1.Etiological characteristics of influenza-like illness cases in Anji County of Zhejiang Province from December 2023 to November 2024
Huimin YAO ; Shiping GU ; Xin JIN ; Yulong YANG ; Yiwen WANG ; Xuwei KAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):122-126
ObjectiveTo analyze the infection status of main respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and to provide a reference for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory infections. MethodsThroat swab samples were collected from 520 ILI cases in an influenza sentinel surveillance hospital in Anji County of Zhejiang Province from December 2023 to November 2024. Multiplex real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR) was used to detect 18 pathogens and their subtypes, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (Flu A), influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, influenza B virus (Flu B), influenza B virus Victoria lineage (BV), influenza B virus Yamagata lineage (BY), coronavirus (CoV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus (ADV), human bocavirus (HBoV), enterovirus (EV), rhinovirus (RV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP). ResultsThe overall positivity rate of pathogens in 520 samples was 33.65%, among which the detection rates of Flu (9.14%), ADV (7.50%), SARS-CoV-2 (6.15%), and EV (3.65%) were relatively high. There were statistically significant differences in the overall positivity rate of pathogens by age and season (all P<0.05). The highest overall positivity rate was observed in the 5‒14 years old group (42.77%), and the overall positivity rate in winter (53.08%) was significantly higher than that in other seasons. ConclusionFrom 2023 to 2024, the main respiratory pathogens detected in ILI cases in Anji County were Flu, ADV, SARS-CoV-2, and EV. The epidemic characteristics showed age and seasonal specificity, so it is necessary to strengthen prevention and control for high-risk populations and epidemic seasons in a targeted manner.
2.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
3.Research on the construction and application of blood standard system in China
Jin GUO ; Hongjie WANG ; Xin SHI ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):564-570
Blood standardization is a crucial means of promoting the healthy and sustainable development of China's blood industry. The construction of a blood standard system serves as the foundational work for blood standardization. To facilitate the continuous improvement of blood standardization efforts, this paper begins by describing the current status and analyzing the issues within China's blood standard system. Through systematic research, it proposes a framework for constructing a blood standard system and offers revision recommendations for its enhancement. Based on the first five editions of the blood standard system developed by Sub-Committee of Blood Standards of National Committee of Health Standards, this study further refines the revision and detailed construction of the standards framework—the primary task in establishing the blood standard system. It provides specific guidance for both the construction and application of the blood standard system. This work serves as a reference and basis for the reasonable and standardized formulation and revision of blood standards, as well as for the management and implementation of blood standardization efforts.
4.Study on the effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder against bronchial asthma based on transcriptomics
Jiacheng JIN ; Wenyan CHEN ; Xin LI ; Qing XU ; Hangyu WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Pinghua SUN ; Jinhui WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):595-601
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder (QDP) on bronchial asthma in mice. METHODS The mice were divided into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), dexamethasone group (2 mg/kg), and QDP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), with 14 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice in all other groups were given ovalbumin via intraperitoneal injection followed by aerosol inhalation to induce a bronchial asthma model. During the modeling process, mice in each group were administered corresponding drug solutions or normal saline intragastrically/intraperitoneally. After the last medication, the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the mice was observed and counted; the pathological changes of the bronchus and lung tissue were observed; the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the lung tissue of the mice were determined, and the level of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the BALF and serum was determined. Transcriptomics was employed to predict and validate the mechanism of action of QDP against bronchial asthma. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the total cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and macrophage counts in the BALF of the QDP high-dose group were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05); the levels of MDA and NO in the lung tissue, and the levels of IL-17 in the BALF and serum were all decreased significantly ( P <0.05); the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased ( P <0.05); the arrangement of lung tissue cells tended to normalize, with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased exfoliation of bronchial simple columnar epithelial cells. The transcriptomic results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were B-cell receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, ferroptosis signaling pathway, and others. Further validation revealed that, compared with the model group, the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and chemokine ligand 20, as well as the phosphorylation level of NF-κB inhibitor protein α, were significantly decreased in the lung tissues of the mice in all QDP groups ( P <0.05). Conversely, the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were significantly increased ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QDP can effectively alleviate bronchial asthma by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, regulating oxidative stress, and reducing inflammatory responses.
5.Innovative Development and Cutting-edge Applications of Split Intein Technology
Jin-Qiu GAN ; Xiang-Yu DENG ; Xin-Yan WANG ; Jia-Bin LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1520-1540
Inteins are unique protein insertion sequences capable of self-excision, enabling the covalent ligation of flanking extein peptides via amide bond formation. This process proceeds spontaneously without requiring external enzymes, cofactors, or chemical reagents, granting inteins exceptional biocompatibility and traceless performance in protein engineering applications. Split inteins represent a specialized and versatile subclass whose splicing domains are encoded by two separate gene fragments rather than a single continuous open reading frame. These fragments, known as the N-terminal (IntN) and C-terminal (IntC) split inteins, associate through non-covalent interactions including hydrophobic forces, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces to assemble into an active three-dimensional structure, which then drives efficient extein ligation and enables protein trans-splicing. Protein trans-splicing mediated by split inteins has become a cornerstone for traceless protein ligation owing to its high specificity and irreversibility, fundamentally reshaping strategies for protein modification, assembly, and functional regulation. Compared with traditional chemical ligation methods, split intein systems require no complex chemical derivatization of peptide fragments and can operate efficiently at micromolar concentrations under physiological conditions, thus avoiding structural and functional damage caused by organic reagents. In contrast to enzymatic ligation tools such as sortase, split inteins eliminate the need for additional enzymes or cofactors, simplifying reaction systems, reducing costs, and minimizing non-specific side products. These distinctive advantages render split inteins highly promising for applications in chemical biology, synthetic biology, and biopharmaceutical development. In recent years, deepened mechanistic understanding has established structure-guided rational design as the primary approach to overcoming key limitations of split inteins, including intrinsic aggregation propensity, strict extein sequence dependence, and limited splicing efficiency. Bioinformatic tools have been used to identify aggregation-prone regions in the IntN fragment, and site-directed mutagenesis of hydrophobic residues, relocation of split sites, or removal of misfolding-prone sequences has substantially reduced in vitro aggregation and improved soluble expression and assembly activity. Rational engineering of catalytic residues and adjacent flexible loops has relaxed strict amino acid preferences at extein junctions, enhancing sequence tolerance and reducing the risk of functional impairment in target proteins. Consensus design based on multiple sequence alignments has yielded ultra-fast splicing variants such as Cfa DnaE and Cat-TerL, which exhibit significantly accelerated kinetics and improved tolerance to denaturing conditions. Meanwhile, advances in structural biology have further clarified the conformational dynamics and catalytic mechanisms of splicing, supporting the precise design of high-performance intein modules. On this basis, electrostatic interaction tuning and metagenomic screening have yielded multiple mutually orthogonal split intein pairs, enabling selective multi-fragment protein ligation and providing new routes for the efficient synthesis of large multi-domain functional proteins. With these engineered split inteins offering continuously improved performance and expanded applicability, protein trans-splicing has been widely applied in numerous cutting-edge areas of protein research and biomedicine. In gene delivery, split intein-based systems overcome the packaging limit of adeno-associated viral vectors, enabling the accurate reconstitution of large therapeutic proteins and base editors in target cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy and scope of gene therapy for genetic diseases. In internal protein sequence editing, split inteins mediate precise sequence replacement and modification in flexible regions or loops of target proteins, without the need for complex multi-step ligation and protein refolding involved in traditional protein semisynthesis. In protein-protein interaction studies, intein-mediated splicing covalently captures transient and weak intracellular complexes, enabling sensitive, high-throughput interaction detection and drug screening. In synthetic biology, conditionally controllable splicing systems support the construction of diverse intracellular and cell-surface biological logic gates for the precise regulation of cellular behavior. In mechanistic biochemical research, split inteins enable photocatalytic proximity labeling and site-specific tagging, allowing the preparation of homogeneous protein samples carrying precise post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and polyglutamylation for chromatin interactome analysis and epigenetic studies. Moreover, covalent trapping strategies using split inteins stabilize transient enzymatic intermediates, providing unprecedented insights into molecular mechanisms such as nucleosome ubiquitination that are difficult to elucidate using conventional methods. This review systematically summarizes key technological advances in split inteins over the past decade, highlighting engineering strategies, mechanistic insights, and the development of orthogonal components. It comprehensively surveys emerging applications at the frontiers of protein research, analyzes current core challenges, and proposes future directions, particularly emphasizing artificial intelligence-driven de novo design and novel splicing pathways to break existing technical bottlenecks. By enabling traceless, efficient, and versatile protein manipulation, split inteins continue to serve as indispensable tools that drive innovation in protein engineering and fundamental life science research.
6.History, Experience, Opportunities, and Challenges in Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Linxian, Henan Province, A High Incidence Area for Esophageal Cancer
Lidong WANG ; Xiaoqian ZHANG ; Xin SONG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Duo YOU ; Lingling LEI ; Ruihua XU ; Jin HUANG ; Wenli HAN ; Ran WANG ; Qide BAO ; Aifang JI ; Lei MA ; Shegan GAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):251-255
Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading
7.Application of Engineered Exosomes in Tumor-targeted Therapy
Jia-Lu SONG ; Yi-Xin JIN ; Xing-Yu MU ; Yu-Huan JIANG ; Jing WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1140-1151
Tumors are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle secreted from multivesicular bodies, with particle sizes ranging from 40 to 160 nm. They regulate the tumor microenvironment, proliferation, and progression by transporting proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Compared with other drug delivery systems, exosomes derived from different cells possess unique cellular tropism, enabling them to selectively target specific tissues and organs. This homing ability allows them to cross biological barriers that are otherwise difficult for conventional drug delivery systems to penetrate. Due to their biocompatibility and unique biological properties, exosomes can serve as drug delivery systems capable of loading various anti-tumor drugs. They can traverse biological barriers, evade immune responses, and specifically target tumor tissues, making them ideal carriers for anti-tumor therapeutics. This article systematically summarizes the methods for exosome isolation, including ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), immunoaffinity capture, and microfluidics. However, these methods have certain limitations. A combination of multiple isolation techniques can improve isolation efficiency. For instance, combining ultrafiltration with SEC can achieve both high purity and high yield while reducing processing time. Exosome drug loading methods can be classified into post-loading and pre-loading approaches. Pre-loading is further categorized into active and passive loading. Active loading methods, including electroporation, sonication, extrusion, and freeze-thaw cycles, involve physical or chemical disruption of the exosome membrane to facilitate drug encapsulation. Passive loading relies on drug concentration gradients or hydrophobic interactions between drugs and exosomes for encapsulation. Pre-loading strategies also include genetic engineering and co-incubation methods. Additionally, we review approaches to enhance the targeting, retention, and permeability of exosomes. Genetic engineering and chemical modifications can improve their tumor-targeting capabilities. Magnetic fields can also be employed to promote the accumulation of exosomes at tumor sites. Retention time can be prolonged by inhibiting monocyte-mediated clearance or by combining exosomes with hydrogels. Engineered exosomes can also reshape the tumor microenvironment to enhance permeability. This review further discusses the current applications of exosomes in delivering various anti-tumor drugs. Specifically, exosomes can encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel to reduce side effects and increase drug concentration within tumor tissues. For instance, exosomes loaded with doxorubicin can mitigate cardiotoxicity and minimize adverse effects on healthy tissues. Furthermore, exosomes can encapsulate proteins to enhance protein stability and bioavailability or carry immunogenic cell death inducers for tumor vaccines. In addition to these applications, exosomes can deliver nucleic acids such as siRNA and miRNA to regulate gene expression, inhibit tumor proliferation, and suppress invasion. Beyond their therapeutic applications, exosomes also serve as tumor biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. The detection of exosomal miRNA can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing prostate and pancreatic cancers. Despite their promising potential as drug delivery systems, challenges remain in the standardization and large-scale production of exosomes. This article explores the future development of engineered exosomes for targeted tumor therapy. Plant-derived exosomes hold potential due to their superior biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and abundant availability. Furthermore, the integration of exosomes with artificial intelligence may offer novel applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.
8.Effect of Shenkang Injection on Podocyte Apoptosis and GRP78/CHOP Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Yanmo CAI ; Sitong WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Ge JIN ; Kaidong ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Fengfeng ZHANG ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):81-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Shenkang injection in delaying diabetic kidney disease by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuating podocyte apoptosis through the Glucose regulated protein 78 ( GRP78 ) / transcription factor C / EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) signaling pathway (GRP78/CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the animal experiment, 10 12-week-old db/m mice were selected as a normal group, and 30 12-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a Shenkang injection group (15.6 mL·kg-1), and a dapagliflozin group (1.6 mg·kg-1). To observe the general condition of mice, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and 24 h urine protein quantification were detected in each group before drug administration. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, mice were tested for fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL), ACR, 24 h urine protein quantification, blood creatinine (SCr), and blood urea (UREA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathologic morphology in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nephroprotective marker protein (Nephrin), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in renal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and Nephrin proteins, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of Nephrin, GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNAs in renal tissue. ResultsBefore drug administration, compared with those in the normal group, the body mass of db/db mice was significantly increased, and blood glucose, 24 h urine protein quantification, and ACR were significantly elevated in the Shenkang injection group and Dapagliflozin group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of administration, compared with those in the model group, the general state of mice in the Shenkang injection group was significantly improved, and the body mass was decreased. The blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and blood lipids TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The 24 h urine protein quantification and ACR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and SCr and UREA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the pathologic results of the Shenkang injection group showed that proliferation of mesangial cells, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviation of renal tubular vacuolization and podocyte damage were observed in renal tissue of mice. Electron microscopy showed that fusion of the pedicle protruding and thickening of the basement membrane were reduced. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.01) in renal tissue of the Shenkang injection group. Western blot results showed that the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 in the Shenkang injection group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax mRNAs were down regulated in the Shenkang injection group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 mRNAs were up regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShenkang injection inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and podocyte apoptosis by regulating the GRP78/CHOP signaling pathway, which in turn ensures the integrity of glomerular filtration barrier, reduces the occurrence of proteinuria, improves renal function, and thus delays the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
9.Effect of Shenkang Injection on Podocyte Apoptosis and GRP78/CHOP Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Yanmo CAI ; Sitong WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Ge JIN ; Kaidong ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Fengfeng ZHANG ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):81-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Shenkang injection in delaying diabetic kidney disease by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuating podocyte apoptosis through the Glucose regulated protein 78 ( GRP78 ) / transcription factor C / EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) signaling pathway (GRP78/CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the animal experiment, 10 12-week-old db/m mice were selected as a normal group, and 30 12-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a Shenkang injection group (15.6 mL·kg-1), and a dapagliflozin group (1.6 mg·kg-1). To observe the general condition of mice, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and 24 h urine protein quantification were detected in each group before drug administration. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, mice were tested for fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL), ACR, 24 h urine protein quantification, blood creatinine (SCr), and blood urea (UREA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathologic morphology in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nephroprotective marker protein (Nephrin), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in renal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and Nephrin proteins, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of Nephrin, GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNAs in renal tissue. ResultsBefore drug administration, compared with those in the normal group, the body mass of db/db mice was significantly increased, and blood glucose, 24 h urine protein quantification, and ACR were significantly elevated in the Shenkang injection group and Dapagliflozin group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of administration, compared with those in the model group, the general state of mice in the Shenkang injection group was significantly improved, and the body mass was decreased. The blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and blood lipids TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The 24 h urine protein quantification and ACR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and SCr and UREA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the pathologic results of the Shenkang injection group showed that proliferation of mesangial cells, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviation of renal tubular vacuolization and podocyte damage were observed in renal tissue of mice. Electron microscopy showed that fusion of the pedicle protruding and thickening of the basement membrane were reduced. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.01) in renal tissue of the Shenkang injection group. Western blot results showed that the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 in the Shenkang injection group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax mRNAs were down regulated in the Shenkang injection group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 mRNAs were up regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShenkang injection inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and podocyte apoptosis by regulating the GRP78/CHOP signaling pathway, which in turn ensures the integrity of glomerular filtration barrier, reduces the occurrence of proteinuria, improves renal function, and thus delays the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
10.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.

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