1.Effect of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) Combined with Western Medicine on Clinical Effectiveness and Immune Function for Patients with Bronchial Asthma of Heat Wheezing Syndrome
Ying SUN ; Haibo HU ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Jinbao ZONG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haoran WANG ; Xuechao LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):38-44
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome, and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine, and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group, 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness; secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, asthma control test (ACT) score, pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immune function indices including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored, and electrocardiography, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% (39/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (85.0%, 34/40, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores, IL-4, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and CD8+ levels, as well as increased ACT scores, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, FEV1, FVC, and PEF levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group, and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and clinical effectiveness, with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.
2.How far is the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B from complete cure?
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):15-23
Functional cure is currently the ideal treatment endpoint for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China and globally. HBsAg seroclearance and HBV DNA that cannot be detected in peripheral blood for more than 24 weeks marks the regression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, there is still a lack of systematic description of the characteristics of intrahepatic HBV markers after HBsAg seroclearance. This article elaborates on the issues including the latest definition of functional cure, the characteristics of intrahepatic virological markers after HBsAg seroclearance, the significance of ultrasensitive serum HBsAg detection, and antiviral therapy for CHB patients with a low level of HBsAg, so as to improve the understanding of functional cure among clinicians.
3.Correlation between driver gene mutation and environmental exposure factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in Xi'an City
Yang HU ; Qianrong WANG ; Mengxue WANG ; Na CHENG ; Meijuan WU ; Xianna WU ; Juanhua SUN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):114-117
Objective To understand the driver gene mutation status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Xi'an City, and to analyze the association with environmental exposure factors. Methods A total of 305 NSCLC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023 were included. The driver gene mutation status was observed, and the relationship with environmental exposure factors was analyzed. Results The driver gene mutation rate of 305 patients was 46.89%, with EGFR gene mutation accounting for the highest proportion, and 4 cases of gene co-mutations were detected. There was a difference in gender among patients with different single drive gene mutations (P<0.05), and the proportion of EGFR in women was significantly higher (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistical differences in family history, smoking history, long-term cooking history, and fried smoked food intake between patients with driver gene mutation and patients without driver gene mutation (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that long-term cooking history (OR=2.392), and fried smoked food intake (OR=2.849) were the environmental exposure factors affecting EGFR gene mutation (P<0.05), and smoking history (OR=1.377) was an environmental exposure factor of KRAS gene mutation (P<0.05). Conclusion EGFR gene mutation accounts for the highest proportion of NSCLC patients in Xi'an City, and is mainly female. Long-term cooking history, and fried smoked food intake are related to EGFR gene mutation. There is a certain association between smoking history and KRAS gene mutation.
4.Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome
Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Changhong XIAO ; Shenghao TU ; Jianning SUN ; Shijun XU ; Representation Preparation GROUP
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):47-54
Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to arthralgia syndrome in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, and cold-dampness obstruction syndrome and dampness-heat obstruction syndrome are core syndromes and main syndrome differentiation types of this disease. Fine therapeutic effects have been obtained in the long-term clinical practice of many famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioners following the syndrome differentiation and treatment based on the guiding principles of cold and heat. To adapt to the clinical diagnosis practice of combining disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation, and to better carry out basic research on integrated Chinese and Western medicine and preclinical study on new traditional Chinese medicines, Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-Dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-Heat Obstruction Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) were compiled by our research group, in cooperation with the renowned experts in research fields including traditional Chinese medicine, clinical medicine, zoology and evidence-based medicine, which provide a meaningful reference for scientific research, teaching and clinical applications. The compilation process of the Guidelines was guided by the theory of disease and syndrome integration and the principles of "evidence takes the main place, consensus plays an auxiliary role, and experience serves as the reference". Based on the comprehensive evaluation of pathogenesis homology, behavioral phenotypic consistency, and drug treatment predictability compared between animal models and human diseases, by the nominal group method, "recommendations" were formed for recommendations supported by evidence, and "consensus recommendations" were formed for recommendations not supported by evidence. Guidelines were formed involving content such as animal types, arthritis modeling methods, external stimulation conditions, and modeling assessment indicators during the establishment of the animal models of rheumatoid arthritis with cold-dampness obstruction syndrome and dampness-heat obstruction syndrome. The Guidelines are applicable for the disease and syndrome research on rheumatoid arthritis, investigation of therapeutic mechanisms, and development of new traditional Chinese medicine. The Guidelines also provide a reference for the establishment of guidelines on other types of diseases and syndromes combined with animal models to further promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine research and its integration with international academic development.
5.Editorial Explanation of Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome
Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Changhong XIAO ; Shenghao TU ; Jianning SUN ; Shijun XU ; Xia MAO ; Representation Preparation GROUP
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):55-59
The Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) (No. T/CACM1567-2024) was published by Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine on January 11, 2024. To assist researchers and medical workers in understanding and applying the Guidelines more accurately, and also to provide reference and assistance for the establishment of guidelines on other types of diseases and syndromes combined with animal models, this paper made a declaration of the workflow, technological links, development references, promotion of its application and after-effect evaluation of the Guidelines that has been made according to the requirements of "Draft Group Standard of the Standardization Office of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine".
6.Current status of eating behaviors and its predictive role in overweight and obese of adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):53-57
Objective:
To explore the current status and influencing factors of eating behaviors in adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for health promotion education among adolescents.
Methods:
Based on the database from Survey of Chinese Family Health Index (2021), by a random number table method, 1 065 teenagers were selected from the provincial capitals of 22 provinces and 5 autonomous regions in China, as well as 4 municipalities directly under the central government. A general characteristic questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF), 10-item Short Version of the Big Five Personality(BFP-10), Content-based Media Exposure Scale (CM-E) and Sakata Eating Behavior Scale Short Form(EBS-SF) were used to collect information. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was employed to identify and analyze related factors of eating behaviors among adolescents. Receiver operating characteristic was used to validate the predictive ability of the EBS-SF score for overweight and obesity among adolescents.
