1.Causal relationship between immune cells and knee osteoarthritis:a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis
Guangtao WU ; Gang QIN ; Kaiyi HE ; Yidong FAN ; Weicai LI ; Baogang ZHU ; Ying CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1081-1090
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a common chronic inflammatory disease that causes damage to joint cartilage and surrounding tissues.Immune cells play an important role in the immune-inflammatory response in knee osteoarthritis,but the specific mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the potential causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and the risk of knee osteoarthritis using Mendelian randomization. METHODS:Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)for 731 immune cell phenotypes(from GCST0001391 to GCST0002121)obtained from the GWAS catalog and GWAS data for knee osteoarthritis from the IEUGWAS database(ebi-a-GCST007090)were used.Inverse variance-weighted method,MR-Egger regression,weighted median method,weighted mode method,and simple mode method were employed to investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and knee osteoarthritis.Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the Mendelian randomization results.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis was also performed using the same methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The forward MR analysis indicated significant causal relationships(FDR<0.20)between knee osteoarthritis and four immune cell phenotypes,namely CD27 on CD24+CD27+in B cells(OR=1.026,P=0.000 26,Pfdr=0.18),CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR-in myeloid cells(OR=1.014,P=0.000 50,Pfdr=0.18),and CD45RA+CD28-CD8br%CD8br in Treg cells(OR=1.001,P=0.000 78,Pfdr=0.18),and PDL-1 on monocytes in mononuclear cells(OR=0.952,P=0.000 98,Pfdr=0.18).These immune cell phenotypes showed direct positive or negative causal associations with the risk of knee osteoarthritis.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no significant causal relationships(FDR<0.20)between knee osteoarthritis as exposure and any of the 731 immune cell phenotypes.The results of sensitivity analysis show that the P-values of the Cochran's Q test and the MR-Egger regression method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization were both greater than 0.05,indicating that there is no significant heterogeneity and pleiotropy in the causal effect analysis between immune cell phenotypes and knee osteoarthritis.To conclude,there may be four potential causal relationships between immune cell phenotypes,such as CD27 on CD24+CD27+cells,CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR-cells,CD45RA+CD28-CD8br%CD8br cells,and PDL-1 on monocytes,and knee osteoarthritis.These findings provide valuable clues for studying the biological mechanisms of knee osteoarthritis and exploring early prevention and treatment strategies.They also offer new directions for the development of intervention drugs.
2.Progress in animal model studies on chronic fatigue syndrome in military seafaring operations
Shuqi CAI ; Ying HE ; Wenhui WU ; Ruisang LIU ; Yunkai ZHANG ; Yong JIAO ; Xiaomeng REN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):373-378
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common problem in military maritime navigation, which greatly affects the safety of military missions. The use of animal models to carry out research on the mechanism of CFS and treatment measures is a common method. This paper systematically introduced the construction methods of CFS models such as single-factor and multi-factor models, summarized common evaluation indicators of CFS, including behavioral and biochemical indicators, and summed up key characteristics of CFS animal models in military oceanic navigation combined with common causes of CFS in military contexts, such as prolonged continuous work, high-intensity physical activity, sleep deprivation, psychological stress, and extreme environmental conditions. The key characteristics of the animal models included, but not limited to, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, impaired cognitive function, psychological stress responses, and abnormal biochemical indicators. Furthermore, this article identified future research directions for CFS animal models in military oceanic navigation to enhance the application value of the models and provide robust support for the health protection and disease prevention of military personnel.
3.Inner Ear Delivery of Polyamino Acid Nanohydrogels Loaded with Dexamethasone
Pingping AI ; Lidong ZHAO ; Zhaohui TANG ; Chaoliang HE ; Xuesi CHEN ; Shiming YANG ; Nan WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):370-378
To develop a novel polyamino acid-based nanohydrogel drug delivery system for dexamethasone to enhance its delivery efficiency to the inner ear. A fluorescein-labeled polyglutamic acid-based polyamino acid dexamethasone nanohydrogel was synthesized, and its gelation time was measured. The hydrogel was surgically injected into the round window niche of guinea pigs to determine its degradation time in the middle ear cavity in vivo. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and distribution patterns of dexamethasone in the inner ear were evaluated. The hydrogel exhibited a gelation time of 80 seconds in a 37℃ water bath. In vivo, the hydrogel was almost completely degraded within 7 days in the middle ear cavity of guinea pigs. Transient hearing loss was observed one day after administration, but hearing gradually returned to normal over time. No significant cytotoxicity, vestibular stimulation signs, or pathological abnormalities in spiral ganglion cells were observed. Histopathological examination revealed no significant inflammatory reactions. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated sustained drug release and prolonged dexamethasone activity. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the distribution of dexamethasone in both the cochlea and vestibular organs. The polyamino acid nanohydrogel exhibits excellent injectability and biodegradability, representing a safe and effective drug delivery system for the inner ear.
4.Concept,Organizational Structure,and Medical Model of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Myocardial Infarction Unit
Jun LI ; Jialiang GAO ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Xinyuan WU ; Ji WU ; Zicong XIE ; Jingrun CUI ; Haoqiang HE ; Yuqing TAN ; Chunkun YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):873-877
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) myocardial infarction (MI) unit is a standardized, regulated, and continuous integrated care unit guided by TCM theory and built upon existing chest pain centers or emergency care units. This unit emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and forms a restructured clinical entity without altering current departmental settings, offering comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services with full participation of TCM in the treatment of MI. Its core medical model is patient-centered and disease-focused, providing horizontally integrated TCM-based care across multiple specialties and vertically constructing a full-cycle treatment unit for MI, delivering prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation during the acute, stable, and recovery phases. Additionally, the unit establishes a TCM-featured education and prevention mechanism for MI to guide patients in proactive health management, reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction, and improve quality of life.
5.Action Mechanism of Resolving Dampness and Phlegm of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Based on Interconnection Between Lung and Large Intestine
Xingbao TAO ; Chentao ZHAO ; Xiaofu ZHU ; Hao WU ; Jun HE ; Weiguo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):122-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) on lung tissue, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, positive control group (Xiaoqinglong granules, 6.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups (3.0, 1.5 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and BALF levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis, and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value (RI) (P<0.05), elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF (P<0.05), increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), with reduced IFN-γ levels (P<0.05). It also showed thickened bronchial walls, widened alveolar septa, narrowed lumens, and mucus plugs in lung tissue, upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression (P<0.05), decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus), and increased abundance of harmful microbiota (Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, Muribaculaceae, and Muribaculum). In addition, the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) (P<0.05). After the intervention of PRP decoction, compared to the model group, all drug administration groups showed decreased RI (P<0.05), increased phenol red excretion, declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6, IL-8, IgE, and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), and improved IFN-γ levels (P<0.05) and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and the AQP5 protein expression increased (P<0.05). The disorder of gut microbiota was improved, and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored, with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota (P<0.05) and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota (P<0.05). The SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) increased (P<0.05). The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors (IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ), phlegm-resolving effect, airway resistance, total pathological score, and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis, promoting beneficial gut microbiota, enhancing SCFA production, restoring the balance of gut microbiota, and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.
6.Action Mechanism of Resolving Dampness and Phlegm of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Based on Interconnection Between Lung and Large Intestine
Xingbao TAO ; Chentao ZHAO ; Xiaofu ZHU ; Hao WU ; Jun HE ; Weiguo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):122-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) on lung tissue, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, positive control group (Xiaoqinglong granules, 6.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups (3.0, 1.5 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and BALF levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis, and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value (RI) (P<0.05), elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF (P<0.05), increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), with reduced IFN-γ levels (P<0.05). It also showed thickened bronchial walls, widened alveolar septa, narrowed lumens, and mucus plugs in lung tissue, upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression (P<0.05), decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus), and increased abundance of harmful microbiota (Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, Muribaculaceae, and Muribaculum). In addition, the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) (P<0.05). After the intervention of PRP decoction, compared to the model group, all drug administration groups showed decreased RI (P<0.05), increased phenol red excretion, declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6, IL-8, IgE, and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), and improved IFN-γ levels (P<0.05) and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and the AQP5 protein expression increased (P<0.05). The disorder of gut microbiota was improved, and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored, with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota (P<0.05) and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota (P<0.05). The SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) increased (P<0.05). The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors (IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ), phlegm-resolving effect, airway resistance, total pathological score, and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis, promoting beneficial gut microbiota, enhancing SCFA production, restoring the balance of gut microbiota, and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.
7.Preliminary development of Health Literacy Evaluation Scale for Chinese High School Students
GUO Shihao, ZHU Fan, ZHU Guiyin, QI Tiantian, YANG Shuang, HU Bin, WU Huiyun, JIANG He, MA Yinghua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):676-680
Objective:
To develop a health literacy evaluation scale for Chinese high school students, providing a tool for dynamic monitoring of health literacy among high school students and evaluating the effectiveness of health school construction.
Methods:
Through theoretical research, an evaluation index system for health literacy of Chinese high school students was constructed. Two rounds of Delphi expert consultations were conducted to quantitatively screen the items, and the item pool was revised based on expert opinions to compile the health literacy evaluation scale for Chinese students. Two focus group interviews were held to collect suggestions from health educators, high school teachers, and high school students regarding optimized scale length, question types, difficulty and wording of the scale. The scale was revised accordingly. A pilot survey was conducted in Beijing and Tianjin in November 2024, and the reliability and validity of the scale were evaluated based on the pilot survey data.
Results:
The response rate in both rounds of Delphi expert consultations was over 80%, and the expert authority coefficient was over 0.70. The expert opinions were highly concentrated, and the dispersion was small. The revised item pool based on expert opinions contained 39 items. The revised scale based on the suggestions and opinions collected from the focus group interviews had a moderate number of questions and difficulty level. The pilot survey obtained 800 valid responses, with the response rate of 89.39%. The Cronbach α coefficient of the scale was 0.911, χ 2/df =3.321, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.054, the adjusted goodness-of-fit index was 0.991 , and the factor loadings of some items were less than 0.40.
Conclusion
The health literacy evaluation scale for Chinese high school students demonstrates scientific rigor and practical applicability, with good internal consistency and structural validity.
8.Recent advances in the application of three dimensional reconstruction techniques in surgical treatment of early lung cancer
Tao LONG ; Zhengbing REN ; Aizhong SHAO ; Zhicheng HE ; Weibing WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):121-128
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. With the prevalence of CT screening and early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in China, more and more patients with early-stage lung cancer characterized with ground-glass opacity are discovered and urgently require treatment, which poses a significant challenge to surgeons. As an emerging technology, three dimensional reconstruction technology plays a crucial auxiliary role in clinical work. This review aims to briefly introduce this technology, focusing on its latest advances in surgical applications in early lung cancer screening, malignant risk assessment, and perioperative period application and medical education.
9.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Miao medicine Euphorbia humifusa on hepatic fibrosis model rats
Weinong WEN ; Zhenxiang AN ; Yuanli HE ; Min WU ; Song HE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):407-413
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Miao medicine Euphorbia humifusa on hepatic fibrosis (HF) model rats. METHODS Thirty-eight rats were randomly assigned according to a random number table into control group (normal saline, n=7), model group (normal saline, n=7), E. humifusa low-, medium- and high-dose groups (0.675, 1.35, 2.70 g/kg, n=6), and silybin group (positive control, 18.9 mg/kg, n=6). All groups except the control group were subjected to HF induction via intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. After modeling, rats were administered their respective drugs/normal saline by gavage, once a day, for 30 days. At the last medication, the liver index was calculated, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1β, IL-6, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and hydroxyproline (HYP) were measured. Liver morphology and HF changes were observed. Levels of transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF- β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as the expressions of α -SMA, proteins related to TNF- α/NF- κB signaling pathway, mRNA expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB p65 in liver tissue were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, liver index, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, ALT, AST and HYP, relative expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA, and the levels of TNF-α and α-SMA proteins and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in liver tissues of rats from administration groups, the expressions of α-SMA and TGF-β1 in liver tissue of rats from E. humifusa medium-dose and high-dose groups, as well as positive staining percentage and mRNA expression of TNF- α in liver tissue of rats from E. humifusa high-dose group were all decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); IκBα protein expression from administration groups was significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pathological changes and the degree of HF in the liver tissues of rats from administration groups were ameliorated to various extents. CONCLUSIONS E. humifusa may alleviate HF in rats by inhibiting the activation of the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Rumination level and its influencing factors among middle-advanced cancer inpatients: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Songmei DU ; Xiaolin WU ; Dan HE ; Qinggui WU ; Yuying LIAN ; Hongxia GONG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):41-45
BackgroundRumination can play a certain degree role of psychological adjustment in cancer patients. Previous studies have focused on studying the level of rumination in a single type of cancer patient, but there is a lack of comprehensive investigation and influencing factor research on rumination levels in different types of cancer patients. ObjectiveTo explore the level of rumination and its influencing factors among middle-advanced cancer inpatients, so as to provide certain guidance for targeted psychological care in clinical practice. MethodsFrom January 2021 to December 2022, a systematic sampling technique was used to recruit 346 patients with TNM stage III or above tumors hospitalized in Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital, Chengdu Sixth People's Hospital and the First People's Hospital of Yibin. All individuals were assessed using Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and the Chinese version of Event-Related Ruminant Inventory (C-ERRI), and Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the influencing factors of rumination. ResultsIn terms of C-ERRI, patients scored (15.59±5.61) on intrusive rumination and (14.59±5.43) on deliberate rumination. Education levels of junior high school/high school/vocational training school (OR=0.817, P<0.01) and junior college and above (OR=0.579, P<0.05) were the protective factors of intrusive rumination, whereas annual personal incomes of <10 000 yuan (OR=4.918, P<0.01) or 10 000~50 000 yuan (OR=2.076, P<0.01) and low (OR=6.882, P<0.01) or middle (OR=3.114, P<0.01) level of social support were the risk factors of intrusive rumination. For deliberate rumination, education levels of junior high school/high school/vocational training school (OR=0.574, P<0.01) and junior college and above (OR=0.449, P<0.05) were the protective factors, and low (OR=1.391, P<0.01) or middle (OR=1.161, P<0.05) levels of social support were the risk factors. ConclusionThe level of intrusive rumination of inpatients with middle-advanced cancer is related to education level, economic status and social support, furthermore, the level of deliberate rumination is related to the educational level and social support. [Funded by Medical Research Project of Chengdu Health Commission ( number, 2020119)]


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