1.Early predictive value of pre-treatment tear inflammatory factor levels in patients with dry eye
Yingxing JIANG ; Yuqiu XU ; Yunyun YANG ; Yu ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):157-162
AIM: To investigate the application value of pre-treatment tear inflammatory factor levels in predicting therapeutic efficacy for dry eye patients.METHODS:Prospective controlled observational study. A total of 120 patients with dry eye(240 eyes)admitted to our hospital from November 2022 to March 2024 were included. Before dry eye treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors, including interlukin-4(IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-18, IL-1β, interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)in the tear fluid were detected by ELISA. According to the treatment protocol in the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Treatment of Dry Eye(2020), the patients were given treatments, and the related factors affecting the treatment outcomes of dry eye patients were analyzed.RESULTS:After continuous treatment for 4 wk, all the patients completed follow-up, and they were divided into the markedly effective group(60 patients, 120 eyes)and the ineffective group(60 patients, 120 eyes)based on their therapeutic effects. The markedly effective group had significantly lower pre-treatment levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α than the poor efficacy group(all P<0.05). IL-6(OR=0.994), IL-18(OR=0.998), IL-1β(OR=0.933), and TNF-α(OR=0.998)were independently associated with treatment efficacy(all P<0.05). The nomogram model yielded a C-index of 0.971(95% CI: 0.950-0.993), with calibration curves closely aligned to the ideal curve. The model demonstrated significant predictive value for early therapeutic efficacy(sensitivity=96.67%, specificity=71.67%, cutoff=208, AUC=0.866, 95% CI=0.794-0.952, P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The nomogram model constructed based on the levels of inflammatory factors in dry eye patients before treatment can well predict the treatment effect of patients.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
3.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
4.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
5.Seroprevalence characteristics of hepatitis E virus among blood donors infected with hepatitis B virus
Qin YU ; Tingting XU ; Hao YANG ; Lei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):1-6
[Objective] To investigate the seroprevalence characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, so as to provide data support for the monitoring, prevention and treatment of HEV. [Methods] From January to December 2022, 219 samples positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 142 occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) samples (HBV group) and 873 samples tested negative (control group) were collected. 361 samples were further tested with viral load assay and serological testing for five serological markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb), and the DNA load was measured using real time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used for the detection of anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM and HEV antigen (Ag). The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to assess the differences in the reactivity rates of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM among different blood donor populations and different variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine potential risk factors associated with anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence. [Results] In the HBV group, HBsAg positive donors exhibited low expression of antigen. The HBV DNA load of OBI infected donors ranged from 1 to 131.43 IU/mL (median 11.24 IU/mL). The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibody in the HBV group were 34.63% and 1.11%, respectively. Among them, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM in the HBV group was 34.63% and 0, respectively (P<0.05), while in the OBI donors, they were 41.55% and 2.82%, respectively. In the normal donors, the reactivity rates for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM were 18.67% and 1.49%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a difference in the reactivity rate of anti-HEV IgG between the HBV-infected donors and the normal donors (34.63% vs 18.67%, P<0.05), but no difference in the reactivity rate of anti-HEV IgM (1.11% vs 1.49%, P>0.05). No HEV Ag was detected in either group of blood donors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age was an independent risk factor for anti-HEV IgG reactivity in both groups of blood donors. [Conclusion] The reactivity rate of anti-HEV IgG among HBV-infected blood donors was significantly higher than that in the normal donors in Wuhan, with age being an independent risk factor. Therefore, for HBV-infected donors, it is essential to strengthen and prioritize the prevention and treatment of HEV to reduce the spread of HEV.
6.Early Postoperative Safety of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Xingdong YANG ; Muyang YU ; Yiming XU ; Wei ZHU ; Mingwei HU ; Xisheng WENG ; Bin FENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):42-49
To analyze the occurrence of early complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The data of patients who underwent THA at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2012 to April 2024 were retrospectively and consecutively collected. The patients were categorized into SLE group and control group based on the presence or absence of SLE. Using propensity score matching, we matched patients in the two groups at a 1∶1 ratio according to gender, age, and surgical side. Subsequently, we compared the clinical characteristics, incidence of major complications within 30 days postoperatively, and allogeneic blood transfusion rates between the two groups. A total of 270 patients in the SLE group who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Within 30 days postoperatively, 18 cases (6.67%) experienced major complications, including 2 cases (0.74%) of upper respiratory tract infection, 2 cases (0.74%) of pulmonary infection, 3 cases (1.11%) of urinary tract infection, 2 cases (0.74%) of other systemic infection, 5 cases (1.85%) of poor wound healing, 1 case (0.37%) of wound infection, 1 case (0.37%) of gastrointestinal complications, 1 cases (0.37%) of shock, and 1 case (0.37%) of SLE flare-up. The allogeneic blood transfusion rate was 22.59% (61/270). After propensity score matching, 163 cases from SLE and control groups were included for analysis. (1) Regarding medical complications, compared with control group, SLE group showed significant differences in osteoporosis, respiratory system disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, urinary system disorders, hematologic abnormalities, and secondary or concomitant rheumatic diseases (all The incidence of major complications within 30 days following THA in patients with SLE was significantly higher than that in non-SLE patients, while the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion remained comparable. To ensure the safety of THA surgery for patients with SLE, it is important to optimize the patient's condition and achieve stabilization prior to surgery. Additionally, strict perioperative management must be forced.
