1.Exosomes Treat Ischemic Stroke by Regulation of Ferroptosis Through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway in Mice
Yingtao XU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Ping LIN ; Haitao CHI ; Yi WANG ; Ying BAI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):20-31
ObjectiveA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model is established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. The study examines the mechanism by which exosomes (EXO) derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) improve ischemic stroke and regulate neural ferroptosis-related injury. MethodsThirty-two SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 - 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group): sham group (Sham), model group (MCAO), MCAO plus normal saline group (MCAO+NaCl), and MCAO plus exosome group (MCAO+EXO). The mouse MCAO model was established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. Mice in the Sham group underwent exposure of the middle cerebral artery without electrocoagulation. Twenty-four hours before MCAO induction, mice in the MCAO+EXO group received a tail vein injection of 100 μL of exosomes derived from the culture supernatant of hAMSCs at a concentration of 9.5×1011 particles/mL. Mice in the MCAO+NaCl group were injected with an equal volume of normal saline via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after model establishment, neurological deficits were evaluated using the Longa neurological deficit scoring system. Cerebral infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes of neurons in the ischemic brain regions. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were determined using microcolorimetric assays to evaluate differences among groups. The mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the infarct and peri-infarct regions of each group were analyzed by Western blotting. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group, the Longa neurological deficit score was significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group (P<0.01). Prominent cerebral infarction was observed in the MCAO group, whereas the infarct volume ratio was markedly decreased in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.001). Histopathological analysis revealed that mice in the MCAO group exhibited obvious neuronal damage, including cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, unclear nuclear structure, and disorganized neuronal arrangement, compared with the Sham group. In contrast, neurons in the MCAO+EXO group showed relatively preserved morphology, with intact cellular structures and large, regular nuclei located centrally within the cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that Fe2+ and MDA levels in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were significantly increased in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.001). These levels were significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). In addition, total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were markedly decreased in the MCAO group relative to the Sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, the MCAO+EXO group exhibited significantly increased levels of total GSH and GSH (P<0.001), while no significant change was observed in GSSG levels (P>0.05). Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were significantly downregulated in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.01, P<0.001). In contrast, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were significantly upregulated in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionIn the mouse MCAO model, tail vein injection of exosomes derived from hAMSCs can improve motor function, reduce infarct area, protect neuronal cell morphology, and reduce the degree of nerve injury. Exosomes may exert a protective effect by activating the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and reducing ferroptosis in neuronal cells of MCAO model mice.
2.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
3.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
4.TCM Data Hub: A traditional Chinese medicine data platform powered by YiYuan large language models
Chongyun ZHOU ; Qin LI ; Tangming CUI ; Chaohui CUI ; Peiyu WANG ; Meiling SUN ; Ying NIE ; Yichen BAI ; Haiyan LI
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):140-151
The digitization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has generated vast amounts of data. However, these data are characterized by significant heterogeneity and complex semantic structures, posing substantial challenges for systematic integration and intelligent analysis, and limiting its potential for modern clinical and computational research. To address the challenges posed by the high heterogeneity and complex structure in TCM data, we designed and developed the TCM Data Hub platform, which is powered by the YiYuan large language models (LLMs). This platform aims to enhance intelligent data processing capabilities and unlock the potential for clinical application of TCM data through systematic integration and efficient utilization, thereby bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern computational research. This study first analyzed the heterogeneity and complexity of TCM information with respect to data types, structures, and semantics. A standardized data framework was constructed to enhance data integration and interoperability. Based on the TCM Intelligent Computing Platform of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, we trained the YiYuan LLMs to acquire domain-specific semantic understanding of TCM, thereby improving the platform’s comprehension of specialized terminology and knowledge systems. Leveraging the natural language processing capabilities of the LLMs, we developed a human-in-the-loop data processing system to enable efficient extraction, cleansing, and structured organization of TCM data. In addition, utilizing Vue and Java technologies, we developed multiple LLM-powered intelligent agents and systems, including a human-in-the-loop data processing system, as well as automated prescription mining and network pharmacology analysis agents. Task-specific agents tailored to TCM data processing were developed to enhance the model’s effectiveness in clinical knowledge discovery. System functionality and platform infrastructure were implemented using Java and Vue technologies.The TCM Data Hub platform has completed system construction and core functionality implementation. It supported integrated management and efficient access to 8 key types of TCM data: prescriptions, materia medica, ingredients, targets, diseases (Western medicine), diseases (TCM), syndromes, and therapeutic methods. The human-in-the-loop data processing system achieved an accuracy of 95.34% in structuring TCM data and supported annotation for data requiring manual labeling. The intelligent agent-driven big-data analytics module enabled 1-click, end-to-end workflows for TCM prescription mining, herb-syndrome association analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular biology research, completing a full data mining task in approximately 30 minutes. Users can interact with and manipulate data through a visual front-end interface. The system demonstrated stable performance, strong scalability, and a user-friendly experience. Empowered by the YiYuan LLMs, the TCM Data Hub platform significantly improves the accessibility, usability, and intelligence of TCM data. It effectively bridges traditional TCM knowledge with modern intelligent technologies, providing robust data support and intelligent tools for TCM research and clinical applications.
