1.Management of an imported family cluster of dengue fever cases in Shanghai, 2024
Lei SHEN ; Dongsheng REN ; Mingyi CAI ; Zhixiang TENG ; Qi SHEN ; Qingyuan XU ; Xiaofen NI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):170-174
ObjectiveTo investigate and manage an imported dengue fever (DF) outbreak in Shanghai in 2024, to summarize the experience and lessons learned from the on-site management, and to provide a reference basis for future prevention and control of DF. MethodsEpidemiological investigation and case search were carried out for an imported DF outbreak in Shanghai, 2024. Real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect dengue virus nucleic acid in the serum samples from cases. Meanwhile, emergency vector surveillance and mosquito control measures were carried out in the affected areas, and the effectiveness of the management was evaluated. ResultsAccording to the epidemiological investigation, it was confirmed that this epidemic was a family cluster of imported DF, with both cases infected in Thailand and developed symptoms successively after returning to Shanghai. Laboratory testing identified the pathogens as dengue virus serotype-3 (DENV-3). In the core and precautionary area, ultra-low-volume space spraying and residual spraying were combined to kill adult mosquitoes, and at the same time, comprehensive cleaning and elimination of mosquito breeding sites was carried out. After 2 weeks, the Breteau Index (BI) in the core area decreased from 20 to 5, and the mosquito net trap index decreased from 2 mosquitoes (net·hour)-1 to 0.67 mosquitoes (net·hour)-1. Continuous implementation of mosquito control measures kept the BI and net trap index below the safety thresholds [BI<5 and mosquito net trap index <2 mosquitoes (net·hour)-1] both in the core and precautionary area. ConclusionEarly diagnosis and isolation of patients, combined with rapid suppression of the density of vector Aedes mosquitoes, are the key measures to prevent the transmission of imported DF cases.
2.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
3.Subjective sleep problems is associated with epigenetic age acceleration:a Mendelian randomization study
Xiaomei LI ; Hao REN ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yimo SHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2437-2444,封3
Objective To investigate the potential causal associations between 3 common subjective sleep problems,daytime sleepiness,insomnia,and sleep apnea,and epigenetic age acceleration.Methods A two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)study was conducted the publicly available genome-wide association study(GWAS)data to assess the causal effects of self-reported sleep problems on 4 indicators of epigenetic age acceleration,including intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration(IEAA),GrimAge acceleration,HannumAge acceleration,and PhenoAge acceleration.The primary analytical method was inverse-variance weighting(IVW),supplemented by sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger regression and the weighted median(WM)method to examine the robustness of the findings.Results IVW showed that daytime sleepiness was significantly positively associated with IEAA(β=1.83,95%CI:0.17~2.49,P=0.031)and HannumAge acceleration(β=1.81,95%CI:0.21~2.42,P=0.027),suggesting a potential accelerating effect on epigenetic aging.Insomnia also showed significant positive associations with IEAA(β=1.57,95%CI:0.40~2.73,P=0.009)and GrimAge acceleration(β=1.37,95%CI:0.18~2.56,P=0.024).No significant causal relationship was observed between sleep apnea and any indicator of epigenetic age acceleration(P>0.05).Conclusion Daytime sleepiness and insomnia may accelerate epigenetic aging,indicating their potential biological role in the aging process.The impact of sleep apnea remains unclear and warrants further investigation.
