1.Research advances in the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression
Zhaoshu JIANG ; Ming CHENG ; Jie YANG ; Feng CAO ; Zhen ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):496-500
Depression is a psychiatric disorder whose main symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Orexin, a neuropeptide located in hypothalamic neurons, has a wide range of projections throughout the central nervous system and is involved in various behavioral modulations related to depression. This study systematically reviewed the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression and found that orexin could exert complex regulatory effects on multiple brain regions by binding to related receptors, affecting emotions, sleep, anxiety, etc. The abnormal state of expression of plasma orexin in patients with depression was found. Exogenous orexin-A, selective orexin receptor 1 antagonists (SORA1s), selective orexin receptor 2 antagonists (SORA2s), and dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in various animal models of depression. Among them, clinical trials involving exogenous orexin-A are relatively scarce. Drugs related to SORA1s and SORA2s, such as JNJ-61393215 and Setorexant, have made significant progress in the treatment of depression. DORAs, such as Suvorexant, Lemborexant, and Daridorexant, are primarily used to treat insomnia. Notably, Suvorexant has also shown potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2.Impact factors for early extubation and drainage volume after sublobectomy: A propensity score matching study
Caiyi ZHANG ; Xingchi LIU ; Shiguang XU ; Wei XU ; Ming CHENG ; Boxiao HU ; Bo LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):87-93
Objective To compare the incidence of complications after removal of chest drainage tube in the early and late stages after sublobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to analyze the factors affecting postoperative pleural drainage volume (PDV), so as to explore the countermeasures and achieve rapid postoperative rehabilitation. Methods The patients with NSCLC who underwent minimally invasive sublobectomy in our hospital from January to October 2021 were enrolled. According to the median time of extubation, the patients were divided into an early extubation group (time with tube≤3 days) and a late extubation group (time with tube>3 days). The patients were matched via propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1 and a caliper value of 0.02. The incidence of complications and perioperative parameters after removal of the thoracic drainage tube were analyzed and compared between the two groups, and univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results A total of 157 patients were enrolled, including 79 males and 78 females, with an average age of (58.22±11.06) years. There were 76 patients in the early extubation group, 81 patients in the late extubation group, and 56 patients were in each group after propensity score matching. Compared with late extubation group, there was no significant difference in the incidence of infection after extubation (10.7% vs. 16.1%, P=0.405) or pleural effusion after extubation (5.4% vs. 3.6%, P=0.647) in early extubation group, and there was no second operation in both groups. Univariate analysis showed that smoking history (P=0.001), postoperative serum albumin reduction value (P=0.017), surgical approach (P=0.014), lesion location (P=0.027), differentiation degree (P=0.041), TNM stage (P=0.043), number of dissected lymph nodes (P=0.016), and intraoperative blood loss (P=0.016) were infuencing factors for increased postoperative PDV. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that smoking history (P=0.002), postoperative serum albumin reduction value (P=0.041), and the number of dissected lymph nodes (P=0.023) were independent risk factors for increased postoperative PDV. Conclusion There is no significant difference in the incidence of complications after extubation between early and late extubations. Preoperative smoking history, excessive postoperative serum albumin decreases, and excessive number of dissected lymph nodes during the surgery are independent risk factors for increased postoperative PDV.
3.Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Using Urine Metabolomics via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Hsiang-Po HUANG ; Kai-Hsiung CHANG ; Ming-Shyue LEE ; Cheng-Fan LEE ; Chih-Yu LIN ; Yuan Chi LIN ; William J. HUANG ; Chun-Hou LIAO ; Chih-Chin YU ; Shiu-Dong CHUNG ; Yao-Chou TSAI ; Chia-Chang WU ; Chen-Hsun HO ; Pei-Wen HSIAO ; Yeong-Shiau PU ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):376-386
Purpose:
Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion.
Results:
The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column.
Conclusions
Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.
4.Ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter for identifying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective study
Yun-Lin HUANG ; Chao SUN ; Ying WANG ; Juan CHENG ; Shi-Wen WANG ; Li WEI ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Rui CHENG ; Ming WANG ; Jian-Gao FAN ; Yi DONG
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):134-144
Purpose:
This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard.
Methods:
Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated.
Results:
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001).
Conclusion
Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.
5.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Concurrent Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Knee Osteoarthritis
Xin CUI ; Huaiwei GAO ; Long LIANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shangquan WANG ; Ting CHENG ; Yili ZHANG ; Xu WEI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):257-265
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with concurrent knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and provide a scientific basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment of such concurrent diseases. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndromes in the patients with concurrent PMOP and KOA. Excel 2021 was used to statistically analyze the general characteristics of the included patients. Continuous variables were reported as
6.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Concurrent Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Knee Osteoarthritis
Xin CUI ; Huaiwei GAO ; Long LIANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shangquan WANG ; Ting CHENG ; Yili ZHANG ; Xu WEI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):257-265
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with concurrent knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and provide a scientific basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment of such concurrent diseases. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndromes in the patients with concurrent PMOP and KOA. Excel 2021 was used to statistically analyze the general characteristics of the included patients. Continuous variables were reported as
7.Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B with mildly elevated aminotransferase: A rollover study from the TORCH-B trial
Yao-Chun HSU ; Chi-Yi CHEN ; Cheng-Hao TSENG ; Chieh-Chang CHEN ; Teng-Yu LEE ; Ming-Jong BAIR ; Jyh-Jou CHEN ; Yen-Tsung HUANG ; I-Wei CHANG ; Chi-Yang CHANG ; Chun-Ying WU ; Ming-Shiang WU ; Lein-Ray MO ; Jaw-Town LIN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):213-226
Background/Aims:
Treatment indications for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain contentious, particularly for patients with mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to evaluate treatment effects in this patient population.
Methods:
This rollover study extended a placebo-controlled trial that enrolled non-cirrhotic patients with CHB and ALT levels below two times the upper limit of normal. Following 3 years of randomized intervention with either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or placebo, participants were rolled over to open-label TDF for 3 years. Liver biopsies were performed before and after the treatment to evaluate histopathological changes. Virological, biochemical, and serological outcomes were also assessed (NCT02463019).
Results:
Of 146 enrolled patients (median age 47 years, 80.8% male), 123 completed the study with paired biopsies. Overall, the Ishak fibrosis score decreased in 74 (60.2%), remained unchanged in 32 (26.0%), and increased in 17 (13.8%) patients (p<0.0001). The Knodell necroinflammation score decreased in 58 (47.2%), remained unchanged in 29 (23.6%), and increased in 36 (29.3%) patients (p=0.0038). The proportion of patients with an Ishak score ≥ 3 significantly decreased from 26.8% (n=33) to 9.8% (n=12) (p=0.0002). Histological improvements were more pronounced in patients switching from placebo. Virological and biochemical outcomes also improved in placebo switchers and remained stable in patients who continued TDF. However, serum HBsAg levels did not change and no patient cleared HBsAg.
Conclusions
In CHB patients with minimally raised ALT, favorable histopathological, biochemical, and virological outcomes were observed following 3-year TDF treatment, for both treatment-naïve patients and those already on therapy.
8.In-room cytologic evaluation by trained endosonographer for determination of procedure end in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy of solid pancreatic lesions: a prospective study in Taiwan
Weng-Fai WONG ; Yu-Ting KUO ; Wern-Cherng CHENG ; Chia-Tung SHUN ; Ming-Lun HAN ; Chieh-Chang CHEN ; Hsiu-Po WANG
Clinical Endoscopy 2025;58(3):465-473
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is an essential tool for tissue acquisition in solid pancreatic tumors. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) by cytologists ensures diagnostic accuracy. However, the universal application of the ROSE is limited by its availability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of determining the end of the procedure based on the results of in-room cytological evaluation by trained endosonographers (IRCETE).
Methods:
A training course focusing on the cytological interpretation of common pancreatic tumors was provided to the three endosonographers. After training, the decision to terminate EUS-FNB was made based on IRCETE results. The diagnostic accuracy, concordance rate of diagnostic categories, and sample adequacy were compared with those determined by board-certified cytologists and macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE).
Results:
We enrolled 65 patients with solid pancreatic tumors, most of whom were malignant (86.2%). The diagnostic accuracy was 90.8% when the end of the procedure was determined based on IRCETE, compared to 87.7% and 98.5% when determined by MOSE and cytologists, respectively (p=0.060). Based on the cytologists’ results, the accuracy of IRCETE in diagnostic category interpretation was 97.3%.
Conclusions
In the absence of ROSE, IRCETE can serve as a supplementary alternative to MOSE in determining the end of tissue sampling with a high accuracy rate.
9.Clinical Observation on Treatment of Hip Joint Pain with Mailuoning Compound Solution via Nerve Blocks around Hip Joint
Tao JIN ; Fuchang MA ; Cheng HUANG ; Manxia ZHI ; Ming YA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):152-158
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Mailuoning compound solution in the treatment of hip joint pain via nerve blocks around the hip joint. MethodsFrom March 2015 to March 2019,a total of 136 patients with hip joint pain who met the inclusion criteria were admitted and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method. Among them,six cases fell off due to failure to complete five treatments,and finally, 130 patients entered clinical observation,with 65 cases in each group. The observation group used Mailuoning compound solution for nerve blocks around the hip joint(including obturator nerve,femoral nerve branch,superior gluteal nerve, and hip fascia). The control used Mailuoning compound solution for a simple obturator nerve block. The differences in the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Harris score of hip joint of the two groups before and after treatment were observed. Any adverse drug reactions and adverse events during the treatment of the patients were recorded. ResultsThe VAS score of the two groups was significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01). The observation group had a more significant decrease compared to the control group(P<0.01). The total Harris score of hip joint, pain degree,function score, and motion of joint of the two groups were significantly improved after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the control group,the improvement in the total Harris score of hip joint, pain degree,and function score was more significant in the observation group (P<0.01). The clinical efficacy based on the Harris score of hip joint of the two groups was compared. The excellent and good rate of the observation group was 84.62% (55/65), which was significantly better than that of the control group [56.92% (37/65)] (χ2=12.05,P<0.01). The follow-up results showed that the patients who achieved excellent and good results had stable curative effects and low recurrence rates,and there was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the two groups. Case analysis showed that after treatment of femoral head necrosis,the saccular transparent shadow of the femoral head was significantly reduced,and the number of bone trabeculae increased. The low-density shadow decreased as can be seen on hip X-rays. In patients with hip osteoporosis after treatment,the number of bone trabeculae increased, and the low density shadow reduced. ConclusionThe use of Mailuoning compound solution for nerve blocks around the hip joint gives full play to the synergistic effect of Mailuoning compound solution and nerve block. It can effectively relieve hip joint pain,promote the recovery of hip joint function,reduce the disability rate,and improve the quality of life of patients. Early intervention is an important link in the treatment of hip joint pain diseases,which can effectively control the development of the patient's disease. Mailuoning compound solution is a new idea and method to treat hip joint pain through neuroregulation,which is easy to operate,with high safety and good therapeutic effect. In future studies,a larger sample size is needed,and more in-depth research should be conducted on the imaging changes and mechanisms of action for various hip joint pain diseases.
10.Determination of biological activity of teduglutide by a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence method
Xiao-ming ZHANG ; Ran MA ; Li-jing LÜ ; Lü-yin WANG ; Ping LÜ ; Cheng-gang LIANG ; Jing LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):211-217
In this study, we constructed a GLP-2R-HEK293 cell line and established a method for the determination of the

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