1.Construction and in vitro osteogenic activity study of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen
WANG Meng ; SUN Yifei ; CAO Xiaoqing ; WEI Yiyuan ; CHEN Lei ; ZHANG Zhenglong ; MU Zhao ; ZHU Juanfang ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):15-28
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (MSHA/Col) in improving the bone repair microenvironment and enhancing bone regeneration capacity, providing a strategy to address the insufficient biomimetic composition and limited bioactivity of traditional hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (HA/Col) scaffolds.
Methods:
A high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium magnesium strontium phosphate precursor (HPAA/ACMSP) was prepared. Its morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Recombinant collagen sponge blocks were immersed in the HPAA/ACMSP mineralization solution. Magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite was induced to deposit within collagen fibers (experimental group: MSHA/Col; control group: HA/Col). The morphological characteristics of MSHA/Col were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its crystal structure and chemical composition were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The mineral phase content was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The scaffold's porosity, ion release, and in vitro degradation performance were also determined. For cytological experiments, CCK-8 assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects of the MSHA/Col scaffold on the proliferation, viability, early osteogenic differentiation activity, late mineralization capacity, and gene and protein expression levels of key osteogenic markers [runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Ocn)] in mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1).
Results:
HPAA/ACMSP appeared as amorphous spherical nanoparticles under TEM, with energy spectrum analysis showing uniform distribution of carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and strontium elements. SEM results of MSHA/Col indicated successful complete intrafibrillar mineralization. Elemental analysis showed the mass fractions of magnesium and strontium were 0.72% (matching the magnesium content in natural bone) and 2.89%, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite crystals (25.86°, 31°-34°). Infrared spectroscopy results showed characteristic absorption peaks for both collagen and hydroxyapatite. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a mineral phase content of 78.29% in the material. The scaffold porosity was 91.6% ± 1.1%, close to the level of natural bone tissue. Ion release curves demonstrated sustained release behavior for both magnesium and strontium ions. The in vitro degradation rate matched the ingrowth rate of new bone tissue. Cytological experiments showed that MSHA/Col significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (130% increase in activity at 72 h, P < 0.001). MSHA/Col exhibited excellent efficacy in promoting osteogenic differentiation, significantly upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (Runx2, Col-Ⅰ, Opn, Ocn) (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The MSHA/Col scaffold achieves dual biomimicry of natural bone in both composition and structure, and effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation at the genetic and protein levels, breaking through the functional limitations of pure hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen. This provides a new strategy for the development of functional bone repair materials
2.Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on functional brain activity in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: A randomized controlled trial protocol using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography
Huan OUYANG ; Yifei WANG ; Ying HAN ; Jinling ZHANG ; Liang LI ; Chen XIN ; Jianghong HE ; Peijing RONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):181-187
Background: Advances in intensive care have markedly improved survival after severe brain injury, leading to a growing population of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC). Current management of pDOC remains largely supportive, and evidence-based neuromodulatory interventions are limited; moreover, existing guidelines provide insufficiently explicit recommendations regarding mechanisms of action and objective biomarkers of treatment response. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a potential noninvasive intervention; however, its modulatory effects on brain function in pDOC are not yet well characterized, and the paucity of integrative mechanistic evidence has constrained its translation into routine clinical practice. Objectives: Within a multimodal assessment framework, this study aims to systematically elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms by which taVNS modulates brain function and autonomic activity in patients with pDOC, and to evaluate its clinical potential to enhance levels of consciousness. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with vegetative state/minimally conscious state will be enrolled and randomly allocated to a taVNS group, a transcutaneous nonauricular vagus nerve stimulation group (sham), or a control group (n = 20 per group) for a 4-week intervention. The primary outcome will be changes in the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores from baseline to weeks 1, 2, and 4 of treatment. Secondary outcomes will include functional brain activity assessed by electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, as well as autonomic modulation indexed by heart rate variability. Functional prognosis will be evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended at the end of treatment and at a 6-month follow-up. Safety will be assessed by continuous monitoring and documentation of adverse events throughout the study period. Results and discussion: By integrating electroencephalography–functional near-infrared spectroscopy with heart rate variability, this study will characterize the effects of taVNS on functional brain networks and consciousness recovery in pDOC across complementary behavioral, electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and autonomic domains, while interrogating potential sources of clinical and neurobiological heterogeneity. The findings are expected to provide a mechanistic and evidence-based foundation for the mechanism-driven clinical implementation of taVNS and the optimization of stimulation protocols in pDOC. Clinical trial registration: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry, ITMCTR20250021041, https://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn.
3.Origins, Applications, and Challenges of Factorial Design in Implementation Science
Jiangyun CHEN ; Chaoyue WANG ; Meng WANG ; Yeqing ZHAN ; Duqiao LI ; Yifei WANG ; Xueying CHEN ; Yuling CHEN ; Na REN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1148-1157
Factorial design is an important method for optimizing complex strategies in implementation science. This paper systematically elucidates the origin, types, and core concepts of the factorial design, and then use a brief smoking cessation intervention project as an example to illustrate its specific applications in identifying key factors and testing interactions. Factorial design has the following typical advantages: it can test synergistic and antagonistic effects between factors, provide effect estimates that are broadly valid across the experimental conditions, and offer high statistical efficiency. At the same time, it also has certain limitations, including that its complexity is positively correlated with the number of factors, the need for large sample sizes to detect interactions, the potential for insufficient acceptability of some strategy combinations due to ethical concerns or participant burden, and the complexity of the analytical methods required. In future research, its application should be further optimized by appropriately controlling the number of factors, clearly defining research objectives, and evaluating intervention acceptability, in order to promote the development of precision implementation science.
4.Analysis of oral health status and knowledge, attitude and practice intervention effects among third grade primary school students in Guizhou Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):945-949
Objective:
To evaluate oral health status and knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among third grade primary school students after the implementation of the Comprehensive Intervention Project for Childhood Oral Diseases in Guizhou Province, so as to provide evidence for program optimization.
Methods:
Using a multistage cluster sampling method, oral examinations and questionnaire surveys were conducted among third grade primary school students in schools covered by the Comprehensive Intervention Project for Childhood Oral Diseases in Guizhou Province (intervention group, n =1 030) and schools not covered by the program (control group, n =1 130) in November 2023. A follow up survey was conducted one year after the project s implementation (December 2024) to evaluate the differences in oral health status and KAP between the two groups. The t-test and χ 2 test were used to compare means and rates, respectively.
Results:
One year after implementation, the permanent caries prevalence, caries filling ratio, mean dmft/DMFT, and mean simplified debris index in the intervention group were 33.3%, 22.3 %, 3.44±3.10, 0.77±0.56, which were all better than those in the control group (39.8%, 17.3%, 3.89±2.85, and 0.87± 0.63 ) ( χ 2/ t =9.87, 8.78, -2.59, -3.91,all P <0.05). After intervention, the levels of oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviors in the intervention group were better than those in the control group ( Z =7.69, 2.35, 2.10, all P <0.05). Except for the item "fluoride has no protective effect on teeth", the correct response rates of other oral health knowledge items in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group ( χ 2=3.92-163.94, all P <0.05). The reported rates of tooth brushing related behaviors and sugary beverage consumption were higher in the intervention group than in the control group ( χ 2=4.02-11.42,all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The Comprehensive Intervention Project for Childhood Oral Diseases improves children s oral health status, oral health knowledge, and some oral health behaviors, but has limited effects on some behaviors and oral health attitudes. Future efforts should focus on the factors influencing the transformation of children s oral health attitudes and behaviors, along with strengthening long term follow up evaluations.
5.Research progress in machine learning-assisted individualized vancomycin medication
Mingyue CHEN ; Yifei LEI ; Xuewu SONG ; Jinqi LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2310-2314
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic widely used for severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Nevertheless, its clinical application is limited by a narrow therapeutic window and inter-individual differences in pharmacokinetics. Conventional dosing regimens rely on clinical experience and population pharmacokinetic models, which make precise therapy difficult. The emergence of machine learning provides new insights into tackling the above challenges. By integrating multi-dimensional data including demographic characteristics, clinical indicators and combined medications, machine learning can assist individualized medication for patients and improve the capacity for vancomycin dose prediction, in vivo exposure assessment and renal toxicity risk warning. However, the application of machine learning still faces multiple challenges such as poor data quality, weak model generalization ability and insufficient interpretability. Its clinical value needs to be further confirmed by prospective studies and external validation. Future research may consider deep integration of machine learning and population pharmacokinetic models to better support vancomycin individualized medication.
6.TU Jinwen's Experience in the Staged Treatment of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Based on the Theory of Qi Collaterals
Yifei CHEN ; Xiaomin CHEN ; Xiao XIAO ; Xiaolin TANG ; Beibei ZHANG ; Yanbing DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1941-1945
This paper summarizes the experience of Professor TU Jinwen in the staged treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) based on the theory of qi collaterals. In the acute onset stage, the key pathogenesis is triggered by wind toxin and disharmony of the qi collaterlas, for which the treatment should prioritize the elimination of pathogenic factors, with therapeutic principles of dispelling wind and eliminating toxin, boosting qi and harmonizing collaterals, using modified Qianzheng Powder (牵正散) plus Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤). In the remission and recovery stage, the key pathogenesis is stagnation of blood stasis and damage to the qi collaterals, it is recommended to treat the branch, with principles of boosting qi and activating blood, resolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, using the modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤). In the sequela and protracted stage, the key pathogenesis is depletion of the liver, spleen, and kidney with non-nourishment of the qi collaterals; the treatment should focus on addressing the root cause, with principles of fortifying the spleen and boosting qi, tonifying the liver and kidney, using the modified Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) combined with Qiju Dihuang Pill (杞菊地黄丸).
7.Effects of palatal scar contraction force on the displacement of maxillary alveolar bone with cleft palate:A finite element analysis
Yifei LIU ; Guanyue CHEN ; Yu WANG ; Jing LIU ; Hongbao GENG ; Wei HUANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):468-472
Objective:To simulate and compare the impact of scar contraction force on maxillary alveolar bone displacement after cleft palate surgery in different regions of the palate.Methods:The same scar contraction force was applied to the grouping hard pal-ate area on the original finite element model of the maxilla with cleft palate,and calculations were performed in ANSYS 17.0.Divid-ed into four groups based on the applied force area:anterior half(group 1),posterior half(group 2),lateral half(group 3),and me-dial half(group 4).Nodes in the alveolar bone of the cleft and non-cleft sides were selected as observation points.The three-dimen-sional displacement of observation points was recorded and compared between groups.Results:The displacement of group 1>group 3,4>group 2(P<0.01).Conclusion:Scars from different parts of the hard palate can lead to a decrease in the length,width,and height of the maxillary alveolar bone.Among them,the anterior scar has the most severe impact,followed by the medial and lateral scars,and the posterior scar has the smallest impact.
8.Conceptualization of"environmental hidden toxin"and its pathogenesis,differentiation diagnosis and treatment leading to male infertility
Sicheng MA ; Yifei WANG ; Xiaohui HAO ; Dongyue MA ; Jianshe CHEN ; Zixue SUN ; Chenming ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1285-1291
Environmental pollutants generated by industrialization,characterized by microplastics,are increasingly impairing male fertility in the form of"environmental hidden toxins".Although the concept of environmental toxicity has been proposed for a long time,its practical application remains limited.Therefore,this study innovatively introduces and elaborates on the concept of"environmental hidden toxins",highlighting its pathogenic characteristics,including latency,turbidity,consumptive nature,concurrent nature,and transmutation.Environmental hidden toxin can be classified into five categories based on the properties:stagnation toxins,scorching toxins,turbid toxins,desiccating toxins,and latent toxins.The core pathogenesis of environmental hidden toxins-induced male infertility involves three stages:firstly,invading the lungs and spleen,leading to the gradual depletion of healthy qi;secondly,forming toxin-stasis complexes that obstruct the spermatic pathway;and lastly,penetrating deeply into the seminal chamber,directly damaging the genuine essence.The treatment principle emphasizes"strengthening the foundation and clearing the source,"advocating dual strategies of detoxification and strengthening vital qi.This includes enhancing clarity and lowering turbidity,fortifying the earth to generate metal to replenish healthy qi;resolving stasis,unblocking collaterals,and dispelling toxins to eliminate pathogenic factors;and nourishing the kidneys,replenishing essence,and expelling toxins to preserve the genuine essence.All the above approaches form a holistic traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)strategy that treating both manifestation and root cause of disease.The study provides theoretical foundations and offers novel clinical insights into TCM interventions for male infertility caused by environmental pollutants.
9.Relationship between intraoperative mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery
Lianhao JIANG ; Yifei WANG ; Lingling LIU ; Yuanyuan KANG ; Jun CHEN ; Hongtao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(10):1264-1268
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between intraoperative mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery.Methods:This was a case-control study. Based on the duration of mechanical ventilation>8 h, the clinical data(baseline characteristics, intraoperative information and hospitalization) of patients underwent first elective craniotomy under general anesthesia at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into pulmonary complication group (group P) and non-pulmonary complication group (group N) based on the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Ventilation-related risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications were identified by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the accuracy of intraoperative tidal volume, peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power in predicting postoperative pulmonary complications was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:A total of 555 patients were finally included, with 247 patients in group P and 308 patients in group N. The duration of mechanical ventilation, tidal volume, peak airway pressure, respiratory rate, mechanical power, length of hospitalization and mortality during hospitalization were significantly higher in group P than in group N ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power were risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications ( P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of intraoperative peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power in predicting postoperative pulmonary complications was 0.726(0.572-0.666), 0.619(0.684-0.768) and 0.958(0.942-0.974)respectively. Conclusions:Intraoperative mechanical power is an independent risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications and an important ventilation parameter for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery.
10.Factors influencing of lymphopenia in prostate cancer patients during radiotherapy
Yifei LI ; Xianshu GAO ; Hongzhen LI ; Shangbin QIN ; Xin QI ; Mingwei MA ; Yun BAI ; Xueying REN ; Jiayan CHEN ; Feng LYU ; Xiaoying LI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(4):347-354
Objective:To analyze the incidence and influencing factors of lymphopenia in prostate cancer patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 123 prostate cancer patients treated at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, from November 2011 to May 2015. Radiotherapy was administered using conventional fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Blood routine, including absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), was performed on patients before radiotherapy, weekly during radiotherapy, and at the end of radiotherapy. Severe lymphopenia was defined as an ALC <500 cells/μl. Based on whether the minimum ALC during radiotherapy was lower than 500 cells/μl, the entire cohort and 55 patients (excluding those with undelineated pelvic bone marrow due to radiotherapy planning system issues) with delineated pelvic bone marrow (divided into pelvic bone marrow, iliac bone marrow, and lower pelvic bone marrow) were stratified into a severe lymphopenia group (33 cases and 16 cases, respectively) and a mild lymphopenia group (90 cases and 39 cases, respectively). Differences in clinical factors and dosimetric parameters were compared between the groups using the chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test), t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the clinical and dosimetric factors influencing severe lymphopenia. Results:All 123 prostate cancer patients experienced lymphopenia during radiotherapy, with a median minimum ALC of 0.6×10 9/L [range: (0.2-2.3)×10 9/L]. Severe lymphopenia occurred in 26.8% (33 cases) of patients. Univariate analysis of the entire cohort showed that pre-radiotherapy baseline ALC, initial neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, prostate-specific antigen value, Gleason score, and pelvic radiotherapy were promoting factors for severe lymphopenia ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified pre-radiotherapy baseline ALC ( OR=0.217, 95% CI: 0.072-0.650, P=0.006) and pelvic radiotherapy ( OR=23.852, 95% CI: 2.834-200.787, P=0.004) as promoting factors for severe lymphopenia. In patients with delineated pelvic bone marrow, univariate analysis showed that pelvic bone marrow V 30 Gy and V 40 Gy, iliac bone marrow V 30 Gy and V 40 Gy, lower pelvic bone marrow V 30 Gy and V 40 Gy were promoting factors for severe lymphopenia during treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lymphopenia is common in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, with a high incidence of severe lymphopenia. Pre-radiotherapy baseline ALC, as well as pelvic, iliac, and lower pelvic bone marrow V 30 Gy and V 40 Gy, are promoting factors for severe lymphopenia during radiotherapy.


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