1.Research progress on the correlation of dry eye with depression
Feng JIN ; Baoyue MI ; Jingqing MU ; Jingjing CAO ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):74-79
Dry eye disease is a chronic ocular surface disorder of multifactorial origin, characterized by a loss of tear film homeostasis and associated with a range of ocular discomfort symptoms. Growing evidence underscores a significant bidirectional relationship between dry eye and depression: individuals with dry eye disease exhibit a higher prevalence of depressive disorders, and conversely, those diagnosed with depression demonstrate an increased susceptibility to developing dry eye. This interplay is mediated through several pathophysiological pathways, such as chronic inflammation, cerebral functional alterations, gut microbiome dysregulation, and sleep disturbances, which may collectively sustain a vicious cycle. The use of antidepressant therapy introduces further complexity, exerting heterogeneous effects on dry eye—some agents may offer symptomatic relief, whereas others can aggravate ocular surface impairment. The mechanisms responsible for these differential outcomes remain incompletely elucidated and merit further investigation. This review systematically consolidates epidemiological data on the dry eye-depression link, examines potential shared pathological mechanisms, and evaluates current therapeutic options. We propose an integrated management approach that combines conventional dry eye treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, physical activity and antidepressants—a multimodal strategy that may yield synergistic benefits in alleviating both ocular and affective symptoms, thereby improving overall quality of life. Moving forward, research should focus on deciphering the underlying mechanistic pathways and facilitating the translation of these insights into clinical practice to inform targeted, combined treatment regimens for patients with dry eye and depression.
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.Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated liver injury
Zhenzhen PAN ; Ling XU ; Xianru ZHU ; Zihao FAN ; Yaling CAO ; Yinkang MO ; Sai YAN ; Feng REN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) in immune-mediated liver injury (ILI), and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A (ConA) via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI, PBS (control group) and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice (DDX3XΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice (DDX3Xfl/fl), respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis, measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury, and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 100 mg/kg) was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples (n=30) and liver tissue samples (n=6) were collected from healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure (HBV-LF) patients; ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X, and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice, the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury (P<0.05), and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% (compared with 20% in the DDX3Xfl/fl group), with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST (P<0.000 1) and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP (P<0.05). After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA, there was alleviation of liver injury (with reductions in ALT and AST, P <0.001) and a reduction in DDX3X expression (P<0.01). The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients (P<0.000 1). ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway (GRP78/CHOP), and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
4.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
5.Issues and recommendations in the implementation of mutual recognition for ethical review outcomes in multicenter clinical research: a case study of 10 contracting institutions in Guangdong province
Xu LU ; Feng CAO ; Xuan DUAN ; Junrong LIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(1):64-70
ObjectiveTo investigate the current situation of mutual recognition for ethical review outcomes in multicenter clinical research across 10 contracting medical institutions in Guangdong Province, analyze existing issues and propose improvement recommendations, thereby promoting the standardized management of mutual recognition for ethical review outcomes in medical institutions. MethodsData from 381 multicenter clinical studies conducted in these 10 medical institutions from January 24 to October 31, 2024, were collected. Text visualization was performed using Python and the WordCloud library, and statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS 25.0. ResultsOf the 381 studies investigated, industry-sponsored clinical trials (ISTs) accounted for 51.71%, while investigator-initiated clinical trials (IITs) constituted 48.29%. The proportions of ethical committees serving as primary reviewers and collaborative reviewers were 33.33% and 66.67%, respectively. The confirmation methods of mutual recognition outcomes were primarily expedited reviews (50.66%) and meeting reviews (49.34%), and no cases of “direct confirmation” were found. The Chi-square test revealed statistically significant differences in review confirmation methods based on project type (χ²=14.851, P<0.001) and ethics committee role (χ²= 69.435, P<0.001). The frequency distribution trend of the contingency table showed that IST projects and primary ethics committees preferred to employ meeting review (58.88% and 79.53% respectively, both higher than the average level of 49.34%), while IIT projects and the collaborative ethics committees more frequently utilized expedited review (60.87% and 65.75% respectively, both higher than the average level of 50.66%). ConclusionThe confirmation methods of mutual recognition for ethical review outcomes in multicenter clinical research are significantly associated with the role of the ethics committee and the type of project. It is recommended to improve management systems, enhance information construction and personnel training, as well as clarify mutual recognition responsibilities and strengthen supervision. This aims to ensure review quality while improving mutual recognition efficiency, thereby safeguarding the rights and interests of research participants.
