1.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
2.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
3.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
4.Effect of Electroacupuncture on Metabolism-Inflammation Network in Patients with Simple Obesity:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Qi SHU ; Qiumei PENG ; Zhihao XU ; Shanshan FANG ; Wenjing SHAO ; Hongliang CHENG ; Rilong HUANG ; Qing YU ; Ronglin CAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1415-1421
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treatment of simple obesity patients and its effects on the metabolism-inflammation network. MethodsSeventy-two patients with simple obesity were randomly divided into a electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group, with 36 patients in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), bilateral Daheng (SP15), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40). The sham electroacupuncture group used placebo needle at same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group. Both groups were given sparse-dense waves with a frequency of 2/10 Hz, 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks of treatment. The changes of human body parameters including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage (BFP), metabolic factors including serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), leptin, and ghrelin, and inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in leptin, ghrelin and inflammatory factors were further analyzed. ResultsWaist circumference was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups compared with baseline (P<0.05), and the post-treatment waist circumference was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the sham electroacupuncture group (P<0.05); body weight, BMI and BFP decreased significantly after treatment compared to pretreatment levels in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). Serum leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α declined significantly after treatment in both groups versus baseline (P<0.05); the electroacupuncture group had lower post-treatment levels of leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as larger pre-post changes than the sham group (P<0.05); ghrelin increased markedly after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), with higher post-treatment ghrelin and greater pre-post variation observed in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). In the electroacupuncture group, changes in ghrelin were negatively correlated with IL-6 and positively correlated with TNF-α (P<0.01); in the sham electroacupuncture group, ghrelin changes were negatively correlated with both IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas leptin changes were positively correlated with the two inflammatory markers (P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture can effectively improve clinical manifestations, as well as regulate serum metabolic and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with simple obesity, and discrepant correlation patterns of metabolism-inflammation are observed between the two groups.
5.Value of preoperative ultrasound combined with NLR,Ctn and CEA levels in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Shanshan YAN ; Huiyu ZHANG ; Jun GU ; Kan ZHANG ; Yu ZHAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2859-2864
Objective To investigate the predictive value of preoperative ultrasound in combination with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),calcitonin(Ctn),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)for cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.Methods A total of 103 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC)who were admitted to the hospital between October 2021 and October 2024 were selected as the case group.Among them,34 patients with cervical lymph node metastasis confirmed by surgical and pathological examination were assigned to the metastatic group,and 69 patients without cervical lymph node metas-tasis were assigned to the non-metastatic group.Additionally,103 patients with benign thyroid nodules admitted during the same period were enrolled as the control group.Clinical data,ultrasonographic features,and serum levels of NLR,Ctn,and CEA were compared between the metastatic and non-metastatic groups.The predictive value of ultrasonographic features and the combined detection of NLR,Ctn,and CEA levels for cervical lymph node metastasis in PTC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results Compared to the control group,the case group exhibited a higher proportion of patients with microcalcification and grade 3 blood flow,as well as elevated levels of NLR,Ctn,and CEA(P<0.05).Similarly,compared to the non-metastatic group,the metastatic group showed a higher proportion of patients with microcalcification and grade 3 blood flow,along with increased levels of NLR,Ctn,and CEA(P<0.05).The metastatic group tested positive,whereas the non-metastatic group tested negative.The area under the curve(AUC)for ultrasound features(micro-calcification,blood flow classification)combined with NLR,Ctn,and CEA levels in diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma was higher than that of individual indicators(P<0.05).Conclusions Preoperative ultrasound combined with the assessment of NLR,Ctn,and CEA levels demonstrates significant predictive value for cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
6.Chain-mediating effect of anxiety and negative coping style on perceived social support and post-traumatic stress disorder in primary caregivers of children with acute leukemia
Shanshan JIANG ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Pin YAO ; Xinying YU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(10):883-888
Objective To explore the chain-mediating effect of anxiety and maladaptive coping strategies on perceived social support and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)in primary caregivers of children with acute leukemia.Methods Two hundred primary care-givers of children with acute leukemia treated in the Pediatric Hematology Department of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University between September 2022 and April 2023 were selected.A general information questionnaire,Perceived Social Support Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Trait Coping Style Questionnaire,and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version were used for the survey.Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationships between anxiety,maladaptive coping,perceived social sup-port,and PTSD.The chain-mediating effect was determined by structural equation modeling using Analysis of Moment Structures software and the Bootstrap method.Results PTSD was negatively correlated with perceived social support(r=-0.179,P<0.05)and positively correlated with anxiety and maladaptive coping(r=0.762,P<0.01;r=0.423,P<0.01).Anxiety and maladaptive coping had chain-me-diating roles in the relationship between perceived social support and PTSD.Conclusion Perceived social support can indirectly affect the PTSD level of a caregiver through the chain-mediating effect of anxiety and maladaptive coping strategies.In clinical practice,enhancing caregivers perception of social support can alleviate anxiety,promote positive coping strategies,reduce negative coping strate-gies,and effectively reduce the risk of developing PTSD.
7.Construction and application of an airway management emergency response training program for anesthesia nurses based on a virtual simulation platform
Lingling XU ; Shanshan ZHUANG ; Ruocui ZHANG ; Zhuanyun ZHANG ; Yu′e SUN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(12):881-887
Objective:To develop a training program for emergency airway management capabilities of anesthesia nurses based on a virtual simulation platform and to validate its effectiveness, providing a reference for airway training of anesthesia nurses.Methods:A quasi-experimental study was conducted. A total of 60 anesthesia nurses in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from August 2022 to August 2023 were selected as the research objects by convenience sampling method. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the control group and the experimental group, with 30 nurses in each group. The two groups had the same theoretical training. As for the operational training, the control group was taught by case combined with ordinary simulator, and the experimental group was taught by case combined with virtual simulation platform. The theoretical scores, skill operation scores, and satisfaction degree with airway management emergency response training were compared between the two groups of anesthesia nurses.Results:There were 4 males and 26 females in the control group, aged (24.37 ± 1.45) years. There were 6 males and 24 females in the experimental group, aged (24.20 ± 1.22) years.The theoretical scores and skill operation scores of the experimental group were 89.20 ± 3.99 and 90.10 ± 4.45, respectively, both higher than those of the control group, which were 84.83 ± 4.64 and 85.30 ± 5.64, showing statistically significant differences ( t=-3.91, -3.66, both P<0.05). In the self-evaluation of satisfaction degree with airway management emergency response training, the experimental group scored (16.67±1.79) for theoretical knowledge mastery, 18.37 ± 1.73 for skill operation mastery, 19.07 ± 1.17 for enthusiasm in airway training, 18.43 ± 1.48 for initiative in self-learning, and 18.00 ± 1.51 for the engagement of course design, all higher than 13.67 ± 2.17, 14.37 ± 2.34, 13.37 ± 2.63, 12.30 ± 3.51, and 12.77 ±2.71 in the control group, respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( t values were -10.83 to -5.84, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The airway management emergency training curriculum for nurse anesthetists developed based on a virtual simulation platform improved their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in airway emergency management. Additionally, satisfaction across various aspects of the training was markedly enhanced, providing a valuable reference for airway management training of nurse anesthetists and demonstrating considerable potential for clinical implementation.
8.Efficacy and influencing factors of iodine-125 seed implantation on the treatment of recurrent radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Shule REN ; Zhen GAO ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Huimin YU ; Zezhou LIU ; Shanshan SHEN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):541-546
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and influencing factors of iodine-125 seed implantation in the treatment of recurrent radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RAIR-DTC) .Methods:Retrospective analysis of 18 patients with recurrent RAIR-DTC treated with iodine-125 particle implantation at Ward One, Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital from Sept. 2015 to Mar. 2022 was performed. A total of 35 lesions were involved, all permanently implanted with iodine-125 particles under image guidance, with particle activity ranging from 0.3mCi to 0.8mCi, and prescription doses ranging from 80 to 140 Gy. The study observed the objective response rate, local control rate, survival rate, adverse reactions, and factors influencing treatment efficacy.Results:After a follow-up period of 8 to 115 months,according to the objective efficacy evaluation criteria of solid tumors 1.1,the objective response rates were 51.4% (18/35) ,80.0% (28/35) ,68.6% (24/35) ,60.0% (21/35) ,42.9% (15/35) at 3,6,12,24,36 months postoperatively,respectively.The local control rates were 100% (35/35) ,100% (35/35) ,80.0% (28/35) ,62.9% (22/35) ,51.4% (18/35) at 3,6,12,24,36 months postoperatively,respectively.The 1-,2-, and 3-year postoperative survival rates were 83.3% (15/18) ,72.2% (13/18) ,61.1% (11/18) ,respectively.During the follow-up period,4 patients developed progressive lesions in the target area.One grade I radioactive skin injury,one grade Ⅱ radioactive skin injury,and no residual particle-related adverse reactions.The results of multivariate analysis showed that D90,tumor involvement of the esophagus were the factors influencing the recent efficacy.The area under the ROC curve for D90 was 0.804 with the best bound of 106.5Gy.Conclusion:Iodine-125 particle implantation is safe and effective for recurrent RAIR-DTC.D90,tumor involvement of the esophagus are the influencing factors of the recent efficacy,and the D90≥106.5Gy treatment effect is better.
9.Progress of research on epidemiology and drug resistance mechanism of Elizabethkingia anopheles infection
Jie SUN ; Yulong ZONG ; Yongpeng SHANG ; Shanshan WANG ; Fangyou YU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(20):3188-3193
In recent years the detection rate of Elizabethkingia anopheles(EA)in China has shown an upward trend,making it one of the important pathogens causing hospital and community infections.EA accounts for 59.3%to 96.2%of the Elizabethkingia species,and can cause meningitis,pneumonia,bacteremia,etc.There are limited researches on its pathogenic mechanism,which mainly involves various virulence factors.EA is a mul-tidrug-resistant bacterium,with drug resistance mechanisms including biofilm formation,efflux pumps and carry-ing multiple resistance genes(such as GOB,BlaB).Currently,minocycline,piperacillin/tazobactam,trime-thoprim/sulfamethoxazole and rifampin are effective drugs for treating EA infections.Clinically,efforts are be-ing made to find the optimal antibacterial drug combination to achieve ideal therapeutic effects.This paper reviews the epidemiological characteristics,pathogenic mechanisms,drug resistance mechanisms and treatment options of EA,aiming to provide a reference for clinical prevention,control,diagnosis and treatment of EA infections.
10.Performance assessment of CyberKnife-based SBRT plans with VoLO and SO algorithm for liver cancer
Shaojuan WU ; Zhongjian JU ; Yu LI ; Hanshun GONG ; Baolin QU ; Xiaoliang LIU ; Shanshan GU ; Xiangkun DAI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):7-13
Objective:To assess performance advantages of voxel-less optimization(VoLO)algorithm of CyberKnife-based S7 treatment plan system for the optimization of stereotactic body radiation therapy(SBRT)for liver cancer.Methods:The case data of 20 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from Chinese PLA General Hospital during June 2022 and April 2023 were retrospectively selected,which included 10 patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma and 10 patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma.All patients adopted respectively sequential optimization(SO)and VoLO to conduct optimization for plan.The optimized quality of plan and execution efficiency of two kinds of algorithms were assessed,and the influences of different tumor volumes also were considered.The planed quality assessment included dosimetric parameters of the target region and organ at risk(OAR).The assessment parameters of execution efficiency included the numbers of monitor units(MUs),nodes and beams,and estimated treatment time.Paired t-test method was adopted to analyze quality of plan and treatment efficiency.Results:On the aspect of the dose of target region,for small hepatocellular carcinoma,the conformity index(CI)value(1.08±0.05)of target region of VoLO algorithm was significantly better than(1.17±0.06)of SO algorithm(t=4.631,P<0.05).The gradient index(GI),coverage rate and dose by 95%(D95%)of VoLO algorithm were better than those of SO algorithm,while the differences were not significant(P>0.05).According to the defined standards of liver surgery,for large hepatocellular carcinoma,the differences in CI,GI,coverage rate and D95%of target region between two kinds of algorithms were significant(t=3.337,4.238,-3.359,-3.311,P<0.05),respectively.On the aspect of dosimetry for OAR,for the target region of large hepatocellular carcinoma,the differences of liver Dmean and D700 cm3 between two kinds of algorithms were significant(t=4.114,3.415,P<0.05).However,for small hepatocellular carcinoma,there was no significant statistical difference in dosimetry parameters of OAR between two kinds of algorithms(P>0.05).The execution efficiency of the plan of VoLO group was obviously higher than that of SO group,and the differences of MU number,node number,beam number and estimated treatment time between two groups were significant(t=12.661,4.423,5.024,9.487,P<0.05).Conclusion:The quality of VoLO plan is significantly better than that of SO,which has a significant improvement in execution efficiency of treatment.For the cases of large hepatocellular carcinoma with more complexity,the VoLO optimization shows better advantages on the aspect of dose on target region,and protection for normal liver.

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