1.Mechanism of mesenchymal stromal cells reversing fibrosis of the uterine endometrium after injury
Shiqi LI ; Yue DANG ; Qingqing ZHOU ; Xin SHANG ; Jiali LIU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):360-368
To investigate the effect of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on the fibrosis progression and endometrial regeneration in mouse models of endometrial injury, a mouse endometrial injury model was established by physical scraping combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) chemical induction, and the endometrium morphology and collagen deposition were evaluated by HE and Masson staining after unilateral administration of MSCs. RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of epithelial markers Epcam and collagen I (Col1). Primary endometrial epithelial cells were isolated to assess p21 expression. Fibrosis-related genes and signaling pathways were validated using transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR. The experimental results showed that MSCs increased endometrial thickness and number of glands (P<0.05), up-regulated the expression of Epcam (P<0.01), while significantly reducing uterine collagen fiber deposition (P<0.05) and the expression of p21 in primary epithelial cells (P<0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MSCs attenuated collagen deposition by modulating genes involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. This study elucidates that MSCs facilitate uterine repair by reversing endometrial fibrosis and promoting epithelial regeneration, and their role is related to the regulation of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway and suppression of aberrant collagen accumulation.
2.Incidence and influencing factors of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jiajia LI ; Hui HU ; Jian ZHANG ; Ju ZHAO ; Qiumei YANG ; Qingqing TANG ; Ling YUAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):86-90
Objective To analyze the incidence rate and risk factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A total of 392 patients with COPD in the hospital were selected from December 2020 to December 2024. Patients' data (medical history, echocardiographic data, etc.) were recorded. The incidence rate of AF in patients was recorded and the patients were grouped according to whether or not they developed AF. The differences were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors of AF occurrence in elderly patients with COPD were analyzed. Results Among the 392 patients with COPD, 127 cases (32.40%) met the diagnostic criteria of AF. There were statistically significant differences in age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes, smoking history, disease duration, LAD, severe renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease between the AF group and the non-AF group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, disease course, LAD, severe renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease were all risk factors for elderly patients with COPD (OR=1.129, 4.246, 3.955, 4.125, 2.038, 1.112, 1.102, 4.397, and 3.865, P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of AF is high in elderly patients with COPD. Age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, course of disease, LAD, severe renal insufficiency, and coronary heart disease are all risk factors for AF.
3.Quantitative Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI for Diagnosing Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Activity: A Prospective Feasibility Study
YunMeng WANG ; WeiYi ZHOU ; YuanYuan CUI ; JianKun DAI ; YuXin CHENG ; QingQing WEN ; TianYi XING ; HongBiao SUN ; Song JIANG ; MeiLing XU ; ZhenHuan WANG ; Yan SONG ; Tuo LI ; Yi XIAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):161-173
Objective:
This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for assessing disease activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 88 patients with active TAO, 76 with inactive TAO, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. CEST MRI-derived magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MTR asymmetry (MTRasym) at 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3.5 ppm were calculated. Clinical data, MTR, and MTRasym values for the extraocular muscles (one representative muscle per eye, yielding two measurements per participant) were compared among the groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine associations between imaging parameters and the clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent associations between imaging parameters and disease activity in patients with TAO (active vs. inactive). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for discriminating active from inactive TAO.
Results:
Patients with active TAO showed lower MTR values (P < 0.001) and higher MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (all P < 0.001) compared with those with inactive TAO. MTR was negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.402; P < 0.001), while MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.369, 0.350, and 0.349, respectively;all P < 0.001). MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) in discriminating active from inactive TAO were 0.772 and 0.730, respectively. Combining MTR with MTRasym (1 ppm) significantly improved diagnostic performance compared with either parameter alone, achieving an AUC of 0.805 (P = 0.029 and 0.001).
Conclusion
MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. Their combination further enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing active from inactive TAO, suggesting their potential as quantitative imaging biomarkers to guide treatment in patients with TAO.
4.Application of the moving epidemic method in the estimation of influenza epidemic thresholds and intensity classification in Anhui province during winter and spring seasons
Biao ZHU ; Meng ZHU ; Lei GONG ; Shuwen LI ; Jiabing WU ; Qingqing ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1231-1236
ObjectiveTo develop an early - warning approach for influenza in Anhui province using the moving epidemic method (MEM), offering a scientific basis for influenza prevention and control in the province. MethodsBased on the surveillance data reported weekly by influenza sentinel hospitals and network laboratories in the “China Influenza Surveillance Information System”, the weekly influenza virus detection positive rate (positive rate, PR) across the province was analyzed. The MEM was used to estimate the epidemic threshold and classification intensity threshold of influenza in Anhui province before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The early warning effect of the MEM was evaluated using cross-validation. ResultsEpidemic and graded intensity thresholds of influenza were derived using PR and MEM. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the starting, medium-intensity, high-intensity, extremely-high-intensity, and ending thresholds of influenza epidemics were 17.08%, 38.47%, 53.20%, 59.71%, and 12.34% respectively. At this point, the model exhibited sensitivity of 0.98, specificity of 0.86, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.84, and Youden index of 0.84. After the COVID-19 pandemic, these thresholds were 25.61%, 43.81%, 63.29%, 74.46%, and 17.82% respectively. At this point, the model demonstrates sensitivity of 0.86, specificity of 0.92, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.78, and Youden index of 0.77. ConclusionMEM shows good applicability in estimating the epidemic and graded intensity thresholds of influenza during the winter and spring in Anhui province. Both the influenza epidemic threshold and graded intensity thresholds after the COVID-19 pandemic are higher than those before the pandemic.
5.Differential expression of LEFTY1 in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritoneal fibrosis and its clinical value
Guang CHEN ; Lu LI ; Lejia SONG ; Li ZHANG ; Huaina DOU ; Qiufeng WANG ; Qingqing RAO ; Pei ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1269-1276
ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of LEFTY1 in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritoneal fibrosis (PF) and its clinical value. MethodsLevels of LEFTY1, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and fibronectin (FN) in peritoneal dialysis effluent were measured in 72 PD patients, and clinical data were collected. Differences in these indicators were compared among groups with different dialysis durations, and the correlation between LEFTY1 and clinical parameters was analyzed to evaluate its predictive value for ultrafiltration insufficiency. ResultsLEFTY1 levels decreased progressively with longer dialysis duration: short-term group [(2 262.49±270.47) ng/mL] > mid-term group [(1 853.52±226.06) ng/mL] > long-term group [(1 767.24±264.57) ng/mL], with significant differences among groups (P<0.001). TGF-β and FN levels increased with prolonged dialysis duration (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that LEFTY1 was significantly negatively correlated with FN (r=-0.327, P=0.004), dialysis duration (r=-0.496,P<0.001), peritoneal Kt/V (r=-0.333, P=0.004), peritoneal creatinine clearance (r=-0.239, P=0.043), and serum calcium (r=-0.410, P<0.001), while positively correlated with total creatinine clearance (r=0.283, P=0.016). The area under the ROC curve for LEFTY1 combined with peritoneal Kt/V and peritoneal Ccr in predicting ultrafiltration insufficiency was 0.739. Multivariate regression analysis identified dialysis duration as an independent influencing factor for LEFTY1 expression (P=0.001). ConclusionThe expression of LEFTY1 in the peritoneal dialysis effluent of PD patients decreases with prolonged dialysis duration and is negatively correlated with pro-fibrotic indicators, suggesting that it may play a potential anti-fibrotic role in the progression of PF. The combined detection of LEFTY1 and solute removal indicators holds value for the early identification of ultrafiltration dysfunction.
6.Study on the impact of meteorological factors on influenza-like illness cases in Anhui Province based on the generalized additive model
Meng ZHU ; Jiabing WU ; Lei GONG ; Yuanfang SUN ; Wei SUN ; Biao ZHU ; Shuwen LI ; Qingqing ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1446-1452
ObjectiveTo explore the impact of meteorological factors on influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Anhui Province. MethodsILI surveillance data of Anhui Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected from the “China Influenza Surveillance Information System”, and meteorological data were obtained from Anhui Meteorological Center. R 4.2.1 was used to conduct Spearman rank correlation analysis between ILI cases and meteorological factors. A generalized additive model (GAM) was established to analyze the impact of meteorological factors on ILI cases. ResultsCorrelation analysis and GAM analysis showed that the average temperature and average relative humidity with a one-week lag had significant non-linear effects on ILI (P<0.05). When the weekly average temperature was below 14 ℃, the number of ILI cases gradually increased as the temperature decreased. When the weekly average relative humidity was below 65%, the number of ILI cases gradually increased as the weekly average relative humidity decreased. The changes in ILI among the age groups 5-14, 15-24 and 25-59 years were influenced by meteorological factors, exhibiting a nonlinear relationship with weekly average temperature or weekly average relative humidity. ConclusionWeekly average temperature and weekly average relative humidity are the main factors affecting ILI in Anhui Province, and there is a lag effect, which can provide a reference for influenza surveillance and early warning.
7.A Full-Cycle Analysis of the EPIS Framework: Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment
Zizhen HUANG ; Dong XU ; Dongmei ZHONG ; Zhiqing NING ; Junlin ZHU ; Qingqing LI ; Wanqing HUANG ; Kera SWANSON ; Gregory A. AARONS
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1450-1460
Implementation science aims to facilitate the efficient dissemination and sustainable application of evidence based interventions, and has accordingly generated a variety of theories, models, and frameworks. Among these, the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) frameworkfunctions both as a process model and a determinant framework, emphasizing the staged and iterative nature of implementation, and systematically explaining the influence of multilevel factors on implementation processes and outcomes through four dimensions: outer context, inner context, bridging factors, and innovation factors. The EPIS framework has been widely applied in health and public service settings internationally, yet its use in China based research remains relatively limited. This article systematically introduces the core components and application methods of the EPIS framework, and illustrates its value in identifying key influencing factors, developing implementation strategies, and optimizing implementation outcomes through case examples from the health sector, aiming to provide a methodological reference for implementation research and the promotion of evidence based interventions in China.
8.Huoxue Wentong Prescription Ameliorates Post-myocardial Infarction Ventricular Remodeling in Rats via HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN-mediated Regulation of EndMT
Xiaoning SUN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Cheng LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Jianguo LIN ; Mingyue WANG ; Ying YANG ; Kuiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):148-158
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism by which Huoxue Wentong prescription (HXWT) ameliorates post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular remodeling by regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/periostin (POSTN) signaling pathway. MethodsEighty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=70). The MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Successfully modeled rats were further randomized into a model group, a sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto, 0.021 g·kg-1) group, and low, medium, and high-dose (4.15, 8.30, and 16.60 g·kg-1, respectively) HXWTF groups (n=10 per group). From postoperative day 2, rats received HXWTF or sacubitril/valsartan by gavage once daily for 4 weeks, and those in sham and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline. After intervention, general conditions were assessed. Echocardiography was performed to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate myocardial histopathology, and Masson's trichrome staining to assess myocardial fibrosis. Serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence double staining was adopted to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot was performed to quantify the expression of collagen type Ⅰ α2 (Col1A2), VE-cadherin, CD31, α-SMA, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited thinning and collapse of the left ventricular wall, decreased LVEF and LVFS and increased LVEDD and LVESD (P<0.01), disrupted myocardial fibers with marked inflammatory cell infiltration, increased collagen deposition, enhanced ColⅠ immunoreactivity, elevate serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, a reduced IL-10 level (P<0.01), downregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, and upregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN (P<0.05,P<0.01), accompanied by increased CD31/α-SMA co-localization. Compared with the model group, the sacubitril/valsartan group and all HXWTF groups showed improved ventricular wall structure, increased LVEF and LVFS, decreased LVEDD and LVESD, attenuated myocardial injury with reduced inflammatory infiltration and collagen deposition, declined serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, an elevated serum IL-10 level, upregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, downregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN, and reduced CD31/α-SMA co-localization (P<0.05,P<0.01). No significant differences were observed between the sacubitril/valsartan group and the medium- and high-dose HXWTF groups. ConclusionHXWTF may regulate the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN pathway to inhibit EndMT, thereby ameliorating post-MI ventricular remodeling.
9.Treating immunoglobulin A nephropathy based on the " qi cycle in round" theory
Leying ZHAO ; Yaoxian WANG ; Zhen WANG ; Yaotan LI ; Boning CAO ; Jiayin TAO ; Danting LI ; Qingqing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):223-228
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a globally prevalent type of primary glomerulonephritis, characterized by complex symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations. The internationally recognized " multiple hit hypothesis" explains the systemic immune disease features of IgA nephropathy. However, current treatment strategies primarily focus on local pathological changes, inadequately addressing its complex systemic mechanisms. The " qi cycle in round" theory, an integral concept of the academic thought of HUANG Yuanyu, a prominent medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, offers a concise and insightful framework for understanding complex pathologies. For example, this theory provides valuable insights for elucidating the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and guiding its clinical management by simplifying intricate systemic processes. This study applies the " qi cycle in round" theory to postulate that patients with IgA nephropathy experience disrupted qi flow owing to spleen-stomach qi deficiency and dampness-heat accumulation. These imbalances manifest as internal symptoms, such as diarrhea; external vulnerability to illness; upper body symptoms, like sore throat; and lower body symptoms, such as hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by immune complex deposition. This article also emphasizes strategies that prioritize tonifying spleen-stomach qi to enhance the pivotal functions of transportation and transformation. Regulating qi and relieving stagnation are emphasized to harmonize ascending and descending dynamics. Additionally, eliminating turbidity and unblocking collaterals are highlighted to promote qi transformation. These approaches aim to restore the harmonious operation of organ qi dynamics and harmonious qi transformation functions. This study aims to provide a reference for syndrome differentiation and IgA nephropathy treatment using traditional Chinese medicine based on the " qi cycle in round" theory.
10.Establishment and application of evaluation criteria for rational use of pyrotinib
Yiyi LIAO ; Xin LI ; Yaowen XIA ; Hongmei ZHAO ; Qingqing CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):742-747
OBJECTIVE To establish drug utilization evaluation (DUE) criteria for pyrotinib to promote its appropriate application in clinical practice. METHODS Based on the label of Pyrotinib maleate tablets, with relevant guiding principles and diagnostic and treatment guidelines as the evaluation basis, DUE criteria for pyrotinib were determined through the Delphi method. Attribute hierarchical model (AHM) and entropy weight method (EWM) were used to combine and assign weights to each indicator within the DUE criteria. Additionally, the weighted technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was applied to perform rationality evaluation of medication in archived medical records from Hainan Provincial Tumor Hospital and Hainan Western Central Hospital regarding the use of pyrotinib from November 2019 to November 2023. RESULTS The established DUE criteria for pyrotinib included 4 primary indicators (prescription authority, indications for use, medication process, and medication outcomes) and 11 secondary indicators. The secondary indicators with higher weights were the route of administration and dosage (0.257) and indications in the label (0.241). Among the 88 archived cases included, there were 28 cases of inappropriate medication (31.82%), 43 cases of generally appropriate medication (48.86%), and 17 cases of appropriate medication (19.32%). The main issues related to inappropriate medication involved off-label use (42.05%) and inappropriate routes of administration and dosage (43.18%). CONCLUSIONS DUE criteria for pyrotinib established using the AHM-EWM-weighted TOPSIS method is highly operational and results in quantifiable evaluation outcomes. The overall rationality of the use of pyrotinib in the above hospitals remains to be improved, and there are some issues, like the off-label use,and inappropriate routes of administration and dosage being liaoyylyy@163.com unreasonable.


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