1.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
2.Targeting ceramide-induced microglial pyroptosis: Icariin is a promising therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Hongli LI ; Qiao XIAO ; Lemei ZHU ; Jin KANG ; Qiong ZHAN ; Weijun PENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101106-101106
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive dementia, is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical trial results of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau regulators based on the pretext of straightforward amyloid and tau immunotherapy were disappointing. There are currently no effective strategies for slowing the progression of AD. Herein, we spotlight the dysregulation of lipid metabolism, particularly the elevation of ceramides (Cers), as a critical yet underexplored facet of AD pathogenesis. Our study delineates the role of Cers in promoting microglial pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis and necroptosis, characterized by cellular swelling, and membrane rupture mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Utilizing both in vivo experiments with amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) transgenic mice and in vitro assays with BV-2 microglial cells, we investigate the activation of microglial pyroptosis by Cers and its inhibition by icariin (ICA), a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our findings reveal a significant increase in Cers levels and pyroptosis markers (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, gasdermin D (gasdermin D (GSDMD)), and interleukin-18 (IL-18)) in the brains of AD model mice, indicating a direct involvement of Cers in AD pathology through the induction of microglial pyroptosis. Conversely, ICA treatment effectively reduces these pyroptotic markers and Cer levels, thereby attenuating microglial pyroptosis and suggesting a novel therapeutic mechanism of action against AD. This study not only advances our understanding of the pathogenic role of Cers in AD but also introduces ICA as a promising candidate for AD therapy, capable of mitigating neuroinflammation and pyroptosis through the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-NLRP3 inflammasome-gasdermin D (GSDMD) axis. Our results pave the way for further exploration of Cer metabolism disorders in neurodegenerative diseases and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting microglial pyroptosis in AD.
3.Network structure characteristics of trait aggression in children and adolescents based on psychometric network analysis
WANG Xu, LIU Yanling, WEI Mingchen, ZHU Ni, GENG Yibo, LIU Weijun, CHEN Shuai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):975-979
Objective:
To explore the core features of trait aggression in children and adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical basis for behavioral interventions targeting the central psychological characteristics of aggression in children and adolescents.
Methods:
From March to May 2020, a simple random convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 39 165 students from grades 4 to 12 in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Shandong. Data were collected via online questionnaires, with all participants completing the Chinese Version of the Aggression Questionnaire. Psychometric network analysis was utilized for data processing.
Results:
Trait aggression among Chinese children and adolescents was at a moderately low level. The core nodes of the network structure included physical aggression [if someone intentionally causes trouble for me, I will hit them severely (AGG6); if someone hits me, I will retaliate (AGG11)] and self aggression [When I am very irritable, I think of hurting myself (AGG5); when I am in a bad mood, I engage in behaviors that harm my health, such as overeating (AGG25)]. Across grade levels, core nodes primarily originated from the anger dimension [When I m angry, I feel like a powder magazine that could explode at any moment (AGG13); I can t control my temper (AGG18); I am prone to getting angry when I see things that are not pleasing to the eye (AGG23); I will get angry for no reason (AGG27)]. Except for grades 7 and 9, core nodes in other grades included the verbal aggression dimension [I am prone to arguments with people (AGG22)]. Before grade 8, core nodes incorporated the self aggression dimension (AGG 5, AGG 25); after grade 8, core nodes included the physical aggression dimension [AGG 6, AGG 11, I fight slightly more than others (AGG16), and if people around me make things difficult for me to a certain extent, I will fight with them (AGG26)]. No statistically significant differences were found in the trait aggression network structures across grades, genders, or within gender comparisons of different grades.
Conclusion
These findings broaden our understanding of aggression in children and adolescents, suggesting that behavioral interventions can effectively reduce aggressive behaviors in this population.
4.Immunological efficacy of OprI as a component in a multi-subunit vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jinqiong YAN ; Zifan ZHU ; Yating WANG ; Meilin WU ; Bo HUANG ; Ziyu WU ; Hongrong CUI ; Yueyue ZHANG ; Weijun ZHANG ; Gang CHEN ; Jiang GU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):65-71,79
Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the role and mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine subunit OprI in the fusion protein vaccine rePO(PcrV-OprI).Methods The in vitro stability of rePO,PcrV and OprI at 4 ℃,25 ℃,and 37 ℃ was examined.After immunizing mice with rePO,OprI and PcrV,respectively,the specific antibody potency in serum and the proportion of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 in the spleen were examined;Additionally,detection of the levels of protein uptake by DC2.4 cells in vitro using laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry,and their ability to promote the maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDC).Results The heat stability of fusion protein rePO was significantly better than that of PcrV.The induced anti-PcrV IgG and anti-OprI IgG potency of rePO was significantly higher than that of monomeric PcrV and OprI.Additionally,the number of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by immunization with rePO was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.The uptake rate of fusion protein rePO by DC2.4 cells was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.Furthermore,rePO promoted the maturation of mouse BMDC more effectively than PcrV and OprI.Conclusion OprI in the fusion protein rePO can significantly improve its thermal stability and immunogenicity,which lays the foundation for the successful development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine.
5.Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of"Stomach Exuberance and Spleen Deficiency"in Diabetes Mellitus Based on Intestinal Flora Disorder and Inflammatory Reaction
Wenxuan LUO ; Jinxi ZHAO ; Weijun HUANG ; Zhu LIU ; Yonghua XIAO ; Guanxun SU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):173-177
Diabetes mellitus has the characteristics of chronic inflammatory diseases,often accompanied by intestinal flora disorders.Based on the TCM theory of"stomach exuberance and spleen deficiency",combined with modern medical research,this article explained the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus from intestinal flora and inflammatory reaction.Diabetes mellitus was divided into three categories:stomach heat and deficiency of spleen yin,stomach heat and deficiency of spleen qi,and stomach heat and deficiency of spleen yang,and summarized the three methods of"clearing and draining heat,nourishing yin and moistening intestine","clearing dampness and heat,strengthening spleen and qi"and"clearing dampness and heat,strengthening spleen and warming yang",which could treat diabetes mellitus by improving intestinal flora disorder and reducing inflammatory reaction.
6.Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of"Stomach Exuberance and Spleen Deficiency"in Diabetes Mellitus Based on Intestinal Flora Disorder and Inflammatory Reaction
Wenxuan LUO ; Jinxi ZHAO ; Weijun HUANG ; Zhu LIU ; Yonghua XIAO ; Guanxun SU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):173-177
Diabetes mellitus has the characteristics of chronic inflammatory diseases,often accompanied by intestinal flora disorders.Based on the TCM theory of"stomach exuberance and spleen deficiency",combined with modern medical research,this article explained the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus from intestinal flora and inflammatory reaction.Diabetes mellitus was divided into three categories:stomach heat and deficiency of spleen yin,stomach heat and deficiency of spleen qi,and stomach heat and deficiency of spleen yang,and summarized the three methods of"clearing and draining heat,nourishing yin and moistening intestine","clearing dampness and heat,strengthening spleen and qi"and"clearing dampness and heat,strengthening spleen and warming yang",which could treat diabetes mellitus by improving intestinal flora disorder and reducing inflammatory reaction.
7.Targeting ceramide-induced microglial pyroptosis:Icariin is a promising therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Hongli LI ; Qiao XIAO ; Lemei ZHU ; Jin KANG ; Qiong ZHAN ; Weijun PENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):786-803
Alzheimer's disease(AD),a progressive dementia,is one of the most common neurodegenerative dis-eases.Clinical trial results of amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau regulators based on the pretext of straightforward amyloid and tau immunotherapy were disappointing.There are currently no effective strategies for slowing the progression of AD.Herein,we spotlight the dysregulation of lipid metabolism,particularly the elevation of ceramides(Cers),as a critical yet underexplored facet of AD pathogenesis.Our study delineates the role of Cers in promoting microglial pyroptosis,a form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis and necroptosis,characterized by cellular swelling,and membrane rupture mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.Utilizing both in vivo experiments with amyloid precursor protein(APP)/presenilin 1(PS1)transgenic mice and in vitro assays with BV-2 microglial cells,we investigate the activation of microglial pyroptosis by Cers and its inhibition by icariin(ICA),a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Our findings reveal a significant increase in Cers levels and pyroptosis markers(NOD-like receptor family,pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain,caspase-1,gasdermin D(GSDMD),and interleukin-18(IL-18))in the brains of AD model mice,indicating a direct involvement of Cers in AD pathology through the induction of microglial pyroptosis.Conversely,ICA treatment effec-tively reduces these pyroptotic markers and Cer levels,thereby attenuating microglial pyroptosis and suggesting a novel therapeutic mechanism of action against AD.This study not only advances our un-derstanding of the pathogenic role of Cers in AD but also introduces ICA as a promising candidate for AD therapy,capable of mitigating neuroinflammation and pyroptosis through the cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)-NLRP3 inflammasome-gasdermin D(GSDMD)axis.Our results pave the way for further exploration of Cer metabolism disorders in neurodegenerative diseases and highlight the therapeutic potential of tar-geting microglial pyroptosis in AD.
8.Immunological efficacy of OprI as a component in a multi-subunit vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jinqiong YAN ; Zifan ZHU ; Yating WANG ; Meilin WU ; Bo HUANG ; Ziyu WU ; Hongrong CUI ; Yueyue ZHANG ; Weijun ZHANG ; Gang CHEN ; Jiang GU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):65-71,79
Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the role and mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine subunit OprI in the fusion protein vaccine rePO(PcrV-OprI).Methods The in vitro stability of rePO,PcrV and OprI at 4 ℃,25 ℃,and 37 ℃ was examined.After immunizing mice with rePO,OprI and PcrV,respectively,the specific antibody potency in serum and the proportion of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 in the spleen were examined;Additionally,detection of the levels of protein uptake by DC2.4 cells in vitro using laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry,and their ability to promote the maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDC).Results The heat stability of fusion protein rePO was significantly better than that of PcrV.The induced anti-PcrV IgG and anti-OprI IgG potency of rePO was significantly higher than that of monomeric PcrV and OprI.Additionally,the number of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by immunization with rePO was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.The uptake rate of fusion protein rePO by DC2.4 cells was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.Furthermore,rePO promoted the maturation of mouse BMDC more effectively than PcrV and OprI.Conclusion OprI in the fusion protein rePO can significantly improve its thermal stability and immunogenicity,which lays the foundation for the successful development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine.
9.Risk factors for lymph node metastasis after RARP in high-risk prostate cancer patients and construction of a nomogram
Qi CAI ; Ziyan AN ; Zhoujie YE ; Jinpeng SHAO ; Kaipeng BI ; Zheng WANG ; Guanqiu CHEN ; Jie ZHU ; Guangfu CHEN ; Shaoxi NIU ; Baojun WANG ; Xin MA ; Jiangping GAO ; Weijun FU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):593-599
Objective:This study investigated the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis(LNM)in high-risk prostate cancer(HRPCa)patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP),and constructed a nomogram model based on clinical data to improve the accuracy and clinical practicality of preoperative prediction of LNM.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 218 HRPCa patients who received RARP treatment at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from January 2020 to March 2025 as the modeling group. The age of the modeling group was(66.91±6.94)years old. 75 cases(34.40%)had a history of smoking,and 48 cases(22.02%)had a history of drinking. There were a body mass index(BMI)of 25.55(23.58,27.00)kg/m 2,a total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)of 20.59(10.42,30.61)ng/ml,a free prostate-specific antigen(fPSA)of 1.87(1.04,3.26)ng/ml,a prostate volume(PV)of(41.19±21.00)ml,a prostate-specific antigen density(PSAD)of 0.52(0.30,0.84)ng/ml 2. Among the patients,60 cases(27.52%)had a preoperative biopsy Gleason score >8,and the percentage of positive biopsy cores(PPBC)was 50%(31%,80%). Thirty-one patients(14.22%)were staged clinically as >T 2c. The diagnostic criteria for high-risk prostate cancer(HRPCa)were defined as meeting any one of the following:PSA >20 ng/ml,Gleason score on prostate biopsy ≥8,or clinical stage ≥T 3. Among the 218 patients in the modeling cohort,67 cases(30.73%)met two of the criteria,and 7 cases(3.21%)met all three criteria. All 218 patients underwent RARP,and based on postoperative pathology,they were divided into the LNM group and the non-LNM group. The relationship between the number of diagnostic criteria met and the occurrence of LNM was analyzed. An external validation cohort included 42 HRPCa patients who underwent RARP at the Third,Fifth Medical Centers of the PLA General Hospital between January 2023 and May 2025. Their mean age was(66.79±5.92)years. Eighteen patients(42.86%)had a smoking history,and nine(21.43%)had a history of alcohol consumption. The median BMI was 26.00(23.80,27.13)kg/m 2. The median tPSA level was 17.34(8.97,27.30)ng/ml. The median fPSA was 1.51(0.83,2.52)ng/ml,and the median PV was(35.57 ± 15.25)ml. The median PSAD was 0.57(0.23,0.87)ng/ml 2,and the median PPBC was 58%(36%,71%). Three patients(7.14%)had a clinical stage >T 2c,and 12 patients(28.57%)had a Gleason score >8 on preoperative biopsy. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for LNM,and a nomogram model was constructed based on these factors. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration plots,and the model was validated in the external cohort. Result:According to postoperative pathology,45 patients were classified into the LNM group,and 173 into the non-LNM group. The probability of LNM increased proportionally with the number of diagnostic criteria met for HRPCa(meeting two criteria: OR = 4.762,95% CI 2.323-9.761, P < 0.01;meeting three criteria: OR = 10.667,95% CI 2.187-52.025, P=0.003). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age( OR=0.913,95% CI 0.859-0.971, P = 0.004),tPSA( OR=1.039,95% CI 1.018-1.061, P<0.01),PPBC( OR = 5.656,95% CI 1.101-29.056, P = 0.038),and clinical T stage(T 2c stage: OR=2.945,95% CI 0.888-9.769, P=0.077;>T 2c stage OR = 18.351,95% CI 4.790-70.306, P < 0.01)were independent risk factors for postoperative LNM in HRPCa patients after RARP. The ROC curve of the nomogram model based on these factors showed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.853(95% CI 0.790-0.917). In the external validation cohort,the nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.743(95% CI 0.556-0.929). The calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between the predicted probabilities and actual observations. Conclusions:Age,tPSA,PPBC,and clinical T stage were independent predictors of postoperative LNM in HRPCa patients undergoing RARP. The greater the number of HRPCa diagnostic criteria met,the higher the likelihood of postoperative LNM. The nomogram developed in this study could effectively predict the risk of LNM in HRPCa patients after RARP.
10.Risk factors for lymph node metastasis after RARP in high-risk prostate cancer patients and construction of a nomogram
Qi CAI ; Ziyan AN ; Zhoujie YE ; Jinpeng SHAO ; Kaipeng BI ; Zheng WANG ; Guanqiu CHEN ; Jie ZHU ; Guangfu CHEN ; Shaoxi NIU ; Baojun WANG ; Xin MA ; Jiangping GAO ; Weijun FU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):593-599
Objective:This study investigated the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis(LNM)in high-risk prostate cancer(HRPCa)patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP),and constructed a nomogram model based on clinical data to improve the accuracy and clinical practicality of preoperative prediction of LNM.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 218 HRPCa patients who received RARP treatment at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from January 2020 to March 2025 as the modeling group. The age of the modeling group was(66.91±6.94)years old. 75 cases(34.40%)had a history of smoking,and 48 cases(22.02%)had a history of drinking. There were a body mass index(BMI)of 25.55(23.58,27.00)kg/m 2,a total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)of 20.59(10.42,30.61)ng/ml,a free prostate-specific antigen(fPSA)of 1.87(1.04,3.26)ng/ml,a prostate volume(PV)of(41.19±21.00)ml,a prostate-specific antigen density(PSAD)of 0.52(0.30,0.84)ng/ml 2. Among the patients,60 cases(27.52%)had a preoperative biopsy Gleason score >8,and the percentage of positive biopsy cores(PPBC)was 50%(31%,80%). Thirty-one patients(14.22%)were staged clinically as >T 2c. The diagnostic criteria for high-risk prostate cancer(HRPCa)were defined as meeting any one of the following:PSA >20 ng/ml,Gleason score on prostate biopsy ≥8,or clinical stage ≥T 3. Among the 218 patients in the modeling cohort,67 cases(30.73%)met two of the criteria,and 7 cases(3.21%)met all three criteria. All 218 patients underwent RARP,and based on postoperative pathology,they were divided into the LNM group and the non-LNM group. The relationship between the number of diagnostic criteria met and the occurrence of LNM was analyzed. An external validation cohort included 42 HRPCa patients who underwent RARP at the Third,Fifth Medical Centers of the PLA General Hospital between January 2023 and May 2025. Their mean age was(66.79±5.92)years. Eighteen patients(42.86%)had a smoking history,and nine(21.43%)had a history of alcohol consumption. The median BMI was 26.00(23.80,27.13)kg/m 2. The median tPSA level was 17.34(8.97,27.30)ng/ml. The median fPSA was 1.51(0.83,2.52)ng/ml,and the median PV was(35.57 ± 15.25)ml. The median PSAD was 0.57(0.23,0.87)ng/ml 2,and the median PPBC was 58%(36%,71%). Three patients(7.14%)had a clinical stage >T 2c,and 12 patients(28.57%)had a Gleason score >8 on preoperative biopsy. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for LNM,and a nomogram model was constructed based on these factors. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration plots,and the model was validated in the external cohort. Result:According to postoperative pathology,45 patients were classified into the LNM group,and 173 into the non-LNM group. The probability of LNM increased proportionally with the number of diagnostic criteria met for HRPCa(meeting two criteria: OR = 4.762,95% CI 2.323-9.761, P < 0.01;meeting three criteria: OR = 10.667,95% CI 2.187-52.025, P=0.003). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age( OR=0.913,95% CI 0.859-0.971, P = 0.004),tPSA( OR=1.039,95% CI 1.018-1.061, P<0.01),PPBC( OR = 5.656,95% CI 1.101-29.056, P = 0.038),and clinical T stage(T 2c stage: OR=2.945,95% CI 0.888-9.769, P=0.077;>T 2c stage OR = 18.351,95% CI 4.790-70.306, P < 0.01)were independent risk factors for postoperative LNM in HRPCa patients after RARP. The ROC curve of the nomogram model based on these factors showed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.853(95% CI 0.790-0.917). In the external validation cohort,the nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.743(95% CI 0.556-0.929). The calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between the predicted probabilities and actual observations. Conclusions:Age,tPSA,PPBC,and clinical T stage were independent predictors of postoperative LNM in HRPCa patients undergoing RARP. The greater the number of HRPCa diagnostic criteria met,the higher the likelihood of postoperative LNM. The nomogram developed in this study could effectively predict the risk of LNM in HRPCa patients after RARP.


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