1.Mechanism of Yueju Wan in Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia Based on Regulation of 5-HT Signaling Pathway
Haoran SHEN ; Yaru GU ; Muqing ZHANG ; Zhikuo DONG ; Xingxing GAO ; Dantong LI ; Ying GU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):20-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yueju Wan on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and to explore its therapeutic mechanism in the treatment of FD. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, mosapride group (1.575 mg·kg-1), and Yueju Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.735, 1.47, and 2.94 g·kg-1, respectively). The FD rat model was established using GUO's tail-clamping stimulation combined with irregular feeding. After 14 days of modeling, rats were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. After treatment, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were measured. Serum levels of 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and substance P (SP) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and acetylcholine (ACh) levels were determined by chemical methods. Histopathological changes in the gastric antrum were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor (5-HT4R), SP, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in colon tissue, as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor (5-HT3R), SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of 5-HT and 5-HT4R in the colon and 5-HT and 5-HT3R in the hypothalamus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Serum levels of 5-HT, SP, ACh, and TPH were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed irregular arrangement of glands in the gastric antrum, slight mucosal atrophy, and mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R, SP, and AChE in colon tissue, as well as 5-HT3R, SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue, were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was also significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Yueju Wan groups showed significantly increased gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate (P<0.01). The glands in the gastric antrum were more regularly arranged, with no inflammatory cell infiltration observed. Serum levels of 5-HT, SP, ACh, and TPH were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R, SP, and AChE in colon tissue and 5-HT3R, SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionYueju Wan has preventive and therapeutic effects on FD, and its mechanism may be related to regulation of the 5-HT signaling pathway, promotion of brain-gut peptide secretion, and enhancement of gastric motility.
2.The roles and molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in urinary tract fibrosis
Tianmeng GAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Qingli ZHANG ; Wanxin ZHANG ; Yubo GU ; Lujie SONG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):78-83
The high pressure generated from urinary tract obstruction can cause damage to the tissues and cells of the urinary tract. Persistent damage can induce urinary tract fibrosis, ultimately resulting in the loss of urinary tract function and severe clinical problems. In recent years, the role of a novel mechanosensitive ion channel in urinary tract fibrosis, Piezo1, has drawn due attention. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of Piezo1. In upper urinary tract fibrosis, Piezo1 participates in fibrotic process through the Calcium-Calpain2-integrin β1-adhesion protein pathway and Piezo1-p38MAPK-YAP signaling pathway. In lower urinary tract fibrosis, Piezo1 mediates bladder fibrosis via the YAP1 and TGF-β1/Smad pathways, and may contribute to prostate cancer-associated urethral obstruction through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study elucidates the critical roles of Piezo1 in urinary tract fibrosis, providing a theoretical foundation for developing novel Piezo1targeted therapeutic strategies. Future research can leverage advanced technologies such as microfluidic organ-on-a-chip system to explore the precise regulatory mechanisms of Piezo1, thus offering new insights for the clinical management of urinary stricture diseases.
3.Mechanism of artemether in treating diabetic sarcopenia via network pharmacology and animal experiment
Jiaxin LI ; Yuchun CAI ; Xiufen GU ; Yating ZHANG ; Shoupan GAO ; Huili SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1032-1044
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artemether in diabetic sarcopenia(DS)using network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsPotential active components and therapeutic targets were screened using artemisinin as the parent compound. The predicted targets were intersected with DS-related targets, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to identify the key biological processes and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was further used to evaluate the binding affinity between artemether and core targets. The DS mouse model was established using db/db mice, followed by artemether intervention. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, diabetes-related symptoms, body composition, grip strength, serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed. The expression levels of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), Atrogin-1, muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1), acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) in skeletal muscle were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, metabolomics was performed to analyze changes in acylcarnitine metabolites in skeletal muscle. ResultsA total of 68 overlapping targets between artemether and diabetic sarcopenia (DS) were identified. The core targets included AKT1, FoxO1, NFKB1, FBXO32, and TRIM63, which were mainly enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, forkhead box O (FoxO) signWaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and insulin resistance-related pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that artemether exhibited favorable binding affinity with the core targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that artemether reduced fasting blood glucose, ameliorated metabolic symptoms, increased lean mass and grip strength, decreased serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in DS mice. In addition, artemether downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxO1, FBXO32/Atrogin-1, TRIM63/MuRF1, ACSS2, CPT2, and FABP3, and improved the disturbance of acylcarnitine metabolism in skeletal muscle. ConclusionArtemether improves metabolic and skeletal muscle phenotypes in DS mice. Its effects may be associated with the amelioration of lipid metabolic disorders and the downregulation of FoxO1 and its downstream ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-related factors Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in skeletal muscle.
4.Effect of medical-community linkage model on psychological status and motor function in community-dwelling patients with stroke
Yuhong GU ; Jinxiu DUAN ; Mingyang XUE ; Jie YANG ; Xia WU ; Hua LIU ; Yufang GAO ; Menghui ZHANG ; Caide YE
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):597-603
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the medical-community linkage model on activities of daily living, psychological status and motor function of stroke patients in the community. MethodsA total of 60 stroke patients admitted to two community health service centers and their affiliated stations in Fengtai District, Beijing, from January, 2024 to August, 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and intervention group (n = 30). The control group received routine medicine, dietary care and rehabilitation management, while the intervention group underwent rehabilitation with the medical-community linkage model, for twelve weeks. They were assessed with modified Barthel Index (MBI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and after intervention. ResultsAfter intervention, the MBI, HAMA, HAMD and FMA scores of patients improved in both groups (|t| > 5.599, P < 0.001), and improved more in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05), except MBI. The HAMA and HAMD scores of family members decreased in both groups (|t| > 10.333, P < 0.001), and decreased more in the intervention group than in the control group (t > 5.681, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe medical-community linkage model can further improve the motor function of stroke patients in community, as well as the psychological status of both patients and their family members.
5.Prevalence and influencing factors of school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students
ZHU Yunjiao ; GU Fang ; MENG Jia ; LI Juanjuan ; SHEN Yu ; GAO Lei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):1-6
Objective:
To investigate the situation and influencing factors of school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students, so as to provide the basis for formulating school bullying intervention measures and promoting students' physical and mental health development.
Methods:
All the counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were stratified to urban and suburban areas, primary, junior high and senior high school students were selected using a stratified cluster sampling method. Basic information, lifestyle and school bullying were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 137 846 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.17%. There were 72 526 males (52.61%) and 65 320 females (47.39%). There were 47 561 primary school students (34.50%), 47 701 junior high school students (34.61%) and 42 584 senior high school students (30.89%). A total of 3 987 students suffered from school bullying, accounting for 2.89%. The proportions of being maliciously teased, being intentionally excluded from group activities/isolated, being teased about physical defects or appearance, being hit/kicked/pushed/shoved/locked in a room, being threatened, and being extorted for money were 2.04%, 1.18%, 1.11%, 0.86%, 0.84% and 0.83%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the students who were males (OR=1.122, 95%CI: 1.048-1.202), lived in suburban areas (OR=1.322, 95%CI: 1.233-1.418), lived in areas with medium (OR=1.086, 95%CI: 1.006-1.173) or underdeveloped (OR=1.298, 95%CI: 1.191-1.415) economic level, had higher academic levels (junior high school, OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.270-1.499; senior high school, OR=1.210, 95%CI: 1.083-1.351), lived on campus (OR=1.489, 95%CI: 1.372-1.616), engaged in fights (OR=6.029, 95%CI: 5.585-6.509), attempted to smoke (OR=1.320, 95%CI: 1.128-1.545), drank (OR=1.735, 95%CI: 1.575-1.912), were scolded and beaten by parents (OR=1.972, 95%CI: 1.822-2.135) and were obese (OR=1.240, 95%CI: 1.132-1.360) were more likely to experience school bullying.
Conclusion
The harm of school bullying to the physical and mental health of primary and middle school students should be taken seriously, and active policy measures should be adopted to strengthen intervention.
6.Analysis of clinical applicability and implementation of expert consensus on the implementation and removal of protective restraints in psychiatry
Jianing GU ; Dongmei XU ; Jing SHAO ; Jing GAO ; Zhuang CAI ; Yanhua QU ; Xiaolu YE ; Mengqian ZHANG ; Dongli MEI ; Yanhong ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Gen CHENG ; Lina WANG ; Junrong YE ; Ruiyue LIN ; Yongling ZHOU ; Runjuan MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1359-1365
Objective To understand the clinical applicability and implementation of expert consensus on the implementation and removal of protective restraints in psychiatry,and to provide references for promoting the standardized practice of psychiatric protective restraints and updating the consensus.Methods By the convenience sampling method,a questionnaire survey was conducted among nurses from 480 hospitals in 30 provinces from June 15 to July 15,2024.The survey was conducted using the instrument for evaluating clinical applicability of guide-lines(version 2.0)and a self-compiled questionnaire on the clinical implementation of the restraint consensus.Results A total of 7,844 valid questionnaires were collected,with a valid questionnaire recovery rate of 93.78%.The results of clinical applicability scoring showed that the consensus had the lowest availability score(64.72%)and the highest acceptability score(76.74%).The results showed that nurses' receiving training and the level of their hospitals were the main influencing factors for scores in various dimensions(P<0.05).4,774 participants(87.42%)believed that the application of consensus could enhance the standardization of nurses' restraint operations.The safety rate of the restraint consensus was 79.51%,and the economic ratio was 76.87%.Among the evaluators,1,739(22.17%)believed that there were implementation obstacles in the consensus.Conclusion The clinical applicability of the consensus is relatively good,and the application of the consensus helps to improve the standardization of clinical operations.In the future,efforts should be made to strengthen the promotion and training of the consensus,develop hierarchical promotion strategies according to the characteristics of medical institutions,and improve the quality of evidence for the consensus,so as to further enhance the clinical application effect of the consensus.
7.Photon-counting detector-CT combined with"four-lows"protocol for coronary CT angiography
Weiting ZHANG ; Kehui NIE ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Ke QI ; Mengyuan ZHANG ; Yanbo GU ; Yan CHEN ; Jianbo GAO ; Yonggao ZHANG ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(6):976-980
Objective To observe the feasibility of photon-counting detector(PCD)-CT combined with"four-lows"protocol(low contrast agent concentration,low contrast dose,low contrast agent flow rate,low radiation dose)for coronary CT angiography(CCTA).Methods Totally 106 patients with suspected coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled and randomized into energy-integrating detector(EID)-CCTA(group A,using conventional scanning protocol,n=52)or PCD-CCTA(group B,using"four-lows"scanning protocol,n=54)groups and underwent relative examinations.The radiation dose,subjective and objective evaluation results of imaging quality were compared between groups.Results The contrast agent dose and flow rate,volume CT dose index,dose length product and effective dose in group B were all lower than those in group A(all P<0.001).The subjective scores in group B were higher than in group A(5[4,5]vs.4[4,5],Z=-2.310,P=0.021).Compared with group A,CT value,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of aortic root and most of the main branches of coronary arteries increased in group B,while standard deviation of CT value decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusion PCD-CT combined with"four-lows"protocol could be used for CCTA,which could improve imaging quality and reduce contrast agent usage and radiation dose.
8.In vivo production of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells with T cell-targeted engineered exosomes to evaluate cytotoxicity against lymphoma cells
Dong TING ; Zhou YING ; Yu BOYU ; Xia XUEJIAO ; Ma YIGE ; Ma YAN ; Gao YANG ; Zhou MENGYING ; Wang CHANGJUN ; Li QIUYI ; Gu CHAOJIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(6):279-286
Objective:Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)immunotherapy has made major breakthroughs in the treatment of blood tu-mors.However,current CAR-T therapies face several limitations:they require autologous cells,involve a lengthy and costly production pro-cess,and use lentiviral transduction that carry risk of insertional carcinogenesis due to random integration.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a universal cost-effective cancer immunotherapy method generating CAR-T cells for in vivo cancer immunotherapy.Meth-ods:This study successfully established an exosome-mediated,T-cell targeted delivery system,demonstrating both precise design and func-tional efficacy for biomedical applications.To optimize CAR-T cell generation the transfection dose was adjusted,and the kinetics of CAR-T cell percentage were recorded.The cytotoxicity of the resulting CAR-T cells was evaluated in vitro by calcein-AM release.To test the tumor-killing in vivo of engineered exosomes,human PBMCs were injected into NPG mice via the tail vein to establish humanized mice,followed by intravenous injection of tumor cells to induce cancer.Results:To overcome the limitations of conditional autologous CAR-T cells,we de-veloped a T cell-targeted exosome system capable of specifically targeting human CD3+,CD4+,and CD8+T cells.CAR-T production was dose-dependent,with transfection efficiency reaching upto 97.8%at 106 particles/cell.Both in vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo animal experi-ments demonstrated that exosome-incubated CAR-T cells effectively eliminated CD19-positive Raji cells,highlighting their specificity and therapeutic potential in antigen-directed applications.Conclusions:We successfully established a CD8-targeting exosome delivery system for CAR-T cell production capable of transforming CD8+T cells into functional CAR-T cells,which showed significant tumor-killing ability in vitro and in mice.Compared with the traditional lentiviral vector for the preparation of CAR-T cells in vitro,in vivo-reprogrammed CAR-T cells us-ing our CD8-targeted exosome delivery system,with higher transfection efficiency,shorter production period,lower cost,and eliminated the risk of insertion carcinogenesis.This strategy promises to bring a new era of universal CAR-T medicine,which can improve cancer immuno-therapy and may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to treat various diseases.
9.Status of social support and influencing factors of support utilization among general practitioners in Minhang District of Shanghai
Shuai LIU ; Na XU ; Liqun GAO ; Qingzhen LONG ; Yonghong MU ; Weiying GU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(3):288-295
Objective:To analyze the status of social support and the influencing factors of support utilization among general practitioners.Methods:An investigation on the status of social support and the influencing factors of support utilization was conducted among general practitioners (GPs) from 6 communities in Shanghai Minhang District selected by simple sampling method in February 2023. The investigation included a questionnaire survey containing basic information and intervention measures (emotional support, information support, tool support); and assessments of the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), Perceived Social Support Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Quality of Work Life Scale, Trait Coping Style Scale, and Psychological Resilience Scale. The association of social support status with various characteristics of GPs and their perceived social support and trait coping style was analyzed, and the influencing factors of social support utilization were determined.Results:A total of 184 questionnaires were distributed and 184 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 100.00%. Among the 184 participants, 55 (29.89%) had a general level of social support, and 129 (70.11%) were satisfied with their social support. The total score of SSRS was (37.49±8.41), with the objective support dimension scoring (9.67±3.42), subjective support scoring (20.04±4.52), and support utilization scoring (7.77±2.09). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in social support levels among respondents with different marital status, number of children, emotional support, informational support, instrumental support, positive coping, negative coping, psychological resilience, compassion fatigue, general self-efficacy, and perceived social support status ( P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that marital status, family support, professional skills, positive coping, and negative coping were independent influencing factors of social support. Among these factors, being married, having family care support, professional titles and skills and positive coping had a positive impact on social support levels, while negative coping had a negative impact ( P<0.05). Further stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that friend support, positive coping and family care were positive influencing factors for support utilization, while negative coping was a negative influencing factor ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The levels of social support among GPs in Minghang district of Shanghai are relatively high. Marital status, family support, professional title and skills and positive coping are positive factors for social support; and friend support, positive coping and family support are positive factors for support utilization.
10.Spinal cord morphological changes and risk factors in upper cervical spine surgery using C 2 medial "in-out-in" pedicle screws
Xiuru ZHANG ; Yanzheng GAO ; Kun GAO ; Jia SHAO ; Kezheng MAO ; Zhongzheng GU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(6):351-360
Objective:To investigate spinal cord morphological changes and risk factors in upper cervical spine surgery using C 2 medial "in-out-in" pedicle screws in patients with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) and high-riding vertebral artery (HRVA). Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 patients with AAD who underwent C 2 medial "in-out-in" pedicle screw implantation at our hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. The cohort included 12 males and 29 females, with a mean age of 47.6±10.3 years (range: 18-68 years). Among them, 30 patients received unilateral C 2 medial "in-out-in" screws, while 11 patients received bilateral screws. All patients underwent posterior reduction and internal fixation. Measurements included C 2 pedicle height, C 2 pedicle width, C 2 horizontal spinal canal width, screw invasion distance into the spinal canal, and spinal canal invasion rate based on CT findings. MRI evaluations included spinal canal-dura mater distance, dura mater-spinal cord distance, spinal canal-spinal cord distance, and spinal cord cross-sectional area. The change rate of spinal cord cross-sectional area was calculated and categorized into >20% decrease group (decreasing group) and ≤20% decrease group (non-decreasing group). Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores. Results:The mean operative time was 165.5±30.1 minutes (range: 120-220 minutes). No spinal cord vascular injuries or severe complications were observed. However, five patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, requiring delayed removal of drainage tubes, but their wounds healed successfully. Follow-ups (range: 6-24 months) showed no loosening of internal fixation, fractures, or bone graft nonunion, with a 100% bone fusion rate at 6 months postoperatively. VAS scores improved significantly from a preoperative median of 5.0 (3.5, 6.0) (range: 1-7) to 2.0 (2.0, 3.0) at 3 months and 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) at 6 months ( Z=36.716, P< 0.001). JOA scores improved from 10.0 (9.0, 12.0) (range: 4-14) preoperatively to 13.0 (11.0, 13.5) at 3 months and 14.0 (12.0, 15.0) at 6 months ( Z=67.093, P<0.001). The height of C 2 pedicle was 5.50±1.78 mm, the width of C 2 pedicle was 2.27±1.23 mm, the width of C 2 horizontal spinal canal was 23.76±4.91 mm, the spinal canal-dura mater distance was 3.08±0.85 mm, dura mater-spinal cord distance was 3.23±0.85 mm, the spinal canal-spinal cord distance was 6.31±1.11 mm, the distance of screw invasion into the spinal canal was 2.80±1.54 mm, the rate of spinal canal invasion was 12.1%±6.8%, the preoperative spinal cord cross-sectional area was 69.81±13.27 mm 2, and the postoperative spinal cord cross-sectional area was 68.81±13.94 mm 2. Based on spinal cord cross-sectional area changes, 32 patients were classified into the non-decreasing group, and 9 patients into the decreasing group. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranged from 0.733 to 0.984, indicating high measurement reliability. There were significant differences in the proportion of C 2 bilateral medial "in-out-in" screws (χ 2=6.903, P=0.009), the incidence of CSF leakage (χ 2=15.391, P<0.001), the distance of screw invasion into the spinal canal ( t=4.990, P<0.001) and the rate of spinal canal invasion ( t=4.045, P<0.001) in the decreasing group versus the non-decreasing group. The JOA scores of the non-decreasing group were significantly higher at 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared to the decreasing group ( P<0.05). No other parameters showed significant differences between the groups. Binary logistic regression analysis identified spinal canal invasion rate [ OR=1.963, 95% CI (1.010, 3.817), P=0.047] as an independent risk factor for spinal cord cross-sectional area reduction. The Jordan index was 0.875, with a spinal canal invasion rate threshold of 14.18%, a sensitivity of 1.000, a specificity of 0.875, and an AUC of 0.983, indicating strong predictive value. Conclusion:The C 2 medial "in-out-in" screw technique provides effective posterior fixation and fusion for AAD patients with HRVA. However, to minimize spinal cord morphological changes and associated risks, the spinal canal invasion rate should be kept below 14.18% when using this technique.


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