1.Ershen Zhenwu Decoction Treats Chronic Heart Failure by Regulating miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads Axis and Myocardial Fibrosis Indicators
Lan GE ; Zhenpeng ZHU ; Xinyue WANG ; Dan CHENG ; Yulong LIU ; Maomao ZHANG ; Xiaoyu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):157-165
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on chronic heart failure (CHF) due to heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis and its regulatory effects on miR-423-5p/Smad7/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads axis and myocardial fibrosis indicators. MethodsOne hundred and fourteen patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) were randomly allocated into a control group and an observation group. The control group was treated with dapagliflozin tablets, sacubitril-valsartan sodium tablets, metoprolol succinate, and spironolactone, and the observation group was treated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The course of treatment was 8 weeks in both groups. The 6-min walking distance, New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function grade, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), interventricular septum thickness at diastole (IVSd), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular shortening fraction (FS), miR-423-5p, Smad7, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Ang Ⅱ, type Ⅰ collagen (Col Ⅰ), type Ⅲ collagen (Col Ⅲ), mRNA levels of fibronectin (Fn) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the myocardial tissue were observed before and after treatment in both groups to evaluate the efficacy of cardiac function and drug safety. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed declined levels of NT-proBNP, Ang Ⅱ, miR-423-5p, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, and mRNA levels of Fn and α-SMA (P0.05), and the levels of the indicators above were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the Smad7 level increased obviously in both groups (P0.05) and was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased MLHFQ scores and increased 6-min walking distance (P0.05), and the observation group had lower MLHFQ score and longer 6-min walking distance than the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the control group showed increased LVEF and FS (P0.05) and the observation group showcased decreased LVIDd and LVIDs and increased LVEF and FS (P0.05). Moreover, the observation group had lower LVIDd and LVIDs (P0.05) and higher LVEF and FS (P0.05) than the control group. The total response rate of cardiac function in the observation group was 90.38% (47/52), which was higher than that (70.59%, 36/51) in the control group (P0.05). No adverse reactions associated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction were observed during the study period. ConclusionErshen Zhenwu Decoction can improve the cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, regulate neuroendocrine factors, and slow down/reverse myocardial remodeling in the patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF (syndrome of heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis by regulating the miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads axis, inhibiting α-SMA and Fn expression, and alleviating myocardial fibrosis. It is worthy of further study.
2.Ershen Zhenwu Decoction Treats Chronic Heart Failure by Regulating miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads Axis and Myocardial Fibrosis Indicators
Lan GE ; Zhenpeng ZHU ; Xinyue WANG ; Dan CHENG ; Yulong LIU ; Maomao ZHANG ; Xiaoyu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):157-165
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on chronic heart failure (CHF) due to heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis and its regulatory effects on miR-423-5p/Smad7/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads axis and myocardial fibrosis indicators. MethodsOne hundred and fourteen patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) were randomly allocated into a control group and an observation group. The control group was treated with dapagliflozin tablets, sacubitril-valsartan sodium tablets, metoprolol succinate, and spironolactone, and the observation group was treated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The course of treatment was 8 weeks in both groups. The 6-min walking distance, New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function grade, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), interventricular septum thickness at diastole (IVSd), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular shortening fraction (FS), miR-423-5p, Smad7, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Ang Ⅱ, type Ⅰ collagen (Col Ⅰ), type Ⅲ collagen (Col Ⅲ), mRNA levels of fibronectin (Fn) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the myocardial tissue were observed before and after treatment in both groups to evaluate the efficacy of cardiac function and drug safety. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed declined levels of NT-proBNP, Ang Ⅱ, miR-423-5p, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, and mRNA levels of Fn and α-SMA (P0.05), and the levels of the indicators above were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the Smad7 level increased obviously in both groups (P0.05) and was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased MLHFQ scores and increased 6-min walking distance (P0.05), and the observation group had lower MLHFQ score and longer 6-min walking distance than the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the control group showed increased LVEF and FS (P0.05) and the observation group showcased decreased LVIDd and LVIDs and increased LVEF and FS (P0.05). Moreover, the observation group had lower LVIDd and LVIDs (P0.05) and higher LVEF and FS (P0.05) than the control group. The total response rate of cardiac function in the observation group was 90.38% (47/52), which was higher than that (70.59%, 36/51) in the control group (P0.05). No adverse reactions associated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction were observed during the study period. ConclusionErshen Zhenwu Decoction can improve the cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, regulate neuroendocrine factors, and slow down/reverse myocardial remodeling in the patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF (syndrome of heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis by regulating the miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads axis, inhibiting α-SMA and Fn expression, and alleviating myocardial fibrosis. It is worthy of further study.
3.Association of school bullying and insomnia with depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):85-89
Objective:
To explore the interaction between school bullying and insomnia in relation to depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students,so as to provide a basis for preventing negative emotional states in adolescents.
Methods:
In October 2024, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 3 058 students in grade 5-6 of primary, junior and senior high school in Sheyang County of Jiangsu Province. The Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21, and Study Condition Questionnaire were employed to investigate school bullying, insomnia, depression-anxiety-stress emotions, and academic performance. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the association between school bullying and insomnia interactions and depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students, multiplicative interaction analysis was conducted, and additive interaction analysis was performed using R software.
Results:
The detection rates of depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students were 21.6%, 28.4% and 10.8%, respectively. The detection rates of physical bullying, relationship bullying, verbal bullying and cyberbullying in school bullying were 10.6%, 14.0%, 22.3%, and 6.2%, respectively. The detection rate for insomnia was 23.1%. Results from Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant factors, physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia were positively correlated with the detection rates of depression ( OR = 5.72- 10.93), anxiety ( OR =6.35-12.17), and stress emotions ( OR =5.97-14.52) among primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01). The multiplicative interaction between physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia was positively correlated with the detection rates of depression ( OR =8.00-18.01), anxiety ( OR =11.35-17.76), and stress emotions ( OR =7.64-9.12) in primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01). Additive interactions were observed between physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia in relation to the detection rates of depression, anxiety, and stress emotions among primary and secondary school students (both RERI and AP >0 and the credible interval excluded 0, SI >1 and the credible interval excluded 1).
Conclusion
School bullying and insomnia are associated with depression, anxiety, and stress emotions among primary and secondary school students, and they exhibit both multiplicative and additive interactions.
4.Construction and validation of a prognostic risk assessment model for lung adenocarcinoma based on miR-34 family target genes
Lingyu GU ; Ang GELEMA ; Dan YANG ; Huifeng WANG ; Lixin WANG ; Hui DONG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):118-126
ObjectiveTo establish a tumor prognostic risk assessment model related to target genes of the miR-34 family. MethodsTarget genes of the miR-34 family were screened, and the scores of miR-34 target genes were assessed in 16 tumor types. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the tumor type with the strongest correlation between miR-34 target gene scores and overall survival (OS). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to elucidate the functional roles and signaling pathways of miR-34 target genes. A prognostic risk model based on the miR-34 target genes was constructed using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to validate whether the target genes bind to miR-34 and measure their RNA expression levels in the relevant tumors. Additionally, the risk score was integrated with other clinical indicators to develop a nomogram prediction model for patient survival. ResultsA total of 65 target genes of the miR-34 family were screened. The cancer type exhibiting stronger correlation between the target gene scores and OS was lung adenocarcinoma (P = 0.003, HR= 5.150). Furthermore, miR-34 target genes were predominantly enriched in oxidative stress pathways and various tumor-related processes. Three genes, LDHA, GALNT7, and SATB2, were identified as core components of the prognostic analysis model for lung adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the constructed nomogram model demonstrated robust predictive performance. ConclusionThe risk model and prognosis model of lung adenocarcinoma constructed based on the key target genes of miR-34 have good predictive performance.
5.Effects of Huanglian Jiedutang on Neutrophil Infiltration in Brain of MCAO Mice via Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Exosomes
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wei SHAO ; Kunjing LIU ; Liyang DONG ; Dan CHEN ; Wenxiu XU ; Chuanzun WANG ; Wen WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):42-53
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang can inhibit neutrophil infiltration in the brains of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice by regulating the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. MethodsA total of 130 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated group, MCAO model group, Huanglian Jiedutang group (6 g·kg-1), and Ginaton group (21.6 mg·kg-1), with 10 mice in the Ginaton group and 40 mice in each of the remaining three groups. Mice in the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group were administered the corresponding drugs by oral gavage once daily at a volume of 0.15 mL·(10 g)-1 for 7 consecutive days, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of saline via the same route. After 7 days, MCAO surgery was performed. The distal and proximal ends of the right common carotid artery (CCA) were ligated, a small incision was made between the two ligatures, and a silicone rubber-coated monofilament with a rounded tip was inserted into the lumen to occlude the CCA. The filament was left in place for 1 h to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model. At 24 h after modeling, mice were evaluated. Neurological function was assessed using the Longa score. Cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Cerebral blood flow was observed by laser speckle imaging. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissues. Exosomes were isolated from mouse plasma and brain tissues by ultracentrifugation and molecular size exclusion and identified by electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and protein blotting. Long-chain RNA libraries of exosomes were constructed and sequenced. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from brain tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the neutrophil-specific protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the brains of mice in each group. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed decreased neurological function scores (P<0.01), obvious cerebral infarction (P<0.01), reduced cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), neuronal necrosis in the brain, and decreased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group showed increased neurological function scores (P<0.05), reduced cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01), restored cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), reduced necrotic cells in the brain, and increased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). In the Huanglian Jiedutang group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang can effectively regulate the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of MCAO mice, thereby reducing neutrophil infiltration in the brain and achieving therapeutic effects.
6.Effects of Huanglian Jiedutang on Neutrophil Infiltration in Brain of MCAO Mice via Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Exosomes
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wei SHAO ; Kunjing LIU ; Liyang DONG ; Dan CHEN ; Wenxiu XU ; Chuanzun WANG ; Wen WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):42-53
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang can inhibit neutrophil infiltration in the brains of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice by regulating the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. MethodsA total of 130 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated group, MCAO model group, Huanglian Jiedutang group (6 g·kg-1), and Ginaton group (21.6 mg·kg-1), with 10 mice in the Ginaton group and 40 mice in each of the remaining three groups. Mice in the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group were administered the corresponding drugs by oral gavage once daily at a volume of 0.15 mL·(10 g)-1 for 7 consecutive days, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of saline via the same route. After 7 days, MCAO surgery was performed. The distal and proximal ends of the right common carotid artery (CCA) were ligated, a small incision was made between the two ligatures, and a silicone rubber-coated monofilament with a rounded tip was inserted into the lumen to occlude the CCA. The filament was left in place for 1 h to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model. At 24 h after modeling, mice were evaluated. Neurological function was assessed using the Longa score. Cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Cerebral blood flow was observed by laser speckle imaging. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissues. Exosomes were isolated from mouse plasma and brain tissues by ultracentrifugation and molecular size exclusion and identified by electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and protein blotting. Long-chain RNA libraries of exosomes were constructed and sequenced. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from brain tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the neutrophil-specific protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the brains of mice in each group. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed decreased neurological function scores (P<0.01), obvious cerebral infarction (P<0.01), reduced cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), neuronal necrosis in the brain, and decreased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group showed increased neurological function scores (P<0.05), reduced cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01), restored cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), reduced necrotic cells in the brain, and increased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). In the Huanglian Jiedutang group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang can effectively regulate the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of MCAO mice, thereby reducing neutrophil infiltration in the brain and achieving therapeutic effects.
7.Impact of adverse childhood experiences and psychological symptoms on health risk behaviors among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):398-402
Objective:
To explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health risk behaviors (HRBs) among college students and the mediating role of psychological symptoms, so as to provide a basis for developing intervention strategies.
Methods:
From March to April 2023, a convenience cluster sample of 1 801 students from 12 universities in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou of Guangxi completed an online survey. A self designed questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used for evaluation tools. Binary Logistic regression, structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bootstrap methods were used to analyze the associations and mediating effects.
Results:
Overall, 71.2% of college students experienced at least one type of ACE, with emotional neglect (40.3%) and emotional abuse ( 25.2 %) having the highest detection rates. The top three HRBs were unhealthy diet (77.8%), physical inactivity (54.1%), and smoking/alcohol use (18.5%). Logistic regression showed that poor family functioning, abuse, and extra familial violence were each associated with an increased risk of smoking/alcohol use ( OR =1.14, 1.11, 1.18) and deliberate self harm ( OR =1.26, 1.19,1.30) (all P <0.05). Experience of abuse increased the risk of high risk sexual behavior and family dysfunction increaded the risk of physical inactivity, respectively ( OR = 1.07 , 1.04, both P <0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that anxiety ( β =0.20) and depression ( β = 0.09 ) partially mediated the pathway from poor family functioning to deliberate self harm; paranoia ( β =0.02) partially mediated the pathway from abuse to high risk sexual behavior; and obsessive-compulsive symptoms ( β =0.26) and depression ( β =0.10) partially mediated the pathway from extra familial violence to deliberate self harm (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Psychological symptoms play a mediating role in the association between ACEs and HRBs, and mental health interventions may reduce the risk of HRBs among college students.
