1.Glucocorticoids Combined with Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab in the Treatment of Elderly Patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis and Renal Involvement: A Single Center Retrospective Study
Jiahui WANG ; Xin LEI ; Xiaohan HUANG ; Liangliang CHEN ; Yaomin WANG ; Pingping REN ; Lan LAN ; Jianghua CHEN ; Fei HAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):346-357
To investigate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and rituximab (RTX) in elderly patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with renal involvement. Elderly patients (age ≥60 years) with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2019 to November 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Based on different induction treatment regimens, patients were divided into a control group (glucocorticoids + CTX) and a combination therapy group (glucocorticoids + CTX + RTX). Differences in disease remission, end stage renal disease (ESRD), mortality, relapse, and incidence of adverse events were compared between the two groups. A total of 60 elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement were ultimately included, with a median follow-up of 29.7(17.2, 38.7) months. The control group comprised 26 patients, with a median follow-up of 35.0(28.1, 40.3) months; the combination therapy group comprised 34 patients, with a median follow-up of 26.2(16.1, 35.1) months. The remission rate at 3 months (64.7% For elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement, the regimen of glucocorticoids combined with CTX and individualized RTX demonstrates potential advantages in early remission rate, glucocorticoid tapering, and control of cumulative CTX dose, without increasing the risk of serious adverse events. This regimen may represent an alternative treatment option for this patient population; however, its long-term efficacy and safety require further validation through prospective randomized controlled trials.
2.Neuroelectromagnetic Activities Across Temporal Scales
Zhuo-Qun SHEN ; Xiao-Fei XU ; Yan-Qing WANG ; Jing-Xin LI ; Lan TIAN ; Wei GUO ; Jing-Jing XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1541-1560
Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.
3.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
4.Polyphenolic compounds: Alleviating osteoarthritis by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress
Weibei SHENG ; Jin ZHAO ; Haotian QIN ; Hui ZENG ; Tao LAN ; Fei YU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):306-319
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease predominantly affecting the elderly and is characterized by cartilage degradation, synovitis, and subchondral bone sclerosis. Despite its widespread occurrence, no effective pharmacological interventions currently exist to halt or reverse disease progression. Polyphenolic compounds, a diverse class of plant-derived substances, have attracted considerable attention for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the multifaceted roles of polyphenols in OA. Specifically, polyphenols protect chondrocytes and preserve the extracellular matrix by mitigating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, regulating autophagy and cholesterol metabolism, and inhibiting programmed cell death pathways, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, they exert protective effects on synovial tissue by regulating macrophage polarization and inhibiting pathogenic fibroblast activation, while also contributing to the maintenance of subchondral bone homeostasis. Recent progress in nanotechnology-based delivery systems, designed to overcome the poor solubility and limited bioavailability of polyphenols, is also highlighted. Collectively, this review integrates mechanistic insights with emerging therapeutic strategies, underscoring the potential of polyphenolic compounds as disease-modifying agents for OA.
5.A study on latent classes and influencing factors of blood glucose trajectories after transplantation in lung transplantation patients
Luyao GUO ; Fei ZENG ; Meijuan LAN ; Lingyun CAI ; Jiangshuyuan LIANG ; Peipei GU ; Yan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(12):1447-1453
Objective To explore the latent classes and influencing factors of blood glucose trajectories after transplantation in lung transplantation patients,and provide references for identifying high-risk population of post-transplant diabetes mellitus.Methods 122 lung transplantation patients who were hospitalized in a tertiary A general hospital in Hangzhou from January 2022 to March 2023 were selected conveniently as survey subjects.Socio-demographic and disease-related data were collected,and fasting plasma glucose at 1 week before surgery(T0),1 week after surgery(T1),1 month after surgery(T2),3 months after surgery(T3),6 months after surgery(T4),1 year after surgery(T5)were collected.Growth mixture model was used to identify categories of blood glucose trajectories after lung transplantation,and binary Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors.Results A total of 109 lung transplantation patients were enrolled in the study,and 2 latent classes of blood glucose trajectories were identified:high risk(23.85%)and low risk(76.15%)of post-transplant diabetes mellitus.BMI,drinking history,afternoon blood glucose and tacrolimus trough concentration were the influencing factors of latent classes of blood glucose trajectories after lung transplantation(all P<0.05).Conclusion There are 2 latent classes of blood glucose trajectories after lung transplantation,namely high risk and low risk of post-transplant diabetes mellitus.Medical staff should pay attention to diabetes screening and assessment of lung transplantation patients who are overweight or obese,have a drinking history before transplantation,have high afternoon blood glucose in early stage of transplantation and have high tacrolimus trough concentration in stable stage of transplantation,so as to formulate a comprehensive and individualized blood glucose management program.
6.Postpartum care for a patient with pregnancy complicated by complex congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension crisis
Yan ZHU ; Fei ZENG ; Meijuan LAN ; Jiangshuyuan LIANG ; Peipei GU ; Luyao GUO ; Lingyun CAI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1690-1693
This paper summarizes the nursing experience of a pregnant woman with congenital heart disease who developed pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after cesarean section.Nursing key points:monitoring and management of inhaled nitric oxide therapy to reduce pulmonary hypertension;providing sequential respiratory support care and dynamically adjusting oxygen therapy regimen;precise volume regulation and alertness to serious complications;optimizing puerperal supervision strategy to reduce the risk of infection;preventing and controlling stress bleeding and implementing a stepped dietary management strategy;implementing phased rehabilitation training to accelerate the recovery process;carrying out personalized psychological care and health education.With comprehensive nursing care,the patient recovered well and was discharged smoothly after an 18-day hospital stay.
7.An empirical study of a program for lung transplant candidates with sarcopenia
Fei ZENG ; Meijuan LAN ; Peipei GU ; Yandie WANG ; Lingyun CAI ; Qianyin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1581-1587
Objective This study aimed to develop and empirically evaluate a sarcopenia management program for lung transplant candidates based on the Transtheoretical Model(TTM).The objective was to improve preopera-tive muscle condition and enhance patients' tolerance to lung transplantation.Methods Using the TTM as the the-oretical framework,the sarcopenia management program was developed through a literature review and 2 rounds of expert consultations.A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit inpatients from the lung transplant department of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province between January 2022 and January 2024.Patients admitted between February 2023 and January 2024 were assigned to an intervention group,while those admitted between January 2022 and January 2023 were allocated to a control group.The intervention group received an 8-week sar-copenia management program based on the TTM in addition to standard prehabilitation care,whereas the control group received only standard prehabilitation care.Outcome measurements included pre-and post-intervention com-parisons of the modified Strength,Assistance with Walking,Rise from a Chair,Climb Stairs,Falls,and Calf Circum-ference(SARC-CalF)score,handgrip strength,6-minute walking distance(6MWD),and upper arm circumference,as well as their respective changes before and after the intervention.Additionally,stage-based behavioral change as-sessment and adverse event incidence were compared between the 2 groups.Results A total of 8 patients from the intervention group and 9 from the control group dropped out,resulting in a final sample of 32 patients in the intervention group and 31 in the control group.Compared to the control group,the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in SARC-CalF scores,handgrip strength,6MWD,and upper arm circumference(P<0.05).After the intervention,the intervention group had a statistically significant difference in behavioral stage tran-sition compared to the control group(P<0.05).During the intervention process,neither group experienced any ad-verse events.Conclusion The sarcopenia management program based on the TTM effectively improved patient ad-herence,enhanced preoperative muscle condition,and demonstrated potential benefits in improving physical function and nutritional status.
8.Construction and preliminary verification of a postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing program for children with double lung transplantation
Fei ZENG ; Meijuan LAN ; Peipei GU ; Jiangshuyuan LIANG ; Yandie WANG ; Lingyun CAI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1029-1036
Objective To construct and preliminary verify a postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing programme for children with double lung transplantation,aiming to promote early recovery and provide references for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenience sampling approach was employed to select 25 cases pediatric patients who underwent bilateral lung transplantation at a tertiary teaching hospital in Hangzhou between January 2020 and September 2024,and they were divided into an experimental group and a control group according to the time of admission to the hospital.The experimental group received the newly developed post-transplant rehabilitation nursing program,which encompassed fluid management,mechanical ventilation,sequential oxygen therapy,pulmonary function training,exercise management,and process facilitation.In contrast,the control group received the standard post-lung transplantation rehabilitation protocol.Key outcomes,including mechanical ventilation duration,ICU stay,total hospitalization time,activity level,pulmonary function,incidence of adverse events and rehabilitation adherence,were compared between the 2 groups.Results Finally,24 cases completed the study,including 11 cases in the experimental group and 13 cases in the control group.After the intervention,the experimental group exhibited significantly shorter mechanical ventilation time compared to it in the control group(P=0.009).Additionally,at discharge,the intervention group demonstrated higher activity levels and better rehabilitation compliance(P<0.05).Conclusion The pulmonary rehabilitation nursing program for children with double lung transplantation is scientifically sound,safe,and feasible.The implementation of this program is beneficial for the early discontinuation of mechanical ventilation,improving postoperative mobility,and enhancing compliance with pulmonary rehabilitation.
9.Efficacy and prediction model of rituximab in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Jingyun LE ; Huayan ZHU ; Luying LU ; Liangliang CHEN ; Xin LEI ; Lan LAN ; Yaomin WANG ; Pingping REN ; Jianghua CHEN ; Xiaoyi WANG ; Fei HAN
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(6):427-433
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), explore the influencing factors of the therapeutic effect and construct a nomogram model for predicting the therapeutic effect.Methods:A single retrospective study was conducted in IMN patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2017 to December 2022. All patients received monotherapy with RTX and were followed up for at least 12 months. RTX regimen adopted a B-cell guided regimen to achieve 0 cells/μl of peripheral blood CD19+ B cells through multiple administrations, followed by monitoring every 2?3 months and adding doses as needed to maintain this state. The complete response rate, partial response rate, and composite response rate at 6 months, 12 months and the end of follow up were analyzed. Logistic stepwise regression and R language were applied to construct a nomogram model for efficacy prediction. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to internally validate the nomogram model.Results:A total of 147 IMN patients were included in the study, with age of 56 (47, 65) years, 99 (67.4%) males. There were 69 (46.9%) newly treated patients, 78 (53.1%) retreatment patients. The follow-up time was 14.4 (12.0, 15.0) months. The total RTX dose was 1 800 (1 200, 2 400) mg. The composite response rates at 6 months, 12 months and the end of the follow-up were 36.7% (54/147), 59.9% (88/147) and 63.3% (93/147), respectively. The complete remission rates at 6 months, 12 months and the end of the follow-up were 6.1% (9/147), 13.6% (20/147) and 19.7% (29/147), respectively. Logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years ( OR=0.335, 95% CI 0.135?0.833), retreatment ( OR=0.333, 95% CI 0.144?0.771), high cholesterol ( OR=0.716, 95% CI 0.577?0.888), high serum creatinine ( OR=0.978, 95% CI 0.963?0.993) and B-cell reconstruction within 6 months ( OR=0.273, 95% CI 0.115?0.645) were independent correlated factors affecting composite remission. Based on these factors, a nomogram model for predicting the therapeutic effect of RTX in IMN patients was constructed. The ROC curve indicated that the accuracy of this model in predicting composite remission was good ( AUC=0.814, 95% CI 0.744-0.883). The calibration curve showed that the predicted composite response rate had a good fit with the actual response rate (Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2=11.917, P=0.155). Conclusions:RTX has good efficacy and safety as a monotherapy for IMN patients. The constructed nomogram prediction model has high discrimination and accuracy to predict the efficacy of RTX treatment for IMN.
10.Application of free paraumbilical perforator flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in children.
Ze LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Fei YANG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Lan CHEN ; Feng LIU ; Shuhua LIU ; Weiguo XIE
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(5):633-638
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the effectiveness of free paraumbilical perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in children.
METHODS:
Between February 2018 and March 2024, 12 children with skin and soft tissue defects were treated with the free paraumbilical perforator flaps. There were 7 boys and 5 girls with an average age of 6.3 years (range, 2-12 years). The defects located on the upper limbs in 6 cases, lower limbs in 5 cases, and neck in 1 case. The causes of wounds included 7 cases of electrical burns, 1 case of thermal burn, 2 cases of scar release and excision due to scar contraction after burns, 1 case of scar ulcer at the amputation stump after severe burns, and 1 case of skin necrosis after a traffic accident injury. The size of defects after debridement ranged from 7.0 cm×4.0 cm to 18.0 cm×10.0 cm. According to the defect size, 11 cases were repaired with unilateral paraumbilical perforator flaps centered on the umbilicus, among which 3 cases with larger defects were designed as "L"-shaped flaps along the lateral and lower ends of the perforator; the donor sites were directly closed. One case with extensive defect after scar excision and release was repaired with bilateral expanded paraumbilical perforator flaps; the donor sites were repaired with autologous split-thickness skin grafts. The size of flaps ranged from 9.0 cm×4.0 cm to 20.0 cm×11.0 cm. Postoperatively, analgesia and sedation were provided, and the blood supply of the flaps was observed.
RESULTS:
All operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 4-7 hours, with an average of 5.0 hours. After postoperative analgesia and sedation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain in all children was less than or equal to 3, and there was no non-cooperation due to pain. All flaps and skin grafts survived completely, and the wounds healed by first intention. Ten children underwent 1-4 times of flap de-fatting, finger separation, and trimming. All children were followed up 6-48 months (mean, 26.6 months). No obvious swelling of the flaps occurred, and the texture was soft. At last follow-up, among the 6 children with upper limb defects, 2 had upper limb function grade Ⅳ and 4 had upper limb function grade Ⅴ according to the Carroll upper limb function assessment method. The 4 children with lower limb defects had no limitation of joint movement. The neck flexion and rotation in the 1 child with neck defect significantly improved when compared with that before operation. The 1 child with residual ulcer at the amputation stump could wear a prosthesis and move without limitation, and no new ulcer occurred. Linear scars were left at the donor sites, and no abdominal wall hernia was formed.
CONCLUSION
The free paraumbilical perforator flap has abundant blood supply and can be harvested in large size. It can be used to repair skin and soft tissue defects in children and has the advantages of short operation time, minimal injury, high safety, and minimal impact on the growth and development of children.
Humans
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Perforator Flap/transplantation*
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Child
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Male
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Female
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Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery*
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Child, Preschool
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Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
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Burns/surgery*
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Umbilicus/surgery*
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Skin Transplantation/methods*
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Skin/injuries*
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Cicatrix/surgery*
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Treatment Outcome

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