1.Research progress on oral microecological imbalance and intervention strategies after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors
LIU Xue ; LI Yufei ; YANG Xinyao ; LI Hao ; ZHANG Ailin ; CUI Lei ; HUANG Zhengwei ; HOU Lili
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(4):385-394
Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for head and neck tumors. However, while effectively killing tumor cells, it significantly disrupts the homeostasis of the oral microecology, which is closely associated with various complications such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Literature review indicates that as radiotherapy doses accumulate and treatment durations extend, the richness and diversity of the oral microbiota show a declining trend, with the genus Streptococcus decreasing most markedly. In contrast, radiotherapy selectively promotes the proliferation of bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are rich in opportunistic pathogens. Mechanistically, radiotherapy activates the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, triggering chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the epithelial barrier, suppressing local immunity, and causing damage to organs such as the salivary glands. It can also induce systemic diseases via the oral-gut axis, forming a multi-level, interconnected pathogenic network. In terms of interventions, treatment strategies including probiotics and prebiotics have shown promising efficacy against side effects such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Saliva-based oral microbiota transplantation is an emerging strategy that is expected to become widely utilized for restoring oral microecological balance. Existing interventions provide preliminary pathways for clinical practice, but this field still faces several key scientific questions. The association between oral microecology and systemic diseases remains largely correlative, lacking causal evidence. Furthermore, critical parameters for oral microbiota transplantation, such as donor screening criteria, transplantation protocols, and long-term safety, are not yet well-defined. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized protocols and safety evaluation systems for oral microecological interventions, and explore combined treatment therapies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota transplantation to advance the development of personalized precision modulation. These will enable more effective management of radiotherapy-induced oral microecological dysbiosis and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck tumors.
2.Effect of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation on postural control and fall risk in patients with stroke
Xinyuan LI ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Xuejiao WU ; Linru DUAN ; Yufei GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):577-587
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on postural control and fall risk in stroke patients. MethodsFrom October, 2024 to August, 2025, 45 stroke patients were recruited from Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 15), group A (n = 15) and group B (n = 15). All the groups received conventional medication and rehabilitation. Group A was additionally administered iTBS over the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1), while group B received iTBS over the contralesional cerebellum, for three weeks. Before and after intervention, postural stability indexes (eyes open/closed), limits of stability, directional control score and reaction time were measured using Biodex Balance System, and they were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUGT) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). ResultsAfter intervention, significant group-time interaction effects were observed for eyes open/closed postural stability indexes, limits of stability, directional control score, reaction time, BBS score, TUGT and 10MWT (F > 23.487, P < 0.001). All the groups improved in all the indexes after intervention (P < 0.01). The eyes open/closed postural stability indexes, limits of stability, directional control score and reaction time were the best in group B, followed by group A, and the worst in the control group (P < 0.05), while BBS, TUGT and 10MWT were better in groups A and B than in the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionCerebellar iTBS can effectively improve postural control disorders and reduce fall risk in stroke patients, and may be superior to M1 iTBS.
3.Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Action, and Modern Application of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A Review
Jie GAO ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Yinuo LI ; Youcai YUAN ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):327-335
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos refers to the dried flower buds or flowers about to open of Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Its dried flower buds or early blooming flowers are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) as official medicinal materials. As a Chinese medicine with "heat-clearing and detoxifying" properties and a classic medicinal-edible resource, it is mainly produced in northern authentic producing regions such as Shandong, Henan, and Hebei in China. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos contains abundant bioactive substances that are considered safe and effective, with functions including relieving sore throat, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and immune regulation. In recent years, with the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the rapid development of the "big health" industry, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has become a research hotspot in the fields of natural medicines and functional foods due to its multi-target pharmacological activities and broad application potential. To date, chemical constituents identified from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos include organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes, triterpenoid saponins, and volatile oils. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Lonicerae Japonicae Flos possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. In terms of modern applications, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has developed into a full industrial chain covering pharmaceuticals, health products, daily chemical products, and food additives, demonstrating high medicinal and health value. Strengthening the development of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos-based health products is of great significance. Based on relevant domestic and international literature, this paper systematically reviews the innovative applications of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in traditional medicine, modern clinical formulations, health foods, and daily chemical products from the perspectives of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and modern applications, aiming to further deepen basic research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes and proposes suggestions for promoting applied research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, in order to provide a scientific basis for its sound development and to offer references for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of medicinal and edible resources.
4.Fluid Suppression Techniques Combined With Amide Proton Transfer-Weighted Imaging for the Evaluation of Adult-Type Diffuse Gliomas
Hongquan ZHU ; Yuanhao LI ; Yujie DING ; Yufei LIU ; Nanxi SHEN ; Yan XIE ; Su YAN ; Dong LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Li LI ; Wenzhen ZHU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(3):252-263
Objective:
To evaluate the diagnostic potential of fluid suppression (FS) techniques combined with amide proton transferweighted imaging (APTw) for assessment of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status, glioma subtypes, and tumor proliferation.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included 117 patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas. Conventional APTw, FSAPTw, and spillover-corrected FS-APTw (SCFS-APTw) metrics were calculated from 3T MRI data in tumor parenchyma, necrotic or cystic regions, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter. APTw signals were compared across the three techniques within each region, between IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype gliomas, and among astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma subtypes. Diagnostic performance for distinguishing IDH mutation status and glioma subtypes was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Correlations between APTw metrics and Ki-67 expression were also analyzed.
Results:
Both FS-APTw and SCFS-APTw significantly reduced signal intensity in tumor parenchyma and necrotic or cystic regions, with SCFS-APTw demonstrating a stronger suppression effect. IDH-wildtype gliomas showed significantly higher APTw metrics than IDH-mutant gliomas (all P < 0.001). Glioblastomas exhibited significantly higher metrics than oligodendrogliomas (all corrected P ≤ 0.015) and astrocytomas (all corrected P < 0.001). SCFS-APTw achieved the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.846 for identification of IDH mutation status. For differentiation between astrocytomas and glioblastomas, the 90th percentile of APTw yielded the highest AUC (0.860), followed by SCFS-APTw (0.849). For discrimination between oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas, the highest AUC (0.832) was obtained using the 90th percentile of SCFS-APTw. None of these metrics successfully differentiated oligodendrogliomas from astrocytomas. SCFS-APTw demonstrated the strongest correlation with Ki-67 expression (r = 0.451).
Conclusion
FS techniques effectively reduce elevated APTw signals originating from fluid compartments. Their combination with APTw imaging enables evaluation of IDH mutation status, glioma subtypes, and tumor proliferative activity in adulttype diffuse gliomas.
5.Research progress on animal models of imiquimod-induced psoriasis
Qing LI ; Jiani TU ; Jia HU ; Yufei FAN ; Jiaming WANG ; Qiao YANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1222-1234
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with worldwide prevalence,primarily characterized by epidermal hyperplasia,abnormal keratinization,and immune cell infiltration,with a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life and mental well-being.The onset of psoriasis is closely associated with genetic susceptibility,immune dysregulation,and environmental factors.Despite research progress into the pathogenesis of psoriasis,existing treatment method still face problems including limited efficacy and obvious side effects.There is thus an urgent need for an in-depth analysis of its pathological network and the development of novel interventional strategies.The imiquimod-induced psoriasis animal model has accordingly become a crucial tool for studying psoriasis owing to its high reproducibility and excellent pathological simulation.This review systematically summarizes the core mechanism of action of the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model,expounds on the molecular basis of its action via pathways such as the cascade reaction of the core immune-inflammatory axis,the multi-regulatory network of downstream synergistic mechanisms,and the interaction between host and environmental factors.Research based on this model has successfully verified the therapeutic effects of various targeted therapies and natural products on psoriasis,demonstrating its important application value in therapeutic interventional research.We also discuss the limitations of the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model,and indicate future research directions,with the aim of providing references for further in-depth research and the treatment of psoriasis.
6.Preoperative short-course radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor administration for locally advanced rectal cancer: the initial results of a randomized controlled clinical trial (STELLAR II)
Haoyue LI ; Haitao ZHOU ; Lichun WEI ; Yinggang CHEN ; Wenjue ZHANG ; Feiyan DENG ; Ning LI ; Zheng JIANG ; Zheng LIU ; Jianwei LIANG ; Zhaoxu ZHENG ; Xianyu MENG ; Yufei LU ; Zifa LEI ; Xiaoge SUN ; Gong LI ; Yingjie WANG ; Yongwen SONG ; Shunan QI ; Hao JING ; Yirui ZHAI ; Shulian WANG ; Yexiong LI ; Yuan TANG ; Jing JIN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):913-921
