1.Pseudolaric Acid B-linked Double-network Hydrogel Alleviates Pruritus by Inhibiting The Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Ye YOU ; Yan YANG ; Tong-Yu LI ; Cheng-Long CAI ; Ting WANG ; Chan ZHU ; Zong-Xiang TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1734-1745
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and barrier dysfunction. A key focus was screening traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active components with dual antibacterial and antipruritic efficacy, followed by systematic evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activity. Additionally, a novel drug delivery system was constructed to enable localized efficient drug delivery, inhibiting S. aureus proliferation and alleviating its induced pruritus, thereby providing new strategies for targeted AD therapy. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (body weight 18-22 g) were used to establish an AD model via repeated oxazolone sensitization. On day 14, microbial samples were collected from the lesional area (1 cm²) using sterile cotton swabs, followed by vortex mixing, serial dilution, and plating on 5% sheep blood agar plates (incubated at 37°C for 24 h). Single colonies with complete transparent β-hemolytic zones were isolated and identified as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) via 16S rRNA sequencing. An S. aureus mono-infection animal model was then established by applying gauze saturated with bacterial suspension (McFarland turbidity 0.1) to the nape and back skin of mice. The pruritic phenotype and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by S. aureus were evaluated using comprehensive approaches including behavioral assays (e.g., scratching frequency recording), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and toluidine blue staining. The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of the TCM monomer pseudolaric acid B (PAB) and double network hydrogel (DN) was separately assessed by disk diffusion assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PAB was determined via broth dilution method. Further validation of the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the composite system (PAB@DN, composed of PAB and DN) was conducted through behavioral assays, HE staining, and dermatitis scoring, with its drug release profile evaluated by mass spectrometry analysis. Based on scratching behavioral analysis and dermatitis scoring, the optimal ratio and concentration of PAB@DN were optimized. ResultsThe S. aureus load in AD lesional tissues was significantly higher than in normal skin ((5.3±0.33)×10⁶ CFU vs. (3.6±0.26)×10⁷ CFU, P<0.001). In the S. aureus mono-infection group, mice exhibited a 6.7-fold increase in scratching frequency compared to the control group. HE staining revealed marked epidermal thickening ((10.4±2.39) μm vs. (85.6±1.95) μm, P<0.000 1), and toluidine blue staining showed a 23-fold increase in mast cell degranulation. Pseudolaric acid B exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect onS. aureus growth, with its in vitro antibacterial effect being 57% that of the antibiotic cefepime (inhibition zone diameter: PAB (1.885±0.036) cm vs. cefepime (3.636±0.005) cm, P<0.000 1) and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 g/L. The carrier double network hydrogel (DN) itself lacked direct antibacterial activity (no significant difference in inhibition zone diameter compared to the control) but effectively ameliorated the dry symptoms of AD-like lesions. The PAB@DN composite system demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to individual components, resulting in a 50% reduction in scratching behavior, an 86% decrease in dermatitis score, and a 60% reduction in epidermal thickening. It also reduced the S. aureus load in mouse skin by approximately 34%, with the optimal effective formulation being PAB at 1 g/L loaded onto DN. ConclusionS. aureus colonization plays a critical driving role in the onset and progression of AD. Using an S. aureus infection model, this study confirmed that the pseudolaric acidB-hydrogel composite delivery system (PAB@DN) can effectively alleviate S. aureus-induced pruritus and skin damage, providing experimental evidence for microbiota-targeted therapy of AD.
2.Effect of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) Combined with Western Medicine on Clinical Effectiveness and Immune Function for Patients with Bronchial Asthma of Heat Wheezing Syndrome
Ying SUN ; Haibo HU ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Jinbao ZONG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haoran WANG ; Xuechao LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):38-44
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome, and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine, and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group, 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness; secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, asthma control test (ACT) score, pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immune function indices including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored, and electrocardiography, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% (39/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (85.0%, 34/40, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores, IL-4, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and CD8+ levels, as well as increased ACT scores, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, FEV1, FVC, and PEF levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group, and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and clinical effectiveness, with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.
