1.CYP3A5 polymorphisms and individualized tacrolimus therapy after liver transplantation
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):157-163
Tacrolimus is the cornerstone immunosuppressant after liver transplantation, effectively reducing the risk of post-operative rejection. However, optimizing its clinical dosage remains a major challenge. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 is the principal enzyme governing tacrolimus metabolism and therefore dominates the metabolic process of the drug. CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms are a key determinant of inter-patient variability of metabolic capacities and adverse clinical outcomes. In this article the population-specific distribution of CYP3A5 polymorphisms, the principal factors modulating early tacrolimus metabolism after liver transplantation and the clinical implementation of genotype-guided individualized dosing regimens were summarized. The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for precise tacrolimus dosing strategies in liver transplantation, explore the feasibility of personalized medication approaches, and promote the practice of precision medicine in the field of organ transplantation.
2.Epidemiological characteristics analysis of tuberculosis among college students in Yangzhou during 2020-2024
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):109-112
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among college students in Yangzhou from 2020 to 2024, so as to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
An epidemiological investigation was conducted among 162 college students with PTB, and 7 134 of their contacts were screened. Data were obtained from the tuberculosis information management system and on campus screening records. Using descriptive epidemiological methods, trends in incidence, seasonal distribution, and bacteriological characteristics were analyzed.
Results:
From 2020 to 2024, the annual average incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among college students in Yangzhou was 29.42 per 100 000, showing an overall fluctuating downward trend ( χ 2=12.36, P <0.01). Cases were mainly concentrated in summer and autumn, with the highest proportion in autumn (41.36%, 67/162), followed by summer (23.46%, 38/162). The proportion of etiologically positive cases increased from 37.21% in 2020 to 71.43% in 2024; among positive cases, the proportion of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) decreased from 66.67% (10/15) to 26.67% (4/15). The etiological positive rate was higher in females than in males ( χ 2= 11.76 , P <0.01). Comparison of screening methods showed that among index cases, the LTBI detection rate of the recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein skin test (C-TST) was higher than that of the tuberculin skin test (TST), but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ 2=0.65, P =0.42); among close contacts, the detection rate of TST was higher than that of C-TST (15.1%,10.1%; χ 2=5.23, P <0.05).
Conclusion
From 2020 to 2024, the annual average incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among college students in Yangzhou showed an overall fluctuating downward trend, with differences in TB infection screening methods and gender.
3.Epidemiological analysis of a cluster outbreak of pulmonary tuberculosis among grade 12 students from a boaring high school in Chongqing
LEI Rongrong, FENG Xinyu, XIA Siyue, JIANG Chuan, ZHANG Ting, WU Chengguo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):113-116
Objective:
To analyze the process of handling a pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) outbreak among senior high school students in a boarding school in Chongqing, as well as to investigate the underlying causes of the outbreak, so as to provide evidence to inform TB prevention and control strategies in school settings.
Methods:
From November 2023 to April 2024, an epidemiological investigation was conducted into the TB outbreak in a grade 12 class from a boarding high school. Suspected cases were screened using symptom screening, tuberculin skin test (TST), and chest X-ray examinations. Confirmed cases underwent individual epidemiological interviews and sputum culture; Cultured positive mycobacterial strains were subjected to whole genome sequencing after identification as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Results:
A total of 10 active pulmonary TB cases were identified, all from the same class, yielding a student attack rate of 16.67%. Three isolates were culture positive, as well as all strains were of L2 type,and the WGS analysis of the strains suggested a common transmission chain. Excluding the index case, four additional cases were detected through symptom driven health care visits. Notably, 70% of patients presented with "chest tightness and chest pain" symptoms, and 50% had "cough" symptoms,but none were detected during morning health checks or tracking of absences due to illness. A total of 326 contacts were identified and underwent three rounds of screening and one follow up examination. In the initial screening, 35 close contacts from the same class showed strong TST positivity, corresponding to a strong positivity rate of 55.56%, significantly higher than the 20.76% observed among casual contacts ( χ 2=29.80, P <0.01). Among the 35 strongly TST positivvity close contacts and five individuals with moderate TST positivity whose induration had increased by ≥10 mm over two years, none received timely preventive treatment initially; five of them were subsequently diagnosed with active TB within three months. Following this, 25 individuals initiated preventive therapy, resulting in a preventive treatment initiation rate of 62.50%. Among TST negative classmates who converted to strong positivity on repeat TST testing at three months, 75.00% started preventive treatment, but only 22.22% completed the full course.
Conclusion
Inadequate implementation of morning health checks and cause tracking for absenteeism due to illness, poorly standardized screening procedures, and delayed preventive treatment may have been key factors contributing to the spread of the outbreak.
4.Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Mechanism in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats by Banxia Xiexintang via Regulating IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ Signaling Pathway
Wenyu WU ; Xinyu ZENG ; Hao LI ; Weiqi SUN ; Jiahui REN ; Yang YU ; Tingting ZHOU ; Aili XU ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats by regulating the interleukin-17(IL-17)/extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ)signaling pathway, thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.549, 1.098, 2.196 g·kg-1, respectively) of BXT, and the positive drug group (vitacoenzyme, 0.3 g·kg-1). A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention, the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and C/EBPβ in serum, as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17, p-ERK, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and its phosphorylated form (p)-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased, while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with different doses of BXT, the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased, while the content of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum, regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.
5.Focus on standardized diagnosis and treatment of late life depression: interpretation of the "Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of late life depression (2025 edition)"
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):1-6
Late life depression (LLD) has long been a challenge in clinical diagnosis and treatment due to its unique and complex nature in etiology, clinical features, assessment and diagnostic procedures, as well as treatment interventions. Centered on the core content of the Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of late life depression (2025 edition) and integrated with current clinical focuses, this article systematically interprets the consensus regarding its background, risk factors, feature identification and multidimensional assessment, diagnostic and differential principles, treatment strategies, as well as rehabilitation and recurrence prevention management of LLD. This article aims to deepen the understanding of the consensus, promote its application in clinical practice, and further elevate the level of standardized diagnosis and treatment of LLD in China. [Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 82171524)]
6.Relationship between non-suicidal self-injury behaviors, impulsivity, and emotional regulation in adolescents with depressive disorder
Mingfei ZHANG ; Xinyu CHEN ; Fang LIANG ; Zhe CHEN ; Lu QIAN ; Zhijia LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):21-26
BackgroundAdolescents with depressive disorder often engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, which severely impacts their physical and mental health. Impulsivity and emotional regulation are key factors influencing NSSI behaviors. However, research on the mechanisms through which impulsivity and emotional regulation affect NSSI behaviors in adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI remains insufficient, limiting the development of effective intervention strategies. ObjectiveTo explore the differences in impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities between adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by and without NSSI behaviors, and to analyze the association between NSSI behaviors and impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities in adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors. MethodsA total of 184 adolescents hospitalized in the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Wuxi Mental Health Center from October 2023 to August 2024, who met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were consecutively enrolled as study subjects. Based on the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in DSM-5, patients were divided into NSSI group (n=108) and non-NSSI group (n=76). The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire, and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) were used for assessment. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to explore the correlation between the scores of the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire and the scores of BIS-11 and ERQ in the NSSI group. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of impulsivity and emotion regulation on NSSI behaviors in the NSSI group. ResultsCompared to the non-NSSI group, the NSSI group showed significantly higher scores in BIS-11 non-planned impulsivity (Z=-4.181, P<0.05), action impulsivity (t=4.944, P<0.05), cognitive impulsivity (Z=-3.392, P<0.05), and total score (t=4.763, P<0.05), and lower scores in the cognitive reappraisal of ERQ (t=-4.094, P<0.05) and total score (Z=-2.299, P<0.05), and higher scores in the expression inhibition of ERQ (Z=-3.019, P<0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that the score of the adolescent self-harm questionnaire in the NSSI group was positively correlated with the behavioral impulsivity factor score in the BIS-11 (r=0.434, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that action impulsivity factor was a significant correlate of self-injury behaviors in the NSSI group (B=0.855, P<0.05), explaining 22.30% of the total variance. ConclusionAdolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors exhibit higher levels of impulsivity and poorer emotional regulation abilities. Action impulsivity may play a significant role in the mechanism of NSSI behaviors. [Funded by Wuxi Municipal Health Commission Research Project (number, Q202320)]
7.Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease with Active Ingredients of Astragali Radix Based on Inflammation: A Review
Xinze YUAN ; Chenchen LIU ; Shengnan WANG ; Xinyu SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):295-302
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Inflammation is currently a hot topic in exploring the pathogenesis of DKD. Macrophages, T cells, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-related signaling pathway all play a role in regulating the inflammation of DKD and accelerating its progression. Astragali Radix, a Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used in the treatment of DKD and possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have revealed that active ingredients of Astragali Radix, including polysaccharides, astragaloside Ⅳ, total flavonoids, calycosin, and quercetin, can regulate multiple signaling pathways to ameliorate the microinflammatory state and alleviate kidney damage, thereby slowing down the progression of DKD. This article systematically reviews the factors influencing the inflammation in DKD and analyzes recent research findings and mechanisms concerning active ingredients of Astragali Radix in the management of DKD inflammation, aiming to offer novel insights and directions for the prevention, treatment, and research of DKD.
