1.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
2.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
3.Fisher discriminant analysis of multimodal ultrasound in diagnosis of cervical metastatic lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer
Yixuan WANG ; Yue HAN ; Fei LI ; Yuyang LIN ; Bei WANG
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):103-114
Background/Aims:
The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.
Methods:
The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results:
Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%.
Conclusions
The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.
4.Fisher discriminant analysis of multimodal ultrasound in diagnosis of cervical metastatic lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer
Yixuan WANG ; Yue HAN ; Fei LI ; Yuyang LIN ; Bei WANG
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):103-114
Background/Aims:
The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.
Methods:
The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results:
Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%.
Conclusions
The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.
5.Fisher discriminant analysis of multimodal ultrasound in diagnosis of cervical metastatic lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer
Yixuan WANG ; Yue HAN ; Fei LI ; Yuyang LIN ; Bei WANG
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):103-114
Background/Aims:
The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.
Methods:
The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results:
Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%.
Conclusions
The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.
6.Efficacy and its related factors of rituximab treatment in children with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome
Mengjie JIANG ; Zhenchun ZHU ; Lizhi CHEN ; Yuxin PEI ; Liping RONG ; Yuanyuan XU ; Zhilang LIN ; Yuanquan QIU ; Bei JIN ; Cheng CHENG ; Xiaojun OUYANG ; Guohua HE ; Xiaoyun JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):670-676
Objective:To explore the efficacy and its related factors of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS).Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study. The clinical data of FRNS/SDNS children first treated with RTX in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from November 1, 2016 to September 1, 2023 were collected. The number of relapse within 1 year before and after RTX treatment, the time to first relapse after RTX treatment, and the time to B-cell reconstitution were analyzed. At the first treatment, a single dose of RTX was given at 375 mg/m 2, with a maximum dose of 500 mg, once a week, for 1 to 4 doses. The count of CD19 + lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the children was continuously monitored. If B-cell reconstruction was performed, the decision on whether to proceed to the next course of RTX treatment was made based on clinical manifestations. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze relapse-free survival rate after receiving RTX. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the related factors of relapse after RTX treatment. Results:A total of 98 FRNS/SDNS children receiving RTX treatment were enrolled, including 75 males (76.5%). The age at onset was 4.0 (1.9, 7.1) years and age of receiving RTX was 11.3 (8.5, 13.5) years. There were 90 children (91.8%) achieving complete remission, while 8 patients (8.2%) did not respond to RTX treatment, and 3 patients (3.1%) progressed to end-stage kidney disease after receiving RTX. The relapse-free survival rates at 6 months and 1 year after RTX treatment were 83.3% (75/90) and 57.9% (22/38), respectively. The frequency of relapse 1 year after RTX treatment decreased compared to 1 year before RTX treatment ( Z=-7.398, P<0.001). Compared with children without relapse during the period of B-cell depletion, relapsed children had a higher number of relapse within one year after RTX treatment ( Z=5.246, P<0.001). The time to first relapse after RTX treatment was 8.3 (4.6, 13.9) months in 51 relapse patients. Compared with children receiving 1 dose of RTX in the first course, those receiving 2 or more doses had a longer time to the first relapse ( Z=2.983, P=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in time to the first relapse between children who received mycophenolate mofetil therapy after RTX treatment and those who didn't ( P>0.05). The reconstruction time of B cells after the first course of RTX was 6.9 (5.3, 9.0) months. Compared to children receiving one dose of RTX in the first course, those receiving two or more doses had a longer B-cell reconstitution time ( Z=2.739, P=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in B-cell reconstitution time between children who received mycophenolate mofetil therapy after RTX treatment and those who didn't ( P>0.05). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that recurrence after calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) treatment before RTX treatment and the number of recurrence in one year before RTX treatment were correlated factors of recurrence after RTX treatment (both P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that recurrence after CNI treatment before RTX treatment was an independent correlated factor of relapse after RTX therapy ( HR=3.496, 95% CI 1.245-9.818, P=0.018). Infusion reactions occurred in 10 patients (10.2%) and infections were observed in 24 patients (24.5%) during B cell depletion. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions:RTX is well tolerated and effective in treating FRNS/SDNS. Recurrence after CNI treatment before RTX treatment may be an independent related factor of relapse after RTX treatment.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to syndrome differentiation and treatment of sleep disorders based on the theory of"One Guiding Principle and Four Specific Methods"
Bei CHEN ; Yulun WU ; Weijie ZHU ; Junjie CAI ; Menghan ZHANG ; Xuejuan LIN ; Yimeng CHEN
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):337-342
This paper focuses on extreme environments and systematically analyzes sleep disorders caused by multiple pathogenesis,including circadian rhythm disorder,yin-yang imbalance and qi-blood disorder under weightlessness,emotional depression due to environmental changes,abnormal diet and excretion,and six excesses pathogenic factors,in accordance with the theory of correspondence between nature and human.It proposes harmonizing yin and yang as the core therapeutic principle and guiding framework,with specific methods including calming rebellious qi-blood,regulating qi movement,harmonizing heart and kidney,and dredging and regulating blood vessels,thus forming the"one guiding principle and four specific methods"treatment strategy.Additionally,by integrating the modified application of classic formulas,a diagnostic and therapeutic approach targeting multi-dimensional pathogenesis is established.This study aims to promote the in-depth integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)in extreme environmental medicine through TCM theories and innovative application of prescriptions,provide TCM-characterized solutions for health management of workers in extreme environments,and facilitate the transformation of extreme environmental medicine toward the modern medical model of"prevention-treatment integration".
8.Qualitative research Meta-integration of unmet needs and challenges of caregivers of cancer patients in the home environment
Lin CHENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jianfang ZHANG ; Yunjia XU ; Xiaomeng HU ; Bei PEI ; Wenting WANG ; Yan LOU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(15):1972-1980
Objective:To systematically evaluate the unmet needs and challenges of caregivers of cancer patients at home and clarify their unmet needs.Methods:A computerized search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Scopus, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc for qualitative studies on the unmet needs and challenges of caregivers of cancer patients in the home environment. The search time limit was from the establishment of the databases to April 30, 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare's quality assessment criteria for qualitative research were used to evaluate the quality of the literatures, and the aggregative integration method was used to summarize and integrate the research results.Results:A total of 17 articles were finally included, which were summarized into eight new categories. Further synthesis yielded three integrated results: caregivers in the home environment face multi-dimensional unmet needs and challenges related to patients; caregivers in the home environment face challenges and unmet needs in self-care; caregivers in the home environment are hesitant to obtain external support, and continuity and sustainability are hindered.Conclusions:Medical staff should accurately assess the unmet needs of caregivers of cancer patients at home, pay attention to their negative experiences, promote positive coping, optimize the patient-and family-centered cancer care model, and strengthen social support.
9.Clinical significance of molecular classification and hereditary phenotypic characteristics in endometrial carcinoma
Xiaowei WANG ; Jie LIN ; Huang CHEN ; Fang YU ; Honglei ZHANG ; Ye WANG ; Ruiying JIANG ; Bei WANG ; Dingrong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(1):100-107
Objective:To analyze the clinical significance of molecular classification and hereditary phenotype in endometrial carcinoma (EC) based on high throughput sequencing (NGS).Methods:97 EC samples were collected retrospectively from December 2019 to October 2022 in China-Japan Friendship Hospital. NGS technique was used to analyze the molecular classification, POLE hypermutation, microsatellite high Instability/mismatch repair dysfunction (MSI-H/MMRd), P53 protein abnormality (P53 abn), and non-specific molecular profile (NSMP). Lynch syndrome related genes and BRCA1/2 genes were detected by NGS and their genetic characteristics were analyzed. Results:Of the 97 EC cases, 77 were endometrial adenocarcinoma and 20 were other pathological subtypes. The proportions of the four molecular subtypes were 9.3% (9/97) POLE hypermutation, 16.5% (16/97) MSI-H, 17.5% (17/97) P53 abn and 56.7% (55/97) NSMP, respectively. There were significant differences in age, histological type, lymph node metastasis, pathological stage and other parameters among the four molecular types ( P<0.05). 8.2% (8/97) were multiple molecular typing and four multiple molecular typings detected, including POLEmut-MSI-H, POLEmut-P53abn, MSI-H-P53abn, P53abn-P53abn, which accounted for 1.0% (1/97), 3.1% (3/97), 1.0% (1/97) and 3.1% (3/97), respectively. The consistent rate of MSI-H and MMR protein expression was 92.9% ( Kappa=0.818, P<0.001). The coincidence rate between TP53 gene sequencing and P53 protein expression was 88.9% ( Kappa=0.661, P<0.001). In MSI-H type, 25.0% (4/16) were diagnosed as Lynch syndrome, and 75.0% (12/16) were diagnosed as Lynch like syndrome. 7.2% (7/97) BRCA2 somatic variation was detected, while BRCA1/2 germline variation was not detected in 97 cases. Conclusions:EC molecular classification has feasibility and clinical value. High throughput sequencing can detect low frequency mutations of TP53 gene, suggesting that it can provide more accurate molecular information and more accurate molecular typing effect. It is suggested to further detect Lynch syndrome related genes in patients with MSI-H, so as to carry out genetic management for patients and their families and achieve better therapeutic effect.
10.Predictive Value of Serum NGAL,CGRP,and NLR for the Prognostic Regression of Elderly Patients with Stroke Complicated with Pulmonary Infectio
Xiao-jie LI ; Hong-zhe BEI ; Jin WANG ; Li-he YUAN ; Li-rong LIN ; Xin-hui LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2827-2834
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)for the prognostic regression of elderly patients with stroke complicated with pulmonary infection(SCPI).Methods:This study was a retrospective single-center study,149 elderly patients with SCPI who were admitted to Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital from June 2020 to June 2024 were selected,they were divided into poor prognosis group(n=56)and good prognosis group(n=93)according to the prognosis.Baseline data and laboratory test indicators were collected,and NLR was calculated.Serum NGAL and CGRP levels were measured by ELISA.Influencing factors of poor prognosis of elderly patients with SCPI were analyzed by Multivariate logistic regression.Predicts value was analyzed by Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results:Compared with good prognosis group,the poor prognosis group had higher of aged ≥ 70 years,incidence of hemorrhagic stroke,serum creatinine,white blood cell count,national institute of health stroke scale(NIHSS),platelet count,C-reactive protein,NGAL,and NLR levels,longer nerosurgery intensive care unit(NICU)stay,and lower CGRP levels(P<0.05).Higher CGRP level was an independent protective factor of poor prognosis of elderly patients with SCPI(OR<1,P<0.05).Age ≥ 70 years,hemorrhagic stroke,longer NICU stay,higher NIHSS score,higher NGAL level and higher NLR were independent risk factors of poor prognosis of elderly patients with SCPI(OR>1,P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for predicting the prognostic regression of elderly patients with SCPI used NGAL,CGRP,and NLR alone or in combination was 0.777,0.771,0.786,and 0.927,respectively,with the combination of three factors showed the highest predictive power(P<0.05).Conclusion:Age ≥70 years,hemorrhagic stroke,longer NICU stay,higher NIHSS score,higher NGAL level and higher NLR are independent risk factors of poor prognosis of elderly patients with SCPI,while higher CGRP level is an independent protective factor.The combination detection of NGAL,CGRP and NLR can improve the predictive value of prognostic regression in elderly patients with SCPI.

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