1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity
Xiaolei LU ; Yiji WANG ; Genlin LIU ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunxia HAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Haiqiong KANG ; Bo WEI ; Qianru MENG ; Hongjun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):393-398
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 patients with spinal cord injury accompanied by spasticity from September, 2019 to December, 2024. Their age, gender, cause of injury, injury site, severity of injury, spasticity severity and other indicators were recorded. The relationships between different characteristics were analyzed, and a correlation analysis of disease duration, spasticity grade, injury level, injury severity and age were conducted. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age distribution between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia (Z = 0.806, P = 0.420). The proportions of trauma (χ2 = 3.982, P = 0.046) and tetraplegia (χ2 = 10.559, P = 0.010) were higher in males than in females. Trauma was the main cause of injury in both tetraplegia and paraplegia patients; the proportion of tetraplegia was higher than paraplegia in trauma patients, while paraplegia was higher than tetraplegia in non-trauma patients (χ2 = 11.885, P < 0.001). Patients with tetraplegia was dominated by incomplete injury, whereas patients with paraplegia was dominated by complete injury (χ2 = 10.885, P = 0.012). Grade A injury was predominant in trauma patients (P = 0.003). Spasticity grade showed a very weak positive correlation with disease duration (r = 0.175, P = 0.032) and age (r = 0.168, P = 0.040). Injury severity showed a very weak positive correlation with age (r = 0.183, P = 0.025). ConclusionCharacteristics of patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity is different with gender, cause of injury, injury level, injury severity.
3.Disease burden and trend prediction of autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents in China and globally
GAO Yue, LI Hongjie, CHEN Meiqi, ZHOU Yang, YANG Xiaolei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):268-272
Objective:
To analyze the current burden of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children and adolescents in China and globally, and to predict the disease burden from 2024 to 2035, providing a scientific basis for formulating relevant public health policies and intervention measures.
Methods:
Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database in 2023, the Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the changing trends of the disease burden of ASD among children and adolescents in China and globally from 1990 to 2023, and the average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was constructed to predict the disease burden trends of ASD among children and adolescents in China and globally from 2024 to 2035.
Results:
The prevalence and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) rate of ASD among children and adolescents in China increased from 452.69/100 000 and 86.67/100 000 in 1990 to 762.84/100 000 and 148.52/ 100 000 in 2023(AAPC=1.60%, 1.65%, both P <0.01). The prevalence and DALYs rate of ASD among children and adolescents globally increased from 648.49/100 000 and 123.47/100 000 to 862.44/100 000 and 167.16/100 000(AAPC=0.87%, 0.93%, both P <0.01). In 2023, the highest ASD prevalence and DALY rates occurred in children under 5 years old, with China reporting 848.14/100 000 and 166.69/100 000, both below the global averages of 928.80/100 000 and 181.34/100 000. Projections indicated that by 2035, the ASD prevalence and DALY rates in China would rise to 906.83/100 000 and 168.71/100 000, still below the global averages of 938.04/100 000 and 184.49/100 000.
Conclusion
The disease burden of ASD among children and adolescents in China and globally has generally increased from 1990 to 2023, with a higher risk of disease at younger ages.
4.Effect of intraoperative flushing treatment with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton on drainage after radical surgery of lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Guanzhi YE ; Zhenyang XU ; Xiaolei ZHU ; Hongming LIU ; Ning LI ; Jie JIANG ; Guojun GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):376-382
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative pleural irrigation with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton (N-CWS) for reducing pleural effusion drainage after radical surgery for lung cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2024 and May 2025. Patients were divided into a control group and an irrigation group based on the intraoperative use of N-CWS. Patients in the irrigation group received pleural irrigation with 800 μg of N-CWS diluted in 10 mL of normal saline. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups: pleural effusion drainage volume at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h postoperatively, degree of air leak, chest tube duration, postoperative length of stay, and the incidence of adverse events (fever, chest pain, and nausea and vomiting). Results A total of 245 patients were included (97 males, 148 females) with a mean age of (61.28±6.26) years, with 205 in the control group and 40 in the irrigation group. Compared to the control group, the irrigation group showed significantly lower pleural effusion drainage volumes at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h, as well as shorter chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative air leak (P=0.661). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the highest body temperature within 72 h post-surgery (P=0.130), fever grade (P=0.196), severity of chest pain (P=0.105), or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (P=0.376). Conclusion Intraoperative pleural irrigation with N-CWS in patients undergoing lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer can significantly reduce postoperative pleural effusion drainage volume, shorten chest tube duration and length of hospital stay. The procedure is safe and feasible.
5.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
6.Research on the current situation and development suggestions of centralized (cloud) prescription review center of the close-knit county-level medical consortium in a city
Lu HE ; Mingyang ZHU ; Xiaolei HU ; Yan QIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):578-583
OBJECTIVE To investigate the actual construction and operation status of established and under-construction centralized (cloud) prescription review centers (shortened for “prescription review center”) of close-knit county-level medical consortium in a certain city, so as to provide reference for improving the construction quality of the prescription review center. METHODS An online questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the data from 51 established and under-construction prescription review center in the city, covering basic information, funding sources, talent management, system construction, review rule maintenance, prescription review practices, prescription evaluation, data utilization, and current challenges. The collected data were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 51 valid questionnaires were retrieved, covering 32 established and 19 under-construction prescription review center. Among the 32 established prescription review centers, the main funding sources for their construction came from government financial allocations, accounting for 56.25%. Only 25.00% of prescription review center had review pharmacists who fully met national qualification requirements, and just 55.00% updated more than 10 review rule entries per month on average. Outpatient prescription verification realized full coverage, but 37.50% of prescription review centers only supported rationality verification of single prescriptions, and 50.00% could not retrieve laboratory and examination results to assist in prescription review. Additionally, 40.62% of prescription review center had not regularly conducted prescription evaluations for primary care institutions. The data from prescription review center was mainly used to support medication monitoring. Among the 19 prescription review centers currently in the planning stage, 63.16% had no identified funding sources. CONCLUSIONS The operation and construction of prescription review center in the city face challenges, such as funding shortages, absence of collaborative incentive mechanisms, and insufficient manpower.It is suggested that the state should issue a unified standard for the construction of the prescription review center as soon as possible, and local health administrative departments should formulate supporting policies and clarify assessment indicators in combination with the actual situation of the region.
7.Progress in minimally invasive treatment of spastic lower limb paralysis
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):526-532
Spastic lower limb paralysis is a common complication following central nervous system injury, including stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain or spinal cord trauma, with high incidence and complex conditions. In recent years, minimally invasive treatment techniques have rapidly advanced, offering new avenues to improve motor function and quality of life for these patients. However, clinical decision-making involves multidisciplinary input, such as rehabilitation, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and standardized treatment guidelines are lacking. This review systematically summarizes commonly used minimally invasive treatments for spastic lower limb paralysis, including their mechanisms, indications, efficacy, and limitations, and compares findings from domestic and international studies. The aim is to provide guidance for clinical decision-making, optimize treatment strategies, and promote development of individualized therapies.
