1.Clinical Research and Basic Study on Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule (黄芩清热除痹胶囊) on Self-Perception of Patients and Immune Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fanfan WANG ; Jian LIU ; Qin ZHOU ; Jianting WEN ; Yue SUN ; Mingyu HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):544-556
ObjectiveTo evaluate the comprehensive intervention effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule (黄芩清热除痹胶囊, HQC) on self-perception of patients (SPP) and immune inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsClinical data of 452 RA patients were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into a control group (274 cases), treated with conventional western medicine, and an observation group (178 cases), treated with HQC for at least 2 weeks in addition to conventional western medicine. The treatment duration was 2 weeks for both groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed at a ratio of 1∶1 to match patients between groups. SPP including the Chinese version of the short form-36 health survey (SF-36), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), visual analog scale (VAS), and Chinese patient-reported index for rheumatoid arthritis (CPRI-RA), as well as immune inflammatory indicators, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement C3, and complement C4, were collected before and after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between SPP and immune inflammatory indicators. Logistic regression, association rule analysis, and mediation analysis were performed to evaluate the effects and potential pathways of HQC on SPP and immune inflammatory indicators. Network pharmacology was applied to identify the active components and core targets of HQC in the treatment of RA, followed by molecular docking verification. In cell experiments, cells were divided into normal group, model group, 20% medicated serum group, and 80 nmol/L control group. Human synovial fibroblasts (FLS) were cultured with complete medium in the normal group, while human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) were cultured in the model group. In the 20% medicated serum group, RA-FLS were cultured with medium containing 20% HQC-medicated serum, and in the 80 nmol/L control group, RA-FLS were cultured with complete medium containing 80 nmol/L methotrexate suspension. After 48 h of culture, cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), transcription factor AP-1 subunit (JUN), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) were detected by Western Blot, and cell migration ability was evaluated using Transwell assay. ResultsAfter PSM, 178 cases were included in each group. After treatment, SF-36 scores increased, while scores of SAS, SDS, VAS and CPRI-RA, levels of ESR, hs-CRP, IL-6, complement C3, and complement C4 levels decreased in both groups; IgG and IgM levels were also reduced in the observation group (P<0.05). Physical functioning (correlation coefficient -0.19, P<0.05) and social functioning (correlation coefficient -0.18, P<0.05) of SF-36 were negatively correlated with hs-CRP, while VAS score was positively correlated with hs-CRP (correlation coefficient 0.19, P<0.05). HQC showed high associations with improvements in multiple indicators of SPP and immune inflammatory, and acted as a protective factor for the improvement of several SPP; hs-CRP and ESR played partial mediating roles in the improvement of SPP induced by HQC (P<0.05). Network pharmacology analysis identified baicalein, quercetin, α1-sitosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, baicalin, and crocetin as the core active components, and JUN, IL-6, VEGFA, MMP9, IL-1β, and CXCL8 as the core targets. Molecular docking results showed strong binding affinities of quercetin with VEGFA, JUN, MMP9, IL-6, and IL-1β, of baicalin with VEGFA and MMP9, and of wogonin with CXCL8. Cell experiments demonstrated that HQC and methotrexate inhibited RA-FLS viability and migration, reduced levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, decreased protein levels of MMP9, JUN, VEGFA, and CXCL8, and increased IL-10 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionHQC can improve SPP in RA by regulating immune inflammatory responses. Its mechanism may be related to multi-pathway and multi-target inhibition of synovial cell inflammation and migration.
2.Current Status, Trends, and Opportunities in the Study of Computable Phenotypes for Rare Diseases
Jindong WU ; Qiaorui WEN ; Jian GUO ; Shengfeng WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):90-99
Disease computable phenotype is a data model designed to identify specific clinical conditions or characteristics, which automatically extracts information from clinical databases such as electronic health records through algorithms. Phenotypic data for rare diseases often reside in unstructured text. Due to the scarcity of rare disease cases, atypical symptoms, and insufficient physician experience, misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis rates remain high. In this context, the application of computable phenotype technology holds promise for improving the accuracy and efficiency of rare disease diagnosis. This article reviews the current research status, challenges, and opportunities of computable phenotype technology in biomedicine, particularly in the field of rare diseases, and proposes a development and validation framework for rare disease computable phenotypes, aiming to provide research and development insights for computable phenotypes to empower the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.
3.Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X ray absorptiometry in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):569-573
Objective:
To compare the consistency between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents and to explore the applicability of BIA in plateau region, so as to provide scientific and convenient body composition measurement support among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From May to June, 2022, a total of 344 Tibetan children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected from Golmud Municipal National Middle School and Changjiangyuan Nationality Primary School in Qinghai Province by cluster sampling method, and their fat mass, fat mass percentage and lean mass were measured by DXA and BIA. The consistency and correlation between the two methods were assessed by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis.
Results:
DXA measured fat mass and fat mass percentage were significantly higher than those obtained by BIA (6-12 years old: Z =9.91, 11.28; 13-17 years old: Z =9.02, 10.21), while lean mass and lean mass percentage were significantly lower than BIA results (6-12 years old: Z =-11.60, -11.30; 13-17 years old: Z =-10.77, -10.36) (all P < 0.05 ). The two methods showed strong correlations in fat mass and lean mass (all r >0.80, all ICC >0.90), but exhibited poor agreement in fat mass percentage and lean mass percentage (6-12 years old: Lin s CCC =0.64, 0.41; 13-17 years old: Lin s CCC = 0.79 , 0.35). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference between the two methods was negatively correlated with the average value in FM%(6-12 years old: r =-0.75, 13-17 years old: r =-0.79, both P <0.01).
Conclusion
BIA and DXA show high consistency in measuring body fat mass and lean body mass in Tibetan children and adolescents, although some bias is still present in certain individuals.
4.Fluorescence Suppression Method of Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Skin and Cosmetics Analysis
Yun-Xia CHEN ; Jia-Rong WANG ; Jian-Yu ZHU ; Shi-Wen LIN ; Ya-Nan LIU ; Xiao-Yue MA ; Guang-Cheng XI ; Juan LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1914-1926
Owing to its inherent advantages—such as being non-destructive, rapid, highly molecule-specific, and minimally interfered with by moisture—Raman spectroscopy has been widely adopted in the fields of skin barrier function assessment, monitoring the transdermal penetration of active cosmetic ingredients, and the identification and quality control of cosmetic products. Despite these strengths, the practical application of this technique faces a significant bottleneck: the strong fluorescence background generated by endogenous skin components and exogenous cosmetic additives. Endogenous skin substances, such as structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), metabolic coenzymes (e.g., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and pigments (e.g., melanin), together with exogenous cosmetic constituents like organic colorants, chemical sunscreens, and fragrances, often possess strong absorption and emission characteristics. When excited by lasers, these components produce a fluorescence background that can be 106 to 108 times stronger than the Raman scattering signals, effectively masking the inherently weak vibrational fingerprint information. In recent years, driven by the rapid development of optoelectronic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms, fluorescence suppression strategies have evolved from isolated, single-method approaches into comprehensive, multi-level synergistic systems. These systems are categorized into three distinct tiers: sample preparation, signal acquisition, and data processing. At the sample preparation level, techniques such as photobleaching and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are employed to eliminate or bypass the generation of fluorescence at the source. At the signal acquisition level, instrumental improvements—including the use of long-wavelength near-infrared excitation (typically 785 nm or 1 064 nm), confocal spatial filtering, and shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS)— are utilized to physically isolate Raman signals from the fluorescence background. Furthermore, at the data processing level, numerical baseline correction methods such as polynomial fitting, penalized least squares (e.g., airPLS, arPLS), wavelet transform, and derivative algorithms are increasingly integrated into the analytical pipeline to extract Raman spectral features from mixed signals without increasing hardware costs or acquisition time. This review provides a systematic categorization and critical evaluation of these fluorescence suppression methods, detailing their underlying principles, technical advantages, and inherent limitations in diverse experimental setups. By focusing on critical application scenarios—including skin barrier assessment, percutaneous absorption monitoring, the routine quality control of cosmetics, and the emerging field of portable on-site detection—this paper explores the current state of technique selection and optimization. Finally, the article discusses future development trends, emphasizing the necessity of constructing adaptive, tiered suppression strategies, developing intelligent and automated data processing algorithms, and promoting the integration of portable, multi-modal diagnostic devices. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive technical reference to facilitate the transition of Raman spectroscopy from a specialized laboratory tool into a routine, robust analytical platform for advancements in skin science and cosmetic research.
5.Optimization Study of Rat Models for Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Zhen LIU ; Wei-ling WANG ; Yun-cheng MA ; Yu-xi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiao-zhu WANG ; Xiao-yao LIU ; Mei JIANG ; Wen-hui XU ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1921-1930
Objective:To establish a stable rat model of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)with clinical characteristics,and to provide a reliable experimental model for the study of the pharmcological effect and mechanism of SPID.Methods:Twenty-four 7-week-old SD rats were divided into sham operation group,model-A(108 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution,0.2 mL),model-B(109 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution 0.2 mL),and model-C(108 cfu/mL E.coli 0.2 mL).The weight of the rat's uterine was weighed and the uterine index was calculated.The automatic hematology analyzer was used to detect the blood routine;hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE)and masson staining were used to detect uterine pathlogical changes in rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rat uterine tissue homogenates.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the uterine index of model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The levels of WBC and NE in the model-A increased significantly(P<0.01).The level of LY in model-B decreased significantly(P<0.01).The levels of IL-1β,TNF-α in model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.01).The levels of IL-6 in model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The collagen volume fraction of model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.01).Mechanism study indicates that the expression levels of p-IKKβ/IKKβ,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65 in model-A were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of IκBα/β-actin were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The expression level of p-IKKβ/IKKβ in model-B was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusions:A stable rat model of SPID that conforms to clinical characteristics can be successfully constructed by combining 0.2 mL of mixed bacterial solution with a concentration of 108 cfu/mL and mechanical injury.This modeling method intervened in the expression of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.
6.Transesophageal echocardiography guided transcatheter edge-to-edge repair led to esophageal erosion:one case report
Bo ZHANG ; Ning WANG ; Yan FENG ; Wen-bin OUYANG ; Jian-bin GAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(6):358-360
Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair has become the most important and widely recognized method for the treatment of patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are at high risk for surgery.At present,TEER is developing rapidly in China,the operation process tends to be standardized and standardized,and various domestic Clip devices are also constantly developing and improving,but the operation process of this technology is very dependent on the guidance and monitoring of transesophageal echocardiography,and many surgeons often only pay attention to the repair effect of TEER on MR,and ignore the damage of TEE probe to the esophagus.This study reports a case of esophageal erosion occurring in a patient after mitral valve clipping for mitral regurgitation,aiming to enhance awareness among colleagues regarding esophageal injury caused by transesophageal echocardiography probes.
7.The relationship between preoperative serum high mobility group protein 1,macrophage inflammatory protein-1α,osteopontin and the prognosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia after neuroendoscopic removal
Daping WEN ; Jun HANG ; Gang WANG ; Jian CUI
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(8):818-821
Objective To investigate the relationship between preoperative serum high mobility group protein 1(HMGB1),macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α),osteopontin(OPN)and the prognosis of patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage after neuroendoscopic surgery.Methods From March 2022 to March 2024,98 patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia treated by neuroendoscopic removal were selected.Serum HMGB1,MIP-1 a and OPN were detected before operation,and they were followed up for 1 month after operation.Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia.Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Log-rank test were used to analyze the survival rate of patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia.Results Among the 98 patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia,21 patients died within 1 month after neuroendoscopic removal,and the mortality rate was 21.43%.The proportion of patients with midline shift ≥ 10 mm(76.19%)and hematoma volume[(51.18±7.62)ml]in the death group were higher than those in the survival group[14.29%and(31.93±5.66)ml],and the hematoma clearance rate[(78.13±5.86)%]was lower than that in the survival group[(90.58±6.29)%](P<0.05).The preoperative levels of HMGB1,MIP-1 α and OPN in the death group were(12.44±2.26)ng/ml,(417.25±134.12)pg/ml and(12.32±3.19)ng/ml,respectively.The survival groups were(7.52±2.37)ng/ml,(200.35±31.36)pg/ml and(6.29±2.37)ng/ml,respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that preoperative high HMGB1(HR=1.629,95%CI:1.274-2.083),high MIP-1α(HR=2.875,95%CI:1.384-5.972),high OPN(HR=1.429,95%CI:1.073-1.093)were risk factors for death within 1 month after neuroendoscopic removal of basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage(P<0.05).Survival curve analysis showed that the survival rate of high HMGB1,high MIP-1α and high OPN at 1 month after operation was significantly lower than that of low HMGB1,low MIP-1α and low OPN(Long-rank x2=7.539,6.028,8.220,P<0.05).Conclusion The prognosis of patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage with high HMGB1,high MIP-1α and high OPN before neuroendoscopic surgery was poor.Preoperative HMGB1,MIP-1α and OPN may be used as indicators for postoperative evaluation of neuroendoscopic removal in patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage.
8.Microstructural mapping of time-dependent diffusion MRI for the discrimination of clinically significant prostate cancer
Yanling CHEN ; Wenxin CAO ; Jinhua LIN ; Jian LING ; Zhihua WEN ; Long QIAN ; Yan GUO ; Huanjun WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):777-783
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of time-dependent diffusion MRI (t d-dMRI)-derived microstructural parameters for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and their associations with the pathological grade of prostate cancer(PCa) based on the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades. Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 196 patients suspected of PCa from March 2023 to March 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. All patients underwent multiparametric MRI and t d-dMRI to obtain microstructural parameters, including cell diameter (d), intracellular volume fraction (f in), extracellular diffusion coefficient (D ex), cellularity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value at oscillation frequencies of 33 Hz, 17 Hz, 0 Hz (ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0). Pathologically, 95 cases were classified as csPCa (ISUP 2-5), and the rest 101 cases were classified as non-csPCa (benign or ISUP 1). Comparison of these microstructural metrics was made between csPCa and non-csPCa groups by independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. A combined diagnostic model was then constructed based on the independent predictors. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Finally, in PCa, the correlation between microstructural parameters and ISUP grades was investigated by Spearman correlation. Results:The t d-dMRI measurements, including d, f in, cellularity, ADC 33,ADC 17 and ADC 0, were significantly different between csPCa and non-csPCa groups (All P<0.05). But D ex was not significantly different between the two groups ( Z=-1.27, P=0.204). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for diagnosing csPCa were 0.701 (95% CI 0.628-0.775) for d, 0.869 (95% CI 0.819-0.920) for f in, 0.884 (95% CI 0.835-0.932) for cellularity, 0.777 (95% CI 0.712-0.842) for ADC 33, 0.852 (95% CI 0.799-0.905) for ADC 17, and 0.840 (95% CI 0.786-0.894) for ADC 0. Cellularity ( OR=6.142, 95% CI 2.920-12.929, P<0.001) and ADC 17 ( OR=0.108, 95% CI 0.027-0.429, P=0.002) were identified as the independent predictors, and their combined model achieved an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI 0.852-0.941). In PCa f in and cellularity were positively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=0.490 and 0.397, P<0.001), while ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0 were negatively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=-0.198, -0.345, -0.360; P=0.041,<0.001,<0.001). d and D ex were not correlated with ISUP grades ( P>0.05). Conclusion:t d-dMRI based microstructural mapping correlates with ISUP grades of PCa and may be useful for the differential diagnosis of csPCa.
9.Bedside transesophageal echocardiography-guided atrial septostomy under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Ang LIU ; Ke WANG ; Fu-jian DUAN ; Wen-ying KANG ; Jun-song GONG ; PINGCUO-YUNDAN ; Chao-wu YAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):189-194
Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of bedside transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)-guided atrial septostomy in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)support.Methods Eight patients(2 females and 6 males)who developed pulmonary edema during VA-ECMO treatment between January 2020 and October 2024 were enrolled.All patients underwent bedside TEE-guided atrial septal puncture,followed by gradual balloon dilation using an Inoue balloon(diameter:18-24 mm).The endpoint for dilation was defined as mean left atrial pressure<15 mmHg.Post-procedure evaluation included assessment of the septal defect size,mean left atrial pressure,and improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema.Results The mean age of all 8 patients was(43.50±16.84)years old.Atrial septostomy was successfully performed in all patients.The mean balloon dilation diameter was(22.75±2.68)mm,resulting in a mean septal defect size of(6.31±0.37)mm.The mean left atrial pressure significantly decreased from(26.63±1.77)mmHg pre-procedure to(12.75±1.28)mmHg post-procedure(P<0.001).All patients demonstrated marked improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema,and six patients also showed a significant reduction in the severity of mitral regurgitation following the procedure.No procedure-related complications were observed.Conclusions Bedside TEE-guided atrial septostomy is safe and effective for reducing left heart loading during ECMO support and improving pulmonary edema.
10.Mechanism of G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 inhibiting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell
Ze-lan WANG ; Wen-jian LUO ; Jun-yong ZHAO ; Xiao-lin LUO ; Zhe-xue QIN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):279-283
Objective To investigate the effect of G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC)and its underlying mechanism.Methods Twelve SD rats were divided into the control group and the treatment group,with 6 rats in each group.The rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection with sodium pentobarbital,then exposed the common carotid artery and the internal and external carotid artery after disinfection and skin preparation,ligated the distal end of the internal and external jugular veins,clamped the proximal end of the common carotid artery,cut the external carotid artery,inserted the balloon catheter,blocked the blood flow by compression,and ligated the proximal end of the external carotid artery after withdrawing the balloon.The common carotid artery clamping state of rats in the treatment group was maintained after withdrawing the balloon,then restored the blood flow after perfusion with 100 μmol/L BIX01294 solution for 30 seconds;rats in the control group were restored the blood flow after perfusion with PBS for 30 seconds.VSMC were divided into the normal group and the BIX01294 groups.Cells in the normal group were cultured in low glucose medium containing 2%fetal bovine serum,and cells in the BIX01294 groups were co-treated with 2.5,5.0,7.5 and 10.0 μmol/L BIX01294 on the basis of the normal group,respectively.CCK-8 assay and EDU assay were used to detect the cell activity and proliferative ability respectively,to screen appropriate concentration of BIX01294.The cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay between the normal group and the BIX01294 group,and the control group and the treatment group.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-and apoptosis-related proteins in the normal group and BIX01294 group.Results Compared with 0 μmol/L,the activity and proliferative ability of VSMC decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after treatment with BIX01294 at different concentrations(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the apoptosis level of VSMC in the BIX01294 group was increased(P<0.05),the expression of VSMC autophagy-and apoptosis-related proteins of LC3Ⅰ/Ⅱ and Bax were up-regulated(P<0.05),and the expression of Bcl-2 and p62 proteins were down-regulated(P<0.05).In vivo test results showed that BIX01294 local perfusion aggravated the apoptosis of carotid VSMC.Conclusion BIX01294 activates VSMC autophagy and apoptosis and inhibits its proliferation.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail