1.Current strategies and future directions in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Jian XU ; Jie WANG ; Haixin FU ; Chaopeng LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):56-62
Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)is a progressive visual impairment fundus disease that frequently occurs in individuals aged >55 years. The main risk factors are aging, long-term smoking, genetics, and racial differences. Pathogenesis includes abnormal function of the retinal pigment epithelium, damaged blood-retinal barrier, and abnormal immune function. Currently, intravitreal injection(IVI)of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs is the preferred treatment option for ARMD in clinical practice. However, it also faces challenges such as repeated treatments, high medical costs, and poor patient compliance. The predicament in the treatment of ARMD has given rise to several new treatment options. This article aims to review the treatment methods and progress of dry ARMD and wet ARMD, providing new ideas for addressing the limitations of the current clinical anti-VEGF treatment.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
3.Current status of talent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China: based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework
Jian CHEN ; Zheheng LI ; Dingxuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):110-116
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status and existing challenges in talent cultivation for sports rehabilitation in China based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework (RCF). MethodsData were collected from 104 higher education institutions nationwide that offer undergraduate programs in sports rehabilitation, including enrollment scale, regional distribution, degree conferral and training curriculum. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to examine the status and characteristics from three dimensions: institutional distribution, competency development and resource allocation, in terms of institutional type, regional distribution density, curriculum structure differences, competency-oriented training approaches and resource allocation patterns. ResultsTalent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China currently faced a three-dimensional dilemma involving competency, resources, and public cognition. In terms of competency structure, a disconnect existed between medical fundamentals and exercise practice: physical education institutions provided insufficient medical training, whereas medical institutions lacked systematic instruction in exercise techniques. Regarding resource allocation, significant regional disparities were observed, with institutions heavily concentrated in Southwest (24.0%), East China (19.2%), and North China (15.4%), while Northwest China accounted for only 3.8%, forming a pronounced east-west gap. At the cognitive level, the public generally perceived sports rehabilitation as a service exclusive to athletes, and within the discipline, divergences persisted among the medical-oriented, sports-oriented, and integrated schools of thought. These challenges collectively hindered the quality of talent supply and regional balance. ConclusionTalent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China is at a pivotal stage of transition from rapid expansion to quality enhancement. It is necessary to realign the knowledge structure and competency system of training programs with the five core competency domains of RCF.
4.Research progress on the association between physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents
WANG Jinxian*, LIU Yuan, WU Jian, WU Huipan, WANG Zhe, ZHANG Yingkun, WANG Yi, YIN Xiaojian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):140-143
Abstract
To promote adolescents active participation in physical activity and improve sleep quality, the article analyzes the relationship of adolescent physical activity with subjective sleep satisfaction, sleep latency, sleep continuity, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration. It explores potential mechanisms underlying the link between physical activity and sleep quality, including physiological mechanisms (circadian rhythms, body temperature, neuroendocrine systems, and immune function), and psychological mechanisms (stress relief, improvement of negative emotions, and promotion of mental relaxation). Based on existing research, it is recommended that adolescents engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity daily to promote improved sleep quality.
5.Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription Ameliorates Chemotherapy Resistance in Colon Cancer by Targeting FGF2 to Inhibit PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Xiaolan JIAN ; Kangwen NING ; Jiaxiang YANG ; Shenglan KOU ; Wanting KUANG ; Ziqi WANG ; Yuqin TAN ; Puhua ZENG ; Lingjuan TAN ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):120-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription (JPXA) in ameliorating the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of colon cancer. MethodsA HCT116/5-FU resistant cell line was established. Different concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%) of JPXA-containing serum and drug-free serum were used for intervention, and 10% fetal bovine serum (10% FBS), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor (AZD4547), and recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were set as the control groups. Sensitive HCT116 cells were used in the FGF2 group, while HCT116/5-FU cells were used in other groups. Drug resistance, the level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium, the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells, and the protein levels of FGF2/FGFR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) were determined. The drug-resistant cells were transplanted into the axilla of nude mice to establish a tumor model. The modeled mice were allocated into model, JPXA (15 g·kg-1), 5-FU (0.02 g·kg-1), JPXA+5-FU (15 g·kg-1+0.02 g·kg-1), AZD4547 (0.012 5 g·kg-1), and AZD4547+5-FU (0.012 5 g·kg-1+0.02 g·kg-1) groups. The tumor growth and the protein levels of FGF/FGFR and PI3K/Akt in each group were observed. ResultsThe survival rate of HCT116/5-FU cells decreased in all the JPXA groups with different concentrations. The cell survival rate was decreased most obviously in the 20% JPXA group. The level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium and the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells of each JXPA group decreased, and the decrease was the most significant in the 20% group (P<0.01). HCT116/5-FU cells showed up-regulated protein levels of FGF2 and phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (p-FGFR1), but down-regulated protein level of FGFR1 (P<0.01). JPXA down-regulated the expression of FGF2 and p-FGFR1 and up-regulated the expression of FGFR1 (P<0.05). In addition, JPXA down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), while up-regulating the expression levels of Akt and Bcl-2-asociated death promoter (Bad) (P<0.05). Animal experiments showed that the JPXA combined with 5-FU significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant tumors, reduced the protein levels of FGF2, p-FGFR1, phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-Akt, and p-mTOR, and increased the expression of Bad. It indicated that JPXA can inhibit the FGF2/FGFR1 signaling in colon cancer and regulate PI3K/Akt and downstream signaling pathways. ConclusionJPXA can ameliorate the chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer through down-regulating FGF2 expression and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
7.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.
8.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.
9.Evolution and interpretation of diagnostic criteria for infective endocarditis
Hongkun QING ; Weiteng WANG ; Xuhua JIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):30-36
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening infectious disease. Although histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, it is performed in only a minority of patients; thus, the diagnosis of IE continues to rely predominantly on clinical manifestations. However, IE presents with highly variable systemic symptoms that often lack cardiac-specific features, posing significant diagnostic challenges. To address this complexity, multiple diagnostic criteria have been developed, integrating clinical presentation, imaging findings, and microbiological evidence. Over the past three decades, substantial shifts in the microbiological and epidemiological profiles of IE, coupled with advances in imaging modalities and laboratory diagnostics, have profoundly influenced diagnostic approaches, driving continuous refinement of diagnostic criteria. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the major diagnostic criteria for IE, traces their historical evolution, evaluates recent updates and diagnostic performance, and offers theoretical insights and practical implications to guide future research.
10.The prognostic value and immune regulatory role of BRF1 in pan-cancer, and its function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Jianxin XU ; Zihao LI ; Wang LÜ ; ; Zhiyang XU ; Yunfeng YI ; Songlin CHEN ; Jian HU ; Luming WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):122-131
Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.


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