1.Traditional Chinese medicine improves synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer's disease: A review of experimental studies
Shan HE ; Xinyu YANG ; Junhe SHI ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Lina MA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):1-9
Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.
2.Advances in the application of artificial intelligence to imaging diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint region
CHEN Jiayang ; MA Ruohan ; LI Gang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):620-630
With the rapid development of computer science, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of medical imaging has become increasingly extensive. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is structurally complex, with a high incidence of related disorders and diverse clinical manifestations. This review analyzes the current state of research on AI in TMJ imaging diagnosis. Deep learning models based on U-Net and its derivatives have demonstrated outstanding performance in segmentation of condyle and articular disc. Various object detection and feature extraction algorithms have shown excellent diagnostic efficacy for common conditions, such as osteoarthrosis and disc displacement, with some models even achieving expert-level performance on test datasets. Meanwhile, explainable AI provides intuitive justification for model decisions through techniques such as heatmap visualization. Notably, current studies still face critical challenges, including coverage of disease spectra, integration of multimodal data, and model generalizability. Future studies should focus on developing integrated systems that combine diagnosis, segmentation, generation, and interpretation functions. Through multicenter data validation and algorithmic optimization, these efforts will enhance the clinical applicability and decision transparency of models, ultimately laying the foundation for precise imaging diagnosis and intelligent management of TMJ disorders.
3.Preparation of Trop2-ECD_HPF fusion nanoparticles and their immunotherapeutic effects against triple-negative breast cancer
HU Meilin1 ; PENG Haojie2 ; QIU Guochang2 ; MA Xiancai2 ; CHEN Xinxin1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(5):494-499
[摘 要] 目的:旨在构建Trop2-ECD与幽门螺杆菌铁蛋白(HPF)融合纳米颗粒疫苗,并评价其免疫原性与抗三阴性乳腺癌(TNBC)活性。方法:构建Trop2-ECD_HPF纳米颗粒疫苗,并在293F细胞中表达和纯化。通过尺寸排阻色谱和透射电子显微镜验证疫苗的纯度和均一性。使用铝佐剂配制疫苗对雌性BALB/c小鼠进行免疫,通过酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清中Trop2特异性抗体滴度,并评估其对4T1-Trop2肿瘤模型的抑制效果。结果:Trop2-ECD_HPF纳米颗粒粒径约20 nm,颗粒形成率较高,纯度较高,能够显著诱导小鼠产生高滴度的Trop2特异性抗体,疫苗组第6周抗体滴度达106,显著高于佐剂组(P < 0.000 1)。在动物实验中,疫苗组小鼠的肿瘤体积显著减小(抑瘤率为38.6%),肿瘤增长速度显著减缓(P < 0.001),显示出较强的抗肿瘤效果。结论:Trop2-ECD_HPF融合纳米颗粒疫苗可有效诱导特异性体液免疫应答,显著抑制TNBC生长,为靶向Trop2的纳米疫苗开发提供了实验依据。
4.Study on the effect of Lishukang capsule on learning and memory impairment in mice with high altitude hypoxia based on Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway
Panpan MENG ; Muge SONG ; Shichao YANG ; Keming CHEN ; Zhongduo YANG ; Huiping MA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(1):26-31
Objective To study the effect of Lishukang capsule on learning and memory impairment in mice with high altitude hypoxia based on Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. Methods Sixty male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into normal control group, hypoxia model group, Rhodiola capsule group (400 mg/kg), low, medium and high dose groups of Lishukang capsule (400、 600、 800 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group. The normal control group was fed at the local altitude (1 500 m) after 7 days of intragastric administration in each group, and the rest groups were fed at the low pressure and hypoxia animal experimental cabin to simulate the altitude of
5.FAH promotes glioblastoma progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Shihao LI ; Bing ZHAO ; Tieniu YANG ; Jinliang YANG ; Yongliang ZHANG ; Zhongsen LI ; Shunli LI ; Ning CHEN ; Jianbiao WANG ; Jia LI ; Qingfang MA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):662-676
ObjectiveTo investigate the functional role and underlying molecular mechanisms of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) in the progression of glioblastoma (GBM). MethodsDifferential expression analysis was performed on the TCGA-GBM, GSE4290, and GSE116520 datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules, and Cox regression and risk modeling were used to screen prognostic genes. Immune infiltration analysis of prognostic genes was carried out by using single-cell RNA sequencing panels. The clinical expression signature of FAH in GBM was analyzed in the TCGA and HPA databases. The functional role of FAH was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments, and pathway analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. ResultsA total of 152 overlapping genes were identified across the three GBM datasets (P<0.05). WGCNA revealed that the turquoise module was most strongly associated with tumor purity, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score (P<0.001). Compared with normal tissues, three prognostic genes (CTSD, FAH, and THBD) were upregulated in GBM and correlated with immune infiltration (P<0.05). FAH mRNA and protein levels were elevated in GBM tissues relative to normal tissues, and its expression was significantly associated with age stratification and TP53 mutation (P<0.05). CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the shNC group, the proliferative activity of GBM cells in the shFAH group was reduced (P<0.001). Transwell migration and invasion assays demonstrated that, relative to the shNC group, the numbers of migrated and invaded cells in the shFAH group decreased (P<0.05). Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR in the shFAH group decreased compared with those in the shNC group (P<0.05). In vivo subcutaneous xenograft experiments further confirmed that tumor volume and weight significantly decreased in the shFAH group compared with the shNC group (P<0.001). ConclusionFAH promotes GBM progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
6.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
7.Genotypic diversity and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus in dairy farming workplaces
Xiangnan WEI ; Yanggui CHEN ; Jia HUANG ; Fulong WANG ; Jiguo JIN ; Fan WU ; Xixiao MA ; Zhaojie WANG ; Xingyu WANG ; Wanting XU ; Jianyong WU ; Fuye LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):582-590
Background Under intensive dairy farming conditions, Enterococcus spp. can be transmitted between animals, farm workers, and the environment via multiple vectors such as feces, soil, water, air, and farming equipment, posing a potential threat to public health. Objective To elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) among farm workers, dairy cattle, and the farm environment in Xinjiang, and to assess the risk of their cross-host transmission. Methods From May 2024 to January 2025, a total of 317 samples were collected from 11 large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang, China, including feces from farm workers (n=130) and dairy cattle (n=154), and environmental samples (n=33). E. faecalis and E. faecium were isolated and identified, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze their molecular characteristics. Results A total of 183 Enterococcus isolates were obtained (66 E. faecalis and 117 E. faecium isolated). The isolation rates of both species showed statistically significant differences among the three sources (χ2=29.21, P=0.003). Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed that E. faecalis generally exhibited higher resistance rates across multiple antibiotic classes than E. faecium. High resistance to rifampicin was observed across all sources (50.00%–81.25%), with statistical variation among origins (χ2=8.03, P=0.024). Multidrug-resistant strains accounted for 69.10% of the isolates. Multidrug resistance patterns in E. faecium varied significantly by source (χ2=27.19, P=0.014), and one isolate displayed resistance to eight antibiotic classes. MLST indicated high genetic diversity; E. faecalis was dominated by ST472 and ST227 of which the distrubution was significantly different among sources, while E. faecium primarily clustered into clonal complexes CC94 (centered on ST94) and CC17 (centered on ST22). Conclusion Resistant Enterococcus strains exhibit cross-transmission among farm workers, animals, and the environment. Under the "One Health" framework, standardized farming protocols and prudent antimicrobial use are essential to disrupt the transmission chain of resistant clones and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance at its source.
8.Genotypic diversity and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus in dairy farming workplaces
Xiangnan WEI ; Yanggui CHEN ; Jia HUANG ; Fulong WANG ; Jiguo JIN ; Fan WU ; Xixiao MA ; Zhaojie WANG ; Xingyu WANG ; Wanting XU ; Jianyong WU ; Fuye LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):582-590
Background Under intensive dairy farming conditions, Enterococcus spp. can be transmitted between animals, farm workers, and the environment via multiple vectors such as feces, soil, water, air, and farming equipment, posing a potential threat to public health. Objective To elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) among farm workers, dairy cattle, and the farm environment in Xinjiang, and to assess the risk of their cross-host transmission. Methods From May 2024 to January 2025, a total of 317 samples were collected from 11 large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang, China, including feces from farm workers (n=130) and dairy cattle (n=154), and environmental samples (n=33). E. faecalis and E. faecium were isolated and identified, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze their molecular characteristics. Results A total of 183 Enterococcus isolates were obtained (66 E. faecalis and 117 E. faecium isolated). The isolation rates of both species showed statistically significant differences among the three sources (χ2=29.21, P=0.003). Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed that E. faecalis generally exhibited higher resistance rates across multiple antibiotic classes than E. faecium. High resistance to rifampicin was observed across all sources (50.00%–81.25%), with statistical variation among origins (χ2=8.03, P=0.024). Multidrug-resistant strains accounted for 69.10% of the isolates. Multidrug resistance patterns in E. faecium varied significantly by source (χ2=27.19, P=0.014), and one isolate displayed resistance to eight antibiotic classes. MLST indicated high genetic diversity; E. faecalis was dominated by ST472 and ST227 of which the distrubution was significantly different among sources, while E. faecium primarily clustered into clonal complexes CC94 (centered on ST94) and CC17 (centered on ST22). Conclusion Resistant Enterococcus strains exhibit cross-transmission among farm workers, animals, and the environment. Under the "One Health" framework, standardized farming protocols and prudent antimicrobial use are essential to disrupt the transmission chain of resistant clones and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance at its source.
9.A Comparative Study of Artificial Intelligence-based Classification Versus Manual Classification of Medical Adverse Events: Taking the DeepSeek Large Language Model As an Example
Rui WANG ; Xutong TAN ; Congpu ZHAO ; Shuchang WANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Xiaojun MA ; Zhiling CAI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):828-833
To analyze the application value of artificial intelligence (AI)-based classification in the categorization of medical adverse events. Medical adverse events reported to the Adverse Event Reporting System of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, were retrospectively collected as the study subjects. After de-identification of adverse events meeting the inclusion criteria, conventional manual classification and AI-based classification using a large language model (DeepSeek-R1 Full-Context Internet Edition) were performed. The time required for classification using both methods was recorded, and the consistency and discrepancies between the two methods were compared. Using manual classification as the gold standard, the accuracy of AI-based classification was comprehensively evaluated. A total of 273 medical adverse events were analyzed. Manual classification took 38 838 seconds in total, with an average of 14.22 seconds per event. AI-based classification took 600 seconds in total, with an average of 2.19 seconds per event. The two methods showed consistent classification in 202 events and inconsistent classification in 71 events, yielding an overall agreement rate of 73.99% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.646 (95% CI: 0.575-0.717), with a standard error of 0.0362. Using manual classification as the gold standard, AI-based classification achieved accuracy ranging from 80% to 100%, precision from 30% to 100%, recall from 40% to 100%, F1 scores from 0.46 to 0.79, and specificity from 46% to 98%. Notably, AI-based classification demonstrated balanced and overall excellent performance in the categorization of device-related and drug-related adverse events. The DeepSeek large language model can assist in improving the efficiency of medical adverse event classification, showing promising application potential, particularly in the categorization of device-related and drug-related adverse events.
10.Xueshisanjia San Prevents Liver Fibrosis via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitophagy
Baojia WANG ; Mulan HU ; Yuanyuan GONG ; Jie MA ; Xiuli ZHENG ; Xiongbin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):166-175
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xueshisanjia San against liver fibrosis by regulating PTEN-induced putative kinase (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsForty specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into the control, model, silibinin (100 mg·kg-1), high-dose (15.16 g·kg-1) Xueshisanjia San, and low-dose (7.58 g·kg-1) Xueshisanjia San groups. The mouse model of liver fibrosis was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 20% carbon tetrachloride solution. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta after intraperitoneal anesthesia, and the liver was separated. Liver pathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the mitochondrial morphology in the liver tissue. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin (TBil), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blot were employed to determine the protein levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen Ⅰ, as well as mitophagy markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), p62, Beclin-1, PINK1, Parkin, and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOM20). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TBil, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05), pathological changes such destroyed structure of hepatic lobules, disarrangement of hepatic cells, and collagen accumulation, swollen, vacuolated, and fragment mitochondria, down-regulated expression of p62 and TOM20, and up-regulated expression of LC3, Beclin-1, PINK1, and Parkin (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups exhibited declined levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TBil, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated pathological damage of liver tissue and mitochondrial damage, up-regulated expression of p62 and TOM20, and down-regulated expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, LC3, Beclin1, PINK1, and Parkin (P<0.05)


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