8.A qualitative study on the driving forces for oncology nurses’ participation in palliative care work
Xinyao YUAN ; Pengyun LI ; Sujuan HAO ; Fen WANG ; Dan XU ; Jiahe LI ; Xuancheng CHEN ; Huiling LI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):358-364
ObjectiveTo explore the driving forces for oncology nurses’ participation in palliative care work, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the improvement of education and training, incentive mechanisms, and other aspects of the palliative care nursing staff. MethodsEmploying a qualitative research method, semi-structured interviews lasting 40-60 minutes were conducted with 14 nurses who had participated in palliative care work. The interview data were analyzed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method. ResultsInternal positive driving forces were job interest, empathy, and a sense of professional responsibility, while the negative was low psychological resilience. External positive driving forces included high work support, professional identity, mutual benefits for nurses and patients, and positive patient attitudes, whereas negative driving forces comprised busy routine clinical work, lack of a reward and incentive system, and bland or negative patient attitudes. ConclusionIt is essential to provide a flexible platform for the enhancement of nurses’ professional capabilities in palliative care, intensify the publicity of palliative care and death education; intervene and guide nurses’ negative emotions, improve and implement relevant incentive systems, and standardize the job recognition and scope of responsibilities of palliative care nurses.
9.Comparative analysis of the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different populations in Baoji, Shaanxi Province
Ruize WANG ; Weixuan LI ; Yuanyuan DONG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Dan ZHANG ; Weijun HU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):59-63
Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different age groups, and to provide a basis for early diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples were collected from 1742 suspected cases of meningitis in Baoji, Shaanxi Province from August 2013 to July 2019. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected by isolation culture and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators and other information of laboratory confirmed cases was conducted by χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 1742 samples of encephalitis or meningitis cases were detected, and 41 cases were confirmed as laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Among them, there were 12 cases (29.27%) in the infant group, 14 cases (34.15%) in the child group, and 15 cases (36.59%) in the adult group. The proportion of the adults with headache was significantly higher than that of the infants (χ2=11.408,P<0.017). The proportion of the adults with consciousness disorder, elevated white blood cells and elevated neutrophils were significantly higher than those in the infant and the child groups(Fisher's exact test, P<0.017;χ2 =6.428,P<0.017;χ2 =10.898,P<0.017;χ2 =6.421,P<0.017;χ2 =9.758,P<0.017;χ2 =7.744,P<0.017). The proportion of the infants with cerebrospinal fluid turbidity was significantly higher than that of the children (Fisher's exact test,P<0.017). The proportion of the infants with decreased white blood cells and reduced glucose in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher than that of the children group and the adult group(Fisher's exact test, P<0.001;Fisher's exact test, P<0.001;Fisher's exact test, P<0.017; Fisher's exact test, P<0.017). Conclusion Most adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis have headache and consciousness disorders, with significantly increased proportion of white blood cells and neutrophils. Infant patients tend to have cloudy appearance of cerebrospinal fluid, leukopenia in blood, and decreased glucose in cerebrospinal fluid.
10.Eculizumab for Refractory Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis Following Acute Hepatitis B Infection: A Case Report
Jinyuan LIU ; Dan WANG ; Shuqin LIU ; Wenfang CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Xin WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):389-395
Infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN) is an immune-mediated glomerular injury triggered by infectious agents. This article reports a case of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis following acute hepatitis B virus infection, which continued to progress despite standard antiviral and immunosuppressive therapy. Given the significant elevation of soluble complement membrane attack complex (sC5b-9), an indicator of terminal complement pathway activation, the patient was treated with eculizumab. Following treatment, the patient's urine protein-to-creatinine ratio significantly decreased, hypoalbuminemia and hematuria markedly improved, and sC5b-9 levels declined. This case suggests that abnormal complement system activation may be a key mechanism driving disease persistence in some patients with IRGN. For those unresponsive to conventional therapy, complement function screening and targeted terminal complement pathway inhibition may represent an effective salvage strategy.


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