1.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
2.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
3.Investigation on the microclimate of primary and secondary school classrooms in five provinces and municipalities of China in winter
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):158-162
Objective:
To understand the microclimate in primary and secondary school classrooms for the study period during the winter heating season, so as to provide a reference for the revision and improvement of relevant health standards.
Methods:
In December 2024, stratified random sampling was used to select 30 primary and secondary schools and 180 classrooms from the northern regions with centralized heating (Liaoning Province, Tianjin City) and the southern regions without centralized heating (Shanghai City, Anhui Province, and Jiangxi Province). Indoor temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, CO 2 and other indicators were measured on site. Variance analysis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the differences in the microclimate of classrooms among regions and urban and rural differences.
Results:
The average temperature in the middle of the classrooms tested on site was (16.47±4.72)℃, and the variance analysis showed that the difference between the regions was statistically significant ( F=27.80, P <0.01). Among them, Tianjin had the highest average temperature of (20.43± 2.12 )℃, followed by Liaoning (19.03±2.23)℃, Shanghai (15.33±5.32)℃, Anhui (12.79±1.74)℃, and Jiangxi (11.69± 1.68 )℃. Horizontal temperature difference was 0.90 (0.50, 1.60)℃, the vertical temperature difference was 0.20 (0.10,0.60)℃, the average relative humidity was (44.39±16.16)%, the wind speed was 0.03(0.01,0.11)m/s, and the differences among different provinces and cities were statistically significant ( H/F =40.62, 82.69, 95.06, 55.28, all P <0.01). The average CO 2 volume concentration in urban areas of Tianjin, Liaoning, and Shanghai was 0.21(0.16,0.30)%, and there was no statistically significant difference ( H=4.65, P =0.10). There were grade differences in relative humidity ( F =3.71, 6.21) and CO 2 ( H =14.72, 12.92) in the north and the south (all P <0.05). In addition, the temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and CO 2 in the middle of the classroom were 42.8%, 67.8%, 100.0% and 22.2% respectively.
Conclusions
The temperature in the middle of the classroom in the non centralized heating area is lower than the standard, the relative humidity of classroom in the centralized heating area is lower than the standard,and the CO 2 in the classroom in winter is lower than the standard. It is recommended to install heating facilities in schools with low temperatures to increase the temperature and increase the frequency of ventilation in classrooms or adopt mechanical ventilation strategies to reduce CO 2 volume concentration.
4.Analysis of thermal environment and students thermal comfort in primary and secondary school classrooms in winter
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):168-172
Objective:
To evaluate the current situation of thermal environment in primary and secondary school classrooms during winter, and to analyze students thermal comfort needs, so as to provide a basis for improving classroom thermal environment.
Methods:
From December 16 to 26, 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 90 classrooms from 15 primary and secondary schools in centralized/air conditioned heating areas(Liaoning Province, Tianjin City, Shanghai City) and naturally ventilated areas(Anhui Province and Jiangxi Province)for on site environmental measurement. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 743 students. The differences between groups using the χ 2 test were compared. Based on actual measurement data, a predicted mean vote prepared percentage of dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) model for centralized/air conditioned classrooms and an adaptive model for naturally ventilated classrooms were established, and the thermal neutral temperature and comfort interval were calculated.
Results:
The average outdoor temperature during on site measurement was 4.00(0.20,7.00)℃. In classrooms with centralized or air conditioned heating systems, the measured average temperature was (19.33±2.59)℃, with a thermal comfort range of 20.35-25.35 ℃ and a thermal neutral temperature of 22.85 ℃. And 13.92% of students reported feeling cold, while 80.80% felt comfortable. In classrooms with natural ventilation, the measured average temperature was (12.26±1.83)℃, with a thermal neutral temperature of 19.67 ℃ and a thermal comfort range of 16.17-23.17 ℃. About 48.33% of students reported feeling cold, and 49.81 % felt comfortable.The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in shoe thickness, temperature sensation, relative humidity sensation and wind speed sensation between centralized/air conditioned heating areas ( χ 2= 7.01 , 31.47, 13.57, 13.80,all P <0.05). There were also statistically significant differences in school stage for primary and secondary school students, body mass index, classroom location for seat, temperature sensation, relative humidity sensation and wind speed sensation between naturally ventilated areas ( χ 2=42.13, 11.13, 11.04, 60.39, 29.27, 38.46,all P <0.05).
Conclusions
There are differences in thermal environment and students subjective thermal comfort in primary and secondary schools under different ventilation modes in winter. The temperature standards for heated classrooms should be revised, and differentiated environmental regulation strategies should be adopted based on different ventilation methods to improve students health and comfort levels.
5.Research advances in cancer therapy of cisplatin liposome
Weixuan ZHAO ; Xue LU ; Ruilin ZHAO ; Yanmei ZHANG ; Ye YANG ; Deying CAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):356-361
Chemotherapy based on cisplatin or its combination therapy is a common cancer treatment method. However, the non-specific side effects of cisplatin, poor pharmacokinetic properties of small molecule drugs, and susceptibility to drug resistance greatly limit the clinical application of cisplatin as first-line anti-tumor drug. With the development of nanocarrier technology, liposomes have become an ideal carrier for delivering cisplatin drugs due to their excellent properties of targeting, reducing toxicity, and enhancing efficacy. This paper reviews the status of cisplatin liposome both domestically and internationally which have entered clinical trials, including L-NDDP,SPI-077®, Lipoplatin®,LiPlaCis,SLIT and ILC, etc. Currently, only Lipoplatin® and ILC are showing good potential in cancer therapy. Although cisplatin liposome has made some progress in reducing systemic toxicity and improving treatment efficiency in clinical research, there is still potential for further improvement in tumor targeting and reducing side effects. In the future, more low-toxicity and efficient cisplatin liposomes can be developed through formulation technologies such as co-delivery liposome, stimuli-responsive liposome and targeting liposome.
6.The Effect of Postnatal Systemic Corticosteroid on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants
Joo Yun YANG ; Young Min YOUN ; Jung In KANG ; Ye Jin HAN ; Do Kyung LEE ; Hyun Kyung BAE ; So-Yeon SHIM
Neonatal Medicine 2025;32(1):10-20
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of postnatal systemic corticosteroids on neurodevelopment in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
Methods:
This was a population-based study of the Korean Neonatal Network of VLBW infant born at 23+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2020. VLBW preterm infants assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III) at 18–24 months of corrected age and 3 years of age were enrolled. The primary outcomes were BSID-III scores and neurodevelopmental delays, with scores of <85. Socioeconomic status and clinical variables were adjusted for using multivariate regression analyses.
Results:
In total, 517 infants were enrolled in this study. Among the 216 (41.8%) infants who received postnatal systemic corticosteroids, the rate of cognitive delay was significantly higher at 18–24 months of corrected age than at 3 years of age. The rates of language and motor delays were significantly higher both at 18–24 months of corrected age and at 3 years of age. When multivariate logistic regression was performed, postnatal systemic corticosteroid use was significantly associated with cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years of age. There was no significant association between postnatal systemic corticosteroid use and language or motor delay at 18-24 months of corrected age or at 3 years of age after multivariate logistic regression.
Conclusion
Postnatal systemic corticosteroid use in VLBW preterm infants increased the risk of cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years.
7.Characterizing pediatric dermatological presentations in an outer metropolitan emergency department: a single-center Western Australian study
Tristen Tze Wei NG ; Darren Zhi-Yang LOW ; Amelia Ye Chiung TANG ; Mabel Zhi Qi FOO ; Dale Wesley EDGAR ; Paul Anthony HILL
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Journal 2025;12(1):20-29
Purpose:
To characterize the patterns of demographic data, dermatologic diagnosis, and disposition regarding pediatric dermatological presentations in an emergency department (ED) at Armadale Health Service, a secondary outer metropolitan hospital in Perth, Western Australia.
Methods:
Retrospective cross-sectional study auditing pediatric dermatological presentations to the ED from December 2022 through November 2023. We analyzed the age group, sex, dermatologic diagnosis, Australasian Triage Scale, ED length of stay, and disposition. The age group comprised infants, preschoolers, schoolers, and adolescents. The diagnosis included anaphylaxis and angioneurotic edema (AAE), allergy-related and urticarial dermatitis (AUD), eczema and other dermatitis (EOD), infective dermatoses, and not elsewhere classified.
Results:
Of the 540 pediatric patients who presented to the ED with a dermatological complaint, 44.4% were girls with a median age of 4.5 years (interquartile range, 1.5-9.3) and a hospitalization rate of 7.6%. The dermatologic diagnoses consisted of AUD (34.3%), infective dermatoses (29.3%), EOD (23.3%), AAE (8.5%), and not elsewhere classified (4.6%). Most patients were triaged as an Australasian Triage Scale category 3-4, with a median ED length of stay of 2.3 hours (1.5-3.5 hours). Pairwise comparisons showed differences in the diagnoses between infants and preschoolers and between schoolers and adolescents for EOD and infective dermatoses (P < 0.001). The hospitalized patients showed a higher proportion of AAE, EOD, and infective dermatoses than those discharged (P < 0.001). Patients with AUD were hospitalized less (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.30; compared with AAE). No dermatological emergencies, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, were identified.
Conclusion
Our findings underscore regional differences and support global efforts to reduce non-life-threatening pediatric dermatological presentations to the ED. This study may contribute to the ongoing discourse on effectively managing such presentations in EDs.
8.Dexamethasone synergizes with high-fat diet to increase lipid deposition in adipocytes
Mingli SU ; Ying WANG ; Zheng YAN ; Jia LUO ; Jie YANG ; Hua YE ; Aiming LIU ; Julin YANG
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):92-102
Background/Aims:
Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood.
Methods:
In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches.
Results:
DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Conclusions
DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.
9.Characteristics and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Korea
Ki Jin KIM ; Su-Bin SONG ; Jung-Bin PARK ; June Hwa BAE ; Ji Eun BAEK ; Ga Hee KIM ; Min-Jun KIM ; Seung Wook HONG ; Sung Wook HWANG ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Byong Duk YE ; Jeong-Sik BYEON ; Seung-Jae MYUNG ; Suk-Kyun YANG ; Chang Sik YU ; Yong-Sik YOON ; Jong-Lyul LEE ; Min Hyun KIM ; Ho-Su LEE ; Sang Hyoung PARK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(2):243-250
Background/Aims:
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans.
Results:
A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR.
Conclusions
Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.
10.Plasma miRNA testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Jie HU ; Ying XU ; Ao HUANG ; Lei YU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Zhenbin DING ; Qinghai YE ; Yinghong SHI ; Shuangjian QIU ; Huichuan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Jia FAN ; Jian ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):350-354
Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP<20 ng/mL, DCP<40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P<0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P<0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.


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