1.Research advances in the disease burden of viral hepatitis in China
Jian LI ; Fuzhen WANG ; Zhongdan CHEN ; Jinlei QI ; Ailing WANG ; Fanghui ZHAO ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Jing SUN ; Jiaqi KANG ; Zundong YIN ; Zhongfu LIU ; Jidong JIA ; Yu WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):221-227
Over the past three decades, China has made significant progress in the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, and the incidence rates of new-onset pediatric hepatitis B virus infections and acute viral hepatitis in the population have reduced to a relatively low level; however, there is still a heavy disease burden of chronic viral hepatitis in China, which severely affects the health status of the population. This study systematically summarizes the achievements of viral hepatitis prevention and control in China, analyzes existing problems and challenges, and proposes comprehensive prevention and control strategies and measures to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat based on the national conditions of China, in order to provide a reference for related departments in China on how to achieve the action targets for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
2.Overview of the Research on Mechanisms and Application of Essential Oil of Aromatic Chinese Medicinals in Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Disease
Wan Ling LI ; Xinxin WU ; Xiaolei LI ; Mingzhao HAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Haoyue LI ; Jing ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):638-644
Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs, which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition, immune regulation, and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation, smearing, topical application, bathing, gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification, through methods like diffusion, vaporization, or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience, quick absorption, and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However, there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions, indications, safety, and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils, and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently, accurately, and safely, thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Research progress on the characteristic clinical manifestations of pathologic myopia and their related genes
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):620-626
Pathologic myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Its characteristic clinical manifestations include posterior staphyloma caused by pathological elongation of the axial length, myopic maculopathy and high myopia-associated optic neuropathy. Extensive research conducted both domestically and internationally has consistently demonstrated that genetics plays a significant role in the occurrence and progression of pathologic myopia. With the innovative development of genetics, it has become possible to predict, prevent, control, and treat pathologic myopia at the gene level. This paper reviews the characteristic clinical manifestations of pathologic myopia and its related genes to provide a basis for the etiology of pathologic myopia and potential targets for therapeutic intervention, to provide a reference for treating pathologic myopia and its complications at the genetic level, and to explore new and effective ways to control the development of pathologic myopia.
4.Associations of volatile organic compounds/semi-volatile organic compounds exposure on asthma: A review of epidemiological studies and diagnostic applications
Tiantian GU ; Jin ZHANG ; Teng YANG ; Jiawei WANG ; Qinsheng KONG ; Guoxing LI ; Jing HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):756-761
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are common organic compounds in indoor and outdoor air, and enter the human body primarily through the respiratory tract and directly damage the respiratory system. Previous studies have suggested that exposure to VOCs/SVOCs may associate with the prevalence, incidence, and progression of asthma, but the extent of the associations is still vague. Furthermore, biomarkers for efficient and simple asthma diagnosis, typing, and attack prediction remain unclear at this stage. From the perspective of the collection and detection methods of VOCs/SVOCs, this paper summarized the epidemiological associations and underlying biological mechanisms between VOCs/SVOCs exposure and the prevalence, incidence, and progression of asthma in children/adults. It also demonstrated the application of VOCs/SVOCs in recent years in assisting asthma diagnosis, such as distinguishing asthma patients from the healthy population, differentiating different asthma phenotypes, and predicting asthma acute exacerbations, aiming to provide a scientific basis for improving current asthma management.
5.Experience in Treating Acne Based on the Staged Approach of "Eruption in Warm Diseases"
Yisheng ZHANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Fengyan TIAN ; Yuanyao SHE ; Jing LANG ; Weili KONG ; Qingyun LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1723-1726
This paper summarizes clinical experience in treating acne based on the staged therapeutic principles of "eruption in warm diseases". It is considered that acne results from wind-heat retained in the lungs, invading the ying level and obstructing the blood collaterals, and is primarily a disorder involving both the wei and ying systems. In clinical practice, the treatment emphasizes the use of acrid-cool and sweet-cold methods. The core prescription is namely Yinqiaosan Qu Douchi Jia Xishengdi Danpi Daqingye Bei Xuanshen Fang (from Epidemic Warm Diseases [《温病条辨》]), and is adjusted according to the stage of disease. In the non-inflammatory stage, when the pathogen initially attacks the wei level, treatment focuses on acrid-cool herbs to release the exterior, with supplementary bitter-sweet ingredients such as Yejuhua (Chrysanthemum Indicum). In the inflammatory stage, with pronounced heat toxin in the qi level affecting the ying and blood, and local stagnation of qi and blood, the approach is to clear heat and resolve toxin, using blood-cooling and stasis-resolving herbs early to prevent progression. Herbs such as Pugongying (Taraxacum Mongolicum), Zihuadiding (Viola Yedoensis), Tiankuizi (Semiaquilegia Adoxoides), Chonglou (Paris Polyphylla), Machixian (Portulaca Oleracea), Zaojiaoci (Gleditsia Sinensis), Chuanshanjia (Manis Pentadactyla) may be added. In the post-inflammatory erythema stage, when yin of the ying level is depleted and internal deficiency-heat arises, sweet-cold herbs are recommended to nourish the stomach and generate fluids, with the possible addition of Yiwei Decoction (益胃汤).
6.Junctophilin-2 MORN-Helix Domain: Structural Basis for Membrane Binding and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated Mutations
Jing-Xin WANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Wei LIU ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2103-2116
ObjectiveJunctophilin-2 (JPH2) is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes (JMCs) in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby facilitating excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat motifs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis. MethodsA recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2 (residues1-440), encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region, was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain. Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features. Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations, including R347C, was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization. ResultsThe crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6 Å, revealing a compact, elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration, forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues. A C-terminal α-helix further reinforced structural integrity. Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface, suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface. A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues, located adjacent to the MORN motifs, was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association, while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays, despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling. ConclusionThis study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2, highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions. The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis. These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
7. Tripterine promotes pyroptosis of liver cancer cells by regulating ATF4/caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway
Duan LI ; Yong-Hui WANG ; Jing ZHOU ; Yong-Hong KONG ; Le ZHANG ; Le ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):299-307
Aim To explore the new mechanism of triptolide (TRI) inhibiting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) . Methods Different concentrations (0, 0 . 5, 2, and 8 jjunol • L~) of TRI were administered to act on liver cancer cells, and then the cell phenotypes and possible mechanisms were explored using experimental methods such as CCK-8, cell cloning, Transwell, and protein immunoblotting; siRNA was used to interfere with the target gene GSDME and its role was determined. Finally, the mechanism of TRI inhibiting the growth of HCC cells in vivo was validated using a transplanted tumor model. Results TRI could inhibit the proliferation, cloning, and invasion of HCC cells, and promote cell apoptosis. Immunoblotting results showed that the expression of GSDME was significantly upregulated in HepG2 or He-pal-6 hepatocellular carcinoma after TRI treatment, while the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP also significantly increased. Knocking out GSDME could partially reverse TRI-induced cell apoptosis. At the same time, cells knocked down by GSDME had stronger cloning and migration abilities, and the apoptosis rate was reduced compared to the TRI treatment group alone. In vivo experiments showed that TRI inhibited HCC tumor growth, and the TRI + siGSDME group had a faster tumor growth rate than the TRI treatment group alone did. In addition, after TRI stimulation, p-eIF2a and ATF4 in HepG2 and Hepal-6 cells significantly increased. The immunofluorescence results showed a dose-dependent increase in the number of ATF4 positive cells in HepG2 and Hepal-6 cells after TRI stimulation. Conclusion The inhibitory effect of TRI on the growth and invasion of liver cancer cells may be related to its regulation of the ATF4/caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway and promotion of liver cancer cell apoptosis.
8.Transfer of cascade coincidence summing correction factors
Lingnan KONG ; Baolu YANG ; Zhenglin YE ; Jing ZHANG ; Qiang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2024;33(3):283-287
Objective To further extend the application of coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments through the analysis of relevant measurements. Methods The passive efficiency was simulated using BE5030 high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ-energy spectrometer equipped with LabSOCS, and the total efficiency was simulated using LabSOCS in GENIE 2000 spectrum analysis software, which was used for calculating the coincidence summing correction factor. The coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments were performed using the measurements with the point source containing 134Cs, 60Co, and 137Cs as well as the body source to obtain the coincidence summing correction factors of other HPGe γ-energy spectrometers. Results The coincidence summing correction factors for 134Cs and 60Co were obtained using the BE5030 γ-energy spectrum. In verification by certificate activity, the absolute value of the maximum deviation was within 3.53%. Using coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments, these factors were transferred to other high-purity germanium γ spectrometers. In verification by certificate activity, the absolute value of the maximum deviation was within 5.86%. Conclusion The coincidence summing correction factors calculated using simulated total efficiency by calling LabSOCS in the GENIE 2000 spectrum analysis software are effective in correction, and can be used as correction factors in standard laboratories. Through coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments, the coincidence summing correction of other high-purity germanium γ-energy spectrometers can be achieved, which broadens the application of coincidence summing correction method.
9.Effects of coal mine dust on interleukin-6 and let-7e in rats
LI Baichun ; SUN Yuhan ; ZHANG Huifang ; LU Xiaoting ; SONG Jing ; KONG Xiaomei ; WANG Linping
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):93-96
Objective:
To investigate the changes in the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and let-7e in rats induced by coal mine dust, so as to provide the basis for the mechanism of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP).
Methods:
Sixty-four clean and healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group, coal dust group, mixed dust group (mixed coal and silica dust) and quartz group. The rats in the control group were exposed to 1 mL physiological saline by non-exposure tracheal perfusion, and the rats in the dust-exposed groups were exposed to 1 mL dust suspension. Rats were sacrificed by anesthesia after 1 month and 6 months, lung tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, the pathological change in the lungs was scored using the Szapiel scoring system, the levels of IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of let-7e was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.
Results:
A month after exposure, a small amount of coal spots and inflammatory exudation were observed in the lung tissue of the coal dust group and the mixed dust group. The quartz group showed tissue structure destruction and mild fibrosis and thickening of alveolar septum. Six months after exposure, there were more coal spots and slightly thickened alveolar septum in the coal dust group, and hyperplasia of pulmonary interstitial fibers, destruction of alveolar structure and silica nodules were observed in the mixed dust group. In the quartz group, the alveolar structure was obviously destroyed, the interstitial fiber proliferation was significant and silica nodules were seen. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that the interaction between duration of exposure and dust type significantly influenced the pathological score of lung tissue, IL-6 levels, and let-7e expression levels (P<0.05). Under the same dust type, the pathological score of lung tissue and IL-6 levels were higher at 6 months after exposure than at 1 month, while the relative expression of let-7e was lower at 6 months after exposure than at 1 month (all P<0.05). Under the same duration of exposure, the pathological score of lung tissue and IL-6 levels were higher in the dust-exposed groups than in the control group, while the relative expression of let-7e was lower in the dust-exposed groups than in the control group (all P<0.05).
Conclusions
Coal dust can cause an increase in levels of IL-6 and a decrease in let-7e expression in rats. The type of dust and duration of exposure can interactively affect IL-6 and let-7e.
10.Analysis of food sample composition for gamma spectrometry-based sourceless efficiency simulation
Lingnan KONG ; Baolu YANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Qiang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(2):140-146
Objective:To recommend reference composition for sourceless efficiency calibration of food gamma spectrometry by analyzing the composition of common foods based on a combination of sourceless efficiency calibration and active validation.Methods:Thirty common types of food samples in countrywide monitoring of radioactively contaminated foods were analyzed to statistically determine the reference composition of grains and vegetables. Combined with the parameters provided for white quinoa standard source, LabSOCS was applied to carry out the simulation of sourceless efficiency for its different compositions, and to calculate its measured activity, and analyzing its relative deviation to the those given in the certificate.Results:The analytical result of these 30 types of food samples showed that the five elements C, H, O, N and S accounted for 77.0%-93.7% of the food composition, being the main component of these samples. By applying white quinoa′s components and grain-based reference components to the simulation of the sourceless efficiency of white quinoa standard sources, the relative deviations of activity calculations to their certificated activities were in the range of 0.37%-5.86% and 0.38%-5.87% in absolute value, respectively.Conclusions:The white quinoa′s composition and the grain reference composition were applied to the sourceless efficiency simulation of the white quinoa standard source, and the relative deviation of the calculated measured activity to the activity of the standard source certificate was basically identical, so that if the gamma spectrometry-based sourceless efficiency simulation is used to measure the unknown composition of the food samples and it is inconvenient to carry out the analysis of the food samples′ compositions, especially in the case of emergency, it can be referred to the use of the reference compositions obtained in the present study.


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