1.Bufei Tongbi Decoction Inhibits Pulmonary Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats via TGF-β1/p-Smad3 Signaling Pathway
Gang WANG ; Rensong YUE ; Qiyue YANG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):176-184
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Bufei Tongbi decoction on pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/phosphorylated Smad family member 3 (p-Smad3) signaling pathway. MethodsStreptozotocin (60 mg·kg-1) and bleomycin (24.80 U·kg-1) were used to prepare the rat model of diabetes with pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection. Sixty rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.98, 7.95, and 15.90 g·kg-1, respectively) Bufei Tongbi decoction, and pirfenidone (0.36 mg·kg-1) groups (n=10). The successfully modeled rats in each group were administrated with corresponding agents once per day for four consecutive weeks. After drug administration, fasting blood glucose and lung function indicators were measured. Chemical immunoassay was employed to determine the serum levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN). The lung index was determined by the wet and dry methods. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the degree of fibrosis was detected by Masson staining. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad3, Smad3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1), and fibronectin were determined by PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed alveolar septa thickening, obvious thickening of the basement membrane of pulmonary blood vessels, severe destruction of the alveolar structure, structural disarrangement of the lung parenchyma, and an increase in the proportion of inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue, together with a large amount of blue collagen deposition and a large amount of collagen fibroplasia in the bronchial wall, vessel wall, interstitium, and alveolar wall, which indicated severe fibrosis. Bufei Tongbi decoction groups and the pirfenidone group showed lower fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05) and higher forced vital capacity (FVC), cytoplasmic dynein (Cydn), FEV0.3/FEV ratio, and lung index (P<0.05) than the model group. Moreover, these groups demonstrated alleviated lung fibrosis, elevated Hyp, HA, and LN levels, down-regulated mRNA levels of α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin, and down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, p-Smad3, α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin (P<0.05). ConclusionBufei Tongbi decoction can inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats by inhibiting the TGF-β1/p-Smad3 signaling pathway.
2.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
3.Development and validation of the “Questionnaires on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of College Students in Response to Public Health Emergencies”
Hong JIANG ; Shuli MA ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Xinling YANG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):33-39
Objective To develop the "Questionnaires on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of College Students in Response to Public Health Emergencies" and validate its reliability and validity. Methods The initial questionnaire was developed according to literature review, expert consultations, and one-on-one interviews with students and educators. A total of 43 college students were selected as the pre-test subjects using the convenience sampling method. The final version of the questionnaire was developed using item analysis and expert consultations. A total of 682 college students were selected as the validation subjects using the cluster sampling method. The exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Results The final version of the questionnaire consisted of three dimensions: knowledge, practice, and attitude, with 5, 10, 7 items, respectively. The KMO test value for the questionnaire was 0.804, with Bartlett′s test of sphericity showing a chi-square value of 2 000.557 (P<0.01). The content validity index for each item ranged from 0.894 to 1.000, with the overall content validity index for the questionnaire being 0.966 and 0.973. The exploratory factor analysis identified three common factors, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 54.1%. The result of confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit, with model fit index, comparative fit index, normed fit index, incremental fit index, Tucker-Lewis Index, root mean square error of approximation of 2.960, 0.930, 0.940, 0.930, 0.950 and 0.070, respectively. The Cronbach's α coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.772, split-half reliability was 0.604, and test-retest reliability was 0.905. Conclusion The "Questionnaires on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of College Students in Response to Public Health Emergencies" demonstrates good reliability, and it is suitable for widespread application.
4.Randomized Controlled Clinical Observation on the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation of Cold-Dampness Obstruction Type with Hot Ironing of Haitongpi Formula (海桐皮方) Combined with Three Movements Technique of Qinggong Spinal Manipulation
Fajie LI ; Yue ZHANG ; Tianhao WAN ; Manhong YANG ; Di XIA ; Qing ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1023-1030
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of hot ironing with Haitongpi Formula (海桐皮方, HF) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) of cold-dampness obstruction type. MethodsA total of 70 patients with cold-dampness obstruction type LDH were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. Both groups received three movements technique of Qinggong Spinal Manipulation (QSM) as the basis for treatment. In addition, the treatment group received hot ironing with HF, while the control group applied Diclofenac Sodium Gel externally. The treatment duration for both groups was 14 days. The clinical efficacy was compared between groups. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT) for lumbar positive response points, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores were compared, on day 7, and day 14 of treatment, as well as on day 7 and day 14 of follow-up. The lumbar curvature index (LCI) was also compared before treatment and on day 14 of treatment. Adverse reactions during the study were recorded for both groups. ResultsA total of 35 patients in the treatment group and 34 patients in the control group were included for final analysis. The clinical total effective rate of the treatment group (91.43%, 32/35) was significantly higher than that of the control group (82.35%, 28/34, P<0.05). Both the JOA score and PPT of the two groups increased on day 7 and day 14 of treatment, and on day 7 and day 14 of follow-up. VAS scores and TCM symptom scores both decreased. The LCI of both groups increased on day 14 of treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the control group at the same time points, on day 14 of treatment and day 7 and day 14 of follow-up, the treatment group had higher JOA scores and PPT, and lower VAS scores and TCM symptom scores. The LCI of the treatment group increased on day 14 of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). One case in the control group showed mild skin allergy, with no other adverse reactions observed in either group. ConclusionBased on three movements technique of QSM, hot ironing with HF shows better clinical efficacy than external Diclofenac Sodium Gel in the treatment of cold-dampness obstruction type LDH. It can significantly reduce lumbar pain, increase pain pressure threshold, improve clinical symptoms, lumbar function, and lumbar curvature, with good safety.
5.Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎) on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Quality of Life in Patients with Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis of Heart Fire and Spleen Deficiency Pattern:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jing NIE ; Rui PANG ; Lingjiao QIAN ; Hua SU ; Yuanwen LI ; Xinyuan WANG ; Jingxiao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Yunong WANG ; Yue LI ; Panpan ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1031-1037
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎, MGD) in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency, and to explore its possible mechanisms. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 72 patients with mild to moderate AD and the TCM pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 36 cases in each group. The treatment group received oral MGD granules combined with topical vitamin E emulsion, while the control group received oral placebo granules combined with topical vitamin E treatment. Both groups were treated twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and serum biomarkers, including interleukin-33 (IL-33), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Safety indexes was also assessed. ResultsThe total clinical effective rates were 77.78% (28/36) in the treatment group and 38.89% (14/36) in the control group, with cure rates of 19.44% (7/36) and 2.78% (1/36), respectively. The treatment group showed significantly better clinical outcomes compared to the control group (P<0.05). The treatment group exhibited significant reductions in total TCM syndrome scores, including erythema, edema, papules, scaling, lichenification, pruritus, irritability, insomnia, abdominal distension, and fatigue scores, as well as reductions in VAS, DLQI, SCORAD, and serum IgE and IL-33 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly better improvements in all indicators except for insomnia (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionMGD is effective and safe in treating mild to moderate AD patients with heart fire and spleen deficiency pattern. It significantly alleviates pruritus, improves TCM syndromes and quality of life, and enhances clinical efficacy, possibly through modulation of immune responses.
6.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
7.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
8.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
9.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
10.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

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