exudative vitreoreti...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy on retinal macrophage/microglial activation in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), and to assess its association with treatment response. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 122 eyes in DR patients and 135 eyes in FEVR patients who received at least three intravitreal anti-VEGF injections between January 2018 and June 2025. Intraretinal hyperreflective foci (IRH) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used as an imaging surrogate for microglial activation, and aqueous humor levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) were measured. At 6 months post-treatment, responders were defined as those achieving both a ≥20% reduction in central retinal thickness (CRT) and an improvement of ≥5 ETDRS letters in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Spearman correlation and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Baseline IRH counts were significantly higher in the DR group than in the FEVR group (17.37±4.99 vs. 9.56±3.33, P < 0.001). After 6 months of treatment, IRH numbers decreased significantly in both groups (both P < 0.001), with responders showing a greater reduction in IRH (ΔIRH) than non-responders (both P < 0.001). Baseline IRH was positively correlated with the magnitude of CRT reduction (ΔCRT; r = 0.294, P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, baseline IRH emerged as an independent predictor of treatment response (OR = 1.923, 95% CI: 1.314-2.825, P = 0.002). In the DR subgroup, higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was also a significant negative predictor of response (OR = 0.752, 95% CI: 0.613-0.924, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF therapy effectively suppresses retinal macrophage/microglial activation in both DR and FEVR. The degree of activation suppression is closely linked to treatment response, suggesting that baseline IRH may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting anti-VEGF efficacy.
Effect of percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on postoperative recovery quality in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.
Zheng Y, Geng M, Mao Z … +1 more , Xing H
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007155 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on postoperative recovery quality in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A total of 104 patients undergoing la...
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on postoperative recovery quality in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A total of 104 patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic benign tumor resection in our hospital were prospectively enrolled and divided into either a percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation group (T group) or a sham stimulation group (F group) using a random number table method, with 52 cases in each group. Patients in the T group received one 30-minute session of percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation. followed by 30 min in the post-anesthesia care unit, while patients in the F group received sham stimulation for the same duration. The postoperative gastrointestinal recovery time, gastrointestinal symptom score, and postoperative feeding-nausea-vomiting-examination-symptom duration score (I-FEED) were recorded and compared between the two groups. Additionally, postoperative pain score and sleep status (sleep score and incidence of sleep disorders), the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions, postoperative hospitalization time, and quality of life score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the F group, the recovery time of gastrointestinal function in the T group was shorter, and the I-FEED and gastrointestinal symptom scores on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after operation were significantly lower. The incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal intolerance and postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in the T group was lower (all P < 0.05). At the same time, the NRS of patients in the T group decreased on the 1st and 3rd day after operation, the sleep quality was better than that in the F group, and the incidence of sleep disorders was lower than that of the F group (all P < 0.05). Finally, the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and dizziness in group T was lower than that in the F group; however, there was no significant difference in the incidence of bradycardia, hypotension or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the quality of life of patients in group T was better than that of group F (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function, reduce the score of postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, relieve postoperative pain, and improve the score of sleep and postoperative quality of life in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic benign resection.
Decision-making value of a 1-cm tumor diameter cut-off for postoperative I treatment in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.
Zheng G, Guo H, Yao S … +3 more , Jia Q, Tan J, Meng Z
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007154 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the decision-making value of a 1-cm tumor diameter cut-off for radioactive iodine (I) therapy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: This retrospective study included 291 patients who...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the decision-making value of a 1-cm tumor diameter cut-off for radioactive iodine (I) therapy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: This retrospective study included 291 patients who received post-operative I treatment: 123 with PTMC (≤1 cm, n=123) and 168 with papillary thyroid non-microcarcinoma (PTNMC, >1 cm, n=168). Clinicopathologic characteristics, initial treatment goals (remnant ablation, adjuvant therapy, eliminate residual lesions), administered dose (100/150 mCi), and serologic indices [pre-therapy thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg), as well as 6-month sTg] were compared. Therapeutic response was assessed at the last follow-up based on recurrence risk stratification and initial treatment goals. RESULTS: Compared to the PTNMC group, the PTMC group showed lower rates of capsular invasion (40.65% vs. 59.52%), extraadenal invasion (12.20% vs. 23.21%), >5 lymph node metastases (38.21% vs. 57.74%), T3b/T4 stage (5.69% vs. 16.07%), pre-therapy sTg ≥10 μg/L (17.89% vs. 37.50%), and high recurrence risk (13.01% vs. 24.40%) (all <0.05). PTMC patients more frequently underwent remnant ablation (64.23% vs. 44.64%) and received 100 mCi (78.86% vs. 57.14%), while PTNMC patients more often received adjuvant therapy (50.00% vs. 32.52%) and 150 mCi (42.86% vs. 21.14%) (all <0.05). Pre-therapy sTg (6.78 ± 3.11 vs. 11.23 ± 5.91 μg/L) and 6-month sTg (1.52 ± 0.75 vs. 2.89 ± 1.37 μg/L) were lower in the PTMC group (<0.001). CONCLUSION: A 1-cm diameter cut-off had limited standalone value in guiding I treatment decisions for PTC.
Congenital midline nasal fistula with extensive nasal septal dermoid cyst: a case report.
Geng H, Yang W, Liu J … +2 more , Liu M, Wang J
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007153 · Full text
Nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSCs) are often misdiagnosed as superficial masses in young children; however, extensive intranasal invasion involving the entire nasal septum is extremely rare in adults. Here, we report the...
Nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSCs) are often misdiagnosed as superficial masses in young children; however, extensive intranasal invasion involving the entire nasal septum is extremely rare in adults. Here, we report the case of a 25-year-old man who presented with a six-month history of nasal congestion and pain, accompanied by an external opening at the nasal base. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large cystic lesion in the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, extending from the crista galli to the nasal tip, without intracranial extension. For such extensive lesions in adults, achieving a balance between radical excision and preservation of nasal structure is challenging. The cyst was located proximate to the cribriform plate, and its surgical removal may have caused significant structural damage; therefore, an endoscopic marsupialization combined with limited external resection was performed. Histological examination demonstrated the presence of hair and sebaceous glands, confirming the diagnosis of a dermoid cyst. This combined approach provided a durable drainage pathway while preserving nasal integrity and achieving satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. No symptomatic recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up, and the patient recovered smoothly.
A novel prognostic signature based on epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated genes for the prognosis and immune status in breast cancer.
Wu Z, Zheng J, Men S … +4 more , Sui S, Yan W, Liu Y, Han M
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007152 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer (BC) incidence continues to rise, and recurrence and metastasis remain major contributors to mortality. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), associated with the acquisition of invasive fu...
OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer (BC) incidence continues to rise, and recurrence and metastasis remain major contributors to mortality. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), associated with the acquisition of invasive functions by epithelial cells, also promotes resistance to anticancer therapies. Here, an EMT-based prognostic model was developed to enhance BC outcome prediction. METHODS: Clinical and gene expression data from the TCGA were randomly assigned to discovery and validation cohorts. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO analyses were utilized to develop a prognostic signature. The Cell-Type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts and ESTIMATE algorithms were applied to evaluate the tumor microenvironment (TME). Enriched immune-associated pathways were found using GSEA. SDC1 was knocked down and overexpressed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT key markers were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell and Western blot. RESULTS: Ten EMT-related genes (TP63, TFPI2, ALX4, F2RL2, LEF1, PDLIM4, NDRG2, HMGB3, SDC1, and KRT17) showed significant links with overall survival. The resulting signature was used to allocate individuals into high- and low-risk groups with distinct prognoses in both cohorts. M0 macrophages, activated natural killer cells, memory-activated CD4 T cells, and immunological scores were all lower in high-risk patients. GSEA revealed that the low-risk group demonstrated greater enrichment in immune-related pathways, including cell adhesion molecules, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and T-cell receptor signaling. SDC1 expression was markedly raised in tumor tissues and correlated with several clinical and pathological features. Knockdown of SDC1 in vitro inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells, induced apoptosis and reversed EMT process. Overexpression of SDC1 had the opposite cancer-promoting effect. CONCLUSION: This ten-gene EMT-based signature reliably predicts BC prognosis and offers valuable insight into the tumor immune microenvironment.
Predictive value of quantitative CT-derived emphysema heterogeneity for outcomes following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
Zhang W, Yang S
Am J Transl Res · 2026 · PMID 42007151 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of quantitative CT-derived emphysema heterogeneity for clinical response to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). METHODS: This retrospective study included 150 patients...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of quantitative CT-derived emphysema heterogeneity for clinical response to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). METHODS: This retrospective study included 150 patients who underwent bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) between January 2023 and November 2025, of whom 82 were responders and 68 were non-responders. The primary endpoint was the BLVR outcome at 6 months post-procedure, defined as a 15% improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or a 450 mL improvement in target lobe volume. Secondary endpoints included changes in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Assessment Test score, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Quantitative CT measurements such as emphysema heterogeneity index (EHI), low attenuation area percentage (LAA%), lung fissure integrity, and air trapping heterogeneity were used as baseline lung structural pmeasures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of treatment response. RESULTS: Responders exhibited significantly greater heterogeneity in emphysema: higher EHI, more significant differences in lobar destruction, and a higher proportion of heterogeneous voxels (all P<0.001). Structural parameters also differentiated responders, with responders showing more pronounced lobar volume asymmetry, higher target lobe destruction rate, and decreased vascular density (all P<0.001). Functional quantitative CT revealed markedly higher heterogeneity in air retention (P<0.001), more pronounced ventilation asymmetry (P<0.001), and larger gas retention clusters (all P<0.001) in responders. Responders also had more intact lung fissures and a lower probability of collateral ventilation (both P<0.001). Better preservation of airway morphology was observed, characterized by thinner airway walls (P<0.01), larger lumens (P<0.001), and a greater number of airways (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the EHI (OR 0.114, P<0.001), ≥90% integrity of the lung fissure (OR 0.888, P<0.001), and immediate target lobe volume reduction ≥700 mL (OR 0.106, P<0.001) were independent predictors of BLVR response. CONCLUSION: Quantitative CT-derived assessment of emphysema heterogeneity provides a strong and clinically significant predictor of treatment response to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
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