1.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Change trend of compound obesity among different occupational groups in nine provinces of China from 1993 to 2018
Lixin HAO ; Yu WU ; Liusen WANG ; Lili CHEN ; Boya ZHAO ; Zhongting LU ; Zhihong WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Hongru JIANG ; Huijun WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):160-167
Background The global prevalence of obesity is on the rise and is closely associated with various chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. There is a relative lack of long-term dynamic studies on compound obesity among occupational populations. Objective To explore the changing trends of compound obesity among different occupational groups aged 18–59 years in nine provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China from 1993 to 2018, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted weight management strategies for occupational populations. Methods A total of
4.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.
5.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
6.Advances in perioperative nutritional management for patients with esophageal cancer
Zuyu ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Rong NIU ; Jijun XUE ; Jian CHEN ; Dong LI ; Wentao ZHAO ; Wenfeng HAN ; Yue BAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):157-162
Esophageal cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract in China, and radical surgery remains the cornerstone of its comprehensive treatment. However, multifactorial challenges such as postoperative gastrointestinal tract reconstruction, traumatic stress, and tumor-related metabolic disturbances render esophageal cancer patients highly susceptible to malnutrition. Perioperative nutritional support therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing surgical safety, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating patients' quality of life by regulating metabolic homeostasis, preserving organ function, and optimizing the immune microenvironment. This article reviews the mechanisms underlying malnutrition in esophageal cancer, methods for nutritional status assessment, and precision intervention pathways based on multi-omics evaluations. The aim is to strengthen clinicians' awareness of standardized perioperative nutritional management for esophageal cancer patients and promote its clinical implementation, thereby facilitating postoperative recovery and improving long-term quality of life.
7.Risk factors associated with postoperative adjuvant therapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Teng ZENG ; Rui HE ; Xiaobo CHEN ; Chao MING ; Guangqiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):326-332
The benefit of postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not yet supported by high-level evidence. This review analyzes the role of adjuvant therapy by examining the discrepancy between clinical needs and guidelines, its historical evolution, recent advances in high-risk factors, and future outlooks. We provide a detailed discussion of high-risk factors used for patient selection, including lymph node positivity, and for node-negative patients, features such as tumor length, location, T stage, extent of lymph node dissection, differentiation, vascular and neural invasion, laboratory indices, and molecular markers. The goal is to inform the development of individualized precision treatment strategies for resectable ESCC.
8.Effect and mechanism of folic acid-modified NK cell-derived exosomes delivering reovirus against ovarian cancer
YE Rui1,2 ; DAI Xiaofeng3 ; LIU Xiong1 ; CHEN Liang4 ; ZHANG Jing5 ; ZHANG Yingchun5 ; GUO Ting6 ; ZHAO Xing1,2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):120-131
[摘 要] 目的:开发新型溶瘤呼肠孤病毒(Reo)递送系统,以克服中和抗体对Reo的中和作用并提升其肿瘤靶向性。方法:通过切向流过滤联合超高速离心法制备自然杀伤细胞外泌体(NKexo),叶酸(FA)修饰后采用挤压法包载Reo,构建FA-NKexo-Reo递送系统;通过透射电镜(TEM)、纳米粒径分析、蛋白质印迹(WB)法、核磁共振氢谱及流式细胞术等技术表征其理化性质;采用CCK-8、流式细胞术、Transwell实验及激光共聚焦显微镜评估FA-NKexo-Reo递送系统体外细胞毒性及细胞摄取能力;通过人卵巢癌裸鼠皮下移植瘤模型评价FA-NKexo-Reo的肿瘤靶向性、疗效及安全性。结果:FA-NKexo-Reo粒径为(94.0 ± 28.5)nm,Zeta电位为(-21.26 ± 1.57)mV,包封率达(49.7 ± 15.6)%;在中和抗体的存在下,FA-NKexo-Reo对卵巢癌细胞SKOV3和A2780仍可表现出显著的细胞毒性(P < 0.01);荷瘤鼠活体成像显示FA-NKexo-Reo肿瘤靶向性显著优于NKexo组,肿瘤抑制率提升60%(P < 0.001)。结论:成功制备FA-NKexo-Reo递送系统,在中和抗体的存在下,FA-NKexo-Reo可保护并靶向递送Reo到高表达叶酸受体的卵巢癌细胞,从而增强Reo的抗肿瘤作用。
9.Relationship of non-suicidal self-injury behavior with serum lipid levels and thyroid function among college students with depression
CHEN Lu, YANG Zhiqiang, CAO Xiaoping, ZHAO Yanxia, LIANG Shaoying, LUO Yi, LI Hongyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):394-397
Objective:
To explore the relationship between non suicidal self injury (NSSI) behavior and serum lipid levels as well as thyroid function among college students with depression.
Methods:
A total of 169 college students with depression in the psychiatry departments of tertiary hospitals (grade 3A and 3B) in Ningbo from December 2023 to April 2025 were selected. The Adolescent Self injury Scale (ASIS) was used to assess the presence of NSSI, and participants were accordingly divided into a NSSI group ( n =51) and a non NSSI group ( n =118). General demographic data (including gender, age, and family situation) were collected from both groups. Blood tests were performed to measure lipid profiles [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Multivariate Logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors for NSSI, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum lipid and thyroid hormone levels for NSSI occurrence in college students with depression.
Results:
The levels of TC, LDL-C, and TSH in the NSSI group were (4.02±0.73) mmol/L, (2.32±0.36) mmol/L, and (6.57±1.95) mU/L , which were significantly higher than those in the non NSSI group [(3.41±0.56) mmol/L, (2.00±0.27) mmol/L, and ( 4.48± 1.09) mU/L, respectively] ( t =5.32, 5.60, 7.20, all P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that college students from single parent/reconstituted families, those who had experienced school bullying, and those with higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and TSH had a significantly increased risk of engaging in NSSI ( OR =5.22, 6.12, 5.90, 83.64, 3.64, all P <0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of TC, LDL-C, and TSH had high diagnostic efficacy for predicting NSSI in college students with depression, with a sensitivity of 86.3% and a specificity of 94.9%.
Conclusions
NSSI behavior in college students with depression is associated with serum lipid levels and thyroid function. These biomarkers may serve as useful reference indicators for assessing the conditions of these patients.
10.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.


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