1.Associations of parenting style and depressive symptoms with nightmare disorder in adolescents
ZHU Qisha, ZHAO Yuan, CHEN Qiuxia, HU Jun, XU Ou
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):539-543
Objective:
To explore the relationship between parenting styles and depressive symptoms in adolescents with nightmare disorder, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective family intervention measures and psychological counseling.
Methods:
From January 2023 to August 2024, 90 adolescents diagnosed with nightmare disorder and admitted to Hangzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, along with 176 healthy controls from the urban areas of Hangzhou, were recruited as participants in the study. All participants were assessed using the Nightmare Experience Questionnaire (NEQ), Family Relationship Questionnaire (FRQ), and Plutchik-van Praag Selfreport Depression Scale (PVP). The ttest and Chisquare test were conducted to compare two groups. Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression were employed to explore the correlations between PVP and NEQ or FRQ. The Process model was used to testing the mediating effects among NEQ/FRQ/PVP.
Results:
The nightmare disorder group had higher scores in nightmare frequency, the four factors of NEQ (physical effect, negative emotion, meaning interpretation, horrible stimulation), and PVP than the healthy control group (24.86±18.89, 10.12±3.67, 19.01±3.51, 17.02±3.31, 15.14±3.26, 14.02±4.38; 2.34±1.04, 6.49±2.18, 17.63±4.76, 13.91±4.24, 12.40±4.49, 9.39±3.28)(t=15.79, 10.11, 2.43, 6.09, 5.14, 27.46, P<0.05). The nightmare disorder group reported significantly lower scores in FRQ general attachment and maternal encouragement than the healthy control group (7.22±2.81, 16.39±3.28) (t=-5.53, -4.95). In contrast, they exhibited significantly higher scores in maternal abuse, maternal dominance, paternal freedom release, and paternal dominance than the healthy control group (8.23±1.80, 13.11±3.73, 18.36±3.37, 12.04±3.29; 6.07±1.85, 8.48±3.80, 15.15±2.51, 9.47±3.03) (t=6.70, 8.96, 5.90, 7.04, P<0.01). The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that, in the nightmare disorder group, the PVP score was positively correlated with negative emotion, nightmare frequency, maternal abuse, and maternal dominance score (r=0.14, 0.63, 0.26, 0.51, P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that when using FRQ score to predict NEQ score, the adjusted R2 in the nightmare disorder group was 0.01-0.59. Mother abuse could prediced physical effect (β=0.33); maternal dominance significantly predicted negative emotion, horrible stimulation, and nightmare frequency (β=0.29, 0.30, 0.79); paternal freedom release could predict negative emotion (β=0.26), paternal dominance predicted both negative emotion and nightmare frequency (β=0.22, 0.45) (P<0.05). Mediation analysis further revealed that, in the nightmare disorder group, PVP scores served as a mediating variable between FRQ and NEQ.
Conclusion
Abusive, controlling, and neglectful family upbringing styles as well as depression maybe are key factors that may contribute to the development of nightmare disorder among adolescents.
2.Ca2+ Release From The Endoplasmic Reticulum Mediates Electric Field Guided Cell Migration of Dictyostelium discoideum
Yi-Fan WANG ; Shu-Qin YUAN ; Run-Chi GAO ; San-Jun ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1252-1263
ObjectiveAs a second messenger in intracellular signal transduction, Ca2+ plays an important role in cell migration. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular Ca2+ influx can promote electric field-guided cell migration, known as electrotaxis. However, the effect of intracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of Ca2+ flux on the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. MethodsThe electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated by applying a direct current (DC) electric field. Cell migration was recorded using a real-time imaging system. Calcium channel inhibitors, the extracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA, Ca2+-free DB buffer, and caffeine were applied to investigate the impact of intra- and extracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis. The involvement of G proteins and ERK2 in directed cell migration mediated by endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release was explored using mutants. ResultsDictyostelium discoideum migrated toward the cathode in the electric field in a voltage-dependent manner. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the cells was significantly increased in the electric field. Inhibition of both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release suppressed cell electrotaxis migration. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release induced by caffeine significantly impaired the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. Deletion of Gα2, Gβ, Gγ, and Erk2 notably reduced the electrotaxis of the cells. Enhancing Ca2+ release mediated by caffeine restored the electrotaxis of the Gα2-, Gβ -, and Erk2- mutant cells partially or completely, but did not restore electrotaxis in the Gγ- mutant cells. ConclusionCa2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum regulates electrotaxis migration in Dictyostelium discoideum and is involved in the regulation of cell electrotaxis by G proteins and ERK2.
3.Treatment of Edema with Zhulingtang: A Review
Yinuo LI ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Youcai YUAN ; Jie GAO ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):266-275
Edema, as a common pathological phenomenon, is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases, such as heart failure, impaired renal filtration function, or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system, strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body, while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However, long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects, including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia, posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang, as a classic and commonly used TCM formula, is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years, ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang, including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses, thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally, the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed, so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema, such as cardiogenic edema, renal edema, and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches, as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies, thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.
4.Analysis of the evaluation mechanism and methodology of clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs in China
Yuan QIAO ; Fangyi MA ; Yubei HAN ; Mingyue ZHAO ; Minghuan JIANG ; Yu FANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):146-153
OBJECTIVE To sort out the evaluation mechanism and methodology of published cases of comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs in China, and provide a reference for promoting standardized comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs and strengthening policy transformation in China. METHODS Clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs published in China from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched, and the retrieval time was from the inception to December 31st, 2023. The summary and analysis were performed from the aspects of theme selection, indicator system construction, evaluation methods, comprehensive decision-making, quality control, etc. RESULTS A total of 143 pieces of literature were ultimately included from 2014 to 2023. The number of publications has shown a rapid upward trend since 2019. The subjects of the evaluation cases were mainly pediatric drugs, Chinese patent medicines, cardiovascular drugs and anti-tumor drugs. The evaluation dimensions were between 3-8, all involving safety and effectiveness dimensions. Most cases adopted rapid evaluation methods based on literature review and expert interviews/questionnaire surveys with less emphasis on real-world research. Most cases did not involve comprehensive decision-making, quality control, or policy transformation. CONCLUSIONS The clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs in China has made rapid progress under the guidance of national policies. However, there are still issues and challenges such as incomplete evaluation methods and standards, few cases of evaluation results being converted into decision-making, and a lack of quality control mechanisms. It is suggested that standardized evaluation paths and quality control mechanisms should be explored; when the evidence-based basis is insufficient, real-world research should be conducted as much as possible, so as to accelerate the policy transformation of evaluation results.
5.Effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function,intestinal flora and metabolite content in slow transit constipation rat
Ziqi ZHANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Qiong ZHAO ; Yuan DENG ; Yu ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):154-159
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function, intestinal flora and the contents of metabolites [γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in slow transit constipation (STC) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (10 rats) and modeling group (30 rats), with half male and half female. The STC model was established by intragastric administration of Compound diphenoxylate tablets in the modeling group. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group [56 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug] and positive control group [lactulose 2.09 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically, the blank group and model group received an equivalent volume of normal saline, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, the general situation of rats was observed in each group. After the last medication, the body weight was measured, and the Bristol score was used to evaluate the fecal characteristics. The fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal content were detected; the diversity of intestinal flora in intestinal contents was investigated, and the correlation between the contents of GABA, 5-HT and relative abundance of microbiota was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, general conditions such as small body shape, sparse and rough fur, and slow movement were all improved in Modified shaoyao gancao decoction body weight, Bristol score, fecal moisture content,intestinal propulsion rate, 5-HT content, Chao1 index and Shannon index were increased significantly, while GABA content and Simpson index were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal flora of rats in the Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group could be classified as the same as the blank group, but was far from the model group; the relative abundances of Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in this group showed a tendency of pull back, but the differences were not statistically significant compared to model group (P>0.05). Desulfobacterota was an intergroup differential factor (P<0.05). The content of GABA was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota (P<0.05). The content of 5-HT was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Campilobacterota (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified shaoyao gancao decoction can improve the fecal properties and intestinal motility of STC rats. Its mechanism may be related to improving intestinal flora and then affecting the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal contents. In addition, the contents of GABA and 5-HT may be significantly correlated with the relative abundance of specific bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota.
