1.Prevalence of Paragonimus infection and molecular characterization of Paragonimus in freshwater crabs from selected areas of Yunnan Province
Juan ZHANG ; Yibin XIANG ; Yu ZENG ; Xijin LU ; Ding HU ; Maomei YANG ; Xuejun MEI ; Yishan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(4):399-406
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Paragonimus infection in freshwater crabs from selected areas of Yunnan Province, and to perform molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the isolated parasites based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Methods Freshwater crabs were collected from both local markets and natural streams in Zhaotong City, Pu’er City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Baoshan City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Lincang City of Yunnan Province from May to August 2025. Paragonimus metacercariae were isolated using a sieve and sedimentation method. After morphological identification of the metacercariae, the infection rate and infection intensity of Paragonimus in freshwater crabs were calculated. Then genomic DNA was extracted from an individual metacercaria, and ITS2 and COI gene fragments were amplified using a PCR assay and sequenced. The obtained sequences were aligned with those available in the GenBank database. Genetic distances were calculated with the software MEGA 11.0 based on the Kimura 2-parameter model, and phylogenetic trees were built using the neighbour-joining method. Results A total of 600 freshwater crabs were collected, with 18 positive for Paragonimus metacercariae. The prevalence of Paragonimus infection was 12.00% (18/150) in freshwater crabs from Zhaotong City, while no Paragonimus infection was detected in crabs from other five prefectures (cities). Twenty metacercariae were recovered, with an overall infection intensity of 1.11 metacercariae per crab. Morphological observation revealed two types of Paragonimus metacercariae, including 19 resembling P. skrjabini, and 1 resembling P. paishuihoensis. Ten metacercariae of distinct morphotypes were randomly selected for molecular identification, and sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of ITS2 and COI genes identified 9 as P. skrjabini and 1 as P. paishuihoensis. The nine ITS2 gene sequences shared 98.34% to 100.00% homology with the reference sequence of P. skrjabini (GenBank accession number: KX129924.1), and the single ITS2 gene sequence showed 100.00% homology with the reference sequence of P. paishuihoensis (GenBank accession number: OM401939.1), while its COI sequence showed 98.80% homology with the reference sequence of P. paishuihoensis (GenBank accession number: AB679288.1). Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the 10 sequences were clustered separately into the clades of P. skrjabini and P. paishuihoensis. Conclusions This study reports the first detection of P. paishuihoensis in freshwater crabs from Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, and confirms P. skrjabini as the dominant Paragonimus species in this region. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 and COI genes are effective to distinguish Paragonimus species, which provides the scientific evidence for precise control of paragonimiasis in Yunan Province.
2.Predictive Value of Tissue AMPK α and HNF4 Expression for Local Recurrence and Distant Metastasis after Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Xuejun YANG ; Xuemao TANG ; Ting HE
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(9):145-151
Objective To study the predictive value of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPKα)and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4(HNF4)expression for local recurrence and distant metastasis after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.Methods Two hundred and ninety-four patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastric cancer surgery admitted to Suining Central Hospital from January 2020 to August 2022 were selected.These patients were categorized into a recurrence and metastasis group(n=59)and a non-recurrence and non-metastasis group(n=235)based on postoperative local recurrence and distant metastasis.Gastric cancer tissue specimens obtained from surgical resection were used to detect and compare the cancer tissues of AMPKα mRNA and HNF4 mRNA between the two groups,and the data were statistically analyzed.Results The AMPKα mRNA and HNF4 mRNA in the recurrence and metastasis group were lower than those in the non recurrence and metastasis group(P<0.05);the point-biserial correlation showed that AMPKα mRNA(r=-0.816)and HNF4 mRNA(r=-0.803)were negatively correlated with postoperative local recurrence and distant metastasis(P<0.001),and the net correlation analysis showed that this relationship still existed after excluding confounding factors(P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that AMPKα mRNA and HNF4 mRNA were postoperative local recurrence and distant metastasis related influencing factors(P<0.001);the interaction analysis showed that AMPKα mRNA and HNF4 mRNA were in a super multiplication model,and the decrease of HNF4 mRNA had a positive interaction effect on the decrease of AMPKα mRNA(P<0.05);the AUC of AMPKα mRNA+HNF4 mRNA was higher than that of AMPKα mRNA or HNF4 mRNA(Z=4.261,4.275,P<0.05).Conclusion Co-mbined detection of AMPKα and HNF4 expression can predict the risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
3.Effects and mechanism of astragalus mongholicus extract on lung injury in rats with rheumatoid arthritis induced interstitial lung disease
Yue Zhao ; Jinliang Yang ; Huan Luo ; Wenxiu Xi ; Junlu Wang ; Xuejun Zheng
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1173-1179
Objective :
To investigate the effects of astragalus mongholicus extract ( AME) on lung injury and the myeloid differentiation factor 88 ( MyD88 ) / Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4 ) / nuclear factor kappa B ( NF-κB) p65 pathway in rheumatoid arthritis induced interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) rats.
Methods :
SD rats were randomly divided into a control group,RA-ILD group,low-dose AME group (5 g / L) ,high-dose AME group ( 10 g / L) ,and high-dose AME + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group ( 10 g / L AME + 1 mg / L TLR4 activator LPS) .Except for the control group,rats in all other groups were injected with bovine type Ⅱ collagen,Freund ’s complete adjuvant, and bleomycin to establish the RA-ILD model.The arthritis index and lung tissue wet-dry weight ratio of rats were tested.ELISA was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL) -1 β , IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Hematoxylin eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes of rat knee joint tissue and lung tissue.Western blot was applied to detect the expression of autophagy fac- tors Beclin 1,microtubule-associated protein 1A /1B-light chain 3 (LC3) Ⅱ / Ⅰ , and MyD88 /TLR4 /NF-κB p65 pathway related proteins in lung tissue.
Results :
Compared with control group,knee joint tissue and lung tissue of rats in RA-ILD group were damaged,the arthritis index,lung tissue wet-dry weight ratio,levels of IL-1 β , IL-6, and TNF-α , the expression levels of MyD88 and TLR4 proteins ,and p-NF-κB p65 /NF-κB p65 ratio increased (P<0. 01) ,the expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 Ⅱ / Ⅰ proteins decreased (P<0. 01) .Compared with RA-ILD group,the low-dose and high-dose AME groups showed reduced tissue damage in rats,the arthritis index,lung tis- sue wet-dry weight ratio,levels of IL-1 β , IL-6,and TNF-α , the expression levels of MyD88 and TLR4 proteins, and p-NF-κB p65 /NF-κB p65 ratio showed a dose-dependent decrease (P<0. 05 or P<0. 01) ,the expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 Ⅱ / Ⅰ proteins showed a dose-dependent increase (P<0. 05 or P<0. 01) .Compared with high- dose AME group,the tissue damage of rats in the high-dose AME + LPS group was worsened,the arthritis index, lung tissue wet-dry weight ratio,levels of IL-1 β , IL-6,and TNF-α , the expression levels of MyD88 and TLR4 pro- teins,and p-NF-κB p65 /NF-κB p65 ratio were higher (P<0. 01) ,the expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 Ⅱ / Ⅰ pro- teins was lower (P <0. 01 ) .
Conclusion
AME inhibits the MyD88 /TLR4 /NF-κB p65 pathway and alleviates lung injury in RA-ILD rats.