Objectives:To explore whether short-course radiotherapy (SCRT)-based total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) combined with PD-1 inhibitors could further promote tumor regression and improve the prognosis.Methods:This is a prospective, multicenter, two-arm randomized controlled, seamless phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ trial for proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the iTNT (TNT+PD-1) group or the TNT group. Patients in the TNT group received SCRT (5 Gy×5) followed by 4 cycles of CAPOX or 6 cycles of mFOLFOX chemotherapy, with the iTNT group receiving SCRT followed by the same regime in combination with 4 cycles of Sintilimab. Total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery or watch and wait (W&W) was performed after neoadjuvant therapy and then 2 cycles of same regimen as before were recommended. The primary endpoints are the complete response (CR) rate for phase Ⅱ trial and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) for phase Ⅲ trial. A total of 588 patients will be enrolled for the phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ trial. Short-term efficacy and safety data from the initial 100 treated patients were analyzed as planned.Results:From 2022-8-31 to 2023-5-24 the initial 100 patients were enrolled from 10 hospitals in China, 76.0%(76/100) patients were male, and the median age was 61 years (21-74 years). More patients had tumors located in the lower rectum (78.0%, 78/100), staged T3-4 (97.0%, 97/100) and N1-2 (93.0%, 93/100), and about half of the tumors invaded the mesorectal fascia (52.0%, 52/100) and with extramural vascular invasion (51.0%, 51/100). Analyses were performed according to the per-protocal (PP) set. All patients in the iTNT group ( n=52) and the TNT group ( n=48) completed SCRT; The 4-cycle chemotherapy±Sintilimab completion rates were 86.5% and 100.0% in the iTNT and TNT groups, respectively. In the iTNT group, 82.7% (43/52), 11.5% (6/52), and 5.8% (3/52) of the patients received 4, 3, and 2 cycles of PD-1 inhibitor. After TNT, 68 patients underwent radical surgery and 15 patients achieved cCR and adopted W&W. The pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 48.5% (16/33) and 17.1% (6/35) in the iTNT and TNT groups, with CR rates of 50.0% (25/50) and 26.1% (12/46), respectively. The incidence of treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events was 26.9% (14/52, iTNT group) and 18.8% (9/48, TNT group), with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia being the most common. Among patients receiving immunotherapy, grade 3 immunotherapy-related adverse events occurred in 2 (3.8%, 2/52) patients: one case was pancreatitis, another case was hepatitis combined with myositis and myocarditis. Conclusion:The preliminary results show that SCRT-based TNT combined with PD-1 inhibitors could further improve the CR rate for LARC without unexpected serious adverse events.
7.Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors of airway mucus plugging in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Yuanhang LI ; Zhangyan KE ; Xueqin JIANG ; Guoqing SHU ; Lei WANG ; Xu CHEN ; Min PAN ; Yufei XU ; Xiaoyun FAN
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(11):882-889
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of airway mucus plugging in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 322 hospitalized AECOPD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from February 2023 to February 2025 were enrolled. Based on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of airway mucus plugging, patients were classified into mucus plugging and non-mucus plugging groups. General and clinical data were collected, including age, sex, disease duration, smoking and alcohol history, comorbidities, number of acute exacerbations in the past year, routine blood tests, biochemical indices, pulmonary function, and pathogen detection. The incidence of airway mucus plugging in AECOPD patients was calculated, and differences in baseline characteristics, laboratory parameters, and pulmonary function between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for mucus plugging, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of relevant indicators.Results:Of the 322 enrolled patients, 87(27.02%) were found to have airway mucus plugging. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the mucus plug group and the non-plug group in the following parameters (all P<0.05): body mass index (BMI), disease duration, smoking status, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, frequency of acute exacerbations, neutrophil percentage, absolute lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation products, D-dimer, Aspergillus infection rate, percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to predicted value (FEV 1%pred), ratio of FEV 1 to forced vital capacity (FEV 1/FVC), and percentage of maximal mid-expiratory flow to predicted value (MMEF 75/25%pred). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following as independent risk factors for airway mucus plugs (all P<0.05): elevated CRP ( OR=1.022, 95% CI: 1.013-1.036), decreased albumin ( OR=0.891, 95% CI: 0.825-0.959), Aspergillus infection ( OR=1.774, 95% CI: 1.366-2.317), and reduced MMEF 75/25%pred value ( OR=0.978, 95% CI: 0.964-0.990). ROC curve analysis showed that the combined predictive model incorporating CRP, albumin, Aspergillus infection, and MMEF 75/25%pred had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.776(95% CI: 0.714-0.838), which was superior to each individual indicator alone, with AUCs of 0.721 for CRP, 0.687 for albumin, 0.579 for Aspergillus infection, and 0.631 for MMEF 75/25%pred. Conclusions:AECOPD patients with airway mucus plugging exhibit higher inflammatory markers, poorer nutritional status, a higher likelihood of Aspergillus infection, worse pulmonary function, and poorer prognosis. Aspergillus infection, elevated CRP, decreased albumin, and reduced MMEF 75/25%pred are independent risk factors for mucus plugs in AECOPD.
8.Revealing potential mechanism of Danggui Buxue decoction in regulating immuno-suppression via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway using network pharmacology and in vivo experiment
Huan HUANG ; Pingrui YANG ; Xifeng LI ; Fuxing GUI ; Yutao LI ; Li ZHANG ; Shuo LIU ; Yufei XIE ; Hongxu DU ; Shicheng BI ; Liting CAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):350-361
Danggui Buxue decoction(DBD)is a classic prescription with immunomodulatory and hematopoietic effects.Previous studies have shown the DBD has potential to be used as an oral im-mune booster.However,its immunomodulatory effects and mechanism of action have not been thoroughly studied,especially the protective mechanism of immunomodulatory regulation in the state of immunosuppressive is still unclear.The aim of this study was to explore the protective mechanism of DBD in the immunosuppressive state using network pharmacology combined with animal experiments verification.The active components,core targets and signaling pathways of DBD in treating immunosuppression were obtained using network pharmacology tools.On this ba-sis,the active components of DBD were identified using HPLC-MS,and in vivo studies were con-ducted at the same time.The key active components of DBD obtained using network pharmacology included quercetin,kaempferol and formononetin.The core targets included TP53,RELA,TNF,AKT1,and IL-6.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)may play an important role in the treatment of immunosuppres-sive diseases using DBD.Molecular docking confirmed that each core target had good binding activ-ity with its corresponding compounds.Animal experiments showed that after DBD intervention,the mRNA gene and protein expression of RELA,TNF,and IL-6 in the serum was significantly down-regulated.The mRNA expression of PI3K and AKT in the ileum and PI3K protein expression were also downregulated.In conclusion,DBD exerts its role in treating immunosuppressive diseases by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
9.Development and validation of a risk prediction model for tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery based on admission clinical data
Qinxiang WU ; Hengyi DING ; Yufei LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(5):988-995
Background and Aims:Breast-conserving surgery,which balances tumor excision with preservation of breast tissue,has become a widely adopted surgical approach for breast cancer.However,postoperative tumor recurrence remains a major factor affecting patient prognosis.Accurate risk prediction tools are urgently needed to guide personalized treatment strategies.This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for tumor recurrence after BCS based on admission clinical data and to evaluate its predictive performance to provide a scientific and practical tool for clinical decision-making.Methods:A total of 224 breast cancer patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery between May 2017 and May 2019 were enrolled.Postoperative recurrence was recorded during follow-up.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for recurrence and to construct a risk prediction model.The model's discriminative ability was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and its calibration was evaluated using a calibration curve.Results:208 patients completed follow-up,ranging from 32 to 84 months,with a mean duration of(58.41±7.33)months.The recurrence rate was 17.79%.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that TNM stage Ⅲ(OR=2.029),tumor diameter≥4 cm(OR=1.782),≥4 lymph node metastases(OR=1.958),lymphovascular invasion(OR=1.984),and HER2 positivity(OR=1.774)were independent risk factors for recurrence(all P<0.05).The Logistic regression model was established as follows:Y=-12.788+0.707X?+0.578X?+0.672X?+0.685X?+0.573X?.The model yielded an area under the ROC curve(AUC)of 0.934(95%CI=0.891-0.963),with a sensitivity of 86.49%and specificity of 96.49%.The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes(χ2=0.501,P=0.392).Conclusion:TNM stage Ⅲ,tumor diameter≥4 cm,≥4 lymph node metastases,lymphovascular invasion,and HER2 positivity are independent risk factors for tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery.The risk prediction model based on these factors demonstrates favorable discrimination and calibration,offering valuable guidance for postoperative risk assessment and clinical intervention.
10.Discussion on the Treatment of Insomnia from Liver Based on the Theory "Liver Governs Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)"
Zirong LI ; Miaoran WANG ; Yufei WU ; Tian NI ; Xianbei WANG ; Hongjin DU ; Jiwei ZHANG ; Qiuyan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):411-415
Psychological factors have become significant contributors to the onset and progression of insomnia. This article explored the treatment of insomnia from the perspective of “liver governs wei qi (defensive qi)”. The concept of “liver governs wei qi (defensive qi)” is summarized in three aspects, firstly, the liver assists the spleen and stomach in transformation and transportation, governing the generation of wei qi; secondly, the liver aids lung qi diffusion and dispersion, governing the distribution of wei qi; thirdly, the liver regulates circadian rhythms, governing the circulation of wei qi. It is proposed that the clinical treatment of insomnia should focus on the following methods: for regulating the liver to harmonize the five viscera, and facilitate the circulation of wei qi, medicinals entering the liver channel include Chaihu (Bupleuri radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), and Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) could be commonly used; for nourishing the liver, the treatment should align with the day-night rhythm, and herbs such as Baihe (Lilium), Hehuan (Albizia julibrissin), and Yejiaoteng (Polygoni multiflori caulis) are commonly used; for soothing the liver and address both mental and physical health to calm wei qi, treatment should advocate verbal counseling, psychological regulation, and health education. Ultimately, this treatment approach can free liver qi to flow, soothe qi movement, restore the motion of wei qi, regulate during day and night, balance yin and yang, and resolve insomnia effectively.


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