1.Flos Buddlejae self-heating steam eye mask combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops in the treatment of dry eye disease
Zhaodan TAN ; Qian LI ; Yan SHI ; Kangyuan HU ; Jin HUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(2):96-102
Objective To assess the clinical efficacy of sodium hyaluronate (0.3%) eye drops combined with herbal self-heating steam eye mask in the treatment of dry eye disease. Methods A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 patients diagnosed with dry eye at the ophthalmic clinic of a Grade A, Class Ⅲ hospital in Shanghai from June 2023 to September 2024. Specifically, patients were randomly divided into control group and study group. Patients in the control group were treated with sodium hyaluronate (0.3%) eye drops for six weeks; while in the study group, patients received the eye drops combined with the herbal self-heating steam eye mask mainly containing powders of Flos Buddlejae. Subsequently, comparisons and analysis were performed before and after treatment between the two groups in the clinical symptom questionnaire score traditional Chinese medicine (TCM syndrome score),the Chinese dry eye questionnaire score and determination of tear film fluorscein breakup time (FBUT), and curative effect. Results The quality control standard of the herbal powder in the self-heating steam eye mask was established through TLC and HPLC, and good heating behavior of the herbal self-heating steam eye mask was ascertained heating temperature (43±5)℃; heating duration (≥20 min), meeting requirements of the product quality control. After treatment for 6 weeks, FBUT was increased, while TCM syndrome score and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire score were both decreased in the study group (P<0.001). Besides, compared with the control group, TCM syndrome score and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire score were much lower, while the FBUT were higher in the study group (P<0.001). Moreover, the overall response rate in the study group (81.7%) was much better than that in the control group (25.9%). Conclusion The combination of sodium hyaluronate (0.3%) eye drops with herbal self-heating steam eye mask could be applied to the clinical treatment of dry eye disease due to its good clinical effects on relieving dry eye symptoms.
2.Status of anemia and iron deficiency among primary and secondary school students in Rural Nutrition Improvement Program areas of Guizhou Province in 2023
ZHU Shu, GUO Hua, LI Hongbo, SHI Zhu, WU Shengnan, HUANG Yiyanwen, SUN Yan, LIU Yiya
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):178-182
:
To analyze the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among primary and secondary school students in Rural Nutrition Improvement Program areas of Guizhou Province in 2023, and to explore the related factors, so as to provide evidence for Rural Nutrition Improvement Program optimization.
Methods:
In September 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to select 40 rural compulsory education schools with rural nutrition improvement program in five counties of Guizhou Province. School level questionnaire was employed to collect information of basic characteristics and school meal implementation. A total of 7 826 primary and secondary school students aged 6-16 underwent anthropometry and hemoglobin (Hb) determination; serum ferritin (SF) was additionally measured in a random subsample of 1 795 pupils. Students in Grade 3 and above also completed a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours and nutrition knowledge. Group comparisons were conducted by Chi square test or Fisher s exact test, and multivariable Logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with anemia and iron deficiency.
Results:
The overall Hb level was (133.21±12.95)g/L, with an anemia prevalence of 7.17%. The overall SF level was (69.58±59.01)μg/L, with an iron deficiency prevalence of 2.73%. Multivariable analysis showed that stunting ( OR =1.88), school menus without nutrient calculation ( OR =1.61) and absence of menu planning software in the current semester ( OR =2.34) independently increased anemia risk, whereas obesity reduced it ( OR =0.54) (all P <0.05). Girls ( OR =4.16) and Grades 7-9 ( OR =5.93) increased iron deficiency risk (both P <0.05). Compared with rarely eating fresh vegetables, students with consuming <3 kinds per day ( OR =0.08) or exactly 3 kinds per day ( OR =0.06) had lower iron deficiency risks (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Anemia and iron deficiency are prevalent among primary and secondary school students in Guizhou. Targeted intervention measures should be implemented for key populations to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition improvement program.
3.Three-dimensional Electrical Impedance Tomography for Monitoring Gastric Hemorrhage
Zi-Han ZHAO ; Bo SUN ; Jing-Shi HUANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Yang WU ; Nan LI ; Jia-Feng YAO ; Tong ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1062-1075
ObjectiveGastric hemorrhage is one of the most common and life-threatening emergencies of the upper digestive tract. Early identification and continuous monitoring are essential for reducing rebleeding rates and mortality, particularly within the critical early hours after onset. Although endoscopy and radiological imaging can accurately localize bleeding sites, these approaches are invasive, resource-intensive, and unsuitable for continuous bedside monitoring. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), as a noninvasive and radiation-free functional imaging technique, offers real-time visualization of conductivity distribution and has the potential for detecting intragastric bleeding based on the electrical contrast between blood and surrounding gastric tissues. In this study, a three-dimensional gastric EIT (3D-gEIT) framework is proposed to achieve noninvasive, real-time, and dynamic monitoring of gastric hemorrhage, with emphasis on spatial localization and quantitative volume assessment. MethodsA three-dimensional upper-abdominal simulation model incorporating the stomach, gastric wall, gastric contents, and surrounding tissues was established. Three electrode configurations, namely the dual layer ring, the four layer staggered ring, and the opposed dual plane array, were designed and systematically compared to evaluate their influence on depth sensitivity and spatial resolution. Based on the Tikhonov-Noser hybrid regularization scheme, a region-clustering constraint was introduced to develop the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. This approach aggregates spatially adjacent elements with similar conductivity variations, thereby enhancing structural continuity and suppressing isolated noise artifacts. To validate the proposed framework, an upper-abdominal physical phantom was constructed using agar to simulate background tissue conductivity. Hemispherical high-conductivity inclusions with volumes ranging from 10 ml to 50 ml were attached to the inner gastric wall to mimic localized bleeding under different gastric filling states. Boundary voltages were acquired under a 120 kHz excitation current and reconstructed using the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. Furthermore, an in vivo animal experiment was performed using a porcine model with adult-scale abdominal dimensions. A total of 100 ml of autologous blood was injected incrementally into the stomach to simulate progressive gastric hemorrhage, and time-difference EIT reconstruction was conducted at each injection stage to assess the dynamic system response under physiological conditions. ResultsSimulation results demonstrated that the opposed dual-plane electrode array achieved superior depth sensitivity distribution and spatial resolution. For a 40 ml hemorrhage model, the average ICC and SSIM improved by 55.9% and 38.8% compared with the dual-layer ring configuration, and by 64.0% and 39.5% compared with the four-layer staggered configuration. The proposed region-clustering constraint significantly enhanced reconstruction stability. Under added Gaussian noise of 40 dB and 30 dB, ICC values remained approximately 0.85, indicating effective artifact suppression and preservation of boundary integrity. In physical phantom experiments, reconstructed hemorrhage volumes increased approximately linearly with the preset hemispherical volumes, and the reconstructed high-conductivity regions closely matched the actual bleeding locations. Both empty-stomach and full-stomach conditions were evaluated, demonstrating that the opposed dual-plane configuration maintained stable imaging performance across varying gastric contents. In the animal experiment, reconstructed low-impedance regions expanded progressively with increasing injected blood volume. The spatial localization of the hemorrhage remained stable throughout the procedure, and no significant artifacts were observed. Quantitative analysis showed that reconstructed volume and average conductivity variation exhibited an approximately linear growth trend with injected blood volume, confirming the sensitivity of the system to dynamic intragastric conductivity changes. ConclusionThe proposed 3D-gEIT framework enables quantitative reconstruction of gastric hemorrhage volume and spatial distribution with improved depth sensitivity, structural continuity, and noise robustness compared with conventional EIT approaches. By integrating optimized electrode configuration and a region-clustering-constrained reconstruction algorithm, the system provides stable dynamic monitoring under both controlled phantom conditions and in vivo physiological environments. This method offers a noninvasive, real-time, and low-cost imaging strategy for early diagnosis, postoperative monitoring, and bedside surveillance of gastric bleeding.
4.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
5.Plant-derived Exosome-like Nanovesicles in Biomedical Applications
Xu LIU ; Si-Rui LIU ; Jia-Yu MA ; Yu-Ting MOU ; Ting-Yu SHI ; Sheng HUANG ; Tian-Li SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1609-1621
Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs), characterized by a natural lipid bilayer membrane, have rapidly emerged as a prominent research frontier in medicine owing to their unique biological properties and robust therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively examines the biological profiles, mechanistic functions, and recent engineering advancements of PELNs. In terms of composition, PELNs are uniquely enriched in plant-specific glycolipids, phosphatidylserine, secondary metabolites, and highly stable 2'-O-methylated miRNAs. This distinct molecular makeup endows them with exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and the capacity for cross-species molecular communication. Mechanistically, PELNs demonstrate profound anti-inflammatory efficacy by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. They also serve as potent immune modulators, driving macrophage M1/M2 polarization and regulating T cell activity. Additionally, PELNs exhibit promising antitumor capabilities, targeting malignancies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, TRAIL pathway activation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Crucially, the plant miRNAs encapsulated within PELNs remain highly stable in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to selectively alter gene expression in specific gut microbiota communities. This interaction deeply influences host immunity and metabolism, highlighting the vital role in cross-species regulation. Advancements in bioengineering have further expanded the clinical utility of PELNs. Targeted delivery efficiency can be significantly amplified via surface functionalization (e.g., folate and RGD sequences) and state-of-the-art drug loading technologies such as sonication and electroporation. Consequently, engineered PELNs surpass traditional synthetic nanocarriers in penetrating natural physiological barriers, particularly for oral and transdermal drug administration. Despite these advantages, clinical translation is currently hindered by the lack of standardized isolation protocols, challenges in scalable manufacturing, and the need for robust quality control frameworks. Looking forward, the integration of multi-omics approaches and AI-driven “molecular fingerprinting”—coupled with the design of synthetic biomimetic vesicles—will be instrumental in overcoming these bottlenecks, ultimately establishing PELNs as a next-generation platform for precision medicine and targeted nanotherapeutic delivery.
6.Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Theory of Vigorous Fire Consuming Qi and ROS/NLRP3-mediated Inflammation-mitochondrial Damage Axis
Yu SHEN ; Shijin LIN ; Sihan LI ; Minghan HUANG ; Jingyao SHI ; Zeyu ZHENG ; Chunbo YANG ; Youcheng HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):287-295
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), a premalignant gastric condition, represents a critical stage in inflammation-cancer transformation. In this pathological process, mitochondrial damage serves as a key mediator in the inflammation-driven transformation of normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells into gastric cancer cells, while the dysregulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) axis plays a key role in perpetuating the vicious cycle of inflammation-mitochondrial damage. The classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), vigorous fire consuming Qi, aptly encapsulates this pathological feature. The essence of this theory lies in the struggle between pathogenic and vital factors, wherein vigorous fire shares similarities with chronic inflammation and may be regarded as a driving force behind inflammation-cancer transformation. Qi reflects the mitochondrial function, and consuming Qi signifies structural and functional impairment of mitochondria. Thus, this theory accurately summarizes the pathological characteristics of inflammation-mitochondrial damage during CAG progression. Building upon this theoretical framework, the theory of vigorous fire consuming Qi provides a holistic understanding of CAG pathogenesis. Reviewing the clinical expertise of TCM master YANG Chunbo in treating spleen-stomach disorders, this paper further elucidates its therapeutic implications: modulating systemic inflammatory responses to restore gastric mucosal homeostasis and targeting mitochondrial damage as a pivotal intervention to delay CAG progression. Clinically, achieving dynamic equilibrium between fire and Qi is essential, mitigating excessive inflammation without compromising vital Qi, while reinforcing Qi without exacerbating pathological fire. This approach offers novel insights for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies against CAG.
7.Trends in the disease burden of falls among Chinese children and adolescents from 1990 to 2021
Shihong GUO ; Zhixiao LI ; Lihua HUANG ; Yuanfang SHI ; Na PAN ; Tingting MENG ; Leping FENG ; Cun GUO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(8):581-585
ObjectiveTo investigate the trends in the disease burden of falls among Chinese children and adolescents from 1990 to 2021, and to inform the development of targeted prevention and control strategies
8.Evaluation of the Impact of the "Group- Based" Medical Assistance to Xizang, Centered on the "Full-Time Secondment and Backbone Downward Deployment" Strategy, on Standardized Residency Training at the Xizang Autonomous Region People′s Hospital: A Framework Analysis Based on Donabedian′s Quality Theory
Pengyu ZHAO ; Yuxi SHI ; Chukun WANG ; Hang LI ; Bin DU ; Lin WANG ; Zengbaimu DAN ; Xin HUANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1280-1287
To systematically evaluate the impact of the "group-based " medical assistance program for Xizang, conducted by Peking Union Medical College Hospital, on the implementation outcomes of standardized residency training (SRT) at the Xizang Autonomous Region People′s Hospital, and to provide evidence-based decision-making references and policy optimization recommendations for medical education support models in border ethnic minority regions. Using Donabedian′s quality-of-care theory as the analytical framework, a systematic evaluation was conducted across three dimensions—structure, process, and outcomes. Qualitative research methods and work documentation analysis were comprehensively employed to assess the key interventions, implementation processes, and training outcomes of the "group-based " medical assistance program, centered on the core strategy of "full-time secondment and backbone downward deployment, " implemented by Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the 2025—2026 period at the Xizang Autonomous Region People′s Hospital. Through the core strategy of "full-time secondment and backbone downward deployment, " systematic safeguards for SRT institutional development were achieved, effectively promoting the standardization of teaching activities and the establishment of a multidimensional, full-coverage faculty training system. Concurrently, the establishment of a three-tier teaching supervision mechanism further consolidated the connotation and quality of the SRT program. These measures have played a positive role in enhancing the SRT system construction, improving trainees′ clinical competence, and strengthening faculty teaching capabilities at the Xizang Autonomous Region People′s Hospital. Nevertheless, future SRT implementation in the Xizang region still requires further refinement in precision management, with curriculum design and rotation scheduling more adequately tailored to local circumstances, so as to continuously promote the long-term sustainable development of SRT quality. The "group-based" medical assistance program for Xizang, underpinned by the strategy of "full-time secondment and backbone downward deployment, " has demonstrated a significant facilitating effect on improving SRT quality in the Xizang region. The experiences and outcomes derived from this program may provide a valuable research foundation and policy evidence for future medical education support initiatives in other border ethnic minority regions, including Xinjiang and Xizang.
9.Protective Effect and Mechanism of Artemitin on Ozone-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Mice
Yanping LI ; Shan HUANG ; Jengyuan YAO ; Yimin SHI ; Huaxiu SUI ; Houtan HUANG ; Yanping YU ; Yan MI ; Tahui LIN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(5):640-649
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of artemitin against ozone (O3)-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, an artemitin-only control group, an O3-induced model group, and an artemitin-treated group, with 8 mice in each group. In the artemitin-treated group, animals were injected intraperitoneally with artemitin (20 mg/kg) daily, followed by a 1 h exposure to 0.000 25% O3. The artemitin-only control group received the same artemitin injection but was exposed to clean air. The O3-induced model group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of normal saline daily, followed by a 1-h exposure to 0.000 25% O3. The blank control group received the saline injection and was exposed to clean air. All treatments were administered for 7 consecutive days. Pulmonary function indices of the mice in each group were measured using a whole-body plethysmography system. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the lung tissue, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed for untargeted metabolomic analysis to examine the changes in overall metabolic pathways in plasma. ResultsCompared with the O3-induced model group, artemitin treatment significantly improved O3-induced lung function impairments (P<0.05), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF (P<0.05) and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damage in lung tissues. Metabolomics results indicated that artemitin treatment compensatorily enhanced energy supply and oxidized lipid signaling, while inhibiting purine metabolism and tryptophan-derived pathways. ConclusionArtemitin exhibits a significant protective effect against O3-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. It corrects upstream metabolic disorders by synergistically modulating tryptophan metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid inflammatory mediators, thereby inhibiting downstream inflammatory responses and airway hyperresponsiveness. This study not only reveals the pleiotropic mechanism of artemitin in treating airway inflammation but also provides potential metabolic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for its clinical translation.
10.Analyzing the influencing factors of occupational health literacy among occupational population in five key industries in Putuo District of Shanghai City
Fang HU ; Wenqiang SHI ; Wei HUANG ; Li SHEN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(4):431-435
Objective To understand the level of occupational health literacy (OHL) and its influencing factors among occupational population in five key industries of tertiary industry in Putuo District of Shanghai City. Methods A total of 1 159 front-line workers, from five key industries of tertiary industry in Putuo District of Shanghai City in 2023, were selected as the research subjects using the stratified cluster random sampling method. Their OHL levels were surveyed using the Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations. Results A total of 1 159 front-line workers in key industries were surveyed, and 476 had OHL, with an overall OHL level of 41.1%. The OHL levels across four dimensions including basic knowledge of occupational health protection, healthy lifestyle and behavior, legal knowledge of occupational health, and basic skills of occupational health protection from high to low were 72.9%,44.5%,42.2%, and 31.3%, respectively. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender, educational level, and industry category were independent influencing factors for OHL level of the research subjects (all P<0.05). Female workers had higher OHL levels than males (P<0.05). Higher education level was associated with higher OHL level in workers (all P<0.05). Workers in industries of medical health had higher OHL level than those in couriers/delivery transportation, education and environmental health(all P<0.01). Conclusion The OHL level of occupational population in the five key industries of tertiary industry in Putuo District of Shanghai City needs to be further improved. Efforts should focus on enhancing health education on legal knowledge and basic skills of occupational health protection, with special attention to workers OHL in the transportation and courier/delivery industries and those with lower education levels.


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