5.Multidimensional analysis of accuracy of CTU, contrast-enhanced MRI and CEUS in qualitative diagnosis of renal space-occupying lesions
Linjie WU ; Ying YU ; Xiaojie BAI ; Zihao QI ; Hang ZHENG ; Zhongqiang GUO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):48-52
[Objective] To compare the diagnostic accuracy of three imaging modalities, inlducing CT urography (CTU), contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the qualitative diagnosis of renal space-occupying lesions. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on 542 patients with renal lesions confirmed by surgical pathology in our hospital during Jan.2019 and May 2024.The diagnostic results of CTU, CE-MRI and CEUS were compared and analyzed based on the patients' clinical and pathological data. [Results] The diagnostic accuracy rate of CTU, CE-MRI and CEUS were 84.50%, 83.14% and 86.14%, respectively.For the 161 patients who underwent all three examinations, CEUS was significantly more accurate than CTU (84.16% vs. 77.02%, P=0.018), while there was no significant difference between CTU or CEUS and CE-MRI (79.81%) (P>0.05). Further analysis found that for lesions ≤4 cm, the accuracy of the three examinations was as follows: CEUS=CTU 79.55%, CE-MRI 76.14%, with no significant difference (P>0.05). However, for lesions >4 cm, CEUS ranked the first, followed by CE-MRI and CTU (89.73% vs. 84.25% vs. 73.97%), and CEUS and CE-MRI were better than CTU (P<0.05). Additionally, for the diagnosis of clear cell renal carcinoma and benign renal space-occupying lesions, there was no statistically significant difference among the three imaging modalities (P>0.05), while for the qualitative diagnosis of non-clear cell renal carcinoma, CEUS ranked the first, followed by CE-MRI and CTU (83.87% vs. 74.19% vs. 56.45%), and CE-MRI and CEUS were better than CTU (P<0.05). [Conclusion] All of them have important diagnostic value, and the appropriate selection should be based on patients' specifc conditions.CEUS and CE-MRI are more accurate in the qualitative diagnosis of renal space-occupying lesions than CTU, especially for large lesions and non-clear cell carcinoma.
6.Epidemiological investigation on a case of acute flaccid paralysis with detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus
TANG Xuewen ; BAI Yiran ; SU Ying ; GONG Liming ; YAN Rui ; ZHU Yao ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):178-180,188
Abstract
In April 2021, type Ⅰ vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was detected from two fecal samples of a male infant with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Zhejiang Province when he was admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, with 12 and 14 nucleotide mutations in the VP1 region, respectively. The case had a history of immunization with three doses of poliovirus vaccines, and grade Ⅲ proximal muscle strength and grade Ⅱ distal muscle strength of the right lower limb. After symptomatic treatment, the activity of the right lower limb and the muscle strength was significantly restored, thus he was discharged. VDPV was not detected from subsequent (the 8th to 12th) fecal samples of the case and fecal samples of close contacts. No similar cases were found in medical institutions in the county, surrounding areas, neighboring villages or towns. Since the case did not exhibit clinical symptoms of poliomyelitis caused by VDPV, poliomyelitis was excluded, and the case was diagnosed with hemophilia type A based on the epidemiological investigation, laboratory tests, and the history of poliomyelitis vaccination. This event involved cross-provincial (municipal) cooperation and was responsed promptly, preventing further spread of the virus. It suggested that the sensitivity of the AFP case surveillance system should be maintained, environmental monitoring methods should be increased, and the poliomyelitis vaccination should be promoted to prevent the spread of the virus.
7.Study on the correlation between inflammatory indicators in the hyperacute phase of acute ischemic stroke and early neurological deterioration, syndrome factors, and prognosis
Ligaoge KANG ; Ying GAO ; Jinyue BAI ; Huan TANG ; Hongbo SHEN ; Lei LIU ; Lingbo KONG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):98-107
Objective:
Inflammatory cascade reactions play a crucial role in secondary neuronal injury in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of this study was to explore the correlations between specific serological indicators, early neurological deterioration (END), disease prognosis, and syndrome factors in AIS based on this injury mechanism.
Methods:
The data for this study were collected from 135 patients with AIS admitted to the emergency department of Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, within 24 h of onset between November 2019 and May 2021. Among these, 29 patients had complete data and experienced END. Additionally, 9 non-END patients were matched from the remaining 90 patients with complete data, resulting in a total of 38 patients for statistical analysis. Statistical methods, including logistic regression and receiver operating curves, were used to analyze the correlation between serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) within 24 h of END onset, disease prognosis, and syndrome factors. Grouping criteria included END occurrence, presence of syndrome elements on the first and third day post-onset, and prognosis at 90 days post-onset.
Results:
All 38 cases had onset time of less than 12 h, and there were no significant differences in age, gender, and onset time between the END and non-END groups. The TNF-α serum level within 24 h of onset was not associated with the occurrence of END but was negatively correlated with all-cause mortality at 90 days [0.1
8.Research Progress on Targeting Autophagy in Pan-creatic Cancer Treatment
Dongfeng SONG ; Tingting YOU ; Hui TANG ; Jinrong YING ; Zhao SUN ; Chunmei BAI
China Cancer 2025;34(8):653-659
Autophagy is a cellular self-degradation process that maintains homeostasis and has been shown to promote tumor progression in advanced stages.Pancreatic cancer cells and the surrounding stromal cells exhibit high levels of autophagy.Therefore,targeting au-tophagy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.This review focuses on research targeting autophagy in pancreatic cancer treatment,elaborating on the roles and underlying mechanisms of autophagy in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation,metas-tasis,modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment,and drug resistance.Additional-ly,we summarize preclinical and clinical studies investigating autophagy-targeted therapies both as monotherapy and in combination with other treatments,aiming to provide new theo-retical rationale and therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer management.
9.Clinical value of CD4 + T cells combined with other indicators in the diagnosis of pediatric sepsis
Jing SU ; Meixian XU ; Ying BAI ; Beibei CAO ; Le WANG ; Yingying MA ; Yinghui GUO
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(7):541-547
Objective:To investigate the features of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in children with sepsis and evaluate the value of these cells in combination with multiple indicators in the diagnosis of pediatric sepsis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 86 sepsis children and 83 children with local infection admitted to Hebei Children′s Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024. Baseline clinical data, peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, and other laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the independent risk factors correlated with the initiation of sepsis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the value of each independent risk factor for diagnosing sepsis.Results:The thrombin time, the absolute counts of NK, CD3 + T, CD4 + T, and CD8 + T cells, the levels of IgG and IgM, and the counts of lymphocytes and platelets were lower in the sepsis children than in the children with local infection. However, the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, the levels of fibrinogen, direct bilirubin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher in the sepsis group (all P<0.05). The variables screened by LASSO regression were analyzed by the multivariate logistic regression, and the results showed that PT, absolute CD4 + T cell count, and the levels of IgM and CRP were independent risk factors for sepsis. The ROC analysis indicated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for PT, absolute CD4 + T cell count, and IgM and CRP levels when used individually in diagnosing sepsis was 0.729, 0.593, 0.605, and 0.795, respectively. The AUC for the four indexes when used in combination for diagnosing sepsis reached 0.822, showing greater superiority over that of the single index. Conclusions:The combined measurement of PT, absolute CD4 + T cell count, and the levels of IgM and CRP can improve the diagnostic efficacy for sepsis in children. Early monitoring of these indexes facilitates the assessment of the condition in children suffering from sepsis.
10.A case report of neonatal hypothyroidism induced by high maternal thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody level during pregnancy
Tao BAI ; Weijie SUN ; Peiheng ZHANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Huixia YANG ; Ying GAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):493-496
Maternal high titers of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody(TRAb) during pregnancy can cause fetal and neonatal thyroid dysfunction, among which hypothyroidism is relatively rare. In this case, the woman was diagnosed with Hashimoto′s hypothyroidism prior to pregnancy and was treated with levothyroxine(LT 4) to maintain normal thyroid function throughout gestation. Despite normal maternal thyroid function, TRAb levels remained persistently elevated during pregnancy. The fetus showed a normal fetal thyroid circumference and heart rate, but no secondary ossification center was observed at 37 + 6 weeks of gestation. On the 9th day after birth, the neonate was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and started on LT 4 replacement therapy. By 7 months of age, thyroid function had normalized, and LT 4 was discontinued. This case highlights the importance of close monitoring of fetal growth and neonatal thyroid function in pregnant women with high TRAb titers, to ensure timely detection and management of fetal and neonatal thyroid dysfunction.


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