1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.The Recommendation of the Neuropathic Pain Special Interesting Group of the International Association for the Study of Pain: A Comparison of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses between 2015 and 2025
Kyomin CHOI ; Kyung Min KIM ; Byung-Su KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Seung Woo KIM ; Kyoungwon BAIK ; Jin Myoung SEOK ; Jun-Sang SUNWOO ; In-Uk SONG ; Ho Geol WOO ; Eek-Sung LEE ; Jin-Man JUNG ; Yun Ho CHOI ; Kwang Ik YANG ;
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2026;44(1):1-7
Neuropathic pain markedly impairs quality of life and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden, while available treatments often provide only partial relief and are limited by safety concerns. The Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group of the International Association for the Study of Pain (NeuPSIG-IASP) first published pharmacologic recommendations in 2007, followed by a major update in 2015 and a new guideline in 2025. This narrative review specifically compares the 2015 and 2025 NeuPSIG-IASP guidelines, outlining key methodological changes and therapeutic shifts. The 2025 guideline is based on a larger, more rigorous meta-analysis, maintains α2δ-ligands (adds mirogabalin), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants as first-line drugs, downgrades tramadol into the opioid third-line group. It also introduces high-frequency motor-cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a weakly recommended third-line option and discusses implications for Korean clinical practice.
3.Development and evaluation of the Trauma-nursing Education and Skill Support program to enhance trauma nursing competencies: a quasi-experimental study
Tae Yeong YANG ; Myung Jin JANG ; Ki Ung KIM ; Min SO ; Mi Na CHOI ; Eun Jung LEE ; Jin Su JO ; Ji Yun LEE ; Kwang Kyun LIM ; Kyoung Mi KIM ; Hae Jun BAEK ; Sun Ho WANG ; Jin Oh CHOI
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2026;56(1):67-80
Purpose:
This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Trauma-nursing Education and Skill Support (TESS) program based on the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model). The program was designed to enhance trauma nurses’ clinical competencies, including trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability, through the integration of theoretical education and simulation-based practice.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control group pretest–posttest design was conducted. Participants included 108 trauma nurses from regional trauma centers, military trauma centers, and emergency care facilities, who were assigned to an experimental group (n=52) or a control group (n=56). The TESS program consisted of a 2-day, 14-hour blended-learning course that included eight lecture sessions and four simulation-based practice stations. Data were collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 6 months using validated instruments measuring trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for data analysis.
Results:
The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability compared with baseline (all p<.001). These improvements were sustained at 6 months, although trauma-related knowledge scores showed a slight decline compared with immediate posttest levels. Between-group analyses confirmed significant group-by-time interaction effects for all outcomes: trauma-related knowledge (η2=0.12, p<.001), self-efficacy (η2=0.09, p=.002), and problem-solving ability (η2=0.08, p=.003).
Conclusion
The TESS program effectively enhanced trauma nurses’ trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability, with effects sustained for up to 6 months. Incorporating blended learning and simulation-based training into standardized trauma nursing education may strengthen clinical competencies and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes.
4.Modified Four-Flanged Intrascleral Fixation of Foldable Intraocular Lenses Using a 1-Inch, 30-Gauge Needle for Extraocular Suture Threading
Jun Young HA ; Yong Gu CHO ; Yun Sik YANG
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2026;40(1):12-20
Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified four-flanged intrascleral fixation of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) using a 1-inch 30-gauge needle for extraocular suture threading.
Methods:
This retrospective case series included 20 eyes of 20 patients who underwent four-flanged intrascleral IOL fixation using a 1-inch 30-gauge needle, with at least 6 months of follow-up. We modified the original Canabrava technique by inserting a foldable IOL through a 2.4-mm clear corneal incision with a standard injector and performing extraocular suture threading with a 1-inch 30-gauge needle. Collected data included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent (SE), prediction error (PE), and corneal and lens astigmatism. Postoperative complications and IOL centration were also evaluated.
Results:
Visual acuity improved significantly over the 6-month follow-up; mean preoperative logMAR UCVA was 1.25 ± 0.66 (Snellen equivalent, 20 / 355) and improved to 0.35 ± 0.19 (20 / 45), and logMAR BCVA improved from 0.53 ± 0.38 (20 / 70) to 0.15 ± 0.09 (20 / 30) (p < 0.05). The mean postoperative SE at 6 months was –0.61 ± 1.08 diopters, and PE was –0.25 ± 0.86 diopters. No significant changes in endothelial cell density were observed. Corneal astigmatism remained stable, and lens astigmatism was reduced after surgery, although not significantly. Postoperative complications included one case each of hypotony and vitreous hemorrhage, both resolved with medical therapy. No IOL redislocation, decentration, tilt, or flange-related issues occurred.
Conclusions
Modified four-flanged intrascleral IOL fixation using a 1-inch 30-gauge needle provides stable IOL fixation by pairing a robust suture with the smallest suitable needle. Extraocular suture threading reduces intraocular manipulation, simplifying the procedure and resulting in favorable visual outcomes and low complication rates.
5.Detection Ability of Quality of Life Changes and Responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 and the EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 in Patients Who Underwent Gastrectomy: A Prospective Comparative Study
Bang Wool EOM ; Keun Won RYU ; Ji Yeong AN ; Yun-Suhk SUH ; In CHO ; Sung Geun KIM ; Ji-Ho PARK ; Hoon HUR ; Hyung-Ho KIM ; Sang-Hoon AHN ; Sun-Hwi HWANG ; Hong Man YOON ; Ki Bum PARK ; Hyoung-Il KIM ; In-Gyu KWON ; Han-Kwang YANG ; Byoung-Jo SUH ; Sang-Ho JEONG ; Tae-Han KIM ; Oh Kyoung KWON ; Hye-Seong AHN ; Ji Yeon PARK ; Ki Young YOON ; Myoung Won SON ; Seong-Ho KONG ; Young-Gil SON ; Geum Jong SONG ; Jong Hyuk YUN ; Jung-Min BAE ; Do Joong PARK ; Sol LEE ; Jun-Young YANG ; Kyung Won SEO ; You-Jin JANG ; So Hyun KANG ; Joongyub LEE ; Hyuk-Joon LEE ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):221-231
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to compare the detection ability of quality of life (QoL) changes and responsiveness of the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS)-40 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ).
Materials and Methods:
A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL changes after various gastrectomies between January 2021 and April 2022. Participants were instructed to complete the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. QoL changes over time and QoL responsiveness were assessed for each questionnaire.
Results:
Data from 491 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 22 institutions were analyzed. The summary scores of the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 showed significant differences between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.044 and p=0.038, respectively), but no difference was observed for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Dysphagia on the KOQUSS-40 was significantly different between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.031); however, dysphagia on the EORTC QLQ-STO22 did not differ. The responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 was similar to that of the EORTC QLQ in patients who experienced ≥ 10% body weight loss, but approximately 10% less in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy than the EORTC QLQ.
Conclusion
KOQUSS-40 has several advantages over EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 when comparing QoL between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups. The findings provide information for researchers investigating the QoL of patients who have undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
6.External Neurolysis for Posterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome with Refractory Motor Weakness: Clinical Outcomes in a Seven-Patient Case Series
Kihyuk YUN ; Jinseo YANG ; Yong-Jun CHO ; Gwang Yoon CHOI ; Mu Seung PARK
The Nerve 2026;12(1):19-24
Objective:
Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) syndrome (PINS) is a compressive neuropathy of the deep branch of the radial nerve that primarily presents with motor weakness of finger and thumb extension. Although some patients respond to conservative management, others develop persistent motor deficits requiring surgical decompression. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of external neurolysis in patients with PINS presenting with refractory motor weakness.
Methods:
Seven patients with clinically diagnosed PINS who exhibited persistent motor weakness despite conservative treatment and subsequently underwent surgical decompression were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, intraoperative compression sites, and postoperative motor recovery were analyzed. Motor strength was evaluated using the Medical Research Council grading system. Preoperative and postoperative motor strength grades were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results:
The patients presented with progressive weakness of finger extension, resulting in impaired hand opening. MRI demonstrated denervation-related signal changes and atrophy in the affected muscles innervated by the PIN. Surgical exploration revealed compressive structures within the radial tunnel, most commonly at the arcade of Frohse. Significant improvement in motor strength was observed within 2 months postoperatively (thumb extension, p = 0.018; second digit extension, p = 0.011; third to fifth digit extension, p = 0.009). One patient experienced symptom recurrence approximately 6 months after the initial surgery and subsequently underwent revision decompression.
Conclusion
External neurolysis provides meaningful recovery of finger extension in patients with PINS presenting with refractory motor weakness. MRI may support the diagnosis by demonstrating denervation-related morphological changes in the affected muscles. Recurrence of PINS may occur even after initial recovery, highlighting the importance of careful postoperative follow-up.
7.Factors affecting direct-acting antiviral agents therapy among cases with hepatitis C virus infection in Zhejiang Province
YANG Jiezhe ; ZHOU Xin ; JIANG Jun ; XU Yun ; CHAI Chengliang ; CHEN Lin ; CHENG Wei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):246-250
Objective:
To analyze the factors affecting direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among cases with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide evidence for optimizing local HCV prevention and treatment strategies and improving DAA treatment coverage.
Methods:
Eight counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were selected as survey sites. Consecutive sampling was used to enroll HCV cases reported from November 2022 to June 2024. Demographic information, diagnosis and treatment status, DAA therapy, and awareness of relevant medical insurance policies were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting DAA therapy among cases with HCV infection were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 412 questionnaires were distributed, and 404 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective rate of 98.06%. There were 291 males (72.03%) and 113 females (27.97%). The median age was 49.00 (interquartile range, 11.00) years. A total of 303 cases received DAA therapy, with a proportion of 75.00%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that HCV cases aged 40-<50 years (OR=3.469, 95%CI: 1.228-9.345) and with per capita monthly household income >3 000 yuan (>3 000-5 000 yuan, OR=3.198, 95%CI: 1.597-6.403; >5 000 yuan, OR=5.391, 95%CI: 2.230-13.033) had higher likelihood of receiving DAA therapy. HCV cases diagnosed in non-infectious disease departments (OR=0.334, 95%CI: 0.173-0.643), concerned about economic burden of DAA therapy (OR=0.309, 95%CI: 0.160-0.599), and unaware of HCV payment policy by disease type (OR=0.262, 95%CI: 0.111-0.622) had lower likelihood of receiving DAA therapy.
Conclusions
The proportion of DAA therapy among cases with HCV infection in Zhejiang Province is relatively high. Age, per capita monthly household income, department of diagnosis, concerns about DAA therapy, and medical insurance/payment policies are factors influencing DAA therapy among cases with HCV infection.
8.Combination of Aβ40, Aβ42, and Tau Plasma Levels to Distinguish Amyloid-PET Positive Alzheimer Patients from Normal Controls
Seungyeop BAEK ; Jinny Claire LEE ; Byung Hyun BYUN ; Su Yeon PARK ; Jeong Ho HA ; Kyo Chul LEE ; Seung-Hoon YANG ; Jun-Seok LEE ; Seungpyo HONG ; Gyoonhee HAN ; Sang Moo LIM ; YoungSoo KIM ; Hye Yun KIM
Experimental Neurobiology 2025;34(1):1-8
Alzheimer disease (AD) diagnosis is confirmed using a medley of modalities, such as the detection of amyloid-β (Aβ) neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles with positron electron tomography (PET) or the appraisal of irregularities in cognitive function with examinations. Although these methods have been efficient in confirming AD pathology, the rising demand for earlier intervention during pathogenesis has led researchers to explore the diagnostic potential of fluid biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Since CSF sample collection is invasive and limited in quantity, biomarker detection in plasma has become more attractive and modern advancements in technology has permitted more efficient and accurate analysis of plasma biomolecules. In this study, we found that a composite of standard factors, Aβ40 and total tau levels in plasma, divided by the variation factor, plasma Aβ42 level, provide better correlation with amyloid neuroimaging and neuropsychological test results than a level comparison between total tau and Aβ42 in plasma. We collected EDTA-treated blood plasma samples of 53 subjects, of randomly selected 27 AD patients and 26 normal cognition (NC) individuals, who received amyloid-PET scans for plaque quantification, and measured plasma levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, and total tau with digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a blinded manner. There was difficulty distinguishing AD patients from controls when analyzing biomarkers independently. However, significant differentiation was observed between the two groups when comparing individual ratios of total-tau×Aβ40/Aβ42. Our results indicate that collectively comparing fluctuations of these fluid biomarkers could aid in monitoring AD pathogenesis.
9.Analysis of HIV antibody positivity and influencing factors among new type drug users at AIDS surveillance posts in Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2023
Zhu YUAN ; Yun XU ; Wei CHENG ; Jiezhe YANG ; Jun JIANG ; Lin CHEN ; Xiaohong PAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):662-668
Objective:To analyze the HIV antibody positivity of new type drug users in drug abuse monitoring sites in Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2023 and its influencing factors.Methods:From 2017 to 2023, a continuous cross-sectional survey was carried out in HIV monitoring posts among new type drug users in Zhejiang Province,the sample size was 400 people per site of 9 drug abuse surveillance sites in 7 cities. Questionnaires were conducted to investigate their social demographic information, related behavioral information, AIDS awareness, and acceptance of intervention measures, and blood was collected for HIV and syphilis antibody detection, with new type drugs users in the monitoring population as the research object. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 13 955 new drug users were surveyed, and the number of new drug users was 2 518, 2 292, 2 526, 2 119, 2 161, 1 064 and 1 275 from 2017 to 2023, respectively, the HIV antibody positive rate of new type drugs users was 0.44%, 1.09%, 2.06%, 1.09%, 1.39%, 1.50%, 2.90%, respectively, and the HIV antibody positive standardized rate showed an increasing trend (all P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that marital status: unmarried/divorced/widowed (a OR=3.92, 95% CI: 2.46-6.25), provincial household registration (a OR=3.54, 95% CI: 2.34-5.35), high school education or above (a OR=5.42, 95% CI: 3.68-7.98), sexual activity within the last 1 year after drug use (a OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.19-2.84), and knowledge that the use of new drugs increases the risk of HIV infection (a OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.17-4.39) were associated with increased HIV antibody favorable rates among new type drugs users. Conclusions:During 2017-2023, the HIV antibody-positive rate of new type drug users in Zhejiang Province showed an upward trend. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and intervention of this population.
10.Analysis of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure exposure awareness and related factors among female sex workers in Zhejiang Province
Yun XU ; Qiaoqin MA ; Wei CHENG ; Jiezhe YANG ; Jun JIANG ; Tingting JIANG ; Xiaohong PAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):1003-1007
Objectives:To understand the awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) and related factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Zhejiang Province to provide a reference for promoting PrEP/PEP.Methods:From April to July 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted at the surveillance posts of prostitutes in 17 counties (cities and districts) in Zhejiang Province. The sample size of each post was at least 400 FSWs, and the information on social demography, sexual behavior, AIDS knowledge, prevention services, and detection were collected.Results:A total of 6 899 FSWs were surveyed. Most of them were ≥30 years old (57.7%), had secondary school education or below (61.8%), and had worked locally for ≥12 months (52.6%). The prevalence of HIV PrEP and PEP awareness among FSWs was 52.0% (3 589/6 899) and 58.6% (4 045/6 899), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the negative related factors of awareness of PrEP/PEP among FSWs included age ≥30 years, local working time <6 months, and condom use during commercial sex in the last 1 month. The positive related factors of awareness of PrEP/PEP among FSWs included marital status was married or cohabiting, aware of HIV/AIDS knowledge, working in medium or high-end venues, finding clients primarily online in the past 6 months, receiving HIV prevention services in the past year, and having self-tested for HIV in the past year.Conclusions:The overall awareness of PrEP/PEP was relatively low among FSWs in Zhejiang Province. Efforts should be made to strengthen the publicity and education of PrEP/PEP, especially for those who are older and more mobile and working in low-end venues, combined with HIV prevention services to increase the use of PrEP/PEP.


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