6.Analysis of the evaluation mechanism and methodology of clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs in China
Yuan QIAO ; Fangyi MA ; Yubei HAN ; Mingyue ZHAO ; Minghuan JIANG ; Yu FANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):146-153
OBJECTIVE To sort out the evaluation mechanism and methodology of published cases of comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs in China, and provide a reference for promoting standardized comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs and strengthening policy transformation in China. METHODS Clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs published in China from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched, and the retrieval time was from the inception to December 31st, 2023. The summary and analysis were performed from the aspects of theme selection, indicator system construction, evaluation methods, comprehensive decision-making, quality control, etc. RESULTS A total of 143 pieces of literature were ultimately included from 2014 to 2023. The number of publications has shown a rapid upward trend since 2019. The subjects of the evaluation cases were mainly pediatric drugs, Chinese patent medicines, cardiovascular drugs and anti-tumor drugs. The evaluation dimensions were between 3-8, all involving safety and effectiveness dimensions. Most cases adopted rapid evaluation methods based on literature review and expert interviews/questionnaire surveys with less emphasis on real-world research. Most cases did not involve comprehensive decision-making, quality control, or policy transformation. CONCLUSIONS The clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs in China has made rapid progress under the guidance of national policies. However, there are still issues and challenges such as incomplete evaluation methods and standards, few cases of evaluation results being converted into decision-making, and a lack of quality control mechanisms. It is suggested that standardized evaluation paths and quality control mechanisms should be explored; when the evidence-based basis is insufficient, real-world research should be conducted as much as possible, so as to accelerate the policy transformation of evaluation results.
7.Effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function,intestinal flora and metabolite content in slow transit constipation rat
Ziqi ZHANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Qiong ZHAO ; Yuan DENG ; Yu ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):154-159
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function, intestinal flora and the contents of metabolites [γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in slow transit constipation (STC) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (10 rats) and modeling group (30 rats), with half male and half female. The STC model was established by intragastric administration of Compound diphenoxylate tablets in the modeling group. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group [56 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug] and positive control group [lactulose 2.09 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically, the blank group and model group received an equivalent volume of normal saline, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, the general situation of rats was observed in each group. After the last medication, the body weight was measured, and the Bristol score was used to evaluate the fecal characteristics. The fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal content were detected; the diversity of intestinal flora in intestinal contents was investigated, and the correlation between the contents of GABA, 5-HT and relative abundance of microbiota was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, general conditions such as small body shape, sparse and rough fur, and slow movement were all improved in Modified shaoyao gancao decoction body weight, Bristol score, fecal moisture content,intestinal propulsion rate, 5-HT content, Chao1 index and Shannon index were increased significantly, while GABA content and Simpson index were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal flora of rats in the Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group could be classified as the same as the blank group, but was far from the model group; the relative abundances of Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in this group showed a tendency of pull back, but the differences were not statistically significant compared to model group (P>0.05). Desulfobacterota was an intergroup differential factor (P<0.05). The content of GABA was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota (P<0.05). The content of 5-HT was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Campilobacterota (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified shaoyao gancao decoction can improve the fecal properties and intestinal motility of STC rats. Its mechanism may be related to improving intestinal flora and then affecting the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal contents. In addition, the contents of GABA and 5-HT may be significantly correlated with the relative abundance of specific bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota.
8.Monitoring and analysis of 16 mycotoxins in corn samples from Heilongjiang Province in 2022
Yuan WANG ; Xiaojing WANG ; Lan ZHAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):144-147
Objective To understand the situation of corn mycotoxins contamination in Heilongjiang Province , and to analyze the causes of pollution and propose prevention and control measures. Methods Among the 473 corn samples were collected from various regions in Heilongjiang Province , and 16 mycotoxins , including aflatoxins , fumonisins, deoxynivalenol and their metabolites , zearalenone , ochratoxin A , alternariol , alternariol monomethyl ether , tentoxin , and tenuazonic acid , were detected in the corn samples. The detection and quantification were carried out using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry isotope internal standard method. Results All samples were detected with mycotoxins, the detection rate was 100%, and each sample was contaminated by one or more mycotoxins. The detection rate of 16 mycotoxins ranged from 0.21% to 98.31%. The average contamination level ranged from 0.67 μ g/kg-259.19 μ g/kg. Three types of toxins exceeded the standard, with exceeding rates of deoxynivalenol (2.54%, 12/473), zearalenone (4.02% ,19/473), and fumonisins (2.54%,12/473), respectively. The samples exceeding the standard were distributed in Mudanjiang, Shuangyashan, Jixi, Harbin, and Qiqihar. Conclusion Corn in Heilongjiang Province is contaminated by a combination of mycotoxins. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring from multiple links and adopt a variety of ways and control measures to reduce corn contamination.
9.Value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices with significant portal hypertension in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Cheng LIU ; Jiayi ZENG ; Mengbing FANG ; Zhiheng CHEN ; Bei GUI ; Fengming ZHAO ; Jingkai YUAN ; Chaozhen ZHANG ; Meijie SHI ; Yubao XIE ; Xiaoling CHI ; Huanming XIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):263-268
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices since there is a high risk of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices. MethodsA total of 108 patients with significant portal hypertension due to compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who attended Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to November 2023 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of esophageal and gastric varices under gastroscopy, they were divided into esophageal and gastric varices group (GOV group) and non-esophageal and gastric varices group (NGOV group). Related data were collected, including age, sex, imaging findings, and laboratory markers. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of five scoring models, i.e., fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), LOK index, LPRI, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR). The binary logistic regression method was used to establish a combined model, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared between the combined model and each scoring model used alone. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC value between any two noninvasive diagnostic models. ResultsThere were 55 patients in the GOV group and 53 patients in the NGOV group. Compared with the NGOV group, the GOV group had a significantly higher age (52.64±1.44 years vs 47.96±1.68 years, t=0.453, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase [42.00 (24.00 — 17.00) U/L vs 82.00 (46.00 — 271.00) U/L, Z=-3.065, P<0.05], aspartate aminotransferase [44.00 (32.00 — 96.00) U/L vs 62.00 (42.50 — 154.50) U/L,Z=-2.351, P<0.05], and platelet count [100.00 (69.00 — 120.00)×109/L vs 119.00 (108.50 — 140.50)×109/L, Z=-3.667, P<0.05]. The ROC curve analysis showed that FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone had an accuracy of 0.667, 0.681, 0.730, and 0.639, respectively, in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices (all P<0.05), and the positive diagnostic rates of GOV were 69.97%, 65.28%, 67.33%, and 58.86%, respectively, with no significant differences in AUC values (all P>0.05), while APRI used alone had no diagnostic value (P>0.05). A combined model (LAF) was established based on the binary logistic regression analysis and had an AUC of 0.805 and a positive diagnostic rate of GOV of 75.80%, with a significantly higher AUC than FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone (Z=-2.773,-2.479,-2.206, and-2.672, all P<0.05). ConclusionFIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR have a similar diagnostic value for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and APRI alone has no diagnostic value. The combined model LAF had the best diagnostic efficacy, which provides a certain reference for clinical promotion and application.
10.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Precription in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Autophagy
Xin KANG ; Chaodi SUN ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN ; Mingmin DU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):166-173
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription in regulating autophagy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by bioinformatics and animal experiments. MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and those overlapped with autophagy genes were obtained as the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs). DEARGs were imported into Metascape and STRING, respectively, for gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (GO/KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Finally, 15 key DEARGs were obtained. The core DEARGs were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the immunoinfiltration of UC patients and the correlations between core DEARGs and immune cells. C57BL/6J mice were assigned into a normal group and a modeling group. The mouse model of UC was established by free drinking of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium. The modeled mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription and mesalazine groups according to the random number table method and administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. The colonic mucosal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein and mRNA levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), cathepsin B (CTSB), C-C motif chemokine-2 (CCL2), CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), and hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultsThe dataset GSE87466 was screened from GEO and interlaced with autophagy genes. After PPI analysis, LASSO regression, and ROC analysis, the core DEARGs (Caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4) were obtained. The results of immunoinfiltration analysis showed that the counts of NK cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients had significant differences, and core DEARGs had significant correlations with these immune cells. This result, combined with the prediction results of network pharmacology, suggested that the HIF-1α signaling pathway may play a key role in the regulation of UC by Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription. The animal experiments showed that Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription significantly alleviated colonic mucosal inflammation in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, CXCR4, and HIF-1α, which were down-regulated after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription or mesalazine. ConclusionCaspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4 are autophagy genes that are closely related to the onset of UC. Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription can down-regulate the expression of core autophagy genes to alleviate the inflammation in the colonic mucosa of mice.


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