1.Mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis based on macrophage polarization
Huaping ZHONG ; Qicheng ZHU ; Zhengwei ZOU ; Zhengyi HE ; Heping XIE ; Xu CHEN ; Zhisheng DUAN ; Tian XIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):438-443
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis (AS)based on macrophage polarization. METHODS Using atorvastatin served as the positive control, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction was prepared to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage viability, apoptosis rate, and the fluorescence intensities of CD86 and CD206 were measured, along with the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Apolipoprotei n E-deficient (ApoE -/- ) mice (AS model mice) fed with a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to model group, atorvastatin group (2.6 mg/kg), and low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction (90, 180, 360 mg/kg), respectively. C57BL/6J mice fed with a standard diet served as the normal control group, with 10 mice per group. The treatment group mice were administered the corresponding drugs intragastrically, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in all groups. Lipid deposition in the aorta (assessed by the percentage of plaque in the entire aorta and aortic root) and morphological changes in the aortic root were observed. Expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg-1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) in aortic tissues were all detected. RESULTS Cell experiment results showed that, at concentrations of 5-100 μg/mL, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction significantly increased RAW264.7 cell viability ( P <0.05). The drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL, along with atorvastatin, significantly reduced apoptosis rates, CD86 fluorescence intensity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells, while markedly enhancing CD206 fluorescence intensity ( P <0.05). Animal experiment results showed that, compared with the model group, all dosage groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction and the atorvastatin group showed significantly reduced/down-regulated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum, along with decreased aortic total and root plaque percentages, CD86 expression, and iNOS protein expression. CD206 expression and Arg-1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PPAR-γ protein expression were significantly up-regulated ( P <0.05). Pathological morphology of the aorta showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS The formula of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction exerts its anti-AS effects by regulating macrophage polarization, increasing the proportion of M2 macrophages, thereby effectively inhibiting AS plaque formation and reducing inflammatory responses.
2.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.
3.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.
4.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.
5.Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Esophageal Precancerous Lesions from the Perspective of "Turbidity Damaging the Clear and Harmonious"
Cong HE ; Tingting XU ; Yi WANG ; Jing KONG ; Xiao WANG ; Xiaosu WANG ; Shumiao FAN ; Shengliang ZHU ; Bingduo ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1397-1402
It is considered that "turbid pathogen damaging the clear, and the loss of clarity and harmony regulation" is the core pathogenesis of esophageal precancerous lesions, with turbid pathogen persisting throughout the disease course. Turbid pathogen encompasses qi turbidity, phlegm turbidity, stasis turbidity, and toxin turbidity, closely related to dietary indiscretion, emotional disharmony, spleen-stomach deficiency, and kidney deficiency failing to consolidate. Turbid pathogen undergoes a dynamic evolution process of qi constraint generating turbid→ phlegm-stasis transforming into toxin→turbidity toxin harming the healthy qi, corresponding to the pathological alterations of hypoxia, inflammation and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. The overall therapeutic principle is to remove turbidity and restore clarity. In the early stage, targeting the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the suggested treatment method is opening constraint and dispersing the block, regulating qi and remove turbidity, with emphasis on soothing liver and regulating stomach, raising the clear and directing the turbid downward. In the middle stage, targeting inflammatory microenvironment, the treatment aims to clear toxin and dissipate nodules, resolve stasis and eliminate turbid, emphasizing phlegm-stasis elimination, turbid-toxin resolution, and concurrent stomach qi protection. In the late stage, corresponding to immunosuppressive microenvironment, the method of boosting qi, nourishing yin, reinforcing healthy qi, and eliminating turbidity can be used, with focus on spleen-stomach tonification, kidney essence replenishment, and healthy qi reinforcement to expel pathogenic factors.
6.The effects and mechanisms of Shen-su-yin on acute lung injury: an untargeted Metabolomics-based study
Wuhong ZHENG ; Lingyun ZHU ; Peng XIAO ; Zongcun HE ; Haijun ZHOU ; Feng CHEN ; Fei LIN ; Jun KE
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(4):567-575
Objective:To explore the effects and mechanisms of Shen-su-yin (SSY) on acute lung injury (ALI) in rats based on untargeted Metabolomics, network pharmacology, and experimental verification.Methods:Untargeted Metabolomics was performed to detect the ingredients of SSY by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrum, and the active ingredients were screened from the detected ingredients. Common targets of the active ingredient targets and ALI targets were utilized to screen hub targets to perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Then, key hub targets were selected from the hub targets, and the active ingredients-hub targets network was built to screen core ingredients. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed between the key hub targets and the core ingredients. 48 rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups by using a random number table: normal control group, lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI group, ALI+SSY group, and ALI+dexamethasone group. 24 hours after lipopolysaccharide induction, the levels of respiratory rate, blood lactate, lung wet/dry weight ratio, ALI score, inflammatory factors of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and oxidative stress mediators of lung tissue in each group were evaluated, and the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway was also detected by using Western blot. Finally, one-way analysis of variance, Welch test, or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare data differences among groups. Results:A total of 415 ingredients were detected from the SSY. 66 of the detected ingredients were identified as active ingredients, and 10 of them were selected as core ingredients. The number of common targets, hub targets, and key hub targets was 337, 50, and 10, respectively. Total of 285 biological processes, 32 cellular components, and 51 molecular functions were enriched though GO analysis, and 148 cell signaling pathways such as pathways in cancer and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were enriched though KEGG analysis. Molecular docking studies revealed that all binding energies between the 10 key hub targets and the 10 core ingredients were less than -5 kcal/mol. Compared with the ALI group, the levels of the respiratory rate, blood lactate, and lung wet/dry weight ratio in ALI+SSY group were significantly decreased (all P<0.01), and the level of ALI score showed a downward trend, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). In addition, the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine in lung tissue of rats in ALI+SSY group were significantly decreased in comparison with those in ALI group (all P<0.01). Moreover, compared with the ALI group, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K p85α, AKT1, and GSK3β and the expression level of Nrf2 in lung tissue of ALI+SSY group were significantly up-regulated (PI3K p85α phosphorylation and AKT1 phosphorylation, P<0.01; GSK3β phosphorylation and Nrf2, P<0.05), while the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 was significantly down-regulated ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Active ingredients detected from SSY via untargeted Metabolomics can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation in ALI rats by regulating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating lung lesions.
7.The application and exploration of mobile extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation team in the treatment of cardiac arrest with long low blood flow time in southwest mountainous area of Zhejiang province
Xiao PAN ; Xuwei HE ; Yueming WU ; Yueying WU ; Bin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(4):588-593
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) team in treating cardiac arrest (CA) in the mountainous regions of southwest Zhejiang Province, and to provide clinical insights for ECPR in patients with prolonged low blood flow time in such areas.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 55 CA patients treated with ECPR at Lishui People's Hospital from June 2020 to June 2024. These patients were compared with 55 CA patients treated with ECPR in urban areas during the same period. The mobile team from our center established ECMO support at county-level hospitals before transferring patients to our hospital's ECMO treatment center for further care. General patient data and blood gas analysis results before and 2 hours after ECPR were collected. Clinical data differences between the two groups were compared, and factors influencing patient prognosis were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.Results:The average age of the patients was (52.45 ± 15.66) years, with an average low blood flow time of 151.42 ± 49.31 minutes. The 30-day survival rate was 23.64%, and the rate of good neurological recovery was 18.18%. Although the survival rate and good neurological function rate were lower than those of ECPR patients in urban areas, the differences were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Univariate Cox analysis revealed that defibrillation rhythm, low blood flow time, pH before and after ECMO, blood lactate levels before and after ECMO, and hemoglobin significantly influenced the prognosis of ECPR patients ( P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified post-ECMO pH ( HR = 0.037) and post-ECMO blood lactate levels ( HR = 1.078) as independent prognostic factors for ECPR patients ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:Despite the longer low blood flow time in CA patients from mountainous areas, the mobile ECPR team can effectively enhance the treatment success rate of these patients through ECPR.
8.Synthesis and Application of Benzimidazole-Carbazole-based Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Phosgene
Guang-Mei XU ; Ze-Yu SONG ; Qin-Qin TIAN ; Xiao-Hong ZHU ; Jin-Chao SHEN ; Wei HE
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1705-1713,中插37-中插41
Phosgene is a highly reactive chemical substance and a prevalent chemical warfare agent,and it is vitally important for rapid and accurate detection of phosgene to counteract terrorist threats and industrial accidents.In this work,a phosgene probe,designated as SX-Pho,which incorporated benzimidazole and hydroxyl groups as recognition motifs,was prepared through Suzuki coupling and Debus-Radziszewski methodologies to incorporate an electron-donating carbazole moiety.This probe exhibited a large Stokes shift(Approximately 130 nm).Upon exposure to triphosgene/triethylamine conditions(in situ phosgene generation),the fluorescence emission of probe at 470 nm underwent significant quenching,with a 20-fold reduction in intensity,while the fluorescence lifetime decreased from 3.30 ns to 3.06 ns.Concentration titration experiments demonstrated that SX-Pho achieved a lower detection limit of 57.8 nmol/L with high specificity and interference resistance.Preton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H NMR),high-resolution mass spectrometry,and density functional theory(DFT)calculations confirmed the cyclization reaction between hydroxyl groups,imines,and phosgene.The extent of overlap between the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO)and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)was notably decreased,leading to the suppression of radiative transitions.The energy gap underwent a reduction of 0.43 eV,while the non-radiative transition was augmented,resulting in fluorescence quenching and achieving rapid detection of phosgene.Based on this,probe-loaded test strips were prepared.The color change under 365 nm illumination allowed visual discrimination of phosgene at concentrations below 20 μL/L.Furthermore,using a smartphone's built-in RGB application to measure the intensity of the blue(B)channel after the test strips were exposed to phosgene enabled both qualitative and quantitative detection.The detection range was 1.82-50 μL/L,with a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.814 μL/L.
9.Application effect of gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via axillary approach in early thyroid tumor
Yan HE ; Mian ZHOU ; Tong SHI ; Qi ZHANG ; Xiao-chao ZHU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):329-332
Objective To explore the effects of gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via axillary approach on neck function and aesthetic effect in patients with early thyroid tumor.Methods A prospective study was conducted on 116 patients with early thyroid tumor admitted to our hospital from December 2020 to December 2023.They were divided into the observation group and the control group according to block random method,with 58 cases in each group.Patients in the control group underwent open thyroidectomy,while patients in the observation group underwent gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via axillary approach.The surgical indicators,neck function,cosmetic effect,and complications of patients in the two groups were compared.Results Compared with the control group,the observation group had a longer surgical time(P<0.05),less intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage volume(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in terms of the time point,inter-group and interaction effects of the neck injury index and the time point and inter-group effects of swallowing disorder index of patients between the two groups(P<0.05).Compared with 3 days after surgery,the neck injury index and swallowing disorder index at 6 months and 12 months after surgery of patients in both groups decreased(P<0.05),and the neck injury index and swallowing disorder index at 6 months and 12 months after surgery of patients in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the observation group had better cosmetic effects(P<0.05).The total incidence of complications of patients in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via axillary approach has better efficacy for early thyroid tumor,which can effectively improve neck function and aesthetic effect,promote the recovery of patients,and has high safety and patient satisfaction.
10.Wip1 Phosphatase Regulates Hematopoietic Function in Mouse Spleen.
Xiao-Ping REN ; Zhi-Lin CHANG ; Yi WANG ; Hui-Min ZHU ; Wen-Yan HE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1491-1498
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the regulatory effect of Wip1 phosphatase on hematopoietic function in the mouse spleen.
METHODS:
Wip1 knockout mice were bred, and the effect of Wip1 deletion on the proportion and number of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, as well as their mature subsets in mouse spleen was detected by flow cytometry. The Proteome ProfilerTM antibody array was used to analyze the role of Wip1 deletion on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in CD45highCD11b+ myeloid cells sorted from mouse spleen.
RESULTS:
Wip1 deletion resulted in smaller size and significant reduction of cell number in the mouse spleen. The absolute numbers of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells were decreased. Meanwhile, the absolute number of T and B lymphocytes also significantly declined. However, the proportion of erythroid progenitors and erythroid cells at various stage significantly increased, but the number of mature erythroid cells decreased. Furthermore, the myeloid cells and their subsets neutrophils, monocytes, CD45highCD11b+ and CD45lowCD11b+ were all reduced. CD45highCD11b+ myeloid cells displayed proinflammatory phenotype in the spleen.
CONCLUSION
Wip1 gene deletion impairs normal hematopoietic function in the mouse spleen, leading to a significant reduction of mature hematopoietic cells of various lineages, and proinflammatory phenotype in CD45highCD11b+ myeloid cells.
Animals
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Mice
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Spleen/cytology*
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Mice, Knockout
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Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology*
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Myeloid Cells/cytology*
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Protein Phosphatase 2C
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Hematopoiesis
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Flow Cytometry


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