1.Mechanism of artemether in treating diabetic sarcopenia via network pharmacology and animal experiment
Jiaxin LI ; Yuchun CAI ; Xiufen GU ; Yating ZHANG ; Shoupan GAO ; Huili SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1032-1044
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artemether in diabetic sarcopenia(DS)using network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsPotential active components and therapeutic targets were screened using artemisinin as the parent compound. The predicted targets were intersected with DS-related targets, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to identify the key biological processes and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was further used to evaluate the binding affinity between artemether and core targets. The DS mouse model was established using db/db mice, followed by artemether intervention. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, diabetes-related symptoms, body composition, grip strength, serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed. The expression levels of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), Atrogin-1, muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1), acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) in skeletal muscle were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, metabolomics was performed to analyze changes in acylcarnitine metabolites in skeletal muscle. ResultsA total of 68 overlapping targets between artemether and diabetic sarcopenia (DS) were identified. The core targets included AKT1, FoxO1, NFKB1, FBXO32, and TRIM63, which were mainly enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, forkhead box O (FoxO) signWaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and insulin resistance-related pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that artemether exhibited favorable binding affinity with the core targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that artemether reduced fasting blood glucose, ameliorated metabolic symptoms, increased lean mass and grip strength, decreased serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in DS mice. In addition, artemether downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxO1, FBXO32/Atrogin-1, TRIM63/MuRF1, ACSS2, CPT2, and FABP3, and improved the disturbance of acylcarnitine metabolism in skeletal muscle. ConclusionArtemether improves metabolic and skeletal muscle phenotypes in DS mice. Its effects may be associated with the amelioration of lipid metabolic disorders and the downregulation of FoxO1 and its downstream ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-related factors Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in skeletal muscle.
2.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
5.Association between weight-adjusted waist index and pain:A cross-sectional study
Huili LIU ; Bei WEN ; Xue BAI ; Ming'an CHEN ; Min LI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):178-184
Objective:To investigate the relationship between the weight-adjusted waist index(WWI)and acute,subacute pain or chronic pain among American adults.Methods:There was a cross-sectional study.Data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)con-cerning waist circumference,weight,pain status and covariates(age,gender,race,marital status,edu-cation level and income,physical activity,alcohol consumption,smoking status,and diabetes)were extracted for analysis.Multinomial Logistic regression was conducted across the three models to investi-gate the associations between WWI and acute,subacute and chronic pain.Model 1 did not involve any adjustments.Model 2 involved adjustments for age,gender,race,marital status,education level,and income.Model 3 was further adjusted for physical activity,alcohol consumption,smoking,and diabetes status.Results:This study involved 12 694 participants with an average age of(50.6±18.7)years.Among all the participants,9 614 people(75.74%)had no pain,870 people(6.85%)experienced acute pain,354 people(2.79%)suffered from subacute pain,and 1 856 people(14.62%)experienced chronic pain.The WWI of all the participants was(10.95±0.85)cm/√kg,divided into four groups based on quartiles:Group Q1(7.90-10.36)cm/√kg,group Q2(10.37-10.94)cm/√kg,group Q3(10.95-11.53)cm/√kg and group Q4(11.54-15.20)cm/√kg.With the increase of WWI,the analysis revealed a significant statistical difference in the participants'acute and chronic pain status(all P<0.001).In Model 1,the prevalence of acute pain was lower in group Q2 and group Q4 compared with group Q1(group Q2:OR=0.765,95%CI:0.615-0.953,P=0.017;group Q4:OR=0.648,95%CI:0.503-0.835,P<0.001).Compared with group Q1,the prevalence of chronic pain increased in group Q2,group Q3,and group Q4(group Q2:OR=1.365,95%CI:1.149-1.622,P<0.001;group Q3:OR=1.291,95%CI:1.082-1.541,P=0.005;group Q4:OR=1.874,95%CI:1.579-2.224,P<0.001).In Model 2,compared with group Q1,an increase in chronic pain preva-lence was still associated with an increase in WWI in other three groups(group Q2:OR=1.359,95%CI:1.137-1.624,P=0.001;group Q3:OR=1.260,95%CI:1.039-1.528,P=0.019;group Q4:OR=1.735,95%CI:1.413-2.132,P<0.001).In Model 3,group Q4 had a 49.2%increased prevalence of chronic pain compared to group Q1(OR=1.492,95%CI:1.208-1.842,P<0.001).However,in Models 2 and 3,no significant relationship was observed between acute pain and WWI(all P>0.05).And none of the three models identified a significant association between subacute pain and WWI(all P>0.05).Conclusion:For American adults,there was no significant correlation between WWI and acute pain or subacute pain.However,as WWI increases,so does the prevalence of chronic pain.Further validation of this conclusion through large-scale prospective studies is warranted.
6.Correlation between bone mass loss and incidence of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly community-based population.
Chen-Jie XIA ; Jin LI ; Xiang LI ; Ke ZHOU ; Liang FANG ; Hong-Ting JIN ; Pei-Jian TONG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(4):358-363
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) among the elderly in the community, and its correlation with bone mass loss.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly community population over 50 year old from 12 community health service centers in Zhejiang province. Their gender, age, body mass index (BMI), T value and KOA diagnosis were collected using face to face questionnaire survey. Univariate regression was used to analyze the influence of age, gender, BMI and bone loss on KOA. Logistic multivariate regression model was used to analyze the independent effect of bone mass loss on KOA.
RESULTS:
Among 4 173 subjects in this study, 1 710 of them were had a KOA. The prevalence rate was 40.9%. The mean age, the proportion of females and the mean BMI in KOA patients were (65.5±3.8) years old, 67.7%(1 158/1 710) and(24.59±1.28) kg·m-2, respectively, which were significantly higher than (58.5±3.2) years old, 51.3%(1 263/2 463), and (23.48±1.25) kg·m-2 in non-KOA subjects (P<0.001). In the population aged from 60 to 69 years old, the influence of osteopenia and osteoporosis on the prevalence of KOA was[OR=1.21, 95%CI(1.00, 1.46), P=0.053 2], [OR=1.42, 95%CI(1.14, 1.78), P=0.002 2]. The influence of male and female osteoporosis on the prevalence of KOA was [OR=1.52, 95%CI(1.16, 1.99), P=0.002 7] and [OR=1.87, 95%CI(1.51, 2.32), P<0.000 1], respectively. In the population of 24 kg·m-2≤BMI<28 kg·m-2, the influence of osteopenia and osteoporosis on the prevalence of KOA was [OR=1.47, 95%CI(1.21, 1.80), P=0.000 1], [OR=2.69, 95%CI(2.11, 3.42), P<0.000 1], respectively. After controlling the confounding factors of age, gender and BMI, compared with people with normal bone mass, the effect of osteopenia on the prevalence of KOA was [OR=1.34, 95%CI(1.08, 1.67), P=0.009 2], and the effect of osteoporosis on the prevalence of KOA was [OR=1.38, 95%CI(1.06, 1.79), P=0.017 9].
CONCLUSION
Elderly overweight women are more likely to develop KOA. Bone mass loss is an independent risk factor for KOA, which will significantly increase the prevalence of KOA in people overweight or aged 60 to 69 years old.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Aged
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/etiology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Bone Density
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Incidence
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Osteoporosis/epidemiology*
7.Application of a refined early diet plan in patients with gastric cancer after laparoscopic radical surgery
Yan LI ; Ping HE ; Beilei GAO ; Huili XU ; Huidi ZHU ; Beibei LI ; Yuehong JIANG ; Yingchun MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(1):106-113
Objective To investigate the application effect of a refined early diet plan in patients with distal gastric cancer after laparoscopic radical surgery.Methods By convenience sampling method,46 patients with laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer admitted to a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province from July to December 2023 were selected as an experimental group,while 49 patients admitted from January to June 2023 as a control group.The experimental group was administered with the refined early diet plan,and the control group was administered with conventional methods.The intervention period was from the first day after surgery to discharge.The differences of the first postoperative defecation time,perioperative thirst and hunger score,postoperative hospitalization time,hospitalization cost,postoperative complications and the incidence of readmission 30 days after surgery were compared between the 2 groups.Results 42 patients in the experimental group and 49 patients in the control group completed the study.First postoperative exhaust time(t=4.922,P<0.001),first postopera-tive defecation time(Z=-2.440,P=0.015),perioperative thirst score(Z=-8.024,P<0.001),perioperative hunger score(Z=-8.192,P<0.00 1),postoperative hospitalization time(Z=-7.622,P<0.001)and hospitalization cost(Z=-4.522,P<0.001)were lower than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant.There was no significant difference in complication rate and 30-day readmission rate between the experimental group and the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion The refined early diet plan is safe and effective for early recovery of patients after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer,promoting intestinal function recovery,shortening hospital stay,reducing hospital costs,and improving patients'subjective comfort.
8.Risk factors and management measures for perioperative puncture site complications of radiofrequency ablation due to tachyarrhythmias
Huili SI ; Fan WANG ; Haohan LI ; Shuren LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(1):53-56
Objective To explore the risk factors for puncture site complications after radiofrequen-cy catheter ablation(RFCA)in elderly patients with tachyarrhythmias.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 290 elderly tachyarrhythmic patients undergoing RFCA in our depart-ment from January 2017 to June 2023.According to the occurrence of postoperative complications during hospitalization,they were divided into a complication group(13 cases)and a non-complica-tion group(277 cases).The basic clinical data were compared between the two groups.Multivari-ate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent influencing factors for periop-erative puncture site complications in RFCA,and ROC curves were plotted to determine the pre-dictive value of BMI on puncture site complications.Results Puncture site complications were more common in atrial arrhythmia radiofrequency ablation,followed by supraventricular arrhyth-mia,and but rare in ventricular arrhythmia,with statistical difference in the incidence(P=0.014).The complication group had significantly higher BMI and larger proportion of atrial ar-rhythmias when compared with the non-complication group(P<0.05).There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age,proportions of ventricular arrhythmia,su-praventricular arrhythmia,hypertension and type 2 diabetes(P>0.05).Multivariate logistic re-gression analysis showed that higher BMI was a risk factor for puncture site complications in eld-erly tachyarrhythmic patients after RFCA(OR=1.256,95%CI:1.032-1.528,P=0.023).ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC value of BMI in predicting puncture site complications was 0.702(95%CI:0.586-0.817,P=0.018),with a sensitivity of 91.7%,a specificity of 49.6%,and a Yoden index of 0.413.Conclusion RFCA for atrial arrhythmias is closely associated with punc-ture site complications,and BMI has a predictive value for the complications of puncture site.
9.Epidemiological characteristics and trends of postoperative pneumonia in 22 tertiary general hospitals in Jiangsu Province
Hui QIU ; Ping JIANG ; Ping WANG ; Tielin ZHU ; Yan XU ; Tingrui WANG ; Yan SUN ; Yu ZHANG ; Yujuan HOU ; Xiaoming KONG ; Xiaoxu CHEN ; Lanping SHI ; Xiuying LI ; Jing BAI ; Yan WANG ; Huili YUAN ; Bo WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jinxia XU ; Ting MA ; Minghua YAN ; Yanan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(11):1594-1600
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and trends of postoperative pneumonia(POP)in tertiary general hospitals in Jiangsu Province,and provide theoretical basis for carrying out targeted pre-vention and control measures.Methods Surgery patients from 22 tertiary general hospitals in 12 cities in north,central,and south of Jiangsu Province from January 1,2022 to December 31,2023 were chosen as studied subjects,occurrence of POP was analyzed and compared.Results A total of 848 274 surgical procedures were performed in 22 hospitals,and 3 606 cases of POP occurred,with an incidence of 0.43%.The incidence in 2023 was 0.37%,which was lower than that in 2022(0.49%),with statistically significant difference(P<0.001).The top three de-partments with high incidence of POP were neurosurgery(6.71%),cardiothoracic surgery(2.91%),and general surgery(0.77%).Among hospitals of different grades,the incidence of POP in tertiary first-class hospitals was 0.44%,which was higher than that in other tertiary hospitals(0.37%).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of POP between municipal and district/county hospitals(P>0.05).The incidence of POP in hospitals with a bed:infection control full-time staff ratio<200∶1 was lower than that in hospitals with the ratio ≥200∶1(0.39%vs 0.47%,P<0.001),while the incidence of POP in hospitals with a proportion ≥30%of full-time staff being doctors was higher than that in hospitals with a proportion<30%(0.45%vs 0.36%,P<0.001).The incidence of POP in male patients was higher than that in female patients(0.62%vs 0.26%,P<0.001).The incidence of POP in elderly patients aged≥65 was higher than that in patients aged<65(0.73%vs 0.26%,P<0.001).A total of 2 667 strains of infectious pathogens were detected,with the top three being Acine-tobacter baumannii,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,accounting for 28.95%,22.72%,and 15.45%,respectively.The detection rates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB),carba-penem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP),and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)were 60.75%,21.45%,and 32.28%,respectively.The detection rate of CRKP decreased in 2023 compared with 2022,with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion The overall incidence of POP in tertiary general hos-pitals in Jiangsu Province is relatively low,but there are significant differences among different hospitals.There-fore,perioperative prevention and control measures should be carried out based on the epidemiological characteristics of patients.
10.Overview of the application scope of image reshaping technology in patients with mental disorders
Yingying MIAO ; Juan LI ; Hui XU ; Yi ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Huili LIU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1651-1657
Objective The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review the application of image reshaping in patients with mental disorders,and provide theoretical bases for the clinical practice of image reshaping in patients with mental disorders in China.Methods Based on the Evidence Integration Handbook published by the Joanna Briggs Institute in Australia as the methodological guidance framework for this scope review,a systematic search was conducted on relevant studies on the application of image reshaping in patients with mental disorders from 12 domestic and foreign databases.The search period was from the establishment of the databases to January 31,2025,and the researchers summarized and analyzed the included literature.Results 18 articles were ultimately included.The core intervention process of image reshaping includes trauma memory recall,image rewriting,and constructing positive outcomes.The forms of intervention include face-to-face intervention,online intervention,and self-directed intervention.The intervention period is 1~17 weeks,and the intervention frequency is usually 1~2 times a week,with each intervention lasting 11-90 minutes.Image reshaping has significant effects on improving patients'emotions and psychological states,cognition and beliefs,behavior and function.Conclusion Image reshaping has a standardized intervention process that can effectively improve patients' emotional,cognitive,and behavioral functions.Future research should explore its optimal intervention plans and further test its applicability in different cultural backgrounds.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail