1.Teprotumumab combined with glucocorticoid pulse therapy for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Yuan LIU ; Qian YANG ; Juan DU ; Hu CHANG ; Ge GAO
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1264-1269
AIM: To explore the clinical therapeutic effect of teprotumumab combined with glucocorticoid pulse therapy for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO), and its impacts on thyroid function, levels of inflammatory factors, and adverse reactions in patients. METHODS: Active TAO patients admitted to the Ophthalmology Department were enrolled and randomly divide into the steroid group and the combined group. Then the steroid group was treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy, while the combined group was combined with intravenous infusion of teprotumumab on the basis of the steroid group. The clinical therapeutic effect, the CAS, OSDI, M-C-TAO-QOL scores, ocular sign indicators(fissure width, proptosis), levels of inflammatory factors(TNF-α, CRP, IL-17), thyroid function(TSH, FT3, FT4)before and after treatment, and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between two groups.RESULTS:Totally 96 TAO patients(192 eyes)were included, with 48 cases(96 eyes)in each group. In the combined group, there were 17 males and 31 females, with an average age of 51.85±3.53 y; in the steroid group, there were 14 males and 34 females, with an average age of 51.26±3.84 y. The total effective rate of the combined group(94%)was higher than that of the steroid group(79%)(P<0.05). After treatment, the CAS score, OSDI score, fissure width, proptosis, levels of TNF-α, CRP, and IL-17 in the combined group were all lower than those in the steroid group, and the M-C-TAO-QOL score was higher than that in the steroid group(P<0.05). However, there was no difference in thyroid function indicators and adverse reactions between two groups after treatment(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of teprotumumab and glucocorticoid pulse therapy for TAO has a prominent therapeutic effect. Meantime, it can more effectively control ocular inflammation, improve ocular signs and quality of life of patients, and has no obvious adverse effect on thyroid function, with controllable safety.
2.Wisdom Inheritance of Distinguished Physicians' Experience Through Integration of Multimodal Data and AIGC: A Case Study on Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer with Phlegm-dampness and Blood Stasis Syndrome by Distinguished Traditional Chinese Medicine Physicians of Sichuan School
Yang YU ; Yadong MU ; Wenping LIU ; Chongcheng XI ; Li ZHANG ; Yan GAO ; Cen JIANG ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):14-25
Lung cancer, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates, remains a significant global health challenge. By taking the study on the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School as an example, the diagnosis and treatment system for lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome, which was formed in response to the humid and foggy environment of the Sichuan Basin, possesses unique value. However, traditional inheritance modes face challenges such as fragmentation, lack of standardization, and insufficient quantification, which hinder the promotion and application of this experience. This research focused on how to leverage multimodal data and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) to achieve precise analysis, intelligent inheritance, and clinical innovation of the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School. By integrating multimodal data (encompassing four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, modern medical imaging, clinical laboratory tests, molecular biology, and regional environmental information), a precise diagnosis and treatment system integrating macro and micro perspectives for the "disease, syndrome, and pathogenesis" was constructed. The research yielded the following results: (1) In precise syndrome differentiation, the objective quantification of the phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome was achieved. By constructing a "four diagnostic methods, imaging, and molecule" correlation model, the study revealed intrinsic links between tongue and pulse parameters and the tumor microenvironment, as well as between regional climatic factors and syndrome characteristics, enabling real-time dynamic monitoring of efficacy. (2) In elucidating patterns, the study systematically explored the syndrome differentiation thoughts of Sichuan School physicians, such as the timing of purgation and tonification. A "pathogenesis, syndrome complex, and prescriptions and herb" network model was constructed, which accurately elucidated the synergistic action mechanisms of core herb pairs and quantified the dynamic compatibility patterns of reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. (3) In intelligent empowerment, an auxiliary system integrating intelligent syndrome differentiation, treatment plan generation, and efficacy evaluation was built. This system can fuse regional characteristics with individual data, dynamically generate and optimize personalized prescriptions aligned with the experience of Sichuan School, and predict efficacy trends and potential adverse reactions. The integration of multimodal data and AIGC can effectively facilitate the structured inheritance and clinical translation of distinguished physicians' experience. The established intelligent diagnosis and treatment model integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine demonstrates clear potential in prolonging patients' progression-free survival, alleviating symptoms, and reducing adverse reactions to treatment. This study provides a referential methodological framework for the traditional Chinese medicine experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, especially the empirical inheritance and modernized development of regional academic schools. It contributes to advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment toward greater precision and personalization.
3.Guizhi Fulingwan Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating mtDNA/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Yu TANG ; Xuli YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yongxiang GAO ; Xueping LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
4.Research progress on Ecoflex in the field of stomatology
BI Huimin ; CHEN Jianhang ; ZHANG Jingxin ; YANG Maohua ; DENG Shuangshan ; SU Yingyue ; GAO Shanshan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(5):507-517
Ecoflex is a commercial designation for elastomers developed based on the principles of environmental sustainability and flexibility. Various manufacturers offer different types of Ecoflex products with distinct compositions and functions. Among these, the platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber Ecoflex series has demonstrated considerable applicability in various fields of oral medicine due to its excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, stability across a wide temperature range, and tunable mechanical properties. In tissue engineering, it can simulate the mechanical behavior of oral mucosa, and is used in cleft lip surgical training models and preoperative evaluation for temporal bone defect reconstruction. In the field of wearable devices, leveraging its encapsulation protection and flexible characteristics, highly sensitive sensors constructed from Ecoflex can monitor signals such as oral bite force and masticatory muscle activity, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders and postoperative evaluation of cleft lip and palate. Moreover, when combined with bio-waste materials, it promotes the functionalization and sustainability of oral wearable devices.In drug delivery systems, its conformability and controlled-release capability address challenges in localized oral drug administration. Designs such as flexible microneedles and temperature-responsive composite systems provide precise solutions for treating periodontitis and oral ulcers. In minimally invasive surgical instruments, its softness enables the development of soft robots and magnetically controlled microfluidic valves, enhancing surgical safety and precision. In the field of oral rehabilitation, Ecoflex soft liner materials, inspired by the suction cup structure of octopus tentacles, improve denture retention. Their low modulus reduces mucosal irritation, ensuring both comfort and durability. Although Ecoflex shows great potential in biomedical applications, it still faces certain challenges, particularly regarding long-term stability after implantation, mechanical fatigue resistance, and microbial colonization, which require further investigation. In the future, with advancements in 3D printing technology, Ecoflex is expected to achieve more precise clinical translation across multiple fields and drive innovation in intelligent biomaterials.
5.Effect of medical-community linkage model on psychological status and motor function in community-dwelling patients with stroke
Yuhong GU ; Jinxiu DUAN ; Mingyang XUE ; Jie YANG ; Xia WU ; Hua LIU ; Yufang GAO ; Menghui ZHANG ; Caide YE
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):597-603
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the medical-community linkage model on activities of daily living, psychological status and motor function of stroke patients in the community. MethodsA total of 60 stroke patients admitted to two community health service centers and their affiliated stations in Fengtai District, Beijing, from January, 2024 to August, 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and intervention group (n = 30). The control group received routine medicine, dietary care and rehabilitation management, while the intervention group underwent rehabilitation with the medical-community linkage model, for twelve weeks. They were assessed with modified Barthel Index (MBI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and after intervention. ResultsAfter intervention, the MBI, HAMA, HAMD and FMA scores of patients improved in both groups (|t| > 5.599, P < 0.001), and improved more in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05), except MBI. The HAMA and HAMD scores of family members decreased in both groups (|t| > 10.333, P < 0.001), and decreased more in the intervention group than in the control group (t > 5.681, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe medical-community linkage model can further improve the motor function of stroke patients in community, as well as the psychological status of both patients and their family members.
6.Discussion on the Role of Ferroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease from the Perspective of "Qi Deficiency with Retention and Stagnation"
Yuchen GAO ; Hongyu ZHU ; Heyue XIA ; Dian ZENG ; Cheng YANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI ; Qinjun YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1167-1172
Ferroptosis is a key driver of the onset and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By exploring the role of ferroptosis in COPD from the perspective of "qi deficiency with retention and stagnation", it is considered that mitochondrial dysfunction and imbalanced antioxidant defenses are the microscopic manifestations of "qi deficiency", whereas iron accumulation and lipid peroxide deposition constitute the pathological basis of "retention and stagnation". In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the treatment principle is tonifying deficiency and benefiting qi, scattering retention and unblocking stagnation. Its mechanism involves improving the antioxidant system and mitochondrial function to enhance cellular resistance to ferroptosis, as well as relieving pulmonary iron overload, excessive lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory factor release to reduce the accumulation of pathological products, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on COPD.
7.Effects of Qizhi Tongluo Granules on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Nrf2/OASL1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy
Qin LU ; Fei GAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Zhenhua WU ; Guodong YUAN ; Fengwen YANG ; Jinchuan TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):134-143
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Qizhi Tongluo granules on proteinuria in membranous nephropathy (MN) and its potential protective effects and underlying mechanism against endoplasmic reticulum stress. MethodsAfter 70 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week, the MN rat model was established by injecting cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA) into the tail vein. Rats were divided into the normal group, model group, low-dose Qizhi Tongluo granules group (2.43 g·kg-1), medium-dose group (4.86 g·kg-1), high-dose group (9.72 g·kg-1), and benazepril group (0.01 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered for four weeks. The 24-hour urinary total protein (UTP) content, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in renal tissues, were measured. Renal pathological changes were assessed using immunoglobulin G (IgG) staining, periodic acid-silver methenamine (PASM) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The localization and expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (p-IRE1α), phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein 1 (OASL1) in rat kidneys were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and OASL1 in rat kidneys were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analysis. ResultsCompared with the normal group, UTP levels were significantly increased in the model rats (P<0.05), with obvious renal pathological damage. GPX content levels were significantly decreased in renal tissue (P<0.05), while ROS and MDA content levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, p-PERK, and ATF4 proteins was significantly increased in the kidneys (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Trx1 and Nrf2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and OASL1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the UTP levels of rats in the Qizhi Tongluo granules groups and the benazepril group decreased to varying degrees (P<0.05), and renal pathological damage was significantly alleviated. The GPX content in renal tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the ROS and MDA levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, p-PERK, and ATF4 proteins in the kidney was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Trx1 and Nrf2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and OASL1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionQizhi Tongluo granules alleviates proteinuria in MN rats by modulating the Nrf2/OASL1 signaling pathway in renal tissues to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress, which represents its underlying mechanism.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke by Intervening in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells: A Review
Wenxiu QIN ; Gang WEI ; Qingjie KONG ; Huiying SUN ; Junfeng XU ; Ying GAO ; Jian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):336-346
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a physical and biochemical barrier that precisely regulates brain homeostasis and plays a central role in controlling the transport of endogenous and exogenous drugs and related metabolites across the blood-brain interface. These functions of the BBB are mediated by its major components, including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), tight junction protein complexes, and influx and efflux transporter proteins. One of the pathological features of ischemic stroke (IS) is BBB disruption, which plays an important role in the development of post-stroke brain injury and subsequent neurological dysfunction. Therefore, given the increasing incidence of IS, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent BBB dysfunction and thereby protect injured brain tissue after IS. This study describes the pathological mechanisms by which BMEC injury after IS leads to BBB dysfunction and elucidates the association between BMECs and IS, including the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotoxic effects, and cerebral edema. In addition, this article summarizes Chinese herbal medicines that may prevent and treat IS by targeting BMECs. These include monomeric compounds and single herbs such as flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, phthalides, terpenoids, and Styrax. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas and preparations include oral formulations such as Buyang Huanwu decoction, Sailuotong, Naoxintong capsules, Dandeng Tongnao capsules, and Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills, as well as injectable preparations such as Tongluo Jiunao injection, Xingnaojing injection, Danshen polyphenolic acid for injection, Yiqi Fumai injection, and Shuxuetong injection. This study aims to explore the protective effects of TCM against IS through targeted regulation of BMEC function, providing new insights into the mechanisms of IS and endovascular therapeutic strategies.
9.Characteristics and trends of pneumoconiosis incidence in Hebei Province from 1949 to 2024
Junqin ZHAO ; Guangyi BAI ; Zhenyu GONG ; Lixin YANG ; Junqing GAO ; Ye ZHAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):597-603
Background Pneumoconiosis remains a critical occupational disease in China. As a major industrial province, Hebei historically faced severe challenges regarding this condition. The 1986 national epidemiological survey ranked Hebei sixth in reported pneumoconiosis cases nationwide. Objective To analyze 76 years of pneumoconiosis data (1949–2024) in Hebei Province to provide evidence-based support for prevention and control strategies. Methods Occupational pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed in Hebei from 1949 to 2024 were included. Five-year intervals were used to analyze incidence composition, dust exposure duration, age at first diagnosis, and age at death. A hybrid model, integrating autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was employed to predict case numbers for the 2025−2030 period. Results A total of 36107 cases of pneumoconiosis were recorded (2.10% female) in Hebei from 1949 to 2024. Stages I, II, and III accounted for 77.35%, 16.45%, and 6.20%, respectively. Silicosis (55.60%), coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (27.24%), and pottery workers’ pneumoconiosis (8.88%) were the predominant types. Observed trends included a shortened dust exposure duration [silicosis: (12.78±7.063) years in 2020–2024] and an increasing age at first diagnosis [(54.01±7.499) years in 2020–2024]. The case-fatality rate was 14.84%, with a rising age at death [(82.26±9.632) years in 2015–2019]. Three incidence peaks (1963, 1984, and 2014) correlated with national policies and industrialization phases. The number of pneumoconiosis cases showed a decreasing trend from 2015 to 2024. Chengde and Tangshan were identified as current high-risk areas. The ARIMA-GRNN model projected annual cases between 416 and 429 during 2025–2030. Conclusion In the past decade,the number of pneumoconiosis cases in Hebei Province had shown a decreasing trend, it is projected to plateau with no significant decline over the next five years. Furthermore, challenges such as the proportion of silicosis remaining high and shortened dust exposure duration remain severe. It is recommended to focus on key regions like Chengde (ore mining) and Tangshan (ceramics industry). A comprehensive strategy integrating stricter regulation, technological controls, model innovation, and targeted interventions should be implemented to achieve a further substantial reduction in pneumoconiosis incidence.
10.Hourly ozone concentration estimation and its health impact study based on ensemble machine learning: A case study of Taiyuan City
Rule DU ; Xiaojuan YANG ; Ruixia NIU ; Yang XU ; Guiming ZHU ; Qian GAO ; Tong WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):8-15
Background Ozone (O3) is a major air pollutant. The existing monitoring system has uneven distribution of sites, insufficient coverage in underdeveloped areas, and low temporal resolution, making it difficult to obtain hourly data. This limits the dynamic identification of pollution and the formulation of prevention and control strategies. Objective To construct an hourly O3 concentration estimation model based on ensemble machine learning, aiming to improve the accuracy of pollution exposure assessment and explore O3 health impacts. Methods This study integrated land use regression modeling with modern machine learning techniques, employing random forest and XGBoost algorithms to construct base models, and stacking integration using non-negative least squares. The ensemble model was trained and validated across China using high-resolution, multi-source geographic data (e.g., meteorologicaldata, population density, land cover types, and aerosol optical thickness). It was tested in Taiyuan City, combined with a distributed lag non-linear model to analyze the association between O3 and emergency admissions. Results The constructed ensemble model performed well in predicting O3 concentration, with a higher coefficient of determination (R2) and a lower root-mean-square deviation (RMSE) compared to the single models. The R2 improved from 0.90 to 0.92, and the RMSE decreased from 11.41 to 10.62, enhancing both prediction accuracy and generalization ability. In the application to Taiyuan City, the model successfully imputed the hourly-level data for the entire year. The distributed lag non-linear model analysis revealed that the relative risk (RR) values for the 6th to 8th days following O3 exposure were 1.14 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.29), 1.16 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.31), and 1.14 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.29), respectively, which were significantly higher than 1, indicating a significant lagged association (lagged 6-8 d) between O3 and the number of emergency room visits. Conclusion A high-precision, hourly-level O3 concentration estimation model is successfully constructed by combining the land use regression model with an ensemble machine learning approach to provide a scientific basis for environmental policy formulation and public health intervention. The application of the model verifies its generalization ability and practical application value, which can provide a new technical framework for subsequent environmental health research.


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