1.Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of cirrhotic ascites with chronic diarrhea: A case report
Dan ZHAO ; Jiaru ZHAO ; Honghong CAO ; Qiaoli GUO ; Wei WU ; Xinyi ZHANG ; Cuiping XU ; Jie ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1383-1387
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly Clostridium difficile infection, while there are few reports of its application in the diagnosis and treatment of cirrhotic ascites. This article reports a case of a patient with cirrhotic ascites and chronic diarrhea who received FMT with oral capsules, demonstrating significant short-term efficacy without any adverse reactions, in order to provide a reference for the application of FMT in the treatment of liver diseases.
2.Ethical conflicts and codes of conduct for military physicians in battlefield settings
Qiuju ZHANG ; Dan LI ; Changyong MA ; Xiaojuan WU ; Hui JIANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):724-729
In the challenging and specific military environment, medical activities are not only confined to traditional medical care but must also adapt to the special requirements of military operations. Meanwhile, when military operations employ medical interventions for treatment and research, they introduce complexities and ethical considerations inherent in the medical domain. Against this backdrop, the ethical conflicts and moral dilemmas confronted by the special identity of military doctors have become an inevitable and urgent issue requiring resolution. The identities of doctors and soldiers, typically distinct, overlap and intersect in the role of the military doctors on the battlefield, inevitably giving rise to intricate ethical predicaments that frequently place them in arduous moral choices. The special considerations in behavioral decision-making, contradictions in value judgments, and the reconciliation of moral injury among military doctors in battlefield scenarios should be comprehensively considered based on factors such as professional codes of conduct, values and emotions, international law, and humanitarian principles. Military doctors should regard respecting life as the supreme principle, while also taking into account the protection needs of special groups, and adhering to the core concept of fairness and reasonableness, all of which should serve as the fundamental guidance for their behavioral standards.
3.Association between depressive symptoms and risk of stroke and all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged adults
Xianwang WANG ; Qinghui YUAN ; Juan DU ; Liang CHEN ; Dan LI ; Xiaopei ZHANG ; Yangyang TIAN
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(3):246-254
BackgroundCurrent studies on the relationship between depressive symptoms and the risks of stroke and all-cause mortality mostly focus on the elderly population or high-risk groups with chronic diseases. The long-term impact of depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged people on the risks of stroke and all-cause mortality still lacks systematic assessment, and the relevant evidence is insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the association between depressive symptoms and the risks of stroke and all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged adults, thereby expanding the risk evidence in this age group and providing epidemiological basis for early identification of high-risk individuals and the development of targeted intervention strategies. MethodsBased on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2009–2018), a total of 14 947 young and middle-aged respondents aged 18 to 64 were included as the research subjects. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and stroke. Cox proportional hazards model, RCS model, and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves were used to clarify the relationship between depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality risk. To verify the robustness of main findings, sensitivity analysis was conducted stratified by gender, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, body mass index (BMI), and age. ResultsLogistic regression analysis revealed that compared with the non-depressed group, the risk of stroke in the mild depression group increased by 53.50% (OR=1.535, 95% CI: 1.147–2.053), while the moderate-to-severe depression group showed the highest risk with a 132.90% increase (OR=2.329, 95% CI: 1.733–3.129). RCS analysis indicated an approximately linear dose-response relationship between PHQ-9 score and the risk of stroke (Pfor non-linearity=0.089), with stroke risk increasing as PHQ-9 scores rose. As the PHQ-9 score increased, the risk of stroke also showed an upward trend. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that compared with the non-depressed group, the risk of all-cause mortality in the mild depression group increased by 48.80% (HR=1.488, 95% CI: 1.164–1.902), and the moderate-to-severe depression group had a 70.60% increased risk (HR=1.706, 95% CI: 1.310–2.221). RCS analysis showed a linear dose-response relationship between PHQ-9 scores and all-cause mortality risk (Pfor non-linearity=0.440). K-M curves indicated that as the severity of depressive symptoms increases, the risk of all-cause mortality gradually rises (P<0.05). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the associations between depression symptoms and risks of stroke and all-cause mortality were not modified by gender, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, BMI, or age, demonstrating robust findings. ConclusionAmong the young and middle-aged population, both mild and moderate-to-severe depression were associated with increased risks of stroke and all-cause mortality, with the moderate-to-severe depression group showed more pronounced risk elevations. A positive dose-response relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and these risks.
4.Advances in the prevention of malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders
ZHANG Yajie ; SUN Wanxin ; DAN Hongxia
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(8):799-811
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of oral mucosal diseases with different morphological characteristics that have an increased risk of progressing to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Epidemiological studies indicate that approximately 4.67% of the global population may have an OPMD, and meta-analysis results show that the risk of progression to OSCC in patients with OPMD is 2.5 times that of the general population. The progression of an OPMD to OSCC is a complex process driven by risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, and oral microbiota. It is characterized by intricate interactions among genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, and dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment. At the molecular level, the intrinsic basis of epithelial carcinogenesis is established by genomic loss of heterozygosity and cascading dysregulation of critical signaling pathways, while crucial external support for malignant transformation is provided by the immunosuppressive microenvironment, including M2 macrophage polarization, immune evasion mediated by programmed death-ligand 1, and the pro-tumorigenic effects of oral microbiota. Although a variety of therapeutic modalities (e.g., pharmacotherapy, surgical treatment, and photodynamic therapy) have been employed for the prevention of OPMD malignant transformation, no universally accepted treatment has been proven to completely eradicate the risk of cancer development at present. In recent years, artificial intelligence technologies have demonstrated promising performance in predicting the malignant transformation risk of OPMD by integrating multi-dimensional clinical, pathological, and molecular data, thereby providing new decision-support tools for advancing individualized risk stratification and precise follow-up management. This review summarizes recent advances in the prevention of OPMD malignant transformation, with the aim of offering a reference for the clinical management of OPMDs.
5.Impact of various diabetic conditions on ocular surface status and tear MMP-9 levels in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction
Qin TIAN ; Dan ZHANG ; Xingde LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(9):1632-1637
AIM: To investigate the changes in ocular surface-related indicators and tear matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)levels in diabetic patients complicated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), analyze the effects of diabetes mellitus on ocular surface status and tear MMP-9 levels in patients with MGD, and provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.METHODS: Prospective observational study.Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with MGD who visited the Department of Ophthalmology of the hospital from June 2024 to December 2024 were enrolled(diabetes mellitus+MGD group), and patients diagnosed solely with MGD without a history of diabetes mellitus during the same period were recruited as the non-diabetic MGD group. Patients in the diabetes mellitus+MGD group were further subdivided into aglycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)<7.5% subgroup and an HbA1c≥7.5% subgroup based on HbA1c levels, and into a diabetes duration<10 y subgroup and a diabetes duration ≥10 y subgroup according to the duration of diabetes mellitus. Multiple ocular surface parameters, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)score and eyelid margin alteration score, as well as tear MMP-9 concentration, were measured in all participants, followed by between-group comparative analyses.RESULTS:Total of 101 patients(202 eyes)with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with MGD were enrolled, including 56 males and 45 females with a mean age of 60.2±8.5 y. The non-diabetic MGD group consisted of 151 patients(302 eyes), with 82 males and 69 females and a mean age of 57.5±7.8 y.The HbA1c <7.5% group comprised 55 patients(110 eyes)aged 59.6±8.2 y; 31 males and 24 females. The HbA1c ≥7.5% group included 46 patients(92 eyes)aged 60.9±8.7 y; 25 males and 21 females.The subgroup with diabetes duration <10 y had 50 patients(100 eyes)aged 58.7±8.1 y; 28 males and 22 females, and the subgroup with duration ≥10 y consisted of 51 patients(102 eyes)aged 61.6±8.4 y; 27 males and 24 females. Patients in diabetes mellitus+MGD group exhibited higher OSDI scores, meibomian gland orifice scores, meibum expressibility scores, meibum quality scores, corneal fluorescein staining scores, and tear MMP-9 levels compared with non-diabetic MGD patients(all P<0.01), while tear film breakup time(BUT)and Schirmer test values were lower(all P<0.01).Among diabetic patients with MGD, the HbA1c≥7.5% subgroup had significantly higher OSDI score, meibomian gland orifice score, meibum expressibility scores, meibum quality scores, corneal fluorescein staining scores, and tear MMP-9 concentration than the HbA1c<7.5% subgroup(all P<0.05), accompanied by significantly shorter BUT and lower Schirmer I test results(all P<0.05). Similarly, the diabetes duration≥10 y subgroup showed significantly higher OSDI score, meibomian gland orifice score, meibum expressibility scores, meibum quality scores, corneal fluorescein staining scores, and tear MMP-9 concentration compared with the diabetes duration<10 y subgroup(all P<0.05), whereas BUT and Schirmer I values were significantly lower(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus may be associated with aggravated ocular surface damage in patients with MGD, accompanied by elevated tear MMP-9 levels. Poor glycemic control and longer disease duration are related to more severe ocular surface injury and higher tear MMP-9 levels. Tear MMP-9 may serve as a potential indicator for evaluating ocular surface inflammation and damage in diabetic patients with MGD, providing certain evidence for clinical treatment decision-making.
