1.Optimal Ratio of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos Couplet Medicines and Its Anti-ischemic Stroke Effect
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):21-31
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the optimal compatibility ratio of the Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos (CR-CF) couplet medicines in ischemic stroke (IS) therapy and its pharmacological action mechanism, providing a scientific basis for the clinical application of CR-CF couplet medicines in IS therapy. MethodsThe chemical composition of CR-CF was analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The contents of eight characteristic chemical components in aqueous extracts of CR-CF with common clinical compatibility ratios (1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶3, 3∶2, 2∶1) were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UHPLC). An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cell injury model was established, and cells were treated with different CR-CF compatibility ratios. The collaborative index (CI) was calculated by using CompuSyn software. A cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model of rats was induced by using the modified Longa suture method. The rats were divided into the sham group, model group, Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) group (1.3 g·kg-1), Carthami Flos (CF) group (3.9 g·kg-1), CR-CF group (5.2 g·kg-1), and edaravone group (5 mg·kg-1). Neuronal defect scores were assessed by the Longa scoring method. Cerebral infarction volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. Neuronal damage was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Neuronal apoptosis of rats was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed by Western blot. Label-free proteomics was employed to screen differentially expressed proteins, and Western blot was used to examine the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway-related proteins. Finally, molecular docking was performed to predict the binding affinity of eight active constituents in CR-CF (1∶3) with PI3K. ResultsWhen CR-CF was combined at a 1∶3 ratio, the total content of the eight active constituents in the extract was the highest, and the synergistic protective effect on OGD/R-injured HT22 cells was the strongest (CI=0.308). Animal experiments showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased neuroecological score points (P<0.01), larger cerebral infarction volumes (P<0.01), aggravated brain tissue damage, elevated neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), and increased B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and cleaved Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3/Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3) ratios (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CR-CF (1∶3) significantly reduced neurological scores (P<0.01), significantly decreased cerebral infarction volume (P<0.01), alleviated brain tissue damage, inhibited neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), and significantly lowered the Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 ratios (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of CR-CF (1∶3) was superior to that of CR or CF alone. Proteomic analysis revealed that CR-CF (1∶3) activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Validation experiments demonstrated that compared with the sham group, the model group showed obviously reduced p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios (P<0.05) obviously increased. Compared with the CR-CF group, the 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one LY294002 inhibitor+CR-CF group exhibited obviously decreased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.05). Molecular docking results indicated that the active constituents of CR-CF (1∶3) had strong binding affinity with PI3K. ConclusionThe CR-CF couplet medicines at a 1∶3 ratio exhibit optimal synergistic effects, and their anti-IS mechanism is closely related to activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis.
2.Association of school bullying and insomnia with depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):85-89
Objective:
To explore the interaction between school bullying and insomnia in relation to depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students,so as to provide a basis for preventing negative emotional states in adolescents.
Methods:
In October 2024, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 3 058 students in grade 5-6 of primary, junior and senior high school in Sheyang County of Jiangsu Province. The Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21, and Study Condition Questionnaire were employed to investigate school bullying, insomnia, depression-anxiety-stress emotions, and academic performance. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the association between school bullying and insomnia interactions and depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students, multiplicative interaction analysis was conducted, and additive interaction analysis was performed using R software.
Results:
The detection rates of depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students were 21.6%, 28.4% and 10.8%, respectively. The detection rates of physical bullying, relationship bullying, verbal bullying and cyberbullying in school bullying were 10.6%, 14.0%, 22.3%, and 6.2%, respectively. The detection rate for insomnia was 23.1%. Results from Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant factors, physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia were positively correlated with the detection rates of depression ( OR = 5.72- 10.93), anxiety ( OR =6.35-12.17), and stress emotions ( OR =5.97-14.52) among primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01). The multiplicative interaction between physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia was positively correlated with the detection rates of depression ( OR =8.00-18.01), anxiety ( OR =11.35-17.76), and stress emotions ( OR =7.64-9.12) in primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01). Additive interactions were observed between physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia in relation to the detection rates of depression, anxiety, and stress emotions among primary and secondary school students (both RERI and AP >0 and the credible interval excluded 0, SI >1 and the credible interval excluded 1).
Conclusion
School bullying and insomnia are associated with depression, anxiety, and stress emotions among primary and secondary school students, and they exhibit both multiplicative and additive interactions.
3.Efficacy and safety of sequential or combined therapy with tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in entecavir-treated patients with low-level viremia
Yijing ZHANG ; Lingying HUANG ; Bowu CHEN ; Wanchun ZHU ; Man LI ; Jie SHEN ; Yueqiu GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):66-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of sequential tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) therapy versus the regimen of entecavir (ETV) combined with TAF in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients experiencing low-level viremia (LLV) after ETV therapy, as well as their impact on virologic response, liver and renal function, and blood lipid levels. MethodsA total of 217 CHB patients with LLV after ETV treatment who were admitted to Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled, and according to the treatment regimen, they were divided into TAF group (180 patients receiving sequential TAF therapy) and combined group (37 patients receiving ETV+TAF therapy). The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to match the patients at a ratio of 1∶1, and finally 37 patients were included in each group to balance the baseline confounding factors. The two groups were compared in terms of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) clearance rate, hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) clearance rate, liver and renal function parameters (liver stiffness measurement [LSM], platelet count [PLT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and creatinine [Cr]), blood lipid levels (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]), and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison within each group; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter 48 weeks of treatment, compared with the TAF group, the combined group had significantly higher HBV DNA clearance rate (86.49% vs 59.46%, χ²=6.852, P=0.009) and HBeAg clearance rate (59.46% vs 35.14%, χ²=4.391, P=0.036). After treatment, compared with the TAF group, the combined group had significantly lower levels of LSM (7.01±1.50 kPa vs 7.90±1.68 kPa, t=2.404, P=0.019), AST (18.02±2.28 U/L vs 21.12±2.85 U/L, t=5.166, P<0.001), and ALT (19.85±3.86 U/L vs 22.00±3.90 U/L, t=2.383, P=0.020) and significantly higher levels of PLT [(218.35±42.60)×109/L vs (192.82±44.13)×109/L, t=2.532, P=0.014] and Cr (70.92±6.54 μmoL/L vs 67.60±6.13 μmoL/L, t=2.253, P=0.027). After treatment, there was a slight increase in the level of TC in both the TAF group (5.60±0.89 mmol/L vs 5.18±0.85 mmol/L, t=2.076, P=0.041) and the combined group (5.45±0.80 mmol/L vs 5.02±0.83 mmol/L, t=2.269, P=0.026). There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the TAF group and the combined group (21.62% vs 18.92%, χ²=0.084, P=0.772). ConclusionFor ETV-treated CHB patients experiencing LLV, compared with sequential TAF therapy, the ETV+TAF combined therapy can effectively increase virologic response rate, alleviate liver fibrosis, and improve liver function, whereas sequential TAF therapy has less impact on renal function. Sequential or combined therapy with TAF may induce a slight increase in the level of TC, which should be taken seriously in clinical practice.
4.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.
5.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
6.Characterization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease–related hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid
Yi DONG ; Juan CHENG ; Yun-Lin HUANG ; Yi-Jie QIU ; Jia-Ying CAO ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Wen-Ping WANG ; Kathleen MÖLLER ; Christoph F. DIETRICH
Ultrasonography 2025;44(3):232-242
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics.
Results:
From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024
YANG Xianqing ; FANG Lihong ; FANG Lian ; ZHONG Rongwan ; WANG Fei ; LIANG Jie ; HUANG Yanyin ; XU Xiaoping
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):304-307,311
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening the prevention and control of brucellosis.
Methods:
Data on brucellosis cases and surveillance in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the annual brucellosis surveillance reports from the Jiande Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual summaries of brucellosis prevention and control efforts. The epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
A total of 1 125 individuals were monitored in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024, with 18 seropositive cases identified and the seropositivity rate of 1.60%. The average annual seropositivity rate from 2015 to 2024 was 3.35%, which was significantly higher than that of 0.57% from 2005 to 2014 (P<0.05). There were 10 confirmed brucellosis cases and 8 asymptomatic infections, with no reported deaths. The peak incidence occurred between March and August. Among the 16 towns (streets) in Jiande City, 8 reported brucellosis cases. Of the brucellosis cases, 14 were male and 4 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5∶1. The majority of cases (13 cases) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Occupational exposure was identified in 16 cases, all of whom were infected through direct hand contact with the excreta, secretions, or animal products of infected sheep or cattle. The primary source of infection was sheep, followed by cattle. Five strains of Brucella were isolated and cultured, all identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 3.
Conclusions
The brucellosis epidemic in Jiande City remained at a sporadic and low prevalence level from 2005 to 2024, with an increasing trend observed from 2015 to 2024. Male occupational groups aged 40 to 60 years were the key population for brucellosis prevention and control, and sheep were the primary source of infection.
8.Research progress of nano drug delivery system based on metal-polyphenol network for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases
Meng-jie ZHAO ; Xia-li ZHU ; Yi-jing LI ; Zi-ang WANG ; Yun-long ZHAO ; Gao-jian WEI ; Yu CHEN ; Sheng-nan HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):323-336
Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.
9.Research on the Mental Model of Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Reshaping Strategies Under the Theoretical Paradigm of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》)
Yaoyao HUANG ; Jie LI ; Junlong SHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):663-668
The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》) constructs its theoretical system under the influence of the holistic, symbolic, and holographic mental models of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It lays the theoretical foundation of TCM and provides a paradigm for TCM theory construction, serving as an original academic gene and theoretical source for the inheritance and innovation of modern TCM. Based on the theoretical paradigms derived from The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor, the holistic mental model, the symbolic mental model, and the holographic mental model in shaping nature-human medicine theory, imagery-based theory, and fractal theory, this study revealed that TCM theory relies on the cognitive framework of traditional cultural mental models. On this basis, we proposed that the modern TCM mental model should return to its roots while fostering innovation, integrating tradition with modernity by combining macroscopic with microscopic perspectives, scientific with humanistic cognition, as well as evidence-based research with digital and artificial intelligence technologies. Furthermore, with a future-oriented approach, this paper discussed on the strategies for reshaping the modern TCM mental model from three dimensions of TCM diagnosis and treatment, TCM education, and TCM research, which could not only preserve the traditional clinical thinking characteristics of TCM, but also innovate modern TCM practice.
10.Study on the mechanism of Danggui buxue decoction regulating neutrophil extracellular traps to improve osteo-porosis in rats with premature ovarian failure
Chuiqiao HUANG ; Shuai CHEN ; Qian LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Jie GAO ; Zhong QIN ; Yunzhi CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):655-660
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism through which Danggui buxue decoction regulates neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to improve osteoporosis (OP) in rats with premature ovarian failure (POF). METHODS Female SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, calcitriol group, and Danggui buxue decoction low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups, with 9 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups were administered cisplatin via intraperitoneal injection on days 1 and 8 to establish a POF complicated with OP model. Each group received the corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically starting from day 5, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, serum levels of estradiol (E2), NETs, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteocalcin (BGP) were measured. The histopathological changes in bone tissue were observed. The expressions of vitamin D receptor (VDR), myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in bone tissue were detected; the protein expressions of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the bone tissue of rats in the model group showed a significant reduction in the number of trabeculae, which was thinner broken and poorly connected, with significant destruction of the reticular structure, and an enlarged marrow cavity. Serum levels of NETs and RANKL, the protein expressions of MPO, NE, CitH3 and CYP24A1 in bone tissue were significantly increased or upregulated, while serum levels of E2, 25(OH)D3 and BGP as well as protein expressions of VDR and CYP27B1 were significantly decreased or downregulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the histopathological changes in the bone tissue of rats in each administration group showed some degree of recovery, with significant improvements observed in most quantitative indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Danggui buxue decoction can restore the E2 level in POF complicated with OP rats, and improve OP. The mechanism may be related to its ability to upregulate VD level and inhibit the formation of NETs.


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