1.Comparative Study on Effect of Jingui Shenqiwan and Liuwei Dihuangwan on Reproductive Ability and Brain Function of Normal Mice
Hong SUN ; Fan LEI ; Chenggong LI ; Rui LUO ; Shixian HU ; Bin REN ; Juan HAO ; Yi DING ; Lijun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):1-14
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan (JSW) and Liuwei Dihuangwan (LDW) on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group, the other six groups were as follows: a group of both males and females receiving JSW (3.0 g·kg-1), a group of both males and females receiving LDW (4.5 g·kg-1), a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW, a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW, a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW, and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 (female∶male) ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth, which was followed by the observation of newborn mice, calculation of their average number, and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment, the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients, and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems, while novel object recognition test (NOR) was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay, and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together (P<0.05), while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally, compared with the control group, JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the thalamus, as well as reproductive stem cell factor (SCF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (c-Kit) in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue (MVH) in the ovaries, upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in hippocampal neurons (P<0.05), and enhance sucrose preference in male mice (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice (P<0.05), which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (Nmdar) gene expression. Compared with the control group, both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), BDNF, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus of offspring mice (P<0.05). ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice, which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally, JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.
2.Analyses of respiratory etiological characteristics of influenza-like illness cases in Jing’an District, Shanghai in 2024
Jiaming LIANG ; Zhou ZHOU ; Mingyi CAI ; Dongsheng REN ; Lixue LYU ; Chuanwu MAO ; Hong CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(4):259-264
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 21 respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Jing’an District, Shanghai in 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases. MethodsData of1 907 ILI cases at four sentinel hospitals in Jing’an District were collected from January to December 2024. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and tested for 21 respiratory pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage trend test were used for data analyses. ResultsAmong the 1 907 ILI cases, 1 340 were tested positive (70.27%), including 1 160 (60.83%) virus-positive cases, 424 (22.23%) bacteria-positive cases , and 86 (4.51%) positive cases of other pathogens (fungi, mycoplasma, and chlamydia). The top five viruses by detection rate were: influenza virus (14.84%), SARS-CoV-2 (14.47%), rhinovirus (12.69%), adenovirus (7.08%), and parainfluenza virus (6.71%). The top two bacteria by detection rate were Streptococcus pneumoniae (14.47%) and Haemophilus influenzae (10.33%). Among other pathogens (fungi, mycoplasma, and chlamydia), Mycoplasma pneumoniae showed the highest detection rate (4.30%). In terms of age distribution, statistically significant differences were observed in the detection rates of SARS-CoV-2, Legionella, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (P<0.05), with the highest rates found in individuals aged 65 years and above. Statistically significant differences were also found in the detection rates of rhinovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, common coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, bocavirus, parainfluenza virus, human metapenu-movirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae among different age groups (P<0.05), all showing the highest detection rates in the 0‒<15 years age group. In terms of seasonal distribution, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae showed epidemic peaks in summer; rhinovirus, common coronavirus, bocavirus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae had higher detection rates in autumn. Influenza virus exhibited a peak incidence during winter, while human metapenu-movirus peaked in winter and spring. Significant differences in co-infection detection rates were observed among age groups, with the rate in children aged 0‒<15 years (34.81%) being the highest. The co-infection detection rate was higher in males than in females (P=0.019). Both the single-pathogen detection rate and the co-infection detection rate (P<0.001) varied significantly across seasons: the single-pathogen detection rate was highest in winter (62.06%), while the co-infection detection rate peaked in summer (31.20%) and was lowest in winter (14.52%). ConclusionBased on detection rates, the main pathogens in the ILI population of Jing’an District, Shanghai, 2024 were influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, common coronavirus, enterovirus, Human metapenu-movirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Pathogen detection rates varied by age and season. Coinfection rates were much higher in children than in adults, higher in males than in females, and peaked in summer while being lowest in winter.
3.Disposal of the first imported case of Zika virus disease in Shanghai
Jixing YANG ; Zhenzhen QI ; Xiaofan REN ; Liang HONG ; Hong YAO ; Shenghua MAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(4):270-273
ObjectiveTo describe the disposal process of the first imported case of Zika virus disease in Shanghai, and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of imported infectious diseases in the future. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of the process by which epidemiological investigation, etiological testing, and case management were performed by the Shanghai municipal-and district-level Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after one imported case of Zika virus disease was identified by Shanghai Customs. ResultsOn April 8th, 2025, customs authority at a certain airport in Shanghai identified a febrile inbound case (case A, female, 40 years old). An antecubital venous blood specimen was obtained and analyzed by nucleic acid testing for various vector-borne pathogens, by which Zika virus nucleic acid was found to be positive. On 9 April, the district CDC collected antecubital venous blood specimens again from Case A and her three accompanying travelers (B, C, and D), and nucleic acid testing was conducted for multiple mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Case A again tested positive for Zika virus nucleic acid, while Traveler D (male, aged 6 years) tested positive for dengue virus nucleic acid. The other two travelers tested negative. Case A and Traveler D were subsequently transferred to a designated district hospital for isolation and treatment. After discharge, both cases left China and returned to their overseas residence. ConclusionCase A was the first imported case of Zika virus disease in Shanghai. For cases with a history of living in endemic areas of multiple infectious diseases such as dengue virus, Zika virus and chikungunya virus, it is necessary to carry out rapid testing of multiple pathogens simultaneously to prevent missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
4.Progress on the hazards and control of ship-borne vector organisms
Yun-chuan HE ; Hui-ling HAO ; Bin SUN ; Hong-yan LYU ; Deng-yong HOU ; Xiao-meng REN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):144-151
In the context of burgeoning economic trade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of ships travelling between domestic and international ports. Inbound and outbound cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and other types of vessels have emerged as critical vehicles for the dispersal of vector organisms and the spread of infectious disease agents. Public health concerns associated with these vessels represent a significant threat to human welfare. In this paper, we comprehensively review the hazards posed by vector organisms on ships, the latest advances in prevention and control strategies, and proposes appropriate countermeasures. The aim is to provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of public health security issues caused by ship-borne vector organisms.
5.Research progress of parasite-derived microRNA in Echinococcus and echinococcosis
Hong-bin ZHANG ; Ning YANG ; Xiao-juan BI ; Ren-yong LIN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):75-80
Echinococcosis is categorized into alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis, a potentially fatal zoonotic disease that seriously damages the host. MicroRNA is a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA that binds specifically to the target gene mRNA sequence to promote mRNA degradation, or combines with other non-coding RNA to regulate or inhibit translation. Echinococcus-derived microRNA participates in various biological processes in the Echinococcus lifecycle and in the interaction and pathogenesis between Echinococcus and host through extracellular vesicle transport. This article reviews the research progress of parasite-derived microRNA in regulating the growth and development of echinococcosis and cross-species regulation of hosts, providing a reference for diagnosing and treating echinococcosis.
6.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.
7.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
8.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
9.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
10.ZHANG Ren's academic characteristics of acupuncture for refractory eye diseases in modern times with "homotherapy for heteropathy".
Yue MA ; Yanmei HU ; Xiaolan SHI ; Xiaoying HU ; Wenqiang HONG ; Ren ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1311-1317
This paper introduces the academic characteristics of Professor ZHANG Ren in treatment with acupuncture for refractory eye diseases in modern times, guided by "homotherapy for heteropathy" (same therapy for different diseases sharing the same pathogenesis). The refractory eye diseases in modern times include a variety of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, high myopia and its complications, dry eye, cortical visual impairment and genetic eye diseases. The same therapy is used because these diseases share the similar location and pathogenesis. Professor ZHANG optimizes the methods of acupoint selection and provides the comprehensive prescriptions, "basic prescription, prescription based on disease differentiation, and supplementary prescription". A variety of acupuncture manipulation techniques are operated in clinical practice, such as compound needling methods, penetration needling, manipulations for promoting qi movement and conducting qi flow. "Early, regular and persistent" treatment is the common requirement with "the same acupoints, the same prescription and the same acupuncture method" as well as at "the same time". It is also proposed that the treatment should be provided flexibly according to the different symptoms, "identifying the differences within similarities".
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
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Humans
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Eye Diseases/history*
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Acupuncture Points
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History, 20th Century
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China
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History, 21st Century


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