6.Mechanism of Rehmannia glutinosa-medicated serum regulating BV2 microglia polarization to interfere with neuroinflammation
Ping TIAN ; Hongzhi AN ; Qian FEI ; Ruifeng LIANG ; Dan YANG ; Xuexia ZHANG ; Wenjing GE ; Yifei LIU ; Hongwei LI ; Deen HAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1979-1985
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of action of Rehmannia glutinosa-medicated serum (RG) in regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced polarization of BV2 microglia to interfere with neuroinflammation. METHODS An in vitro neuroinflammation model of BV2 cells induced by LPS was established. Cells were divided into control group, LPS group, 10%RG group, 20%RG group, BAY 11-7082 [nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor] group, and 20%RG+BAY 11-7082 group. Except for the control group, cells in all other groups were pretreated with corresponding drugs for 12 h and then stimulated with LPS for 24 h. The morphology of cells in each group was observed, and the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD206, the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, iNOS, IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), arginase-1 (Arg-1), and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway-related protein expression were detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the LPS group showed significant changes in cell morphology, exhibiting a typical M1 activated morphology. The fluorescence intensity of Iba-1 and iNOS, the relative expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS mRNA, the relative expression levels of TLR4, NLRP3, caspase-1 p20, IL-1β p17 protein, and the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B α were significantly increased (P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of CD206 and the relative expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, and Arg-1 mRNA were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the changes in the above indicators in the cells of the 10%RG group, 20%RG group, BAY 11-7082 group, and 20%RG+BAY 11-7082 group were significantly reversed (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of the last three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS RG can effectively inhibit the overall activation of microglia and correct their M1/M2 polarization imbalance, and its mechanism may be closely related to the inhibition of excessive activation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.Evaluation of the quality of Jingangteng capsules based on UPLC fingerprinting combined with multi-component content determination
Li SHEN ; Yue SHEN ; Yuying YANG ; Dandan ZHANG ; Yuxi WU ; Xuxiang ZHOU ; Jingyu YANG ; Peng HU ; Lei WANG ; Heming WU ; Dan LIU ; Xiaochuan YE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1290-1294
OBJECTIVE To establish the UPLC fingerprint and the method for multi-component content determination in Jingangteng capsules, and to evaluate its quality by combining chemical pattern recognition analysis. METHODS An UPLC method was established. Separation was performed on a Zorbax SB-C 18 Rapid Resolution HD column, with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase for gradient elution.Using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicines (2012 edition), UPLC fi ngerprints were established for 10 batches of Jingangteng capsules, and similarity was evaluated. SPSS 22.0 and SIMCA 14.1 software were used to perform hierarchial-cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), respectively. The same UPLC method was employed to determine the contents of chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid-3- O -glucoside (M1), caffeic acid, astilbin, oxyresveratrol, quercitrin and resveratrol in the 10 batches of samples. RESULTS A total of 17 common peaks were identified in UPLC fingerprints of the 10 batches of samples, of which 7 were identified as chlorogenic acid, M1, caffeic acid, astilbin, oxyresveratrol, quercitrin, and resveratrol. The similarities of 10 batches of samples ranged from 0.820 to 0.985. The results of hierarchial-cluster analysis showed that 10 batches of samples were grouped into four categories: S1-S4 formed one group, S5 and S6 formed another, S7, S8 and S10 formed a third, and S9 formed a fourth, consistent with the OPLS-DA results; the variable importance projection values for peaks 7, 10, 2, 16 (resveratrol), 13 (oxyresveratrol), 11, 6 (caffeic acid), 5 (M1) and 15 (quercitrin) were >1. Quantitative analysis results showed that the contents of chlorogenic acid, M1, caffeic acid, astilbin, oxyresveratrol, quercitrin, and resveratrol were 1.650 8-4.213 7, 0.636 2-2.161 7, 0.031 0-0.086 5, 0.239 1-1.069 3, 0.211 9-1.104 0, 0.488 8-2.399 2, and 0.164 0-0.699 8 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS UPLC fingerprint and content determination methods established in this study are simple to operate, accurate, reliable and reproducible; when combined with chemical pattern recognition analysis, they can be used to evaluate the quality of Jingangteng capsules. Nine components, such as resveratrol, oxyresveratrol, caffeic acid, M1 and quercitrin, may serve as markers of quality variation.
8.Mechanism of KLF4 in regulating ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy
Huanzhen ZHANG ; Zhangyong DAN ; Xiaorui SHI ; Rumeng ZHU ; Yi WANG ; Huaqing ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):509-517
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in type 1 diabetic nephropathy (DN) and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsSixteen male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly divided into control group and model group, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in model group were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to establish a diabetic nephropathy (DN) model, while those in control group were injected with an equal volume of sodium citrate buffer at the same time. After successful model establishment, the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCR) were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed on renal tissues to observe pathological changes, and immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect the expression of KLF4 in renal tissues. Lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), Fe²⁺, and lipid peroxidation products in rat kidneys. A high glucose (HG)-induced cell injury model was established in HK-2 cells, with mitochondrial membrane potential assessed using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'- tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining. Lipid peroxidation levels (MDA, Fe²⁺, and lipid peroxides) were measured in HK-2 cells.KLF4-overexpressing HK-2 cells were then constructed, followed by repeated JC-1, MDA, Fe²⁺, and lipid peroxidation assays. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), in renal tissues, HK-2 cells, and KLF4-overexpressing HK-2 cells. ResultsCompared with the control group, DN rats exhibited elevated serum BUN and SCR levels, glomerular hypertrophy, renal interstitial fibrosis, and decreased KLF4 expression. Additionally, MDA, Fe²⁺, and lipid peroxidation levels increased, indicating enhanced ferroptosis in renal tissues, accompanied by reduced GPX4 and NRF2 expression and elevated Keap1 levels. Similarly, HG-treated HK-2 cells showed decreased KLF4 expression, increased MDA, Fe²⁺ and lipid peroxidation, elevated ferroptosis, and dysregulated GPX4/NRF2/Keap1 expression. However, KLF4 overexpression reversed these alterations induced by high glucose treatment. ConclusionIn the renal tissues of type 1 diabetic rats, the expression of KLF4 decreases the level of ferroptosis increases, and KLF4 overexpression could alleviate HG-induced HK-2 cell injury.
9.Drug comprehensive value assessment frameworks for medical insurance:overseas experiences and implications for China
Yijun LIU ; Dan LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Bin JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):413-419
OBJECTIVE To systematically compare mature experiences of comprehensive drug value assessment in typical countries/regions and to provide decision-making references for China to establish a scientific and standardized comprehensive drug value assessment system for medical-insured drugs. METHODS The literature analysis was used to systematically review drug value assessment frameworks in 11 representative countries/regions, namely the UK, Canada, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, the United States, as well as Taiwan (China) and Hong Kong (China). Comparisons were made across three dimensions: assessment entities, value dimension, and application of results. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS In most countries/regions, independent technical assessment institutions have been established as part of the drug value evaluation system, with the involvement of multiple stakeholders (e.g., the UK, Canada). The mainstream drug value assessment frameworks have generally transcended the traditional core dimensions of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, exhibiting two major trends: the continuous expansion of assessment dimensions and stricter evidence requirements. Assessment outcomes are closely integrated with payment policies, ranging from providing technical advice for decision-making (e.g., Italy, France) to directly determining reimbursement eligibility (e.g., the UK, Germany). The following recommendations are proposed for China: first, establish an evaluation mechanism featuring multi-stakeholder participation and separation of evaluation from decision-making. Second, develop a comprehensive evaluation framework integrating clinical, economic, patient, and societal value, emphasizing quantitative indicator exploration and real-world evidence application. Third, promote direct linkage between value-based tiering outcomes and medical insurance reimbursement decisions or access negotiations to balance patient benefits, fund sustainability, and industrial innovation.
10.Introduction and enlightenment of the Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Strategies in Critically Ill Children Following Severe Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Intracranial Hemorrhage: From the Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding
Zhenzhen JIANG ; Rong GUI ; Rong HUANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Jiaohui ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Zhi LIN ; Dan WAN ; Mingyi ZHAO ; Minghua YANG ; Lan GU ; Haiting LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):285-293
Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding developed a strategy for platelet and plasma infusion management in critically ill children based on systematic reviews and consensus meetings of international multidisciplinary experts. One good practice statement and six expert consensus statements were proposed for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill children following severe trauma, traumatic brain injury, and/or intracranial hemorrhage. This article introduces the specific methods and basis for the formation of recommendations in this part of the guide.


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