1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
3.Research progress on interventions measures for peer bullying among adolescents
WANG Xinhui, LI Chuchu, SU Puyu, WANG Gengfu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):144-148
Abstract
Mental health problems in adolescents often emerge alongside incidents of peer bullying, negatively affecting their development. In order to develop intervention measures for peer bullying among Chinese adolescents, the article elaborates on the current research progress in the theoretical basis, evidence based approaches, and practical models of peer bullying intervention, summarizes strengths and limitations of existing approaches, and proposes future research directions for intervention, with the aim of preventing and reducing peer bullying and creating a favorable environment for the healthy adolescent develpment.
4.Discussion on the effects of Qizhi Tongluo Prescription on renal damage in rats with membranous nephropathy based on the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway
Yicong ZHAO ; Yuhan NIU ; Yuan LI ; Xiaowei JU ; Qian LIU ; Guodong YUAN ; Qian ZHANG ; Suzhi CHEN ; Chuchu CHEN ; Jinchuan TAN ; Fengwen YANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(8):1095-1102
Objective:To observe the effects of Qizhi Tongluo Prescription on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with membranous nephropathy based on the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway; To explore its intervention mechanism.Methods:Totally 60 male SD rats were divided into blank group ( n=10) and model group ( n=50) using random number table method. The model of membranous nephropathy was established according to the modified Border method. The successfully modeling rats were divided into model group, benazepril group and Qizhi Tongluo Prescription low-, medium- and high-dosage groups using random number table method. Benazepril group was gavaged with benazepril hydrochloride 10 mg/kg, Qizhi Tongluo Prescription low-, medium- and high-dosage groups were gavaged with Qizhi Tongluo Prescription solution 1.22 g/kg, 2.43 g/kg and 4.86 g/kg, and blank group and model group were gavaged with equal volume of normal saline, once a day, for 4 weeks. The 24-hour urine was collected to detect the 24-hour urinary protein quantification, and the blood was taken from the abdominal aorta to detect the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride(TG), and serum albumin(ALB); the pathological changes of rat kidney were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope; the protein expressions of sonic hedgehog factor (Shh), zinc finger protein 1 (Gli1) and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in renal tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry; the protein expressions of Shh, Gli1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Collagen Ⅳ and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAl-1) in renal tissues were detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with the model group, the quantitative level of 24-hour urinary protein of rats in each administration group decreased ( P<0.05), serum TC and TG levels increased ( P<0.05), ALB level decreased ( P<0.05), the positive expressions of Shh, Gli1, α-SMA protein in renal tissue decreased ( P<0.05), and the protein expressions of Shh, Gli1, α-SMA, Collagen Ⅳ, TGF-β1, PAI-1 in renal tissue decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Qizhi Tongluo Prescription can improve renal interstitial fibrosis in membranous nephropathy rats, possibly by inhibiting the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway to delay renal interstitial fibrosis.
5.Construction of a Diagnostic Model for Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Chronic Cough Based on the Voting Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithm
Yichen BAI ; Suyang QIN ; Chongyun ZHOU ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Panfei LI ; Tangming CUI ; Haiyan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1119-1127
ObjectiveTo explore the construction of a machine learning model for the diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in chronic cough and the optimization of this model using the Voting ensemble algorithm. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical data from 921 patients with chronic cough treated at the Respiratory Department of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. After standardized processing, 84 clinical features were extracted to determine TCM syndrome types. A specialized dataset for TCM syndrome diagnosis in chronic cough was formed by selecting syndrome types with more than 50 cases. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) was employed to balance the dataset. Four base models, logistic regression (LR), decision tree (dt), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and Bagging, were constructed and integrated using a hard voting strategy to form a Voting ensemble model. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, recall, precision, F1-score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), and confusion matrix. ResultsAmong the 921 cases, six syndrome types had over 50 cases each, phlegm-heat obstructing the lung (294 cases), wind pathogen latent in the lung (103 cases), cold-phlegm obstructing the lung (102 cases), damp-heat stagnating in the lung (64 cases), lung yang deficiency (54 cases), and phlegm-damp obstructing the lung (53 cases), yielding a total of 670 cases in the specialized dataset. High-frequency symptoms among these patients included cough, expectoration, odor-induced cough, throat itchiness, itch-induced cough, and cough triggered by cold wind. Among the four base models, the MLP model showed the best diagnostic performance (test accuracy: 0.9104; AUC: 0.9828). Compared with the base models, the Voting ensemble model achieved superior performance with an accuracy of 0.9289 on the training set and 0.9253 on the test set, showing a minimal overfitting gap of 0.0036. It also achieved the highest AUC (0.9836) in the test set, outperforming all base models. The model exhi-bited especially strong diagnostic performance for damp-heat stagnating in the lung (AUC: 0.9984) and wind pathogen latent in the lung (AUC: 0.9970). ConclusionThe Voting ensemble algorithm effectively integrates the strengths of multiple machine learning models, resulting in an optimized diagnostic model for TCM syndromes in chronic cough with high accuracy and enhanced generalization ability.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of human parainfluenza virus in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 2017‒2022
Rongxin WU ; Li ZHANG ; Chuchu YE ; Bing ZHAO ; Ge ZHANG ; Qiang CHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(9):746-751
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of HPIV infections in this area. MethodsA total of 8 180 cases with acute respiratory infection (ARI)/influenza-like illness (ILI) attending the fever outpatient clinics, pediatric outpatient clinics, respiratory outpatient clinics, pediatric wards, emergency departments, respiratory wards, and intensive care units (ICUs) and other monitoring departments in 9 sentinel hospitals in Pudong New Area from 2017 to 2022 were selected as the research subjects, and their nasopharyngeal/ throat swabs were collected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was performed for testing the respiratory virus such as influenza virus, human adenovirus, human parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human enterovirus, rhinovirus, et al. HPIV serotypes were analyzed, and the detection rates of HPIV were compared between different times, seasons, and population groups. ResultsThe overall HPIV detection rate of ARI/ILI cases in Pudong New Area was 3.73% (305/8 180) in 2017‒2022, with HPIV-3 being the predominant serotype. The detection rate of HPIV decreased significantly in 2017‒2022, peaking at 7.66% (99/1 293) in 2017 and falling to 0.80% (13/1 617) in 2021. Statistically significant differences were observed in HPIV detection rates across different years (χ2trend=80.037, Ptrend<0.001). The detection rate was higher in 2017‒2019 than that in 2020‒2022 (χ2trend=38.990, Ptrend<0.001). HPIV exhibited seasonal patterns in 2017‒2019, with higher detection rates in summer and autumn and lower in spring and winter, whereas no seasonal patterns were observed in 2020‒2022. Children aged <6 years had the highest detection rate (7.07%, 139/1 967), followed by adults aged ≥60 years (4.78%, 85/1 779). Statistically significant differences were observed in the detection rates of HPIV among different age groups (χ2=111.210, P<0.001). Symptoms of HPIV infection were predominantly cough, fever, and runny nose in pre-school children, fever, cough, and sore throat in school-age children, and adults, and cough, expectoration, and fever in the elderly. ConclusionThe HPIV detection rate in Pudong New Area was low in 2017‒2022. The seasonal pattern of HPIV circulation in Pudong New Area disappeared in 2020‒2022 due to the influence of infectious disease epidemics. Young children and the elderly should be prioritized in HPIV prevention and control efforts.
7.Development and psychometric validation of the Adolescent Peer Bullying Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Questionnaire
LI Chuchu, WANG Xinhui, WANG Cong, LIU Zhihao, WANG Gengfu, SU Puyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1686-1690
Objective:
To develop the Adolescent Peer Bullying Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) Questionnaire and to evaluate its reliability and validity, so as to provide an effective tool for evaluating the KAP level regarding peer bullying among adolescents.
Methods:
A preliminary framework was developed through literature review, expert consultation, and group discussions. In September 2024, 2 203 students in grades 7 to 9 from two regular junior high schools in Anhui Province were selected using cluster sampling for a preliminary survey aimed at questionnaire development, including item screening and reliability and validity testing.
Results:
The initial KAP questionnaire on adolescent peer bullying consisted of 25 items: two items, "Behavior 6" and "Behavior 7", were excluded as their correlation coefficients with the total KAP score being only 0.08 and 0.05, respectively, falling below the preset criteria(0.4). The final questionnaire comprised 23 items, divided into three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Reliability testing showed that the overall Cronbach α coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.89, with Cronbach α coefficients for the knowledge, attitude, and behavior dimensions being 0.91, 0.67 and 0.79, respectively. The overall splithalf reliability of the questionnaire was 0.87, with split half reliabilities for the knowledge, attitude, and behavior dimensions being 0.82, 0.64 , and 0.66, respectively. Testretest reliability ranged from 0.82 to 0.97. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the questionnaire had RMSEA=0.062, NFI=0.924, CFI =0.931, with good discriminant validity.
Conclusion
The developed KAP questionnaire on adolescent peer bullying demonstrates good reliability and validity and can be used as an assessment tool for evaluating the KAP level regarding peer bullying among adolescents.
8.Effectiveness of the comprehensive intervention on junior high school students peer bullying based on microsystem
WANG Xinhui, LI Chuchu, WANG Cong, LIU Zhihao, WANG Gengfu, SU Puyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1691-1694
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a family-school-community integrated intervention based on the microsystem theory in reducing peer bullying among junior high school students, so as to provide empirical evidence and feasible pathways for junior high school students bullying prevention and control in China.
Methods:
A combining convenience with clustering method was employed to select 6 268 students from three regular junior high schools in Fuyang and Anqing cities, Anhui Province, as the study subjects in October 2024, and randomly assigned by drawing lots to three groups: family-school-community integrated intervention ( n =2 063), school only intervention ( n =1 864), and control group ( n =2 341). From October 10, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the intervention was implemented for three months using posters, brochures, and videos, with one session every half month, each lasting 40 minutes. The family-school-community integrated intervention group received multi level interventions involving families, schools, and communities, while the school only intervention group received only school based interventions. The control group received routine school health education but no other interventions. Before and after the intervention, data on peer bullying among junior high school students were collected using the Peer Bullying Scale, and comparison of detection rate of peer bullying by Chi square test.
Results:
After the intervention,group comparison results showed that the incidence rates of various types of peer bullying in the family-school-community integrated intervention group, the school only intervention group, and the control group all showed statistically significant differences ( χ 2=28.61-66.85, all P <0.05). The detection rates of verbal bullying ( 7.51 %), relational bullying (5.62%), physical bullying (3.34%), cyberbullying (1.75%), being bullied (10.81%), verbal bullying others (2.67%), relational bullying others (1.55%), physical bullying others (1.36%), cyberbullying others (1.41%), and overall peer bullying (3.64%) in the family-school-community integrated intervention group were all lower than those in the control group (12.52%, 11.58%, 6.24%, 5.00%, 19.14%, 7.56%, 4.49%, 4.53%, 3.80%, 9.40%); additionally, the detection rates of verbal bullying others, overall peer bullying , verbal bullying, and being bullied , in the family-school-community integrated intervention group were all lower than those in the school only intervention group (4.67%, 6.65%, 13.14%, 16.42%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=30.04, 48.49, 19.75, 34.60, 58.89, 52.65, 31.32, 37.37, 24.14, 58.26; 11.25, 18.53, 33.93, 26.41, all P <0.016 7). Group comparison showed that in both intervention groups, the majority of peer bullying behaviors decreased after the intervention ( χ 2=4.86-171.01, all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The family-school-community integrated intervention based on the microsystem can effectively reduce peer bullying among junior high school students, with better efficacy than the single school intervention. The model can serve as a practical reference for establishing a multi level prevention and intervention system for junior high school students bullying in China.
9.Clinical study of Hewei Jiangni Formula in patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and cold-heat complex syndrome
Shuangyuan ZHANG ; Hanqing CHEN ; Junxiang LI ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei SHI ; Zhengdao LIN ; Chuchu XUE ; Xiaohong LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1107-1114
Objective To observe and analyze the clinical efficacy of Hewei Jiangni Formula in treating patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease(NERD)and cold-heat complex syndrome and explore its regulatory mechanism on visceral hypersensitivity.Methods Sixty patients with NERD and cold-heat complex syndrome diagnosed at the Gastroenterology Clinic of Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to Decemer 2023,were randomly divided into the Hewei Jiangni Formula group and omeprazole group,with 30 patients per group.The Hewei Jiangni Formula group was treated with Hewei Jiangni Formula and omeprazole enteric-coated tablets placebo,whereas the omeprazole group was treated with omeprazole enteric-coated tablets and Hewei Jiangni Formula placebo.The treatment period was scheduled to last for 8 weeks.The primary outcome indicators(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire(GERD-Q)scale score:response rate,total score,and single symptom score)and secondary outcome indicators(traditional Chinese medicine clinical scores scale)were recorded before and after treatment in both groups.Ten healthy individuals were recruited from the Physical Examination Center of Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,as the healthy control group.The expression levels of mast cell tryptase(MCT),protease-activated receptor 2(PAR2),transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV1),substance P(SP),calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor(5-HT3R)were recorded.These indicators were then used for the following comparisons:the NERD patients vs.the healthy group before treatment;the Hewei Jiangni Formula group vs.the omeprazole group after treatment;the intra-group comparisons within both NERD groups.Changes in serum levels of these indicators were observed before and after treatment in both NERD groups.Results According to the GERD-Q scores before and after treatment,the effective rate was 90.00%in the Hewei Jiangni Formula group and 86.67%in the omeprazole group,with no significant differences.Both groups exhibited improved symptoms of heartburn,regurgitation,upper abdominal pain,and sleep disorders caused by heartburn or regurgitation(P<0.05);however,neither group exhibited significantly improved nausea(P>0.05).Before treatment,MCT,PAR2,TRPV1,SP,CGRP,5-HT,and 5-HT3R expression levels in both NERD groups were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group(P<0.05).After treatment with Hewei Jiangni Formula or omeprazole enteric-coated tablets,the expression levels of these indicators decreased in both groups(P<0.05).The omeprazole group was superior to Hewei Jiangni Formula in reducing 5-HT3R expression(P<0.05).Conclusion Hewei Jiangni Formula significantly improves the symptoms of patients with NERD and cold-heat complex syndrome,with efficacy comparable to that of omeprazole enteric-coated tablets.It is superior to omeprazole in improving symptoms of spleen yang deficiency,such as loss of appetite,fatigue,borborygmus with loose stools,and cold extremities.Hewei Jiangni Formula reduces MCT,PAR2,TRPV1,SP,CGRP,5-HT,and 5-HT3R expression levels,regulates related signaling pathways,and alleviates visceral hypersensitivity.
10.Effect of triply periodic minimal surfaces structure and ceramic volume fraction on mechanical properties of polymer-infiltrated ceramic network composites fabricated by additive manufactured zirconia and resin
Chuchu YE ; Xian TONG ; Siwen LIU ; Yue HUANG ; Qiaozhen ZHOU ; Li ZHU ; Jixing LIN ; Cuie WEN ; Jianfeng MA
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(6):626-634
Objective:To investigate the effect of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) structure and ceramic volume fraction on the mechanical properties of polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) composite and reveal its strengthening and toughening mechanism.Methods:In this study, TPMS structures with gyroid (G), primitive (P), diamond (D), and ceramic volume fraction (40%, 55%, 70%, 85%) were designed. Porous zirconia scaffolds were prepared using stereolithography technology, and resin was infiltrated into the scaffolds through a vacuum. Then, the PICN composites were obtained after curing. The bending strength, elastic modulus and fracture toughness of PICN were tested using an electronic universal testing machine, with commercial PICN as the control group. The micromorphology of PICN was observed through stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. The cytocompatibility of PICN was verified by using cell counting kit, live/dead cell staining and phalloidin staining.Results:The bending strength values of PICN with different ceramic volume fractions ranged from 82.0 MPa to 376.0 MPa, and they gradually increased as the ceramic volume fraction rised. The elastic modulus values of PICN with different ceramic volume fractions ranged from 12.1 GPa to 56.1 GPa. The fracture toughness values of PICN with different ceramic volume fractions ranged from 1.7 MPa·m 1/2 to 6.5 MPa·m 1/2. The bending strength of 85G PICN reached 306.0 MPa, and it had the highest fracture toughness (6.5 MPa·m 1/2) and an appropriate elastic modulus between that of the control group and that of enamel. Under scanning electron microscopy, it could be observed that the cracks branch and deflect at the interface and eventually terminate within the resin phase. After co-culture with PICN, the survival rate of mouse fibroblasts exceeded 80%, indicating that PICN had no cytotoxicity. Conclusions:The PICN composite with TPMS structure can satisfy the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of dental prosthesis.


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