1.Establishment and Evaluation of New Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Combined with Interstitial Lung Disease
Liting XU ; Qingyu ZHAO ; Chao YANG ; Lianhua HE ; Congcong SUN ; Shuangrong GAO ; Lili WANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):81-90
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) in DBA/1 mice using Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection combined with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and to comprehensively evaluate pathological characteristics in joints, lungs, and serum. MethodsForty DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., Control, Pg infection (Pg), CIA, and Pg infection combined with CIA (Pg+CIA), with 10 mice in each group. Arthritis clinical symptoms were evaluated by recording arthritis incidence and clinical scores. Micro-CT scanning was used to assess knee joint pathology. Histopathological changes and collagen deposition in knee joints and lung tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ), and fibronectin (FN) in lung tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR)was used to measure mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, FN, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in lung tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of Pg, cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). ResultsJoint lesions: The CIA and Pg+CIA groups showed 100% arthritis incidence, with evident joint redness, swelling, and deformity. The number of affected limbs was 27 and 28, and clinical scores were 68 and 70, respectively. No obvious clinical symptoms were observed in the Pg group. Histopathological and imaging analyses showed severe joint lesions in the CIA and Pg+CIA groups, with significantly increased histopathological scores, bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number compared to the Control group (P<0.01). No obvious joint pathology was observed in the Pg group. Lung lesions: The Pg+CIA group exhibited marked alveolar inflammation, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, and alveolar wall thickening, with pronounced blue staining of collagen fibers. Histopathological scores and collagen area ratios were significantly higher than those of the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). Lung protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, and FN were markedly increased, and mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly elevated compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Serology: The Pg+CIA group showed significantly higher levels of CCP, Pg, and IgG compared with the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). ConclusionDBA/1 mice subjected to Pg infection combined with CIA exhibited pronounced symptoms and pathological features of RA-ILD, along with elevated serum anti-CCP antibody levels. This model represents a novel RA-ILD mouse model, providing a valuable experimental tool for investigating RA-ILD pathogenesis and developing new therapeutics, and serves as a basis for establishing anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)-positive RA-ILD animal models.
2.Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with dual-task training on upper limb func-tion in patients with ischemic stroke
Congcong ZOU ; Xiaojun WANG ; Jinrong MA ; Shangbo LU ; Yong DING ; Hani WANG ; Jianfei SONG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(5):513-519
Objective To explore the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(taVNS)combined with dual-task training(DTT)on upper limb function recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods From January to October,2024,60 ischemic stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction admitted to Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center were selected and randomly divided into control group(n=30)and observation group(n=30).Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training.The control group underwent sham-taVNS combined with DTT,while the observation group received active taVNS combined with DTT,for four weeks.Before and after treatment,they were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities(FMA-UE),Action Research Arm Test(ARAT),modified Barthel Index(MBI)and motor-evoked potential(MEP)tests.Results The FMA-UE scores,ARAT scores,MBI scores,MEP amplitude and MEP latency improved in both groups af-ter treatment(|t|>3.670,P<0.01),and were superior in the observation group than in the control group(|t|>3.081,P<0.01).Conclusion The combination of taVNS and DTT can significantly improve upper limb function,enhance activities of daily living,and promote neurological recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.
3.Efficacy of combined acupuncture and medication therapy for acute-stage cerebral infarction and its impact on cerebral blood flow
Yunxiao GAO ; Congcong HU ; Pei LIANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Jie CHEN ; Junli AN
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(5):409-415
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and medication therapy in treating cerebral infarction in the acute stage and its impact on cerebral blood flow.Methods:A total of 160 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into 4 groups using the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.Conventional treatment was given to all groups.Besides,the Chinese medication group received Tong Shen Fu Nao Wan;the acupuncture group received Xing Nao Kai Qiao(mind-refreshing and orifice-opening)needling therapy;the acupuncture-medication group received both Tong Shen Fu Nao Wan and Xing Nao Kai Qiao needling therapy.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was assessed,and changes in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom score and hemodynamics were compared among the four groups,as well as complications and adverse reactions.Results:After treatment,the acupuncture-medication group had a higher total effective rate compared to the other three groups(P<0.05).After the intervention,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score dropped in all groups(P<0.05)and was lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the other three groups(P<0.05);all groups showed a decrease in the TCM symptom score(P<0.05),and the acupuncture-medication group was significantly lower than the other groups(P<0.05).After treatment,the blood flow velocity of the bilateral anterior cerebral artery(ACA),middle cerebral artery(MCA),and posterior cerebral artery(PCA)increased in every group(P<0.05),and the acupuncture-medication group had higher blood flow velocities compared to the other three groups(P<0.05).The acupuncture-medication group had the fewest number of complications among the four groups(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance when comparing the adverse reactions among the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the separate use,the combined use of acupuncture and medication enhances the clinical efficacy,accelerates cerebral blood circulation,and boosts the recovery in treating cerebral infarction.
4.Traits and genetic mechanisms related to high-altitude adaptation of in dairy cat-tle:Status and prospect
Yaping ZHANG ; Congcong ZHANG ; Gong CHEN ; Lingling HOU ; Jingyi XU ; Qianhai FANG ; Yuechuan HUANG ; Bin LI ; Min LI ; Qing XU ; Yachun WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2548-2556
As a critical component of global agriculture,the dairy industry is essential for the food security and economic development.In China,the dairy sector in plateau regions plays an important role in addressing the nutritional needs of residents,boosting farmers' incomes,and fostering re-gional economic growth.However,the harsh high-altitude conditions,such as low oxygen,low at-mospheric pressure,and severe climate,pose significant challenges to the health and survival of dairy cows.This article summarizes the changes in physiological characteristics,metabolic perform-ance,production performance,and health status of dairy under high altitude areas,providing in-sights for the identification of adaptive traits in dairy to plateau.Also,the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms behind these phenotypic adaptations are discussed,and future directions and strategies for enhancing adaptability of dairy of dairy n plateau regions are outlined,thereby guiding re-searchers in adaptation evolution and breeding of dairy cattle.
5.Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related factors in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province
Ke WANG ; Yali XIE ; Qiguo MENG ; Shanling WANG ; Tingting HUA ; Congcong LI ; Congcong GUO ; Na HE ; Haijiang LIN ; Xing LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):810-819
Objective:To describe the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, and identify the factors associated with NAFLD in this population.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2021 to 2023. Based on the routine follow-up management of people living with HIV, liver ultrasound examination, physical examination and laboratory test were conducted to collect the information about the diagnosis of NAFLD and biochemical indicators in this population. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of NAFLD.Results:In the 2 550 study participants, the prevalence of NAFLD was 21.5% (548/2 550), abnormal liver function was found in 23.7% (604/2 550) of the study participants, and liver fibrosis was found in 45.2% (1 152/2 550) of the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being women (a OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.73), being overweight or obese (a OR=3.22, 95% CI: 2.59-4.01), having diabetes (a OR=3.37, 95% CI: 2.15-5.29), having dyslipidemia (a OR=2.96, 95% CI: 2.25-3.89), CD4 + T lymphocyte (CD4) counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88), and receiving Efavirenz (EFV) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Zidovudine (AZT) for antiretroviral therapy (ART)(a OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-1.98) were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with abnormal liver function (a OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.60-2.52) and inversely associated with liver fibrosis (a OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98). The 45-59 age group (a OR=7.05, 95% CI: 5.65-8.80), CD4 counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.97) and receiving Nevirapine (NVP)+3TC+AZT of ART (a OR=1.87,95% CI: 1.44-2.43) were the main factors associated with liver fibrosis. Conclusions:The prevalence of NAFLD in people living with HIV Taizhou was more than 20.0%, with a significant proportion of them having abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis. Being overweight or obese, suffering from diabetes, having dyslipidemia, low CD4 counts, and receiving specific ART were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD, CD4 counts and specific ART were the main factors associated with abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis.
6.Relationship between serum prolactin and mild cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiaxuan JIANG ; Zhou ZHANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiang XU ; Yingwen MIAO ; Qun DING ; Congcong YU ; Yinjiao HOU ; Shihua CHEN ; Yan BI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(9):673-677
Objective To investigate the relationship between prolactin and mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 319 postmenopausal women with T2DM who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology,Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Nanjing University were enrolled in this study from August 2016 to October 2023.All the patients were divided into two groups according whether they had MCI:T2DM group(n=161)and MCI group(n=158).Differences in clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between sex hormones and cognitive domains,and Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors for MCI development.Results Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in the MCI group than in the T2DM group[(5.5±2.1)vs(7.2±2.9)μg/L,P<0.05].Serum prolactin level was positively correlated with mini-mental state examination score,Montreal cognitive assessment score,immediate memory score,visuopatial constructional score,attention score and hippocampal volume(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with processing speed test(time)and executive function test(time)(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum prolactin level was an influencing factor for the risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM(OR 0.715,95%CI 0.605~0.845,P<0.01).Conclusions The decrease of serum prolactin level is associated with an increased risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM.
