1.Research progress of biomaterial-mediated brain-computer interfaces in neural rehabilitation
Xiangxiang YU ; Jie SHI ; Yucheng CHEN ; Lifeng CHENG ; Liangcan HE ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):213-220
Neurological disorders such as post-stroke hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson disease represent a major global health burden. Brain-computer interface (BCI), which creates direct communication pathways between the nervous system and external devices, offers a promising strategy for functional restoration. The long-term efficacy of such BCI fundamentally depends on the performance of biomaterials at the neural interface. Ideal materials must concurrently satisfy biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, enduring chemical stability, and mechanical compatibility with brain tissue. This review systematically outlines the application of conductive polymers, inorganic nanomaterials, natural biomaterials, and composites in BCI, with a focus on how advanced designs, such as bionic and encapsulated electrodes, improve signal fidelity and surgical feasibility through structural innovation. It further summarizes key material-modification techniques and analyzes the complex foreign-body response orchestrated by microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral immune cells. Finally, it provides insights into future research directions and clinical translation of BCI-based neurorehabilitation, while highlighting critical challenges including long-term biosafety and the establishment of standardized evaluation frameworks, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and effective clinical deployment.
2.Research progress on the relationship between brown adipose tissue and weight loss therapy
Jiaojiao LIU ; Zhitian ZHANG ; Yin CHEN ; Xijia HE ; Hongmei YAN ; Ruwen WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):113-120
In recent years, the rising prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic syndromes has emerged as a critical global public health concern. Sustained weight loss exceeding 10% of total body weight has been shown to ameliorate obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hepatic steatosis. Recently, the potential of brown adipose tissue (BAT) to improve metabolism has garnered significant attention. However, evidence regarding weight loss therapies that promote BAT activation remains limited in preclinical models and is even scarcer in clinical studies, partly due to the paucity of appropriate BAT assessment techniques. This review aims to explore the potential impact of various weight loss therapies on BAT, with the goal of providing novel insights and strategies for the treatment of obesity.
3.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.
4.Analysis of HPV Infection Characteristics and Influencing Factors for Lesion Grade in Patients with Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and Cervical Cancer
Jingjing HAN ; Lijie ZHANG ; Ruyu CAI ; Haili LI ; He WANG ; Le DANG ; Hongda CHEN ; Ming'e LI ; Lan ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):156-165
To summarize the distribution characteristics of human papillomavirus(HPV) infection types in patients with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion(SIL) and cervical cancer(CC), and to explore the impact of HPV vaccination, HPV infection types, and general clinical data on different grades of cervical lesions. Clinical data of women attending the gynecological colposcopy clinic of Shenzhen People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Patients with HPV genotyping records and histopathologically diagnosed SIL or CC were included and divided into three groups based on pathological results: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(LSIL) group, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL) group, and CC group. The distribution of high-risk HPV subtypes was analyzed among the three groups, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify influencing factors for high-grade cervical lesions. A total of 4162 patients were included, comprising 4057 cervical SIL patients(3317 LSIL and 740 HSIL) and 105 CC patients. The overall mean age was(39.9±11.2) years. The HPV infection rate was 95.1%(3959/4162), and 25.0%(1040/4162) of patients had received HPV vaccination. Among high-risk HPV infections, HPV 52, HPV 16, HPV 58, and HPV 18 were the most common subtypes. HPV 52 had the highest infection rate in the LSIL group(27.6%), while HPV 16 was the most prevalent in the HSIL group(45.3%) and CC group(64.9%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that HPV vaccination( HPV infection is common in patients with SIL and CC, but the distribution of high-risk HPV subtypes varies among different grades of cervical lesions. It is recommended to strengthen cervical cancer screening and monitoring of key high-risk HPV infections in older and multiparous women in Shenzhen, and to continue promoting HPV vaccination.
