1.Development status and prospects of aerosol removal using flame-retardant atomized fixatives for nuclear facility decommissioning
Shuli ZHOU ; Zhiping LUO ; Chuangao WANG ; Chunsheng CUI ; Ran CHEN ; Huan WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):136-140
Aerosol removal using flame-retardant atomized fixatives, as a major means of aerosol control, has achieved remarkable results in the field of nuclear facility decommissioning and decontamination. Traditional atomized fixatives for aerosol removal have deficiencies in high-temperature resistance and flame retardancy, rendering them inadequate for operational scenarios involving high temperatures and flammability encountered during nuclear decommissioning. This paper investigates the current development of flame-retardant atomized fixatives for aerosol removal both domestically and internationally and presents a preliminary exploration of this technology. The experiments showed that atomized fixatives modified with flame-retardant properties not only maintained excellent aerosol capture efficiency, but also exhibited significantly improved flame-retardant performance. This confirmed the technical feasibility of the proposed approach. Finally, suggestions and reflections are proposed for the development of this technology and its application in nuclear facility decommissioning.
2.Effects of Autonomic Neuromodulators on Atrial Electrical Remodeling and Histopathological Changes in a Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation
Jiafei LI ; Zhenhao ZHANG ; Shuo WANG ; Ge TIAN ; Shuang WEN ; Yuxue YAN ; Ran CUI ; Zhen YE ; Yongchun CUI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):321-331
ObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of autonomic neuromodulators [calcium chloride (CaCl₂)-acetylcholine (ACh)] on atrial electrical remodeling and histopathological changes in rats, thereby providing evidence for further investigation into the pathological mechanisms by which autonomic imbalance induces atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsTen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 5 rats in each group. The experimental group received daily tail vein injections of a CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Surface electrocardiograms were recorded before and after daily administration. On day 28 of administration, under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, echocardiography was performed, and then the rats were euthanized by exsanguination under isoflurane anesthesia for tissue collection. Body weight and heart weight of rats were measured, and electrophysiological parameters including AF inducibility, conduction velocity, and conduction dispersion in isolated rat hearts were monitored using the MappingLab multichannel electrophysiological mapping system. HE staining was performed to evaluate atrial tissue architecture and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed by Western blotting. Masson staining was used to quantitatively analyze the proportional distribution of collagen fibers and myocardial fibers, and to calculate the area of collagen deposition, thereby evaluating the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes of cardiomyocytes. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect atrial cell apoptosis. ResultsCompared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious arrhythmias on electrocardiograms. Echocardiography after 28 days of administration revealed significant structural remodeling in the experimental group, with a marked increase in left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.05), and also showed cardiac dysfunction, with significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.05), a markedly higher AF inducibility (P < 0.001), a significantly slowed atrial conduction velocity (P < 0.05), an uneven isochronal map with irregular directions, and a significantly increased conduction dispersion (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that atrial myocytes in the experimental group were disorganized, with slight inflammatory cell infiltration. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β in the atrial tissue of the experimental group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Masson staining showed a significant increase in collagen deposition and a significant increase in fibrosis area in the atrial tissue of the experimental group (P < 0.001). WGA staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the experimental group were significantly hypertrophied compared with the control group (P < 0.05). DHE staining and TUNEL staining revealed that the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes (P < 0.001) and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01) were both significantly increased. Conclusion Daily tail vein injections of the autonomic neuromodulator CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days can successfully induce AF in rats, accompanied by significant atrial structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, and oxidative stress.
3.Epidemiological characteristics and prevention strategies of gouty arthritis in Northwest China in 2023-2025
Ling FU ; Ning CUI ; Peijie XIA ; Nan ZHAO ; Aiqing PAN ; Xiaomin RAN ; Fei CHEN ; Kaiyue CAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):56-60
Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics of gouty arthritis in Northwest China from 2023 to 2025, and to formulate preventive intervention measures. Methods By retrospectively analyzing the case data of medical institutions in Northwest China from January 2023 to June 2025 (a total of 8 139 cases), the incidence trend and population distribution characteristics of gouty arthritis in this area were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors. Results From 2023 to 2025, the prevalence rate of gouty arthritis in adult residents in Northwest China was 3.74% (304/8 139). Among the sites affected by gouty arthritis, the metatarsophalangeal joint accounted for the highest proportion (P<0.05). From the perspective of age distribution, the prevalence rate was the highest in 40-59 years old group (5.90%), followed by 66-80 years old group (4.21%) and >80 years old group (2.75%). The incidence rate in 40-65 years old group was higher than that in the other age groups (P<0.05). High blood uric acid and creatinine, alcohol drinking, obesity, high purine diet, concurrent chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome were risk factors affecting gouty arthritis in Northwest China (P<0.05). Conclusion High blood uric acid level, high creatinine level, alcohol drinking, obesity, high purine diet, concurrent chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome are risk factors influencing gouty arthritis in Northwest China. Based on the above factors, this study proposes comprehensive prevention strategies from the individual, community and public health levels to provide a scientific basis for reducing the incidence rate of gouty arthritis.
4.Astragali Radix and Its Formulas in Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: A Review
Ran CUI ; Linping ZHU ; Jingshun YAN ; Pingting ZHANG ; Chuxuan XIE ; Yansong LIU ; Mei ZHAO ; Yuhong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):248-259
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common chronic complication of diabetes, categorized as consumptive thirst in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and it subsequently gives rise to chest impediment. DCM is characterized by a complex pathogenesis and exhibits long-term progression with poor prognosis in clinical practice. Astragali Radix, as a medicinal material with edible value, possesses diverse active components including saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. It has the effects of tonifying Qi, elevating Yang, promoting fluid production, nourishing blood, expressing toxin, and expelling pus. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Astragali Radix and its active components exert therapeutic effects in various aspects such as inhibition of inflammation, alleviation of stress injury, regulation of programmed cell death, modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibition of myocardial fibrosis, and regulation of gut microbiota and metabolites, treating DCM in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway manner. The compatibility of Astragali Radix exerts both synergistic and antagonistic effects. The compound preparations and extracts of Astragali Radix are widely used in clinical practice, and the development of novel nano and gel materials and extracellular vesicles helps to improve the oral bioavailability, providing more possibilities for the clinical application of Astragali Radix in DCM, though its potential for clinical translation requires ongoing exploration. This review summarizes the TCM theoretical basis of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM, and integrates modern pharmacological research results to delve into the effects and mechanisms of the herb combinations, compound preparations, extracts, and new composite materials of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM, aiming to provide a reference for in-depth research and new drug development of Astragali Radix for DCM.
5.Mechanism of Intervening with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats with Spleen Deficiency by Xingpi Capsules Through Regulating 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway
Gang WANG ; Lingwen CUI ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Ran WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules (XPC) in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling, SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group, a pinaverium bromide group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose XPC groups (0.135 and 0.54 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day, and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier, intestinal motility, and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate, diarrhea grade, and Bristol score (P<0.01). HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group, with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier, shedding and disappearance of microvilli, and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated (P<0.01). The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) were upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea, diarrhea-associated symptoms, and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically, high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea, promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure, significantly reduced congestion and edema, upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 (P<0.01), decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01), significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC20 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.
6.Therapeutic effect of oral Xuefu Zhuyu Pill combined with intravitreal injection of Aflibercept in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion
Ran SHEN ; Hongying JI ; Hongyu CUI ; Lequan YANG ; Lixia GUO
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1532-1536
AIM: To explore the therapeutic effect of oral Xuefu Zhuyu Pill combined with intravitreal injection of aflibercept in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion(RVO).METHODS: A total of 80 patients(80 eyes)with RVO admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to March 2024 were prospectively selected. According to the treatment method, they were divided into a control group of 40 patients treated with intravitreal injection of aflibercept, and an observation group of 40 patients treated with oral Xuefu Zhuyu Pill combined with intravitreal injection of aflibercept. The efficacy, TCM syndrome score, retinal microcirculation parameters, macular edema(ME), and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups of patients in the treatment of RVO.RESULTS: All patients have completed follow-up. The clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 95%, obviously higher than that of the control group(80%; χ2=4.114, P=0.043). After treatment for 3 mo, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, foveal avascular area(FAZ)area, FAZ circumference, macular central retinal thickness, and neovascularization leakage area of both groups decreased, the overall blood flow density of the superficial capillary plexus(SCP)and deep capillary plexuses(DCP)increased, and the observation group showed better results than the control group(all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of adverse reactions between the two groups during the treatment period(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Oral administration of Xuefu Zhuyu Pill combined with intravitreal injection of aflibercept in the treatment of RVO can improve retinal microcirculation, enhance vision, restore ocular blood circulation, improve bleeding, promote ME absorption, and improve clinical efficacy.
7.Association between unhealthy lifestyle and risk of heart disease and diabetes in the elderly in Xi'an
Ning CUI ; Jun LIU ; Rui WANG ; Nini MA ; Man ZHANG ; Aiping SUN ; Xiaomin RAN ; Aiqing PAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):163-167
Objective To investigate the association between lifestyle and risk of heart disease and diabetes in the elderly population in Xi'an City. Methods From January 2021 to January 2024, a staged cluster sampling method was used to investigate the lifestyle and the occurrence of heart disease and diabetes in elderly population aged 60 years and above in the communities of Xi'an. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between lifestyle and the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Results A total of 413 elderly people were investigated, of which 31.96% had heart disease, 27.12% had diabetes, and 10.90% had diabetes with heart disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, BMI, family history, sweet food preference, smoking, and sitting and lying for a long time were risk factors for diabetes in the elderly population (P<0.05). Age, BMI, family history, history of diabetes, preference for salted products, smoking, drinking, and sitting and lying for a long time were risk factors for heart disease in the elderly population (P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rates of heart disease and diabetes are high in the elderly population in Xi'an City. The risk of diabetes is related to unhealthy lifestyles such as sweet food preference, smoking, and sitting and lying for a long time, while heart disease is related to unhealthy lifestyles such as preference for salted products, smoking, drinking, and sitting and lying for a long time.
8.Effect of pressure moxibustion at Baihui and Guanyuan acupoints combined with butylphthalide on cognitive function in stroke patients in recovery phase
Xuan HUANG ; Hongtao CUI ; Runrun YAN ; Ran ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(16):51-55
Objective To explore the application effect of pressure moxibustion at Baihui and Guanyuan acupoints combined with butylphthalide in treating stroke patients in recovery phase.Methods A total of 108 stroke patients in recovery phase were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 54 cases in each group.The control group was treated with bu-tylphthalide on the basis of conventional treatment,while the observation group was treated with pres-sure moxibustion at Baihui and Guanyuan acupoints combined with butylphthalide for 8 consecutive weeks.After the end of the treatment course,the efficacy was evaluated in both groups,and the func-tional status[the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),the Montreal Cognitive Assess-ment(MoCA),the Barthel Index(BI)],event-related potential P300,the levels of hemodynamic indicators[resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI),mean velocity(Vm)],cognitive function markers[lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),humanβ-amyloid 1-42(Aβ-42)]and safety were compared between the two groups before and after treat-ment.Results The total effective rate in the observation group was 96.30%,which was significantly higher than 85.19%in the control group(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,the MoCA and BI scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the NIHSS score was significantly lower(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,the latency in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,while the amplitude and the differences in latency and amplitude before and after treatment were significantly higher(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,Vm in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the con-trol group,while PI and RI were significantly lower(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,the levels of Lp-PLA2,ALP and Aβ-42 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No serious adverse reactions occurred in patients in each group.Conclusion Pressure moxibustion at Baihui and Guanyuan acupoints combined with butylphthalide can improve cerebral blood flow and promote the recovery of cognitive and neurological functions in stroke patients in recovery phase.The mechanism may be related to the downregulation of Lp-PLA2,ALP and Aβ-42 expression.
9.Analysis of influencing factors and construction of predictive models of immune-related skin adverse events in urologic neoplasms
Ran SUN ; Kai DANG ; Yongan ZHOU ; Yang YANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jinhua LIU ; Jing XIAO ; Teng CUI
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(10):665-671
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of skin adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with urologic neoplasms, and establish a predictive model.Methods:A single-center retrospective case-control study enrolled 91 advanced urologic neoplasms patients who received ICI therapy at the Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to June 2025. Patients were divided into the skin lesion group ( n=44) and the control group ( n=47). Patients in the skin lesion group experienced related skin adverse events during ICI treatment, while patients in the control group did not experience such events during ICI treatment. The general data and laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups. The normally distributed measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups; the non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as the median (interquartile range) [ M ( Q1, Q3)], and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between groups. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentages, and the Chi-test was used for comparison between groups. First, a univariate analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of skin adverse events in patients with urologic neoplasms after ICI treatment. Then, the indicators with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis were further included in the multivariate Logistic regression model to screen the independent risk factors for predicting skin adverse events. The R software was used to incorporate the factors with significant differences from multivariate analysis into the prediction model and construct a Nomogram. The calibration curve was utilized to evaluate the consistency between predicted values and actual observed results. Meanwhile, the discrimination of the model was verified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), so as to comprehensively verify the reliability and clinical application value of the prediction model. Results:The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the skin lesion group and the control group in terms of the proportion of other immune responses, serum albumin level, absolute eosinophil count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ( P<0.05). These factors were included in multivariate Logistic regression, which identified elevated absolute eosinophil count and elevated CRP as the independent risk factors for related skin adverse events in patients with urologic neoplasms after ICI treatment. A predictive nomogram was built based on these factors. The calibration curve showed high consistency between predicted and actual probabilities, and ROC analysis confirmed the combined model had high predictive value (AUC=0.883, P<0.001). Conclusions:Elevated absolute eosinophil count and elevated CRP level are independent predictors of immune-related skin adverse events in urologic neoplasms patients after ICI treatment. The prediction model constructed based on these two factors facilitates early clinical screening and identification of high-risk patients.
10.Iron and siRNA co-encapsulated ferritin nanocages induce ferroptosis synergistically for cancer therapy.
Danni LIU ; Yaoqi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Dong MEI ; Xiaoling WANG ; Yan SU ; Jie ZHANG ; Ran HUO ; Yang TIAN ; Siyu LIU ; Shuang ZHANG ; Chunying CUI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):526-541
Ferroptosis has received great attention as an iron-dependent programmed cell death for efficient cancer therapy. However, with the accumulation of iron in tumor cells, the antioxidant system is activated by reducing glutathione (GSH) with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which critically limits the ferroptosis therapeutic effect. Herein, an iron and GPX4 silencing siRNA (siGPX4) co-encapsulated ferritin nanocage (HFn@Fe/siGPX4) was developed to enhance ferroptosis by disruption of redox homeostasis and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme synergistically. The siGPX4 were loaded into the nanocages by pre-incubated with iron, which could significantly improve the loading efficiency of the gene drugs when compared with the reported gene drug loading strategy by ferritin nanocages. And more iron was overloaded into the ferritin through the diffusion method. When HFn@Fe/siGPX4 was taken up by human breast cancer cell MCF-7 in a TfR1-mediated pathway, the excess iron ions in the drug delivery system could for one thing induce ferroptosis by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), for another promote siGPX4 escaping from the lysosome to exert gene silencing effect more effectively. Both the in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that HFn@Fe/siGPX4 could significantly inhibit tumor growth by synergistical ferroptosis. Thus, the developed HFn@Fe/siGPX4 afforded a combined ferroptosis strategy for ferroptosis-based antitumor as well as a novel and efficient gene drug delivery system.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail