1.Incidence and risk factors of acute focal bacterial nephritis in children with febrile urinary tract infections
Yu CHEN ; Xiaojian QIU ; Jin LIN ; Feng ZHAO ; Yonghui YANG ; Huajuan TONG ; Zihua YU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(9):967-971
Objective:To determine the incidence of acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) in children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) and to identify associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective cohort study included 181 children hospitalized with febrile UTI at Fujian Children′s Hospital from April 2021 to September 2023. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into AFBN group and non-AFBN group based on AFBN diagnosis. The incidence of AFBN within this febrile UTI cohort was determined. The diagnostic value for pre-antibiotic blood white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, along with post-treatment fever duration and pyuria duration for AFBN was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC).Results:The cohort comprised 181 children with febrile UTI (100 boys and 81 girls), age of 0.6 (0.3, 1.0) years. Eleven patients (6.1%) were diagnosed with AFBN. For predicting AFBN, the AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.55-0.85, P=0.026) for pre-antibiotic WBC count and 0.80 (95% CI 0.71-0.90, P=0.001) for pre-antibiotic CRP level, with optimal cutoff values of 16.0×10 9/L and 80.1 mg/L, respectively. For post-treatment parameters, the AUC was 0.79 (95% CI 0.69-0.92, P=0.001) for fever duration and 0.84 (95% CI 0.72-0.97, P<0.001) for pyuria duration, with optimal cutoff values of 1.9 d and 5.5 d, respectively. The combination of pre-antibiotic WBC count >16.0×10 9/L and CRP>80.1 mg/L yielded a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.86 for AFBN prediction. Similarly, the combination of post-treatment fever duration ≥2 d and pyuria duration >5 d demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.88. Conclusions:AFBN incidence was 6.1% in this cohort of children with febrile UTI. AFBN should be highly suspected in febrile UTI children presenting with either a pre-antibiotic WBC count >16.0×10 9/L and CRP >80.1 mg/L, or a post-treatment fever duration ≥2 d and pyuria duration >5 d.
2.Study on the efficacy and mechanism of Tongbianling capsule in the treatment of constipation
Ying CHEN ; Zihua XU ; Bei HU ; Yaling CUI ; Huan GAO ; Qiong WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):10-16
Object To study the efficacy and potential mechanism of Tongbianling capsule in constipation. Methods The effects of Tongbianling capsule on intestinal motility in normal mice and carbon powder propulsion rate in small intestine of constipation model mice after were observed administration. The potential targets and key pathways of Tongbianling capsule in treating constipation were identified through network pharmacology. To verify the mechanism, the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT and CASP3 proteins in mouse colon tissue was detected by the western blot. Results The time for mice to excrete the first black stool was shortened and the number of fecal particles was increased in Tongbianling capsule administration group, and the carbon powder propulsion rate of mice in each Tongbianling capsule administration group was increased. The results of network pharmacology showed that treatment of constipation by Tongbianling capsule may be related to signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and 5-HT. The protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and CASP3 in mouse colon tissue could be significantly downregulated in administration group. Conclusion Tongbianling capsule could effectively promote intestinal peristalsis in mice, increase the frequency of defecation, and effectively treat constipation. The mechanism of its action may be related to the direct or indirect regulation of intestinal motility by the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
3.Application of IFN-induced protein 44-like gene methylation detection by methylation sensitive-high resolution melting in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Qian CHEN ; Dong′e TANG ; Yue MENG ; Lijun ZHANG ; Song HE ; Zihua YANG ; Xiaoping HONG ; Yang CUI ; Tieying HOU ; Yong DAI ; Yongzhe LI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(8):639-644
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.
4.Application of IFN-induced protein 44-like gene methylation detection by methylation sensitive-high resolution melting in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Qian CHEN ; Dong′e TANG ; Yue MENG ; Lijun ZHANG ; Song HE ; Zihua YANG ; Xiaoping HONG ; Yang CUI ; Tieying HOU ; Yong DAI ; Yongzhe LI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(8):639-644
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.
5.Incidence and risk factors of acute focal bacterial nephritis in children with febrile urinary tract infections
Yu CHEN ; Xiaojian QIU ; Jin LIN ; Feng ZHAO ; Yonghui YANG ; Huajuan TONG ; Zihua YU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(9):967-971
Objective:To determine the incidence of acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) in children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) and to identify associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective cohort study included 181 children hospitalized with febrile UTI at Fujian Children′s Hospital from April 2021 to September 2023. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into AFBN group and non-AFBN group based on AFBN diagnosis. The incidence of AFBN within this febrile UTI cohort was determined. The diagnostic value for pre-antibiotic blood white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, along with post-treatment fever duration and pyuria duration for AFBN was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC).Results:The cohort comprised 181 children with febrile UTI (100 boys and 81 girls), age of 0.6 (0.3, 1.0) years. Eleven patients (6.1%) were diagnosed with AFBN. For predicting AFBN, the AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.55-0.85, P=0.026) for pre-antibiotic WBC count and 0.80 (95% CI 0.71-0.90, P=0.001) for pre-antibiotic CRP level, with optimal cutoff values of 16.0×10 9/L and 80.1 mg/L, respectively. For post-treatment parameters, the AUC was 0.79 (95% CI 0.69-0.92, P=0.001) for fever duration and 0.84 (95% CI 0.72-0.97, P<0.001) for pyuria duration, with optimal cutoff values of 1.9 d and 5.5 d, respectively. The combination of pre-antibiotic WBC count >16.0×10 9/L and CRP>80.1 mg/L yielded a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.86 for AFBN prediction. Similarly, the combination of post-treatment fever duration ≥2 d and pyuria duration >5 d demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.88. Conclusions:AFBN incidence was 6.1% in this cohort of children with febrile UTI. AFBN should be highly suspected in febrile UTI children presenting with either a pre-antibiotic WBC count >16.0×10 9/L and CRP >80.1 mg/L, or a post-treatment fever duration ≥2 d and pyuria duration >5 d.
6.Effects of Bimin Formula (鼻敏方) on the Nasal Mucosa TMEM16A/NF-κB/MUC5AC Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Allergic Rhinitis with Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency
Ningcong XU ; Yiwei HUA ; Xi TAN ; Jinhan WANG ; Zihua LIANG ; Shiqing ZHOU ; Yunying LI ; Wenyong CHEN ; Jiyan XIA ; Qiulan LUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(8):842-848
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Bimin Formula (鼻敏方) in treating lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome of allergic rhinitis (AR) with high mucin secretion. MethodsThirty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (8 rats), a model group (8 rats), a low-dose Bimin Formula group (8 rats), and a high-dose Bimin Formula group (10 rats). Except for the blank group, the other groups were subjected to AR lung-spleen qi deficiency rat models induced by smoking, gavage of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, and ovalbumin. After modeling, rats in the low- and high-dose Bimin Formula groups were given Bimin Formula concentrate (concentration of 2.16 g/ml) by gavage at doses of 1.08 g/100 g and 2.16 g/100 g, respectively, while rats in the model group were given 0.5 ml/100 g of normal saline by gavage, once daily for 28 days; the blank group was not intervened. Behavioral assessments were performed after intervention. ELISA was used to detect the levels of peripheral blood total immunoglobulin E (IgE). HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of nasal mucosa epithelium in rats, while immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) protein in nasal mucosa. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein, and RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of TMEM16A, MUC5AC, and NF-κB mRNA in nasal mucosa. ResultsHE staining showed that the nasal mucosa epithelial cell structure in the blank group was intact without shedding, swelling, or necrosis; the nasal mucosa epithelial tissue of rats in the model group was thickened and partially shed, with infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes visible; the pathological changes in nasal mucosa tissue of rats in the high- and low-dose Bimin Formulagroups were improved, and more improvement was showen in the high-dose group. Compared with those in the blank group, the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the model group significantly increased, as well as the expression of TMEM16A, MUC5AC, and NF-κB proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosa (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the high-dose Bimin Formula group decreased, and the expression of TMEM16A, MUC5AC, and NF-κB proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosaalso decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the low-dose Bimin Formula group were reduced, and the expression of TMEM16A and MUC5AC proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosa, as well as the expression of NF-κB protein decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but the difference in NF-κB mRNA expression was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the low-dose Bimin Formula group, the expression of NF-κB protein in the high-dose group decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionBimin Formula may improve the symptoms and high mucus secretion of AR lung-spleen qi deficiency by regulating the TMEM16A/NF-κB/MUC5AC signaling pathway in nasalmucosa.
7.Research progress on the current status and associated factors of airborne microbial pollution in college campuses
DENG Xunuo, LIU Yuheng, GAO Chunyan, XU Zihua, MA Xuezheng, REN Liping, CHEN Xiaoqin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(5):751-756
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms, especially pathogenic microorganisms, are easily transmitted through dust and droplets, leading to various infectious diseases. The study summarizes the status of airborne microbial pollution, potential exposure levels, particle size, and species distribution of microorganisms, discusses the impact of airborne microorganisms on human health, and analyzes specific factors affecting campus air microorganisms from four aspects:climate, anthropogenic factors, time, and space, to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective improvement measures, improving air quality and safeguarding the health of teachers and students.
8.Analysis of serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E in 3 051 patients with eczema or dermatitis in an allergy clinic
Fanping YANG ; Li MA ; Sheng′an CHEN ; Zihua CHEN ; Lanting WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Qinyuan ZHU ; Yu XU ; Lin TANG ; Yao HU ; Xiaoqun LUO
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2023;56(2):136-141
Objective:To analyze measurement results of serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in patients with eczema/dermatitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in 3 051 patients with eczema/dermatitis, who visited the allergy clinic of Huashan Hospital from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The serum allergen-specific IgE level was detected by using the Phadia allergen detection system, and positive rates of allergens were calculated to determine common inhaled allergens and food allergens in patients with eczema/dermatitis. Comparisons of enumeration data between groups were performed by chi-square test.Results:Among the 3 051 patients with eczema/dermatitis, there were 1 412 with atopic dermatitis and 1 639 were other eczema/dermatitis. Detection of serum allergen-specific IgE showed that 1 629 (53%) patients were positive for allergens, and the number of positive allergen-specific IgEs in each patient was 3.0 ± 1.6. The top 3 common inhaled allergens in patients with eczema/dermatitis were Dermatophagoides farinae (904/1 522, 59%) , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (891/1 513, 59%) and Alternaria alternata (206/1 068, 19%) , and the top 3 common food allergens were shrimps (251/1 432, 18%) , egg white (165/992, 17%) and cow milk (149/994, 15%) . Among the 3 051 patients, 25 (1%) were aged < 2 years, 571 (19%) aged 2 - 12 years, 285 (9%) aged 12 - 18 years, and 2 170 (71%) were aged > 18 years. The most common food allergens were both egg white in the age groups of < 2 years and 2 -12 years (77%, 37%, respectively) , and were both shrimps in the age groups of 12 - 18 years and > 18 years (31%, 17%, respectively) . Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farina were the top 2 common inhaled allergens in all age groups, with the positive rate ranging from 36% to 84%; in addition, the positive rate of molds was relatively high in the age group of 2 - 12 years (mold mixture: 37%; Alternaria alternata: 27%) . From April 2021 to March 2022, the positive rate of outdoor allergens ranged from 10% to 15% among outpatients in every month; the positive rates of tree pollen and grass pollen increased from April 2021, and peaked in October 2021. The patients with atopic dermatitis showed a significantly increased positive rate of allergens (73%) compared with those with other eczema/dermatitis (37%, χ2 = 389.36, P<0.001) , and the rank of common allergens in the patients with atopic dermatitis was basically the same as that in those with eczema/dermatitis. Conclusions:The common allergens were Dermatophagoides farina, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Alternaria alternata in the patients with eczema/dermatitis. Food allergy was more common in infant patients, and inhalation allergy was more common in child, adolescent and adult patients. The positive rate of allergen-specific IgEs was markedly higher in the patients with atopic dermatitis than in those with other eczema/dermatitis.
9.Effectiveness of artificial intelligence-endoscopic ultrasound biliary and pancreatic recognition system: a crossover study
Boru CHEN ; Liwen YAO ; Lihui ZHANG ; Zihua LU ; Huiling WU ; Honggang YU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2023;40(10):778-783
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of the artificial intelligence-endoscopic ultrasound (AI-EUS) biliary and pancreatic recognition system in assisting the recognition of EUS images.Methods:Subjects who received EUS due to suspicious biliary and pancreatic diseases from December 2019 to August 2020 were prospectively collected from the database of Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. Pancreatic EUS images of 28 subjects were included for recognition of pancreas standard station. EUS images of bile duct of 29 subjects were included for recognition of bile duct standard station. Eight new endoscopists from the Gastroenterology Department of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University read the 57 EUS videos with and without the assistance of AI-EUS biliary and pancreatic recognition system. Accuracy of endoscopists' identification of biliary and pancreatic standard sites with and without the assistance of AI-EUS was compared.Results:The accuracy of pancreas standard station identification of the new endoscopists increased from 67.2% (903/1 344) to 78.4% (1 054/1 344) with the assistance of AI-EUS. The accuracy of bile duct standard station identification increased from 56.4% (523/928) to 73.8% (685/928).Conclusion:AI-EUS biliary and pancreatic recognition system can improve the accuracy of EUS images recognition of biliary and pancreatic system, which can assist diagnosis in clinical work.
10.Effect of Huashi Runzao Prescription on Structure and Function of Submandibular Gland in Sjögren's Syndrome Model Mice
Qian HE ; Xinbo YU ; Ziwei HUANG ; Jiahe LIAO ; Guangyao CHEN ; Zihua WU ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Jianying YANG ; Jing LUO ; Qingwen TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(8):36-44
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huashi Runzao prescription (HRP) on the histopathological injury and function of submandibular gland in naive non-obese diabetic (NOD/Ltj) mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and its regulatory effect on aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression in submandibular gland cells. MethodThe SS model was induced in NOD/Ltj mice. The NOD/Ltj female mice aged nine weeks were selected and randomly assigned into model group,HRP group (7.15 g·kg-1·d-1),and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) group (1.30 g·kg-1·d-1), and female BALB/c mice in the same age were selected and assigned into the normal group, with six mice in each group. Drug intervention lasted eight weeks. The water consumption and salivary flow rate (SFR) of each group were recorded. The pathological staining results of the submandibular gland of mice in each group were observed and scored. AQP5 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased water consumption (P<0.05) and reduced SFR (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the HRP group showed decreased water consumption (P<0.05) and increased SFR (P<0.05), and the HCQ group showed increased SFR (P<0.05). In terms of histopathological results of the submandibular gland,compared with the normal group,the model group showed increased pathological score, number of lymphocyte infiltration foci,and percentage of lymphatic infiltration area (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the HRP group showed reduced pathological scores and number of lymphocyte infiltration foci (P<0.05), and the HRP group and the HCQ group showed reduced percentage of lymphatic infiltration area(P<0.05). The results of IHC and Western blot showed that compared with the normal group,the model group showed down-regulated expression level of AQP5 protein (P<0.05), and compared with the model group and the HCQ group,the HRP group showed up-regulated expression level of AQP5 protein (P<0.05). ConclusionHRP can improve the secretion function of submandibular gland acinous cells and glandular structure injury in SS model mice, and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of AQP5 protein expression level in submandibular gland cells.


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