5.Preliminary study on an improved method for constructing internal quality control framework of ELISA
Youbin DUAN ; Rui WANG ; Le CHANG ; Changwen QIU ; Zhiqiang LI ; Gengrui CHEN ; Jingjuan YANG ; Qing HE ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):103-108
Objective: To propose an improved method for constructing the internal quality control (IQC) framework for ELISA assays and validate its efficacy by statistically analyzing IQC data from nine blood center laboratories. Methods: 1) IQC data was collected from nine blood centers and analyzed using a domestic HBsAg ELISA detection kit as an example. 2) Differences between IQC values across batches within Blood Center 1 were assessed. 3) Statistical analyses were performed on batch usage, number of batches used, days of use, number of QC points, batch-specific means, and coefficients of variation (CV) across all nine centers. 4) Using the improved construction method for IQC framework, provisional and permanent frames were established for batches within Blood Center 1 and Blood Center 9, followed by outlier determination. Results: 1) Statistically significant differences were observed in IQC data between batches within Blood Center 1 (P<0.01). It is recommended that both the control material/reagents and the control chart framework be replaced simultaneously. 2) There were substantial differences among 9 blood centers regarding the control material/reagent lot numbers used, the number of QC runs per batch, and the QC values for identical lots. Therefore, individual laboratories should establish their own IQC chart frameworks. 3) The improved IQC framework construction method for ELISA assays is as follows: provisional frames are established via frame-shifting, using the pre-experimental mean and cumulative coefficient of variation (CV) from the preceding batch. For batches used >20 days with >20 QC points, permanent frames are constructed by aggregating in-control data accumulated over ≥20 days with ≥20 points to calculate cumulative mean and standard deviation. The provisional and permanent frames constructed by this method identified all 26 extreme outliers across Blood Centers 1 and 9 as out-of-control. Among the 218 general outliers, 10 were classified as normal by the provisional frames, while the remainder were designated as warnings or out-of-control. This method effectively monitors assay stability. Conclusion: Based on the statistical analysis of IQC practices across blood centers of varying scales, combined with the inherent characteristics of ELISA assays and the batch-to-batch instability of reagents/QC materials, it is recommended to reconstruct QC charts upon lot changes. The proposed method—utilizing frame-shifting for provisional frames and establishing permanent frames based on cumulative data—is applicable to blood center laboratories of differing sizes and effectively monitors the stability of the ELISA assay process.
6.Establishment and Evaluation of an Oxidative Stress Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene
Chang LIU ; Xuesong XIANG ; Huihuang HE ; Xiaoqing CHEN ; Wenhong QIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):46-54
Objective To establish an oxidative stress mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD) by applying 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to the back and post-auricular skin of KM mice, and to evaluate the regulatory role of the RAGE-NLRP3 axis (receptor for advanced glycation end products-NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 axis) in AD-related oxidative stress, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for AD treatment. Methods Twenty SPF-grade female KM mice were randomly divided into a control group (Control group) and an experimental group (DNFB group), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the Control group were treated with an acetone-olive oil vehicle (acetone: olive oil = 3:1) on their back and post-auricular skin. Mice in the DNFB group were treated with 0.5% DNFB (prepared by adding 0.5 g DNFB per 100 mL of acetone-olive oil vehicle) on the same areas, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The severity of skin lesions was scored on days 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 14 of treatment. On day 14, scratching behavior and ear thickness were evaluated. Ear swelling was evaluated on the final day by measuring bilateral ear thickness three times with a vernier caliper; the three measurements were averaged. HE staining was used to observe morphological and structural changes of cells in the back skin tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in skin tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression levels of oxidative stress-related molecules, including NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), caspase-1 (cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease 1), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Results On day 14, the back skin lesion scores of the Control group and DNFB group were (0.20±0.42) and (9.93±1.30) (P<0.000 1), respectively. Scratching behavior scores were (5.00±2.05) and (49.26±8.49) episodes, respectively (P<0.000 1), and ear thicknesses were (213.00±11.87) μm and (765.93±140.47) μm (P<0.000 1), respectively. The DNFB group exhibited marked skin dryness, desquamation, and thickening. HE staining results showed that skin inflammation was obvious in the DNFB group, consistent with the pathological features of AD. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the Control group, the mRNA expression level of RAGE in skin tissues of the DNFB group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression level of RAGE was also significantly increased (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with the Control group, skin tissue sections of the DNFB group exhibited thickened stratum corneum and fibrotic proliferation of fibroblasts in the interstitium under microscopic observation, with a significant increase in RAGE protein expression in the skin tissues (P<0.01). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in skin tissues of the DNFB group were all significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion The AD mouse oxidative stress model has been successfully established by topical DNFB application. RAGE may promote the development of AD by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release, forming an oxidative-inflammatory cascade, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic target for AD.
7.A preliminary study on Toxoplasma gondii interfering with copper metabolism pathways in mouse kidney
Jun YANG ; Chuanming REN ; Min LIU ; Kunting WANG ; He CHEN ; Yihong CAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on copper metabolism in the kidneys of mice. MethodsA total of 80 7-8-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into four groups of 20 mice in each group after one week of adaptation, including Control group, Cu group, TgCtwh6 group and Cu+TgCtwh6 group. Mice that were not infected and fed with normal diet and water were used as the Control group; Mice fed with 1 g/kg of copper chloride processing diet and 0.1% copper chloride water for 60 consecutive days were used as Cu group; Mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts (one of the predominant genotype Chinese 1 in China) fed with normal diet and water were used as the TgCtwh6 group; mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts and fed with a processed diet containing 1 g/kg of copper chloride and water with 0.1% copper chloride for 60 consecutive days were used as the Cu+TgCtwh6 group. ICP-MS was used to determine the changes in copper content in kidney tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of mouse kidney tissue. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by PI staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2). RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cuproptosis-related genes. ResultsPathological manifestations such as inflammatory cell infiltration in the Cu group and TgCtwh6 group were seen under the microscope, and the inflammatory infiltrating cells of the renal interstitial were reduced in the Cu+TgCtwh6 group, and the pathological manifestations
8.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
9.Mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis based on macrophage polarization
Huaping ZHONG ; Qicheng ZHU ; Zhengwei ZOU ; Zhengyi HE ; Heping XIE ; Xu CHEN ; Zhisheng DUAN ; Tian XIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):438-443
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis (AS)based on macrophage polarization. METHODS Using atorvastatin served as the positive control, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction was prepared to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage viability, apoptosis rate, and the fluorescence intensities of CD86 and CD206 were measured, along with the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Apolipoprotei n E-deficient (ApoE -/- ) mice (AS model mice) fed with a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to model group, atorvastatin group (2.6 mg/kg), and low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction (90, 180, 360 mg/kg), respectively. C57BL/6J mice fed with a standard diet served as the normal control group, with 10 mice per group. The treatment group mice were administered the corresponding drugs intragastrically, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in all groups. Lipid deposition in the aorta (assessed by the percentage of plaque in the entire aorta and aortic root) and morphological changes in the aortic root were observed. Expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg-1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) in aortic tissues were all detected. RESULTS Cell experiment results showed that, at concentrations of 5-100 μg/mL, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction significantly increased RAW264.7 cell viability ( P <0.05). The drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL, along with atorvastatin, significantly reduced apoptosis rates, CD86 fluorescence intensity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells, while markedly enhancing CD206 fluorescence intensity ( P <0.05). Animal experiment results showed that, compared with the model group, all dosage groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction and the atorvastatin group showed significantly reduced/down-regulated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum, along with decreased aortic total and root plaque percentages, CD86 expression, and iNOS protein expression. CD206 expression and Arg-1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PPAR-γ protein expression were significantly up-regulated ( P <0.05). Pathological morphology of the aorta showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS The formula of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction exerts its anti-AS effects by regulating macrophage polarization, increasing the proportion of M2 macrophages, thereby effectively inhibiting AS plaque formation and reducing inflammatory responses.
10.Visual evaluation of medical humanistic care based on the concept of implementation science
Xuancheng CHEN ; Yangyi CHEN ; Huiling LI ; Mengyun PENG ; Fanli TIAN ; Xiaojun ZHOU ; Zhisong HE ; Chen FANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):194-200
ObjectiveTo introduce visual teaching into the course design of medical humanistic care based on the concept of implementation science, evaluate the teaching implementation effect and feedback, and provide references for optimizing course teaching outcomes and improving students’ humanistic care competence. MethodsA visual teaching program for medical humanistic care was designed, with key steps including clarifying teaching objectives, content, methods, and curriculum assessment. This program was implemented in the medical humanistic care course teaching involving 50 elective students. Multi-dimensional evaluation of teaching effectiveness was conducted through course grades, visual teaching evaluation, and humanistic workshop assessment, combined with inductive content analysis of students’ learning experiences in the workshops. ResultsThe 50 students achieved above-average course grades (89.60±3.41) and demonstrated high satisfaction with the overall course and visual teaching. All the 6 groups obtained relatively high scores in the medical humanistic care workshops. Four themes were extracted, namely, enhancing humanistic care competencies, deepening familial and interpersonal relationships, realizing emotional expression and self-growth, and strengthening integration of humanistic care concepts with practice. ConclusionThe teaching of medical humanistic care course has achieved favorable effects, which contributes to deepening students’ understanding of humanistic care and enhancing their humanistic care competence. Students demonstrate high levels of recognition and satisfaction with the course.

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