8.Textual Research on Key Information and Modern Clinical Application of Classical Famous Formula Liumotang
Xinyu ZHANG ; Chong LI ; Yixuan HU ; Luming LIANG ; Ye ZHAO ; Xiaoting LU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):201-212
Liumotang comes from the Yuan dynasty's Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians. It is composed of six medicinal materials: Arecae Semen, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Aucklandiae Radix, Linderae Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and Aurantii Fructus. It is a classical formula for treating abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. This study systematically collated the records of Liumotang in ancient medical books and modern clinical literature and conducted in-depth analysis and textual research on its formula source, main diseases, composition, dosage, medical books, container capacity, processing, preparation method, usage, drug basis, formula meaning, and other key information, so as to provide a powerful reference for the development and clinical application of compound preparations of the classical formula Liumotang. The results show that Liumotang was first seen in Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians, and many medical books of the past dynasties have imitated this. In terms of drug basis, the dried and mature seeds of the palm plant Areca catechu, resin-containing wood of the Daphneaceae plant Aquilaria sinensis, the dried roots of the Asteraceae plant woody Aucklandia lappa, the dried tuber root of the Lauraceae plant Lindera aggregata, the dried roots and rhizomes of the knotweed plant, R. palmatum, R.tangutikum, and R. officinale, and the dried and unripe fruits of the citrus genus C. aurantium and its cultivated varieties from the family Rutaceae were selected. In terms of dosage, through the textual research on bowls in the Ming and Qing dynasties, combined with the conversion of medicines and bowl capacity in the Qing dynasty, it was estimated that the dosage of each drug in the Yuan dynasty was 10.86 g. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the dosage of drugs was mostly equal, but the dosage of drugs was somewhat different. In terms of processing, preparation method, and usage, in the medical books of the past dynasties, the processing of drugs has slightly changed, but raw drugs are used in all preparations. The preparation method and usage did not change much during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, except for certain differences in dosage. In terms of syndrome, Liumotang was first used to treat abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. Medical books of the past dynasties often omit the symptoms of heat. In modern clinical practice, Liumotang is mainly used in the digestive system and urinary system diseases and is mostly used to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, biliary reflux gastritis, functional constipation, slow transit constipation, and other diseases, with no adverse reactions found yet. The above results provide a reliable scientific basis for the development and clinical treatment of Liumotang compound preparations.
9.Syndrome and Pathogenesis Treated by Mahuang Shengmatang
Xinyu WAN ; Yin CHENG ; Wenbo GAO ; Zhiguo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):253-258
The prescription Mahuang Shengmatang in the Treatise on Cold Damage (《伤寒论》) has sparked considerable debate among medical practitioners throughout history, with varying opinions on its indications, pathogenesis described in the text, principle of compatibility, and clinical applications. Both ancient and modern interpreters of Mahuang Shengmatang often focus on herbal compatibility as a primary approach to deduce the pathogenesis and treatment methods. Building upon this foundation, this paper utilizes herbal dosage as a clue to discern the primary and secondary herbs in the prescription. It further analyzes the principle of compatibility based on herbal indications, summarizing the indications and therapeutic principles of this prescription. Ultimately, it reveals the underlying pathogenesis reflected in the text. The internal closure of heat and toxin leads to the stagnation of Qi, preventing Yang Qi from reaching the extremities and causing cold hands and feet. When the pathogenic Qi finds no outlet, it floods both the upper and lower regions of the body, attacking the throat and causing cough with expectoration of pus and blood, and descending to the large intestine to consume Yin fluids, resulting in persistent diarrhea. Based on this pathogenesis, the paper expands the scope of symptoms and signs associated with the prescription, providing a more detailed portrayal of the applicable patient population and enhancing the basis for clinical prescription references. Additionally, the paper presents considerations on several controversial topics, suggesting that the "lower pulse" described in the text refers to the lower limb arterial pulsation, and the symptoms and signs resemble those of septic shock in modern medicine. Therefore, Mahuang Shengmatang should be categorized as a prescription for treating warm diseases and it is not developed by ZHANG Zhongjing. By employing a detailed discussion on the syndrome, pathogenesis, and clinical application in the texts of Mahuang Shengmatang from the dosage, principle of compatibility, and herbal indications, this paper not only enriches the theoretical foundation of Mahuang Shengmatang but also provides a comprehensive perspective and fresh ideas for understanding its clinical application.
10.The Discipline Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Context of Mutual Understanding of Civilizations
Yongyan WANG ; Yipin FAN ; Qiang LI ; Xinyu JI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):2-5
The mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations today provides a broad perspective and new opportunity for the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fostering the interdisciplinary integration, fusion, and innovation of the discipline. The premise of mutual understanding of civilizations is uphold the principles of Chinese traditional scholarship and original thinking, overcome academic barriers and cognitive differences, and achieve the organic integration of knowledge systems and research methods. The development of TCM as a discipline should first be based on literature as a carrier to convey ideas and ensure the continuity of the academic tradition. Secondly, the discipline development should be guided by the unique, original thinking of TCM, accurately identifying the bottlenecks in its development, focusing on the key links for improvement, continuously exploring innovative academic paths, and striving to build a leading research platform. Finally, the cultivation of talents in the field of TCM discipline should focus on leading ones with international academic discourse power and influence, and establish an academic team with clinical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge structure.


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