1.Research progress on strategies for toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement of triptolide
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Shanshan HAN ; Yaping XING ; Meng ZHANG ; Wenhao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1496-1501
Triptolide (TP), the core active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii , exhibits remarkable pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects, and holds broad application prospects in the treatment of major diseases such as autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors. However, TP has a narrow therapeutic window and causes multi-organ toxicities including liver, kidney and reproductive toxicities, which severely restrict its safe clinical application and new drug development. Therefore, toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement has become a core scientific problem urgently to be solved in this field. This paper systematically reviews the four core strategies for TP toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, including structural modification, dosage form improvement, herbal compatibility, and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. Among them, structural modification optimizes the toxic and efficacy characteristics of TP from the molecular structure level, with typica l derivatives including (5 R )-5-hydroxy triptolide, ZT01, PG490-88, etc. Dosage form modification achieves toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement via targeted and sustained-controlled drug release of diverse delivery systems. It includes triptolide preparations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsion gels and liquid crystals, possessing favorable clinical transformation potential. The herbal compatibility and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine conform to the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine and have a profound clinical application foundation, but their mechanisms of action are insufficiently elucidated, and they lack unified standardized specifications and high-quality evidence-based proof. In the future, we should rely on multi-omics technology to elucidate the toxic and efficacy mechanisms, integrate technologies to optimize preparations, improve the evaluation system and promote clinical transformation.
2.Association between the perinatal adverse outcomes in acute fatty liver of pregnancy and intraoperative blood transfusion and its prediction model
Guihua DENG ; Huang HUANG ; Pingping WANG ; Xingyan LONG ; Huixing ZHOU ; Yachun SUN ; Yunping XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):734-742
Objective: To analyze the association between intraoperative blood transfusion and adverse perinatal outcomes(a composite of maternal death, hepatic encephalopathy, etc) in patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), identify independent risk factors for these outcomes, and develop and validate a risk prediction model for early identification of high-risk patients. Methods: Clinical data of 56 AFLP patients admitted to our hospital from January 2008 to January 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. The chi-square test was used to compare the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes between the transfusion group and the non-transfusion group. Univariate and multivariate Firth-penalized logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of adverse outcomes. Based on the identified independent risk factors, a combined prediction model was developed. Internal validation was performed using the Bootstrap method (1 000 resamplings) to assess the model′s generalizability. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves and calibration curves. Finally, a nomogram for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in AFLP was constructed. Results: Overall, 57.1%(32/56) of the patients received blood product transfusion during the termination of pregnancy. Multivariate Firth-penalized logistic regression analysis showed that, given the limited sample size, intraoperative blood transfusion had no independent statistical effect on adverse outcomes (OR=0.812, 95%CI:0.133-3.698, P=0.797). Mediation analysis also revealed no significant indirect effect. The independent risk factors were decreased preoperative fibrinogen (OR=14.062, 95%CI:2.389-126.656, P=0.003), pregnancy with infection (OR= 4.536, 95%CI:1.143-22.107, P=0.031), and cesarean section (OR=8.691, 95%CI:1.321-90.081, P=0.023). The combined prediction model achieved an AUC of 0.881 (95% CI:0.793-0.969, P<0.001), indicating good discrimination. At the optimal cut-off value, the sensitivity was 65.6%, specificity 95.8%, positive predictive value 95.5%, and negative predictive value 67.6%. Internal validation by the Bootstrap method showed that the predictive model had good discrimination and no obvious overfitting. The calibration curve demonstrated that the model′s predicted risk was consistent with the actual observed risk. Based on this, an AFLP perinatal adverse outcome nomogram model was constructed. Conclusion: Under the limited sample size of this study, no independent statistical effect of intraoperative blood product infusion on adverse perinatal outcomes in AFLP patients was detected. A multivariate Firth-penalized logistic regression model incorporating decreased preoperative fibrinogen, pregnancy with infection, and cesarean delivery demonstrated good discrimination and calibration. The derived nomogram may serve as an exploratory tool for early risk stratification and proactive intervention.
3.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Approaches for Childhood IgA Vasculitis Nephritis from "Heat,Stasis and Deficiency"
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yifan LI ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Yaping XING ; Wenchao XING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1673-1676
The core pathogenesis of childhood IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) lies in the intermingled conditions of heat, stasis and deficiency. Deficiency is the fundamental cause, while heat acts as the predominant manifestation at the initial stage, and stasis serves as the key factor leading to protracted illness. Based on this understanding, the overall therapeutic principle of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root is established. A self-formulated Qingre Zhixue Formula (清热止血方) is used as the basic prescription. According to the characteristics of different disease stages, childhood IgAVN is further classified into three main syndrome types, including blood heat with stasis obstruction, deficiency of both qi and yin, and deficiency of both spleen and kidney, with corresponding syndrome-based treatments. Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, while protecting the spleen and stomach of children and maintaining healthy qi. This paper provides new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of childhood IgAVN with traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Current Status of Early Surgical Site Infection Following Prosthetic Implantation in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery and Evaluation of Quality Control Improvement Outcomes
Mingzi ZHANG ; Loubin SI ; Jiaojie ZHENG ; Shujuan SHAN ; Qianyu LI ; Jingya WANG ; Xiaojun WANG ; Xiao LONG ; Xiao XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1174-1180
To assess the current status of early surgical site infections following prosthetic implantation in plastic surgery across four provincial-level administrative regions in China, and to explore the effectiveness of standardized training for infection prevention and control. From January to May 2025, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to perform a baseline investigation in medical institutions performing plastic and aesthetic prosthetic implant surgeries in Chongqing, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, and Guizhou provinces. Data were collected on the volume of various types of prosthetic implant surgeries and the corresponding incidence of early surgical site infections. Improvement strategies for the prevention and control of early surgical site infections in prosthetic implant surgeries were jointly developed by the National Medical Quality Control Center for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery and the National Medical Quality Control Center for Hospital Infection Management, followed by promotion and training. Subsequently, post-implementation data from June to October 2025 were collected from the above regions, and comparisons were made between pre- and post-implementation periods across different regions and surgical categories. A total of 209 medical institutions were included in the baseline period, with a questionnaire response rate of 99.52% and a total of 7475 prosthetic implantation surgeries. In the post-implementation period, 624 medical institutions were included, with a response rate of 96.00% and a total of 4813 surgeries. The combined proportion of breast prosthesis implantation and nasal/nasal base prosthesis implantation surgeries consistently exceeded 80% across all regions and periods. Regarding the distribution of infection cases, among different types of prosthetic implant surgeries, nasal/nasal base prostheses accounted for the highest proportion, with 57.50%(23/40) at baseline and 62.86% 22/35) post-implementation. The proportion of breast prosthesis infections decreased from 40.00%(16/40) at baseline to 17.14%(6/35) post-implementation. Across different regions, infection cases in Jiangxi (post-implementation)(100%), Guizhou[both baseline(100%) and post-implementation(100%)] were all concentrated in nasal/nasal base prostheses. Shaanxi reported four cases of chin prosthesis infections (22.22%) during the post-implementation period, and Chongqing reported three cases of metal-related infections(27.27%) during the post-implementation period. In terms of infection rates, Chongqing(0.55% Breast prostheses and nasal/nasal base prostheses currently represent the main types of implants used in prosthetic implantation surgeries. The improvement strategies implemented in this study were associated with decreased early surgical site infection rates in multiple regions, suggesting that these strategies provide clinical insights for the prevention and control of early infections following prosthetic implantation surgeries in China.
5.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Approaches for Childhood IgA Vasculitis Nephritis from "Heat,Stasis and Deficiency"
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yifan LI ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Yaping XING ; Wenchao XING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1673-1676
The core pathogenesis of childhood IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) lies in the intermingled conditions of heat, stasis and deficiency. Deficiency is the fundamental cause, while heat acts as the predominant manifestation at the initial stage, and stasis serves as the key factor leading to protracted illness. Based on this understanding, the overall therapeutic principle of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root is established. A self-formulated Qingre Zhixue Formula (清热止血方) is used as the basic prescription. According to the characteristics of different disease stages, childhood IgAVN is further classified into three main syndrome types, including blood heat with stasis obstruction, deficiency of both qi and yin, and deficiency of both spleen and kidney, with corresponding syndrome-based treatments. Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, while protecting the spleen and stomach of children and maintaining healthy qi. This paper provides new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of childhood IgAVN with traditional Chinese medicine.
