1.Correlation between serum total bile acid level and cognitive function in patients with stable schizophrenia and its predictive value for cognitive impairment
Cong CAO ; Hang YIN ; Xuehao XU ; Fenglan WANG ; Qiuyan LU ; Weishan SUN ; Qin WANG ; Aihua ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):133-139
BackgroundPersistent cognitive impairment is prevalent among patients with stable schizophrenia. While serum total bile acid (TBA) level in acute-phase patients are known to be associated with cognitive dysfunction, the relationship between serum TBA and multi-dimensional cognitive functions in stable phase patients remains unclear. ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between serum TBA level and cognitive function in patients with stable schizophrenia, and to evaluate its predictive value for cognitive impairment, thereby providing a serological biomarker for the timely identification and objective assessment of cognitive dysfunction. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 inpatients with stable schizophrenia at The Fourth People's Hospital of Yancheng from March to December 2024. All participants met the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Brief Cognitive Test (C-BCT), patients were categorized into four groups: normal cognition (n=28), mild impairment (n=28), moderate impairment (n=47), and severe impairment (n=34). Fasting venous blood samples were collected, and serum TBA level was quantified using an enzymatic cycle assay. Spearman correlation analysis was ultilized to determine the relationship between serum TBA level, overall cognitive function, and specific cognitive domains. Binary Logistic regression model was used (adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, and disease duration) to analyze the impact of serum TBA level on overall and individual cognitive functions. The predictive value of serum TBA level for overall cognitive impairment was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. ResultsSerum TBA levels differed significantly among the four groups (H=18.677, P<0.01). Specifically, serum TBA levels in both the moderate and severe cognitive impairment groups were significantly higher than those in the normal cognitive group (adjusted P<0.01). Serum TBA level was positively correlated with the severity grading of overall cognitive impairment (rs=0.354, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with T-scores on the trail making test (rs=-0.328, P<0.05), continuous performance test (rs=-0.247, P<0.05), digit span (rs=-0.265, P<0.05), and symbol coding (rs=-0.221, P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis identified serum TBA level as an independent risk factor for overall cognitive impairment (OR=1.322, 95% CI: 1.021 - 1.713, P=0.034), with a particularly robust predictive ability for impaired information processing speed (OR=1.325, 95% CI: 1.057 - 1.661, P=0.015). The area under ROC curve (AUC) for serum TBA level in predicting overall cognitive impairment was 0.738, with a sensitivity of 60.61% and a specificity of 78.64%. ConclusionIn patients with stable schizophrenia, elevated serum TBA levels are associated with worse overall cognitive function, as well as deficits in information processing speed, attention, working memory, and executive function. Serum TBA serves as an independent risk factor and exhibits moderate predictive value for overall cognitive impairmen,particularly in the domain of information processing speed. [Funded by Yancheng Municipal Health Commission Medical Research Project (number, YK2024141)]
2.Effects of Qizhi Tongluo Granules on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Nrf2/OASL1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy
Qin LU ; Fei GAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Zhenhua WU ; Guodong YUAN ; Fengwen YANG ; Jinchuan TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):134-143
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Qizhi Tongluo granules on proteinuria in membranous nephropathy (MN) and its potential protective effects and underlying mechanism against endoplasmic reticulum stress. MethodsAfter 70 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week, the MN rat model was established by injecting cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA) into the tail vein. Rats were divided into the normal group, model group, low-dose Qizhi Tongluo granules group (2.43 g·kg-1), medium-dose group (4.86 g·kg-1), high-dose group (9.72 g·kg-1), and benazepril group (0.01 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered for four weeks. The 24-hour urinary total protein (UTP) content, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in renal tissues, were measured. Renal pathological changes were assessed using immunoglobulin G (IgG) staining, periodic acid-silver methenamine (PASM) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The localization and expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (p-IRE1α), phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein 1 (OASL1) in rat kidneys were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and OASL1 in rat kidneys were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analysis. ResultsCompared with the normal group, UTP levels were significantly increased in the model rats (P<0.05), with obvious renal pathological damage. GPX content levels were significantly decreased in renal tissue (P<0.05), while ROS and MDA content levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, p-PERK, and ATF4 proteins was significantly increased in the kidneys (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Trx1 and Nrf2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and OASL1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the UTP levels of rats in the Qizhi Tongluo granules groups and the benazepril group decreased to varying degrees (P<0.05), and renal pathological damage was significantly alleviated. The GPX content in renal tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the ROS and MDA levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, p-PERK, and ATF4 proteins in the kidney was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Trx1 and Nrf2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and OASL1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionQizhi Tongluo granules alleviates proteinuria in MN rats by modulating the Nrf2/OASL1 signaling pathway in renal tissues to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress, which represents its underlying mechanism.
