1.Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Intervention of Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Quanyou ZHAO ; Conghui ZHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Xiaoran WANG ; Zhanzhan LI ; Mingsan MIAO ; Li BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):280-289
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system with extremely poor treatment prognosis. Although its incidence rate is low, its mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases worldwide has continued to rise, making pancreatic cancer the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Currently, clinical treatment primarily relies on operation and chemotherapy to suppress tumors. However, these approaches face challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, high postoperative recurrence rates, and severe adverse reactions. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment modalities remains a pressing challenge for the medical community. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for pancreatic cancer has increased significantly. Multiple studies have shown that single-herb TCM, TCM formulas, and their derived single compounds can regulate the levels of tumor cell signaling pathways through multiple action targets. They inhibit the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing cancer cell invasion and migration capabilities, regulating the cell cycle, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, TCM has the advantages of significantly enhancing the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and causing fewer adverse reactions. However, the specific action mechanisms by which TCM intervenes in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Further extensive research is still needed to validate the role of regulating classical signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), notch, and hedgehog in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this paper reviewed Chinese and international studies on TCM intervention in pancreatic cancer through relevant signaling pathways in recent years, summarized the potential action mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and provided references for related research in the future.
2.Analysis of the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants from Chinese Neonatal Network in 2022
Yan MO ; Aimin QIAN ; Ruimiao BAI ; Shujuan LI ; Xiaoqing YU ; Jin WANG ; K. Shoo LEE ; Siyuan JIANG ; Qiufen WEI ; Wenhao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(1):55-61
Objective:To analyze the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants (VPI) (gestational age at birth <32 weeks) from Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) in 2022.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on the CHNN VPI cohort. It included 6 985 VPI admitted to CHNN 89 participating centers within 24 hours after birth in 2022. VPI with major congenital anomalies or those transferred to non-CHNN centers for treatment or discharged against medical advice were excluded. VPI were categorized based on whether they received red blood cell transfusions, their gestational age at birth, the type of respiratory support received during transfusion, and whether the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels exceeded the thresholds. General characteristics, red blood cell transfusion rates, number of transfusions, timing of the first transfusion, and pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels were compared among different groups. The incidence of adverse outcomes between the group of VPI who received transfusions above the threshold and those who received transfusions below the threshold were compared. Comparison among different groups was conducted using χ2 tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and so on. Trends by gestational age at birth were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage tests and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Among the 6 985 VPI, 3 865 cases(55.3%) were male, with a gestational age at birth of 30.0 (28.6, 31.0) weeks and a birth weight of (1 302±321) g. Overall, 3 617 cases (51.8%) received red blood cell transfusion, while 3 368 cases (48.2%) did not. The red blood cell transfusion rate was 51.8% (3 617/6 985), with rates of 77.7% (893/1 150) for those born before 28 weeks gestational age and 46.7% (2 724/5 835) for those born between 28 and 31 weeks gestational age. A total of 9 616 times red blood cell transfusions were administered to 3 617 VPI, with 632 times missing pre-transfusion hemoglobin data, and 8 984 times included in the analysis. Of the red blood cell transfusions, 25.6% (2 459/9 616) were administered when invasive respiratory support was required, 51.3% (4 934/9 616) were receiving non-invasive respiratory support, while 23.1% (2 223/9, 616) were given when no respiratory support was needed. Compared to the non-transfusion group, the red blood cell transfusion group had a higher rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension in mothers, lower rates of born via cesarean section and mother′s antenatal steroid administration, smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, a higher proportion of small-for-gestational-age, multiple births, and proportions of Apgar score at the 5 th minute after birth ≤3 (all P<0.05). They were also less likely to be female, born in hospital or undergo delayed cord clamping (all P<0.01). Additionally, higher transport risk index of physiologic stability score at admission were observed in the red blood cell transfusion group ( P<0.001). The number of red blood cell transfusion was 2 (1, 3) times, with the first transfusion occurring at an age of 18 (8, 29) days, and a pre-transfusion hemoglobin level of 97 (86, 109) g/L. For VPI ≤7 days of age, the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels for invasive respiratory support, non-invasive respiratory support, or no respiratory support, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between groups ( H=5.59, P=0.061). For VPI aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days, the levels with statistically differences between groups (both P<0.01). Red blood cell transfusions above recommended thresholds were observed in all respiratory support categories at different stages of life, with the highest prevalence in infants aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days who did not require respiratory support, at 90.1% (264/273) and 91.1%(1 578/1 732), respectively. The rate of necrotizing enterocolitis was higher in the above-threshold group ( χ2=10.59, P=0.001), and the duration of hospital stay was longer in the above-threshold group ( Z=4.67, P<0.001) compared to the below-threshold group. Conclusions:In 2022, the red blood cell transfusion rate was relatively high among VPI from CHNN. Pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels frequently exceeded recommended transfusion thresholds.
3.Constructing a model of degenerative scoliosis using finite element method:biomechanical analysis in etiology and treatment
Kai HE ; Wenhua XING ; Shengxiang LIU ; Xianming BAI ; Chen ZHOU ; Xu GAO ; Yu QIAO ; Qiang HE ; Zhiyu GAO ; Zhen GUO ; Aruhan BAO ; Chade LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):572-578
BACKGROUND:Degenerative scoliosis is defined as a condition that occurs in adulthood with a coronal cobb angle of the spine>10° accompanied by sagittal deformity and rotational subluxation,which often produces symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression,such as lumbar pain,lower limb pain,numbness,weakness,and neurogenic claudication.The finite element method is a mechanical analysis technique for computer modelling,which can be used for spinal mechanics research by building digital models that can realistically restore the human spine model and design modifications. OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis. METHODS:The literature databases CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for articles on the application of finite element method in degenerative scoliosis published before October 2023.Search terms were"finite element analysis,biomechanics,stress analysis,degenerative scoliosis,adult spinal deformity"in Chinese and English.Fifty-four papers were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The biomechanical findings from the degenerative scoliosis model constructed using the finite element method were identical to those from the in vivo experimental studies,which proves that the finite element method has a high practical value in degenerative scoliosis.(2)The study of the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis by the finite element method is conducive to the prevention of the occurrence of the scoliosis,slowing down the progress of the scoliosis,the development of a more appropriate treatment plan,the reduction of complications,and the promotion of the patients'surgical operation.(3)The finite element method has gradually evolved from a single bony structure to the inclusion of soft tissues such as muscle ligaments,and the small sample content is increasingly unable to meet the research needs.(4)The finite element method has much room for exploration in degenerative scoliosis.
4.Research progress in the application of supercooling preservation technology in graft preservation
Heng ZHAO ; Jinteng FENG ; Bangrui YU ; Yixing LI ; Haotian BAI ; Haishui HUANG ; Guangjian ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):394-403
Supercooling preservation technology, as a groundbreaking innovation in the field of organ preservation, significantly reduces the metabolic rate of cells and inhibits ice crystal formation by placing organs in a low-temperature environment near or below the freezing point. This technology extends the preservation time of organs and maintains their biological activity. Compared with the traditional low-temperature preservation at 4 °C, supercooling preservation effectively avoids cell damage and the accumulation of metabolic products, demonstrating significant advantages in the preservation of cells, tissues and organs. In recent years, important progress has been made in the optimization of cryoprotectants, the application of antifreeze proteins, the improvement of vitrification technology, and the development of nanotechnology-based rewarming techniques. These advancements provide new pathways to address the challenges of toxicity, ice crystal formation and uneven rewarming rates during supercooling preservation. This review summarizes the basic principles of supercooling preservation, the application of key technologies, and their practical effects in organ transplantation. It also analyzes the challenges of toxicity and rewarming efficiency, aiming to provide theoretical support and research directions for the future optimization of organ low-temperature preservation technology and its clinical application.
5.Current status of anticoccidial drug resistance in China
Yidan BAI ; Wenting LI ; Wanxin LUO ; Yuxin YU ; Dongfang LI ; Junlong ZHAO ; Lan HE
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):217-222
Avian coccidiosis, an acute parasitic disease that mainly harms chicks, is widely prevalent across the world, which poses a serious threat to poultry industry. Because of the single prophylactic formulations, veterinary clinical treatment of coccidiosis mainly relies on chemically synthesized agents, polyether ionophores and Chinese herbal medicines. The introduction of novel anticoccidial drugs is slow for a long period of time, and there is an increasing problem of anticoccidial drug resistance following long-term use, which has become an urgent problem to be solved in poultry industry. This review summarizes the levels of anticoccidial drug resistance across China from 2018 to 2023, and analyzes the resistance to various anticoccidial agents in coccidia. It is indicated that the overall prevalence of anticoccidial drug resistance is high in coccidia, and development of novel anticoccidial agents and products with reduced antibiotics use and alternatives of antibiotics is of an urgent need.
6.Molecular Characteristics of Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer: Biomarker Identification Based on Gene Mutations and Pathway
Liyan LI ; Hongwei LYU ; Qian CHEN ; Yating BAI ; Jing YU ; Ruigang CAI
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):61-71
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics associated with better prognosis in breast cancer.
Methods:
We performed targeted sequencing of 962 genes in 56 samples, categorizing them into long-term and short-term survival groups as well as chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant groups for further analyses.
Results:
The results indicated that the tumor mutational burden values were significantly higher in the short-term survival and chemotherapy-resistant groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003, respectively). Somatic mutation analysis revealed that the mutation frequencies of BCL9L and WHSC1 were significantly lower in the long-term survival group than those in the short-term survival group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.024, respectively). CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) mutations occurred significantly more frequently in the chemotherapy-resistant group (p = 0.027) and were associated with shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.036).Signature weighting analysis showed a significant increase in Signature.3, which is associated with homologous recombination repair deficiency in the chemotherapy-sensitive group (p = 0.045). Conversely, signatures related to effective DNA repair mechanisms, Signature.1 and Signature.15, were significantly reduced (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that gene mutations were significantly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
Conclusion
This study, through intergroup comparative analysis, found that immunotherapy (using programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors) may improve the prognosis of patients with short survival and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, the study revealed that mutations in BCL9L and WHSC1 could serve as biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis, while CRTC1 mutations and Signature.3 could predict chemotherapy response. The study also found that the JAK-STAT pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, this study identifies molecular characteristics that influence the prognosis of breast cancer patients, providing important theoretical insights for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
7.Molecular Characteristics of Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer: Biomarker Identification Based on Gene Mutations and Pathway
Liyan LI ; Hongwei LYU ; Qian CHEN ; Yating BAI ; Jing YU ; Ruigang CAI
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):61-71
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics associated with better prognosis in breast cancer.
Methods:
We performed targeted sequencing of 962 genes in 56 samples, categorizing them into long-term and short-term survival groups as well as chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant groups for further analyses.
Results:
The results indicated that the tumor mutational burden values were significantly higher in the short-term survival and chemotherapy-resistant groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003, respectively). Somatic mutation analysis revealed that the mutation frequencies of BCL9L and WHSC1 were significantly lower in the long-term survival group than those in the short-term survival group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.024, respectively). CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) mutations occurred significantly more frequently in the chemotherapy-resistant group (p = 0.027) and were associated with shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.036).Signature weighting analysis showed a significant increase in Signature.3, which is associated with homologous recombination repair deficiency in the chemotherapy-sensitive group (p = 0.045). Conversely, signatures related to effective DNA repair mechanisms, Signature.1 and Signature.15, were significantly reduced (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that gene mutations were significantly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
Conclusion
This study, through intergroup comparative analysis, found that immunotherapy (using programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors) may improve the prognosis of patients with short survival and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, the study revealed that mutations in BCL9L and WHSC1 could serve as biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis, while CRTC1 mutations and Signature.3 could predict chemotherapy response. The study also found that the JAK-STAT pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, this study identifies molecular characteristics that influence the prognosis of breast cancer patients, providing important theoretical insights for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
8.Molecular Characteristics of Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer: Biomarker Identification Based on Gene Mutations and Pathway
Liyan LI ; Hongwei LYU ; Qian CHEN ; Yating BAI ; Jing YU ; Ruigang CAI
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):61-71
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics associated with better prognosis in breast cancer.
Methods:
We performed targeted sequencing of 962 genes in 56 samples, categorizing them into long-term and short-term survival groups as well as chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant groups for further analyses.
Results:
The results indicated that the tumor mutational burden values were significantly higher in the short-term survival and chemotherapy-resistant groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003, respectively). Somatic mutation analysis revealed that the mutation frequencies of BCL9L and WHSC1 were significantly lower in the long-term survival group than those in the short-term survival group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.024, respectively). CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) mutations occurred significantly more frequently in the chemotherapy-resistant group (p = 0.027) and were associated with shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.036).Signature weighting analysis showed a significant increase in Signature.3, which is associated with homologous recombination repair deficiency in the chemotherapy-sensitive group (p = 0.045). Conversely, signatures related to effective DNA repair mechanisms, Signature.1 and Signature.15, were significantly reduced (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that gene mutations were significantly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
Conclusion
This study, through intergroup comparative analysis, found that immunotherapy (using programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors) may improve the prognosis of patients with short survival and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, the study revealed that mutations in BCL9L and WHSC1 could serve as biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis, while CRTC1 mutations and Signature.3 could predict chemotherapy response. The study also found that the JAK-STAT pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, this study identifies molecular characteristics that influence the prognosis of breast cancer patients, providing important theoretical insights for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
9.Comprehensive evaluation of the quality of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules based on fingerprint combined with content of pharmacodynamic components
Shuxian BAI ; Dandan WANG ; Zuomin WU ; Xiaotao YU ; Jingyuan DONG ; Yening LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1743-1748
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules. METHODS Taking high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and evaporative light scattering detection as method, the fingerprint of 15 batches of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules was established, and similarity evaluation was performed by Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM (2012 edition) to determine common peaks. The common peaks were identified by comparing with reference substance chromatograms and single decoction piece chromatograms. Network pharmacology was used to screen out core targets and pathways of identified components, construct a “component-target-pathway” network diagram, and predict the pharmacodynamic components of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules, and the content determination of these components was carried out by the same method. RESULTS HPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules were characterized with 40 common peaks, and 17 components including salvianolic acid B, astragaloside Ⅳ, notoginsenoside R1, and ginkgolide A were identified. Network pharmacology predicted that 17 components mainly acted on 97 core targets and 137 pathways to exert their pharmacological effect. Average contents of 13 bioactive components in 15 batches of samples were 0.126 8, 0.232 0, 0.073 8, 0.353 2, 3.620 2, 0.191 0, 0.333 3, 0.317 4, 0.785 0, 0.538 2, 0.460 0, 2.475 1 and 0.347 7 mg/g, including calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, formononetin, lithospermic acid, salvianolic acid B, ononin, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rd, ginkgolide C, ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, notoginsenoside R1, and astragaloside Ⅳ. CONCLUSIONS The established fingerprint of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules can reflect the overall characteristics of the preparation. The content determination method for its pharmacodynamic components, developed in combination with network pharmacology, is accurate, reliable, and exhibits good repeatability, making it suitable for evaluating the quality of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules.
10.Clinical Efficacy of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in Protecting Children with Close Contact Exposure to Influenza: A Multicenter,Prospective, Non-randomized, Parallel, Controlled Trial
Jing WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Tiegang LIU ; Hong WANG ; Yingxin FU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Yingqi XU ; Yanan MA ; Wei WANG ; Jia WANG ; Haipeng CHEN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Liqun WU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):223-230
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in protecting children with close contact exposure to influenza, and to provide reference and evidence-based support for better clinical prevention and treatment of influenza in children. MethodsA multicenter, prospective, non-randomized, parallel, controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 in five hospitals, including Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Confirmed influenza cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases were collected, and eligible children with close contact exposure to these cases were recruited in the outpatient clinics. According to whether the enrolled close contacts were willing to take Xiaoji Hufei formula for influenza prevention, they were assigned to the observation group (108 cases) or the control group (108 cases). Follow-up visits were conducted on days 7 and 14 after enrollment. The primary outcomes were the incidence of ILI and the rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza. Secondary outcomes included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score scale for influenza, influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate, influenza hospitalization rate, and time to onset after exposure to influenza cases. ResultsA total of 216 participants were enrolled, with 108 in the observation group and 108 in the control group. Primary outcomes: (1) Incidence of ILI: The incidence was 12.0% (13/108) in the observation group and 23.1% (25/108) in the control group, with the observation group showing a significantly lower incidence (χ2=4.6, P<0.05). (2) Influenza confirmation rate: 3.7% (4/108) in the observation group and 4.6% (5/108) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. Secondary outcomes: (1) TCM symptom score scale: after onset, nasal congestion and runny nose scores differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05), while other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough showed no significant differences. (2) Influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate: 84.6% (11 cases) in the observation group and 96.0% (24 cases) in the control group, with no significant difference. (3) Time to onset after exposure: The median onset time after exposure to index patients was 7 days in the observation group and 4 days in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). ConclusionIn previously healthy children exposed to infectious influenza cases under unprotected conditions, Xiaoji Hufei formula prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of ILI. Xiaoji Hufei Formula can be recommended as a specific preventive prescription for influenza in children.

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