7.Efficacy of combined acupuncture and medication therapy for acute-stage cerebral infarction and its impact on cerebral blood flow
Yunxiao GAO ; Congcong HU ; Pei LIANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Jie CHEN ; Junli AN
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(5):409-415
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and medication therapy in treating cerebral infarction in the acute stage and its impact on cerebral blood flow.Methods:A total of 160 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into 4 groups using the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.Conventional treatment was given to all groups.Besides,the Chinese medication group received Tong Shen Fu Nao Wan;the acupuncture group received Xing Nao Kai Qiao(mind-refreshing and orifice-opening)needling therapy;the acupuncture-medication group received both Tong Shen Fu Nao Wan and Xing Nao Kai Qiao needling therapy.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was assessed,and changes in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom score and hemodynamics were compared among the four groups,as well as complications and adverse reactions.Results:After treatment,the acupuncture-medication group had a higher total effective rate compared to the other three groups(P<0.05).After the intervention,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score dropped in all groups(P<0.05)and was lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the other three groups(P<0.05);all groups showed a decrease in the TCM symptom score(P<0.05),and the acupuncture-medication group was significantly lower than the other groups(P<0.05).After treatment,the blood flow velocity of the bilateral anterior cerebral artery(ACA),middle cerebral artery(MCA),and posterior cerebral artery(PCA)increased in every group(P<0.05),and the acupuncture-medication group had higher blood flow velocities compared to the other three groups(P<0.05).The acupuncture-medication group had the fewest number of complications among the four groups(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance when comparing the adverse reactions among the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the separate use,the combined use of acupuncture and medication enhances the clinical efficacy,accelerates cerebral blood circulation,and boosts the recovery in treating cerebral infarction.
8.Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of acute injury to the anterior talofibular ligament
Liang LIU ; Congcong ZENG ; Yan XIAO ; Zhenggang WANG ; Lei XIANG ; Hongbing JIANG ; Cheng LIU ; Shengyao LIU ; Liangxing XIAO ; Wei LIU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(7):634-639
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of acute injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 96 patients who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedic Trauma Repair, The Nanhua Hospital Affiliated to Hengyang Medical School for acute ATFL injuries of grades Ⅰ & Ⅱ from January 2022 to December 2023. They were divided into 2 groups according to their different treatments. In the PRP group subjected to local PRP injection combined with conservative treatment, there were 49 patients (28 males and 21 females), with an age of (32.5±6.5) years. In the conservative group subjected to traditional conservative treatment, there were 47 patients (24 males and 23 females), with an age of (30.5±5.3) years. The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, talar anterior translations, Karlsson scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores before and 6 months after treatment.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups before treatment, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (9.1±1.7) months. In both groups, the VAS pain scores significantly decreased after treatment than the pre-treatment ones, the talar anterior translations significantly reduced after treatment than the pre-treatment ones, and the AOFAS and Karlsson scores significantly increased after treatment than the pre-treatment ones ( P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, the talar translation distance [(2.5±0.4) mm], AOFAS ankle hind foot score [(91.7 ± 4.0) points], and Karlsson score [(93.0±3.5) points] in the PRP group were significantly better than those in the conservative group [(6.1±0.9) mm, (87.1±4.3) points, (89.0±4.0) points]( P < 0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of acute ATFL injury, PRP therapy demonstrates good clinical efficacy, for it can significantly reduce pain, promote functional recovery, and improve joint stability.
9.Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related factors in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province
Ke WANG ; Yali XIE ; Qiguo MENG ; Shanling WANG ; Tingting HUA ; Congcong LI ; Congcong GUO ; Na HE ; Haijiang LIN ; Xing LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):810-819
Objective:To describe the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, and identify the factors associated with NAFLD in this population.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2021 to 2023. Based on the routine follow-up management of people living with HIV, liver ultrasound examination, physical examination and laboratory test were conducted to collect the information about the diagnosis of NAFLD and biochemical indicators in this population. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of NAFLD.Results:In the 2 550 study participants, the prevalence of NAFLD was 21.5% (548/2 550), abnormal liver function was found in 23.7% (604/2 550) of the study participants, and liver fibrosis was found in 45.2% (1 152/2 550) of the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being women (a OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.73), being overweight or obese (a OR=3.22, 95% CI: 2.59-4.01), having diabetes (a OR=3.37, 95% CI: 2.15-5.29), having dyslipidemia (a OR=2.96, 95% CI: 2.25-3.89), CD4 + T lymphocyte (CD4) counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88), and receiving Efavirenz (EFV) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Zidovudine (AZT) for antiretroviral therapy (ART)(a OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-1.98) were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with abnormal liver function (a OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.60-2.52) and inversely associated with liver fibrosis (a OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98). The 45-59 age group (a OR=7.05, 95% CI: 5.65-8.80), CD4 counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.97) and receiving Nevirapine (NVP)+3TC+AZT of ART (a OR=1.87,95% CI: 1.44-2.43) were the main factors associated with liver fibrosis. Conclusions:The prevalence of NAFLD in people living with HIV Taizhou was more than 20.0%, with a significant proportion of them having abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis. Being overweight or obese, suffering from diabetes, having dyslipidemia, low CD4 counts, and receiving specific ART were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD, CD4 counts and specific ART were the main factors associated with abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis.
10.Distribution and drug resistance characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii in the environment of a general hospital in Xuhui District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2023
Yan WANG ; Jing WANG ; Yuqing YAO ; Junjie ZHANG ; Zhiyao TENG ; Bingqing YAN ; Congcong ZHANG ; Lufang JIANG ; Liang TIAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):476-483
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution, drug resistance characteristics, and changing trends of Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) isolated from environmental surfaces and healthcare workers’ hands in a grade Ⅱ level A general hospital in Xuhui District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2023, and to provide reference for infection control in the hospital. MethodsEnvironmental samples were collected quarterly from critical surfaces and healthcare workers’ hands in the intensive care unit (ICU), geriatrics, and respiratory departments from 2018 to 2023. Clinical isolates were obtained from all patients with AB infections in ICU, geriatrics, respiratory department, rehabilitation department, infectious diseases department, emergency department, cardiology department, and orthopedics of the hospital from 2018 to 2023. Retrospective analyses were performed on AB detection rates, strain origins, resistance rates to commonly used antimicrobial agents, and resistance gene features, comparing the antimicrobial resistance between clinically isolated strains and environmentally isolated strains. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2023, a total of 1 416 samples were collected from the hospital and a total of 272 strains of AB were detected, with a positive detection rate of 19.21%. The detection rate gradually decreased year-on-year (χ2trend=45.290, P<0.001). The majority of samples originated from patient-contacted items (34.56%, 94/272), followed by shared items (26.84%, 73/272) and healthcare worker-contacted items (15.07%, 41/272). From 2018 to 2023, the resistance rate of AB on environmental surfaces and healthcare workers’ hands to commonly tested antibiotics in the hospital ranged from 10% to 40%. The resistance rates to cefotaxime (42.52%) and piperacillin (38.58%) were relative high, while the resistance to polymyxin E (1.57%), polymyxin B (2.36%), and doxycycline (3.94%) maintained low. The annual fluctuations in resistance to cefotaxime, piperacillin, ceftriaxone, tobramycin, doxycycline, minocycline and cotrimoxazole were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the resistance of clinical and environmental isolates to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, subamphetamine, meropenem, piperacillin, aztreonam, gentamicin, tobramycin, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole in the hospital from 2018 to 2023 (all P<0.05). The resistance rate of clinical isolates was generally high, especially to β-lactam and quinolone drugs, which were mostly above 80% [such as cefepime (93.86%), cefotaxime (97.37%), imipenem (98.25%), and ciprofloxacin (99.12%)]. The resistance rate of environmental isolated strains to similar antibiotics was relatively lower, mostly concentrated at 10%‒30%. The whole-genome sequencing of 34 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) strains isolated from the hospital environment in 2023 revealed that the main resistance mechanism was overexpression of efflux pumps (51.97%), followed by changes in target sites (32.46%). Among the 34 CRAB strains, carbapenem resistance genes OXA-23 and OXA-51 were detected in 6 strains (17.65%), while genes such as KPC, IMP, VIM, and SIM were not detected. ConclusionFrom 2018 to 2023, AB in the hospital environment exhibited high resistance rates to certain antimicrobial agents and carried multiple resistance genes, indicating a potential transmission risk. It is necessary to further strengthen bacterial resistance monitoring and hospital infection control, and use antibiotics reasonably.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail