1.Qiangjing Tablets Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Varicocele by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Liang DONG ; Fang YANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Yulin LI ; Xujun YU ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):347-359
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress. MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
2.Effect of cluster scalp acupuncture combined with Taijiquan on brain functional connectivity and network topology for patients with post-stroke depression
Yujie GUAN ; Keyan LIU ; Keqin YANG ; Yulin LIANG ; Jinpeng ZHANG ; Bin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):621-630
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of cluster scalp acupuncture combined with Taijiquan training on depressive symptom, motor function, activities of daily living, serum markers, as well as brain functional connectivity (FC) and network topological properties in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). MethodsA total of 40 PSD patients in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from September, 2022 to September, 2023 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). The control group received cluster scalp acupuncture alone, while the experimental group underwent Taijiquan training in addition, for four weeks. They were assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD-17), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Barthel Index (BI) before and after treatment, while the serum levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was applied to assess brain FC, as well as the global efficiency (Eg) and small-world property (σ) of brain networks. ResultsThe scores of HAMD-17, FMA and BI improved in both groups (t > 2.922, P < 0.01) after treatment, and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.517, P < 0.05). The serum levels of DA and 5-HT increased in both groups (t > 2.637, P < 0.05), and increased more in the experimental group (t > 2.192, P < 0.05). The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in the experimental group after treatment (t > 4.059, P < 0.001), and they were less than those in the control group (t > 2.154, P < 0.05). FC between left middle frontal gyrus and right anterior cingulate gyrus, as well as between left hippocampus and right precuneus were higher in the experimental group than in the control group after treatment (t > 3.867, P < 0.001), while Eg and σ increased in both groups (t > 2.828, P < 0.05), and they were higher in the experimental group (t > 2.675, P < 0.05). ConclusionCombination of Taijiquan training is more effective on depressive symptoms, motor function and activities of daily living in PSD patients, which may be related to up-regulation of serum DA and 5-HT, reduction of inflammatory factors, enhancement of prefrontal-limbic system functional connectivity and optimization of brain network topological properties.
3.From "standardized patients" to "digital twin patients": Disciplinary logic and technical divergence of five patient modeling paradigms
Xingyuan ZHU ; Jiaqing WANG ; Zhongfang YANG ; Zong' ; an HUANG ; Zheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1023-1033
With the rapid development of large language models and related technologies, various forms of patient modeling have emerged, including virtual patients, synthetic patients, artificial intelligence patients, and digital twin patients. Although these forms all share the core objective of patient simulation, they exhibit significant differences in theoretical ontology, data sources, modeling logic, and application orientation. Based on the abstraction levels of simulation objects and system mapping logic, this study systematically compares five paradigms—standardized patients, virtual patients, synthetic patients, AI patients, and digital twin patients—to clarify their conceptual boundaries and technical positioning. The findings indicate that these paradigms represent distinct modeling pathways: behavioral reproduction, scenario simulation, data generation, cognitive interaction, and individual system mapping, respectively. By constructing a multidimensional comparative framework, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the conceptual standardization of patient modeling and the strategic deployment of intelligent healthcare systems.
4.Multi-modal imaging technology combined with evaluation of knee joint occult injury: comparative analysis of MSCT, DR and MRI fat suppression sequences
Yuangang ZHANG ; Yalong YANG ; Fei ZHAO ; Xiaojun KANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):221-228
Objective To evaluate the consistency of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT), Digital Radiography (DR) and fat-suppression MRI in detecting occult knee joint injury. Method Clinical data from 150 patients with suspected occult knee injuries who presented to the Department of imaging at the General Hospital of Ordnance Industry between August 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent MSCT, DR, and fat-suppression MRI for diagnostic evaluation. Arthroscopic or surgical findings served as the gold standard. We analyzed and compared the detection rates of specific types of occult knee injuries (ligament, meniscus, occult fracture, etc.) across the three modalities, as well as their ability to assess the degree of collapse and horizontal displacement in patients with knee fractures, and their overall diagnostic performance. Result According to the gold standard, among the 150 patients with suspected occult knee injury, 103 tested positive and 47 negative. Statistically significant differences were observed among MSCT, DR, and fat-suppression MRI in detecting occult fractures(P<0.05). The detection rates ranked in descending order asfollows: fat-suppression MRI>MSCT>DR. However, no significant difference were found in the detection rates of joint effusion and patellar cartilage injuries among the three techniques (P>0.05). Statistically differences were also note among the three techniques in detecting the degree of collapse and horizontal displacement in patients with knee fractures (P<0.05). Specifically fat-suppression MRI identified a higher proportion of grade 1 and 2 lesions than both MSCT and DR. Statistically significant differences were observed among the three techniques in diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for occult knee injuries (P<0.05). Fat-suppression MRI demonstrated superior sensitivity (99.03%) and accuracy (96.67%) compared with MSCT (75.73%, 79.33%) and DR (61.17%, 68.00%). However, no significant difference was found in diagnostic specificity among the three techniques (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with MSCT and DR, fat-suppression MRI offers higher diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for occult knee injuries, particularly in identifying ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, and occult fractures.
5.Multi-modal imaging technology combined with evaluation of knee joint occult injury: comparative analysis of MSCT, DR and MRI fat suppression sequences
Yuangang ZHANG ; Yalong YANG ; Fei ZHAO ; Xiaojun KANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):221-228
Objective To evaluate the consistency of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT), Digital Radiography (DR) and fat-suppression MRI in detecting occult knee joint injury. Method Clinical data from 150 patients with suspected occult knee injuries who presented to the Department of imaging at the General Hospital of Ordnance Industry between August 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent MSCT, DR, and fat-suppression MRI for diagnostic evaluation. Arthroscopic or surgical findings served as the gold standard. We analyzed and compared the detection rates of specific types of occult knee injuries (ligament, meniscus, occult fracture, etc.) across the three modalities, as well as their ability to assess the degree of collapse and horizontal displacement in patients with knee fractures, and their overall diagnostic performance. Result According to the gold standard, among the 150 patients with suspected occult knee injury, 103 tested positive and 47 negative. Statistically significant differences were observed among MSCT, DR, and fat-suppression MRI in detecting occult fractures(P<0.05). The detection rates ranked in descending order asfollows: fat-suppression MRI>MSCT>DR. However, no significant difference were found in the detection rates of joint effusion and patellar cartilage injuries among the three techniques (P>0.05). Statistically differences were also note among the three techniques in detecting the degree of collapse and horizontal displacement in patients with knee fractures (P<0.05). Specifically fat-suppression MRI identified a higher proportion of grade 1 and 2 lesions than both MSCT and DR. Statistically significant differences were observed among the three techniques in diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for occult knee injuries (P<0.05). Fat-suppression MRI demonstrated superior sensitivity (99.03%) and accuracy (96.67%) compared with MSCT (75.73%, 79.33%) and DR (61.17%, 68.00%). However, no significant difference was found in diagnostic specificity among the three techniques (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with MSCT and DR, fat-suppression MRI offers higher diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for occult knee injuries, particularly in identifying ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, and occult fractures.
6.Multi-modal imaging technology combined with evaluation of knee joint occult injury: comparative analysis of MSCT, DR and MRI fat suppression sequences
Yuangang ZHANG ; Yalong YANG ; Fei ZHAO ; Xiaojun KANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):221-228
Objective To evaluate the consistency of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT), Digital Radiography (DR) and fat-suppression MRI in detecting occult knee joint injury. Method Clinical data from 150 patients with suspected occult knee injuries who presented to the Department of imaging at the General Hospital of Ordnance Industry between August 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent MSCT, DR, and fat-suppression MRI for diagnostic evaluation. Arthroscopic or surgical findings served as the gold standard. We analyzed and compared the detection rates of specific types of occult knee injuries (ligament, meniscus, occult fracture, etc.) across the three modalities, as well as their ability to assess the degree of collapse and horizontal displacement in patients with knee fractures, and their overall diagnostic performance. Result According to the gold standard, among the 150 patients with suspected occult knee injury, 103 tested positive and 47 negative. Statistically significant differences were observed among MSCT, DR, and fat-suppression MRI in detecting occult fractures(P<0.05). The detection rates ranked in descending order asfollows: fat-suppression MRI>MSCT>DR. However, no significant difference were found in the detection rates of joint effusion and patellar cartilage injuries among the three techniques (P>0.05). Statistically differences were also note among the three techniques in detecting the degree of collapse and horizontal displacement in patients with knee fractures (P<0.05). Specifically fat-suppression MRI identified a higher proportion of grade 1 and 2 lesions than both MSCT and DR. Statistically significant differences were observed among the three techniques in diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for occult knee injuries (P<0.05). Fat-suppression MRI demonstrated superior sensitivity (99.03%) and accuracy (96.67%) compared with MSCT (75.73%, 79.33%) and DR (61.17%, 68.00%). However, no significant difference was found in diagnostic specificity among the three techniques (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with MSCT and DR, fat-suppression MRI offers higher diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for occult knee injuries, particularly in identifying ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, and occult fractures.
7.Construction and effect evaluation of the respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with bronchial asthma
Xixuan LIU ; Yulin LIU ; Sha LIU ; Fan YANG ; Xiaohong XIE ; Zijuan WANG ; Lifang LIU ; Hongyu WEI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1043-1050
Objective To construct the respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with asthma,and evaluate its effects,in order to provide a guidance for the scientific and effective implementation of respiratory rehabilitation in clinical work.Methods By convenience sampling method,the school-age children with asthma treated in the respiratory outpatient department of a tertiary specialized children's hospital in Chongqing from De-cember 2023 to February 2024 were selected.The children were randomly divided into an experimental group and the control group(25 of each group)by a random number table.Both groups were given routine asthma drug in-halation treatment and health education.Additionally,the experimental group received respiratory rehabilitation calis-thenics training and the control group received conventional aerobic exercise training.After 3-month intervention,the effects of adherence to respiratory rehabilitation training,lung functions,exercise capacity,inspiratory muscle strength and occurrence of adverse events were evaluated between 2 groups.Results 24 children of each group completed the study.After 3-month intervention,the adherence to respiratory rehabilitation training,exercise capacity and in-spiratory muscle strength were improved in the experimental group compared with those in the control group,and all differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no adverse events in both groups.Conclusion The respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with asthma constructed in this study was scientif-ic,feasible and safe,and could improve exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength for children with asthma.
8.Diffusion tensor imaging analysis index along the perivascular space for assessing age-related functional changes in glymphatic system
Xiaofeng CHEN ; Hao ZHANG ; Yulin LIN ; Jiada YANG ; Xiaoli XIONG ; Jialin WU ; Weixiong FAN ; Zhiqi YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1659-1662
Objective To explore the value of diffusion tensor imaging analysis index along the perivascular space(DTI-ALPS)for assessing age-related functional changes in glymphatic system(GS).Methods Totally 27 healthy subjects from Meizhou People's Hospital and 100 healthy subjects from neuroimaging informatics tools and resources collaborator database who underwent T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo(T1-MPRAGE)and DTI scanning were retrospectively enrolled and divided into youth group(n=38),middle-aged group(n=57)and elderly group(n=32).Automated DTI-ALPS index analysis procedure was used to minimize manual errors and derive DTI-ALPS index.The general data,neuropsychological assessment results and DTI-ALPS indices were compared among groups.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to observe the relationships of DTI-ALPS index and age,gender,as well as neuropsychological scores.Results The average age in youth group,middle-aged group and elderly group was(28.5±5.8),(53.7±6.8)and(73.8±2.3)years,respectively.No significant difference of DTI-ALPS index was found between middle-aged group and elderly group(P>0.05),which were both lower than that in youth group(both P<0.05).DTI-ALPS index was weakly negatively correlated with age(rs=-0.340,P<0.001),but not significantly correlated with gender nor neuropsychological assessment results(both P>0.05).Conclusion DTI-ALPS index was negatively correlated with age in healthy individuals,hence having potential utility for assessing age-related functional changes in GS.
9.Study on the relationship between serum S100A4,S100A12 and the infection types and prognosis of neonatal infectious pneumonia
Shuxia ZHANG ; Chengli ZOU ; Xiaolong WANG ; Yongqiang WANG ; Yulin YANG ; Zhongjie HE
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(14):1676-1681,1688
Objective To explore the relationship between serum S100 calcium-binding protein(S100)A4,S100A12 and the infection type and prognosis of neonatal infectious pneumonia(NIP).Methods A total of 300 children with NIP admitted to the Neijiang Second People's Hospital from January 2021 to March 2024 were selected and divided into the bacterial infection group(214 cases)and the non-bacterial infection group(86 cases)according to the types of pathogenic bacteria.Another 150 healthy newborns in the same hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of serum S100A4 and S100A12 were de-tected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the cor-relations between serum S100A4,S100A12 and procalcitonin(PCT),white blood cell count(WBC),albumin(Alb),and platelet count(PLT).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the differential value of serum S100A4,S100A12,PCT,WBC,Alb,and PLT alone and in combination for NIP bac-terial infection.According to the prognosis,children with NIP were divided into the poor prognosis group(63 cases)and the good prognosis group(237 cases).Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in children with NIP,and ROC curve was used to analyze the value of each factor in predicting poor prognosis in children with NIP.Results The levels of serum S100A4,S100A12,PCT,WBC,and PLT in the bacterial infection group were higher than those in the non-bacterial infection group and the control group,while Alb was lower than that in the non-bacterial infection group and the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum S100A4 and S100A12 in children with NIP were positively correlated with PCT,WBC and PLT(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with Alb(P<0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of serum S100A4 and S100A12 in differentiating NIP infection types was slightly lower than that of PCT,WBC,Alb,and PLT in differentiating NIP infection types.The results of multivariate Logistic re-gression analysis showed that elevated S100A4,elevated S100A12,elevated PCT,bacterial infection,and lung consolidation were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in children with NIP(P<0.05).The AUC of bacterial infection,lung consolidation,PCT,S100A4,and S100A12 for predicting the poor prognosis of chil-dren with NIP was 0.903.It was greater than the AUC predicted separately by bacterial infection,lung consol-idation,PCT,S100A4,and S100A12 levels(Z=9.989,9.460,5.514,4.084,4.376,P<0.001).Conclusion The combination of serum S100A4 and S100A12 with traditional markers has certain discrimina-tory value for the infection types of NIP,and the levels of serum S100A4 and S100A12 are related to the prog-nosis of NIP.
10.Characteristics of molnupiravir in anti-H1N1 influenza virus infection in vitro and in vivo
Xili FENG ; Jinqian WANG ; Xuanye YANG ; Xinyan HU ; Yulin DING ; Xiaoxia MA
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):478-485
Objective To analyze the antiviral effect of molnupiravir against influenza virus in vitro and in vivo.Methods The antiviral ability of molnupiravir against influenza virus strain H1N1 PR8 was detected in vitro and in vivo.H uman non-small cell lung cancer cell line(A549 cells)was used as an in vitro model of PR8 infection.The antiviral effects of molnupiravir on virus replication,protein synthesis,and viral particle formation were analyzed using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),Western blot(WB)assay,and plaque assay.PR8 nose-dripping infected C57BL/6 female mice were used as an in vivo infection model.The antivi-ral ability of molnupiravir was evaluated by detecting viral load,pathological changes,and immunohistochemistry in the control group,administration group,inoculation group,and inoculation-administration group.Results In vitro test results showed that molnupiravir had no significant inhibitory effect on influenza virus replication,protein syn-thesis,and virus particle formation(all P>0.05).In vivo test results showed that compared with mice infected with H1N1 alone,the viral load in the lung tissue of mice treated with molnupiravir declined significantly,and the extent of pathological changes was milder.Immunohistochemical detection showed a significant weakening in nuclear protein(NP)antigen signal,and the expression levels of interferon(IFN)-α,interleukin(IL)-4,and IL-6 in the lungs were lower(all P<0.01).Conclusion As a precursor with antiviral activity,molnupiravir can not exert anti-viral activity in lung-derived cells cultured in vitro,but can be transformed into an active form in the host,which significantly decreases the ability of H1N1 influenza virus to proliferate in the lungs and thereby alleviates the da-mage of virus to lung tissue.

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