8.The diagnostic role of community prostate-specific antigen screening in the early detection of prostate cancer among middle-aged and elderly men:a population-based cross-sectional analysis
Zhenye ZHANG ; Songqiang CAO ; Xiaolei ZHAO ; Chaoyang ZHU ; Xudong HAN ; Xinyang CHEN ; Kangjian REN
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(4):345-351
Objective To analyze the screening results of prostate cancer(PCa)based on the serum prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level in middle-aged and elderly men in Kaifeng,so as to provide reference for optimizing the early screening strategy of PCa.Methods A multicenter cross-sectional design was adopted to analyze the serum PSA test results of male residents aged 52 to 94 collected from 14 community health service stations in Kaifeng during Jul.2024 and Apr.2025. Participants with PSA ≥4 μg/L were recommended to undergo prostate biopsy at a tertiary grade A hospital for a confirmed diagnosis.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of referral compliance.The PSA positivity rate,referral loss rate,puncture willingness rate,and biopsy positivity rate were calculated.Results A total of 2812 men received free PSA screening.Among them,248 had abnormal PSA(≥4 μg/L),with a positive rate of 8.8%(248/2812).Only 105 cases were successfully referred to a tertiary grade A hospital,with a referral rate of 42.3%(105/248),and the referral loss rate reached 57.7%.Fifty-seven patients were advised to undergo prostate biopsy,but only 23 actually underwent prostate biopsy,and the willingness rate was 40.4%(23/57).Fourteen cases were diagnosed with PCa and the positive rate of prostate biopsy was 60.9%(14/23).The overall detection rate of PCa was 0.5%(14/2812).In the screening stage,the median PSA was 6.7(4.8-11.2)μg/L.The Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between participant age and PSA level(r_s=0.28,P<0.001).In the diagnostic stage,only 40.4% of the referred patients underwent prostate biopsy,and the loss rate reached 59.6%.The median PSA in the PCa group was significantly higher than that in the non-PCa group(9.8 μg/L vs. 5.1 μg/L,P=0.002).Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that advanced age(OR=1.08)and educational level of primary school or below(OR=3.32)were independent influencing factors for referral disorders(P<0.001).In terms of screening efficacy,the overall biopsy positivity rate was 5.6%(14/248).Conclusion Conducting PCa screening based on PSA testing among middle-aged and elderly male residents can significantly increase the detection rate of clinically meaningful PCa,thereby improving the overall prognosis of patients.However,insufficient referral compliance(only 42.3%)and low puncture willingness rate(only 40.4%)have limited the screening benefits.Therefore,the research suggests that measures such as strengthening health education,popularizing relevant knowledge,and providing referral support are needed to reduce the churn rate.
9.Setd2 overexpression rescues bivalent gene expression during SCNT-mediated ZGA.
Xiaolei ZHANG ; Ruimin XU ; Yuyan ZHAO ; Yijia YANG ; Qi SHI ; Hong WANG ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Shaorong GAO ; Chong LI
Protein & Cell 2025;16(6):439-457
Successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) faces significant challenges due to epigenetic obstacles. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 as potential contributors to these obstacles. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we generated genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in mouse pre-implantation NT embryos. Our analysis revealed that aberrantly over-represented broad H3K4me3 domain and H3K27me3 signal lead to increased bivalent marks at gene promoters in NT embryos compared with naturally fertilized (NF) embryos at the 2-cell stage, which may link to relatively low levels of H3K36me3 in NT 2-cell embryos. Notably, the overexpression of Setd2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase, successfully restored multiple epigenetic marks, including H3K36me3, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3. In addition, it reinstated the expression levels of ZGA-related genes by reestablishing H3K36me3 at gene body regions, which excluded H3K27me3 from bivalent promoters, ultimately improving cloning efficiency. These findings highlight the excessive bivalent state at gene promoters as a potent barrier and emphasize the removal of these barriers as a promising approach for achieving higher cloning efficiency.
Animals
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Mice
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Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/biosynthesis*
;
Histones/genetics*
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Nuclear Transfer Techniques
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism*
10.Screen of FDA-approved drug library identifies vitamin K as anti-ferroptotic drug for osteoarthritis therapy through Gas6.
Yifeng SHI ; Sunlong LI ; Shuhao ZHANG ; Caiyu YU ; Jiansen MIAO ; Shu YANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuxuan ZHU ; Xiaoxiao HUANG ; Chencheng ZHOU ; Hongwei OUYANG ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Xiangyang WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101092-101092
Ferroptosis of chondrocytes is a significant contributor to osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is still a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs targeting ferroptosis. Here, we screen for anti-ferroptotic drugs in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library via a high-throughput manner in chondrocytes. We identified a group of FDA-approved anti-ferroptotic drugs, among which vitamin K showed the most powerful protective effect. Further study demonstrated that vitamin K effectively inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of vitamin K inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated OA phenotype in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing and knockdown experiments revealed that the anti-ferroptotic effects of vitamin K depended on growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6). Furthermore, exogenous expression of Gas6 was found to inhibit ferroptosis through the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) axis. Together, we demonstrate that vitamin K inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates OA progression via enhancing Gas6 expression and its downstream pathway of AXL/PI3K/AKT axis, indicating vitamin K as well as Gas6 to serve as a potential therapeutic target for OA and other ferroptosis-related diseases.


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