1.Influenza A virus infection activates TLR3-mediated necroptosis
Weijie LI ; Congying HUANG ; Ziling ZENG ; Xiang LI ; Jia XU ; Tian GONG ; Hao ZHANG ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Yuanjia HU ; Haiyu XU ; Lijuan SONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):40-49
Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) is a negative-sense RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family and is the etiological agent of a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that can lead to acute lung injury. Objective: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IAV infection, an integrative research approach combining gene expression profiling, multinetwork analysis, and in vivo experimental validations was employed. Methods: First, a series of network-based analyses were performed, including protein-protein interaction network construction, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, to identify the major underlying mechanisms of IAV infection. Following gene expression analysis, core targets, both direct and indirect regulators, were screened. An IAV (H1N1) strain A/PR/8/34-induced acute lung injury mouse model was constructed for in vivo validations. Batch one included two groups to evaluate findings from the multi-network analysis: Mock (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females) and IAV (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females). Batch two included three groups to assess the role of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in IAV infection: Mock (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), IAV (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), and TLR3 inhibitor (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females). Body weight was measured on days 0, 3, and 5 after infection. On day 5, lung tissues were collected to assess viral load and histopathological changes. Key targets were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining, both in sera and lung tissues. Results: IAV infection was significantly associated with dysregulation of the immune-inflammation system, such as the LTR, nucle-otide-binding oligomerization domain-(NOD) like receptor, retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor, and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways. Gene set enrichment analysis further indicated that the TLR and necroptosis signaling pathways played crucial roles in the progression of IAV infection (TLR signaling pathway normalized enrichment score = 2.3941, P = 1.00 × 10 −10; necroptosis normalized enrichment score = 1.9421, P = 6.21 × 10 −7). Among the core targets, TLR3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) may regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level (all P < 0.05). In vivo validation using an IAV (PR8) infected acute lung injury mouse model demonstrated increased viral load and lung index, alveolar structural damage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunofluorescence staining exhibited large gaps in Lamin B1 staining and breaches in Emerin signals following IAV-PR8 infection. Expression levels of TLR3, p-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/RIPK3, and p-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)/MLKL proteins in lung tissues, as well as proinflammatory factors and mediators in sera, were significantly elevated after IAV infection. Moreover, enhanced neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase) and citrullinated histone H3 (a neutrophil extracellular trap-specific marker), both established indicators of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, were observed. Notably, treatment with a TLR3 inhibitor significantly ameliorated IAV-induced acute lung injury by regulating necroptosis-related targets. Conclusion: Our study provides network-based in vivo evidence that TLR3-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis may underlie IAV-induced acute lung injury and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in severe influenza cases.
2.Application of signature pedagogy in teaching "basic nursing" course
Di SUN ; Lijuan ZHANG ; Qian SUN ; Xiumei BU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(2):271-277
Objective:To explore the impact of "basic nursing" course with signature pedagogy on undergraduate nursing students' critical thinking, professional identity, and professionalism.Methods:A signature pedagogy method for the "basic nursing" course was established using narrative as a theoretical lesson and scenario-simulation as a laboratory lesson. Ninety sophomore nursing students in the 2020 undergraduate nursing program were selected as the participants of a controlled pre-post study. The students were evaluated using the Critical Thinking Inventory, the Professional Identity Questionnaire, and the Professionalism Inventory before and after the course. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the end of the course to gain an in-depth understanding of their learning experience. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and Nvivo 11.0 Colaizzi's seven-step method was used for analysis of qualitative research.Results:A total of 87 nursing students participated in the course and 83 were included in the quantitative analysis. The total scores of critical thinking skills (286.83±17.44), professional identity (58.95±6.43), and professionalism (67.08±11.21) were significantly higher after the course than before the course ( P<0.001). Qualitative study identified the four themes of promoting effective learning, developing critical thinking and empathy, building professional attitudes, and expecting curriculum optimization. Conclusions:The "basic nursing" course based on signature pedagogy for undergraduate nursing students helps to enhance their critical thinking, foster a sense of professional identity, and develop professionalism.
3.Population Characteristics of Arsenic-containing TCM Compounds in the Treatment of Platelets in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Jian LIU ; Wenru WANG ; Peizhen JIANG ; Kaizhi LU ; Qinlong ZHENG ; Haixia DI ; Lijuan YAO ; Bing WU ; Jiangwei WAN ; Qifeng LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):154-160
Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.
4.Application of signature pedagogy in teaching "basic nursing" course
Di SUN ; Lijuan ZHANG ; Qian SUN ; Xiumei BU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(2):271-277
Objective:To explore the impact of "basic nursing" course with signature pedagogy on undergraduate nursing students' critical thinking, professional identity, and professionalism.Methods:A signature pedagogy method for the "basic nursing" course was established using narrative as a theoretical lesson and scenario-simulation as a laboratory lesson. Ninety sophomore nursing students in the 2020 undergraduate nursing program were selected as the participants of a controlled pre-post study. The students were evaluated using the Critical Thinking Inventory, the Professional Identity Questionnaire, and the Professionalism Inventory before and after the course. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the end of the course to gain an in-depth understanding of their learning experience. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and Nvivo 11.0 Colaizzi's seven-step method was used for analysis of qualitative research.Results:A total of 87 nursing students participated in the course and 83 were included in the quantitative analysis. The total scores of critical thinking skills (286.83±17.44), professional identity (58.95±6.43), and professionalism (67.08±11.21) were significantly higher after the course than before the course ( P<0.001). Qualitative study identified the four themes of promoting effective learning, developing critical thinking and empathy, building professional attitudes, and expecting curriculum optimization. Conclusions:The "basic nursing" course based on signature pedagogy for undergraduate nursing students helps to enhance their critical thinking, foster a sense of professional identity, and develop professionalism.
5.Population Characteristics of Arsenic-containing TCM Compounds in the Treatment of Platelets in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Jian LIU ; Wenru WANG ; Peizhen JIANG ; Kaizhi LU ; Qinlong ZHENG ; Haixia DI ; Lijuan YAO ; Bing WU ; Jiangwei WAN ; Qifeng LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):154-160
Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.
6.PKM2 deficiency promotes mucosal repair in ulcerative colitis by regu-lating macrophage polarization
Di ZHANG ; Lijuan WANG ; Chong LI ; Haoxian CHEN ; Hui YUAN ; Jian HONG ; Jinying LI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(7):1163-1172
AIM:To clarify the effect of macrophage PKM2 deficiency on mucosal repair in ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:The gene expression and metabolic profiles in UC patients were first analyzed based on the following databases:PXD001608,GSE193677,and GSE214695.Using the macrophage-specific PKM2 elimination mice(PKM2ΔMAC),the functions of PKM2 in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC were clarified in vivo by analyzing the body weight,disease activity index(DAI)scores,HE staining,immunohistochemical staining,and expression of muco-sal barrier markers.The impact of PKM2 on macrophage polarization was also investigated by flow cytometry,RNA se-quencing and RT-qPCR in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs)and THP-1 cells in vitro.RESULTS:Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the intestinal tissues of UC patients preferred glycolysis.The expression of PKM was parallel to the severity of UC in patients,and the expression of PKM2,but not PKM1,was elevated in macrophages of UC mice.In the DSS-induced UC mice,macrophage-specific PKM2 elimination significantly alleviates the body weight loss,diarrhea,rectal bleeding,colonic shorten,as well as decreased DAI scores and mucosal tissue damage.The BMDMs de-rived from the PKM2ΔMAC mice preferred the M2 polarization upon LPS or IL-4 stimulation to that derived from the wild-type mice,as indicated by the F4/80+CD45+CD86+and F4/80+CD45+CD206+population,as well as the expression of Ocln,F11r and Tjp-1.The RNA sequencing results indicated significant gene differential expression in PKM2 knockout mouse macrophages,which was enriched in biological processes such as leukocyte migration,tissue remodeling,and cytokine in-teractions.Macrophage PKM2 deficiency promoted the expression of mucosal repair factors(Il8,Cxcl1,Ptgs2 and Wnt6),which was further validated in PKM2 knockout THP-1 cells.CONCLUSION:The PKM2 deficiency in macro-phages benifits the mucosal repair in UC status via facilitating the wound-healing macrophage polarization.
7.Effects of Jiawei Jingqin Decoction (加味荆芩汤) on Inflammatory and Immune Responses in Rosacea Model Mice
Jin YANG ; Lijuan ZHAO ; Di WU ; Xu ZHANG ; Jianzhou YE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(3):308-316
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms of Jiawei Jingqin Decoction (加味荆芩汤) in the treatment of rosacea. MethodsFifty 8-week-old female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, and Jiawei Jingqin Decoction low, medium, and high-dose groups, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, mice in the other groups were injected with 40μl of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 at a concentration of 320 μmol/L on the back, repeated once every 12 hours for a total of 4 injections, to induce the rosacea mouse model. The mice in the normal control group were injected with 40 μl of PBS solution at the same time. After successful modeling, the mice in the Jiawei Jingqin Decoction low, medium, and high-dose groups were orally administered Jiawei Jingqin Decoction at doses of 4.35, 8.71, and 17.42 g/(kg·d) respectively, while the mice in the normal control group and the model group were orally administered 20 ml/(kg·d) of normal saline. All groups were treated once daily for 5 days. The changes in skin lesions were observed, and the erythema area was measured and scored. Skin tissue at the injection site was collected for histopathological examination using HE staining, and the number of mast cells was detected using toluidine blue staining. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the skin lesion tissues were measured using the ELISA method. The mRNA expression levels of key factors in the innate immune response pathway of rosacea disease mechanism, including Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), downstream molecules serine protease kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), as well as related inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and adaptive immune CD4+ T cell-related factors interferon-gamma (INF-γ) mRNA were detected using RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the protein expression of KLK5, MMP-9, and the number of CD4+ T-positive cells. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of CD4+ T cell-related factors including IFN-γ, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). ResultsThe skin at the injection site on the back of mice in the normal control group appeared normal without any skin lesions or erythema, and histopathological examination showed no infiltration of inflammatory cells. The model group had significantly higher erythema scores and larger erythema areas compared to the normal control group (P<0.05), and histopathological examination revealed a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells, with some signs of deep connective tissue damage. Compared to the model group, the Jiawei Jingqin Decoction medium and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in erythema scores and erythema areas (P<0.05), as well as a reduction in inflammatory exudates and inflammatory cell infiltration. However, the Jiawei Jingqin Decoction low-dose group did not show significant difference (P>0.05), but there was a slight reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration compared to the model group. When compared to the normal control group, the rosacea skin tissues of the model group showed an increase in the number of mast cells, levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR2, INF-γ, KLK5, MMP-9, protein expression of KLK5, MMP-9, and the number of CD4+ T-positive cells (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the Jiawei Jingqin Decoction medium and high-dose groups showed a decrease in the number of mast cells, levels of IL-1β, mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and the number of CD4+ T-positive cells. The Jiawei Jingqin Decoction high-dose group showed a decrease in IL-6, TNF-α levels, mRNA expression of IL-6, TLR2, INF-γ, MMP-9, protein expression of MMP-9, KLK5, and the number of CD4+ T-positive cells, as well as a decrease in IFN-γ and STAT1 protein expression (P<0.05) compared to the Model group. ConclusionJiawei Jingqin Decoction has significant improvement effect on the skin symptoms of roseacne in a mouse model. Its mechanism might be related to regulating skin immune inflammatory reactions, thereby reducing the release of pathogenic factors and inflammatory factors.
8.A comparative study of different early time of getting out of bed after transradial percutaneous coronary interventions
Li ZHANG ; Rui WANG ; Lijuan QIAO ; Xiaodong XU ; Ting DI ; Yahui GONG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(18):1361-1367
Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of 1 h and 12 h getting out of bed after transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to provide evidence for early safe getting out of bed after PCI.Methods:The quasi-experimental method was used in this study. A total of 84 patients undergoing radial artery PCI in the Cardiovascular Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine from July 2022 to May 2023 were selected by purpose sampling method, and were divided into the control group and the experimental group by random number table method, with 42 patients in each group. The control group was given 12 h post-operative getting out of bed activity program, and the experimental group was given 1 h post-operative getting out of bed activity program. The quality of life and self-care ability of daily life were compared before and after intervention. Besides patients′ rehabilitation satisfaction was compared after intervention.Results:Ultimately there were 42 patients in each group completed the research. In the control group, there were 24 males, 18 females, aged (66.08 ± 6.78) years old; in the experimental group there were 22 males, 20 females, aged (68.03 ± 7.17) years old. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in quality of life, self-care ability of daily life and adverse cardiac events between 2 groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, the scores of quality of life in physical function, social relationship, emotional function and environment were (77.20 ± 4.17), (42.40 ± 3.71), (68.10 ± 4.74) and (76.90 ± 4.38), respectively. Higher than (74.50 ± 3.91), (40.20 ± 3.94), (67.70 ± 3.88), (74.35 ± 3.41) in the control group, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t values were 2.17-2.98, all P<0.05). The scores of daily self-care ability in grooming, eating, dressing, going to the toilet, going up and down stairs, bed chair transfer and flat walking were (4.62 ± 1.33), (6.37 ± 2.26), (8.00 ± 2.48), (6.25 ± 2.46), (4.62 ± 2.08), (10.12 ± 3.09), (10.50 ± 3.54) points, higher than the control group (4.06 ± 1.96), (5.75 ± 1.79), (6.37 ± 2.26), (5.25 ± 1.10), (3.37 ± 2.62), (8.75 ± 2.19), (8.87 ± 2.11) points. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t values were 2.29-3.30, all P<0.05). The scores of rehabilitation satisfaction of experimental group in rehabilitation treatment effect, team professional level and rehabilitation treatment arrangement were (4.55 ± 0.50), (4.82 ± 0.38), (4.77 ± 0.42) points, respectively, which were higher than (4.20 ± 0.64), (4.47 ± 0.64), (4.40 ± 0.81) points of control group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t=2.69, 2.96, 2.59, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Getting out of bed 1 h after radial artery PCI is safe and effective, which can significantly improve patients′ quality of life, self-care ability and satisfaction.It is expected to be clinically promoted and trialed.
9.Underlying Mechanisms of Huashi Baidu Prescription Against Myocardial Injury Based on "Transcriptome-Putative Target-Phenotype Gene" Interactions
Weijie LI ; Yute ZHONG ; Tian GONG ; Cong XIA ; Ping WANG ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):69-78
ObjectiveTo systematically explore the underlying mechanisms of Huashi Baidu prescription (HBP) against myocardial injury through a multidimensional network analysis of "transcriptome-putative target-phenotype gene". MethodPutative targets of compounds in HBP were predicted using the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM 2.0,
10.YE Jianzhou's Experience in Treating Atopic Dermatitis in Children with the Method of Regulating the Heart and Treating the Spirit
Jin YANG ; Xuesong YANG ; Di WU ; Lijuan ZHAO ; Xu ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1865-1869
This paper summarized Professor YE Jianzhou's experience in treating atopic dermatitis (AD) in children with the method of regulating the heart and treating the spirit. According to the clinical manifestations of itching-sleep psychological disorders in children with AD, and the physiological characteristics of "heart qi is prone to hyperactivity" and "liver qi is prone to hyperactivity" in children, it is believed that heart and spirit disharmony is an important pathogenesis of AD in children.From the concept of holism in traditional Chinese medicine, the principle of regulating the heart and treating the spirit has been proposed for treatment of AD in children, which is based on the theory of "the five zang (脏) organs store the spirit". In the acute stage, it is recommended to clear the heart, drain fire and calm the spirit with self-made Qingxin Ningshen Decoction (清心宁神汤) in modifications. In the chronic stage, the method of nourishing the heart, unblocking the meridians and calming the spirit is recommended, by using self-made Yangxin Anshen Decoction (养心安神汤) with modifications. The method to tranquilize the heart, subdue yang and contain the spirit should be implemented throughout the entire treatment, and yang-subduing and spirit-containing medicinals such as Duanlonggu (Os Draconis Praeparatum), Duanmuli (Concha Ostreae Praeparatum) and Zhenzhumu (Concha Margaritiferae Usta) are usually used to treat the body and the spirit simultaneously. All these are offered to provide new ideas for the individualized treatment of children with AD.

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