1.Colonization, drug resistance, and molecular epidemiological characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among dairy farm workers in Xinjiang
Jiguo JIN ; Zhaojie WANG ; Yanggui CHEN ; Xixiao MA ; Wanting XU ; Xingyu WANG ; Xiangnan WEI ; Fan WU ; Xintao DANG ; Xueying XIANG ; Jianyong WU ; Fuye LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):201-207
Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen for both human bloodstream infections and mastitis in cows. However, little attention has been paid to the cross-host transmission of MRSA from cows to high-risk groups in China. Objective To determine the MRSA colonization rates among dairy cows and dairy farm workers in Xinjiang, identify the antibiotic resistance profiles and molecular characteristics of the isolates, and provide scientific evidence for the formulation of targeted infection control strategies. Method A cross-sectional survey combined with laboratory pathogen analysis was conducted. From June to August 2024, large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang region were selected as study sites. Nasal swabs (n=96) and skin swabs (n=39) were collected from workers, and bovine nasal swab samples (n=109) were collected simultaneously. All samples were subjected to MRSA isolation, cultivation, and identification, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing to characterize resistance phenotypes. Staphylococcus aureus protein A (Spa) typing was performed to determine strain genotypes and elucidate MRSA colonization rates and molecular epidemiological patterns. Results A total of 35 MRSA strains was successfully isolated from 244 samples. The MRSA colonization rates among dairy farm workers and dairy cows were 20.83% (20/96) and 12.84% (14/109), respectively, with an overall isolation rate of 14.34% (35/244). Among the workers, the nasal colonization rate was 16.67% (16/96), and the skin colonization rate was 12.82% (5/39). One worker exhibited MRSA colonization at multiple body sites. All MRSA strains were resistant to cefoxitin (100%, 35/35). The resistance rates to erythromycin and clindamycin were 42.86% (15/35) and 34.29% (12/35), respectively. Thirteen strains showed a multidrug-resistant phenotype, whereas all strains were susceptible to vancomycin. The MRSA isolates exhibited high genetic diversity, with 13 Spa types identified, among which t441 was the most prevalent (8 strains). Both t441 and t034 types were detected in samples from both the dairy cows and their handlers. These two Spa types also carried and stably inherited specific resistance combinations, including erythromycin–clindamycin–cefoxitin and ciprofloxacin–erythromycin–clindamycin–gentamicin–cefoxitin–tetracycline, and a statistically significant association was also observed between the two resistance profiles and the bacterial types (P < 0.001). In addition, one novel Spa type strain was identified. Conclusion MRSA colonization rates among dairy cows and dairy farm workers in Xinjiang are relatively high, with evidence of multi-site colonization. The isolates exhibit high levels of multidrug resistance and genetic diversity, indicating a potential risk of cross-host transmission.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
4.Research Progress on Pathogenesis and Targeted Intervention Strategies of Chinese Herbal Active Components in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Shengjia DING ; Qirong WANG ; Yiping WANG ; Fangyuan CHEN ; Fengzhen GUO ; Yunkai WANG ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yuxin LI ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):303-314
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with rapidly increasing global prevalence, characterized by core symptoms of social communication deficits and stereotyped repetitive behaviors. Although genetic predisposition, abnormal epigenetic regulation, perinatal environmental exposure, and nutritional-metabolic imbalances are recognized as major risk factors, the precise etiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Current clinical management primarily relies on behavioral interventions, with limited pharmacological options accompanied by adverse effects. Recent studies have demonstrated the unique therapeutic value of active components from Chinese herbal medicine in ASD intervention. This article reviews the mechanisms underlying various Chinese herbal active components in ASD treatment, including improvements in synaptic dysfunction, blood-brain barrier impairment, neurotransmitter regulation, cerebellar dysfunction, immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, programmed neuronal cell death, and lipid metabolism. These bioactive components exhibit multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory effects, providing novel therapeutic strategies and directions for ASD.
5.Textual Research on Historic Evolution and Ancient and Modern Application of Classic Prescription Huangqintang
Yuxin LI ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Tongyi HUANG ; Hejia WAN ; Bingqi WEI ; Mengting ZHAO ; Xiaoyang TIAN ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):184-191
Huangqintang, with its accurate efficacy, is a classic formula specialized in treating dysentery recommended and promoted by medical experts from successive generations, and it was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (the Second Batch, Han Chinese medicine prescriptions) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinses Medicine (TCM) in 2023. The method of bibliometrics was applied in this study to conduct textual research on the classic formula Huangqintang and provide a literature reference for the development of modern preparations of Huangqintang. A total of 2 026 pieces of ancient literature were searched with "Huangqintang" as the key word, and 23 pieces of effective data were selected, involving 15 ancient TCM books. The historic evolution, composition, dosage, origin, processing methods, preparation and decocting methods, efficiency, and application of Huangqintang were carefully reviewed. The results showed that Huangqintang was first recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases written by ZHANG Zhongjing. It has the effect of clearing heat, stopping dysentery, regulating the middle, and downbearing counterflow and has become one of the classic formulas widely used in clinical practice. Because of its accurate efficacy, medical experts from later generations have modified it from its original composition. Though many prescriptions have different names, it is the manifestation of physicians' inheritance and development of the thought of ZHANG Zhongjing. Ancient literature showed this prescription had wide indications yet centered on digestive system diseases such as dysentery and abdominal pain. Modern applications of Huangqintang involve digestive, respiratory, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, gynecological, skin, musculoskeletal system, and connective tissue, and this prescription has great potential in treating ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, acute enteritis, and damp-heat dysentery. Through a systematic textual excavation and review of the ancient literature about Huangqintang, the paper has confirmed its key information, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and new drug development of classic formulas.
6.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.
7.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.
8.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.
9.Progress on the correlation between sepsis and chromogranin A with its derived peptides
Wei DANG ; Wanyu FENG ; Hua ZHU ; Junli LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):254-257
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection,characterized by high mortality rate.The pathological mechanisms of sepsis-induced organ failure are highly complex,including multiple processes such as abnormal immune responses,hemodynamic alterations,and severe endothelial dysfunction.Chromogranin A(Cg A),an acidic glycoprotein belonging to the granin family,serves as a precursor for various bioactive peptides,and is involved in diverse physiological processes,including inflammatory regulation,tissue repair,vascular function modulation,and glucose/lipid metabolism.Recent studies have revealed that Cg A and its derived peptides not only participate in the pathological progression of sepsis,but also exhibit significant correlations with the severity of organ injury. Consequently,Cg A has garnered attention for its potential role in the clinical diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of sepsis.This article provides a comprehensive review of the structure and functions of Cg A,as well as current research advances and clinical applications in sepsis.
10.Progress on exosomes in common diseases in children
Xin GUO ; Yiting JIA ; Wei DANG ; Hua ZHU ; Junli LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(10):689-693
Exosomes are a kind of nanovesicles with a wide range of chemical components,which are enriched in a variety of bioactive molecules,such as lipids,proteins,nucleic acids,etc. Exosomes carry biologically active molecules that transmit different messages between cells,and play a role in human physiological and pathological processes. Compared with synthetic carriers such as liposomes and nanoparticles,by virtue of their natural endogenous attributes and cell-specific targeting capabilities,exosomes have broad application prospects in the fields of early disease diagnosis marker screening and targeted therapy drug carriers. This article reviews the role of exosomes in common children's diseases and their research progress,providing new ideas for pediatric clinicians to explore disease diagnosis and treatment.

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