ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction （祛风通窍止咳方， QTCD） in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome （UACS）. MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group， model group， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group， and inhibitor group， with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group， guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection， followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling， the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/（100 g·d） by gavage， the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 （TRPV4） inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L， 5 min by nebulisation， and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/（100 g·d） normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment， a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines， including interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8） in serum， bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）， and nasal lavage fluid （NLF） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4， substance P （SP）， and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4， SP， and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group， while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed increased cough frequency， serum IgE level， and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4， SP， and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency， serum IgE level， and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF， and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF， reduced IL-6 in BALF， reduced IL-8 in NLF， and decreased TRPV4， SP， and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the TCM group， the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE， IL-6， and IL-8 levels， increased IL-6 level in BALF， and increased IL-8 levle in NLF， but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues （P＜0.01）. ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway， improving airway neurogenic inflammation， alleviating inflammatory responses， and reducing cough hypersensitivity.

Objective To explore the characteristics of the potential categories of traumatic psychological reactions in ICU patients and analyze the influencing factors of different potential categories,in order to provide ideas for the implementation of scientific and effective personalized intervention in the future.Methods A convenience sample of 300 patients treated in the ICU of a hospital from May 2023 to February 2024 was surveyed.The used instruments included a general information questionnaire,the Social Support Rating Scale,the Brief Resilience Scale,the Acute Stress Disorder Scale,and the Simplified Chinese version of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory.Data were analyzed using multivariate Logistic regression.Additionally,a purposive sampling method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 12 ICU patients,and the interview data were analyzed by interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results Quantitative research results showed that the traumatic psychological responses of ICU patients were categorized into 4 latent classes,including Trauma-Dependent Type(17.3％),Smooth-Transition Type(36.0％),External-Support Growth Type(25.3％),and Internal-Rooted Growth Type(21.3％).Factors influencing these responses included age,educational level,social support,psychological resilience,household income,and the number of used hormone medications(P＜0.05).Qualitative research results showed that 4 core themes were identified,including immersion in psychological trauma,rational cognition and acceptance of reality,seeking external support for personal growth,and independent exploration of inner self.Influencing factors included age,income level,history of major illness or ICU treatment,level of disease awareness,presence of underage children,and individual capacity for rumination.The quantitative and qualitative results were mutually corroborative and complemented each other.Conclusion The acute stress response of ICU patients is obvious,and there are multiple characteristics in the potential categories of traumatic psychological response,suggesting that medical and nursing staff can identify the characteristics of various types and influencing factors early,formulate personalized intervention programs,and promote their post-traumatic growth.

Objective To explore the relationship between the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements and coronary angiography results in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 100 patients with CHD admitted to our hospital between January 2024 and January 2025 were randomly selected as the research subjects. All patients underwent coronary angiography, and the distribution of TCM syndrome elements in patients with CHD was analyzed. The differences in syndrome element distribution among patients with varying numbers of diseased vessels were compared. The differences in Gensini scores of patients with different syndrome elements were assessed. A Spearman analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the number of diseased vessels, Gensini scores, and TCM syndrome elements. Results The proportions of heart, blood stasis, and Qi deficiency syndrome elements in single-vessel lesions were lower than those in triple-vessel lesions (P < 0.05). The proportions of blood stasis and Qi deficiency syndrome elements in double-vessel lesions were lower than those in triple-vessel lesions (P < 0.05). Gensini scores of patients with heart, blood stasis, and Yang deficiency syndrome elements were significantly higher, and Gensini scores of patients with Qi stagnation were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The Spearman analysis showed that the number of diseased coronary vessels in patients with CHD was positively correlated with heart, blood stasis, and Qi deficiency syndrome elements (P < 0.05), but not significantly correlated with other syndrome elements (P > 0.05). Gensini score was positively correlated with heart, blood stasis, Qi deficiency, and Yang deficiency, and negatively correlated with Qi stagnation (P < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between Gensini score and other syndrome elements (P > 0.05). Conclusion The distribution of TCM syndrome elements in patients with CHD is centered on the heart and liver, with blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, and Qi deficiency as the main diseases, reflecting the pathogenesis of “root deficiency with branch excess”. The syndrome elements of heart, blood stasis, and Qi deficiency are closely related to the results of coronary angiography, which can provide a reference for the evaluation of CHD in clinical practice.

The global outbreak of monkeypox in 2022 has aroused widespread concern in public health. To date, the prevention and treatment of monkeypox has mainly relied on smallpox vaccines and drugs. This study aims to screen and obtain therapeutic antibodies with high affinity, neutralizing activity, and protective effects, and provide candidate molecules for the development of specific therapeutic antibodies against monkeypox. Therefore, humanized mice were immunized to screen for antibodies against the envelope protein of the mpox virus. Two M1R-specific antibodies, 12G5 and 12H6, were obtained, with the affinity of 0.095 nmol/L and 0.089 nmol/L, respectively. The 50% reduction of the plaque counts (PRNT₅₀) of 12G5 and 12H6 was (1.821±1.766) μg/mL and (17.605±2.383) μg/mL, respectively. The two antibodies targeted two binding epitopes of M1R. Moreover, 12H6 could protect 60% of mice from death following the vaccinia virus challenge. This study provides research materials for subsequent in-depth studies on the immunoprotection of mpox virus and potential therapeutic strategies.
Animals ; Mice ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology* ; Monkeypox virus/immunology* ; Mpox, Monkeypox/immunology* ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology* ; Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology* ; Humans ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/biosynthesis* ; Female

Objective:To investigate therapeutic effect of Ermiao powder on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rats through ChAT/α7nAChR/NF-κB pathway.Methods:Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control(NOR)group,CIA model(CIA)group,vagotomy(VAO)group,sham operation(SHO)group,Ermiao powder treat CIA rats(EMS)group,Ermiao powder treat vagotomy(EVAO)group and Ermiao powder treat sham operation(ESHO)group.CIA rats model was established in all groups except NOR group.Administration of drug began 7 days after unilateral vagotomy and sham operation,continued for 35 days.Body weight and joint condition of rats were recorded,and pathological morphology of spleen and joint tissues of rats were observed.Serum levels of IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-α were detected,mRNA and protein expressions of ChAT/α7nAChR/NF-κB pathway core genes in joints were detected,and analyzed by immunohistochemical localization.Results:Compared with NOR/VAO group,body weight of rats in CIA group/SHO group was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),arthritis score was significantly increased(P<0.01),ankle joint was obviously swollen(with deformity),lymphoid white pulp and main germinal center hyperplasia in spleen were obvious,joint lacuna reduction(destruction)with inflammatory cell infiltration,serum levels of IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),mRNA and protein levels of CHRNA7,ChAT,IκBα and NF-κB p50/p65 were significantly increased and expressed in articular surface(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with CIA group/SHO group,body weight of rats in EMS group/ESHO group was significantly increased,arthritis score was significantly decreased(P<0.05),swelling degree of ankle joint was significantly reduced,white pulp and germinal center of spleen were significantly reduced,infiltration of inflammatory cells in articular surface was reduced,joint space was increased,serum levels of IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased,mRNA and protein expressions of CHRNA7,ChAT and IκBα were increased,while mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p50/p65 were decreased,which were mainly located in articular surface.Compared with VAO group,rats in EVAO group had a significant reduction in body weight(P<0.05),serum level of IL-1 was significantly increased(P<0.01),and no significant difference in IL-6 and TNF-α contents(P>0.05),mRNA and protein expressions of CHRNA7,ChAT and IκBα were decreased,NF-κB p50/p65 expression was increased,and mainly expressed in articular surface.Conclusion:Ermiao powder may down-regulate NF-κB p50/p65 by up-regulating expression of α7nAChR by ChAT in CIA rats,thereby significantly reducing expression of inflammatory factors,relieving degree of inflammation and joint lesions,and finally achieving an effective treatment of CIA.

Objective:To clarify the complex network structure between self-management levels and supportive care needs of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, utilizing network analysis methods to identify the core and bridging nodes among the variables, thereby defining targets for nursing interventions to implement more precise care strategies.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to November 2023 among 302 outpatient maintenance hemodialysis patients at the hemodialysis centers of two healthcare institutions in Harbin (the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and Heilongjiang Changjiang Nephrology Specialist Hospital). This involved the use of general information questionnaires, the Hemodialysis Patient Self-Management Scale, and the Supportive Care Needs Scale for Hemodialysis Patients. R language was employed for the network analysis.Results:A total of 300 valid questionnaires were collected, including 186 males and 114 females, with an age range of 23 to 88 years (mean age 55.00 ± 13.78 years). The scores for the dimensions of self-management among dialysis patients were as follows: problem-solving (3.38 ± 0.63), execution of self-care (3.16 ± 0.52), partnership (2.56 ± 0.69), and emotional processing (1.89 ± 0.63). The scores for the dimensions of supportive care needs among dialysis patients were: physiological needs (2.82 ± 1.08), psychological needs (1.51 ± 1.02), social needs (1.97 ± 1.07), emotional needs (1.67 ± 1.12), spiritual needs (2.22 ± 0.77), informational needs (2.83 ± 1.08), and practical needs (2.82 ± 1.03). In network analysis, the strongest intensity was found in the execution of self-care (1.753), and the highest closeness was in psychological needs (0.017). The top three dimensions ranked by bridge strength were social needs (1.463), partnership (1.462), and execution of self-care (1.384). The root mean square error was lowest for psychological needs (0.518) and emotional needs (0.538). The stability and accuracy of the network structure were found to be good.Conclusions:The key intervention targets for nursing care in maintenance hemodialysis patients were identified as executing self-care, psychological needs, emotional needs, and social needs. Among these, executing self-care served as the core intervention focus, while psychological and emotional needs had dominant influences, and social needs exhibited the strongest bridging role. Nursing staff should prioritize these key targets and tailor personalized comprehensive nursing intervention plans to enhance patients′self-management levels and fully meet their care needs.

Objective To explore the characteristics of the potential categories of traumatic psychological reactions in ICU patients and analyze the influencing factors of different potential categories,in order to provide ideas for the implementation of scientific and effective personalized intervention in the future.Methods A convenience sample of 300 patients treated in the ICU of a hospital from May 2023 to February 2024 was surveyed.The used instruments included a general information questionnaire,the Social Support Rating Scale,the Brief Resilience Scale,the Acute Stress Disorder Scale,and the Simplified Chinese version of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory.Data were analyzed using multivariate Logistic regression.Additionally,a purposive sampling method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 12 ICU patients,and the interview data were analyzed by interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results Quantitative research results showed that the traumatic psychological responses of ICU patients were categorized into 4 latent classes,including Trauma-Dependent Type(17.3％),Smooth-Transition Type(36.0％),External-Support Growth Type(25.3％),and Internal-Rooted Growth Type(21.3％).Factors influencing these responses included age,educational level,social support,psychological resilience,household income,and the number of used hormone medications(P＜0.05).Qualitative research results showed that 4 core themes were identified,including immersion in psychological trauma,rational cognition and acceptance of reality,seeking external support for personal growth,and independent exploration of inner self.Influencing factors included age,income level,history of major illness or ICU treatment,level of disease awareness,presence of underage children,and individual capacity for rumination.The quantitative and qualitative results were mutually corroborative and complemented each other.Conclusion The acute stress response of ICU patients is obvious,and there are multiple characteristics in the potential categories of traumatic psychological response,suggesting that medical and nursing staff can identify the characteristics of various types and influencing factors early,formulate personalized intervention programs,and promote their post-traumatic growth.

Objective:To clarify the complex network structure between self-management levels and supportive care needs of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, utilizing network analysis methods to identify the core and bridging nodes among the variables, thereby defining targets for nursing interventions to implement more precise care strategies.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to November 2023 among 302 outpatient maintenance hemodialysis patients at the hemodialysis centers of two healthcare institutions in Harbin (the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and Heilongjiang Changjiang Nephrology Specialist Hospital). This involved the use of general information questionnaires, the Hemodialysis Patient Self-Management Scale, and the Supportive Care Needs Scale for Hemodialysis Patients. R language was employed for the network analysis.Results:A total of 300 valid questionnaires were collected, including 186 males and 114 females, with an age range of 23 to 88 years (mean age 55.00 ± 13.78 years). The scores for the dimensions of self-management among dialysis patients were as follows: problem-solving (3.38 ± 0.63), execution of self-care (3.16 ± 0.52), partnership (2.56 ± 0.69), and emotional processing (1.89 ± 0.63). The scores for the dimensions of supportive care needs among dialysis patients were: physiological needs (2.82 ± 1.08), psychological needs (1.51 ± 1.02), social needs (1.97 ± 1.07), emotional needs (1.67 ± 1.12), spiritual needs (2.22 ± 0.77), informational needs (2.83 ± 1.08), and practical needs (2.82 ± 1.03). In network analysis, the strongest intensity was found in the execution of self-care (1.753), and the highest closeness was in psychological needs (0.017). The top three dimensions ranked by bridge strength were social needs (1.463), partnership (1.462), and execution of self-care (1.384). The root mean square error was lowest for psychological needs (0.518) and emotional needs (0.538). The stability and accuracy of the network structure were found to be good.Conclusions:The key intervention targets for nursing care in maintenance hemodialysis patients were identified as executing self-care, psychological needs, emotional needs, and social needs. Among these, executing self-care served as the core intervention focus, while psychological and emotional needs had dominant influences, and social needs exhibited the strongest bridging role. Nursing staff should prioritize these key targets and tailor personalized comprehensive nursing intervention plans to enhance patients′self-management levels and fully meet their care needs.

Objective:To investigate therapeutic effect of Ermiao powder on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rats through ChAT/α7nAChR/NF-κB pathway.Methods:Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control(NOR)group,CIA model(CIA)group,vagotomy(VAO)group,sham operation(SHO)group,Ermiao powder treat CIA rats(EMS)group,Ermiao powder treat vagotomy(EVAO)group and Ermiao powder treat sham operation(ESHO)group.CIA rats model was established in all groups except NOR group.Administration of drug began 7 days after unilateral vagotomy and sham operation,continued for 35 days.Body weight and joint condition of rats were recorded,and pathological morphology of spleen and joint tissues of rats were observed.Serum levels of IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-α were detected,mRNA and protein expressions of ChAT/α7nAChR/NF-κB pathway core genes in joints were detected,and analyzed by immunohistochemical localization.Results:Compared with NOR/VAO group,body weight of rats in CIA group/SHO group was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),arthritis score was significantly increased(P<0.01),ankle joint was obviously swollen(with deformity),lymphoid white pulp and main germinal center hyperplasia in spleen were obvious,joint lacuna reduction(destruction)with inflammatory cell infiltration,serum levels of IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),mRNA and protein levels of CHRNA7,ChAT,IκBα and NF-κB p50/p65 were significantly increased and expressed in articular surface(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with CIA group/SHO group,body weight of rats in EMS group/ESHO group was significantly increased,arthritis score was significantly decreased(P<0.05),swelling degree of ankle joint was significantly reduced,white pulp and germinal center of spleen were significantly reduced,infiltration of inflammatory cells in articular surface was reduced,joint space was increased,serum levels of IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased,mRNA and protein expressions of CHRNA7,ChAT and IκBα were increased,while mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p50/p65 were decreased,which were mainly located in articular surface.Compared with VAO group,rats in EVAO group had a significant reduction in body weight(P<0.05),serum level of IL-1 was significantly increased(P<0.01),and no significant difference in IL-6 and TNF-α contents(P>0.05),mRNA and protein expressions of CHRNA7,ChAT and IκBα were decreased,NF-κB p50/p65 expression was increased,and mainly expressed in articular surface.Conclusion:Ermiao powder may down-regulate NF-κB p50/p65 by up-regulating expression of α7nAChR by ChAT in CIA rats,thereby significantly reducing expression of inflammatory factors,relieving degree of inflammation and joint lesions,and finally achieving an effective treatment of CIA.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Fuzheng Huayu prescription on hepatocyte extinction and regeneration in fibrotic liver and its mechanism of action in promoting hepatocyte regeneration. MethodsMice were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis， and there were 10 mice in the model group， 10 in the sorafenib group， 10 in the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group， and 9 in the normal control group. Since week 4 of modeling， the mice in the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group and the sorafenib group were given the corresponding drug by gavage at a dose of 4.8 g/kg and 4 mg/kg， respectively， for three consecutive weeks， and those in the normal group and the model group were given an equal volume of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Serum liver function parameters were measured； the METAVIR scoring system was used to evaluate liver inflammation and fibrosis stage； Sirius Red staining and hydroxyproline （Hyp） content in liver tissue were used to evaluate collagen deposition； immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of type IV collagen， CD31， CD32b， Ki67， CyclinD1， glutamine synthetase， Wnt2， and HGF， and Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of Wnt2， LRP6， β-catenin， p-β-catenin， and CyclinD1 in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group， the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group and the sorafenib group showed the following changes： significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and the content of Hyp in liver tissue （all P<0.01）； a significant reduction in METAVIR score； significant reductions in the expression levels of type Ⅳ collagen and CD31 （all P<0.05） and a significant increase in the expression level of CD32b （P<0.01）； significant reductions in the number of parenchymal extinction lesions and significant increases in the expression levels of Ki67 and CyclinD1 in liver tissue （all P<0.01）； significant increases in the protein expression levels of Wnt2， LRP6， β-catenin， and CyclinD1 and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of p-β-catenin （all P<0.05）； significant increases in the number of cells stained positive for both CD32b and Wnt2. ConclusionFuzheng Huayu prescription can inhibit hepatic sinusoidal capillarization， improve the Wnt2 exocrine function of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells， activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway associated with hepatocyte regeneration， and finally reverse liver cirrhosis.