7.Relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes
YU Dandan ; ZHANG Yaping ; XU Huilin ; HE Dandan ; LIANG Tongtong ; YANG Jiali ; LI Jun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):130-134
Objective:
To examine the relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes, so as to provide the evidence for improving self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes.
Methods:
The patients with comorbid diabetes who were registered in the chronic disease health management system of Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality in 2021, followed up regularly, and lived in Meilong Town were recruited. Demographic information and family history of diabetes were collected through questionnaire surveys. Time perspective and self-management behaviors were assessed using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale, respectively. The relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective was analyzed using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 907 patients with comorbid diabetes were enrolled, including 472 males (52.04%) and 435 females (47.96%). There were 652 cases aged 65 years and above, accounting for 71.89%. In terms of the types of time perspective, 280 patients were future-oriented (30.87%), 236 were balanced (26.02%), 162 were sensation-seeking (17.86%), 123 were fatalistic (13.56%), and 106 were negative (11.69%). In terms of the self-management behaviors, 46 patients were good (5.07%), 643 were moderate (70.89%), and 218 were poor (24.04%). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, marital status, occupation status, monthly income, and family history of diabetes, the patients with comorbid diabetes who had a future-oriented time perspective had better self-management behaviors (OR=1.874, 95%CI: 1.204-2.915).
Conclusion
The self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes are moderate to poor, and patients with a future-oriented time perspective can better engage in self-management behaviors.
8.Plasma miRNA testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Jie HU ; Ying XU ; Ao HUANG ; Lei YU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Zhenbin DING ; Qinghai YE ; Yinghong SHI ; Shuangjian QIU ; Huichuan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Jia FAN ; Jian ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):350-354
Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP<20 ng/mL, DCP<40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P<0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P<0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.
9.Analyzing the influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in passenger drivers
Xinyang YU ; Yingfei XIANG ; Yonglin LUO ; Meifang XU ; Xiao YIN ; Min YANG ; Huiqing CHEN ; Shijie HU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):155-159
Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in passenger drivers and its influencing factors. Methods A total of 951 passenger drivers in Guangdong Province were selected as the research subjects using the judgmental sampling method. A Musculoskeletal Injury Questionnaire was employed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs in the past year. Results The prevalence of WMSDs in passenger drivers was 41.11%. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that married drivers had a higher risk of WMSDs than single drivers (P<0.05). The lower the frequency of physical exercise, the longer the driving time per week, the longer the continuous driving time, the more restricted the driving working space, the poorer the foot comfort during driving, and the more affected the normal meal, the higher the risk of WMSDs (all P<0.05). The risk of WMSDs in drivers with sleep time ≤ 8.0 h/d was higher than that in drivers with sleep time > 8.0 h/d (P<0.01), and the risk of WMSDs in drivers with the same posture for a long time on the shoulder was higher than that in drivers without this poor working posture (P<0.01). Conclusion WMSDs were prevalent among passenger drivers, which was associated with demographic and adverse ergonomic factors. Intervention on lifestyle and adverse ergonomic factors could further reduce the risk of WMSDs of passenger drivers.
10.Research advances in prognostic score models and biomarkers for acute-on-chronic liver failure
Xinyi XU ; Xia YU ; Huilan TU ; Xiaohan QIAN ; Yida YANG ; Yu SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1030-1036
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a complex clinical syndrome, and early identification and accurate prognostic evaluation are of great importance for patient treatment and management. In recent years, with in-depth research on the pathogenesis of ACLF, multiple prognostic biomarkers have been proposed and used in clinical practice. This article systematically reviews the research advances in prognostic biomarkers for ACLF from the aspects of clinical predictive models, immunological biomarkers, metabolic biomarkers, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers, microbiome-related biomarkers, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and multi-omics, and it also discusses the value and application prospects of these biomarkers in the prognostic evaluation of ACLF and proposes future research directions, in order to provide a scientific and comprehensive reference for clinicians, guide individualized treatment and management of ACLF patients, and finally improve the clinical outcomes of patients.


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