1.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
2.Evaluation of transdermal absorption of self-assembled nanoparticles of Huangqin decoction loaded with terbinafine
Chengying SHEN ; Yican HE ; Xiao CHENG ; Chaoying DU ; Hongyan MIN ; Baode SHEN ; Lingfei TONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):180-185
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Huangqin decoction (HQD)-based self-assembled nanoparticles (SAN) co-loaded with terbinafine (TBF) (TBF-HQD-SAN NPs) on the transdermal absorption of TBF. METHODS High-speed centrifugation combined with dialysis was used to separate HQD-SAN, and TBF-HQD-SAN NPs were obtained by loading TBF using the ultrasound magnetic stirring method; the particle size distribution, Zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) of the nanoparticle were characterized, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) of TBF were determined; using in vitro and in vivo transdermal experiments, the differences in transdermal performance between TBF-HQD-SAN NPs and TBF raw materials, as well as TBF and HQD-SAN physical mixture (TBF-HQD-SAN PM), were compared and analyzed. RESULTS TBF- HQD-SAN NPs were spherical with a particle size of (177.60±2.57) nm, a PDI of 0.197 4±0.007 9, and a Zeta potential of (-14.63±0.85) mV. The EE and DL of TBF were (99.49±0.71)% and (3.22±0.10)% , respectively. In vitro transdermal experiments, compared with TBF raw materials, the steady-state permeation rate (Jss) and skin retention of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs increased by 3.34 times and 27.56 times, respectively (P<0.05); compared with TBF-HQD-SAN PM, its Jss and skinretention were increased by 2.04 times and 7.44 times, respectively (P<0.05). In vivo transdermal experiments 69号) showed that, the area under the drug-time curve and the maximum concentration of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs increased by 2.13 times and 2.06 times respectively compared to TBF raw materials, and increased by 1.59 times and 1.65 times respectively compared to TBF-HQD-SAN PM (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TBF-HQD-SAN NPs can significantly enhance the in vitro and in vivo transdermal absorption efficiency and skin retention of TBF.
3.Epidemiological investigation of a pertussis outbreak in a kindergarten in Guangzhou
WANG Min, WU Jueyu, ZHU Zhijie, CAI Wenfeng, HE Peng, XIAO Jiali
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):283-286
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a pertussis outbreak in Guangzhou, so as to provide references for outbreak response and prevention strategies.
Methods:
From April 5 to June 9, 2024, case screening was conducted among 246 preschool children, 35 staff members, and one full time school nurse in a kindergarten in Guangzhou based on case definition. Field epidemiological investigation methods were employed to collect relevant information, and screening samples were collected from individuals involved in the outbreak. The clinical manifestations, epidemiological characteristics, and risk factors for transmission of the outbreak were analyzed, with rate comparisons performed using the χ 2 test.
Results:
There were a total of 15 confirmed cases of pertussis in the kindergarten. The main clinical manifestations included intermittent cough in 14 cases ( 93.33 %), sputum production in 5 cases (33.33%), fever in 2 cases (13.33%), paroxysmal spasmodic cough in 1 case (6.67%), and vomiting in 1 case (6.67%). There was no statistically significant difference in the reporting rates of interrupted cough symptoms between pertussis cases (93.33%) and non pertussis cases (92.86%)( χ 2=3.74, P >0.05). The cases were aged 4-5 years, including 5 males and 10 females. The interval between symptom onset and diagnosis ranged from 2 to 25 days, with a median of 10 days. The outbreak involved two classes, with attack rates of 48.28% and 3.45%, respectively. Laboratory testing confirmed 14 close contacts positive for Bordetella pertussisnucleic acid. Among close contacts, only one received prophylactic medication as required.
Conclusion
The outbreak is a pertussis outbreak in a kindergarten caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, demonstrating distinct temporal and spatial clustering characteristics.
4.Multi-label fundus disease classification using dual-branch deep learning: an intelligent diagnosis framework inspired by traditional Chinese medicine Five Wheels theory
Xin HE ; Xiaohui LI ; Jun PENG ; Lei LEI ; Dan SHU ; Li XIAO ; Qinghua PENG ; Xiaoxia XIAO
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):80-90
Objective:
To develop a dual-branch deep learning framework for accurate multi-label classification of fundus diseases, addressing the key limitations of insufficient complementary feature extraction and inadequate cross-modal feature fusion in existing automated diagnostic methods.
Methods:
The fundus multi-label classification dataset with 12 disease categories (FMLC-12) dataset was constructed by integrating complementary samples from Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition (ODIR) and Retinal Fundus Multi-Disease Image Dataset (RFMiD), yielding 6 936 fundus images across 12 retinal pathology categories, and the framework was validated on both FMLC-12 and ODIR. Inspired by the holistic multi-regional assessment principle of the Five Wheels theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ophthalmology, the dual-branch multi-label network (DBMNet) was developed as a novel framework integrating complementary visual feature extraction with pathological correlation modeling. The architecture employed a TransNeXt backbone within a dual-branch design: one branch processed red-green-blue (RGB) images to capture color-dependent features, such as vascular patterns and lesion morphology, while the other processed grayscale-converted images to enhance subtle textural details and contrast variations. A feature interaction module (FIM) effectively integrated the multi-scale features from both branches. Comprehensive ablation studies were conducted to evaluate the contributions of the dual-branch architecture and the FIM. The performance of DBMNet was compared against four state-of-the-art methods, including EfficientNet Ensemble, transfer learning-based convolutional neural network (CNN), BFENet, and EyeDeep-Net, using mean average precision (mAP), F1-score, and Cohen's kappa coefficient.
Results:
The dual-branch architecture improved mAP by 15.44 percentage points over the single-branch TransNeXt baseline, increasing from 34.41% to 44.24%, and the addition of FIM further boosted mAP to 49.85%. On FMLC-12, DBMNet achieved an mAP of 49.85%, a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 62.14%, and an F1-score of 70.21%. Compared with BFENet (mAP: 45.42%, kappa: 46.64%, F1-score: 71.34%), DBMNet outperformed it by 4.43 percentage points in mAP and 15.50 percentage points in kappa, while BFENet achieved a marginally higher F1-score. On ODIR, DBMNet achieved an F1-score of 85.50%, comparable to state-of-the-art methods.
Conclusion
DBMNet effectively integrates RGB and grayscale visual modalities through a dual-branch architecture, significantly improving multi-label fundus disease classification. The framework not only addresses the issue of insufficient feature fusion in existing methods but also demonstrates outstanding performance in balancing detection across both common and rare diseases, providing a promising and clinically applicable pathway for standardized, intelligent fundus disease classification.
5.Peyton's Four-Step Teaching Method for Intestinal Ultrasound Training: Efficacy and Practical Implications
Zihan NIU ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Zhaojue WANG ; Qingli ZHU ; Mengsu XIAO ; Li MA ; Yudi HE ; Wenbo LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):591-596
To evaluate the application value of the Peyton four-step teaching method in the standardized training of intestinal ultrasound and compare it with traditional teaching methods, so as to provide an optimized approach for clinical ultrasound training. Participants from the Department of Ultrasound at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between September 2024 and March 2025 were randomly assigned to either the traditional group or Peyton group. The traditional group followed the conventional "lecture- demonstration-practice" model, while the Peyton group implemented the standardized "demonstration-deconstruction-comprehension-execution" four-step approach. All training focused on standard intestinal ultrasound scanning techniques. After the training, the operational skills were independently evaluated by the instructors. To verify the reproducibility of the teaching method, the participants in traditional teaching group received additional Peyton method training after the initial assessment and underwent a second evaluation. A total of 18 participants were included in this study, with 9 in the traditional teaching group and 9 in the Peyton teaching group. Participants in the Peyton group demonstrated significantly higher scores than those in the traditional group at every anatomical site assessed (all The Peyton four-step method is significantly more effective than traditional teaching in improving residents' intestinal ultrasound skills, demonstrating its suitability as the preferred approach for standardized training programs.
6.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
7.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
8.Real-world study on the application and influencing factors of SGLT-2i in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Tiantian CAI ; Junlong CHEN ; Yihang ZHANG ; Siyi HE ; Jian LIU ; Ruonan XIAO ; Shangjian LUO ; Lei GAO ; Dongying ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1045-1049
OBJECTIVE To investigate the application and influencing factors of sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF) in the real world. METHODS Data from 358 patients with HFpEF who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2023 to May 2024 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into the SGLT-2i group and the non-SGLT-2i group based on whether they were prescribed SGLT-2i upon discharge. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and differences in drug treatment were compared between the two groups. Based on univariate analysis, multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent influencing factors of SGLT-2i use in patients with HFpEF, followed by further stratified analysis. RESULTS Among 358 HFpEF patients, the overall utilization rate of SGLT-2i was 33.5%. Combined with type 2 diabetes [OR=9.063,95%CI(4.924-16.679) ] , atrial fibrillation [OR=3.135,95%CI(1.590-6.178) ] , coronary artery heart disease [OR=1.888,95%CI(1.072-3.327) ] and the use of loop diuretics [OR=3.822, 95%CI (1.588-9.200) ] were all independent influencing factors for the use of SGLT-2i in patients with HFpEF ( P <0.05). The results of the stratified descriptive analysis were consistent with those of the multivariate analysis, showing a higher utilization rate of SGLT-2i among patients with concomitant T2DM,atrial fibrillation, coronary artery heart disease, and those receiving loop diuretics ( P <0.05); whereas the utilization rate of SGLT-2i was comparable across patients with different levels of renal function ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the real-world clinical practice, the utilization of SGLT-2i in patients with HFpEF remains suboptimal, and treatment coverage still needs to be improved. Their use of SGLT-2i is primarily influenced by the presence of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery heart disease, and the use of loop diuretics.
9.Biological Risk Control for Infectious Experiments in Cats in Animal Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory
He ZHAO ; Tao ZHANG ; Yuzhou XIAO ; Li LI ; Xuefang AN ; Fan ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):242-250
Cats, owing to their physiological and immunological similarities with humans, have become increasingly valuable as model animals in virology research, drug development, and vaccine evaluation. They are irreplaceable in studies of feline immunodeficiency virus, feline coronavirus, and other related pathogens. However, cats are temperamentally sensitive, exhibit strong stress responses, and possess well-developed nervous systems as well as sharp claws and teeth. Consequently, the biosafety risks associated with infectious experiments using cats in animal biosafety level 2 laboratory (ABSL-2) are significantly higher than those encountered with conventional rodents. Drawing on long-term ABSL-2 operational experience, this article systematically reviews the entire workflow of infectious experiments in laboratory cats — from animal selection, pre-entry preparation, reception and quarantine, housing management, to infectious experimental procedures and incident response — identifying and addressing critical risk points at each stage. For strain selection, SPF-grade shorthair cats with defined genetic backgrounds and docile temperaments are recommended; sex and age should be scientifically matched to experimental objectives. During pre-entry preparation, emphasis is placed on dual-credential personnel management, health surveillance, standardized disinfection of environments and cages, feed and water standards, and robust record-keeping. During reception and quarantine, standardized protocols are established for transport control, appearance inspection, isolation quarantine, pathogen exclusion, and positive-reinforcement training. During infectious experimentation, a "three-fixed" husbandry principle is clearly implemented: dedicated caretakers, fixed feeding/cleaning times, and fixed cage positions. Disinfectant selection, autoclaving of waste, and daily veterinary rounds are rigorously enforced. Operational risk control includes detailed measures for graded personal protection, animal anesthesia and restraint, zoned operation within biosafety cabinets, and disposal of experimental waste. Contingency plans are formulated to address animal death, escape, personnel exposure, and spills of infectious materials. This study provides a reproducible and scalable technical pathway and operational standard for conducting infectious experiments in laboratory cats in ABSL-2 laboratories, offering a reference for other facilities undertaking similar work.
10.Enhancement Effect of Porcine Inhibin Polyclonal Antibody on Superovulation in C57BL/6J Mice
He ZHAO ; Tao ZHANG ; Li LI ; Yuzhou XIAO ; Xuefang AN ; Fan ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):271-278
ObjectiveTo prepare rabbit anti-porcine inhibin polypeptide-keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH) conjugated polyclonal antibody and evaluate its effect on superovulation in C57BL/6J mice. MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits were immunized with a synthesized porcine inhibin polypeptide conjugated with KLH to produce anti-inhibin serum (AIS, i.e., inhibin polyclonal antibody). Female C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injections of purified AIS in combination with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after 48 hours to induce superovulation. Oocytes obtained from superovulation were collected and counted 15 hours post-hCG administration, and the number of 2-cell embryos was assessed 24 hours after in vitro fertilization. ResultsAIS prepared by immunizing New Zealand White rabbits with KLH-conjugated porcine inhibin polypeptide was subjected to titer determination by indirect ELISA, showing titers reaching 1∶ 512 000. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of ammonium sulfate-purified AIS revealed distinct 50 kDa and 25 kDa bands corresponding to the theoretical molecular weights of IgG antibody heavy and light chains, confirming successful production of porcine inhibin polyclonal antibody. Compared with conventional superovulation methods, AIS diluted 10-fold combined with PMSG significantly increased the number of oocytes obtained from superovulation in mice (P<0.05) by approximately 1.5-fold. ConclusionPorcine inhibin polyclonal antibody, as an improved superovulation reagent, can improve superovulation efficiency in C57BL/6J mice, and shows promising prospects for future applications.


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