1.The Effect of Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction (枳壳甘草汤) on Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Pulposus Cell Apoptosis and the Hippo-YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in Tail Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rats
Zaishi ZHU ; Zeling HUANG ; Junming CHEN ; Bo XU ; Binjie LU ; Hua CHEN ; Xingxing DUAN ; Yuwei LI ; Xiaofeng SHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):509-517
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism by which Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction (枳壳甘草汤, ZGD) delays intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) based on the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 50 SD rats were randomly divided into sham surgery group, model group, low-dose ZGD group, high-dose ZGD group, and high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group, with 10 rats in each group. In the sham surgery group, the rats were pierced in the skin and muscle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail with a 21G needle (depth approximately 2 mm) without damaging the intervertebral disc. In the other groups, rats were injected with a 21G needle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail to establish an IDD model by piercing the tail intervertebral disc 5 mm. One week after modeling, rats in the low-dose and high-dose ZGD groups were given 6.24 and 12.24 g/(kg·d) of the decoction via gastric gavage, respectively. The high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group was given 12.24 g/(kg·d) of the decoction and an intraperitoneal injection of YAP/TAZ inhibitor Verteporfin 10 mg/kg. The sham surgery and model groups were given 5 ml/(kg·d) of normal saline via gavage. The gavage was given once a day, and the intraperitoneal injection was given every other day. After 4 weeks of continuous intervention, the pathological changes of the tail intervertebral discs were observed using HE staining, Oil Red O-Green staining, and Toluidine Blue staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aggrecan and MMP3 in the nucleus pulposus. TUNEL fluorescence staining was performed to detect apoptosis in the nucleus pulposus, and the apoptosis rate was calculated. Western blot was used to detect the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, including YAP, phosphorylated YAP (p-YAP), phosphorylated MST1/2 (p-MST1/2), phosphorylated TAZ (p-TAZ) and apoptosis-related proteins, such as Cleaved Caspase 3, P53, Bcl-2 and Bax. ResultsCompared with sham surgery group, the rats in the model group showed significant degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. The levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins in the nucleus pulposus decreased, while the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and the apoptosis rate increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed partial recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration. The levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins increased, while the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and the apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The high-dose ZGD group showed more significant recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration compared to the low-dose ZGD group, with a decrease in the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and apoptosis rate, and an increase in the levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the high-dose ZGD group, the high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group showed a reduced recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration, with an increase in the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and apoptosis rate, and a decrease in the levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionZGD may delay intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the phosphorylation of YAP in the nucleus pulposus, maintaining the function of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and reducing apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells.
2.The relationship between EBV infection, HBV reactivation and clinical features and prognosis in HBV-infected NHL patients and influencing factors of HBV reactivation
Yanqiu XU ; Huayuan ZHU ; Guihua ZHU ; Yao HE ; Xingxing CHAI ; Fanjing MENG ; Jie WANG ; Shujin WANG ; Wanchuan ZHUANG
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2025;34(3):142-148
Objective:To explore the relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and clinical features and prognosis in HBV-infected non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients and influencing factors of HBV reactivation.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 80 NHL patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive (which was defined as HBV positive) who were admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang and Jiangsu Province Hospital from December 2012 to October 2022 were selected. All patients were divided into EBV-positive group and EBV-negative group according to EBV DNA results, and further grouped into the HBV reactivation group and the non-reactivation group according to whether HBV were reactivated after chemotherapy. The clinical characteristics of patients among groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing HBV reactivation. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients, and the log-rank test was used for inter-group comparison.Results:Among NHL patients with HBV positive, 27 cases (33.8%) were EBV-positive and 29 cases (36.3%) were HBV reactivation. Compared with the EBV-negative group, the proportion of patients with Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ [92.6% (25/27) vs. 66.0% (35/53)], elevated β 2-microglobulin level [88.9% (24/27) vs. 62.3% (33/53)], bone marrow involvement [40.7% (11/27) vs. 15.1% (8/53)], and HBV reactivation [51.9% (14/27) vs. 28.3% (15/53)] was higher in the EBV-positive group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the composition of patients stratified by age, gender, pathological type, B symptom, lactate dehydrogenase level, international prognostic index score, number of extranodal involvements, liver involvement, hepatitis outbreak, prophylactic anti-HBV therapy, hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), rituximab therapy, and the last chemotherapy effects between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). Compared with the HBV non-reactivation group, the proportion of patients undergoing hepatitis outbreak [48.3% (14/29) vs. 17.6% (9/51)], not receiving prophylactic anti-HBV therapy [65.5% (19/29) vs. 39.2% (20/51)], HBsAb negative [79.3% (23/29) vs. 21.6% (11/51)], EBV positive [48.3% (14/29) vs. 25.5% (13/51)], receiving rituximab [82.8% (24/29) vs. 60.8% (31/51)] was higher in the HBV reactivation group, and the differenves were statistically significant (all P < 0.05); while there were no statistically significant differences in the composition of patients stratified by the other clinical characteristics between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EBV-positivity was an independent risk factor for HBV reactivation after chemotherapy in NHL patients with HBsAg positive ( OR = 7.073, 95% CI: 1.613-31.010, P = 0.009), while HBsAb positive ( OR = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.008-0.186, P < 0.001) and preventive anti-HBV therapy ( OR = 0.172, 95% CI: 0.039-0.756, P = 0.020) were independent protective factors. The last follow-up was in December 2023 and the median follow-up time was 36.5 months. There were no statistically significant differences in PFS and OS between the EBV-positive group and the EBV-negative group, HBV reactivation group and the non-reactivation group (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Among HBV-infected NHL patients, those with concurrent EBV infection have a more advanced clinical stage and are very prone to bone marrow invasion, and they also show a higher probability of HBV reactivation; HBV reactivation may be related to whether receiving preventive anti-HBV therapy and rituximab therapy. EBV infection may increase the risk of HBV reactivation in NHL patients; EBV infection and HBV reactivation may not be relevant to the prognosis of patients.
3.Progress of PHF6 in acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia
Shujin WANG ; Guihua ZHU ; Yao HE ; Xingxing CHAI ; Fanjing MENG ; Yanqiu XU ; Jie WANG ; Wanchuan ZHUANG
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2025;34(8):505-508
Acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematopoietic malignancy, and in recent years, with the advancement of combined chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the prognosis of T-ALL has improved significantly, but for patients with primary drug resistance or relapsed/refractory disease the prognosis is still poor. The plant homeodomain finger 6 (PHF6) is a tumor suppressor protein, it plays a pivotal role in T cell differentiation, epigenetic regulation and oncogenic pathway synergy, and its mutations and deletions are commonly associated with the development of T-lymphocytic leukemia. However, the underlying mechanism of PHF6 in the pathogenesis of T-ALL remains unclear. This article reviews the structure, function and mechanism of action of PHF6 in T-ALL, the important coexisting genes associated with the progression of T-ALL, and the research progress in targeted therapy.
4.Advances in gut microbiota and asthma
Ziqian XU ; Xingxing ZHU ; Yesong MENG ; Li LI ; Yan SHANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1467-1475
Asthma is essentially a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways,and the proposed"gut-lung axis"provides a new idea for exploring its pathogenesis and therapeutic targets.A number of studies have confirmed that gut microbiota dysbiosis may affect the immune-inflammatory response through metabolites,which were involved in the disease process of asthma.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)is a method that can efficiently reconstruct the gut microbiota of patients.It has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases,central nervous system diseases,inflammatory diseases,and so on.Standardized operational protocols have been established.The use of probiotics or prebiotics in treating and preventing asthma and applying FMT in mice models of asthma have pointed the way for new prevention and treatment strategies.This article reviews the relationship between gut microbiota and asthma,and the feasibility of FMT in treating and preventing asthma.
5.Clinical Observation on Fire Needling in Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation of Cold-Damp Type Under the Guidance of Meridian Sinew Theory
Cuilian ZHU ; Shuping LUO ; Xingxing SHEN ; Xuemeng XU ; Bin NIE
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):147-152
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of fire needling in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH)of cold-damp type under the guidance of meridian sinew theory.Methods A total of 70 cases of patients with LDH of cold-damp type were randomly divided into observation group and control group,35 cases in each group,the control group was given conventional acupuncture treatment,and the observation group was treated with fire needling under the guidance of meridian sinew theory on the basis of the treatment of the control group,and the course of treatment covered three courses,one week as a course.After three courses of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of pain,the Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scores,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores of patients in the two groups before and after treatment were observed.Results(1)During the study,there were three cases in the observation group and five cases in the control group were failed to follow-up.Finally,32 cases in the observation group and 30 cases in the control group were included in the efficacy statistics.(2)The total effective rate was 93.75%(30/32)in the observation group and 86.67%(26/30)in the control group.The clinical efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the VAS and JOA scores of patients in the two groups improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the TCM scores of the two groups of patients improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Under the guidance of the meridian sinew theory,fire needling in treating LDH of cold-damp type can significantly reduce the degree of pain,improve the lumbar function,alleviate LDH-related symptoms,so as to improve the patients'quality of life.
6.Comparison of two methods for calculating antimicrobial use density in the management of antimicrobial use density
Pei GUO ; Chen WANG ; Xingxing XU ; Li ZOU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(1):121-126
Objective To compare two methods for calculating antimicrobial use density(AUD),select the more suitable AUD for monitoring and management,and achieve rational assessment of AUD.Methods A calculation model for real-time monitoring on AUD and AUD of discharged patients was established.The AUD of 13 clinical departments and the whole hospital of a hospital from January to May 2023 calculated by two calculation methods was statistically analyzed,the dispersion was compared to evaluate their applicability,the impact of two calculation methods on departmental assessment was measured.From June 2023,the real-time monitoring AUD system began to be adopted to achieve triple monitoring on departments,doctors,and drugs.From July,assessment was initia-ted,changing trend of AUD calculated by two calculation methods after control in 2023 was compared.Results AUD of real-time monitoring had a smaller department monthly dispersion compared with the AUD of discharged patients,with no significant difference among the whole hospital,making the assessment more rational.After im-plementing management based on real-time monitoring of AUD,defined daily doses(DDDs)decreased by 4.54 in June 2023,and decreased by 2.75 DDDs in the whole year of 2023.Conclusion Real-time monitoring on AUD can better reflect the actual medication level,is more applicable,and is conducive to scientific management of AUD.
7.Identification of Taste Critical Quality Attribute and Formulation Optimization of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid Based on the Combination of Electronic Tongue and Real Human Senses
Xingyue HUAN ; Zhisheng WU ; Ying LU ; Haiyang LI ; Shuoshuo XU ; Han HE ; Qiatong XIE ; Nan LI ; Jun JIA ; Lu YAO ; Run ZHANG ; Jiafu CHEN ; Xingxing DAI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3213-3223
Objective To identify the taste critical quality attribute and design and optimize the flavor-correcting formulation of the traditional Chinese medicine oral preparation Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid,in order to improve its taste and enhance patient medication adherence.Methods The taste assignment method was employed to identify the taste critical quality attribute of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid.Based on human sensory evaluation and the standardized Euclidean distance in electronic tongue analysis,suitable types of corrigent were determined.Subsequently,under constraints such as maximum allowable dosage,solubility,and sweetness,the optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with electronic tongue and human sensory evaluation results.The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(Ethics Approval Number 2020BZYLL0609).Results The quantitative score for bitter taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid accounted for 30.36%,confirming bitterness as the taste critical quality attribute requiring attention.The optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined to be 120 mg·mL?1 erythritol,12 mg·mL?1 acesulfame potassium,and 2.4 mg·mL?1 stevioside.This formulation achieved an 11.75-point improvement in sensory evaluation scores compared to the original commercially available oral liquid.Conclusion This study successfully improved the taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid and established a comprehensive strategy for flavor-correcting formulation optimization,including a method for identifying taste critical quality attribute.This strategy provides a referential paradigm for palatability enhancement of similar traditional Chinese medicine oral preparations,laying a crucial technical foundation for elevating the clinical value of Chinese herbal medicines and promoting the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).
8.Audit indicators development and obstacle factors analysis for perioperative frailty management in elderly patients
Xinyi ZHONG ; Xingxing LU ; Jingyan YANG ; Lifen XU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(29):2249-2256
Objective:To conduct a baseline review of the best evidence for perioperative fraility management in elderly patients, construct review indicators, systematically analyze obstacle factors and promoting factors, and formulate corresponding change strategies, so as to provide reference for clinical transformation of evidence.Methods:With the Joanna Briggs Institute evidence-based health care model as the guiding framework, the best evidence of perioperative frailty-management in elderly patients was summarized, and the review indicators and review methods were formulated on the basis of the evidence. From April 2024 to May 2024, a baseline review of the hospital system of Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, medical staff and patients were conducted to analyze the obstacles in clinical practice and formulate corresponding change strategies, guided by integrated-promoting action on research implementation in health services framework(i-PARIHS).Results:According to 19 best evidence, 20 review indicators were established, among which 10 review indicators compliance rate was less than 60% and higher than 0, 2 review indicators compliance rate was 0. Based on the results of the i-PARIHS evidence-based conceptual framework analysis, the obstacle factors included the evidence content was not specific and inaccessible; lack of knowledge and skills in healthcare; the workload of medical care increased; the patient was old and had weak receptivity, lack of systematic practice process; lack of multidisciplinary communication mechanisms.Conclusions:There is a big gap between the best evidence of perioperative frailties management in elderly patients and clinical practice. Clinical departments need to deeply analyze the obstacles to clinical practice based on the existing clinical environment and resource allocation, and formulate targeted strategies to promote the better integration of evidence into clinical practice.
9.Practice of bedside handover management in surgical ward based on the intervention mapping theory
Xingxing LU ; Jingyan YANG ; Lifen XU ; Jun ZENG ; Xiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(28):2184-2191
Objective:To construct a bedside handover management in surgical ward based on the intervention mapping theory and verify the practical effect, to provide a reference for further standardizing handover behavior and improving the efficiency of handover management.Methods:A quasi-experimental research method was adopted. From January 2022 to January 2023, nurses from the Department of Urology of Tongji Medical College Affiliated Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were selected by cluster sampling. From January to June 2022, routine bedside handover management was implemented. In July 2022, a one-month training on the bedside handover management in surgical ward based on the intervention mapping theory was conducted for urology nurses. From August 2022 to January 2023, the bedside handover management in surgical ward based on the intervention mapping theory was implemented. The incidence of handover problems among nurses, the evaluation of handover among nurses, the qualified rate of nurses' disease awareness, and the satisfaction of patients with handover were compared before and after the training.Results:A total of 48 nurses were included. They were the same batch of nurses before and after the training, including 2 males and 46 females, with an age of (32.23 ± 5.50) years. A total of 1 180 inpatients were included before the training, including 921 males and 259 females, with an age of (56.69 ± 17.24) years. After the training, 1 240 inpatients were included, including 946 males and 294 females, with an age of (55.50 ± 18.85) years. The incidence of handover problems among nurses after the training was 3.71% (46/1 240), which was lower than 9.92% (117/1 180) before the training, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=37.07, P<0.05). After the training, the total score of handover evaluation for nurses and the qualified rate of nurses' disease awareness were (80.08 ± 3.74) points and 91.67% (44/48) respectively, which were higher than (73.10 ± 3.53) points and 72.92% (35/48) before the training, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-0.94, χ2=5.79, both P<0.05). The total score of satisfaction with bedside handover of patients after the training was (76.13 ± 4.50) points, which was higher than (67.92 ± 4.64) points before the training, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-13.99, P<0.05). Conclusions:The bedside handover management plan based on the intervention mapping theory can effectively strengthen the quality of bedside handover, improve the satisfaction with bedside handover of patients, and deepen nursing quality.
10.Effect of the preservation of infrapatellar fat pad on pain,incision healing and function recovery in patients with knee osteoarthritis after joint replacement
Yang ZHAO ; Weili XU ; Xingxing LI ; Dong FANG ; Liang ZHOU ; Qiwei WANG ; Qiangbing DOU
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(3):321-324
Objective To explore the effect of the preservation of infrapatellar fat pad on pain,incision healing and function recovery in patients with knee osteoarthritis after joint replacement.Methods The clinical data of 127 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent joint replacement in the hospital from June 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the preservation of infrapatellar fat pad,the subjects were divided into a control group(removing infrapatellar fat pad,67 cases)and an observation group(preserving infrapatellar fat pad,60 cases).The changes in length of patellar tendon,pain,knee function and range of motion were analyzed.The occurrence of adverse reactions was statistically analyzed.Results At 12 months after surgery,the length of patellar tendon was reduced.The length of patellar tendon in observation group[(38.8±6.24)mm]was longer than that in control group[(36.2±6.71)mm](P<0.05).Observation group of patellar tendon length rate is lower than the control group[(4.1±1.18)%vs(10.7±3.01)%],there was statistical significance between the two groups(P<0.05).Pain in both groups was alleviated at 1 month,3 months,6 months and 12 months after surgery.The changes in observation group were greater than those in control group(P<0.05).During follow-up,the incidence of adverse reactions in observation group(6.67%)was lower than that in control group(14.93%)(P>0.05).The range of motion and function of knee joint were improved at 12 months after surgery,and the improvement in observation group was greater than that in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Preserving infrapatellar fat pad is more beneficial to relieving postoperative pain and restoring knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis after joint replacement.Therefore,the intact infrapatellar fat pad should be preserved as possible in clinical practice.

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