3.Methodological Considerations on Constructing Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Agent for Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Based on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Feng ZHOU ; Tengfei CHEN ; Wandi ZHANG ; Haoyuan LI ; Xingyu ZONG ; Jiahao LIN ; Qingquan LIU ; Guozhen ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1853-1857
Developing an intelligent agent for integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine diagnosis and treatment based on clinical practice guidelines is a key approach to advancing the standardization and intelligent deve-lopment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and to supporting clinical decision-making. This paper argues for the necessity of building a knowledge base using guidelines as the sole data source, systematically identifies five core methodological challenges across the entire process, and proposes corresponding solutions. An ontology framework capable of distinguishing between TCM and western medicine concepts should be designed to address the difficulty of knowledge integration. A closed-loop "algorithm-based extraction-expert review" model is adopted to reduce data extraction errors. Expert consensus is incorporated to address decision gaps in specific clinical scenarios outlined in the guidelines, while a multi-stage, standardized output process for the AI system is established to eliminate model hallucinations. Furthermore, an evaluation framework reflecting clinical applicability is developed to enhance the AI system's accuracy and stability. Throughout the research process, it is essential to ensure the in-depth and continuous participation of multidisciplinary experts, strictly control the selection and quality evaluation of guidelines, and rely on the expert consensus method to address decision gaps in the knowledge base. Additionally, continuous validation and iterative optimization of intelligent agents are required to ensure the accuracy and stability of generated outputs. Limitations remain in the mechanisms for real-time knowledge synchronization in intelligent diagnostic and treatment systems, and further validation through large-scale real-world studies is warranted.
4.Correlation between different obesity related indicators and blood lipids levels among children and adolescents
TIAN Siying, HUANG Yiying, LI Shaoli, ZONG Xinnan, LIU Junting, CHEN Fangfang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1015-1020
Objective:
To determine the correlation between obesity related indicators and blood lipid levels among children and adolescents.
Methods:
A total of 5 812 participants were included. Height, weight, body composition, waist circumference, blood pressure were measured and fasting glucose and blood lipid levels were tested based on a cross sectional survey of children and adolescents 6-17 years in Beijing, 2022-2023. The body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), body roundness index (BRI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Linear and Logistic regression were used to analyze the associations between the four obesity indicators (BMI, FMI, BRI, and WHtR) and blood lipids in children and adolescents. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate differences in the associations between different obesity indicators with dyslipidemia.
Results:
Linear regression showed that BMI, FMI, BRI, and WHtR were positively correlated with triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non HDL-C) levels (boys: β 6-9 years =0.02-0.28, β 10-17 years =0.02-0.37; girls: β 6-9 years =0.02-0.28, β 10-17 years =0.03-0.25), and negatively correlated with the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in both genders across age subgroups (boys: β BMI = -0.03, β FMI = -0.04 , β BRI =-0.09, β WHtR =-0.17; girls: β BMI =-0.03, β FMI =-0.04, β BRI =-0.11, β WHtR =-0.20) (all P <0.01). The associations between total cholesterol (TC) and remnant cholesterol (RC) levels with obesity indicators differed significantly by gender and age. The TC level was positively associated with obesity indicators in boys of all ages ( β BMI =0.01, β FMI =0.03, β BRI = 0.08 , and β WHtR =0.16) but only with FMI, BRI, and WHtR in girls 6-9 years of age ( β FMI =0.02, β BRI =0.05, and β WHtR =0.08) (all P <0.05). The RC level had a negative correlation with BRI in boys 10-17 years of age ( β =-0.01) and a positive correlation with BMI in girls 6- 9 years of age ( β =0.00) (all P <0.05). Logistic regression indicated that elevated obesity indicators were significantly associated with higher risks of elevated TG, LDL-C, and non HDL-C levels and a decreased HDL-C level in all gender age stratas (all P <0.01). Only the BMI and FMI in girls 6-9 years of age were significantly related to a high RC ( OR =1.07, 1.07, both P <0.05). ROC analysis revealed that FMI, BRI, and WHtR were more predictive than BMI of elevated TG, LDL-C, and non HDL-C levels. The BMI was superior in predicting a decreased HDL-C level in boys, while no significant difference was detected among indicators in girls. Indeed, all obesity indicators had poor predictive performance for elevated TC, RC, and LDL-C levels in girls (all AUC<0.7).
Conclusions
Obesity indicators reflecting body fat content and fat distribution are shown to be closely associated with dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with obvious age and gender differences. The FMI, BRI, and WHtR have potential advantages in the early identification of dyslipidemia among children and adolescents compared to the BMI alone.
5.Ultrastructural pathological observation of vaginal inflammatory mucosal injury induced by Candida albicans infection and the restorative effect of Lactobacillus crispatus
Ting LI ; Zhan ZHANG ; Huihui BAI ; Linyuan FAN ; Xiaonan ZONG ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(11):890-896
Objective:To establish a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to directly observe the histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of vaginal mucosal barrier after Candida albicans infection and treatment with Lactobacillus crispatus.Methods:Female unmated SD rats were used to establish the VVC model and divided into three groups (normal group, VVC group, and Lactobacillus group; n=6 per group). Lactobacillus group received intravaginal administration of Lactobacillus crispatus suspension, while rats in VVC group and normal group were infused with phosphate buffered solution instead. Vaginal tissues were collected on day 4 post-treatment for HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (to observe ultrastructural pathological changes). Results:The results of HE staining revealed the disruption and desquamation of vaginal epithelium, necrotic epithelial tissues, neutrophil infiltration in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal structure (mucosal layers and thickness) to normal levels, mucosal layers of Lactobacillus group and normal group were 9.50±1.38 vs 10.67±1.03 ( P=0.226), mucosal thickness of Lactobacillus group and normal group were (116.50±12.14) vs (130.33±13.91) μm ( P=0.211). The results of transmission electron microscopy revealed intercellular desmosome rupture, loss of microvilli and glycocalyx on superficial cells, and mitochondrial swelling in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal ultrastructures (mitochondria and intercellular connections, etc.) to normal levels. Conclusions:Fungal infection severely disrupte the vaginal mucosal barrier in rats. Lactobacillus crispatus could restore the vaginal mucosal barrier and epithelial ultrastructures.
6.Trauma surgical care in modern naval warfare
Zong SHEN ; Chenru WEI ; Yulu BAO ; Wei LI ; Ping LING ; Guosheng WU ; Yu SUN
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(4):536-539
As a sub-discipline of field surgery,trauma surgery of naval warfare focuses on the treatment of marine casualties,which is the extension and application of field surgical theories and techniques in the context of naval warfare.Informatization and 3-dimension have been the basic features of modern naval warfare.With the extensive use of high-tech weapons,maritime combat styles and security needs have undergone profound changes.The complexity and diversity of marine trauma injuries have created new opportunities and challenges for the development of trauma surgery.This paper analyzes the marine trauma under the conditions of modern warfare,the characteristics of marine trauma surgical care,and the medical evacuation system of casualty care in naval battle,aiming to promote the research of naval medical support and the development of field surgery.
7.Value of inflammatory burden index in evaluating clinical prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention
Yimeng LI ; Dongxia XU ; Rikang YUAN ; Jiangping YE ; Yucheng ZHOU ; Gangjun ZONG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(10):1278-1289
Objective To investigate the correlation between the inflammatory burden index(IBI)and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and to assess the efficacy of IBI in predicting in-hospital and long-term MACEs.Methods This retrospective study included 465 STEMI patients who received PCI treatment in No.904 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA from Dec.2017 to Dec.2021.The IBI was calculated for each patient.The predictive value for in-hospital and long-term MACEs was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and the area under curve(AUC)was calculated.The population was grouped based on the optimal IBI cut-off value for clinical characteristic analysis.Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with MACEs.The Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank test were used to assess the MACE risk of different IBI groups.Results The AUC value for predicting MACEs during hospitalization in STEMI patients using IBI was 0.687,and the AUC value for predicting long-term MACEs was 0.634.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a high IBI 102.33 mg/L)independently increased the risk of MACEs during hospitalization in STEMI patients(odds ratio=10.900,95%confidence interval[95%CI]4.273-29.180,P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis further indicated that during long-term follow-up of STEMI patients,a high IBI(≥55.88 mg/L)independently predicted MACEs(hazard ratio=1.989,95%CI 1.128-3.506,P=0.018).Conclusion IBI is a valuable predictor for the occurrence of MACEs during hospitalization and long-term follow-up after PCI in STEMI patients.
8.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
9.The Impact of Serum Vitamin B12 on The Prognosis of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients
Chuan HE ; Xiao-Hui ZHANG ; Ping CHEN ; Wen-Zhuo ZHUANG ; Bing-Zong LI
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):807-814
A subset of patients with multiple myeloma(MM)present with reduced serum vitamin B12 levels at initial diagnosis;however,its clinical significance and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis and immune regulation.This study aims to elucidate its association with extramedullary diseases,immune function,and prognosis in MM patients.A retrospec-tive analysis was conducted of 92 newly diagnosed MM patients,who received treatment at the Second Af-filiated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2020 and December 2023.Patients were classi-fied into a low vitamin B12 group(n=37)and a normal vitamin B12 group(n=55)based on their ser-um vitamin B12 levels.The findings revealed that the incidence of extramedullary infiltration was signifi-cantly higher in the low vitamin B12 group than in the normal group(26.5%vs.17.0%,P=0.031).Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with low vitamin B12 levels had significantly shorter overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)(OS:P=0.0123;PFS:P=0.0136).Additionally,these patients showed a decreasing trend in peripheral blood total T cell,CD4+T cell,and CD8+T cell counts,with serum vitamin B12 levels showing a significant positive correlation with the total T cell count(R=0.2717,P=0.0135)and CD4+T cell count(R=0.2175,P=0.0497).In conclusion,reduced serum vitamin B12 levels at initial diagnosis are significantly associated with poor prognosis in MM pa-tients and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker.Furthermore,vitamin B12 deficiency may con-tribute to immune dysfunction,particularly impaired T cell immunity,and a higher incidence of extr-amedullary diseases.
10.Observation of the clinical efficacy of buccal acupuncture in the treatment of refractory tinnitus in the elderly
Lijuan GE ; Guiyuan PENG ; Qingyuan PENG ; Jiaqi LI ; Zong CHEN ; Guangping LI ; Jin WENG ; Songjian LI
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(6):549-552
Objective To study the clinical efficacy of buccal acupuncture in the treatment of refractory tinnitus in the elderly.Methods In this study,50 elderly patients with refractory tinnitus were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group(n=26)received buccal acupuncture therapy on the neck,upper neck,scapula zone,shoulder,back,mastoid process,thoracic plexus,abdominal plexus and pelvic plexus on the affected side,and the control group(n=24)received sound therapy.After 8 weeks of treatment intervention,the two groups were comprehensively evaluated for the changes in the tinnitus evaluation scale(TEQ),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and blood rheological indexes,including whole blood high-cut viscosity(HSV),plasma viscosity(PSV)and fibrinogen in blood(FIB)clotting.Results After treatment,the total effective rate of the experimental group was 84.6%(22/26),higher than 54.2%(13/24)in the con-trol group.The difference in total effective rate and efficacy level between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).TEQ and SDS were significantly lower in the two groups compared to pre-treatment(P<0.05),and HSV,PSV and FIB in the experimental group were significantly lower compared to pre-treatment(P<0.05).The experimental group demonstrated better post-treatment outcomes in TEQ,SDS,HSV,and FIB compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Buccal acupuncture treatment is effective in improving the symptoms of refractory tinnitus in the elderly,relie-ving the depression complicated by tinnitus,and is helpful in changing blood flow resistance and reducing blood coagulation probably.


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