6.The relationship among sleep quality, fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in firefighters
Xu JIN ; Wenchu HUANG ; Long′ao YANG ; Yun WANG ; Lei CAO ; Lihua HE
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(5):496-502
Objective To explore the relationship among sleep quality, fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in firefighters, and to examine the mediating effect of fatigue between sleep quality and the risk of WMSDs. Methods A total of 271 firefighters from three prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province were selected as the study subjects by a convenient sampling method. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Fatigue Scale-14 were used to assess WMSDs, sleep quality and fatigue status among the study subjects. The effect of sleep quality and fatigue on WMSDs was analyzed, as well as the mediating role of fatigue between sleep quality and the risk of WMSDs. Results The annual prevalence of WMSDs among the firefighters was 68.6%. The firefighters who had poor and very poor sleep quality accounted for 36.2% and 7.7%, respectively. There were 88.6% of firefighters reported fatigue. The total scores of PSQI and fatigue of firefighters in WMSDs group were higher than those in non-WMSDs group (all P<0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the total score of PSQI, the worse the sleep quality, and the higher the risk of WMSDs in firefighters (all P<0.01). The higher the total score of fatigue, the higher the risk of WMSDs (P<0.01), and the risk of WMSDs in the fatigue group was higher than that in the non-fatigue group among the firefighters (P<0.01). The direct effect of sleep quality on WMSDs in firefighters was 0.028 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.012-0.050, P<0.01], and its indirect effect on WMSDs mediated by fatigue was 0.027 (95%CI: 0.018-0.040, P<0.01). Fatigue played a mediating role in sleep quality and WMSDs, with the mediating ratio of 0.491 (95%CI: 0.304-0.740, P<0.01). Conclusion Poor sleep quality and fatigue are related to an increased risk of WMSDs in firefighters in a dose-response manner. Fatigue plays a mediating role between sleep quality and the risk of WMSDs.
7.The value of MRI three-dimensional fat suppression fast spoiled gradient echo sequence in preoperative evaluation of children with congenital radial polydactyly
Jie LI ; Yingyu JIA ; Quan YUN ; Deming BAI ; Qianqian WANG ; Shuming XU ; Huimiao SUN ; Jiangtao LONG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(11):1143-1151
Objective:To explore the clinical value of the three-dimensional fat suppression fast spoiled gradient echo (3D-FS-FSPGR) MRI sequence in the preoperative evaluation of congenital radial polydactyly.Methods:The data of children with congenital radial polydactyly who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Orthopedics at Shanxi Children’s Hospital from May 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative X-ray examinations and MRI 3D-FS-FSPGR sequence scans were performed on the children. Radiologists first described the morphological characteristics of the articular cartilage, and then orthopedic surgeons performed the Wassel classification based on the X-ray and MRI imaging result, focusing on the bifurcation level, morphology, and articular surface of the phalangeal and metacarpal cartilage. The corresponding surgical method was selected according to the Wassel classification, and intraoperative incision exploration was used as the gold standard. Six months after surgery, the surgical outcome was evaluated using the modified Tada scoring system [with a total score of 0-7, and classified as excellent: >5 points, good: 3-5 points, and poor: <3 points; the excellent and good rate = (excellent + good) cases/total number of cases × 100%]. The appearance, function and recurrence of the operated finger were evaluated 1 year after surgery. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS 26.0 software, and the Kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the consistency of the Wassel classification result between radiographs, MRI 3D-FS-FSPGR sequences and intraoperative exploration respectively.Results:A total of 45 children (55 fingers) with congenital radial polydactyly were enrolled, including 25 males and 20 females, aged 5 to 60 months, with the median age of 9 months. Unilateral findings were seen in 35 cases and bilateral findings in 10 cases. MRI 3D-FS-FSPGR imaging sequences clearly demonstrated the level of cartilage bifurcation and bone tissue growth and development, which were consistent with intraoperative exploration findings. The accuracy of the MRI 3D-FS-FSPGR Wassel classification was 100% (55/55), and the accuracy of the X-ray Wassel classification was 81.8% (45/55). Disagreements were found in the classifications of five fingers: three with X-ray classifications of Wassel type Ⅳ but actually classified as type Ⅲ, and two with X-ray classifications of Wassel type Ⅳ but actually classified as type Ⅴ. The Kappa coefficients were all >0.85. All patients were followed up for 1 year. The modified Tada score showed excellent in 41 fingers, good in 6 fingers, and poor in 8 fingers, for an excellent and good rate of 85.5% (47/55). At final follow-up, the reconstructed thumbs showed significant improvement in appearance, with normal bone axis restoration, no deviation of the digits, and normal nail appearance. There was no significant scarring or contracture. Functions of thumb flexion, extension, grasping, and opposition were good. There was no postoperative deformity or recurrence.Conclusion:MRI 3D-FS-FSPGR sequences can accurately classify congenital radial polydactyly preoperatively, optimize the surgical incision and osteotomy alignment, and achieve excellent surgical outcomes.
8.Research progress on application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in neoadjuvant treatment of melanoma
Du XIAOYU ; Ma JIANGUO ; Xia RENJIE ; Yao WEIQING ; Xu WEI ; Ou SIYI ; Wang DONGSHAN ; Miao BAIWEN ; Song LEI ; Yan LONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(2):86-91
As the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)in the perioperative treatment of melanoma is increasingly introduced at earlier stages,it presents a critical opportunity for the development and clinical translation of neoadjuvant therapy.The results of phaseⅠ/Ⅱ clinical trials on neoadjuvant ICI therapy for melanoma demonstrate that neoadjuvant ICIs effectively improve the pathologic re-sponse rate in melanoma patients.Recent studies have shown that combining ICIs with other treatment modalities,including radiotherapy,chemotherapy,and targeted therapies,can enhance antitumor efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment for patients with melanoma.Optimizing treatment regimens,managing adverse events,identifying and addressing pseudoprogression,and handling cases of oligoprogression have become key areas of research in incorporating ICI regimens into neoadjuvant treatment for patients with melanoma.The search for bio-markers to monitor immunotherapy efficacy is expected to become a major focus of future research.This article provides a review of the re-search progress,controversies,and challenges in the application of ICIs in the neoadjuvant treatment of melanoma,and discusses future re-search directions,aiming to offer insights into the clinical application and development of ICIs in melanoma neoadjuvant therapy.
9.Bioinformatic analysis of venetoclax sensitivity and resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia
Yang YANG ; Chenghua XU ; Ning WANG ; Jinting FAN ; Dandan YANG ; Mingming NIU ; Long SHEN ; Hong WANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(5):460-467
Objective:To investigate the anti-leukemic effects and resistance mechanisms of venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data from AML patients who underwent venetoclax drug sensitivity testing were downloaded from the Beat AML database. Correlation analysis was performed between these data and venetoclax sensitivity outcomes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with venetoclax sensitivity were identified from transcriptomic data and subsequently validated using GEO database transcriptomic results and in vitro experiments (including Western blot). Functional enrichment analyses (KEGG and GSEA), transcription factor enrichment analysis (KnockTF), and data from public databases were employed to further investigate key genes and pathways influencing drug sensitivity.Results:After filtering the Beat AML cohort, data from 52 patient samples with available in vitro venetoclax sensitivity results were included for analysis. Patients with FLT3 mutations exhibited greater sensitivity to venetoclax compared to those with FLT3 wild-type. Correlation analysis between clinical information and drug sensitivity data indicated that higher peripheral blood tumor burden was associated with increased sensitivity to venetoclax. Transcriptomic analysis and in vitro experiments confirmed that venetoclax inhibits the FLT3-related signaling pathway, including downregulation of FLT3 expression and reduced phosphorylation of its downstream targets AKT and STAT5. KEGG pathway and KnockTF transcription factor enrichment analyses indicated that venetoclax resistance was associated with increased transcriptional activity of FOXM1 and STAT3. Moreover, high expression of FOXM1 and STAT3 correlated with shorter overall survival in patients.Conclusion:Venetoclax can inhibit the activation of FLT3-related signaling pathways. The activation of STAT3 and FOXM1 transcription factors is a potential key mechanism contributing to venetoclax resistance in AML.
10.The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health rehabilitation set can help to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation after cerebral infarction for insurance purposes
Xin WANG ; Dong WANG ; Long XU ; Yujiao HE ; Jinlong CUI ; Lingjuan RAO ; Guanwen PAN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(11):1022-1028
Objective:To evaluate the effect of applying function-related grouping model of Changsha medical insurance for patients convalescing from a cerebral infarction using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health′s rehabilitation set (ICF-RS).Methods:Ninety cerebral infarction patients in convalescence were treated according to their functional status, including clinical treatment, rehabilitation, traditional Chinese medicine treatment, and rehabilitation nursing. Within 3 days after admission and at the time of discharge, they were evaluated using a comprehensive assessment system for cerebral infarction based on the ICF-RS. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the Boston diagnostic aphasia examination (BDAE) were also employed.Results:With the exception of ICF-RS item b280 (pain perception) and item x005 of the MAS, all of the remaining assessments indicated significant enhancements compared to the pre-treatment levels. Functional severity grading also improved significantly after the treatment. Thirteen of the ICF-RS categories indicated more favorable therapeutic outcomes after the treatment. That was accompanied by improvements in the FMA upper limb, lower limb and total scores, and in the MMSE scores. However, no significant disparity was detected in the MAS scores or the BDAE grades before and after treatment.Conclusions:The comprehensive evaluation system based on the ICF-RS effectively evaluates the effectiveness of rehabilitation after cerebral infarction in a way suitable for medical insurance purposes.

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