4.Path analysis of the influencing factors on subjective well-being in stroke patients based on structural equation modeling
Shiqing ZHANG ; Xuejun XU ; Man DENG ; Yue YANG ; Xiaocui DUAN ; Yujiao SHAO ; Min LI ; Xiumu YANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(29):2293-2300
Objective:To investigate the current status of subjective well-being among stroke patients, and to explore the pathways and effects of influencing factors using structural equation model, so as to provide reference for improving subjective well-being among stroke patients.Methods:From July to November 2024, the stroke patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Hefei First People′s Hospital were selected by convenience sampling method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general demographic questionnaire, General Well-Being Scale, Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, Stroke Symptom Cluster Scale, and FRAIL Scale, and AMOS 26.0 was used to analyse the pathways and effects of influencing factors of subjective well-being.Results:A total of 435 questionnaires were collected, 410 were valid.Among 410 cases, 266 case were males, 144 were females, with an age of (65.96 ± 12.15) years. The subjective well-being scores of stroke patients were (72.58 ± 11.66) points. Cognitive reserve and social support were positively correlated with subjective well-being ( r = 0.517, 0.554, both P<0.01), while symptom burden and frailty were negatively correlated with subjective well-being ( r = -0.687, -0.670, both P<0.01). Path analysis showed that symptom burden, frailty, cognitive reserve, and social support had a direct impact on subjective well-being (path coefficients were -0.500, -0.266, 0.148, and 0.144, respectively, all P<0.05), while cognitive reserve, social support, and symptom burden had an indirect impact on subjective well-being (path coefficients were 0.287, 0.249, and 0.108, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The subjective well-being of stroke patients is influenced by multiple factors, with symptom burden being an important factor affecting subjective well-being. Intervention strategies such as improving cognitive reserve, strengthening social support systems, and preventing frailty can improve the subjective well-being of patients.
5.Clinical efficacy analysis of temporal bone-parotid composite defect repair strategy:Surgical selection and functional evaluation based on 17 cases
Zheng YANG ; Xiaolian FANG ; Jing ZHOU ; Xuejun CHEN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Pingdong LI
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(7):413-417
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the repair strategies for temporal bone-parotid composite defects,compare the clinical applicability of local muscle flaps and free flaps,and provide references for optimizing the reconstruction of complex head and neck defects.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 17 patients with postoperative defects in the temporal bone-parotid region treated at Beijing Tongren Hospital,Capital Medical University,between January 2018 and June 2023.There were 11 males and 6 females,with a median age of 58 years(range:42-72 years).All patients had undergone radical resection.Defects were reconstructed with local flaps in 13 cases(temporalis muscle flap,n=6;sternocleidomastoid flap,n=3;submental platysma flap,n=2;submental island flap,n=2)and with free flaps in 4 cases(anterolateral thigh fascial flap,n=1;anterolateral thigh flap,n=1;free abdominal adipofascial flap,n=2).RESULTS The primary diseases of the 17 patients were malignant tumors of the external auditory canal and parotid gland(6 cases of squamous cell carcinoma,6 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma,and 3 cases of ductal carcinoma).All flaps survived completely.One patient with temporalis muscle flap repair developed postoperative wound infection,which healed after debridement and dressing change.The median follow-up period was 16 months(4-29 months).Two cases(11.8%)of external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma had local recurrence,one case(5.9%)of parotid ductal carcinoma developed pulmonary metastasis 9 months after surgery and died at 15 months.The remaining 14 cases(82.4%)were tumor-free survivors.Functional evaluation showed that the local tissue flap group had a shorter repair time,but was limited by muscle flap rotation arc;the free flap group could accurately match the defect shape,but the surgical time was prolonged to 3.5-4.5 hours.Fourteen cases(82.4%)received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.None of the tissue flaps developed radiation necrosis after radiotherapy.CONCLUSION Temporal bone-parotid composite defects need to balance the dual requirements of surgical cavity coverage and cosmetic repair.Local muscle flaps are easy to operate and have reliable blood supply,suitable for small and medium-sized defects;free tissue flaps have better shape adaptability in complex three-dimensional defect reconstruction,but require microsurgical technical support.The repair plan should be comprehensively decided based on the defect range,vascular conditions,and radiotherapy plan.The data of this group confirmed that both techniques can achieve stable therapeutic effects.
6.Effects of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Decoction Regulating C3a/C3aR Signaling Pathway on Inflammatory Response of IgA Nephropathy Rats
Ting SONG ; Guangyu SHENG ; Yaheng ZHANG ; Wei RUAN ; Xuejun YANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):76-82
Objective To explore the effects of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodu Decoction on IgA nephropathy model rats and its mechanism based on C3a/C3aR signaling pathway.Methods Nine rats were randomly selected from 30 male Wistar rats as control group(9 rats),the remaining 21 rats were prepared IgA nephropathy models using the bovine serum albumin-lipopolysaccharide-carbon tetrachloride complex immunization method.Finally 18 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group,Chinese medicine group was treated with Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Decoction suspension by gavage,the Western medicine group was treated with losartan suspension by gavage,the control group and model group were treated with normal saline by gavage.The intervention lasted for 4 weeks.HE,PAS and Masson staining were used to observe the morphology of renal tissue,the expression of IgA in glomerular mesangial area was detected by immunofluorescence,the contents of IL-6,TNF-α and C3a in renal tissue were detected by ELISA,the protein expressions of C3/C3b/C3c,C3aR,CFB,TLR4 and NF-κBp65 in renal tissue were detected by Western blot,the positive expressions of C3,C3aR and CFB in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the control group,the model group showed compensatory expansion of large glomeruli,proliferation of mesangial cells,expansion of mesangial matrix,and strong positive IgA immune complex deposition in mesangial area(P<0.01),the contents of IL-6,TNF-α and C3a in renal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of C3/C3b/C3c,C3aR,CFB,TLR4 and NF-κBp65 protein in renal tissue increased(P<0.05),the positive expressions of C3,C3aR and CFB in renal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the pathological damage of Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group was alleviated,the deposition of IgA immune complex was significantly reduced(P<0.01),the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in renal tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the expressions of C3/C3b/C3c,C3aR,CFB,TLR4 and NF-κBp65 protein in renal tissue decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),the positive expressions of C3,C3aR and CFB in renal tissues decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Decoction can inhibit the inflammatory response and improve renal pathological damage in IgA nephropathy rats,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of alternative pathway complement activation and the regulation of C3a/C3aR and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.
7.Efficacy of baricitinib combined with ruxolitinib cream in the treatment of six patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo: a clinical observation
Tingting ZHU ; Weiran LI ; Zhaobing PAN ; Hao LIU ; Xianfa TANG ; Caihong ZHU ; Hequn HUANG ; Dawei DUAN ; Ruochen ZHANG ; Xiaojian CHEN ; Yang WANG ; Qian XUE ; Jurui ZHANG ; Lijing YANG ; Xuejun ZHANG ; He HUANG ; Bo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):856-859
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib combined with ruxolitinib cream in the treatment of progressive nonsegmental vitiligo.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo in Boao Super Hospital. All the patients were treated with oral baricitinib daily (2 mg/day for patients weighing ≤ 50 kg; 4 mg/day for those > 50 kg) in combination with topical application of ruxolitinib cream twice daily for 24 consecutive weeks. Disease severity was assessed using the facial vitiligo area scoring index (F-VASI) and total body VASI (T-VASI) at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Adverse reactions were monitored throughout the treatment course.Results:Six patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo were collected, including 3 males and 3 females, aged 26 - 42 years, with the disease duration ranging from 0.5 to 25 years. At week 12, 3 patients achieved a 50% ~ < 75% improvement in facial vitiligo lesions (F-VASI 50), 1 patient achieved F-VASI 75 (75% ~ < 90% improvement), and 1 patient achieved T-VASI 50; at week 24, 4 patients achieved F-VASI 50, 1 patient achieved F-VASI 75, 1 patient achieved F-VASI 90 (≥ 90% improvement), and 3 patients achieved T-VASI 50. During the treatment, upper respiratory infection occurred in 1 patient, acne in 1 patient, pruritus in 2 patients, elevation of total cholesterol levels in 2 patients, and increase of high-density lipoprotein levels in 2 patients. No severe adverse events were observed during the treatment.Conclusion:The combination therapy with baricitinib and ruxolitinib cream may have potential efficacy and safety in the treatment of progressive nonsegmental vitiligo.
8.Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of symptom burden among stroke patients
Shiqing ZHANG ; Xuejun XU ; Man DENG ; Yue YANG ; Min LI ; Xiumu YANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(17):2110-2117
Objective To explore the potential profiles of symptom burden among stroke patients and to analyze the differences in the characteristics of different classes of stroke patients,providing references for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 485 stroke patients treated at 4 tertiary-level general hospitals in Anhui Province from July to December 2024 as the study population.The general information questionnaire,Stroke Symptom Cluster Scale,Personal Mastery Scale,and Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire.Latent profile analysis was employed to explore the categories of symptom burden among stroke patients,and multiple logistic regression was used to assess the influence factors of each category.Results A total of 456 valid questionnaires were collected,with a valid response rate of 94.02%.Symptom burden among stroke patients can be divided into 4 latent profiles:low symptom burden group(69.08%),multiple symptom burden group(8.12%),moderate burden-physical activity impairment group(11.18%),and moderate burden-emotional and cognitive language impairment group(11.62%).The patient's age,number of stroke episodes,number of chronic diseases,systemic inflammation response index,personal mastery,and cognitive reserve were the factors influencing the latent profiles of symptom burden in stroke patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The symptom burden of stroke patients shows significant heterogeneity.Medical staff can develop targeted nursing interventions based on the category characteristics and influencing factors of the symptom burden in stroke patients.
9.Progress in the application of postoperative chest drains for lung cancer under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(1):55-58
Chest drains are often placed after lung cancer surgery, but the tube often leads to postoperative pain and affects recovery. With the popularization of the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS), we urgently need to reform the application of chest drains. In this article, we will discuss the latest research progress on drain thickness, placement and suture methods, and perioperative management, aiming to provide reference for clinical application.
10.Expressions and prognostic analysis of LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 in connective tissue disease with pulmonary interstitial lesions
Yue ZHAO ; Jinliang YANG ; Huan LUO ; Wenxiu XI ; Junlu WANG ; Xuejun ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1752-1756
Objective:To investigate the expressions and prognostic value of lysyl oxidase like protein 2(LOXL2),chemo-kine c-c-motif ligand 18(CCL-18)and chitinase protein 40(YKL-40)in connective tissue disease with pulmonary interstitial lesions.Methods:A total of 308 patients with connective tissue disease who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North Univer-sity from July 2021 to February 2022 were selected,including 108 patients with pulmonary interstitial disease(pathological group),200 patients without pulmonary interstitial disease(non pathological group),and another 35 healthy volunteers as the control group.Serum levels of LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 were detected by ELISA;Logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with connective tissue disease and pulmonary interstitial disease;the predictive value of serum LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 levels on the prognosis of patients with connective tissue disease and pulmonary interstitial disease was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results:Compared with control group,the serum levels of LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 in patients with connective tissue disease in the non pathological group and the pathological group were obviously increased(P<0.05);the serum levels of LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 in patients with connective tissue disease in the le-sion group were higher than those in the non lesion group(P<0.05);compared with the survival group,the serum levels of LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 in patients with connective tissue disease and pulmonary interstitial disease in the death group were obviously higher(P<0.05);Logistic regression analysis showed that LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 were risk factors for the prognosis of patients with connective tissue disease and pulmonary interstitial disease(P<0.05);the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the combined detection of serum LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 in predicting the prognosis of patients with connective tissue disease and pulmonary interstitial disease was 0.967,which was better than their respective independent prediction(Zcombined detection-LOXL2=1.735,P=0.041;Zcombined detection-CCL-18=2.481,P=0.007;Zcombined detection-YKL-40=2.008,P=0.022).Conclusion:The serum levels of LOXL2,CCL-18 and YKL-40 in patients with connective tissue disease and pulmonary interstitial disease are elevated,which has certain value in the prognosis evaluation of patients with connective tissue disease combined with pulmonary interstitial disease.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail