1.Analysis of prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among students in Zhejiang Province
SHI Yingyun, GU Fang, XIA Jiayue, LIU Qinye, WEI Xiaoyu, CHEN Fen, WEI Yizhou, LIU Weina
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):232-236
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated factors among students in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 23 829 college students and primary and secondary school students aged 11-22 years in Zhejiang Province from December 2019 to February 2020. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Three machine learning algorithms, including Logistic regression, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were applied to construct predictive models, and key associated factors were identified by comparing model performance.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among students in Zhejiang Province was 19.92%; the rates were 17.20% in boys and 22.87% in girls( χ 2=164.89, P <0.05). The CES-D total score was 9.00(4.00,13.00). Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that loneliness had the strongest association with depressive symptoms ( AOR =9.58, 95% CI =8.90-10.30), while bullying exposure ( AOR =4.39, 95% CI =4.02-4.80), female students( AOR =1.81, 95% CI =1.68-1.94),never eating breakfast ( AOR = 2.34,95% CI =2.00-2.67) and overweight/obesity( AOR =1.10,95% CI =1.08-1.12) were significant associated factors of depressive symptoms among students (all P <0.05). Analysis based on the XGBoost model produced highly consistent results, identifying the above 5 factors as the core features with the highest correlation strength (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Female, loneliness, bullying exposure, frequency of weekly breakfast and BMI are strongly associated with depressive symptoms among students. Mental health education for high risk groups should be strengthened, and coordinated prevention efforts between families and schools are recommended.
2.Evaluation of public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province
Haiyan LI ; Ting CHEN ; Chengyue LI ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Wei WANG ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Peiwu SHI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):153-158
ObjectiveTo systematically assess the public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province, to conduct an in-depth analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, so as to provide scientific basis and strategic recommendations for further enhancement. MethodsA systematic collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province from 2002 to 2023 was conducted (encompassing a total of 1 263 policy documents, 138 pieces of information reports and 631 research articles). Based on the evaluation criteria suitable for public health systems previously developed by the research team, the basic status and magnitude of change in public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province was evaluated. Additionally, normative gap analyses were employed to identify the strengths and weaknesses. ResultsZhejiang Province ranked 4th nationwide in terms of public health governance capacity with a score of 733.4 points (1 000.0-point maximum). The province has effectively implemented the principle of health first (scoring 698.5 points in the assessment of health-first strategy implementation) and attached sufficient importance to health-related goals (scoring 658.2 points in the scientific rationality of goal setting). However, the implementation of inter-departmental coordination and incentive mechanisms only scored 178.7 points, the feasibility of management and monitoring mechanisms scored even lower at only 144.0 points, and the coverage of incentive mechanisms scored 286.0 points. ConclusionZhejiang Province has effectively implemented its health first strategy and attached great importance to health targets, but still needs to strengthen cross-departmental coordination mechanisms and health-oriented incentives.
3.Systematic review of predictive models for delayed graft function after kidney transplantation
Qimeng ZHU ; Wei JIANG ; Ying CHEN ; Danfeng TANG ; Yi XU ; Jian SHI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):495-502
Objective To systematically review the studies on predictive models for delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation. Methods Databases including China Biology Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched to collect studies on predictive models for DGF after kidney transplantation published from the establishment of each database to June 29, 2025. Two researchers screened the literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality of the literatures using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST), and conducted a meta-analysis of the common predictors of the models using R software. Results A total of 12 literatures were included, involving 14 predictive models with sample sizes ranging from 103 to 24 653 cases. Donor serum creatinine level, cold ischemia time, donor age and donor body mass index were the top four common predictors. All the predictive models were at high risk of bias and low in applicability. The results of meta-analysis showed that abnormal donor body mass index, advanced donor age, prolonged cold ischemia time and elevated donor serum creatinine level were all associated with an increased risk of DGF after transplantation (all P<0.01), but there was high heterogeneity among the studies. Fixed-effect model and random-effect model were used to re-pool the effect sizes separately. The results indicated that the fixed-effect model and random-effect model had good consistency in terms of donor body mass index, donor age and cold ischemia time, while there was a significant difference in the effect sizes of the two models for donor serum creatinine level. Conclusions The predictive models for DGF risk after kidney transplantation have good predictive performance, but the overall risk of bias is high. In the future, large-sample, multicenter and high-quality prospective clinical studies should be carried out to optimize the predictive models, so as to improve their predictive ability and clinical application value.
4.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
5.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
6.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
7.Efficacy and safety of Shuganning injection in treatment of liver injury: A clinical analysis
Qiaoxin WEI ; Mei LIU ; Daimeng SHI ; Shaoli YOU ; Yu CHEN ; Shuangsuo DANG ; Dongliang YANG ; Yuemin NAN ; Mingliang CHENG ; Zhongping DUAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1349-1357
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Shuganning injection in the treatment of liver injury by observing the clinical outcome of patients with liver injury after treatment with Shuganning injection and comparing it with reduced glutathione (GSH). MethodsThis study was conducted among 175 patients with liver injury who attended 6 hospitals in China (Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University; Nanyang First People’s Hospital; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University; The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital; The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University) from April 25, 2019 to February 28, 2022. The patients were divided into experimental group (89 patients treated with Shuganning injection) and control group (86 patients treated with GSH), and the course of treatment was 4 weeks for both groups. Related indicators were recorded before treatment, after treatment, and after drug withdrawal for 8 weeks, including liver function parameters, blood biochemical parameters, blood lipids, coagulation profiles, liver fibrosis markers, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, and ultrasound findings, as well as adverse events during treatment. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of observation indicators before treatment, at week 4 of treatment, and after drug withdrawal for 8 weeks. When the efficacy evaluation of TCM syndromes was used as the outcome, a pooled analysis was performed for the effective cases and the markedly effective cases, and a Logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and its 95%CI. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment with Shuganning injection, the patients showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome score (P<0.001) and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin (all P<0.001) and a significant increase in the level of albumin (P=0.002), and these significant improvements persisted after drug withdrawal for 8 weeks. Furthermore, compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly higher proportion of patients assessed as effective or markedly effective cases (48.31% vs 32.56%, P=0.033). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly greater change in TCM syndrome score at weeks 1-4 of treatment and after drug withdrawal for 8 weeks (P<0.05). At week 4 of treatment, the experimental group had a significantly greater reduction in alanine aminotransferase than the control group (P<0.05), and at week 8 after drug withdrawal, the experimental group had a significantly greater reduction in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase than the control group (all P<0.05). One patient in the experimental group (1.12%) experienced an adverse event, which was determined to be associated with the progression of viral hepatitis. ConclusionShuganning injection can effectively improve liver injury, with good long-term efficacy and a low incidence rate of adverse reactions.
8.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.
9.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.
10.Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus xylosus in Nude Mice with Squamous Skin Scurfs
Zhihao KONG ; Xiaofeng WEI ; Lingzhi YU ; Liping FENG ; Qi ZHU ; Guojun SHI ; Chen WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):368-375
Objective To isolate pathogenic bacteria from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs, and perform bacterial identification, traceability analysis, and pathogenicity studies to provide a new approach for the diagnosis of pathogens in nude mice with squamous skin scurfs. MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs for nucleic acid testing, bacterial isolation and culture, biochemical identification, 16S rDNA gene amplification and sequencing, and whole genome sequencing to construct a phylogenetic tree. Fifteen BALB/c nude mice were randomized into a saline-treated control group, a high-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁸ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension, and a low-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁷ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension. Pathogenicity was assessed by animal infection experiments and observation of histopathological changes in skin tissue using HE staining. Results The nucleic acid test for Corynebacterium bovis was negative, excluding infection by this organism. The pathogen isolated on mannitol salt agar and blood agar, combined with Gram staining, suggested a Gram-positive Staphylococcus species. The isolated strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and a fully automated microbial identification system as Staphylococcus xylosus. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on whole genome sequencing showed that the strain was most closely related to an isolate from leafy vegetables in South Korea (GenBank GCA_00207825.1). In the high-concentration group, squamous skin scurfs appeared on the head, neck, and back of nude mice on the 17th day post-infection, while in the low concentration group, similar symptoms appeared on the 20th day post-infection and gradually spread to other areas. The scaling symptoms were transient, lasting for 7 days in the high-concentration group and 3 days in the low-concentration group, after which the skin returned to normal. The infection rate was 33.33% in both the high- and low-concentration groups. No significant pathological changes were observed in the skin tissues of infected mice compared to the control group, indicating marked individual differences in the pathogenicity of the strain in nude mice. Conclusion A strain of Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs. The strain is an opportunistic pathogen that causes transient squamous skin scurfs without significant histopathological changes, and there are individual differences in the sensitivity of nude mice to this strain. These findings can provide valuable data for pathogen identification in immunodeficient or gene knockout mice.


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