6.Association of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia in primary school students
LIU Xiaoling, LI Tingting, CAO Caiyun, YANG Feng, TAO Shuman, WU Xiaoyan, XU Shaojun, TAO Fangbiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):279-282
Objective:
To explore the association of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia in primary school students, so as to provide strategies for myopia prevention.
Methods:
Through a convenience sampling method, a survey was conducted among 4 248 primary school students aged 7-13 years from three primary schools in Xihu District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province from May to July, 2023. The average daily outdoor activity time and sleep duration on both weekdays and weekends were investigated in primary school students by using a self designed questionnaire. Uncorrected visual acuity tests and non cycloplegic autorefraction were measured by professional optometrists. Inter group comparisons were conducted using the Chi square test. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia.
Results:
The detection rate of screening myopia in primary school students was 33.6%, with the rate in boys (32.0%) lower than that in girls (35.3%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=5.11, P =0.02). The analysis results of Logistic regression showed that after adjusting for factors such as gender, grade and parental education level, both average daily outdoor activity time <2 h on both weekdays and weekends ( OR =1.27, 95% CI =1.11-1.46) and sleep duration <10 h ( OR =1.17, 95% CI =1.01- 1.35 ), as well as their combined effect ( OR =1.57, 95% CI =1.25-1.98), were associated with an increased risk of screening myopia in primary school students(all P <0.05). Subgroup analysis results indicated that compared to boys ( OR =1.46, 95% CI = 1.07 -1.99), girls( OR =1.73, 95% CI =1.22-2.44) with insufficient outdoor activity time and sleep duration had a higher risk of screening myopia(both P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is a negative correlation of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia in primary school students. Outdoor activity time and extending sleep duration should be increased to reduce the risk of myopia in primary school students.
7.Construction of An Automated Segmentation Visual Foundation Model for Pathological Images of Hemorrhoids and Its Application in Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Syndrome Analysis
Shijie ZHANG ; Ao ZHANG ; Kang WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xujing FENG ; Jinyu CAO ; Wenzhen HUANG ; Kang DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):764-769
This paper proposes a two-stage method integrating visual foundation models (VFM) and diffusion models. The segment anything model (SAM) as VFM is combined with the SegRefiner diffusion model to construct the SAM-SegRefiner framework for automated segmentation of edema, inflammation, and thrombus regions in histopathological images of hemorrhoidal tissue, providing a reproducible technical tool for the objective quantification of pathological morphology and its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome research. Trained and validated on multi-center retrospective data, the SAM-SegRefiner model achieved an average pixel accuracy of 95.32% and a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 66.81% on an independent test set, significantly outperfor-ming comparative models such as U-Net, MixU-Net, and SAM-Med2D, and also demonstrating robust cross-center generalization capability. Furthermore, by correlating the quantitatively segmented results from the model with the patients' TCM syndrome types, the potential associations between pathomorphological features and TCM syndrome differentiation have been explored. The analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the degree of inflammatory infiltration and thrombus formation among different syndrome types, suggesting a complex relationship between local pathological changes and systemic syndrome manifestations.
8.Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide on high glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal capillary pericytes
Chunyan FENG ; Sheng CHEN ; Lin LIN ; Junchang CAO ; Zhaoda YE ; Fajie KE ; Jun HU
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):753-759
AIM:To investigate the protective effects of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide(DOP)on high glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal capillary pericytes and its potential mechanism involving mitochondrial function.METHODS:Retinal capillary pericytes were allocated into five groups: normal control(NC), high glucose(HG), and three DOP treatment groups(low, DOP-L; medium, DOP-M; high, DOP-H). Pericyte ultrastructure was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Apoptotic rate was quantified via Annexin V-FITC staining. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was assessed using the JC-1 probe. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blot were employed to measure expression levels of cytochrome C(Cyt C), B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), Caspase-9, and Caspase-3, respectively.RESULTS:Compared to the NC group, pericytes exposed to HG exhibited significant mitochondrial damage, elevated apoptotic rate, increased mRNA and protein expression of Cyt C, Bax, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3(all P<0.01), alongside a marked reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential and expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein(all P<0.01). In contrast, DOP treatment groups(DOP-M,DOP-H)dose-dependently ameliorated mitochondrial damage, reduced apoptotic rate, downregulated Cyt C, Bax, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 expression, enhanced mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and upregulated Bcl-2 expression relative to the HG group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:DOP attenuates high glucose-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in retinal capillary pericytes. The underlying mechanism may involve the restoration of mitochondrial transmembrane potential.
9.Nutritional supply status of school meals for primary and secondary students in three cities of Henan Province
LI Shan, YANG Li, HE Qidong, CAO Linlin, CHEN Xiaolong, LIU Bingrui, FENG Yinhua, FU Pengyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):50-52
Objective:
To assess the nutritional supply status of school meals for primary and secondary school students in Henan Province, so as to provide a basis for scientific guidance of school meals.
Methods:
During 2021-2023, 115 lunch and dinner samples were collected from 25 primary and secondary schools in Zhoukou, Anyang and Luoyang of Henan Province by a direct selection method, and 13 nutrients were determined for each sample. The nutrient supply was evaluated based on Nutrition Guidelines of School Meals and Reference Intake of Dietary Nutrients for Chinese Residents (2023 Edition). Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences of nutritional supply between urban and rural schools.
Results:
The median values for energy (709.77 kcal,1 kcal=4.18 kJ), fat energy supply ratio (0.27) and carbohydrate energy supply ratio (0.55) in the 66 lunches and dinners from primary school were within the recommended range. The supply of protein (28.39 g) and sodium (1 464.59 mg) was excessive. The median values of zinc (2.62 mg) and dietary fiber (5.19 g) were lower than the reference values. No statistically significant differences were observed in the supply of 13 nutrients between urban and rural primary schools( U = 427.00 -633.00, P > 0.05 ). Among 49 samples from secondary schools, the median value of energy supply (930.02 kcal), carbohydrate energy ratio ( 0.54 ) and fat energy supply ratio(0.25) were within the recommended range; and the median values of protein (38.82 g) and sodium (2 556.80 mg) were higher than the standard; and the median values of calcium (250.32 mg) and vitamin B1 (0.16 mg) were lower than the standard. Additionally, the differences in the level of vitamin B2 ( U =372.00) and zinc ( U =375.00) between the urban and rural secondary schools were statistically significant ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
Nutrient supply of primary and secondary school meals in three cities of Henan Province is inadequate and imbalanced, and the recipe need to be further optimized and improved.
10.Synthesis and anti-breast cancer activity of novel cyclic mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues
Xianhu FENG ; Yongjie CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Yi HOU ; Wanjun CAO ; Qiang SU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):563-567
OBJECTIVE To design and synthesize mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues(MCACs) and investigate the activities of them against breast cancer. METHODS The analogues F1, F2, and F3 were obtained by aldol condensation reaction, and their antitumor activities(including the activities of human breast cancer cell MCF-7 and human lung cancer cell A549) were detected by MTT assay [evaluated with half inhibitory concentration(IC50)]. The results of MTT assay were compared with those of curcumin. Bioinformatics methods were used to collect the core targets of analogues F1, F2 and F3 acting on breast cancer, and then molecular docking verification was carried out. The cell experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of high, medium and low concentrations (16, 8, 4 μmol/L) of F1, F2 and F3 on the expression of the first core target protein as well as the effects of medium concentration of F1, F2 and F3 on the expression of cleaved-caspase-3. RESULTS Compared with curcumin, IC50 of analogues F1, F2 and F3 to A549 and MCF-7 cells(except for IC50 of analogue F2 to A549 cells) were decreased significantly(P< 0.05 or P<0.01); among them, IC50 of analogue F2 to MCF-7 cell was the lowest, being(9.67±1.27) μmol/L. Bioinformatics analysis showed that index of affinity of analogues F1, F2 and F3 with the first core target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), protein kinase B (AKT) and AKT were 5.909 2, 8.402 5 and 6.486 6, respectively; high concentration of F1 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation level of EGFR protein in MCF-7 cells(P<0.01), while low, medium, and high concentrations of F2 and high concentration of F3 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation level of AKT protein in MCF-7 cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Medium concentration of F1, F2, and F3 could significantly increase the expression level of cleaved- caspase-3 protein in MCF-7 cells(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Designed and synthesized MCACs F1, F2 and F3 all have good anti- breast cancer activity, and F2 has better anti-breast cancer activity.


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