1.Effects of berberine hydrochloride on the expression of urease genes ureA and ureB in Helicobacter pylori and its biofilm
Tingting LUO ; Mengqin LI ; Xue YANG ; Fei WANG ; Zhenghong CHEN ; Cheng LUO ; Tingna QI ; Qi LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1355-1363
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of berberine hydrochloride on the expression of urease genes ureA and ureB in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its biofilm. MethodsThe standard strain 26695 of H. pylori, which was preserved in our laboratory, along with the drug-resistant strains H390, e660, H57, and H389 of H. pylori that were isolated from clinical sources were revived. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of berberine hydrochloride against the planktonic cells of the aforementioned five strains of H. pylori was determined using the broth dilution method. The combined inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride and amoxicillin against the aforementioned four strains of clinically resistant H. pylori was assessed using the checkerboard method. TheMIC of berberine hydrochloride against the biofilms of H. pylori strains 26695 and H390 was determined using the broth dilution method. Planktonic cells and biofilms of the aforementioned H. pylori strains 26695 and H390 were co-incubated with berberine hydrochloride at concentrations of 0.5MIC, MIC, and 2MIC for 2, 8, and 24 hours, respectively. Subsequently, urease activity was measured, and the expression levels of the ureA and ureB genes were detected using RT-qPCR. ResultsBerberine hydrochloride exhibited inhibitory effects against both planktonic cells of the antibiotic-sensitive strain 26695 and the antibiotic-resistant strains H390, e660, H57, and H389 of H. pylori. It also demonstrated inhibitory effects against the biofilms formed by strains 26695 and H390. Furthermore, the combined inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride and amoxicillin against antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori was either synergistic or additive. Berberine hydrochloride inhibited urease activity in both planktonic cells and biofilms of the H. pylori strains 26695 and H390. Furthermore, berberine hydrochloride downregulated the relative expression levels of the ureA and ureB genes in H. pylori and its biofilms. The relative expression levels of the ureA and ureB genes exhibited a dose- and time-dependent decrease with increasing concentrations of berberine hydrochloride and longer co-incubation times (P<0.05). ConclusionBerberine hydrochloride inhibits both planktonic cells and biofilms of H. pylori. When combined with amoxicillin, it exerts additive or synergistic effects against H. pylori. Furthermore, by inhibiting urease activity and downregulating the expression of the ureA and ureB genes in H. pylori, berberine hydrochloride contributes to the reduction in growth of both planktonic cells and biofilms.
2.A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Core Competency Elements for Pediatric Simulation Educators
Meiying QUAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Lin WANG ; Zhenghong LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1272-1279
To systematically synthesize existing literature, identify the core competency elements essential for instructors to effectively deliver pediatric simulation-based teaching, and provide evidence-based references for faculty development and evaluation. A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform from database inception to January 31, 2026. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). Thematic synthesis wasemployed to code, summarize, and integrate the included literature. A total of 14 studies published between 2019 and 2026 were included, comprising 7 from China, 3 from the United States, and 1 each from Turkey, Japan, India, and Canada. In terms of study design, there were 3 randomized controlled trials, 4 quasi-experimental studies, 1 qualitative study, 2 cross-sectional surveys, 3 non-randomized controlled trials, and 1 mixed-methods study. Five studies received an MMAT score of 100%, while 9 scored 80%, indicating an overall moderate-to-high methodological quality. A total of 87 initial codes were extracted, which were compared and consolidated into 25 subclusters and 8 descriptive themes, ultimately abstracted into 4 analytical themes (i.e., four core competency domains): curriculum design and development; instructional facilitation and feedback; technical proficiency and scenario management; and assessment, reflection, and continuous professional development. The four-core-competency framework identified in this study encompasses the complete teaching chain from pre-session preparation and in-session implementation to post-session evaluation and improvement, and may serve as a reference for the selection, training, assessment, and career development of pediatric simulation educators.
3.Outcomes and Influencing Factors of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Retrospective Study Based on 15 Years of Clinical Data from Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Yu ZHANG ; Meiying QUAN ; Chen WANG ; Lejia ZHANG ; Yunwei LI ; Zhenghong LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1348-1356
To identify clinical outcome of treatment and influencing factors of prognosis of extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI). Clinical data of ELBWI admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the study period(from January, 2010 to December, 2024) were retrospectively collected, and their in-hospital outcomes were recorded. Infants who received active treatment were enrolled in active treatment group, while those who were given up treatment due to family reasons in the absence of severe complications were enrolled in treatment-withdrawal group. According to gestational age, the active treatment group was further subdivided into four subgroups: 23-25+6 weeks, 26-27+6 weeks, 28-29+6 weeks, and ≥30 weeks. Based on year of birth, infants were divided into 2010—2019 group and 2020—2024 group. The Aalen-Johansen competing risk model was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of severe complications. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze factors associated with survival without major complications. A total of 151 ELBWI were enrolled, including 79 males(52.3%) and 72 females(47.7%). The median gestational age was 27.4(26.4, 29.0) weeks, and the median birth weight was 840(750, 930) g. There were 14 cases(9.3%, 14/151) in treatment-withdrawal group, 137 cases(90.7%, 137/151) in the active treatment group. In the active treatment group, 16 infants(11.7%, 16/137) died or were withdrawn from treatment due to severe complications, and 121 infants(88.3%, 121/137) survived at discharge. The survival rates of rescue by gestational age subgroups were as follows: 75.0%(21/28) in the 23-25+6 weeks group, 90.9%(40/44) in the 26-27+6 weeks group, 93.6%(44/47) in the 28-29+6 weeks group, and 88.9%(16/18) in the ≥30 weeks group. Among the 137 actively treated infants, the incidences of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD), sepsis, severe retinopathy of prematurity, severe intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH), severe necrotizing enterocolitis, and periventricular leukomalacia were 60.6%(83/137), 30.7%(42/137), 12.4%(17/137), 13.1%(18/137), 8.8%(12/137), and 1.5%(2/137), respectively. Compared with the 2010—2019 group, the 2020—2024 group had a higher rate of survival without major complications, a shorter time to full enteral feeding, and a lower incidence of moderate-to-severe BPD( Gestational age is an independent predictor of prognosis in ELBWI. A comprehensive manage-ment strategy oriented toward "improving quality of survival" should be implemented to maximize the quality of survival while ensuring the survival rate of ELBWI.
4.Preliminary exploration of the effectiveness of learning group teaching method in the standardized training of general practice residents based on primary care guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of common diseases
Xueqin LI ; Gongcheng WANG ; Ju LI ; Zhenghong LU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(10):1227-1231
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of applying the learning group teaching method based on primary care guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of common diseases in the standardized training of general practice residents (referred to as "general practice resident training").Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 48 trainees enrolled in the general practice residency program at the Affiliated Huai′an No.1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2023 to August 2024 were included. They were divided into the observation group and the control group using a random number table method, with 24 trainees in each group. At baseline, general information such as age, sex, and education level of the trainees was collected, and their relevant theoretical knowledge was assessed. The control group trainees were intervened using the traditional teaching method, while the observation group trainees were intervened using the learning group teaching method based on the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for common diseases at primary care level. The teaching activities lasted for 1 year, with sessions held once a month, for a total of 12 sessions. At the end of the intervention, all trainees were assessed on theoretical knowledge, case analysis, and clinical skills. In addition, questionnaires were used separately to survey the trainees′ satisfaction in both groups, as well as the teaching satisfaction of instructors in the observation group.Results:The observation group included 18 females (75%), with a median age of 25 (24, 26) years, while the control group had 16 females (67%), with a median age of 25 (24, 26) years. There was no statistically significant difference in the age, proportion of female trainees, proportion of rural order oriented free medical students, proportion of undergraduate students, proportion of first-year trainees, and theoretical knowledge test scores before the implementation of intervention measures between the two groups of trainees (all P>0.05). At the end of the intervention, the theoretical knowledge, case analysis, and clinical skill test scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). All 48 trainees participated in the survey. The observation group trainees were found to be more satisfied than the control group with the teaching methods, knowledge mastery, clinical diagnosis and treatment thinking, stimulation of learning interest, self-learning ability, teaching interest, interpersonal communication ability, teamwork ability, and community problem-solving ability (all P<0.05). Of the four teachers in the observation group who participated in the satisfaction survey, all expressed satisfaction with the teaching method and its content. They all believed that the teaching method helped them to broaden their teaching ideas and improve their teaching abilities and skills. Conclusions:The learning group teaching method, which is based on the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for common diseases at primary care level, can effectively enhance the theoretical knowledge, case analysis ability, and clinical skills of the trainees. This teaching method is highly effective, with both trainees and teachers expressing great satisfaction.
5.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
6.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
7.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
8.Cinnamic acid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury in mice by attenuating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via inhibiting TLR4.
Qi YUN ; Ruoli DU ; Yuying HE ; Yixin ZHANG ; Jiahui WANG ; Hongwei YE ; Zhenghong LI ; Qin GAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1946-1958
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism of cinnamic acid (CA) for improving doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury (DIC) in mice.
METHODS:
Network pharmacology analysis was used to obtain the key targets of CA and DIC. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into Sham, DOX, CA (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg)+DOX, and CA+Ferrostatin-1+DOX groups, and their myocardial function and pathology were examined by echocardiography and HE staining. Serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, MDA, IL-6, TNF‑α and myocardial ROS level were detected, and the expression levels of TLR4 and ferroptosis pathway proteins in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting. Cultured murine cardiomyocytes (HL-1 cells) with or without transfection with a small interfering RNA targeting TLR4 (si-TLR4) were treated with DOX or Erastin, and the cellular ROS content was measured by DCFH-DA staining; the expression level of GPX4 was detected using immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacology analysis suggested that CA may improve DIC through TLR4 signaling. DOX treatment caused obvious myocardial injury in mice, which showed significantly increased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α and myocardial ROS level with decreased myocardial levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins and increased levels of TLR4 and PTGS2 proteins. All these changes in the mouse models were significantly alleviated by treatment with CA, and the mice receiving CA or ferrostatin-1 treatment exhibited increased myocardial expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins and lowered expressions of TLR4 and PTGS2 proteins. In cultured HL-1 cells, treatment with DOX and Erastin both obviously increased intracellular ROS level and decreased cellular GPX4 expression level, and these changes were strongly attenuated by TLR4 interference.
CONCLUSIONS
CA, as a potent herbal monomer, can effectively alleviate DIC in mice by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Doxorubicin/adverse effects*
;
Cinnamates/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
9.Progress on peripheral blood immunocytes in allergen immunotherapy
Zhenghong SONG ; Jing HE ; Shuxian LI ; Zhimin CHEN
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):233-237
Allergen immunotherapy(AIT)can alter the natural course of allergic diseases through immunomodulatory mechanisms and maintain the efficacy after completion. The induction of immune tolerance by AIT is considered to be effective treatment and the mechanism involves the participation of a variety of immune cells,including effector T cells,B cells,dendritic cells,innate lymphoid cells,mast cells and basophils. Studies have found that a variety of immune cells in peripheral blood changed during AIT treatment and the changes of some immune cells were related to the efficacy of AIT,which may provide some theoretical reference for practical clinical activities and may become potential biomarkers for predicting and evaluating the efficacy of AIT. This article reviews the changes of peripheral blood immune cells in the treatment of AIT.
10.Effects of donor human milk on medical costs in very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight infants
Xinrui YAO ; Lin WANG ; Jing YUAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Meiying QUAN ; Bing YANG ; Zhenghong LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(2):112-117
Objective:To compare the medical costs of using standard fortified donor human milk (DHM) or preterm formula (PF) to supply very low birth weight [VLBW, defined as birth weight (BW) ≥1 000 g but <1 500 g] and extremely low birth weight (ELBW, defined as BW <1 000 g) premature infants with insufficient maternal breast milk.Methods:VLBW and ELBW preterm infants hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2017 to October 2020 were retrospectively enrolled and assigned into DHM group and PF group based on complementary feeding methods. The cost of parenteral nutrition (PN), cost of antibiotics, and total medical expenses during hospitalization were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 89 infants were enrolled in this study, out of whom 50 was in the DHM group and 39 the PF group. The gestational age in DHM group and PF group were both (29±2) weeks. The BW of DHM group was 1 170 (919, 1 380)?g and that of PF group was 1 170 (1 010, 1 360) g. There were no significant differences in gestational age, BW, maternal age at delivery, delivery mode, gender ratio, proportion of small-for-gestational-age infants and length of hospital stay between the two groups (all P>0.05). The cost of parenteral nutrition in DHM group was significantly lower than that in PF group [3 500 (1 922, 5 704) Chinese yuan vs 7 995 (5 579, 10 788) Chinese Yuan, P<0.01]. The cost of antibiotics in DHM group was significantly lower than that in PF group [6 529 (2 265, 10 860) Chinese Yuan vs 13 676 (10 480, 18 506) Chinese Yuan, P<0.01]. The difference in total medical expense during hospitalization showed no statistical significance between two groups ( P>0.05). Amorg VLBW preterm infants, the cost of PN, cost of antibiotics, total cost of hospitalization, and daily cost of hospitalization in HDM group was significantly lower than that in PF group (all P<0.05). In ELBW preterm infants, the cost of PN and the cost of antibiotics in HDM group were significantly lower than that in PF group (both P<0.05), but the total cost of hospitalization and the daily cost of hospitalization between two groups showed no significant difference (all P>0.05). Conclusions:When mother's own milk is insufficient, using donor human milk reduces the costs of PN and antibiotics in VLBW and ELBW preterm infants compared with using PF. In VLBW preterm infants, using DHM can also reduce the total and daily cost of hospitalization.

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