1.Analysis of Differences in the Intestinal Flora of Rats and Mice after Drinking Chlorinated Water Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing
Xiufeng AI ; Lizong ZHANG ; Mingsun FANG ; Dongying LÜ ; Chu CHEN ; Zhaowei CAI ; Dejun WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):437-445
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of drinking chlorinated water on the intestinal flora of rats and mice and to explore differences in the intestinal microecological responses of model animals to chlorine stimulation in chlorinated drinking water systems. MethodsSix 8-week-old male SD rats and six 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were acclimated for 5 days. Subsequently, the drinking water for both rats and mice was changed from pure water to water containing free chlorine at a concentration of 25.4–32.4 nmol/L. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, during which all animals were fed the same diet. Fecal samples were collected before the intervention (week 0, as the control group) and on the last day of week 3 and week 8 (as the chlorinated water group), and microbial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, including α diversity (Chao1 and Shannon indices), β diversity [principal component analysis (PCA)], and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis. ResultsAfter 3 weeks of intervention, α diversity of the intestinal flora in both rats and mice in the chlorinated water group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). After 8 weeks of intervention, no significant difference in α diversity was observed between rats in the chlorinated water group and those in the control group, whereas α diversity in mice remained significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). β diversity analysis showed significant alterations in microbial structure in the chlorinated water group. LEfSe analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the abundances of Bacteroides and Ruminococcus were significantly reduced in the chlorinated water group, and microbial disturbance was more pronounced in mice [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) > 4.0], with a greater decrease in microbial diversity and a larger number of differentially abundant genera. ConclusionConsumption of chlorinated water can alter the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora in both rats and mice, with mice being more sensitive to this exposure. These findings suggest that the potential effects of chlorine on gut microecology should be considered in drinking water management and model selection for animal experiments.
2.Relationship between macular microvascular density and anti-VEGF response in patients with diabetic macular edema
Xiufeng CHEN ; Xuefei SHE ; Yaqiong XIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1468-1472
AIM: To investigate the relationship between microvascular density in macular area and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)response in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME). METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Clinical data of DME patients who received anti-VEGF treatment in the hospital from January 2021 to August 2025 were collected. All patients received intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment once a month for a total of 3 times. The patients were divided into the good response group and the poor response group based on the anti-VEGF treatment response. The vascular density of superficial capillary plexus(SCP)and deep capillary plexus(DCP)were compared between the two groups before treatment. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting the anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of SCP and DCP vascular density for anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients. RESULTS: The study included a total of 315 DME patients 315 eyes, including 172 males and 143 females with the mean age of 62.06±7.38 y. After completing three treatments, there were 211 cases 211 eyes in the good response group, including 114 males and 97 females with the mean age of 61.92±7.52 y. There were 104 cases in the poor response group, including 58 males and 46 females with the mean age of 62.35±7.10 y. The course of diabetes in the poor response group was longer than that in the good response group, the central retinal thickness before treatment was greater than that in the good response group, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)before treatment was higher than that in the good response group, and the proportion of patients with serous retinal detachment was higher than that in the good response group. Before treatment, the vascular density of SCP and DCP in the poor response group was lower than that in the good response group(all P<0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that SCP and DCP vascular density were both influencing factors of anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients(both P<0.05). ROC curves showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the pre-treatment SCP vascular density, pre-treatment DCP vascular density alone, and their combined model for predicting poor response to anti-VEGF therapy in DME patients were 0.812, 0.797 and 0.901, respectively, indicating high predictive value.CONCLUSION: The microvascular density in the macular area is closely related to the anti-VEGF treatment response in DME patients. The vascular density of SCP and DCP before treatment can be used as important indicators to predict treatment response, and targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions can be adopted in clinical practice.
3.A Multicenter, Double-blind,Randomized Controlled Study of Qingfei Huatan Tongqiao Formula for Treating Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children
Anqi LIU ; Zhiyan JIANG ; Xiufeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):203-209
ObjectiveTo verify the clinical efficacy of Qingfei Huatan Tongqiao Formula in treating children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) of the lung-heat obstructing the nose syndrome, and to observe its effects on quality of life. MethodsA multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 160 pediatric AH outpatients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled between November 2022 and November 2024 from Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. The children were randomly assigned to a treatment group (80 cases) or a control group 80 cases). The treatment group received Qingfei Huatan Tongqiao Formula combined with a montelukast sodium placebo, while the control group received a Qingfei Huatan Tongqiao Formula placebo combined with montelukast sodium. The treatment course lasted 90 days. After treatment, therapeutic efficacy, sleep monitoring parameters, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 (OSA-18) scores were compared between groups. ResultsCompared with pre-treatment values within each group, both groups showed significant decreases in the adenoid-to-nasopharyngeal ratio (A/N), primary symptom scores, and TCM syndrome scores. OSA-18 scores were significantly reduced. Sleep monitoring showed decreases in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), and an increase in minimum SpO2 (all P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the treatment group had a lower A/N ratio and higher overall effectiveness rate and TCM syndrome effectiveness rate. The treatment group also had lower total OSA-18 scores and lower subscale scores (sleep disturbance, physical symptoms, emotional distress, and caregiver impact), with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in daytime symptoms (P=0.201). Regarding sleep monitoring indices, the treatment group had lower AHI and ODI and higher minimum SpO2 (all P<0.05), with no significant difference in average SpO2 (P=0.116). ConclusionQingfei Huatan Tongqiao formula can significantly reduce adenoid size in children with AH, alleviate clinical symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce sleep-disordered breathing events, and ameliorate hypoxia. Its therapeutic efficacy is significantly superior to that of montelukast sodium.
4.Metabolomic features of energy metabolic dysregulation and related targeted therapeutic strategies in acute-on-chronic liver failure
Xinxin CHEN ; Juan LUO ; Fengqin YE ; Zhengyuan MO ; Xiufeng WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1710-1716
Acute-on-chronic liver failure is an acute decompensated syndrome that occurs on the basis of chronic liver disease and is characterized by a high short-term mortality rate. Metabolomics reveals the presence of significant energy metabolic reprogramming, manifesting as extensive dysregulation of glucose/lipid/amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial metabolism, and intestinal flora, and it closely interacts with systemic inflammation and immune imbalance, jointly promoting disease progression. The core metabolic phenotypes include suppressed gluconeogenesis, enhanced glycolysis, impaired β-oxidation, inhibited mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, ammonia metabolic imbalance, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This article analyzes the latest studies on metabolomic and molecular mechanisms and systematically reviews the dysregulation characteristics of the five major metabolic networks. In terms of intervention for energy metabolism, this article summarizes the five strategies of glucose metabolism regulation, lipid metabolism intervention, mitochondria-targeted protection, gut microbiota rebalancing, and amino-acid optimization and assesses their application value and prospects for clinical translation, so as to provide a scientific basis for the treatment, alleviation, and even reversal of disease progression.
5.Identify Key Mitochondrial Autophagy Genes in Schizophrenia through Integrated Bioinformatics Approaches
Kun LIAN ; Yongmei LI ; Chenglong SHI ; Yilan CHEN ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Xiufeng XU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(1):23-35
Objective To utilize single-cell and peripheral blood transcriptomic data from 3D brain organoids,combined with machine learning,to analyze the role of mitochondrial autophagy genes in schizophrenia(SCZ).Methods By integrating two machine learning algorithms,we identified differentially expressed mitochondrial autophagy-related genes between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls using peripheral blood RNA sequencing data.The relationship between mitophagy gene,immune cells and inflammatory factors was further explored.Comprehensive single-cell analysis was used to explore the signaling pathways and specific transcription factors based on mitophagy genes.Results Using machine learning,seven key mitophagy genes expressed in schizophrenia patients were identified.Based on Mitoscore analysis,at the single-cell level,neurons with high mitochondrial autophagy activity(Mitohigh_Neuron)formed new interactions with endothelial cells via the SPP1 signaling pathway.Conclusion This study identified two subtypes of mitophagy and seven key mitophagy genes in schizophrenia,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.
6.Zerumbone attenuates cisplatin-induced acute kidney inj ury in mice
Xiufeng Luo ; Manman Xie ; Runrun Shan ; Chunya Xie ; Jiaozhuang Liu ; Liangting Liu ; Shaofei Zhang ; Qi Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1454-1462
Objective:
To investigate whether zerumbone ( ZER) has the effect of preventing cisplatin ( Cis) -induced acute kidney injury (Cis-AKI) .
Methods:
The MTT method was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of ZER on the cell viability of Cis-AKI. The in vivo and in vitro models of Cis-AKI mice were estab- lished by dividing into control group , separate administration group , model group , and dose group. Western blot and immunofluorescence experiments were used to detect the expression changes of kidney injury marker-1 ( KIM- 1) , phosphorylated NF-κB p65 ( P-p65 ) , Cleaved casepase3 , receptor interacting protein kinase 1 ( RIPK1) , RIPK3 , and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) . Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of KIM-1 , TNF-α , interleukin-6 ( IL-6) , and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) . Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining confirmed the therapeutic effect of ZER on Cis-AKI. RNA-seq and cell thermal shift (CETSA) were used to explore possible target proteins.
Results :
MTT results showed that ZER could alleviate the decrease in cell viability of Cis-AKI ; in vivo and in vitro studies showed that compared with the model group , after treatment with ZER , its KIM-1 , P-p65 , Cleaved casepased3 , RIPK1 , RIPK3 , TNF -α expres- sion decreased significantly , and the mRNA expression of KIM-1 , TNF-α , IL-6 mRNA , and MCP-1 decreased. PAS staining showed that ZER had a therapeutic effect on Cis-AKI. RNA-seq and CETSA analysis showed that ZER might prevent and treat Cis-AKI by targeting the PIM1 protein.
Conclusion
ZER may alleviate Cis-AKI and im- prove inflammatory response and necroptosis by regulating PIM1 protein. ZER is expected to be a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of Cis-AKI.
7.Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Juan XIA ; Xiaoan TAO ; Qinchao HU ; Wei LUO ; Xiuzhen TONG ; Gang ZHOU ; Hongmei ZHOU ; Hong HUA ; Guoyao TANG ; Tong WU ; Qianming CHEN ; Yuan FAN ; Xiaobing GUAN ; Hongwei LIU ; Chaosu HU ; Yongmei ZHOU ; Xuemin SHEN ; Lan WU ; Xin ZENG ; Qing LIU ; Renchuan TAO ; Yuan HE ; Yang CAI ; Wenmei WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Yingfang WU ; Minhai NIE ; Xin JIN ; Xiufeng WEI ; Yongzhan NIE ; Changqing YUAN ; Bin CHENG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):54-54
Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans
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Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects*
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Consensus
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Risk Factors
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Stomatitis/etiology*
8.Relationship between screening myopia and physical fitness index in college freshmen without majoring in public safety administration
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):431-434
Objective:
To explore the relationship between visual acuity and physical fitness of university freshmen, so as to provide reference for myopia prevention and control for freshmen.
Methods:
From October to November 2022, 2 160 college freshman without majoring in public safety administration, selected from Guangxi Police College in 2022 by using the stratified cluster random sampling method, were reviewed for the results of visual acuity test and physical fitness scores. The physical fitness indices were evaluated by using the Z scores of physical fitness test scores, and the strength of association between the level of physical fitness index and myopia was analyzed by using Logistic regression model.
Results:
Among 2 160 college freshman without majoring in public safety administration, 917 (42.5%) students were diagnosed screening myopia, including 66 (3.1%) cases of high myopia, 383 (17.7%) cases of moderate myopia and 468 (21.7%) cases of mild myopia. The differences in the distribution of visual acuity tests among students with different physical fitness indices, body mass index, and gender were statistically significant ( Z/H=54.50, 49.53, 15.51, P <0.01). Low level and low middle level physical fitness indices were associated with screening myopia among freshmen[ OR (95% CI )=2.81(1.93-4.08),1.87(1.38-2.54)], and low level physical fitness indexes were associated with high myopia [ OR (95% CI )=7.22(2.33-22.32)] ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
Screening myopia among college freshman without majoring in public safety administration is related to physical fitness, and low level and low middle level physical fitness index are risk factors for myopia. Improving the level of physical fitness might be effective in preventing myopia.
9.Potential value of liver macrophages and their plasticity in the treatment of ACLF
Guirong CHEN ; Minggang WANG ; Huaming LIN ; Xinxin CHEN ; Juan LUO ; Fengqin YE ; Xiufeng WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(14):2035-2040
Acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)is a group of clinical syndromes related to severe acute liver function damage and multiple organ failure caused by various acute inducing factors on the basis of chronic liver disease.Due to its serious condition,rapid progression and high mortality,it has attracted more and more attention.Recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of ACLF mainly includes direct injury and immune injury.As the main immune cells in the liver,the immunoregulatory role of liver macrophages in ACLF has been increasingly recognized.Liver macrophages have excellent phenotype conversion function and plasticity characteristics under the influence of epigenetic reprogramming or local microenvironment.This adaptive expression ability can use key mediators to promote the early conversion of anti-inflammatory phenotype to alleviate liver injury.A large number of studies have shown that liver macrophages have a certain potential in reversing the process of ACLF.Therefore,from the perspective of the plasticity characteristics of liver macrophages,this paper expounds the role of liver macrophages in ACLF and the research on the intervention of ACLF disease process,and summarizes its potential significance in the treatment of ACLF.
10.Chinese expert consensus on refined diagnosis,treatment,and management of advanced primary liver cancer(2023 edition)
Liu XIUFENG ; Xia FENG ; Chen YUE ; Sun HUICHUAN ; Yang ZHENGQIANG ; Chen BO ; Zhao MING ; Bi XINYU ; Peng TAO ; Ainiwaer AIZIER ; Luo ZHIWEN ; Wang FUSHENG ; Lu YINYING ; National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases ; Society of Hepatology,Beijing Medical Association ; Translational Medicine Branch,China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Liver Research 2024;8(2):61-71
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),commonly known as primary liver cancer,is a major cause of malignant tumors and cancer-related deaths in China,accounting for approximately 85%of all cancer cases in the country.Several guidelines have been used to diagnose and treat liver cancer.However,these guidelines provide a broad definition for classifying advanced liver cancer,with an emphasis on a singular approach,without considering treatment options for individual patients.Therefore,it is necessary to establish a comprehensive and practical expert consensus,specifically for China,to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of HCC using the Delphi method.The classification criteria were refined for Chinese patients with HCC,and the corresponding optimal treatment regimen recommendations were developed.These recommendations took into account various factors,including tumor characteristics,vascular tumor thrombus grade,distant metastasis,liver function status,portal hypertension,and the hepatitis B virus replication status of patients with primary HCC,along with treatment prognosis.The findings and rec-ommendations provide detailed,scientific,and reasonable individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for clinicians.


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