1.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
2.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
3.Effects of total glucosides of paeony on Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune thyroiditis by regulating miR-155 expression
Xin-ran YU ; Yun-zhi CHEN ; Lu ZHANG ; Ze-yun YANG ; Xue-feng ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1253-1259
Aim To investigate the effect of total gly-cosides of peony on Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT)by regulating miR-155 expression.Methods Sixty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,high-dose,medium,and low-dose groups of total glycosides of peony,and a Western medicine control group(seleni-um yeast group).After eight weeks of modeling,the pathological changes in thyroid tissue were observed by HE staining,the expression of miR-155 in the thyroid of rats was detected by RT-PCR,the targeting effect of miR-155 on SOCS1 was verified by dual luciferase method,and the levels of TGAb,TPOAb,IL-10,and IL-17 in peripheral serum were detected by ELISA,the expression of thyroid SOCS1 was detected by WB,and the proportion of Th17 and Treg in CD4+cells of the spleen was detected by flow cytometry.Results Com-pared with the blank group,the expression of miR-155 in the thyroid gland of the model group rats significant-ly increased,and the serum levels of TGAb,TPOAb,and IL-17 significantly increased,with an increase in the proportion of Th17;the IL-10 level significantly decreased,the proportion of Treg decreased,and the expression of SOCS1 protein decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the high,medium,and low dose groups of total glycosides of peony and selenium yeast groups showed a decrease in miR-155 expression,a decrease in TGAb,TPOAb,IL-17 levels,a decrease in Th17 pro-portion,an increase in IL-10 level,an increase in Treg proportion,and an increase in SOCS1 expression,all with statistical significance(P<0.01).Moreover,the improvement in the medium dose group of total glyco-sides of peony was more significant.Conclusion To-tal glycosides of peony downregulate miR-155 expres-sion,regulate Th17/Treg balance,alleviate inflamma-tory response,and exert immune regulatory effects.
4.Analysis of current status and influencing factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of post-intensive care syndrome
Wenhao WU ; Yun RAO ; Zhi WANG ; Pingang LI ; Yanmei TONG ; Guiping ZHANG ; Yanxia SHAO ; Boshan TONG ; Wei SUN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(10):1326-1332
Objective:To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of intensive care unit (ICU) medical staff for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and explore its influencing factors.Methods:The cross-sectional investigation study with stratified sampling was conducted. From June to September 2024, ICU medical staff from general hospitals in 5 regions (Chongqing, Beijing, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, and Gansu) were selected as the research subjects. The KAP of PICS questionnaire was distributed in the form of an electronic questionnaire. Observation indicators: (1) results of the questionnaire survey; (2) general information of ICU medical staff; (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions; (4) analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent samples t test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for com-parison among multiple groups, and post-hoc LSD test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted for correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results:(1) Results of questionnaire survey. A total of 410 questionnaires were distributed and retrieved, among which 408 were valid, with an effective rate of 99.512%(408/410). (2) General information of ICU medical staff. Among the 408 ICU medical staff, there were 79 males and 329 females. Eight cases were under 25 years old, 248 cases were 25-35 years old, 132 cases were 36-40 years old, and 20 cases were over 40 years old. In terms of professional title, there were 10 junior nurses, 130 junior nurse practitioners, 228 intermediate nurse practitioners, and 40 senior nurse practitioners. About the educational background, 34 cases had a junior college degree, 347 cases had a bachelor's degree, and 27 cases had a master's degree or above. Regarding the hospital level, 25 nurses worked in secondary hospitals and 383 cases in tertiary hospitals. In terms of ICU type, 181 cases were from specialized ICU and 227 cases from general ICU. About working experience in ICU, 41 nurses had less than 5 years, 207 cases had 5-10 years, and 160 cases had more than 10 years. (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions. The total KAP score of PICS among the 408 ICU medical staff was 88.7±14.2, with 40.2±9.2 for the knowledge dimension, 22.0±5.6 for the attitude dimension, and 26.5±6.3 for the practice dimension. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the knowledge dimension of PICS among ICU medical staff was significantly positively correlated with both the attitude dimension and the practice dimension ( r=0.15, 0.69, P<0.05); the attitude dimension was positively correlated with the practice dimension ( r=0.23, P<0.05).(4) Analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age (25-35 years old, 36-40 years old, over 40 years old), educational background and hospital level were independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff ( t=2.23, 1.97, 2.84, 0.15, 2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions:The KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff is relatively good, while their practical ability still needs to be improved. Age, educational background, and hospital level are independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff.
5.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
6.Effect of fasting blood glucose on coronary fractional flow reserve in patients with borderline coronary artery disease
Yi-wen ZHANG ; Ya-dong LIU ; Meng-xiao WANG ; Yi-ru WANG ; Yun-peng YANG ; Yun-fang SU ; Ji-xin ZHI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):272-277
Objective To explore the correlation between fasting blood glucose(FBG)level and fractional flow reserve(FFR)in patients with borderline coronary artery disease,and to clarify its potential influence on FFR measurement.Methods From August 2020 to August 2023,the data of 135 patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease who received coronary angiography and FFR evaluation in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were retrospectively collected.According to the exclusion and inclusion criteria,85 cases of borderline diseased vessels of single coronary artery with stenosis degree of 50%-80%were screened out,and they were divided into FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group(47 cases)and FBG<6.1 mmol/L group(38 cases).The baseline data,angiographic and functional indexes of the two groups were compared,and the correlation between FBG and FFR was analyzed.Results Compared with the FBG<6.1 mmol/L group,the FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group had a higher proportion of FFR negative results(72.3%vs.23.7%,P<0.001),and the FFR measurement values were generally increased[0.84(0.80,0.90)vs.0.75(0.68,0.80),P<0.001],with statistically significant differences.Pearson correlation analysis was performed on all lesions,and FFR>0.80(negative result)was positively correlated with FBG≥6.1 mmol/L(r=0.484,P<0.001).Conclusions Among the patients with borderline coronary artery disease(50%-80%stenosis)included in this study,FBG≥6.1 mmol/L is significantly correlated with FFR>0.80.For patients with borderline coronary lesions with elevated FBG,the influence of blood glucose factors should be carefully considered in clinical interpretation of FFR results.
7.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
8.Effects of total glucosides of paeony on Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune thyroiditis by regulating miR-155 expression
Xin-ran YU ; Yun-zhi CHEN ; Lu ZHANG ; Ze-yun YANG ; Xue-feng ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1253-1259
Aim To investigate the effect of total gly-cosides of peony on Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT)by regulating miR-155 expression.Methods Sixty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,high-dose,medium,and low-dose groups of total glycosides of peony,and a Western medicine control group(seleni-um yeast group).After eight weeks of modeling,the pathological changes in thyroid tissue were observed by HE staining,the expression of miR-155 in the thyroid of rats was detected by RT-PCR,the targeting effect of miR-155 on SOCS1 was verified by dual luciferase method,and the levels of TGAb,TPOAb,IL-10,and IL-17 in peripheral serum were detected by ELISA,the expression of thyroid SOCS1 was detected by WB,and the proportion of Th17 and Treg in CD4+cells of the spleen was detected by flow cytometry.Results Com-pared with the blank group,the expression of miR-155 in the thyroid gland of the model group rats significant-ly increased,and the serum levels of TGAb,TPOAb,and IL-17 significantly increased,with an increase in the proportion of Th17;the IL-10 level significantly decreased,the proportion of Treg decreased,and the expression of SOCS1 protein decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the high,medium,and low dose groups of total glycosides of peony and selenium yeast groups showed a decrease in miR-155 expression,a decrease in TGAb,TPOAb,IL-17 levels,a decrease in Th17 pro-portion,an increase in IL-10 level,an increase in Treg proportion,and an increase in SOCS1 expression,all with statistical significance(P<0.01).Moreover,the improvement in the medium dose group of total glyco-sides of peony was more significant.Conclusion To-tal glycosides of peony downregulate miR-155 expres-sion,regulate Th17/Treg balance,alleviate inflamma-tory response,and exert immune regulatory effects.
9.Effect of fasting blood glucose on coronary fractional flow reserve in patients with borderline coronary artery disease
Yi-wen ZHANG ; Ya-dong LIU ; Meng-xiao WANG ; Yi-ru WANG ; Yun-peng YANG ; Yun-fang SU ; Ji-xin ZHI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):272-277
Objective To explore the correlation between fasting blood glucose(FBG)level and fractional flow reserve(FFR)in patients with borderline coronary artery disease,and to clarify its potential influence on FFR measurement.Methods From August 2020 to August 2023,the data of 135 patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease who received coronary angiography and FFR evaluation in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were retrospectively collected.According to the exclusion and inclusion criteria,85 cases of borderline diseased vessels of single coronary artery with stenosis degree of 50%-80%were screened out,and they were divided into FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group(47 cases)and FBG<6.1 mmol/L group(38 cases).The baseline data,angiographic and functional indexes of the two groups were compared,and the correlation between FBG and FFR was analyzed.Results Compared with the FBG<6.1 mmol/L group,the FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group had a higher proportion of FFR negative results(72.3%vs.23.7%,P<0.001),and the FFR measurement values were generally increased[0.84(0.80,0.90)vs.0.75(0.68,0.80),P<0.001],with statistically significant differences.Pearson correlation analysis was performed on all lesions,and FFR>0.80(negative result)was positively correlated with FBG≥6.1 mmol/L(r=0.484,P<0.001).Conclusions Among the patients with borderline coronary artery disease(50%-80%stenosis)included in this study,FBG≥6.1 mmol/L is significantly correlated with FFR>0.80.For patients with borderline coronary lesions with elevated FBG,the influence of blood glucose factors should be carefully considered in clinical interpretation of FFR results.
10.Application progress of grounded theory in hospice care
Yunrong LI ; Tiantian WANG ; Bing WU ; Guoren ZHOU ; Liuliu ZHANG ; Xiaoxu ZHI ; Yun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(29):3946-3951
Grounded theory, as a flexible and systematic research method, serves as an important tool for gaining an in-depth understanding of clinical phenomena and nursing practice. This paper reviews the origin and development of grounded theory, its concepts and classifications, methodological procedures, and the necessity, significance, and current status of its application in the field of hospice care. The aim is to enhance the scientific application of grounded theory in hospice care research in China.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail