1.Mechanisms of Qiaobai cold compress solution in improving acne vulgaris based on transcriptomics and experiment
Zhenjiang XIE ; Weina ZHU ; Liangliang CAO ; Fuqiong ZHOU ; Shupan ZHANG ; Bingwen ZHOU ; Yinsheng CHEN ; Wen LI ; Ying ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):425-430
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Qiaobai cold compress solution (QBCS) improves acne vulgaris (AV) based on transcriptomics and animal experiments. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a blank control group ( n =6) and a modeling group ( n =30). AV models were established in the modeling group by topical application of oleic acid to the inner surface of both ears, combined with subcutaneous injection of Cutibacterium acnes suspension into the auricle. Successfully modeled rats were further divided into the model group, positive control group (Tretinoin cream, 0.045 g/kg), and QBCS low-, medium-, high-dose groups [3.55, 7.11, 14.22 g/kg (calculated by the amount of crude drug) ] , with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each d rug group were treated with the corresponding drugs once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the final administration, changes in the appearance of the ears and histopathological changes in the ear tissues were observed, and serum levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, were measured. Auricular tissues from the blank control group, model group and QBCS medium-dose group were collected for transcriptome sequencing. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, followed by validation using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rats in all QBCS groups showed alleviated auricular acne symptoms, with reduced epidermal thickening, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of TNF-α (except for the QBCS low-dose group), IL-6 (except for the QBCS low-dose group) and IL-1β were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). A total of 590 DEGs were identified (blank control group vs. model group), and 596 DEGs were identified (model group vs. QBCS medium-dose group). Above DEGs (blank control group vs. model group) were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, etc. Validation experiments showed that, compared with model group, low-, medium- and high-dose of QBCS reduced, to varying degrees, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, TLR2, interferon-γ and CXC chemokine ligand 8 in the auricular tissues of AV rats, increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma and tumor protein 53, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 protein as well as the expressions of TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88(MyD88) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QBCS can alleviate auricular inflammation and skin lesions in AV rats. This effect may be related to inhibition of the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the expression of downstream inflammatory factors such as TNF-α.
2.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
3.Osler’s view of the physician and physician’s narrative literacy in narrative medicine
Huihui CHEN ; Wenhua CAO ; Yanling TAO ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiaolin YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):399-404
In the era of evidence-based medicine, the progress of medical science and technology has enriched medical diagnostic tools and treatment methods, but it has also led to the loss of medical warmth and the alienation of the doctor-patient relationships. William Osler emphasized that while medical technology advances, attention should also be paid to the practice of narrative medicine and the development of physician’s narrative literacy. The view of the physician he advocated reminds us that the core of medicine still lies in the narrative connection between doctors and patients, as well as a deep understanding of human nature. By exploring the relationship between Osler’s view of the physician and narrative medicine as well as physician’s narrative literacy, this paper analyzed the methods of cultivating physician’s narrative literacy, providing references for modern medical education and practice, and assisting in the harmony and unity of science and technology and humanity.
4.Exploring the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Adenoidal Hypertrophy in Children Based on the "Kenang (窠囊)" Theory
Yage ZHAO ; Yongbin YAN ; Ying DING ; Liheng CHEN ; Xueqi ZHANG ; Bingqian ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1551-1555
By analyzing the connotation of "kenang (窠囊)" and its relationship with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) in children, this paper suggests that kenang plays a significant role in the development process of pediatric AH, from the initial accumulation of phlegm-dampness in the early stage, to the binding of phlegm and stasis in the middle stage, and finally the healthy qi deficiency with phlegm stagnation in the late stage, and may also serve as a key entry point for the diagnosis and treatment. From the perspective of "kenang", and in combination with the core pathogenesis of pediatric AH characterized by lung heat and phlegm stasis, this paper proposes that the key therapeutic principles include clearing heat to resolve phlegm, activating blood to remove stasis, and reducing swelling to dissipate nodules. A staged treatment strategy based on the self-formulated Bizhi Formula (鼻窒方) with modifications is used. In the early stage of the disease, the treatment should be soothing the wind and relieving the exterior, resolving phlegm and dredging the orifices to prevent the initial knot of kenang, for which Bizhi Formula and Cangerzi Powder (苍耳子散) with modifications can be used. In the middle stage, the treatment should be dissolving phlegm and expelling stasis, dispersing knots and unblocking orifices to break down the establishment of kenang, and Bizhi Formula combined with Haizao Yuhu Decoction (海藻玉壶汤) with modifications is suggested. In the late stage, the treatment emphasizes reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root, resolving phlegm and dredging collaterals in order to prevent recurrence of kenang, and the suggested prescription is modified Bizhi Formula combined with Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散).
5.Exploring the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Adenoidal Hypertrophy in Children Based on the "Kenang (窠囊)" Theory
Yage ZHAO ; Yongbin YAN ; Ying DING ; Liheng CHEN ; Xueqi ZHANG ; Bingqian ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1551-1555
By analyzing the connotation of "kenang (窠囊)" and its relationship with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) in children, this paper suggests that kenang plays a significant role in the development process of pediatric AH, from the initial accumulation of phlegm-dampness in the early stage, to the binding of phlegm and stasis in the middle stage, and finally the healthy qi deficiency with phlegm stagnation in the late stage, and may also serve as a key entry point for the diagnosis and treatment. From the perspective of "kenang", and in combination with the core pathogenesis of pediatric AH characterized by lung heat and phlegm stasis, this paper proposes that the key therapeutic principles include clearing heat to resolve phlegm, activating blood to remove stasis, and reducing swelling to dissipate nodules. A staged treatment strategy based on the self-formulated Bizhi Formula (鼻窒方) with modifications is used. In the early stage of the disease, the treatment should be soothing the wind and relieving the exterior, resolving phlegm and dredging the orifices to prevent the initial knot of kenang, for which Bizhi Formula and Cangerzi Powder (苍耳子散) with modifications can be used. In the middle stage, the treatment should be dissolving phlegm and expelling stasis, dispersing knots and unblocking orifices to break down the establishment of kenang, and Bizhi Formula combined with Haizao Yuhu Decoction (海藻玉壶汤) with modifications is suggested. In the late stage, the treatment emphasizes reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root, resolving phlegm and dredging collaterals in order to prevent recurrence of kenang, and the suggested prescription is modified Bizhi Formula combined with Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散).
6.Effect of Anzi Tiaochong Decoction Combined with Aspirin on Peripheral Blood CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Regulatory B Cells in Patients with Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Pattern of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis)
Yan CHEN ; Jia LI ; Suning HUANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yan NING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):189-196
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Anzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin and the effects of this therapy on the peripheral blood phospholipid antibody titers, coagulation function, and CD19+CD24hiCD27+regulatory B (Breg) cells in patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) (pattern of kidney deficiency and blood stasis). MethodsPatients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an observation group (50 patients, with 4 patients dropped out and 46 patients completed) and a control group (50 patients, with 2 patients dropped out, 1 patient excluded, and 47 patients completed) through a random number table method. The control group was treated with aspirin enteric-coated tablets, 75 mg/time, once a day, and the observation group with Anzi Tiaochong decoction, 1 bag/day on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The treatment course for both groups was 8 weeks, and the patients were followed up for 4 weeks. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, titers of peripheral blood phospholipid antibodies [anti-cardiolipin antibody IgM (ACA IgM), anti-cardiolipin antibody IgG (ACA IgG), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgM (β2GP1-IgM), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgG (β2GP1-IgG)], D-dimer (D-D), thromboelastography parameters [clotting factor activity (R), platelet function maximum amplitude (MA), coagulation composite index (CI), and clot strength (G)], CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Breg expression rate, and adverse drug reactions were recorded for the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed decreased ACA IgM, ACA IgG, β2GP1-IgM, β2GP1-IgG, D-D, MA, and G (P<0.05) and increased R (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in CI. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed more significant decreases in TCM symptom scores and phospholipid antibody titers (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression rate of Breg in the observation group was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in Breg expression rate before and after treatment in the control group. Neither group experienced significant adverse reactions. ConclusionAnzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin can alleviate the symptoms, reduce the phospholipid antibody titers, and restore the coagulation status of patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (pattern kidney deficiency and blood stasis). It may exert the therapeutic effects by regulating Breg to maintain the patient's immune balance.
7.Factors influencing willingness to participate in health science popularization among medical workers in Guangdong Province
Bingjun SONG ; Ying ZHAO ; Mengxiong WU ; Zhiwei LU ; Fan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Caiwen LI ; Xibo WANG ; Kun HUANG ; Ziqian ZHENG
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(2):162-167
Objective To analyze the status of willingness to participate in health science popularization (HSP) and its influencing factors among medical workers in Guangdong Province. Methods A total of 462 medical workers in Guangdong Province were recruited as the study subjects using a stratified convenience sampling method. The Questionnaire on Influencing Factors of Willingness to Participate in Health Science Popularization, developed by the research team, was used to investigate their willingness to participate in HSP and related variables, including previous communication experience, attitude, moral belief, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, self-efficacy, and social support. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of willingness to participate in HSP. Results The median and 25th and 75th percentiles score of willingness to participate in HSP was 4.0 (3.8, 4.5), indicating a moderately high level of willingness. The HSP participation willingness score was positively correlated with scores for previous communication experience, attitude, moral belief, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, self-efficacy, and social support (Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.513, 0.384, 0.507, 0.533, 0.463, 0.556, and 0.435, respectively; all P<0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that previous communication experience, moral belief, descriptive norm and self-efficacy positively predicted willingness to participate in HSP (all P<0.05). Medical workers in the non-Pearl River Delta region had lower willingness than those in the Pearl River Delta region for HSP participation (P<0.05). Conclusion There is still room for improving willingness for HSP participation among healthcare professionals in Guangdong Province. It is recommended to enhance self-efficacy through communication skills training, strengthen professional ethics education, foster a positive peer engagement atmosphere, and intensify resource support and capacity building for HSP in the non-Pearl River Delta region, to improve HSP participation willingness among medical workers in Guangdong Province.
8.Status and influencing factors of the application of informatization tools for antimicrobial stewardship in Chinese county hospitals
Yuqi FU ; Xin LI ; Ying LI ; Hongwei WU ; Zhixin FAN ; Jinru LIU ; Xi CHEN ; Yuxiang XIA ; Qiang SUN ; Yingbo ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2084-2089
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of informatization tools applied to antimicrobial stewardship in county hospitals in China, and to provide a reference for promoting the informatization development of antimicrobial stewardship in county hospitals.METHODS From August to September 2025, an online questionnaire survey was conducted among 1 007 county hospitals across 31 provinces(autonomous regions, and municipalities) in China. The survey focused on the application of four types of informatization tools:the real-time monitoring system for antimicrobial use, the pre-prescription review system, the irrational use warning system, and the electronic prescription evaluation system(hereinafter referred to as the “monitoring system”“review system”“warning system”“evaluation system”,respectively). Correlation analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were employed to explore the influencing factors.RESULTS Of the county hospitals, 80.83% were equipped with at least one type of informatization tool for antimicrobial stewardship, while 19.17% had no relevant tool. Only 18.87% of the hospitals were equipped with all four types of tools. The monitoring system exhibited the highest equipped rate (70.80%), whereas the warning system was equipped in only 33.96% of the hospitals. Four types of tools are evenly and adequately deployed in the eastern region, the central and western regions have far lower deployment rates of intervention tools including review system and warning system, accompanied by prominent intra-provincial gaps. The total number of the health technicians, hospital grade, and prescription review rate of outpatient antibacterial drug were significantly and positively correlated with the deployment rates of the four informatization tools ( P <0.05). The results of the Logistic regression model fitting indicated that the model of the review system was rated “excellent” [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)=0.81], and the model of the warning system was rated “further improvement” (AUC=0.67). The total number of health technicians was significantly positively correlated with the deployment rates of all four types of informatization tools (all P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS The informatization of antimicrobial stewardship in county hospitals in China remains in the initial stage of transitioning from “passive statistics” to “active prevention and control”, with challenges such as structural imbalance and regional disparities. In the future, differentiated support strategies should be implemented, the allocation of resources should be optimized, to enhance the level of refined antimicrobial stewardship.
9.Mendelian randomization study of sleep duration and sleep disorders in relation to age at menarche in females
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1021-1025
Objective:
To determine the potential genetic causal relationship between sleep related phenotypes and female pubertal onset using the two sample Mendelian randomization approach.
Methods:
Genetic instrumental variables for sleep and age at menarche were sourced from FinnGen, IEU Open GWAS and GWAS Catalog three publicly available Genome Wide Association Study databases. Causal effects were estimated using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and direction.
Results:
Genetically predicted sleep duration was positively associated with age at menarche ( β =0.61, 95% CI =0.30-0.91, P <0.01). Conversely, overall sleep problems ( β =-0.13, 95% CI =-0.20 to -0.07 ), two specific types of sleep disorders (sleep apnea: β =-0.10, 95% CI =-0.16 to -0.03; insomnia: β =-0.40, 95% CI = -0.69 to -0.11) were causally associated with earlier age at menarche (all P <0.01). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings with consistent effect directions and no evidence of significant directional pleiotropy.
Conclusions
The study reveales a genetic causal relationship between sleep and pubertal onset. Adequate sleep duration appears to have a protective effect. These findings suggest that sleep may have a critical regulatory role in the initiation of pubertal development.
10.Mechanism of Qiju Dihuang Wan in Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Ge ZHANG ; Chunlin ZHAO ; Li PAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zehai CHEN ; Siya ZHANG ; Yiming FANG ; Wei SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):11-21
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Qiju Dihuang Wan on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its regulatory mechanism on the NOD-like receptor protein 3/Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1/Gasdermin D (NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsHuman retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) were divided into the blank group, model group, and Qiju Dihuang Wan low- and high-dose groups. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced with 40 mmol·L-1 high glucose, and the treatment groups were supplemented with 6% and 12% Qiju Dihuang Wan-containing serum, respectively, based on the induction. After 24 h of culture, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), pyroptosis-related protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the mRNA levels of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway-related molecules were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Qiju Dihuang Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11, 22, 44 g·kg-1·d-1), and calcium dobesilate group (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1). Except for the blank group, all groups were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish the DR model. After successful modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding doses of Qiju Dihuang Wan crude drug or calcium dobesilate suspension by gavage once daily, while the blank group and model group received an equal volume of normal saline, for 8 consecutive weeks. Fundus changes were examined by optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. Retinal pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, and IL‑18 in retinal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N. ResultsCell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly decreased HRMEC viability (P<0.01), and significantly increased levels of IL-1β, IL-18, as well as increased protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators were significantly reduced in the high-dose Qiju Dihuang Wan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had elevated blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), up‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β and IL‑18 in retinal tissue (P<0.01), and up‑regulated protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1 and GSDMD‑N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Qiju Dihuang Wan medium- and high‑dose groups showed decreased blood glucose (P<0.01), increased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), alleviated retinal pathological damage, and down‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, IL‑18, as well as protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQiju Dihuang Wan may exert protective effects against diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway and alleviating high glucose-induced retinal pyroptosis.


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