1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.The efficacy of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block in treating knee osteoarthritis
Fanxiang FENG ; Hai SHEN ; You LI ; Kai REN ; Fulong LIU ; Yicheng XIAO ; Weixia ZHAO ; Xin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(9):834-840
Objective:To document the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block (GNB) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:A total of 92 KOA patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group with 46 in each. Those in both groups were treated conventionally, including with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, ultrasound, laser irradiation and manipulation therapy. The observation group additionally underwent ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block treatment, once a week for 2 weeks. Pain scoring on a visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to evaluate everyone before and after the treatment, and then 8 weeks later.Results:In the observation group the average VAS rating [(3.54±2.00) at week 2 and (4.13±2.04) at week 8] and the average WOMAC subscale and total scores [(36.91±16.91) at week 8] had improved significantly right after the experiment and 8 weeks later. But in the control group this was true only right after the treatment. The observation group also demonstrated superior improvements in 6MWT distance at week 2 [(434.22±125.19)m] and week 8 [(446.35±126.45)m] compared to both its own baseline and the control group.Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block is a rapid, precise, effective, and long-lasting intervention for alleviating pain, improving knee function and enhancing walking endurance in KOA patients.
3.Application of suture plates in the terrible triad of the elbow
Baoheng FAN ; Rongqing REN ; Song LIU ; Heng LI ; Jesse JUPITER ; Xinhua SHEN ; Yueju LIU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(13):826-831
Objective:To introduce a surgical technique utilizing suture plate fixation for the treatment of elbow "terrible triad" injuries and to evaluate its clinical outcomes.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients (9 males and 2 females; mean age: 40.5±9.0 years, range: 26-53 years) with elbow terrible triad injuries who underwent treatment via a single lateral approach (Kaplan approach) combined with loop plate fixation at the Trauma Emergency Center of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 2018 and July 2022. During surgery, coronoid process fractures were stabilized using loop plates. Among the radial head fractures, 7 cases were fixed with headless compression screws, while 4 cases underwent radial head prosthetic replacement. Additionally, the lateral collateral ligament complex and common extensor tendon origin were repaired using one suture anchor in all cases. Postoperative evaluations included elbow range of motion (ROM), encompassing flexion-extension and forearm pronation-supination. Radiographic assessments were performed to evaluate the alignment of the humeroradial and humeroulnar joints, degenerative changes, and heterotopic ossification. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) during follow-up.Results:All surgeries were successfully completed without intraoperative complications such as neurovascular injuries. Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases, with no instances of infection or other early complications. The mean follow-up duration was 15.55±3.78 months (range, 12-24 months). At 2 weeks postoperatively, the mean flexion-extension ROM was 66.82°±6.69°, forearm rotation ROM was 132.55°±10.61°, and MEPS was 62.73±3.44 points. By 3 months postoperatively, these values improved to 99.27°±10.82°, 159.18°±9.18°, and 83.18±10.31 points, respectively. At the final follow-up, further improvements were observed, with flexion-extension ROM reaching 115.18°±4.29°, forearm rotation ROM 164.73°±8.71°, and MEPS 95.45±7.89 points. Statistical analysis revealed significant increases in flexion-extension ROM ( F=268.014, P<0.001), forearm rotation ROM ( F=67.621, P<0.001), and MEPS ( F= 63.100, P<0.001) over time. At the final follow-up, MEPS outcomes were rated as excellent in 9 cases and good in 2 cases, yielding an excellent-to-good rate of 100%. Radiographic evaluation confirmed satisfactory joint alignment and bony union in all patients, with no reports of significant pain, elbow instability, or neurological deficits. Mild heterotopic ossification was observed in 2 cases but did not impair daily activities or necessitate additional treatment. Conclusion:The suture plate technique significantly reduced operative time, minimized surgical trauma, and lowered the risks of elbow infection and stiffness, demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes.
4.Scientific analysis and usage reassessment of suspected medicinal cinnabar unearthed from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty.
Ning-Ning XU ; Ting-Yan REN ; Ming-Jie LI ; Pan XIAO ; Guo-Hui SHEN ; Ji-Qing BAI ; Qi LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2915-2923
Cinnabar(HgS) was widely used in ancient times for medicinal purposes, religious rituals, and pigments. A group of bright red powdery clumps was excavated from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty. Early studies considered the clumps as evidence of cinnabar's medicinal use during the Qin-Han period. This study employed a range of archaeometric techniques, including extended-depth-of-field stereo imaging, micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry FTIR, to systematically analyze the material composition and structural characteristics of these remains. The results revealed that the cinnabar particles were granular, finely ground, and tightly bound to silk matrix, with no detectable excipients typically associated with medicinal formulations. Micro-CT imaging indicated a well-preserved textile structure, with clear signs of sedimentary accumulation and mechanical damage. Based on historical and archaeological studies, this study suggested that these remains were more likely degraded accumulations of cinnabar-colored silk textiles rather than medicinal cinnabar. By clarifying the diversity of ancient cinnabar applications and preservation states, this study provides new insights for the archaeological identification of mineral medicinal materials and contributes to the standardized study of Chinese medicinal materials and understanding of the historical use of cinnabar.
History, Ancient
;
China
;
Humans
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
;
Archaeology
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history*
;
Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
;
Spectrum Analysis, Raman
;
Mercury Compounds
5.Survey on ERAS implementation situation in Chongqing
Yiwei SHEN ; Su MIN ; Feng LYU ; Xiaonan LIU ; Juying JIN ; Li REN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2649-2655
Objective To investigate the executive condition of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery(ERAS)measures among the hospitalized surgical patients in secondary and tertiary medical institutions of Chongqing City.Methods Using a multicenter cross-sectional survey approach,patients undergoing elective surgeries admitted and treated in 40 member units under the Chongqing Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Specialized Alliance from July 11 to 30,2024 were selected as the survey subjects.Adherence to and completion of ERAS measures were calculated.Factors influencing measures with low completion rates were analyzed.Results A total of 2 100 questionnaires were issued,1 708 effective questionnaires were recovered with an effective recovery rate of 81.33%.Among them,there were 1 017 questionnaires in the tertiary medi-cal institutions and 691 questionnaires in the secondary medical institutions.The age of 1 708 patients ranged from 19-78 years old with a median age of 52 years old.Females were dominant.The proportion of patients from gastrointestinal surgery and those with secondary school education or above was high.Hypertension and diabetes were the main complication types.The surgical grade was concentrated at grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ.The ASA grading was concentrated at the grade Ⅰ/Ⅱ.The NYHA heart function grade was mainly the grade Ⅰ/Ⅱ.The ERAS measures compliance rate ranged from 36.36%to 95.45%,averaged 73.47%.The compliance rate of ERAS measures in the tertiary hospitals was higher than that in the secondary hospitals(75.82%vs.70.01%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The average completion rate of ERAS measures was 74.08%.The top three in the completion rate were preoperative education(95.78%),preven-tive antibiotics and skin preparation(92.62%),and preoperative interview and evaluation(88.58%).The completion rates of Prehabilitation(55.27%)and preoperative fasting(57.67%)urgently needed to be in-creased.The completion rate of other measures was lower than 60%.Conclusion The compliance rate of ERAS measures needs to be increased,moreover there are significant differences among various hospitals.Fu-ture practices should focus on two measures:preoperative pre-rehabilitation exercises and preoperative oral intake of carbohydrates.
6.Subjective sleep problems is associated with epigenetic age acceleration:a Mendelian randomization study
Xiaomei LI ; Hao REN ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yimo SHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2437-2444,封3
Objective To investigate the potential causal associations between 3 common subjective sleep problems,daytime sleepiness,insomnia,and sleep apnea,and epigenetic age acceleration.Methods A two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)study was conducted the publicly available genome-wide association study(GWAS)data to assess the causal effects of self-reported sleep problems on 4 indicators of epigenetic age acceleration,including intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration(IEAA),GrimAge acceleration,HannumAge acceleration,and PhenoAge acceleration.The primary analytical method was inverse-variance weighting(IVW),supplemented by sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger regression and the weighted median(WM)method to examine the robustness of the findings.Results IVW showed that daytime sleepiness was significantly positively associated with IEAA(β=1.83,95%CI:0.17~2.49,P=0.031)and HannumAge acceleration(β=1.81,95%CI:0.21~2.42,P=0.027),suggesting a potential accelerating effect on epigenetic aging.Insomnia also showed significant positive associations with IEAA(β=1.57,95%CI:0.40~2.73,P=0.009)and GrimAge acceleration(β=1.37,95%CI:0.18~2.56,P=0.024).No significant causal relationship was observed between sleep apnea and any indicator of epigenetic age acceleration(P>0.05).Conclusion Daytime sleepiness and insomnia may accelerate epigenetic aging,indicating their potential biological role in the aging process.The impact of sleep apnea remains unclear and warrants further investigation.
7.Analysis of laboratory outcomes in assisted reproductive technology for malignant tumor patients
Ran SHEN ; Wei ZHENG ; Ruowen ZU ; Chen YANG ; Bingnan REN ; Jiaheng LI ; Yanli LIU ; Jing LI ; Peixin LI ; Jingyi HAN ; Yichun GUAN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):365-371
Objective:To investigate whether malignant tumors affect the laboratory outcomes of patients in their first controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycle.Methods:This study was a retrospective case-control study that analyzed the clinical and laboratory data of patients who underwent fertility preservation before chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to malignant tumors, as well as patients with infertility caused by tubal factors who first underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at the Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to May 2024. Patients who underwent fertility preservation were designated as the research group, while patients who underwent assisted reproduction due to tubal factors during the same period were designated as control group. After 1∶3 propensity score matching (PSM), 40 patients were included in the research group and 118 patients were included in control group. The ovarian response, oocyte retrieval outcomes, and embryonic development after fertilization in the first COH cycle were compared between the two groups. Results:After PSM, the research group and control group showed statistically significant differences in the gonadotropin (Gn) starting dosage [225.00 (162.50, 300.00) U vs. 193.75 (150.00, 225.00) U, P=0.002], duration of Gn used [10.00 (8.00, 11.00) d vs. 12.00 (10.00, 13.00) d, P<0.001], and average estradiol levels on human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day [2 487.00 (1 461.25, 4 090.25) pmol/L vs. 10 738.50 (8 400.00, 16 507.25) pmol/L, P<0.001]. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the total dosages of Gn used between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of metaphase Ⅱ oocytes, two pronuclei (2PN) rate, 2PN cleavage rate, available embryo rate, high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst formation rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared with infertility patients with tubal factors, there is no significant difference in the laboratory outcomes of malignant tumor patients undergoing COH for fertility preservation prior to chemotherapy and radiation.
8.Analysis and suggestions for the FDA drug labeling rules on cardiac safety risk warnings
Wei LIU ; Xiao-qing XING ; Yu-qing REN ; Qian SHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Nan ZHANG ; Fu-meng LIANG ; Fang-fang WANG ; Hai-yan LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):235-239
Objective To improve and refine the relevant regulations and guiding principles of warnings on drug instructions and labels in China.Methods This paper sorted out the drug instructions of small molecule anti-tumor drugs listed by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)from 2005 to 2022,included the drugs mentioned in the QT interval prolongation risk,analyzed the clinical research and QT research results,and sorted out the identification and warning rules of the instructions.Results A total of 35 drugs were included,4 drugs wrote the risk of QT interval prolongation in the black box warning,21 drugs were wrote in the warning and precautions position,6 drugs were wrote in the adverse reaction section,and 2 drugs were only described under clinical pharmacology section.According to the severity of the QT interval prolongation caused by the drug and whether there were serious clinical consequences,they were displayed in the warnings(black box warnings),precautions(warnings and precautions)and adverse reactions in the instructions.Conclusion The aim of this article is to provide a reference for the writing of QT risk warning information of the instructions of domestic drug production enterprises and regulatory departments.It is recommended to clarify the severity of drug safety and the location of the instructions in clinical research,and continue to carry out safety monitoring and update the instructions in time after listing.
9.The computer-aided diagnosis model of middle ear cholesteatoma based on integrated convolutional neural networks
Yutong ZHAO ; Ruixia MA ; Hailing REN ; Ningyu FENG ; Ning ZHANG ; Le WANG ; Yongchun LI ; Xueliang SHEN ; Jiao HE
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(5):511-519
Objective:Middle ear cholesteatoma is a common otolaryngological disease, and traditional diagnostic methods have certain limitations. This study aims to construct a computer-aided diagnosis model for middle ear cholesteatoma based on integrated convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.Methods:Firstly, Data were collected from patients who visited the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the First People′s Hospital of Yinchuan between January 2020 and December 2021. 8 000 temporal bone CT images were collected, including 5 000 images diagnosed pathologically as middle ear cholesteatoma and 3 000 normal images. A five-fold cross-validation method was used to divide the dataset into training and testing sets. Next, a transfer learning approach was used to initialize model parameters, and the AlexNet, GoogleNet, and ResNet networks were pre-trained to extract deep features from the images. Then, the Softmax classification algorithm was applied to classify the features, resulting in three independent classifiers. These classifiers were combined using an ensemble learning method with a weighted voting approach to obtain the final diagnostic results. Finally, the model was evaluated by comparing the ensemble classifier with individual classifiers to assess its accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic time, and a comparison with low-mid-and high-experience physician groups was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the model′s diagnostic performance.Results:The experimental results showed that the model achieved an accuracy of 88.8%(178/200), precision of 92.9%,(112/120) sensitivity of 89.8%(108/120), and specificity of 88.1%(70/80). The average diagnostic time for individual patient temporal bone CT images was reduced to 2-3 seconds. Compared to the diagnostic results from low-mid-and high-experience physician groups, the model demonstrated significant advantages and effectively assisted clinicians in making rapid and accurate middle ear cholesteatoma diagnoses.Conclusion:The proposed middle ear cholesteatoma diagnostic model based on integrated convolutional neural networks exhibits high recognition accuracy and rapid diagnostic speed, significantly improving clinical diagnostic efficiency, especially in early screening and auxiliary diagnosis, making it of considerable value in clinical practice.
10.Application of active screening on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales monitoring in intensive care units:a multi-center study
Yiyu LYU ; Shaoyun QI ; Shihua SHEN ; Lu LIU ; Zhen TIAN ; Zhiwei XU ; Tao FANG ; Cuiying GUO ; Zhiping LI ; Ren DING ; Fanxiang MENG ; Ruojie LI ; Xiaoqian HU ; Xueping WANG ; Dequan WU ; Yile WU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(7):906-911
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of active screening in improving the detection rate of carbape-nem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE)in the intensive care units(ICUs).Methods From July 2023 to June 2024,active screening of rectal swab CRE was conducted on ICU patients in 10 hospitals.ICU patients who underwent ac-tive screening from July 2023 to June 2024 were selected as the study group,while those who did not undergo active screening from July 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the control group.Difference in CRE detection rates between the two groups of patients was compared.Results A total of 7 803 ICU patients were included in the study group,744 CRE strains were detected,with a detection rate of 9.53%,out of which 304 CRE strains were detected through routine detection(detection rate 3.90%),3 707 patients underwent active screen,440 CRE strains were detected(detection rate 11.87%).7 561 ICU patients were included in the control group,out of which 250 CRE strains were detected through routine detection,with a detection rate of 3.31%.There was a statistically significant difference in the overall detection rate of CRE between two groups of patients(x2=246.18,P<0.001).In the study group,CRE detection rate of active screening(11.87%)was higher than that of routine detection(3.90%),with statistically significant difference(x2=264.26,P<0.001).A total of 17 CRE strains were detected from the study group.The proportions of Klebsiella pneumoniae(80.92%vs 73.41%)and Serratia marcescens(2.30%vs0.23%)in the routine detection group were both higher than in the active screening group,while the proportion of Escherichia coli in the routine detection group was lower(8.22%vs 19.55%),all with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion The prevalence of CRE in ICUs is relatively high,with a wide range of bac-terial species.Active screening can improve the detection rate of CRE.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail