1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
2.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.Oral health management dilemmas affecting patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions: a descriptive phenomenological study
LIU Zhu ; WEI Shuyuan ; NI Jia ; GUO Yi ; HU Minling ; DING Yong ; LIU Nan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(10):993-1000
Objective:
To deeply explore the systemic management dilemmas affecting patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions, providing practical pathways for achieving oral health equity.
Methods:
This study has been reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Based on a comprehensive design integrating literature review and theory, an interview guide was developed. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis who were from underdeveloped regions and attended the Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University between November 2025 and February 2026. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data analysis employed Colaizzi’s seven-step method.
Results:
Through interview with 20 participants, three core themes were extracted, encompassing eight sub-themes: individual cognitive-behavioral dilemmas (cognitive limitations and passive coping, inefficient and superficial self-management, and economic and psychological barriers to seeking care); systemic and environmental structural obstacles (distrust in primary healthcare capabilities, and the limited buffering effect and constraints of medical insurance); and the need for health empowerment and support systems (authoritative knowledge and management skill guidance, aspirations for access to high-quality specialized medical resources, and sustained and reminder-based remote support).
Conclusion
Patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions face a multidimensional dilemma composed of limited health literacy, poor adherence to health behaviors, weak primary care service capacity, uneven medical insurance coverage, and insufficient high-quality specialized medical resources. Patients’ health literacy should be advanced through innovative health education, primary care capacity should be strengthened for periodontal disease prevention and treatment, and it is recommended to prioritize the inclusion of initial periodontal therapy in outpatient coordination or chronic disease management, and a remote medical support system based on digital technology should be established.
4.Epidemiological Characteristics of Venous Thromboembolism Among Inpatients at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Perspective of Chronic Disease Pharmaceutical Clinic in a High-Altitude Region
Xue SUN ; Wei ZUO ; Yangzom PEMA ; Li LIU ; Zekun DING ; Yang HU ; Bi ZE
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1461-1469
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among inpatients at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region, and to provide data support for the establishment of a standardized risk screening and pharmaceutical care system in the plateau chronic disease pharmaceutical clinic. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional survey. Patients discharged with a diagnosis of VTE from the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region between January 2019 and December 2024 were selected. General data, clinical outcomes, and anticoagulation regimens were collected. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to analyze the temporal trend of VTE prevalence, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of VTE occurrence. A total of 939 VTE patients were included, comprising 492 females (52.40%) and 447 males (47.60%), with a mean age of (54.87±20.10) years. There were 339 elderly patients aged ≥65 years and 600 patients aged < 65 years. In terms of treatment outcomes, the clinical improvement (improvement) rate was 79.02%, and the cure rate was 10.76%. Among thrombus types, pulmonary embolism (PE) accounted for the highest proportion (58.79%), with low-risk PE being the main subtype (35.50%). The main comorbidity among VTE patients was hypertension (39.94%), followed by acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke (11.40%). The prevalence of VTE increased from 0.62% in 2019 to 1.07% in 2024. The Mann-Kendall trend test showed a Kendall's Tau coefficient of 0.733 ( The prevalence of VTE at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region is on the rise. The key risk population consists of chronic disease patients with hypertension and obesity. It is necessary to further strengthen early identification of VTE, management of comorbidities, and medication monitoring for chronic disease patients, so as to improve the comprehensive management of VTE in plateau areas.
5.Investigation on the current status of health insurance CHS-DRG/DIP performance evaluation of hospitals in China
Yutong WANG ; Xiaokun LIU ; Xueqin SUN ; Wei ZHANG ; Wenting ZHENG ; Chen XIE ; Rui DONG ; Weiguo ZHU ; Ding HAN
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(1):55-62
Objective:To investigate the current status of implementing medical insurance performance evaluation in the hospitals of China under the background of China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups (CHS-DRG) and Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) payment reform, explore the perspectives and recommendations of key department leaders (e.g., health insurance, medical affairs, pricing, and performance evaluation departments) regarding health insurance performance evaluation, analyze the influencing factors in its implementation, so as to provide references for hospitals to develop and refine health insurance performance evaluation strategies.Methods:A questionnaire was designed and distributed to hospitals across 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China from December 1 to 31, 2023. The survey targeted secondary and tertiary general or specialized hospitals. The main responsible persons from four functional departments, including medical insurance, healthcare, pricing, and performance, were invited to participate in the survey. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the questionnaire data, and the chi-square test was used for differential analysis of unordered categorical variables, while the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for differential analysis of ordered categorical variables.Results:A total of 761 valid questionnaires were collected. Most respondents were health insurance department leaders (420, 55.19%). Among them, 741 respondents reported that their hospitals used CHS-DRG or DIP payment, with 258 indicating that their hospitals had already developed and implemented health insurance performance evaluation plans. A majority (685, 90.01%) expressed support for such initiatives. Influencing factor analysis revealed that hospital type, level, scope of health insurance management departments, and payment methods might impact the implementation of health insurance performance evaluation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Few hospitals have currently adopted health insurance performance evaluation, underscoring the urgency to establish a scientific and reasonable evaluation plan as a robust tool for internal hospital management.
6.Progress of research on biological surveillance sampling and culture methods for flexible endoscopes
Xiaochao SONG ; Meijuan JIN ; Wei DING ; Yubin XING ; Mingmei DU ; Hongwu YAO ; Yanling BAI ; Yunxi LIU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2702-2706
In recent years,the microorganisms residues in endoscopes have frequently resulted in cross transmis-sion or even the outbreak of hospital-associated infections.It is of great importance to carry out standardized bio-logical surveillance of endoscopes,find out the high-risk links of cleaning and disinfection,and take targeted inter-vention measures to reduce the incidence of endoscopy-related infection.Based on the related guidelines in China and abroad as well as the latest clinical practice researches,the biological surveillance sampling and culture for en-doscopes were summarized in the article so as to enhance the surveillance quality,ensure the reprocessing effect and guarantee the endoscopy-related quality and safety.
7.Fluorescence Method for Determination of Metolazone and Valsartan in Human Serum and Urine:A Comparison from Zero-order to Second-order Calibration Method
Zi-Wei DING ; Hai-Long WU ; Xiao-Zhi WANG ; Tong WANG ; Hao-Ran LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):224-234
A second-order calibration method combined with excitation-emission matrix(EEM)fluorescence spectroscopy was presented for simultaneous quantitative analysis of two anti-hypertensive drugs,metolazone(MET)and valsartan(VAL),in human serum and urine,and the quantitative results were compared with the results obtained by zero-and first-order calibration methods.The results indicated that the methods based on zero-and first-order calibration were inadequate for accurately quantifying the components of interest in cases where severe spectral overlap and unknown interferences coexisted.However,it was possible to obtain satisfactory results with the second-order calibration method based on alternating normalization-weighted error(ANWE)algorithm because of its strong"mathematical separation",even when the fluorescence spectra of the target analytes and unknown interferents considerably overlapped.Correlation coefficients for both analytes were greater than 0.99,with mean recoveries of 104.9%±5.7%and 107.8%±9.2%for MET and VAL in human serum,and 103.7%±8.9%and 94.7%±3.8%in human urine,respectively.In addition,the sensitivity,selectivity,limit of detection,limit of quantification,repeatability,and reproducibility of the proposed second-order calibration method were thoroughly examined.All results indicated that the established method was capable of achieving simultaneous and accurate quantification of MET and VAL in human body fluids,which was expected to be applied to analysis of both drugs in clinical settings.
8.Prediction analysis of incidence trend and age-period-cohort model of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Gansu Province from 2010 to 2021
Lu LIU ; Jiahe ZHU ; Jia WANG ; Bolun ZHANG ; Dehao XING ; Gaoheng DING ; Xingmin WEI ; Yuqin LIU
Practical Oncology Journal 2025;39(5):393-399
Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence trend and age-specific characteristics of esophage-al cancer in cancer registration areas of Gansu Province from 2010 to 2021,and predict the incidence of esophageal cancer from 2022 to 2030.Methods Based on the incidence data of esophageal cancer in 15 cancer registries in Gansu Province from 2010 to 2021,the incidence was calculated by age,sex,urban and rural areas.The age-standardized incidence by Chinese standard population(ASIRC)was standardized using the 2000 Chinese standard population.Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the change trend of esophageal cancer incidence,and the average annual percentage change(AAPC)was calculated to quantify the overall rate of change.A birth cohort model was constructed to analyze incidence trend of different birth groups from 1930 to 2021,and the Bayesian age-period-cohort(BAPC)model was used to predict incidence.Results From 2010 to 2021,the ASIRC of esophageal cancer in Gansu Province showed a significant downward trend(AAPC=-14.47%,95%CI:-18.72%--9.99%,P<0.001).The ASIRC in men decreased at an annual rate of 13.02%(AAPC=-13.02%,95%CI:-17.28%--8.54%,P<0.001),the incidence of esophage-al cancer in women at a rate of 15.80%per year(AAPC=-15.80%,95%CI:-20.69%--10.61%,P<0.001).The ASIRC of e-sophageal cancer in urban areas decreased at an annual rate of 15.32%(AAPC=-15.32%,95%CI:-21.04%--9.18%,P<0.001);ASIRC of esophageal cancer in rural areas decreased at a rate of 5.33%per year(AAPC=-5.33%,95%CI:-8.94%--1.58%,P<0.001).From 2010 to 2021,the incidence of esophageal cancer in all age groups showed a significant downward trend(AAPC:-19.59%to-9.18%).The birth cohort analysis revealed that the incidence of esophageal cancer in people over 40 years old in the province,men,women,urban and rural areas showed a downward trend with increase of birth years.BAPC model predicted that that the ASIRC of esophageal cancer for the total province population,men and women would decrease from 6.47/100,000,10.02/100,000,and 2.95/100,000 in 2021 to 1.31/100,000,1.72/100,000,and 0.91/100,000 in 2030,respectively.Conclu-sions The incidence of esophageal cancer in Gansu Province showed a downward trend from 2010 to 2021,but men and rural areas were still the focus of high incidence.The prediction indicates that the incidence of esophageal cancer in Gansu Province will further decline by 2030,suggesting that the prevention and control measures have achieved results;however,it is still necessary to strengthen the intervention and long-term monitoring of high-risk groups.
9.Catheter-associated and non-catheter-associated urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients in Suzhou City:a multicenter study on epidemiologi-cal characteristics
Jingxue LIU ; Xiuzhen WANG ; Meizhen QIAO ; Junji ZHANG ; Wei DING ; Shu-kai ZHU ; Meijuan JIN ; Xiaochao SONG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(8):1056-1065
Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics and differences in antimicrobial resistance be-tween catheter-associated urinary tract infection(CAUTI)and non-CAUTI of healthcare-associated infection(HAI),and provide scientific basis for precise clinical prevention and control.Methods Based on the regional HAI surveillance platform in Suzhou City,urinary tract infection(UTI)surveillance data reported by 61 member units from January 2020 to December 2024 were analyzed retrospectively.Pathogen distribution,detection rate of multi-drug-resistant organisms(MDROs),and antimicrobial resistance spectrum characteristics of patients in the CAUTI group and non-CAUTI group were compared.Results The incidence of CAUTI in patients in CAUTI group was 0.99‰,the incidence of healthcare-associated UTI in patients in non-CAUTI group was 0.14%.There was statis-tically significant difference in the distribution of UTI pathogens between the two groups(P<0.05).The patho-gens of the CAUTI group were mainly Gram-negative bacteria(56.1%),with high proportions of Escherichia coli(19.6%)and Klebsiella pneumoniae(15.0%).In the non-CAUTI group,the proportion of Gram-negative bacteria was higher(64.7%).Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results showed that the resistance rates of Escherichia co-li to tobramycin,cephalosporins,and carbapenems in the CAUTI group were all higher than those in the non-CAU-TI group(all P<0.05).Except for tigecycline,the resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to other antimicrobial agents in the CAUTI group were all significantly different from the non-CAUTI group(all P<0.05).The resis-tance rates of Acinetobacterbaumannii to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid,quinolones,most cephalosporins,carbapenems,and aminoglycosides in the CAUTI group were higher than those of the non-CAUTI group(all P<0.05).The de-tection rates of MDROs were higher in the CAUTI group,especially that of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneu-moniae,accounting for 57.8%.Conclusion There are significant differences in pathogen distribution and antimi-crobial resistance of UTI between the CAUTI group and the non-CAUTI group.It is necessary to establish a re-gional antimicrobial resistance surveillance system for pathogens in UTI,and provide basis for the rational use of an-timicrobial agents in clinical practice.
10.The role of leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein in evaluating mucosal healing in small bowel Crohn′s disease
Yuanyuan FANG ; Chenyu ZHANG ; Nannan ZHU ; Wei HAN ; Jing HU ; Juan WU ; Peipei ZHANG ; Qiuyuan LIU ; Hao DING ; Qiao MEI
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(5):317-323
Objective:To investigate the correlation between leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein (LRG) and endoscopic activity in patients with Crohn′s disease (CD), based on the assessment of inflammation in small intestinal lesion by double-balloon enteroscope (DBE).Methods:From 15 August 2022 to 22 August 2023, the clinical data of 139 patients with small bowel CD diagnosed by DBE at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were prospectively collected, which included fecal calprotectin (FC), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count, hemoglobin, albumin, Crohn′s disease activity index (CDAI), and simple endoscopic score for Crohn′s disease (SES-CD). According to the SES-CD, endoscopic activity was classified as mucosal healing (0), endoscopic remission (0 to 2), mild activity (3 to 6), moderate activity (7 to 15), and severe activity (≥16). LRG levels were detected in all patients. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between LRG, clinical biochemical parameters and endoscopic scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of LRG for evaluating endoscopic mucosal healing. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Bonferroni corrected test were used for statistical analysis. Results:Among 139 patients with small bowel CD, the LRG level was 17.3 (13.0, 25.2) mg/L, and SES-CD was 5 (1, 9); 32 patients achieved mucosal healing, 50 patients achieved endoscopic remission; 39 patients had mild activity, 40 patients had moderate activity, and 10 patients had severe activity. The SES-CD was negatively correlated with both hemoglobin and albumin ( r=-0.177 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: -0.334 to -0.011), -0.293 (95% CI: -0.438 to -0.133)), with statistical significance ( P=0.037, <0.001). The SES-CD was positively correlated with CRP, CDAI, LRG and FC ( r=0.344 (95% CI: 0.188 to 0.482), 0.429 (95% CI: 0.282 to 0.556), 0.525 (95% CI: 0.393 to 0.636), 0.661 (95% CI: 0.556 to 0.745)), with statistical significant (all P<0.001). For the 64 small bowel CD patients with CRP in the normal reference value, SES-CD was positively correlated with CDAI, LRG and FC ( r=0.296 (95% CI: 0.054 to 0.505), 0.364 (95% CI: 0.129 to 0.559), 0.547 (95% CI: 0.348 to 0.699)), with statistical significance ( P=0.017, =0.003, <0.001). The LRG level of patients with endoscopic mucosal healing was significantly lower than that of patients with endoscopic remission (11.5 (10.1, 17.2) mg/L vs. 17.3 (13.4, 23.5) mg/L), with statistical significance ( Z=-3.25, P<0.001). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of LRG in predicting endoscopic mucosal healing was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73 to 0.89), with an optimal cut-off value of 15.27 mg/L. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0.757, 0.718, 0.900 and 0.469, respectively. The accuracy of the combination of LRG and FC (AUC was 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.94) in predicting endoscopic mucosal healing was higher than that of LRG alone (AUC was 0.81, 95% CI: 0.73 to 0.89), and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.011). Conclusion:Based on the results of DBE, LRG may be a reliable biomarker for predicting endoscopic remission and mucosal healing in patients with small bowel CD.


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