1.Study on the mechanism of Juanxiao decoction in improving bronchial asthma
Bangqing CAO ; Qiangqiang YU ; Meinian LIU ; Zhixi WU ; Lizhen ZENG ; Mengyao TONG ; Yunhua DENG ; Hanrong XUE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):155-160
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism by which Juanxiao decoction improves bronchial asthma (hereinafter referred to as “asthma”) based on the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway. METHODS Female SD rats were randomly assigned to normal group, model group and Juanxiao decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups (0.36, 0.72 and 1.44 g/kg, calculated based on crude drug weight), as well as positive control group (Dexamethasone acetate tablets, 0.2 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, asthma models were established in the remaining groups via intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide, followed by nebulized inhalation of ovalbumin. On day 14 of the experiment, rats in each group received intragastric administration of the corresponding solution or normal saline, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Following the final administration, the following parameters were measured in each group: lung function indexes (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second, peak expiratory flow), serum levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β, interleukin- 18), and the percentages of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were observed, and the protein and mRNA expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κB), NLRP3 and caspase-1 in lung tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, pathological changes such as alveolar wall thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in rats in the model group. All pulmonary function indicators were significantly reduced in rats in the model group and the administration groups. The levels of inflammatory markers, the percentages of inflammatory cells, and the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB, NLRP3 and caspase-1 were significantly elevated or up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, pathological changes in rats in each dosage group of Juanxiao decoction were significantly alleviated, and all quantitative indicators showed dose-dependent improvements (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Juanxiao decoction can reduce airway inflammatory responses in asthmatic rats, alleviate lung function impairment, and improve pathological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration. Those effects may be related to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
2.Causal Inference on Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Breast Cancer: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Yi DU ; Mengyao XUE ; Huiying CHEN ; Ying SUN ; Tianyu LUO ; Haidong SUN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):267-273
Objective To investigate the causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer by using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for metabolic syndrome and breast cancer were acquired from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit GWAS database and the GWAS Catalog, with populations encompassing the United States and East Asia. A bidirectional causal design was employed: a forward analysis with metabolic syndrome as the exposure and breast cancer as the outcome, followed by a reverse analysis wherein their roles were interchanged. The inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was primarily used for effect estimation, supplemented by MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, the simple mode method, and the weighted mode method. Instrument variable strength was screened using the F-statistic (F>10). Robustness of the results was assessed through heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, forest plots, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Results The IVW analysis indicated no significant causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.97-1.03), P>0.05). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results, suggesting the good robustness of the study findings. Conclusion This study found no evidence to support a causal relationship, either positive or negative, between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer.
3.Investigation of incidence of gathering and eating Trogia venenata among populations in communities affected by the Yunnan unexplained sudden death
Yanmei XI ; Xue TANG ; Lin MA ; Mengyao SUN ; Yongpeng YANG ; Yi DONG ; Mingfang QIN ; Yuebing WANG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(1):90-95
Objective:This study investigated the awareness and consumption of Trogia venenata among populations in regions affected by Yunnan unexplained sudden death (YUSD). The findings aim to support etiological research on YUSD and contribute to the formulation of preventive measures against Trogia venenata poisoning. Methods:This study was a case-control study. From 2018 to 2021, surveys were conducted in 90 villages across 25 counties within YUSD-affected areas in Yunnan Province. Households with YUSD cases were designated as case households, whereas households without YUSD cases served as controls, ande were selected through convenience sampling at a 3:1 ratio. An enhanced questionnaire was designed to collect information on the consumption of Trogia venenata, and symptoms following consumption. Frequency data were presented as percentages, and group comparisons were conducted using χ 2 tests or Fisher’s exact tests. Results:A total of 711 questionnaires were collected (response rate: 100%), comprising 175 case households and 536 control households. Trogia venenata was present in 80.82% of the villages surveyed. Among the 711 households, 15.89% reported consuming Trogia venenata, primarily through stir-frying (53.10%), followed by boiling (29.20%), boiling and stir-frying (15.93%), and steaming (1.77%). Most households (94.69%) consumed fresh fruiting bodies, with 69.02% consuming them fewer than three times annually. The consumption rates were higher among the case households than among the control households. Of the 113 households with a history of Trogia venenata consumption, 35.40% reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and limb soreness. The proportions of affected families in each group were compared according to their source, cooking method, fruiting body status and consumption frequency. The proportion of affected families with high consumption frequency (≥3 times/year) was higher than that with low consumption frequency (<3 times/year). Among 421 YUSD cases, 63 cases (14.96%) had a history of Trogia venenata consumption before death, with 43 cases showing symptoms within the longest known latency period (14 d) for poisoning by this mushroom. Conclusions:Trogia venenata is prevalent in 80.82% of YUSD-affected regions, with 16.67% of the population reporting its consumption, predominantly as fresh fruiting bodies prepared by stir-frying or boiling. Confirmed Trogia venenata consumption was identified in 14.96% of YUSD cases, suggesting that mushroom poisoning is a significant risk factor for YUSD. Ongoing health education and interventions are critical for mitigating the risk of Trogia venenata poisoning.
4.Analysis of Coxsackievirus B group infection in Yunnan unexplained sudden death endemic areas
Xue TANG ; Yanmei XI ; Lin MA ; Mengyao SUN ; Yongpeng YANG ; Yi DONG ; Mingfang QIN ; Yuebing WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(6):496-500
Objective:To analyze the infection status of Coxsackievirus B group (CVB) in regions affected by sudden unexplained death in Yunnan (referred to as sudden death in Yunnan), and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective prevention and control strategies.Methods:A cross-sectional survey method was employed. The population from 16 counties (cities, districts, referred to as counties) affected by sudden death in Yunnan Province from 2002 to 2022 and the population from one non-affected county in 2021 and 2022 (control population) were classified into cases of sudden death in Yunnan (7 cases), co-occurring cases (29 cases), high-risk population (1 303 cases), and control population (270 cases). Blood samples were collected from these populations. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CVB immunoglobulin M (CVB-IgM) antibodies in the acute-phase serum samples of the population in the affected areas were detected, and CVB immunoglobulin G (CVB-IgG) antibodies in the convalescent-phase serum samples were detected. Both types of detections were carried out on the control population, and the test results were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 609 serum samples were tested, including 1 339 samples from the population in the affected areas (923 acute-phase samples and 416 convalescent-phase samples) and 270 samples from the control population. Among the 16 affected counties, positive CVB-IgM antibody results were detected in 9 counties. The overall positive rate of the population in the affected areas was higher than that of the control population [7.80% (72/923) vs. 4.44% (12/270), χ 2 = 40.78, P < 0.001]. The positive rates of the high-risk population in Dayao County and Lufeng City were both higher than that of the control population [(22.22% (22/99), 10.92% (25/229) vs. 4.44% (12/270), χ 2 = 27.37, 7.56, P < 0.05]. Positive CVB-IgG antibody results were detected in 7 counties. The overall positive rate of the population in the affected areas was higher than that of the control population [(4.09% (17/416) vs. 0.74% (2/270), χ 2 = 6.81, P = 0.009]. The positive rates of CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of the affected areas in Dayao County [22.22% (22/99), 9.80% (5/51)] were both higher than those of the control population ( P < 0.05). Among the five affected villages in Dayao County, the positive rates of CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of Aji Ju Village were the highest [25.49% (13/51), 3/13]. Conclusions:The positive rates of both CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of the areas affected by sudden death in Yunnan were higher than those of the control population, indicating that CVB infection occurred during the sudden death events in the above-mentioned affected areas.
5.Study on the gene mutation of ARVC desmosomal protein in the population of Yunnan sudden unexplained death
Biao PAN ; Huizuo ZHAO ; Lin MA ; Yanmei XI ; Xue TANG ; Meifen SHEN ; Mengyao SUN ; Yongpeng YANG ; Yuebing WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(6):445-450
Objective:To study the etiological relationship between Yunnan sudden unexplained death (hereinafter referred to as YNSUD) and the desmosomal protein gene mutation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).Methods:From September 2019 to August 2020, a cross-sectional survey method was used to select 9 key counties (cities) of YNSUD in Yunnan Province as survey sites. Autopsy cardiac blood samples of YNSUD cases ( n = 11) were collected, and peripheral venous blood samples of co-occurring case ( n = 1), case relatives ( n = 128), and control population ( n = 60) were collected. Genomic DNA from blood was extracted. After PCR amplification, 97 exons of 5 ARVC desmosomal protein genes, including plakophilin-2 (PKP2), desmoglein-2 (DSG2), desmocollin-2 (DSC2), desmoplakin (DSP), and junction plakoglobin (JUP) were sequenced by Sanger method, and the gene mutation was analyzed. Results:Compared with the control population, YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried 52 gene mutation sites in 36 exons of the ARVC desmosomal protein gene, with a total mutation rate of 37.11% (36/97). Among them, there were 21 in DSP gene, 10 in DSG2 gene, 8 in PKP2 gene, 8 in DSC2 gene, and 5 in JUP gene. YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried two same gene mutation sites: DSG2 gene exon 15 c.3321 T>C synonymous mutation and JUP gene exon 3 c.213 T>C synonymous mutation.Conclusions:The mutation rate of ARVC desmosomal protein gene is relatively high in the population of YNSUD. The two same gene mutation sites (DSG2 gene c.3321 T>C and JUP gene c.213 T>C) carried by YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives may be associated with the pathogenesis of YNSUD.
6.Chinese version of the Attitude Tool of Delirium Scale and its reliability and validity test
Yanfei SUN ; Mengxin XUE ; Sijiao HU ; Chengcheng FU ; Wenli JIANG ; Mengyao CAO ; Huajuan HOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(3):191-197
Objective:To translate the English version of the Attitude Tool of Delirium (ATOD) into Chinese and test the reliability and validity of its application in Chinese nurses, and to provide an assessment tool for assessing nurses ′ attitudes towards delirium patients. Methods:After obtaining authorization from the source scale developer, the English version of the ATOD scale was translated, back-translated, expert-consulte, pre-surveyed and cross-culturally adapted according to the Brislin translation model. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 298 nurses with experience in caring for patients with delirium in three tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province using a convenience sampling method. The critical ratio value and correlation coefficient were used to analyze the scale items. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the structural validity of the scale, and experts were invited to evaluate the content validity of the scale. Cronbach α coefficient and test-retest reliability were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Results:The Chinese version of the ATOD scale contains 3 dimensions of cognitive attitudes, behavioral attitudes, and emotional attitudes toward patients with delirium, with a total of 23 entries. The Cronbach α coefficient for the entire scale was 0.896, with each dimension′s Cronbach α coefficient ranging from 0.614 to 0.912. The retest reliability of the scale was 0.868, with each dimension ′s retest reliability ranging from 0.603 to 0.927. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three eigenvalues with common factors greater than 1, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 63.812%. Conclusions:The Chinese version of the ATOD scale has good reliability and validity, and can be used as an evaluation tool for evaluating nurses ′ attitudes towards delirium patients in China, so as to provide an effective basis for the formulation of corresponding interventions.
7.Analysis of Coxsackievirus B group infection in Yunnan unexplained sudden death endemic areas
Xue TANG ; Yanmei XI ; Lin MA ; Mengyao SUN ; Yongpeng YANG ; Yi DONG ; Mingfang QIN ; Yuebing WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(6):496-500
Objective:To analyze the infection status of Coxsackievirus B group (CVB) in regions affected by sudden unexplained death in Yunnan (referred to as sudden death in Yunnan), and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective prevention and control strategies.Methods:A cross-sectional survey method was employed. The population from 16 counties (cities, districts, referred to as counties) affected by sudden death in Yunnan Province from 2002 to 2022 and the population from one non-affected county in 2021 and 2022 (control population) were classified into cases of sudden death in Yunnan (7 cases), co-occurring cases (29 cases), high-risk population (1 303 cases), and control population (270 cases). Blood samples were collected from these populations. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CVB immunoglobulin M (CVB-IgM) antibodies in the acute-phase serum samples of the population in the affected areas were detected, and CVB immunoglobulin G (CVB-IgG) antibodies in the convalescent-phase serum samples were detected. Both types of detections were carried out on the control population, and the test results were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 609 serum samples were tested, including 1 339 samples from the population in the affected areas (923 acute-phase samples and 416 convalescent-phase samples) and 270 samples from the control population. Among the 16 affected counties, positive CVB-IgM antibody results were detected in 9 counties. The overall positive rate of the population in the affected areas was higher than that of the control population [7.80% (72/923) vs. 4.44% (12/270), χ 2 = 40.78, P < 0.001]. The positive rates of the high-risk population in Dayao County and Lufeng City were both higher than that of the control population [(22.22% (22/99), 10.92% (25/229) vs. 4.44% (12/270), χ 2 = 27.37, 7.56, P < 0.05]. Positive CVB-IgG antibody results were detected in 7 counties. The overall positive rate of the population in the affected areas was higher than that of the control population [(4.09% (17/416) vs. 0.74% (2/270), χ 2 = 6.81, P = 0.009]. The positive rates of CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of the affected areas in Dayao County [22.22% (22/99), 9.80% (5/51)] were both higher than those of the control population ( P < 0.05). Among the five affected villages in Dayao County, the positive rates of CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of Aji Ju Village were the highest [25.49% (13/51), 3/13]. Conclusions:The positive rates of both CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of the areas affected by sudden death in Yunnan were higher than those of the control population, indicating that CVB infection occurred during the sudden death events in the above-mentioned affected areas.
8.Study on the gene mutation of ARVC desmosomal protein in the population of Yunnan sudden unexplained death
Biao PAN ; Huizuo ZHAO ; Lin MA ; Yanmei XI ; Xue TANG ; Meifen SHEN ; Mengyao SUN ; Yongpeng YANG ; Yuebing WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(6):445-450
Objective:To study the etiological relationship between Yunnan sudden unexplained death (hereinafter referred to as YNSUD) and the desmosomal protein gene mutation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).Methods:From September 2019 to August 2020, a cross-sectional survey method was used to select 9 key counties (cities) of YNSUD in Yunnan Province as survey sites. Autopsy cardiac blood samples of YNSUD cases ( n = 11) were collected, and peripheral venous blood samples of co-occurring case ( n = 1), case relatives ( n = 128), and control population ( n = 60) were collected. Genomic DNA from blood was extracted. After PCR amplification, 97 exons of 5 ARVC desmosomal protein genes, including plakophilin-2 (PKP2), desmoglein-2 (DSG2), desmocollin-2 (DSC2), desmoplakin (DSP), and junction plakoglobin (JUP) were sequenced by Sanger method, and the gene mutation was analyzed. Results:Compared with the control population, YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried 52 gene mutation sites in 36 exons of the ARVC desmosomal protein gene, with a total mutation rate of 37.11% (36/97). Among them, there were 21 in DSP gene, 10 in DSG2 gene, 8 in PKP2 gene, 8 in DSC2 gene, and 5 in JUP gene. YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried two same gene mutation sites: DSG2 gene exon 15 c.3321 T>C synonymous mutation and JUP gene exon 3 c.213 T>C synonymous mutation.Conclusions:The mutation rate of ARVC desmosomal protein gene is relatively high in the population of YNSUD. The two same gene mutation sites (DSG2 gene c.3321 T>C and JUP gene c.213 T>C) carried by YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives may be associated with the pathogenesis of YNSUD.
9.Chinese version of the Attitude Tool of Delirium Scale and its reliability and validity test
Yanfei SUN ; Mengxin XUE ; Sijiao HU ; Chengcheng FU ; Wenli JIANG ; Mengyao CAO ; Huajuan HOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(3):191-197
Objective:To translate the English version of the Attitude Tool of Delirium (ATOD) into Chinese and test the reliability and validity of its application in Chinese nurses, and to provide an assessment tool for assessing nurses ′ attitudes towards delirium patients. Methods:After obtaining authorization from the source scale developer, the English version of the ATOD scale was translated, back-translated, expert-consulte, pre-surveyed and cross-culturally adapted according to the Brislin translation model. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 298 nurses with experience in caring for patients with delirium in three tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province using a convenience sampling method. The critical ratio value and correlation coefficient were used to analyze the scale items. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the structural validity of the scale, and experts were invited to evaluate the content validity of the scale. Cronbach α coefficient and test-retest reliability were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Results:The Chinese version of the ATOD scale contains 3 dimensions of cognitive attitudes, behavioral attitudes, and emotional attitudes toward patients with delirium, with a total of 23 entries. The Cronbach α coefficient for the entire scale was 0.896, with each dimension′s Cronbach α coefficient ranging from 0.614 to 0.912. The retest reliability of the scale was 0.868, with each dimension ′s retest reliability ranging from 0.603 to 0.927. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three eigenvalues with common factors greater than 1, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 63.812%. Conclusions:The Chinese version of the ATOD scale has good reliability and validity, and can be used as an evaluation tool for evaluating nurses ′ attitudes towards delirium patients in China, so as to provide an effective basis for the formulation of corresponding interventions.
10.Influencing factors of genotypic drug resistance in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who failed anti-retroviral therapy in Henan Province from 2018 to 2022
Yan SUN ; Zhaoyun CHEN ; Yuqi HUO ; Mengyao FENG ; Jinjin LIU ; Xuan YANG ; Qingxia ZHAO ; Xiaohua ZHANG ; Shuxian ZHAO ; Xue ZHANG ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2024;42(4):219-224
Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of genotypic drug resistance mutations in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(PLWHA) who failed anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Henan Province, in order to provide a basis for adjusting ART regimens and reducing drug resistance.Methods:PLWHA with virological failure (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA≥500 copies/mL) after receiving ART for more than 24 weeks were included in Henan Province from January 2018 to December 2022. Baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, ART regimens and other clinical data were collected. HIV-1 gene subtypes and their drug resistance sequence mutations were detected in the Sixth People′s Hospital of Zhengzhou, and the sequences were submitted to the HIV Drug Resistance Interpretation System of Stanford University for comparison of test results. Genotypic drug resistance to nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), protease inhibitors (PI) and integrase inhibitors (INSTI) was determined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of drug resistance in patients with ART failure. Results:Among 982 PLWHA, the sequences of 899 cases were successfully amplified, and drug resistance was detected in 737 cases, with the drug resistance rate of 81.98%(737/899). The rates of resistance to NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs and INSTIs were 71.97%(647/899), 79.31%(713/899), 5.23%(47/899) and 2.72%(20/734), respectively.The largest number of those who developed concomitant resistance to two classes of drugs was 588 cases (79.78%), mainly NRTI and NNRTI concomitant resistance in 583 cases (79.10%). There were 99 cases (13.43%) who developed resistance to only one class of drugs, and those who developed concurrent resistance to three classes of drugs were 48 cases (6.51%), and two cases (0.27%) were found to be resistant to all four classes of drugs mentioned above. A total of 10 HIV genotypes were detected, among which subtype B accounted for the most (59.73%(537/899)), followed by circulating recombinant form (CRF)01_AE subtype (21.91%(197/899)) and CRF07_BC subtype (9.45%(85/899)). The risk factors affecting the development of drug resistance were baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, ART regimens and HIV-1 genotypes. The risk of drug resistance in patients with baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts <100/μL was 4.55 times (95% confidence interval ( CI) 2.69 to 7.70) higher than patients with CD4 + T lymphocyte counts≥250/μL, the risk of drug resistance in patients using 2NRTIs+ NNRTI regimen was 4.51 times (95% CI 1.75 to 11.63) higer than those using 2NRTIs+ INSTI regimen, and patients infected with B and CRF01_AE subtype was 2.18 times (95% CI 1.10 to 4.29) and 2.70 times (95% CI 1.26 to 5.78) higer than those with CRF07_BC subtype, respectively. Conclusions:The incidence of genotypic drug resistance in PLWHA with ART failure in Henan Province is high. Low baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, 2NRTIs+ NNRTI regimens, and genotype B and CRF01_AE are risk factors for drug resistance in PLWHA.

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