1.Epidemiologic survey of pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a district of Hefei City, Anhui Province in 2019-2023
Xin GUO ; Jingjing LI ; Zhiqiang LUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):96-100
Objective To investigate the epidemiological survey of pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a district of Hefei City, Anhui Province, from 2019 to 2023. Methods The data of 302 patients who attended and were treated in the respiratory department, thoracic surgery department, oncology department, tuberculosis department and RICU ward of Anhui Chest Hospital from January 2019 to September 2023 were selected, and patients with Aspergillus infections were taken as the observation group, patients with Candida infections were taken as the control group, and bacterial infections were taken as the blank group. The general information of patients, pre-treatment infection, underlying diseases, and use of antifungal drugs were analyzed. Compare the data of observation group and control group, and analyze the risk factors affecting pulmonary Aspergillus infection. Results Pulmonary Aspergillus infection 100 cases, accounting for 33.11%. Pulmonary Candida infection was 80 cases, accounting for 26.49%. The other 122 cases were other lung diseases, accounting for 40.40%. The most common causative agent of pulmonary Aspergillus infection was Aspergillus fumigatus (57.00%), cough, sputum and occasional blood were found in most of the patients (88.00%), most of the lesions were located in the right upper lobe of the lungs (55.00%), and most of the single or multiple cavities were seen on imaging (47.00%). Specimens mostly originated from the deep airways of hospitalized patients and there was a predominance of male patients. Risk factors for pulmonary Aspergillus infection were history of hospital transfer, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal catheterization (intravenous catheter and urinary catheter), history of surgery within 15 days, history of diabetes mellitus, history of respiratory chronic disease, history of antifungal prophylaxis and abnormal serum indicators. History of hospital transfer (OR=2.951, P=0.008), history of diabetes mellitus (OR=5.073, P=0.018), history of chronic respiratory disease (OR=7.523 , P=0.028), extracorporeal catheterization (OR=3.142, P=0.022), and history of anti-fungal prophylaxis (OR=6.334, P<0.001) were Aspergillus pulmonaryis infection independent risk factors for infection. Conclusion Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus are the main pathogens of pulmonary Aspergillus infections in the region, and a history of nosocomial transfer, extracorporeal tubes, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease, and antifungal prophylaxis are independent risk factors for pulmonary Aspergillus infections.
2.HAN Mingxiang's Experience in Clinical Application of Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.)
Jian DING ; Weizhen GUO ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):340-343
This paper summarizes Professor HAN Mingxiang's clinical experience in the use of Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.). It is believed that Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.) has the effects of promoting qi, relieving water retention and swelling, resolving phlegm, stopping cough, dissipating masses, activating blood, removing stasis, and detoxifying. In clinical practice, Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.) is flexibly applied in the treatment of skin diseases, respiratory diseases, tumors, etc. For instance, in treating psoriasis with the pathogenesis of damp-heat toxin, a compound prescription of Zeqi Decoction (泽漆汤) is formulated. For bronchial asthma with kidney deficiency and water retention, Zeqi Decoction is commonly combined with Wuling Powder (五苓散) in adjusted doses. For lung nodules with a combination of deficiency, phlegm, stasis, and toxin, a Lung Nodule Prescription is proposed. For advanced lung cancer with both qi and yin deficiency and toxin accumulation, Qiyu Sanlong Decoction (芪玉三龙汤) is suggested, and for cancer-related ascites with qi deficiency and water retention, Wuling Powder combined with Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.)is chosen.
3.The “Shu” and “Dao” of AI in healthcare: the ethical reflections based on Taoist thought
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):201-206
The development of the industry represented by “artificial intelligence (AI) +” fully reflects the new requirements of the digital economy era, and AI in healthcare has become a key driving force for innovation in the healthcare industry. AI in healthcare represents the refinement of the “Shu” of medicine. However, a series of ethical issues related to “Dao” raised by AI have not been spared in the healthcare industry. An examination of the ethical issues posed by AI based on the perspective of Chinese Taoist thought found that the excessive application of AI in medicine can lead to the loss of human subjectivity, and the excessive technological intervention can also pose potential risks to the natural life process while raising the issues of data privacy and information security. Based on Taoist thought and reflecting on it, it is suggested that the whole society, especially healthcare institutions, should avoid excessive intervention, apply technology cautiously, protect privacy and dignity, emphasize humanistic care, and pay attention to social justice in the process of using AI in healthcare so that AI can be better used by human beings.
4.Advances in research on fine motion control of prosthesis fingers with brain-computer interface
Di GAN ; Hui HUANG ; Chengzhi LI ; Shiyu ZHANG ; Shiyuan WANG ; Tao WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):114-119
The deficiency of fingers due to various reasons leads to a certain degree of loss of full or part hand functions. Physical and mental health of patients are seriously affected, and patients have varying degrees of reduced quality of life. Prosthesis fingers play an important role in completing the body shape and enhancing patients’ self-confidence and self-esteem. However, how to make prosthesis fingers perform coordinated movements and restore complete functions is a crucial problem that urgently needs to be solved. This paper reviews the methods of brain-computer interface controlled fine finger movements and elaborates on the origin, current situation, and advancements of the development of this technology, laying a foundation for subsequent research, with the expectation of helping patients solve the problems arising from the insufficiency or absence of finger functions.
5.Effects of resveratrol on cGAS-STING signaling pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Taorong Wang ; Yubao Shao ; Nannan Liu ; Wenhao Li ; Meng Li ; Xiaoyu Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):73-78
Objective :
To investigate the effects of resveratrol(Res) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and to explore the possible mechanism of Res inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors from FLS.
Methods :
FLS from RA patients were culturedin vitroand treated with different concentrations of Res(0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 μmol/L). The viability of FLS cells was detected by CCK-8 assay after 12 and 24 h. The contents of inflammatory factor interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS) and stimulator of interferon gene(STING) were measured by Western blot; After lentivirus infection with FLS caused the cells to overexpress cGAS, the cells were divided into Control group(blank control), cGAS group(cGAS overexpression), Res+cGAS group(Res 160 μmol/L+cGAS overexpression) and Res group(Res 160 μmol/L). The expression level of STING protein in cells of each group was determined by Western blot, the viability of FLS cells in each group was detected by CCK-8, and the contents of inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant of cells of each group were detected by ELISA method.
Results :
The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that under 40, 80, 160 μmol/L Res treatment, FLS viability decreased significantly after 24 h compared with blank control group(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in cell supernatant were also significantly decreased after treatment with Res of 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L(P<0.01). Meanwhile, Western blot results showed that Res could significantly decrease the protein expression levels of STING and cGAS in FLS cells after treatment of 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L(P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Control group, the expression level of STING protein in FLS increased after overexpression of cGAS(P<0.05); compared with the Res group, the content of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of FLS and the expression level of STING protein in FLS significantly increased after overexpression of cGAS(P<0.01,P<0.05).
Conclusion
The appropriate concentration of Res can inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in FLS cells, which may be related to the blocking of cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
6.Analysis of expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress and trophoblast apoptosis-related markers in placental tissues of early and late-onset severe preeclampsia
Fen Kang ; Yongyuan Wu ; Xiaolan Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):102-108
Objective:
To explore the correlation between the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS) and trophoblast apoptosis-related markers and severe preeclampsia(SPE) in placental tissues of pregnant women with early-and late-onset SPE and normal pregnancy.
Methods:
Placental tissues from 20 early and late haired severe preeclamptic singleton pregnant women who attended the Hospital were collected(early-onset group, late-onset group), and 20 cases pregnant women of normal blood pressure and no other pregnancy complications who delivered in our hospital during the same period were selected as the normal group. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblast cells in placental tissues. Protein blotting assay was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins, including Glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), Phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α(p-eIF2α) and Phosphatidylinositol-requiring enzyme 1(p-IRE1)α. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Ki67), a proliferation marker, in placental tissues, and TUNEL staining was used to detect placental tissue trophoblast apoptosis.
Results:
The endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblast cells in the placental tissues of the normal pregnant women group was normal in volume, with no dilatation or swelling. In contrast, the endoplasmic reticulum of placental tissues in the severe preeclampsia group showed obvious edema and significant dilatation, and the dilatation was more obvious in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group. The expression level of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins GRP78(P<0.001,P<0.05) and CHOP(P<0.01,P<0.001), the phosphorylation levels of eIF2α(P<0.000 1,P<0.01) and IRE1α(P<0.000 1,P<0.001) increased in placental tissues of both early-onset and late-onset groups compared to those of the normal group. The p-eIF2α/eIF2α(P<0.001) to p-IRE1α/IRE1α ratio(P<0.05) and GRP78(P<0.01) protein expression levels were significantly higher in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group. Compared with the normal group, the number of Ki67-positive cells per field of view was significantly reduced in the early-onset and late-onset groups(P<0.000 1,P<0.05), and the number of Ki67-positive cells was significantly lower in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group(P<0.01). There were more positive apoptotic cells per field of view in the placental tissues of the early-onset group, and the apoptosis rate of trophoblast cells was significantly higher than that in the other two groups(P<0.001,P<0.01).
Conclusion
Increased trophoblast apoptosis and suppressed proliferation in placental tissues of patients with severe preeclampsia may be associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress overactivation, and the activation level is higher in placental tissues of early-onset severe preeclampsia than that of late-onset group.
7.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
8.Exploration of the Application of Fengfu (GV 16) Acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》)
Yawei ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Lintong WEN ; Hefei WANG ; Wei WANG ; Hongyu WU ; Shijiang SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):98-101
By examining the records related to the Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》) compiled by the Song Dynasty physician DOU Cai, this study analyzed various aspects, including the differentiation of conditions treated with Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the theoretical foundation for selection of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the application of needling manipulation, and the sensation of obtaining qi during acupuncture. The findings suggest that DOU Cai's approach to utilizing Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint differs from traditional methods, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of achieving a sensation of heat and numbness. His unique techniques include transverse insertion at Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint and penetrated insertion to Fengchi (GB 20) and Yifeng (TE 17) acupoints. The records of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book provide a valuable reference for its modern clinical application and further development.
9.The Effect of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) on the Expression of LXRα in Liver Tissue and the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Gastric Antrum Tissue of Diabetic Gastroparesis Model Rats
Qi XU ; Nuobing RUAN ; Jinju LI ; Xijuan LYU ; Zhaohui FANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):178-187
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤, BXD) in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis (DGP). MethodsA total of 29 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank group (5 rats) and model group, BXD group and metformin group (8 rats in each group). Except for the blank group, rats were administered intraperitoneally with 1% streptozotocin (STZ) solution and were fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet to establish the DGP rat model. After successful modeling, the BXD group was treated with BXD at 6.68 g/(kg·d) by gavage, the metformin group was treated with metformin hydrochloride at 105 mg/(kg·d) by gavage, and the blank group and the model group were treated with normal saline at 6.68 ml/(kg·d) by gavage, for 8 weeks. After the last administration, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) were measured and gastric emptying rate was calculated. ELISA was used to detect the levels of gastrointestinal hormones motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS), as well as inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in gastric tissue. Oil red O staining was performed to observe liver pathological morphology. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe gastric antrum tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect liver X receptor α (LXRα) levels in the liver. Western Blot was used to detect the protein levels of LXRα in liver tissue, and of janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phospho-janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in gastric antrum tissue. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue and JAK2, STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant hepatic fatty degeneration, gastric antrum tissue structure destruction, and increases in FBG, HbA1c, TC, and TG levels; the average fluorescence intensity, protein level, and mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue were reduced; the gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS and MTL levels decreased; inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in gastric tissue increased, IL-10 decreased; in gastric antrum tissue, the mRNA expression of p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3, and JAK2 and STAT3 increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the BXD group and the metformin group showed improved liver and gastric antrum tissue pathology; FBG, HbA1c, TC, and TG levels decreased, while LXRα fluorescence intensity, protein level, and mRNA expression in liver tissue significantly increased; the gastric emptying rate and the levels of GAS and MTL in gastric tissue were markedly higher; the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β decreased, whereas IL-10 levels increased, p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3, and the mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The BXD group showed higher level than the metformin group in FBG, HbA1c, and TG levels, lower level in gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS content, and higher level in gastric tissue TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β levels; there was also a decrease in IL-10 levels, and a reduction in LXRα fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression in liver tissue, as well as in p-JAK2/JAK2 levels in gastric antrum tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBXD can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in DGP model rats while improving gastric function and alleviating gastric tissue inflammation. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of LXRα expression in liver tissue and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in gastric antrum tissue.
10.The Impairment Attention Capture by Topological Change in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hui-Lin XU ; Huan-Jun XI ; Tao DUAN ; Jing LI ; Dan-Dan LI ; Kai WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):223-232
ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.


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