1.Pharmaceutical care for a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses complicated with organizing pneumonia
Shuangshuang CAI ; Xuewen QIU ; Yue LIAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Hao JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1352-1356
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the individualized treatment of a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses caused by Streptococcus constellatus complicated with organizing pneumonia (OP) in a non-immunocompromised patient. METHODS For a middle-aged, non-immunocompromised patient with a one-year disease course, whose imaging findings showed the coexistence of diffuse microabscesses and OP caused by S. constellatus pulmonary abscess, the clinical pharmacist, based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics characteristics, assisted the physician in optimizing the previously ineffective anti-infective regimen to Ceftriaxone sodium for injection combined with Metronidazole and sodium chloride injection, so as to enhance coverage of mixed anaerobes and lesion penetration. After the patient’s hemoptysis ceased, the clinical pharmacist recommended timely initiation of low-dose Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection to manage OP. Upon discharge, sequential oral therapy with Linezolid tablets, Metronidazole tablets, Methylprednisolone tablets and Omeprazole enteric-coated tablets was prescribed. RESULTS After implementation of the individualized treatment regimen, the patient’s hemoptysis resolved, pulmonary lesions significantly regressed, and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. At the three-month follow-up, the patient remained stable. CONCLUSIONS For chronic persistent pulmonary infection complicated with OP in a non-immunocompromised host, clinical pharmacists assist clinicians in optimizing anti-infective regimens and recommend the timely initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy after infection control, thereby contributing to favorable clinical outcomes. Individualized treatment of such complex cases requires comprehensive consideration of pathogen coverage, pathological barriers, and the timing of anti-inflammatory intervention.
2.Construction and analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during progression of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Xin AN ; Da LYU ; Xuepei REN ; Chuncheng LIU ; Guojun LIU ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Lu CAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):565-574
Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO2 dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO2-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO2 exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO2 exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
3.Construction and analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during progression of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Xin AN ; Da LYU ; Xuepei REN ; Chuncheng LIU ; Guojun LIU ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Lu CAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):565-574
Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO2 dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO2-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO2 exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO2 exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
4.Consensus on Hemodynamic Management in Adult Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (2026 Edition)
Wei CHENG ; Shuhan CAI ; Ying ZHU ; Zhongran CEN ; Hua ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Yangong CHAO ; Xiaoting WANG ; Xin DING
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):784-797
Despite significant advances in the field of critical care medicine over the past three decades, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) remains the primary temporary mechanical circulatory support modality for patients with acute severe circulatory failure. With the accumulation of clinical experience and the increasing maturity of operational techniques in V-A ECMO, its technical management—particularly hemodynamic management—has become a key factor influencing patient outcomes. To further improve patient survival, the Chinese Critical Care Ultrasound Study Group, in collaboration with the Hemodynamic Therapy of Critical Care Collaborative Group and the Critical Care Medicine Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, organized experts in critical care medicine to develop the
5.A Comparative Study of Artificial Intelligence-based Classification Versus Manual Classification of Medical Adverse Events: Taking the DeepSeek Large Language Model As an Example
Rui WANG ; Xutong TAN ; Congpu ZHAO ; Shuchang WANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Xiaojun MA ; Zhiling CAI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):828-833
To analyze the application value of artificial intelligence (AI)-based classification in the categorization of medical adverse events. Medical adverse events reported to the Adverse Event Reporting System of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, were retrospectively collected as the study subjects. After de-identification of adverse events meeting the inclusion criteria, conventional manual classification and AI-based classification using a large language model (DeepSeek-R1 Full-Context Internet Edition) were performed. The time required for classification using both methods was recorded, and the consistency and discrepancies between the two methods were compared. Using manual classification as the gold standard, the accuracy of AI-based classification was comprehensively evaluated. A total of 273 medical adverse events were analyzed. Manual classification took 38 838 seconds in total, with an average of 14.22 seconds per event. AI-based classification took 600 seconds in total, with an average of 2.19 seconds per event. The two methods showed consistent classification in 202 events and inconsistent classification in 71 events, yielding an overall agreement rate of 73.99% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.646 (95% CI: 0.575-0.717), with a standard error of 0.0362. Using manual classification as the gold standard, AI-based classification achieved accuracy ranging from 80% to 100%, precision from 30% to 100%, recall from 40% to 100%, F1 scores from 0.46 to 0.79, and specificity from 46% to 98%. Notably, AI-based classification demonstrated balanced and overall excellent performance in the categorization of device-related and drug-related adverse events. The DeepSeek large language model can assist in improving the efficiency of medical adverse event classification, showing promising application potential, particularly in the categorization of device-related and drug-related adverse events.
6.Hypothalamic-superior frontal gyrus functional connectivity alterations and luteinizing hormone correlations in girls with central precocious puberty
Hongqiang CAI ; Lianzi SU ; Xiyan CHEN ; Moran YANG ; Jiajia XU ; Yanqi SHAN ; Ru ZHAO ; Longsheng WANG ; Yue YU ; Liwei ZOU
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism 2026;31(2):129-137
Purpose:
In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis.
Methods:
Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed.
Results:
Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus.
Conclusion
Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.
7.Study on quality markers of Hyssopus cuspidatus against airway remodeling in bronchial asthma
Xiaocui CAI ; Junting GUO ; Tingting ZHAO ; Guihua LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):733-739
OBJECTIVE To identify the quality markers (Q-Markers) of Hyssopus cuspidatus against airway remodeling in bronchial asthma (referred to as “asthma”), an d to provide a reference for the quality control research of H. cuspidatus based on pharmacodynamic activity. METHODS Potential active components and action targets of H. cuspidatus were screened by network pharmacology method. Using human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) as objects, airway remodeling cell model was induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB); validation test was then performed for anti-asthmatic effects of H. cuspidatus and the potential active components. HPLC method was employed to establish the fingerprints of 14 batches of H. cuspidatus samples, and chemometric analysis was also conducted. Combined with the results of pharmacodynamic experiments and fingerprint analysis, the Q-Markers of H. cuspidatus against airway remodeling in asthma were determined. RESULTS&CONCLUSIONS Network pharmacology analysis showed that the potential active components of H. cuspidatus against asthma might be flavonoids and phenolic acids such as luteolin, quercetin and rosmarinic acid, and the core anti-asthmatic targets were interleukin-6, mitogen-activated protein kinase, etc. In vitro experimental results confirmed that 25, 50, 100 μg/mL of H. cuspidatus , as well as neochlorogenic acid (80 μmol/L), acacetin (80 μmol/L), salvianolic acid B (40 μmol/L) and quercetin-3- O - β -D-glucuronide (80 μmol/L), significantly reduced the cell viability induced by PDGF-BB, inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, decreased the levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and reactive oxygen species, and generally arrested cells in the G 0 /G 1 phase ( P <0.05). Fingerprint analysis showed that there were 27 common peaks in the fingerprints of the 14 batches of H. cuspidatus samples, with 15 compounds (including luteolin) identified, and the similarities of fingerprints were all greater than 0.8. The 14 batches of samples could be divided into three categories: S1-S7 as one category, S8-S13 as one category, and S14 as one category. The variable importance in the projection values of rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, salvigenin, luteolin, ferulic acid, quercetin-3- O - β -D-glucuronide, and the components corresponding to peaks 5 and 8 were greater than 1, indicating they were potential differential markers affecting quality. Integrating network pharmacology, in vitro experimental validation, and chemometric analysis, rosmarinic acid, neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, salvigenin, luteolin, ferulic acid, quercetin-3- O - β -D-glucuronide, acacetin, salvianolic acid B and chlorogenic acid may be the Q-Markers of H. cuspidatus against asthma.
8.Society of Critical Care Medicine 2024 Guidelines on Adult ICU Design: An Interpretation
Hui ZHANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Wanchen ZHAO ; Lingli XIE ; Cong MA ; Yifan FANG ; Jing CAI ; Na GUO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):421-428
This article provides a systematic interpretation and review of the
9.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
10.High-altitude exposure on retinal damage and oxidative stress levels
Quan ZHAO ; Song WANG ; Chen YIN ; Meng JING ; Juan MA ; Yan CAI
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):760-766
AIM:To investigate the effects of high-altitude hypoxic exposure on retinal injury and the associated changes in oxidative stress-related indicators in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into a plain group and a high-altitude group, with 12 rats(24 eyes)in each group. Rats in the plain group were housed under normoxic conditions in an SPF-grade animal facility, whereas rats in the high-altitude group were placed in a special environmental chamber simulating an altitude of 6 000 m for 7 d. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to assess retinal layer architecture and quantify retinal thickness. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe retinal histopathological changes. Immunofluorescence(IF)was used to detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)in retinal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was applied to examine the ultrastructure of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD), and reduced glutathione(GSH)in retinal tissue. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in retinal tissue were assessed using the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)fluorescent probe. RESULTS: OCT examination revealed disorganized retinal architecture in the high-altitude group, with increased inner and middle ring thickness and decreased outer ring thickness compared with the plain group(all P<0.05). HE staining showed varying degrees of retinal layer damage, blurred layer boundaries, loosely arranged RGCs, and partial cellular necrosis in the high-altitude group. IF analysis demonstrated significantly increased HIF-1α expression in the inner nuclear layer of the high-altitude group(P<0.01). TEM revealed mitochondrial swelling, disrupted cristae, and reduced matrix electron density in RGCs of the high-altitude group. ELISA and fluorescence probe assays showed significantly elevated MDA levels and ROS fluorescence intensity, accompanied by decreased T-SOD and GSH levels in the retinal tissue of the high-altitude group(all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to a high-altitude hypoxic environment induces marked morphological and ultrastructural damage in the rat retina and significantly enhances oxidative stress, suggesting that oxidative stress may play a critical role in retinal injury induced by high-altitude hypoxia.

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