1.Characterization and Application of Moisture Absorption Kinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines Based on Double Exponential Model:A Review
Yanting YU ; Lei XIONG ; Yan HE ; Wei LIU ; Jing YANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Xiaojian LUO ; Xiaoyong RAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):340-346
Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica(CMM). Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design, process optimization, and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms, with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion, tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years, this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties, offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM, analyzes its advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in this domain, and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies, while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.
2.Multi-dimensional Holographic Characterization of Zhejiang Characteristic Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma with Nine-time Repeating Steaming and Processing
Xin WU ; Cuiwei CHEN ; Qiao YU ; Chao FENG ; Hongyan ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Caihua SUN ; Gang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):197-205
ObjectiveHistorically documented Zhejiang Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(Baizhu) possesses premium characteristics such as phoenix-like head and crane-like neck, pronounced sweetness, and fragrant aroma. However, its current market circulation is low, and the processed products with Zhejiang-style characteristics are at the risk of being lost. This study aims to preserve the ancient Zhejiang-style processing techniques and evaluate them using modern scientific methods. MethodsMultidimensional intelligent sensory evaluation was used to digitally characterize the "quality-structure" of the external appearance of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu medicinal materials(intermediate processed products) and the "odor-taste" of the internal quality of its decoction pieces(slices), and the appearance parameters were digitally characterized by colorimeter, texture analyzer, electronic nose and electronic tongue, the chemical composition was analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Then, cluster analysis on the differences in odor between the medicinal materials(intermediate processed products) and decoction pieces(slices) of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu was conducted, as well as the differences in taste between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of the decoction pieces(slices), and the correlation analysis of chroma value-alcohol-soluble extract content-component response value. ResultsThe nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu had a dark brown to black epidermis, a brownish-yellow to brownish-gray cross-section, a slightly tough texture, a faint odor, and a slightly sweet, bitter and pungent taste. Texture analyzer measurements revealed minimal adhesion and maximum recovery in the middle section of the characteristic processed Baizhu, consistent with the processing endpoint of thorough steaming and cooking. The head section showed the highest internal hardness, elasticity and chewiness, indicating a denser texture in this area. The electronic nose sensor could clearly distinguish the difference between the medicinal materials and its decoction pieces, with a more significant clustering effect at 60 ℃ for 30 minutes compared to ambient temperature headspace for 2 hours, highlighting the significant impact of the baking degree before slicing on the quality. The electronic tongue taste signal map clearly distinguished the differences between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu decoction pieces, and the addition of auxiliary materials during processing could enhance its alcohol-soluble extract content. A total of 82 chemical components were identified in the characteristic processed Baizhu. After processing, the contents of 58 components increased, while 24 components decreased. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations(P<0.01) between ethanol-soluble extract content and colorimetric values of brightness(L*), yellow-bule value(b*), and total color difference(E*ab). E*ab showed marked negative correlations(P<0.05) with the response values of isochlorogenic acid A and C. ConclusionThis study establishes a modern intelligent sensory evaluation model for multidimensional holographic characterization of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu, clarifying the correlation between increased isochlorogenic acid content and the visual color appearance after different steaming cycles, as well as its intrinsic alcohol-soluble extracts. This provides a reference for quality evaluation and processing standards of the Zhejiang-style characteristic processed products.
3.Availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years
CHEN Bo ; WANG Xihui ; QIU Fengqian ; YU Yan ; GAO Shuna ; HE Lihua ; LI Weiyi ; JI Yunfang ; CHEN Weihua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):21-25
Objective:
To investigate the availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years, so as to provide the basis for improving riding safety for children.
Methods:
Parents of children aged 0-3 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality, were recruited using the stratified multistage random sampling method from May to July 2024. Demographic information, family travel patterns, the use of child safety seat and related health beliefs were collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting the use of child safety seats were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 514 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 96.98%. The respondents included 122 fathers (23.74%) and 392 mothers (76.26%), with a median age of 34.00 (interquartile range, 5.00) years. There were 446 families equipping with child safety seats, accounting for 86.77%; and 169 families using child safety seats, accounting for 32.88%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parents who had children aged >1-2 years (OR=0.597, 95%CI: 0.366-0.973), travelled 2-4 times per month (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.213-0.607) or once per month or less (OR=0.384, 95%CI: 0.202-0.729), and scored high in perceived barrier (OR=0.634, 95%CI: 0.486-0.827) were less likely to use child safety seats; the parents who had children with local household registration (OR=2.506, 95%CI: 1.356-4.633), travelled 5-<10 km (OR=1.887, 95%CI: 1.148-3.101) or ≥10 km (OR=2.319, 95%CI: 1.355-3.967), always wore seat belts (OR=2.342, 95%CI: 1.212-4.524), scored high in perceived susceptibility (OR=1.392, 95%CI: 1.091-1.778) and self-efficacy (OR=1.413, 95%CI: 1.156-1.727) were more likely to use child safety seats.
Conclusions
Equipping family cars with child safety seats and using them can prevent and reduce traffic injuries among children aged 0-3 years. It is recommended to strengthen publicity to promote the use of child safety seats.
4.Invasion and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Mediated by Traditional Chinese Medicine via Cell Signaling Pathway: A Review
Min GUO ; Wenyan YU ; Naicheng ZHU ; Yuwei YAN ; Chen ZHONG ; Xiudan CHEN ; Nanxin LI ; Guojuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):323-330
Colorectal cancer is a common and malignant tumor in the digestive tract. Invasion and metastasis of cancer cells are key factors leading to the high mortality rate and postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy is the main treatment method for preventing recurrence of this disease. However, there are many toxic side effects in clinical application, which seriously hinder the treatment process. Therefore, it is imperative to search for efficient and low-toxicity drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating colorectal cancer and offers advantages such as safety, effectiveness, multiple targets, multiple pathways and minimal toxic side effects, which have made it increasingly popular worldwide. According to TCM, the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is rooted in both deficiency and excess. TCM formulas mainly focus on tonifying the body to address the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer, such as Jianpi compound, Jianpi Xiaoai decoction, and Bushen Jiedu Sanjie decoction. TCM monomers, such as emodin, berberine, and tanshinone, mainly focus on clearing heat and removing toxin, circulating blood and transforming stasis, and resolving swelling and dispersing nodules. Signaling pathways play a crucial role for analyzing invasion and metastasis, and research has shown that pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase (PI3K/Akt), Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activating factor 3 (JAK2/STAT3), nuclear factors-κB (NF-κB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play important roles in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer can be inhibited via regulating the key proteins and related factors in these pathways. In this review, we searched various literature databases, such as PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP, using keywords such as "colorectal cancer", "signaling pathway", "invasion and metastasis", and "traditional Chinese medicine", to summarize and analyze the relevant pathways of TCM compounds and monomers against invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer published in the past five years. The review aims to provide new insights and references for in-depth research on the therapy for invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer and new drug development.
5.Effect of ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum on the expression of integrin alpha5 and beta1 in degenerative rabbit lumbar intervertebral discs
Can CHEN ; Yu ZHAO ; Binhan HU ; Mengfan DU ; Junning LIU ; Susheng NIU ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):331-338
BACKGROUND:Needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum can effectively improve symptoms in patients with lumbar degeneration,and ultrasound guidance can increase the precision of needle-knife release;however,the specific effects of needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum on the degenerated intervertebral discs and the possible mechanisms remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum. METHODS:Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomized into control(n=6)and model(n=18)groups.A rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration model was established in the model group by cutting the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments of the L5/6 and L6/7 segments to maintain a standing posture and apply axial load to the lumbar spine.After successful modeling,the model rabbits were subdivided into a control group,a model group,an ultrasonic needle-knife group,and a sham needle-knife group according to a random number table method,with six animals in each group.The ultrasonic needle-knife group underwent ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the right yellow ligament of L7/S1,once every week,for a total of four times.The needle-knife approach in the sham needle-knife group was the same as that in the ultrasound needle-knife group,but the ligamentum flavum was not released.At 30 days after the intervention,MRI was used to observe the changes in the signal intensity of the nucleus pulposus within the L7/S1 segment.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the L7/S1 segment.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of type I and II collagen in the nucleus pulposus of the L7/S1 segment.RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of integrin α5 and β1,p38,and nuclear factor κB in the L7/S1 segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:MRI findings indicated that the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc of rabbits in the model group was gray-black in color,and the gray value of the nucleus pulposus was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.01).The brightness of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc of the rabbits in the ultrasonic needle-knife group was elevated compared with that of the model group,and the gray value of the nucleus pulposus was higher than that of the model group(P<0.01).Results from hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that in the model group,the shape of the nucleus pulposus was irregular,the number of nucleus pulposus cells was reduced,the extracellular matrix was compressed,the fibrous ring was ruptured,the structure and boundary of the end plate were unclear,and the chondrocytes were arranged disorderly.Compared with the model group,the ultrasonic needle-knife group showed an increase in the number of the nucleus pulposus,an improvement in the rupture of the fibrous ring,and more regular arrangement of cartilage endplate cells.Results from immunohistochemical staining showed an increase in positive expression of type I collagen(P<0.01)and a decrease in positive expression of type II collagen in the nucleus pulposus of the model group compared with the control group as well as a decrease in positive expression of type I collagen and an increase in positive expression of type II collagen in the nucleus pulposus of the ultrasonic needle-knife group compared with the model group(P<0.01).RT-PCR and western blot assays showed that the mRNA and protein expression of integrin α5,integrin β1,p38,and nuclear factor κB in the intervertebral discs of rabbits in the model group were increased compared with that in the control group(P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expression of integrin α5,integrin β1,p38,and nuclear factor κB in the intervertebral discs of rabbits in the ultrasonic needle-knife group was decreased compared with that in the model group(P<0.01).To conclude,ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum can improve the degree of lumbar disc degeneration in rabbits,which may be related to the inhibition of p38 and nuclear factor-κB expression by modulating integrin α5 and β1 expression.
6.Differences in postural control ability between older adults with mild cognitive impairment and those with normal cognition under different single-task and dual-task conditions
Yuxin ZHANG ; Cong YU ; Cui ZHANG ; Jianjun DING ; Yan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1643-1649
BACKGROUND:The decreased postural control ability due to mild cognitive impairment in elderly people leads to the increased risk of falls.Dual-task is the primary research paradigm for evaluating the relationship between cognition and postural control in the scenes close to real life.The sample entropy of the plantar center of pressure(COP)displacement during standing can represent the complexity of postural control. OBJECTIVE:Based on the COP displacement sample entropy,to analyze the differences in postural stability characteristics and control strategies between older adults with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively normal older adults during the dual-task with postural control and spatial working memory,aiming to explore the impact of cognitive impairment on the postural control ability during standing. METHODS:Sixteen older adults with mild cognitive impairment and 17 cognitively normal older adults were eligible and selected for the study.They completed five test tasks,including spatial working memory,double-feet balance stance,Romberg stance,double-feet balance stance-spatial working memory dual-task,and Romberg stance-spatial working memory dual-task,with three valid completions of each task.The plantar COP data were collected by the Kistler 3D force platform.The indicators included cognitive behavior(cognitive score and reaction time)and kinematic indexes(COP displacement and sample entropy). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The older adults with mild cognitive impairment performed the spatial working memory task with the greatest cognitive score and the shortest reaction time,the double-feet balance stance-spatial working memory dual-task with moderate cognitive score and reaction time,and the Romberg stance-spatial working memory dual-task with the smallest cognitive score and the longest reaction time,where the differences were significant among the tasks(P<0.05).In the older adults with mild cognitive impairment,the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral COP displacements were significantly greater,and their sample entropy values were significantly smaller in the double-feet balance stance-spatial working memory dual-task and Romberg stance-spatial working memory dual-task than in the double-feet balance stance and Romberg stance tasks(P<0.05).In the spatial working memory task,there were no significant differences in cognitive score and reaction time between the both groups(P>0.05);however,in the double-feet balance stance-spatial working memory dual-task and Romberg stance-spatial working memory dual-task,cognitive scores were significantly smaller and reaction times were longer in the older adults with mild cognitive impairment compared with the cognitively normal older adults(P<0.05).In the double-feet balance stance-spatial working memory dual-task and Romberg stance-spatial working memory dual-task,the older adults with mild cognitive impairment exhibited significantly greater anterior-posterior and medial-lateral COP displacements and significantly smaller sample entropy values compared with the cognitively normal older adults(P<0.05).All findings indicate that compared with cognitively normal older adults,older adults with mild cognitive impairment exhibit smaller complexity,poorer systematic adaption and decreased automatic regulation of the postural control during performing the dual-tasks,who are more susceptible to spatial working memory interference,leading to the increased risk of falls.
7.The introduction on standards system of the pharmaceutical packaging materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
CHEN Lei ; YU Hui ; WANG Yan ; ZHANG Jun ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):067-076
The standard of Pharmaceutical packaging materials is an important part of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This article focuses on working background, general idea, working process, main framework, and its role and significance of the pharmaceutical packaging materials standards system in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, which can contribute to accurately understand and utilize the standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition.
8.Association between sleep quality and executive functions among middle school students
YU Xiumin, CHEN Fule, YAN Jingfei, YIN Xiaojian, WU Huipan, WANG Yi, GUO Yaru, XU Dingkun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):774-778
Objective:
To explore the relationship between sleep quality and executive function among middle school students, so as to provide theoretical support for the promotion of adolescents physical and mental health development.
Methods:
From September to December 2023, 5 713 junior and senior high school students aged 13 to 18 were selected by stratified cluster random sampling method from Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi, and Urumqi. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to conduct sleep quality survey. And conduct executive function was tested on middle school students, including inhibitory function, refresh function and conversion function tests. Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and executive function of middle school students.
Results:
The total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of boys was [4.0(2.0,6.0)] and that of girls was [5.0(3.0,6.0)], and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-10.90, P < 0.01 ). The total PSQI score of boys was positively correlated with both 2-back reaction time and conversion function of executive function ( r =0.04, 0.04); the total PSQI score of girls was negatively correlated with 2-back reaction time ( r =-0.04) ( P <0.05). After controlling for variables such as mental health, physical activity and nutritional status,linear regression analyses showed that PSQI total score of middle school students was positively correlated with the inhibitory function and the conversion function response time [ B (95% CI )=1.28(0.21-2.34), 7.62(2.34-12.90), P <0.05]; the associations of total PSQI scores among middle school students with both 2-back and 1-back response time were not statistically significant [ B (95% CI )=-5.88(-16.14-4.37), 8.05( -3.39 -19.50), P >0.05].
Conclusion
Positive correlations are observed on sleep quality with inhibitory and conversion functions of executive function among middle school students.
9.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
10.Comparison of multiple machine learning models for predicting the survival of recipients after lung transplantation
Lingzhi SHI ; Yaling LIU ; Haoji YAN ; Zengwei YU ; Senlin HOU ; Mingzhao LIU ; Hang YANG ; Bo WU ; Dong TIAN ; Jingyu CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):264-271
Objective To compare the performance and efficacy of prognostic models constructed by different machine learning algorithms in predicting the survival period of lung transplantation (LTx) recipients. Methods Data from 483 recipients who underwent LTx were retrospectively collected. All recipients were divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. The 24 collected variables were screened based on variable importance (VIMP). Prognostic models were constructed using random survival forest (RSF) and extreme gradient boosting tree (XGBoost). The performance of the models was evaluated using the integrated area under the curve (iAUC) and time-dependent area under the curve (tAUC). Results There were no significant statistical differences in the variables between the training set and the validation set. The top 15 variables ranked by VIMP were used for modeling and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was determined as the most important factor. Compared with the XGBoost model, the RSF model demonstrated better performance in predicting the survival period of recipients (iAUC 0.773 vs. 0.723). The RSF model also showed better performance in predicting the 6-month survival period (tAUC 6 months 0.884 vs. 0.809, P = 0.009) and 1-year survival period (tAUC 1 year 0.896 vs. 0.825, P = 0.013) of recipients. Based on the prediction cut-off values of the two algorithms, LTx recipients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. The survival analysis results of both models showed that the survival rate of recipients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group (P<0.001). Conclusions Compared with XGBoost, the machine learning prognostic model developed based on the RSF algorithm may preferably predict the survival period of LTx recipients.


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