1.Mechanism of action of remifentanil in alleviating lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by modulating HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit cell pyroptosis
Lifang ZHAO ; Jiangong YANG ; Mingyong LI ; Kun SHAO ; Changli SHEN ; Jiajie LI ; Hong ZHU ; Liangchao QU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):395-401
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of remifentanil (RMZL) in alleviating lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis through modulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. MethodsRats were stochastically assigned into Control group, LIRI group, RMZL low-dose group, RMZL medium-dose group, RMZL high-dose group, and RMZL high-dose+HIF-1α activator dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) group, with 18 rats in each group. Rats in Control group only had their left pulmonary hilum free and did not undergo ischemia-reperfusion treatment. Except for the Control group, LIRI models were constructed in all other groups. Rats in LIRI group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model; rats in Control group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before freeing left pulmonary hilum; rats in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding dose of drug 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model. The wet/dry weight ratio of lungs was calculated. HE staining was used to study lung tissue pathology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect interleukin-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α, NLRP3, cysteine-aspartic protease-1 (Cleaved caspase-1), and gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) proteins in lung tissue. ResultsCompared to the Control group, the LIRI group showed disordered alveolar structure, thickened alveolar septa, and abundant inflammatory cell infiltration in rats. The lung wet/dry weight ratio, relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue, IL-1β, IL-18 levels, and HIF-1α, NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N proteins increased (P0.05). For the LIRI group, rats in the RMZL low, medium, and high-dose groups displayed attenuated alveolar septal thickening and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. The lung wet/dry weight ratio, relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue, IL-1β, IL-18 levels, and HIF-1α, NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N proteins declined, and the RMZL high-dose group showed the most prominent trend (P0.05). Compared with the RMZL high-dose group, rats in the RMZL high-dose+DMOG group exhibited thickened alveolar septa and more inflammatory cell infiltration, along with increased lung wet/dry weight ratio, relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue, levels of IL-1β and IL-18, and protein expression of HIF-1α, NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P0.05). ConclusionRMZL may inhibit pyroptosis in LIRI rats by suppressing HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway.
2.Construction and effect evaluation of the respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with bronchial asthma
Xixuan LIU ; Yulin LIU ; Sha LIU ; Fan YANG ; Xiaohong XIE ; Zijuan WANG ; Lifang LIU ; Hongyu WEI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1043-1050
Objective To construct the respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with asthma,and evaluate its effects,in order to provide a guidance for the scientific and effective implementation of respiratory rehabilitation in clinical work.Methods By convenience sampling method,the school-age children with asthma treated in the respiratory outpatient department of a tertiary specialized children's hospital in Chongqing from De-cember 2023 to February 2024 were selected.The children were randomly divided into an experimental group and the control group(25 of each group)by a random number table.Both groups were given routine asthma drug in-halation treatment and health education.Additionally,the experimental group received respiratory rehabilitation calis-thenics training and the control group received conventional aerobic exercise training.After 3-month intervention,the effects of adherence to respiratory rehabilitation training,lung functions,exercise capacity,inspiratory muscle strength and occurrence of adverse events were evaluated between 2 groups.Results 24 children of each group completed the study.After 3-month intervention,the adherence to respiratory rehabilitation training,exercise capacity and in-spiratory muscle strength were improved in the experimental group compared with those in the control group,and all differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no adverse events in both groups.Conclusion The respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with asthma constructed in this study was scientif-ic,feasible and safe,and could improve exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength for children with asthma.
3.Development status and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine
Jiaqing DAI ; Yuxuan JIANG ; Jingnan HU ; Liu YANG ; Lifang GUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):173-178
In the context of the rapid development of 5G technology, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) faces new opportunities and challenges. Focusing on how to uphold tradition while innovating in the development of AI in TCM, starting from the current development status of AI in Chinese medicine, including the integration of four diagnostic methods, syndrome differentiation and treatment, auxiliary diagnosis and treatment, research and development of Chinese herbal medicine, prevention and treatment of diseases, knowledge inheritance, and other aspects, this paper discussed the support of policies and technical advancements, as well as development opportunities such as increased demand for health. Regarding machine ethics, data ethics, regulatory review, and other aspects, it also proposed some suggestions that the training algorithm should be improved to assist medical work; data ownership should be clarified to ensure data security; and an AI ethics committee should be set up to improve the review system, aiming to maximize the advantages of smart healthcare and accelerate the modernization of TCM for the benefit of patients and the service of human health.
4.Effect and mechanism of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction on proliferation,migration and invasion activities of esophageal cancer cells
Tao YANG ; Deli WANG ; Xiao LI ; Lifang LIN ; Li TIAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(2):42-47
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction on the proliferation,migration,and invasion activities of esophageal cancer cells.Methods Human e-sophageal cancer cell line EC 109 was treated with Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction at different concentrations,and the cells were divided into high-concentration group(200 μg/mL),medium-concentration group(100 μg/mL),low-concentration group(50 μg/mL),and blank group(0 μg/mL)based on the concentration.CCK-8 assay,wound healing assay,and Transwell invasion assay were used to detect the proliferation,migration,and invasion activities of the cells in each group,respectively.Western blot and cellular immunofluorescence staining were employed to detect the protein expression levels of glycolysis-related enzymes[hexokinase 2(HK2),lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA),and phospho-fructokinase 1(PFK1)]in the cells of each group,and real-time quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the relative expression levels of mRNA encoding these enzymes.A nude mouse tumor-bearing model was established and divided into control group and Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction-fed group(20 mg/kg)to observe the effect of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction on the growth of esophageal cancer in vivo.Results The results of CCK-8 assay,wound healing as-say,and Transwell invasion assay showed that Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction could inhibit the prolifera-tion,migration,and invasion activities of EC 109 cells in a concentration-dependent manner.West-ern blot and cellular immunofluorescence analysis revealed that compared with the blank group,the protein expression levels of HK2,LDHA,and PFK1 in the low-concentration,medium-concentra-tion,and high-concentration groups were decreased(P<0.05).The qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank group,the relative expression levels of HK2 mRNA,LDHA mRNA,and PFK1 mRNA in the low-concentration,medium-concentration,and high-concentration groups were all reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.000 1).The tumor volume in the subcutaneous tissue on the back of nude mice in the Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction-fed group was smaller than that in the control group,and the protein expression level of LDHA in the tumor tissue of the Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction-fed group was lower than that in the control group,while the expression level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction can inhibit the glycolysis process of esophageal cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner,there-by inhibiting cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and tumor growth in vivo.
5.The impact of electrothermal acupuncture on the upper limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke survivors
Liying GUO ; Hong LI ; Jiang MA ; Shining YANG ; Tingting CHEN ; Xianying LIU ; Yi GONG ; Qing LI ; Lifang ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(4):307-312
Objective:To observe any impact of supplementing conventional rehabilitation training with electrothermal acupuncture on the upper limb motor functioning of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Thirty-six hemiplegic persons who had recently survived a stroke were divided at random into an electrothermal acupuncture group ( n=18) and a control group ( n=18). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training, while the electrothermal acupuncture group was additionally provided with daily 30-minute sessions of electrothermal acupuncture, 6 days per week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment everyone′s upper limb motor functioning was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-UE), and their ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was assessed using the modified Barthel index (MBI). The Hong Kong version of the functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity (FTHUE-HK) was also administered. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was employed to compute the co-contraction ratios (CRs) of the agonist to antagonist muscles during elbow flexion and extension. Results:After the treatment, both groups exhibited significant improvements in their average FMA-UE, FTHUE-HK and MBI results, but with significantly greater improvement in the electrothermal acupuncture group. The root mean square values of the wrist flexor and extensor and elbow flexor muscles during flexion showed significant improvement in both groups, with the average values in the electrothermal acupuncture group significantly better than those of the control group. The CR values during elbow extension in the electrothermal acupuncture group demonstrated significant improvement compared to before the treatment.Conclusions:Supplementing conventional rehabilitation measures with electrothermal acupuncture can better increase the strength of the elbow and wrist extensor muscles in the early days after a stroke. It promotes the recruitment of muscle fibers in the extensor muscle group, reduces abnormal coordination patterns in the elbow joint, and improves upper limb motor function, the practicality of hand function, and ability in the activities of daily living.
6.The value of combined MR amide proton transfer imaging and contrast enhancement techniques in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors
Yi CHEN ; Lifang WU ; Yilin TANG ; Lin OUYANG ; Luobing DING ; Yuehua GENG ; Yang LIN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1182-1185
Objective To analyze the characteristics of MR amide proton transfer(APT)imaging and enhancement signals in benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors and to explore the value of MR APT imaging,contrast enhancement techniques,and their combined application in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients with muscular soft tissue tumors confirmed by pathology,including 13 malignant and 21 benign.All patients underwent both MR with contrast enhancement and APT imaging examinations before surgery.APT values were obtained through post-processing on an image workstation.The enhancement signal characteristics and APT values were compared between benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the two techniques alone and in combination for differentiating between benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors.Results There were significant differences in enhancement signal characteristics on MR and APT values between benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors(P<0.05).The enhancement signal of malignant tumors was more heterogeneous,with higher enhancement degree than benign tumors;the APT value of benign tumors was(2.20±0.93)%,and the APT value of malignant tumors was(3.52±0.83)%,the ROC curve analysis determined a cutoff APT value of 2.82%for malignant tumors,with a diagnostic specificity of 90.5%and sensitivity of 76.9%.The area under the curve(AUC)for MR with contrast enhancement,APT imaging,and the combination of the two techniques were 0.694,0.857 and 0.894,respectively.No significant differences were found in the diagnostic efficacy between MR with contrast enhancement and APT imaging(Z=1.587,P=0.112 6)or between APT imaging and the combination of the two tech-niques(Z=1.217,P=0.223 4),but there was significant difference between MR with contrast enhancement and the combination of the two techniques(Z=2.428,P=0.015 2).Moreover,the combination of the two techniques showed the overall highest diag-nostic efficacy.Conclusion The combined application of MR APT imaging and contrast enhancement techniques is more beneficial for the qualitative diagnosis of muscular soft tissue tumors.
7.Safety evaluation of food and drug packaging pigments
Ruomeng YANG ; Lifang WANG ; Wei DU ; Shouqian JIA ; Rundong FENG
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(8):486-494
Objective:To analyze the safety of pigments and inks commonly used in food and drug packaging materials.Methods:The acute oral toxicity, skin irritation, and eye irritation tests in 4 different batches of pigment samples (YP-001 to YP-008) and one kind of ink (YP-009) were investigated by animal experiments. Median lethal dose (LD 50), body weight, and stimulation intensity were used as detection indicators. The test sample with LD 50>5 000 mg/kg was judged as practically non-toxicity, the test sample with skin irritation intensity of 0-<0.50 points and eye irritation intensity of 0-3 points were judged as no irritation. Bacterial reverse mutation test, in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test, and mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test were carried out on oil paint (YP-007). The number of revertant colonies, chromosome aberration rate, and erythrocyte micronucleus rate were used as the detection indexes. If the number of revertant colonies in each dose group in the test sample was less than 2 times of that in the blank control group, the chromosome aberration rate and erythrocyte micronucleus rate were not statistically significant compared with the negative control group, the test sample was judged to be negative. Results:The acute oral toxicity test showed that the weight of mice in different test groups was not reduced, and the LD 50 was more than 5 000 mg/kg, so the samples were judged to be practically non-toxic, no irritation to skin and eyes of rabbits. The bacterial reverse mutation test showed that the results in 5 different dose groups and 5 repeated dose groups of oil paint test samples were all negative. The in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test showed that the results in 3 dose groups of oil paint test samples (5.0, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/ml) were all negative. The mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test showed that the results in 3 dose groups of oil paint test samples (10.0, 5.0 and 2.5 mg/kg) were all negative. Conclusions:The test samples of 4 different batches of pigments and one kind of ink are practically non-toxic and free of skin and eye irritation. The oil paint (YP-007) has no genotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity in vivo and in vitro.
8.Detection of Free T4 in Cerebrospinal Fluid Predicts Autism-like Behaviors in Offspring Rats Induced by Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy
Lifang LI ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Junhua YANG ; Yuxin MA ; Guoying LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(6):1029-1040
[Objective]To investigate the potential value of thyroid hormones in cerebrospinal fluid in predicting autism-like behaviors induced by hypothyroidism in pregnant rats.[Methods]Twelve pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and a hypothyroidism group(hypothyroidism model group).Offspring from both groups had serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),total triiodothyronine(TT3),total thyroxine(TT4),free triiodothyronine(FT3),and free thyroxine(FT4)levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.Ultrasonic vocalization tests were conducted on postnatal day 2(P2),day 7(P7),and day 14(P14),while behavioral tests using the three-box social interaction test were performed on day 21(P21).[Results]Compared with the control group,free T4(FT4)levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of the hypothyroidism group were significantly reduced during the developmental period(P0-P21;P2:P<0.05;P7:P<0.05;P14:P<0.01;P21:P<0.01),with no statistical difference between the two groups only at P0(P>0.05).In the ultrasonic vocalization(USV)tests,the number and duration of USVs in offsprings from the hypothyroidism group were significantly reduced compared with those of the control group on P2,P7 and P14:for USV counts(P2:P<0.05;P7:P<0.001;P14:P<0.01);for USV duration(P2:P<0.05;P7:P<0.001;P14:P<0.001).In the three-box social tests,offsprings of the hypothyroidism group showed significantly reduced sniffing time with unfamiliar rats at P21 compared to the control group(all P<0.001).The FT4 levels in cerebrospinal fluid had a significantly positive correlation with USV counts(P7:r=0.883,P<0.05;P14:r=0.902,P<0.05)and sniffing time with unfamiliar rats(r=0.814,P<0.01).[Conclusion]Measuring free T4 in cerebrospinal fluid can predict autism-like behaviors in offsprings of rats induced by hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
9.Clinical analysis of CT angiography responsible vessel detection in children with hemoptysis by location setting of different regions of interest
Lifang SUN ; Ling WU ; Pange WANG ; Yidi ZHAO ; Kaihua YANG ; Junyan YUE
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(6):1021-1025
Objective To explore the ability of different regions of interest(ROI)location settings for the detection of bronchial artery and pulmonary vascular lesions in children with hemoptysis via computed tomography angiography(CTA)examination.Methods The hemoptysis group(79 cases)who underwent chest CTA examination and the control group(79 cases)with negative CTA results were retrospectively selected.The ROI of the hemoptysis group were placed in the pulmonary trunk,left ventricle,ascending aorta and descending aorta,which were defined as groups 1,2,3 and 4 respectively.Clinical data(age,sex)and CT parameters,including bronchial artery diameter,ascending aorta CT value,pulmonary artery CT value,△CTA-PA,bronchial artery image score,pulmonary artery image score,were recorded and analyzed,respectively.Results There was a statistically significant difference in the diameter of the left and right bronchial arteries between the hemoptysis group and the control group(P<0.05).In the hemoptysis group,there were statistically significant differences in the image scores of the left and right bronchial arteries,pulmonary artery image scores,and△CTA-PA among the four subgroups(P<0.05).According to post-hoc comparison results,there was a statistically significant difference in the overall mean scores of the right bronchial artery image score(x2=11.333,P<0.05)and left bronchial artery image score(x2=8.111,P<0.05)between groups 2 and 3.Conclusion When ROI is placed in the ascending aorta,bronchial artery lesions and pulmonary vascular lesions can be detected simultaneously in CTA examination,which is helpful for the diagnosis of hemoptysis vascular etiology in children.
10.Epidemiological trends analysis of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023
TAN Min, CHANG Litao, ZHANG Wanyue, HUANG Dafeng, LIU Chunyan, ZHANG Lifang, YANG Yanling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):737-740
Objective:
To analyze epidemiological trends and changing characteristics of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023, so as to provide evidence for the comprehensive prevention and control of syphilis in schools.
Methods:
The case data of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The Joinpoint regression model was used to conduct a time trend analysis of the reported incidence rate of syphilis.
Results:
From 2005 to 2023, a cumulative total of 3 191 cases of syphilis were reported in schools in Yunnan Province(1 248 male cases and 1 943 female cases). The reported incidence rate rose continuously from 0.17/100 000 in 2005 to 8.26/100 000 in 2023, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 24.89%( Z =13.18, P <0.01). The reported incidence rate was higher in female students than in male students ( χ 2=229.48, P <0.05). The incidence rates in the primary school, junior high school, senior high school and higher education were 0.21/100 000, 2.42/100 000, 4.45/100 000 and 6.29/100 000 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=3 432.84, P <0.05). The average annual growth rate was the highest in the junior high school stage(AAPC= 30.68% , Z =7.57, P <0.05),followed by the senior high school stage (AAPC=24.28%, Z = 5.70 , P <0.05).The reported incidence rate of primary and secondary syphilis increased from 0.12/100 000 in 2005 to 2.06/ 100 000 in 2023, with an AAPC of 16.86% ( Z = 4.57, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall reported incidence rate of syphilis among students in schools in Yunnan Province shows a sustained upward trend, with the most rapid annual increase observed in junior high schools. Schools should prioritize syphilis education and expand awareness campaigns to curb transmission.


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