3.miRNA Regulatory Network and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Asthma and Cough Variant Asthma from Perspective of Airway Microenvironment: A Review
Lisha LU ; Wen QIN ; Mingshu YANG ; Xiaochang WANG ; Lujia LIU ; Youpeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):282-294
Asthma and cough variant asthma (CVA) are both chronic heterogeneous diseases characterized by airway microenvironment homeostasis disruption as their core pathological basis. In recent years, micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA), as core post-transcriptional regulators, have been shown to finely modulate multiple critical signaling pathways, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β/Smad (TGF-β/Smad), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), as well as various pathological processes such as airway epithelial barrier restoration, type 1 helper T cell(Th1)/Th2 immune balance, M1/M2 macrophage polarization, airway smooth muscle cell function, and airway hyperresponsiveness. miRNAs play a pivotal role in maintaining and disrupting airway microenvironment homeostasis. Based on recent Chinese and international literature, a logical framework centered on "airway microenvironment homeostasis disruption, miRNA regulation, and microenvironment restoration" was constructed. From the perspective of the airway microenvironment, the therapeutic roles of miRNA in asthma and CVA were systematically summarized, and the cascade regulatory mechanisms of miRNA throughout the entire disease course were elucidated. The hub miRNA was identified, and research progress on traditional Chinese medicine intervention strategies was explored. Furthermore, current clinical studies on RNA therapeutics and traditional Chinese medicine in achieving multi-target and multi-pathway integrated treatment by modulating miRNA were analyzed. The value of miRNA as biomarkers for diagnosis, phenotyping, and prognosis assessment, as well as the potential and application prospects of miRNA mimics and antagonists in precision therapy, were summarized, with the ultimate goal of advancing precision therapy for asthma and CVA.
4.Research progress on regulation of antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine
Binrui WANG ; Zheng CHANG ; Meijing QIN ; Limei ZHAO ; Juanmei MO ; Xiang LU ; Chunhua LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1773-1777
γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation, and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism, showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells, and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines, regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells, the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy, and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.
5.Advances in posterior scleral reinforcement for pathological myopia
Zhouyi HUANG ; Hongxia LIAO ; Dongcheng LIU ; Qiuying YE ; Jingwen LIU ; Yijie LU ; Tongmiao WANG ; Bo QIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1400-1404
Pathologic myopia(PM)is characterized by progressive axial elongation, posterior staphyloma, and fundus degenerative changes, representing a leading cause of blindness in Asian countries.Posterior scleral reinforcement(PSR)is currently the only surgical intervention to slow axial elongation. Its mechanisms involve mechanical reinforcement, improved blood circulation, and biological stimulation of scleral remodeling. This article reviews recent advances in PSR: surgical techniques have evolved from complex, classic procedures to standardized single-strip methods, incorporating 3D MRI to quantify posterior staphyloma morphology for personalized graft design and facilitating minimally invasive, precision surgery. Among implant materials, biomaterials such as allogeneic dura mater are being continuously optimized, while biomimetic piezoelectric smart materials actively promote scleral collagen synthesis through electrical signals, achieving a paradigm shift from “passive support”to “active reinforcement”. Clinical outcomes indicate advantages in regulating axial length, enhancing visual function and blood circulation, and facilitating early intervention in children. Combined procedures with ICL implantation, cataract surgery or vitrectomy provide comprehensive treatment regimens for individual patients with varied conditions. This article also analyzes long-term issues and core controversies including ectopic posterior staphyloma and reoperation, and prospects future research directions such as artificial intelligence assistance, translation of smart materials and full-cycle prevention and treatment systems, so as to provide references for clinical practice and scientific research.
6.Research progress on regulation of antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine
Binrui WANG ; Zheng CHANG ; Meijing QIN ; Limei ZHAO ; Juanmei MO ; Xiang LU ; Chunhua LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1773-1777
γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation, and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism, showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells, and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines, regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells, the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy, and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.
7.Experience of ZHANG Boli in Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome Based on the Theory of "Diseases Related to Damp,Turbidity,Phlegm,and Rheum"
Hongchang JI ; Jiabao WANG ; Xiao LI ; Guangning QIN ; Lu XIAO ; Jingxian YAN ; Xianglong HUANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1936-1940
This paper summarized professor ZHANG Boli's experience in syndrome differentiation and treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on the theory of "diseases related to damp, turbidity, phlegm, and rheum". It is considered that damp, turbidity, phlegm, and rheum are the key pathological factors in the onset of MetS. The core pathogenesis of this disease includes the failure of the liver to govern the free flow of qi, the depletion of spleen and kidney, and the accumulation and impairment caused by damp, turbidity, phlegm, and rheum. It is important to emphasize early intervention, sequential treatment, and thorough elimination of pathogenic factors. The treatment takes fortifying the spleen and promoting middle jiao (焦), soothing the liver and regulating qi, and tonifying the kidney to restore transformation as the fundamental principles. Furthermore, targeted treatments are implemented according to the evolution of damp, turbidity, phlegm, and rheum, including treating damp early, examining the tongue coating to eliminate turbidity, differentiating and treating concurrent phlegm, and applying warm dredging moderately. At the same time, specific medicinals are combined based on abnormal indicators such as blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, and uric acid, aiming to address both root causes and symptoms simultaneously.
8.Observation of the clinical efficacy of moxa-stick moxibustion in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Jindan MA ; Guona LI ; Fangyuan SUN ; Qin QI ; Luyi WU ; Chen ZHAO ; Huirong LIU ; Yuan LU ; Xiaopeng MA ; Liming CHEN ; Zhaoqin WANG ; Cili ZHOU ; Huangan WU ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(2):135-143
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.
9.Surveillance report of hospital-associated infections in a three-A hospital from 2017 to 2023
Yan GAO ; Yu WANG ; Haiming QIN ; Lu WANG ; Chen JIA
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(16):2490-2494
OBJECTIVE To analyze the changing trend of hospital-acquired infections(HAIs)in hospitals from 2017 to 2023,and identify the distribution of different departments,infection sites and pathogens,so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of HAI.METHODS During the study period,the HAI data were col-lected and classified by year,department and infection site.Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of HAI rate,calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC),and evaluate the distribution of infec-tion sites and pathogenic bacteria.RESULTS The overall infection situation showed that the average HAI rate was 1.19%,with a trend of increasing first and then decreasing during the study period,and AAPC was 8.33%(95%CI:0.025-0.173).The infection rate was the highest in the emergency department with an AAPC of 13.51%(95%CI:0.074-0.250),while the infection rates in the department of traditional Chinese medicine and orthope-dics were relatively stable.Lower respiratory tract infections accounted for the major proportion,followed by uri-nary tract infections and bloodstream infections.The AAPC for lower respiratory tract infections was 18.64%.The pathogenic analysis showed that bacterial infections were mainly gram-negative bacteria,with Kleb-siella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Acinetobacter baumannii being the most common pathogens causing HAI.CONCLUSIONS The results of the study reveal that significant differences in HAI rates among dif-ferent departments and infection sites,especially the increasing infection rate in the emergency department should be highly concerned.In view of the persistent high incidence of respiratory and urinary tract infections,it is recom-mended to strengthen the relevant prevention and control measures.To effectively reduce the incidence of HAIs,it is necessary to focus on the monitoring and management of drug-resistant pathogens in the future.
10.Differences in the ability of the human skin to recognize vibration frequency
Xianliang ZHAO ; Shan CHEN ; Lu WANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongchang SUN ; Qin YAO
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(3):188-193
Objective:To explore the differences in the ability of different parts of the human skin to recognize vibration frequencies in order to provide data for physiological optimization of vibration parameters in pilots′ tactile vests.Methods:Ten healthy volunteers were selected and grouped by age as 20-40 years (6 cases) and 41-50 years (4 cases). All the subjects participated in 3 trials: ① identification test of frequency steps using cutaneous tactile perception: the back of the left hand was chosen as the test area, a dual-oscillator synchronous vibration system was adopted, and the frequency step was gradually increased (initially 0.1 Hz) to determine the threshold of frequency identification; ② maximum frequency threshold test of cutaneous tactile perception: the maximum frequency recognition thresholds in 7 parts of the trunk (the left waist, right waist, chest, back, left shoulder, right shoulder, neck) and the back of the hand were tested; ③ frequency discrimination test of cutaneous tactile perception: 5 equally spaced frequencies (covering the frequency recognition thresholds) were set to evaluate the accuracy of tactile frequency memory on the back of the hand after 3, 15 min and 24 h. The relationships between the adjacent step sizes of cutaneous tactile perception and the average value of the sum of adjacent frequencies were analyzed using simple linear regression. The highest identification thresholds of frequencies in different parts of the subjects as well as the accuracy of frequency discrimination during different periods were compared across the age groups.Results:The maximum thresholds of frequency identification of cutaneous tactile perception among the 10 subjects ranged from 16.20 to 33.55 Hz, while the range of adjacent step sizes was between 3.60 and 7.10 Hz. The adjacent step sizes were positively correlated with the average value of the sum of adjacent frequencies ( r=0.882, F=529.18, P<0.001). In the test on the maximum threshold of frequency identification of cutaneous tactile perception, there was a statistically significant difference in the main effect of an age group between the 2 groups ( F=15.87, P<0.001), but not in the main effect of the site ( P>0.05), or in the interactions between the group and age ( P>0.05). The accuracies of skin vibration frequency memory on the dorsal hand of the subjects at 3, 15 min and 24 h were 88%, 72% and 68% respectively. In the frequency discrimination test, there were no statistically significant differences in the main effect of the group, main effect of time or in their interactions between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The ability of the human skin to identify vibration frequency is impacted by age, but there is no difference in sensitivity between the trunk and the back of the hand. It is recommended that the tactile vest for pilots be designed for general purposes to make it easy to adapt to vibration frequencies of multiple parts.

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