Results:
The average scores of BFI-10,C-ME, FHS-SF, PHQ-9 and EBS-SF were (33.08±4.64)(19.20±4.55)(38.48±6.65)(6.09±5.63)(16.75±4.36), respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that family type (other types), agreeableness, conscientiousness, family health and depression were the main related factors of EBS-SF scores among adolescents( B =2.61,-0.42,0.20,-0.11,0.23, P <0.05).The analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the EBS-SF scores had a good ability in predicting obesity among male adolescents ( AUC= 0.73, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Family type, big five personality, family health,depression are the related factors of eating behaviors among adolescents. EBS-SF scores are predictive of obesity in adolescents, which would provide a new perspective for promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents.
7.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
8.A Comparison between Keratograph 5M® and IDRA® in Dry Eye Patients
Seo Woo PARK ; Ha-Rim SO ; Ji Won BAEK ; Ho Sik HWANG ; Kyung-Sun NA ; Ho RA ; Nam Yeo KANG ; Hyun Seung KIM ; Eun Chul KIM
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(4):175-180
Purpose:
To evaluate the compatibility and usability of test results obtained from the IDRA and Keratograph 5M in clinical settings by comparing their performance in patients with dry eye disease.
Methods:
From December 27 to 30, 2022, a study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with dry eye utilizing both the Keratograph 5M and IDRA devices. The parameters compared and analyzed included lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, tear film break-up time, and meibography. A paired t-test was used for statistical comparison. The lipid layer thickness in the Keratograph 5M was graded on a scale from 0 to 4 based on thickness.
Results:
No significant differences were found between the two devices in tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, and meibography (p = 0.148, 0.072, 0.124, respectively). However, the tear lipid layer thickness measured by IDRA showed a proportional relationship with the grade assigned by the Keratograph 5M (Kendall R = 0.217, p = 0.037; Spearman R = 0.260, p = 0.045).
Conclusions
The IDRA device offers the advantage of performing multiple dry eye tests; simultaneously, thereby saving time compared to the Keratograph 5M. Both devices can be used compatibly with IDRA particularly advantageous for providing a numerical value for tear lipid layer thickness which enhances the convenience of dry eye diagnosis and treatment.
9.Ultrasound Findings Suggestive of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules Classified as Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance or Follicular Neoplasm based on the 2017 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology
Heui Jin JUNG ; Na Lae EUN ; Eun Ju SON ; Jeong-Ah KIM ; Ji Hyun YOUK ; Hye Sun LEE ; Soyoung JEON
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2025;86(1):114-126
Purpose:
To identify US findings suggestive of malignancy in thyroid nodules with follicular lesions of undetermined significance (FLUS) or follicular neoplasm (FN) on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and evaluate the diagnostic performance.
Materials and Methods:
Seventy FLUS (n = 57) or FN (n = 13) nodules on FNAC that underwent surgical excision between February 2018 and November 2020 were selected. US findings were retrospectively reviewed. Orientation, margin, echogenicity, calcification, additional findings of the rim, echogenicity, heterogeneity of the solid portion, and the ratio of anterior posterior diameter to lateral diameter (criteria) were assessed. The diagnostic performances of US findings, criteria, and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Microcalcification, homogeneous solid echotexture, and thickened rims were suggestive of malignancy. Our criteria showed a highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.771, sensitivity of 97.14%, accuracy of 77.14%, positive predictive value of 93.33%, negative predictive value of 95.24%, and specificity of 97.14%. The criteria showed a significantly higher AUC value than K-TIRADS.
Conclusion
US findings of homogenous solid portions, thick rims, and microcalcifications suggested malignancy in nodules with FLUS or FN on FNAC. These additional US findings could improve the diagnostic performance of K-TIRADS.
10.The Effects of Nicotine on Re-endothelialization, Inflammation, and Neoatherosclerosis After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in a Porcine Model
Seok OH ; Ju Han KIM ; Saleem AHMAD ; Yu Jeong JIN ; Mi Hyang NA ; Munki KIM ; Jeong Ha KIM ; Dae Sung PARK ; Dae Young HYUN ; Kyung Hoon CHO ; Min Chul KIM ; Doo Sun SIM ; Young Joon HONG ; Seung-won LEE ; Youngkeun AHN ; Myung Ho JEONG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(1):50-64
Background and Objectives:
Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.Nicotine, a crucial constituent of tobacco, contributes to atherosclerosis development and progression. However, evidence of the association between nicotine and neointima formation is limited. We aimed to evaluate whether nicotine enhances neointimal hyperplasia in the native epicardial coronary arteries of pigs after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES).
Methods:
After coronary angiography (CAG) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), we implanted 20 DES into 20 pigs allocated to 2 groups: no-nicotine (n=10) and nicotine (n=10) groups. Post-PCI CAG and QCA were performed immediately. Follow-up CAG, QCA, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histopathological analyses were performed 2 months post-PCI.
Results:
Despite intergroup similarities in the baseline QCA findings, OCT analysis showed that the nicotine group had a smaller mean stent and lumen areas, a larger mean neointimal area, greater percent area stenosis, and higher peri-strut fibrin and inflammation scores than the no-nicotine group. In immunofluorescence analysis, the nicotine group displayed higher expression of CD68 and α-smooth muscle actin but lower CD31 expression than the no-nicotine group.
Conclusions
Nicotine inhibited re-endothelialization and promoted inflammation and NIH after PCI with DES in a porcine model.


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