1.Research advances in iron metabolism disorder and intracranial atherosclerotic cerebral infarction
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(2):185-192
Intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is an important etiology of ischemic stroke and has a complex pathogenesis. Iron is an essential trace element for maintaining normal physiological functions of the human body, and the regulation of iron homeostasis is of great significance for ensuring proper physiological activities. Studies in recent years have shown that iron metabolism disorder plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of intracranial atherosclerotic cerebral infarction, involving various pathological processes such as inflammatory response, cell death, lipid metabolism, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. This article systematically elaborates on the mechanisms through which iron overload promotes ICAS, including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and lipid peroxidation,with a focus on the key role of related molecular mechanisms (including glutathione depletion, inhibition of GPX4 activity, and lipid peroxide accumulation)in intracranial atherosclerotic cerebral infarction, in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
2.Effect of Shixiaosan on Neurological Function and Ferroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Ying WEI ; Lixia WANG ; Junjun YIN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):22-31
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly, cervical blood vessels were separated, branches of the external carotid artery were ligated, and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia, the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow, and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group, a Shixiaosan low-dose (-L) group (intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a Shixiaosan high-dose (-H) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a donepezil hydrochloride tablet (DON) group (intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg-1 DON), and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 ML385). An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY (581/591) C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC) in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group, the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, characterized by reduced neuron numbers, nucleolar shrinkage, and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture, with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ content, MDA content, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels were increased, whereas the modified Garcia JH score, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC were decreased, and TFRC protein expression was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the Shixiaosan -L group, Shixiaosan -H group, and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, reduced iron accumulation, alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ and MDA contents, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC, while TFRC protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group (P<0.05). Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group, all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends (P<0.05). ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
3.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
4.Exploration of ethical governance in human genomics research
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):571-579
With the rapid development of human genomics technologies and their clinical applications, relevant ethical issues have induced complex ethical governance challenges. These challenges mainly manifest in the dilemma of reconstructing a new social contract under data open sharing, the moral conflict between the collective nature of group data and individual benefits, the problem of structural inequality under precision medicine, the risk of imbalance between costs and benefits, the dilemma of genetic modification from a eugenic perspective, and the issue of proxy consent and privacy protection. International governance practices indicate that these challenges can be addressed to some extent by improving legislation, issuing initiatives, strengthening the functions of ethics committees and corresponding institutions, and focusing on the ethicality of research projects. However, issues such as legal lag and insufficient binding force of initiatives still exist. Meanwhile, although China’s ethical governance work has made continuous progress in top-level design, international exchanges and theoretical research, specialized legislation and cross-subject collaboration mechanisms still necessitate improvement. A systematic ethical governance framework requires establishing a pre-regulatory system, refining ethical review, and promoting specialized legislation and case approval systems. It is also vital to improve genomic data governance, refine cloud platform management mechanisms, and promote hierarchical governance of the data. Furthermore, it is crucial to clarify the responsibilities of the scientific research community, standardize ethical review, strengthen public communication, and build a moral community with the collaborative cooperation of the government, medical and healthcare institutions and their technical personnel, the public, and research subjects. Through the construction of an ethical governance system for human genomics research, this ensures that genomics technologies benefit humanity without transgressing ethical boundaries, thereby achieving the safety, fairness, and sustainability of their research and application.
5.Research progress on the role and molecular mechanisms of growth hormone in myopia development
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1234-1238
In recent years, the incidence of myopia has been increasing annually, emerging as a significant public health issue, particularly among adolescents. Recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH), a primary treatment for short stature in children, has raised widespread concern due to its potential to promote myopia progression. Recent studies have revealed that growth hormone(GH)may contribute to the development of myopia by regulating scleral extracellular matrix metabolism and axial length through multiple mechanisms, including downstream signaling pathways[e.g., insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)], cellular signaling pathways(e.g., MMP/TIMP balance and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and epigenetic mechanisms(e.g., miR-29a and DNA methylation). Therefore, this article reviews recent research progress on the role of GH in the pathogenesis and progression of myopia, with the aim of providing insights into visual protection and myopia prevention strategies for children receiving GH therapy for short stature.
6.Relationship between macular microvascular density and anti-VEGF response in patients with diabetic macular edema
Xiufeng CHEN ; Xuefei SHE ; Yaqiong XIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1468-1472
AIM: To investigate the relationship between microvascular density in macular area and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)response in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME). METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Clinical data of DME patients who received anti-VEGF treatment in the hospital from January 2021 to August 2025 were collected. All patients received intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment once a month for a total of 3 times. The patients were divided into the good response group and the poor response group based on the anti-VEGF treatment response. The vascular density of superficial capillary plexus(SCP)and deep capillary plexus(DCP)were compared between the two groups before treatment. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting the anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of SCP and DCP vascular density for anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients. RESULTS: The study included a total of 315 DME patients 315 eyes, including 172 males and 143 females with the mean age of 62.06±7.38 y. After completing three treatments, there were 211 cases 211 eyes in the good response group, including 114 males and 97 females with the mean age of 61.92±7.52 y. There were 104 cases in the poor response group, including 58 males and 46 females with the mean age of 62.35±7.10 y. The course of diabetes in the poor response group was longer than that in the good response group, the central retinal thickness before treatment was greater than that in the good response group, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)before treatment was higher than that in the good response group, and the proportion of patients with serous retinal detachment was higher than that in the good response group. Before treatment, the vascular density of SCP and DCP in the poor response group was lower than that in the good response group(all P<0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that SCP and DCP vascular density were both influencing factors of anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients(both P<0.05). ROC curves showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the pre-treatment SCP vascular density, pre-treatment DCP vascular density alone, and their combined model for predicting poor response to anti-VEGF therapy in DME patients were 0.812, 0.797 and 0.901, respectively, indicating high predictive value.CONCLUSION: The microvascular density in the macular area is closely related to the anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients. The vascular density of SCP and DCP before treatment can be used as important indicators to predict treatment response, and targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions can be adopted in clinical practice.
7.Anti-atherosclerosis Effect and Mechanism of Siegesbeckiae Herba Water Decoction via Regulation of NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Tengyue WANG ; Mingyue ZHAO ; Xiaonan YUE ; Yuan CHEN ; Changqing LU ; Huan WANG ; Kaifang FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):106-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Siegesbeckiae Herba water decoction (SWD) at different doses on atherosclerosis (AS) in a mouse model induced by a high-fat diet and analyze its potential mechanism of action. MethodsThirty-six male ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into six groups: blank control group, model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose SWD groups, and positive control group. Firstly, the AS mouse model was created by feeding mice a high-fat diet. After successful modeling, the low-, medium-, and high-dose SWD groups were intragastrically administered with SWD at 0.65, 1.3, 2.6 g·kg-1, respectively. The positive control group was intragastrically administered with 30 mg·kg-1 of atorvastatin calcium aqueous solution, while the blank and model groups received an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution via oral gavage, all administered for 12 weeks. During the administration period, the general condition of the mice was observed and recorded daily. Before sampling, color Doppler ultrasound was performed to observe the pathological changes in atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic wall of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in aortic tissue in mice, and oil red O staining was used to detect the atherosclerotic plaque area in the aorta. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum lipid indices and the levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in mice. Protein expression levels of IKKα, IKKβ, and NF-κB p65 in mouse aortic tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed a significant increase in body weight. The results of color Doppler ultrasound showed enhanced vascular wall echo, suggesting the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. HE staining showed foam cell aggregation, fibrous connective tissue proliferation, and vascular intima injury in the aortic tissue. Oil red O staining showed a significant increase in the plaque area in the aortic tissue (P<0.01). ELISA results indicated significantly elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in mouse serum (P<0.01), as well as significantly decreased levels of IL-4, IL-10, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that the expression of IKKα, IKKβ, and NF-κB p65 in mouse aortic tissue increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, mice in the middle- and high-dose SWD groups showed significant weight loss. In the high-dose group, the aortic vascular wall echoes were weakened, and the atherosclerotic plaques were reduced. The aortic lesions of mice in the medium- and high-dose SWD groups were significantly alleviated. The plaque area percentage showed an inverse correlation with the administered dose in all groups treated with SWD (P<0.05). In the medium-dose SWD group, serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.01). In the high-dose SWD group, levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while IL-4, IL-10, and HDL were significantly increased (P<0.01). The IKKα and IKKβ expression was significantly decreased in the low-dose SWD group (P<0.05), and IKKα, IKKβ, and NF-κB p65 were significantly decreased in the medium- and high-dose SWD groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSWD may exert therapeutic effects on AS by regulating the expression of related inflammatory factors through the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing inflammation, plaque area, and lipid content in the body.
8.Association between screen time and anxiety-depression symptoms and their comorbidity among middle school students in Taiyuan City
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):980-984
Objective:
To investigate the association between screen time (ST) during leisure time and anxiety-depression symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for formulating relevant intervention measures.
Methods:
From November to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 542 students from junior and senior high school in Taiyuan City. A self designed questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate ST and anxiety/depression symptoms among middle school students. The Logistic regression model was used to explore the association of ST with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as with anxiety and depression comorbiditles (CAD).
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD were 13.69%, 15.77%, and 10.11%, respectively. The median ST was 2.00 h/d [interquartile range ( IQR =2.38) for weekly averages], with 0.33 h/d ( IQR =1.67) on work days and 5.00 h/d ( IQR=5.50) on rest days. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the total ST of mobile phones during rest days ( OR =1.07, 1.10, 1.11) and the averages ST of mobile phones over a week ( OR = 1.20 , 1.22, 1.29), as well as the total ST of all screen types during rest days ( OR =1.04, 1.04, 1.05) and the averages ST of all screen types over a week ( OR =1.08, 1.09, 1.21) were positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Among middle school students in Taiyuan City, screen time is positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, especially smartphone screen time and weekend screen use. Therefore, measures should be implemented to reduce unnecessary screen time among middle school students, especially the use of mobile phones, in order to mitigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression.
9.Epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023
YANG Bei, HUO Junfeng, YANG Qian, WANG Xiaofang, CHEN Xiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):717-722
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide scientific evidence for targeted prevention strategies.
Methods:
Mumps case data in Shanxi Province were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Prevention and Control. Descriptive epidemiological analysis and age-period-cohort (APC) analysis were carried out on the reported incidence of mumps from 2014 to 2023.
Results:
A total of 44 360 mumps cases were reported in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 11.78/100 000. The incidence rates were high during 2017-2019, which were 21.00/100 000, 16.76/100 000, and 19.51/100 000, respectively. Males had a higher incidence rate (13.50/100 000) than females (9.98/100 000). Children aged 5-9 years were the most affected group, accounting for 47.29% of total cases. In 2017 and 2019, incidence rates among the 5-15-year-old group were particularly high, reaching 155.08/100 000 and 131.78/100 000, respectively. The APC model age effect, period effect and cohort effect of the reported incidence rate in the high-incidence population aged 0-20 years all had statistical significance ( P <0.05). The age-relative risk ( RR ) decreased from 1.75 in the 0-year-old group to 0.33 in the 20-year-old group, and the birth cohort RR decreased from 2.58 in 1994 to 0.26 in 2023. The morbidity risk of the population aged 0-20 years showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing over time, among which it was the highest in 2017 ( RR =1.23) and the lowest in 2023 ( RR =0.29).
Conclusions
Shanxi exhibits cyclical mumps epidemics, with school-aged children as the high-risk population. School health management work should be carried out, and the surveillance of mumps in high-risk areas and the routine vaccination of two doses of mumps-containing vaccines for eligible children should be strengthened.
10.Experience in Staged Differentiation and Treatment of Cirrhotic Ascites Based on the Theory of Tonification and Purging
Haihang DONG ; Yujie CAI ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuying TU ; Dongling WANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):532-536
It is believed that patients with cirrhotic ascites exhibit a pathological mechanism characterized by the decline of healthy qi and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Clinically, treatment should be based on the theory of tonification and purging, with a staged approach distinguishing between the active phase and the remission phase. The balance between tonification and purging should be adjusted according to the progression of pathogenic and healthy actors. In the acute phase, purging should take precedence over tonification, using purging as a means of tonification to facilitate the flow of water and qi through the triple energizer. The severity of water retention, dampness, blood stasis, and heat should be carefully assessed to ensure thorough elimination of pathogenic factors while avoiding harm to healthy qi. Medication adjustments should be made once the pathogenic factors are significantly weakened. In the remission phase, an integrated approach combining both tonification and purging should be adopted, incorporating purging within tonification to clear residual pathogens and prevent recurrence. Concurrently, proactive treatment of the underlying disease is essential to achieve complete recovery and prevent the recurrence of ascites.


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