4.Mechanism of PER1-mediated inhibition of proliferation and migration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via the NF-κB signaling pathway by regulating SPINK5
Wanchen LIU ; Hui SHEN ; Yakui MOU ; Hanrui WANG ; Yao WANG ; Ting YANG ; XiaoYu SONG ; Mingjun ZHANG ; Yuanchao CHENG ; Chao REN ; Xicheng SONG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(8):512-517
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of the circadian clock gene period circadian regulator 1(PER1)and the tumor suppressor gene serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 5(SPINK5)in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC),and to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which PER1 regulates SPINK5 transcription via the NF-κB signaling pathway.METHODS Differentially expressed genes in HNSCC were screened using The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and GSE205155 datasets.The association between SPINK5 expression and patient prognosis was assessed via the GEPIA database.mRNA and protein expression levels of SPINK5 and PER1 in 60 clinical samples were detected by RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry,and Western blot.PER1 knockdown(using siRNA)and overexpression(via plasmid transfection)were performed in the AMC-HN-8 cell line.Wound healing and colony formation assays were applied to evaluate the effects of PER1,SPINK5,and their interaction on HNSCC cell migration and proliferation.Western blot was utilized to examine the regulatory effect of NF-κB on SPINK5.RESULTS SPINK5 and PER1 were significantly downregulated in HNSCC tissues(all P<0.01),and their low expression was correlated with poor patient prognosis(for SPINK5,HR=0.69,P=0.006 7).A significant positive correlation was observed between PER1 and SPINK5 expression(R2=0.719 2,P=0.001 0).Knockdown and overexpression of PER1 respectively resulted in synchronous alterations in SPINK5 mRNA levels(all P<0.05).PER1 knockdown enhanced cell migration and proliferation(P<0.05),whereas SPINK5 overexpression suppressed these capabilities(P<0.01).Importantly,SPINK5 overexpression reversed the phenotypic changes induced by PER1 knockdown.Mechanistically,PER1 overexpression led to concomitant changes in NF-κB expression,activating the NF-κB pathway and thereby promoting SPINK5 transcription.CONCLUSION PER1 positively regulates SPINK5 transcription via the NF-κB pathway,inhibiting HNSCC cell proliferation and migration.These findings suggest that PER1 and SPINK5 may serve as potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
5.Correlation between serum circUSP36,circBPTF and severity of diabetic retinopathy
Min REN ; Xulong SHEN ; Xia ZHANG ; Meiqin SHI
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(22):2738-2742
Objective To explore the correlation between the levels of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR)and the severity of the disease.Methods Totally 175 DR patients who visited Luzhou People's Hospital from January 2022 to October 2024 were selected as the research sub-jects.According to the international clinical DR classification standard,they were divided into the non-signifi-cant DR group(NDR group),non-proliferative DR group(NPDR group),and proliferative DR group(PDR group),with 72 cases in the NDR group,63 cases in the NPDR group,and 40 cases in the PDR group.Another 50 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations during the same period were selected as the con-trol group.The levels of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF in each group were determined by fluorescence quan-titative PCR.The correlation between the expression levels of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF in patients of the PDR group was analyzed by Pearson method.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors of DR.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the evaluation value of the expres-sion levels of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF in DR patients for the severity of DR.Results There were sta-tistically significant differences in the levels of circUSP36,circBPTF,fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2 hPG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)between the NDR group,the NPDR group,the PDR group and the control group(P<0.05).The levels of circUSP36,circBPTF,FPG,2 hPG and HbA1c increased with the severity of DR(P<0.05).The expression levels of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF in patients of the PDR group were positively correlated(r=0.441,P=0.004).The duration of T2DM,high circUSP36,and high circBPTF were all independent risk factors for PDR(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF alone and in combination for predicting NPDR were 0.678,0.698,and 0.775,respectively,and the predictive value of the combination of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF was su-perior to that of their individual detections(P<0.05).The AUCs of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF alone and in combination for predicting PDR were 0.788,0.787,and 0.859,respectively,and the combination of the two was superior to their individual detections(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of serum circUSP36 and circBPTF are elevated in DR patients,and with the aggravation of DR,the expression levels of both show an upward trend.The combined detection of the two has certain predictive value for the severity of DR.
6.Construction of a prognostic model for lung cancer based on acrolein-related genes
Yiting Feng ; Liangliang Ren ; Lijuan Lou ; Yuxian Shen ; Ying Jiang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):1985-1995
Objective:
To construct and validate a prognostic model for lung cancer based on acrolein-related genes using bioinformatics methods .
Methods:
Lung cancer datasets GSE30219 and GSE68465 were obtained from the GEO database , and acrolein-related gene sets were retrieved from the CTD database . Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cancer and adjacent tissues were identified in the GSE30219 dataset. The intersection of these DEGs and acrolein-related genes was then used to identify candidate genes . Gene set variation analysis ( GSVA) was performed to assess functional alterations based on the intersection genes . A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on the STRING database to identify core hub genes . Subsequently , support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) and LASSO-Cox regression analyses were employed to develop a prognostic model based on acrolein-related genes , which was independently validated using the GSE68465 dataset. The CIBERSORT algorithm was applied to evaluate the immune cell infiltration characteristics between high- and low-risk groups , and functional enrichment analysis of DEGs between the two groups was conducted to further ex- plore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the prognostic model .
Results :
A total of 361 acrolein-related DEGs were identified in lung cancer , and 7 key genes were selected for model construction . Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients in the high-risk group had significantly lower survival rates compared to those in the low-risk group (P < 0. 000 1) . Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the mod- el possessed good predictive performance . Moreover , immune infiltration analysis indicated that the risk score was closely associated with multiple immune cell subsets , suggesting a potential role of acrolein-related genes in modula- ting the lung cancer immune microenvironment.
Conclusion
The prognostic model for lung cancer based on acro- lein-related genes demonstrates significant application value in predicting the prognosis of lung cancer , providing new insights into the potential mechanisms of acrolein in the onset and progression of lung cancer.
7.Application,research hotspots,and shortcomings of degradable zinc-based alloys in bone defect repair and reconstruction
Haoyang LIU ; Qiang XIE ; Mengran SHEN ; Yansong REN ; Jinhui MA ; Bailiang WANG ; Debo YUE ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):839-845
BACKGROUND:Zinc-based alloy medical implant materials have excellent mechanical properties,complete degradability and good biocompatibility,and are mainly used in orthopedic implants,cardiovascular stents,bile duct stents,tracheal stents,nerve catheters,etc. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of biodegradable zinc-based alloys in bone defect repair and prospect the promising research direction and achievements of zinc-based materials. METHODS:After searching PubMed,Web of Science,WanFang Data,and CNKI databases from the establishment of the database to June 2023,various relevant articles on biodegradable zinc-based alloys for bone implant material research were collected.The basic characteristics of biodegradable zinc based alloys were summarized,and the role of zinc-based alloys in promoting bone tissue repair was sorted and summarized.The current research hotspots and shortcomings were discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Zinc-based alloys have good biocompatibility.Using zinc-based alloys as the matrix material,with the help of scaffold structure construction technology and coating optimization process,the bone conductivity of zinc-based alloys will be effectively improved,and their degradation products will have efficient bone induction to regulate the gene expression of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,thereby promoting the repair and reconstruction of bone defects.(2)However,in the research on optimizing zinc-based alloys,the coating process is relatively insufficient,and additive loading technology is still lacking.(3)Zinc-based alloys have excellent mechanical and biological properties.Through special processes,their bone conductivity and osteoinductivity can be increased to effectively improve their ability to promote bone repair and reconstruction,and it is expected to further achieve the development of personalized transplant materials.Further research and development are needed to optimize the integration of coating and additive loading technologies into zinc-based alloys.
8.Scientific analysis and usage reassessment of suspected medicinal cinnabar unearthed from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty.
Ning-Ning XU ; Ting-Yan REN ; Ming-Jie LI ; Pan XIAO ; Guo-Hui SHEN ; Ji-Qing BAI ; Qi LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2915-2923
Cinnabar(HgS) was widely used in ancient times for medicinal purposes, religious rituals, and pigments. A group of bright red powdery clumps was excavated from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty. Early studies considered the clumps as evidence of cinnabar's medicinal use during the Qin-Han period. This study employed a range of archaeometric techniques, including extended-depth-of-field stereo imaging, micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry FTIR, to systematically analyze the material composition and structural characteristics of these remains. The results revealed that the cinnabar particles were granular, finely ground, and tightly bound to silk matrix, with no detectable excipients typically associated with medicinal formulations. Micro-CT imaging indicated a well-preserved textile structure, with clear signs of sedimentary accumulation and mechanical damage. Based on historical and archaeological studies, this study suggested that these remains were more likely degraded accumulations of cinnabar-colored silk textiles rather than medicinal cinnabar. By clarifying the diversity of ancient cinnabar applications and preservation states, this study provides new insights for the archaeological identification of mineral medicinal materials and contributes to the standardized study of Chinese medicinal materials and understanding of the historical use of cinnabar.
History, Ancient
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China
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
;
Archaeology
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history*
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Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
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Spectrum Analysis, Raman
;
Mercury Compounds
9.Coptidis Rhizoma and Its Prescriptions in Treatment of Diabetic Cognitive Impairment: A Review
Tianyi REN ; Yun LING ; Yiming SHEN ; Hui FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):266-275
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) has an insidious onset and progressive and irreversible development. There is currently no first-line treatment for DCI. Early intervention of diabetes with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively control blood sugar and improve cognitive impairment, which has significant advantages. As a representative of bitter and cold heat-clearing medicines, Coptidis Rhizoma, known for its abilities to clear heat and dampness and remove turbidity and toxins, has been widely used in the clinical prevention and treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other cognitive impairments. This article systematically summarized relevant literature and observed that Coptidis Rhizoma has shown good potential in the prevention and treatment of DCI with its active ingredients such as berberine and quercetin, drug pairs such as Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma-Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma-Pinelliae Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma, and prescriptions such as Gegen Qinliantang, Huanglian Jiedutang, Banxia Xiexintang, Huanglian Wendantang, Jiaotai Wan, Danggui liuhuangtang, and related Chinese patent medicines. Its mechanism may be related to regulating glucose metabolism, improving insulin resistance, improving amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition and tau protein phosphorylation, inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating the "microbe-gut-brain axis". The article systematically reviewed the research progress of Coptidis Rhizoma and its prescriptions in the prevention and treatment of DCI, aiming to preliminarily explain the scientific connotation of Coptidis Rhizoma and provide a basis for its clinical application in the prevention and treatment of DCI.
10.Survey on ERAS implementation situation in Chongqing
Yiwei SHEN ; Su MIN ; Feng LYU ; Xiaonan LIU ; Juying JIN ; Li REN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2649-2655
Objective To investigate the executive condition of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery(ERAS)measures among the hospitalized surgical patients in secondary and tertiary medical institutions of Chongqing City.Methods Using a multicenter cross-sectional survey approach,patients undergoing elective surgeries admitted and treated in 40 member units under the Chongqing Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Specialized Alliance from July 11 to 30,2024 were selected as the survey subjects.Adherence to and completion of ERAS measures were calculated.Factors influencing measures with low completion rates were analyzed.Results A total of 2 100 questionnaires were issued,1 708 effective questionnaires were recovered with an effective recovery rate of 81.33%.Among them,there were 1 017 questionnaires in the tertiary medi-cal institutions and 691 questionnaires in the secondary medical institutions.The age of 1 708 patients ranged from 19-78 years old with a median age of 52 years old.Females were dominant.The proportion of patients from gastrointestinal surgery and those with secondary school education or above was high.Hypertension and diabetes were the main complication types.The surgical grade was concentrated at grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ.The ASA grading was concentrated at the grade Ⅰ/Ⅱ.The NYHA heart function grade was mainly the grade Ⅰ/Ⅱ.The ERAS measures compliance rate ranged from 36.36%to 95.45%,averaged 73.47%.The compliance rate of ERAS measures in the tertiary hospitals was higher than that in the secondary hospitals(75.82%vs.70.01%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The average completion rate of ERAS measures was 74.08%.The top three in the completion rate were preoperative education(95.78%),preven-tive antibiotics and skin preparation(92.62%),and preoperative interview and evaluation(88.58%).The completion rates of Prehabilitation(55.27%)and preoperative fasting(57.67%)urgently needed to be in-creased.The completion rate of other measures was lower than 60%.Conclusion The compliance rate of ERAS measures needs to be increased,moreover there are significant differences among various hospitals.Fu-ture practices should focus on two measures:preoperative pre-rehabilitation exercises and preoperative oral intake of carbohydrates.


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