1.Construction of Risk Prediction Model for Frequent Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Under Disease-syndrome Combination
Jing ZHOU ; Gang TENG ; Nianzhi ZHANG ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Qianqian ZHANG ; He HUANG ; Ling LIU ; Mei DONG ; Juan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):143-151
ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) under disease-syndrome combination, thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations (≥2 times/year) and infrequent acute exacerbations (<2 times/year) according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression, and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group (1 196 cases) and infrequent acute exacerbations group (833 cases) were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors: body mass index (BMI), hospitalization days, number of smoking years, place of residence, use of noninvasive ventilators, oxygen-demanding therapy, liver cirrhosis, use of systemic glucocorticosteroids, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome (phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung). The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set (AUC=0.748) and validation set (AUC=0.774). ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD, integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.
2.Prevalence and associated factors analysis of the co-occurrence of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Anhui Province
WANG Yuting, CHEN Guoping, WU Jing, ZHANG Yukun, YANG Yang, MEI Xuenong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):584-588
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of the co-occurrence of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Anhui Province, so as to provide evidence for comprehensive interventions on physical and mental health among adolescents.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a multi stage random cluster sampling method was used to select 103 225 junior and senior high school students from 16 prefecture level cities in Anhui Province. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and physical measurements. Elevated blood pressure was determined according to the Reference of Screening for Elevated Blood Pressure among Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18 Years. Depressive symptoms among middle school students were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Chi-square test, Chi-square test for trend, and multivariate Logistic regression model were used to analyze the risk factors for the co-occurrence of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms.
Results:
The detection rate of elevated blood pressure was 15.22%, the detection rate of depressive symptoms was 18.56%, and the co-occurrence rate of the two conditions was 2.67% among junior and senior high school students. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for gender, school stage, household registration, and overweight and obesity status,compared with those who don t drink sugary drink and eat fried food, and get enough sleep, sugar sweetened beverage intake <1 and ≥1 time/d( OR =1.28,1.61), fried food consumption ≥1 time/d( OR =1.37), and insufficient sleep ( OR =1.54) were all associated with an increased risk of the co-occurrence of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms(all P <0.05). Daily fresh vegetable intake ≥1 time/d( OR =0.78) and fresh fruit intake ≥1 time/d( OR =0.85) were both associated with a decreased risk of the co-occurrence(both P <0.05). Compared with students who did not eat breakfast, students who ate breakfast sometimes and every day ( OR =0.62,0.36) had a lower co-occurrence risk(both P < 0.05). Junior and senior high school students with daily outdoor activity duration≥1 h ( OR =0.81) had a lower risk of the co-occurrence of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Sugar sweetened beverage drink and fried food consumption, inadequate consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits and breakfast, lack of outdoor activity, and insufficient sleep are risk factors for the co-occurrence of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Anhui Province. It is necessary to establish school health promotion strategies integrating nutrition, exercise and sleep management as intervention targets to reduce the co-occurrence risk of elevated blood pressure and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students.
3.Regulatory Mechanism of Extracellular Vesicles in The Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Its Application in Diagnosis and Treatment
Zi-Qi WANG ; Jing WANG ; Yuan-Yu HUANG ; Mei LU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):968-981
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are pivotal mediators of intercellular communication within the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). They are broadly categorized into exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies based on their distinct biogenesis pathways. Exosomes originate from the endosomal system via multivesicular body fusion, microvesicles bud directly from the plasma membrane, and apoptotic bodies are released during programmed cell death. By shuttling diverse bioactive cargoes—including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids such as mRNA, miRNA, and DNA—EVs exert dual modulatory effects on tumor initiation, progression, and immune evasion. Importantly, EVs exhibit remarkable compositional heterogeneity that is intrinsically linked to their cellular origin. Tumor-derived EVs (TDEVs) are typically enriched with immunosuppressive molecules like PD-L1, TGF‑β, and miR-21, which promote tumor immune escape and metastasis. In contrast, EVs derived from immune cells, such as dendritic cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes, often carry immunostimulatory components including antigens, co-stimulatory molecules, and granzymes, thereby potentiating anti-tumor immunity. This review systematically delineates the biogenesis and molecular composition of EVs, with a particular emphasis on their dynamic regulatory functions within the TME. Specifically, we discuss how EVs mediate intricate crosstalk between immune and tumor cells, facilitating signal transfer that reshapes immune surveillance. For instance, TDEVs can induce macrophage polarization toward an M2-like pro-tumor phenotype, while also suppressing natural killer cell cytotoxicity and dendritic cell maturation. The clinical utility of EV-associated biomarkers in liquid biopsy is increasingly recognized. Circulating EVs carry tumor-specific molecular signatures that mirror the genetic and proteomic alterations of primary tumors, enabling non-invasive early diagnosis, molecular subtyping, and real-time monitoring of therapeutic responses. Their natural biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and intrinsic ability to traverse biological barriers make them ideal candidates for drug delivery systems. This review explores cutting-edge applications, including the use of EVs in immune checkpoint blockade therapy—for instance, engineered EVs displaying anti-PD-1 antibodies or carrying siRNA to silence immunosuppressive genes. Moreover, EV-based tumor vaccines are being developed, leveraging dendritic cell-derived EVs loaded with tumor antigens to elicit potent T cell responses. The feasibility of loading EVs with therapeutic molecules such as chemotherapeutic agents, oncolytic viruses, or CRISPR-Cas9 components is also under active investigation. The advent of engineered EVs has further expanded their therapeutic potential. Through surface modification or cargo encapsulation, EVs can be tailored for targeted delivery and controlled release, enhancing precision immunotherapy. However, several hurdles impede clinical translation. Current isolation and purification methods, such as ultracentrifugation and size-exclusion chromatography, suffer from low yield and purity. Distinguishing EV subpopulations remains technically challenging due to overlapping size and marker expression. Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols for EV production, characterization, and quality control poses significant barriers to regulatory approval and clinical adoption. Looking forward, the convergence of multi-omics technologies with artificial intelligence offers a powerful approach to decipher EV heterogeneity and identify robust diagnostic signatures. Machine learning algorithms can integrate proteomic, transcriptomic, and lipidomic data from large patient cohorts to construct predictive models for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Concurrently, advances in bioengineering are enabling the design of next-generation EVs with enhanced targeting specificity, on-demand drug release, and reduced off-target effects. Future efforts should also focus on establishing good manufacturing practice (GMP)‑compliant production processes and conducting rigorous preclinical and clinical evaluations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of EV biology, their multifaceted roles in the TME, and their transformative potential in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. By addressing current challenges and leveraging emerging technologies, EV-based strategies are poised to revolutionize precision oncology.
4.Caffeic Acid Protects Keratinocytes from PM2.5 by Regulating ROS,Mitochondrial Integrity, and JNK Activation
Herath Mudiyanselage Maheshika Madhuwanthi SENAVIRATHNA ; Mei Jing PIAO ; Kyoung Ah KANG ; Mahadurage Pasindu Laksara MADHUWANTHA ; Jinny PARK ; Jin Won HYUN
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):697-708
Caffeic acid (CA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound known for its strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties.Particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or less is a major atmospheric pollutant that induces excessive oxidative stress and apoptosis in human skin cells, contributing to various adverse effects on the skin. In this study, we investigated the protective role of CA against PM2.5-induced cellular injury in human HaCaT keratinocytes. CA reduced PM2.5-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitigated oxidative damage, including lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and intracellular calcium overload. In addition, CA attenuated PM2.5-induced apoptosis by upregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and suppressing Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, caspase-9, and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (phospho-JNK). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CA protects HaCaT keratinocytes from PM2.5-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by regulating the Bcl-2/Bax axis and inhibiting JNK-mediated apoptotic signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for preventing pollutant-induced skin damage.
5.Identification and infection rate of densovirus in Culex pipiens pallens in Beijing in 2023
Xiu-yan XU ; Ting YAN ; Si-jie ZHU ; Jing LI ; Mei-de LIU ; Hong-jiang ZHANG ; Ting LIU ; Qiu-hong LI ; Xiao-jie ZHOU ; Ying TONG ; Yong ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):25-30
Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically. Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus(CppDNV)were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins(NS1, NS2)and 1 capsid protein(VP). The nucleotide(amino acid)sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt(791 aa),1 092 nt(363 aa)and 1 071 nt(356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times(χ2=4.429, P=0.194). Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.
6.Regulatory mechanism of telomere in metabolic associated fatty liver disease and related targeted therapies
Yiming ZHAO ; Xiaomei WU ; Jing HUANG ; Qi ZHAO ; Mei YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1411-1418
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, and its progression is closely associated with the development of liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there is still a lack of effective therapies for MAFLD in clinical practice. Telomere is the protective structure at the end of chromosomes, and telomere shortening and functional impairment have been identified as one of the key factors regulating the pathological progression of MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the core mechanism of action of telomere regulation in MAFLD, including its molecular functions in nucleotide metabolism, oxidative stress, and epigenetic regulation, as well as its pathological effect in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. In addition, this article explores the clinical prospects of telomeres as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MAFLD, in order to provide a theoretical reference for improving the precise diagnosis and treatment system of MAFLD.
7.Analysis on current status and influencing factors of ethical sensitivity among clinical nursing interns in the context of artificial intelligence
Yue LIN ; Jing WANG ; Kun LI ; Wen WANG ; Lei YANG ; Yang LI ; Mei HUANG ; Chunping NI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(8):1121-1128
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of ethical sensitivity among clinical nursing interns in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and analyze its influencing factors. MethodsAdopting mixed research methods and convenience sampling, a total of 237 nursing interns from a tertiary A hospital in Xi’an were selected as research subjects. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Nursing Students’ Ethical Sensitivity Scale, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 nursing interns. ResultsThe total score of ethical sensitivity among nursing interns was (33.98±6.32), which was at a moderate level. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that academic degree (undergraduate: β=0.147, P<0.05; postgraduate: β=0.139, P<0.05), affinity for the nursing profession (β=0.118, P<0.05), whether they had taken nursing ethics courses (β=-0.124, P<0.05), and familiarity with artificial intelligence (β=-0.159,P<0.05) were influencing factors of ethical sensitivity among nursing interns. Four themes were extracted from semi-structured interviews, namely, the incomplete mastery of nursing ethics-related knowledge among nursing interns, weakened ethical sensitivity in the AI teaching scenario of nursing interns, insufficient professional identity affecting the development of nursing interns’ ethical sensitivity, and technological dependence leading to the lack of humanistic care among nursing interns. ConclusionEthical sensitivity of nursing interns represents a moderate level, primarily influenced by educational background, degree of fondness for the nursing profession, learning experience of nursing ethics courses, and familiarity with AI. Nursing educators and clinical administrators urgently need to establish a sustainable school-hospital collaborative model of nursing ethics education, attach importance to the cultivation of ethical awareness and value guidance for nursing interns, and strengthen the intensity and depth of nursing ethics education among nursing interns, thereby improving their level of ethical sensitivity in the context of AI.
8.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
9.Improvement of quality standards for Zhuang medicine Yingbupu (Aralia armata)
Xiangpei ZHAO ; Jieying SU ; Tao XU ; Jing LIANG ; Yanjing LI ; Mei YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2645-2650
OBJECTIVE To improve the quality standard of Zhuang medicine Yingbupu (Aralia armata). METHODS A total of 23 batches of Yingbupu (A. armata) were studied. Their macroscopic characteristics and powder microscopic features were observed. TLC was employed for the qualitative identification of oleanolic acid and araloside A. Items such as water content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and ethanol-soluble extract were determined according to the methods specified in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (part Ⅳ). UPLC fingerprint was established for 23 batches of samples by using Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 edition), and the contents of oleanolic acid and araloside A were determined. RESULTS The powder microscopic characteristics of the medicinal material were distinctive. Oleanolic acid and araloside A were detected by TLC in all 23 batches. Among the 23 batches of samples, the content ranges of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and ethanol-soluble extract were 6.9% to 10.4%, 1.8% to 6.8%, 0.1% to 1.9%, and 2.8% to 8.4%, respectively. Based on the UPLC fingerprint, a total of 15 common peaks were obtained, and 9 of these common peaks were identified. The content ranges of oleanolic acid and araloside A in the 23 batches of samples were 0.86% to 2.69% and 0.16% to 1.10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study has added items such as moisture and total ash content fingerprint, TLC identification. A preliminary quality standard has been established for the medicinal material of Yingbupu (A. armata), stipulating that the moisture content should not exceed 11.0%, the total ash content should not exceed 5.0%, the acid-insoluble ash content should not exceed 2.5%, the ethanol-soluble extract(No. content should not be less than 4.0%, and the contents of zyyzdxk-2023165) oleanolic acid and araloside A should not be less than 1.00% and 0.45%( calculated by a dried basis), respectively.
10.Research progress on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor prognostic biomarkers for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion
Dan WANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Like XIE ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Jing XU ; Mei SUN ; Mengjiao ZHANG ; Xiaoduo GUAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1938-1942
Retinal vein occlusion(RVO)is the second most common blinding retinal vascular disease, and its secondary macular edema(ME)is an important cause of visual function impairment in patients. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs serves as the first-line treatment, yet it is confronted with such issues as the need for repeated injections and non-response in some patients. Imaging and laboratory biomarkers play a crucial role in the early accurate diagnosis, prediction of disease progression, and evaluation of visual prognosis of RVO-ME. This study systematically reviews the research progress of imaging and laboratory biomarkers related to the prognosis of RVO-ME after anti-VEGF treatment in recent years, covering imaging biomarkers like central retinal thickness and ellipsoid zone integrity, as well as laboratory biomarkers such as serum APLN and aqueous humor IL-6. It summarizes the associations between different biomarkers and the prognosis of anti-VEGF therapy, aiming to provide a basis for the early accurate assessment and optimization of individualized treatment for RVO-ME patients, which holds significant clinical reference value.


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