1.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
2.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
3.Exploring the collaborative operation of continuum of care for cognitive disorders through the lens of service chain theory
Wucun SHEN ; Haifeng ZHANG ; Qian XIONG ; Jun JI ; Huali WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):289-294
The introduction of national dementia action plans will further drive the development of service systems for the continuum of care for cognitive disorders. However, current healthcare delivery models are often plagued by resource wastage and inefficiency. Grounded in the medical service chain theory, integrating healthcare and social resources through service teams to build a more efficient service system centered on patients' needs holds promise for improving both the quality and efficiency of care. This article reviews the construction of the continuum of care service chain for cognitive disorders, analyzes the potential value of social prescribing as an innovative service model, and explores the role of digital platforms in optimizing care process coordination and enabling information sharing, with the aim of providing a practical reference for the coordinated operation of the continuum of care for cognitive disorders.
4.Risk of coronary obstruction and protection strategies in transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Yanren PENG ; Ruqiong NIE ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(2):175-182
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as the first-line treatment for aortic valve stenosis. Coronary obstruction is a severe complication of TAVR, with mortality rates exceeding 30%. Coronary obstruction can be classified as acute or delayed based on the timing of the onset, and as direct or indirect obstruction according to the underlying mechanism. Risk factors for predicting coronary obstruction include a small sinus of Valsalva diameter, excessively long native leaflets, low coronary height, and small sinotubular junction height and diameter. Accurate preoperative assessment of these anatomical parameters using CT is crucial for selecting the appropriate valve type, size, and implantation depth. Preventive technical strategies for coronary obstruction include intraoperative interventional treatments (such as the "Chimney" stenting technique), leaflet modification (such as the BASILICA technique), and alignment of the annulus and coronaries. These techniques have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing the incidence of coronary obstruction and associated mortality. This paper reviews the epidemiology, classification, and mechanisms of coronary obstruction, with a particular focus on the identification, prevention, and treatment of high-risk patients. The aim is to highlight the importance of recognizing and managing coronary risks during TAVR and to provide actionable recommendations for the prevention and treatment of coronary obstruction in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/methods*
;
Risk Factors
;
Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery*
;
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
;
Coronary Occlusion/etiology*
5.Metagenomics reveals an increased proportion of an Escherichia coli-dominated enterotype in elderly Chinese people.
Jinyou LI ; Yue WU ; Yichen YANG ; Lufang CHEN ; Caihong HE ; Shixian ZHOU ; Shunmei HUANG ; Xia ZHANG ; Yuming WANG ; Qifeng GUI ; Haifeng LU ; Qin ZHANG ; Yunmei YANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(5):477-492
Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled in tandem with accumulated physiological decline during aging, yet there is limited understanding of gut microbiome variation in advanced age. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94 years, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of elderly individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations. In addition to two adult-like enterotypes dominated by Bacteroides (ET-Bacteroides) and Prevotella (ET-Prevotella), we identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia (ET-Escherichia), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. Our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or diet. We characterized the distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of ET-Escherichia, and found the strongest cohesion and highest robustness of the microbial co-occurrence network in this enterotype, as well as the lowest species diversity. In addition, we carried out a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses, which showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. Overall, our data revealed an enterotype variation characterized by Escherichia enrichment in the elderly population. Considering the different age distribution of each enterotype, these findings provide new insights into the changes that occur in the gut microbiome with age and highlight the importance of microbiome-based stratification of elderly individuals.
Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Bacteroides
;
China
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology*
;
Escherichia coli/classification*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics*
;
Metagenomics
;
East Asian People
6.Developing a training curriculum for implementing the national initiative for promoting dementia care and prevention using the Delphi method
Xin MA ; Ming ZHANG ; Tao LI ; Hengge XIE ; Yi TANG ; Haifeng ZHANG ; Mengmeng XIA ; Qingling CHEN ; Xin YU ; Huali WANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(2):208-215
Objective:To develop a comprehensive training curriculum to enhance the effective implementation of the national initiative promoting dementia care and prevention.Methods:The Delphi method was utilized in an expert consultation that included 44 participants.The initial draft of the training curriculum was developed based on the current state of dementia care and prevention.This draft was subsequently evaluated for its importance, feasibility, and ease of dissemination.Experts offered targeted modifications and additional recommendations.Results:The recovery rate of the expert consultation questionnaire was 95.5%, with a recovery validity rate of 90.9%.The expert authority coefficient was 0.91, and the Kendall's coordination coefficient( W)for expert scoring was 0.316, with a significance level of P<0.001.Four course modules were ultimately identified: the foundation of memory clinic work, the complete management practice skills, group counseling techniques for caregivers, and practical skills for caregivers.The importance of these modules was rated with a mean of 4.92 to 4.95, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 0.044 to 0.063.Each module had a mean value of 4.92 to 4.95, with a coefficient of variation of 0.044 to 0.063; the mean value for practicality was between 4.78 and 4.92, with a coefficient of variation of 0.055 to 0.098; and the mean value for ease of generalization ranged from 4.28 to 4.65, with a coefficient of variation from 0.140 to 0.203.The four modules comprised a total of 55 specific course content items, with the mean value for each item ranging from 4.76 to 5.00 and a coefficient of variation from 0.000 to 0.121.The mean value of usefulness assigned to each entry ranged from 4.55 to 4.98, with a coefficient of variation from 0.031 to 0.150.Additionally, the mean value for ease of propagation assigned to each entry ranged from 4.00 to 4.83, with a coefficient of variation from 0.091 to 0.245. Conclusions:The developed training curriculum, which comprises four course modules and 55 items, demonstrated consistently high levels of importance, practicality, and ease of dissemination.These findings indicate that the curriculum is well-aligned with national initiatives aimed at enhancing dementia care and prevention.
7.Efficacy of focal radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer
Shu GAO ; Zhen JIANG ; Jiyuan SUN ; Haifeng HUANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Hongqian GUO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(2):143-147
Objective: To explore the efficacy of focal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer and its impact on postoperative urinary control and sexual function recovery,in order to explore the feasibility of minimally invasive methods for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 28 patients with low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer who underwent RFA in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School during Jun.2017 and Feb.2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) rate,surgery related complications,postoperative urinary control and sexual function were collected.The differences between the survival curves of patients in the low-risk and intermediate-risk subgroups were assessed with log-rank test and Breslow test. Results: All surgeries were successfully completed under local anesthesia.During the median follow-up of 43 (40-49) months,the 5-year FFS rate predicted by Kaplan-Meier method was 78.57%; 25 patients (89.29%) did not experience surgery-related complications; 27 patients (96.43%) were able to control urination; 1 patient developed new-onset sexual dysfunction.There was no significant difference in the survival curves between patients in the low-risk and intermediate-risk groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: RFA for patients with low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer has good clinical efficacy,little impact on urinary control and sexual function recovery,and few postoperative complications,which can be used as one of the treatment options for these patients.
8.Research progress of technology in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery
Daosen ZHANG ; Haifeng CAO ; Mingxing WU ; Yuehong WANG ; Gangping ZHAO ; Hui ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1436-1440
Cataract is the world's leading cause of blindness, and surgery is the most effective treatment for cataract. With the development of femtosecond laser technology and ophthalmic surgical equipment, the application of femtosecond laser systems in cataract surgery is becoming increasingly widespread. It can be used in cataract surgery for corneal incisions, anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, arcuate incisions and other key operations. Compared to traditional surgery, femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery(FLACS)offers significant advantages in precision, safety and postoperative visual outcomes. Its clinical benefits have garnered growing recognition among ophthalmologists. However, the key technologies and high-precision equipment for FLACS remain predominantly controlled by Western countries. In China, the research in this field began later. This article reviews the technological advancements in FLACS, with a focus on femtosecond laser technology, optical coherence tomography(OCT), artificial intelligence, and clinical application progress. The objective is to provide theoretical foundations and practical insights for the development of ophthalmic medical technology in China.
9.Induction of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by polyphyllin 9 through regulating the Fas/FasL sig-naling pathway and the inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted tumor in nude mice
Minna YAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Kai GAO ; Ruili LI ; Ying YIN ; Chao GUO ; Yunyang LU ; Haifeng TANG ; Jingwen WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2238-2243
OBJECTIVE To investigate the induction of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by polyphyllin 9 (PP9) through the regulation of the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) signaling pathway, and its inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted tumor in nude mice. METHODS Based on the screening of cell lines and intervention conditions, HepG2 cells were selected as the experimental subject to investigate the effects of 2 μmol/L and 4 μmol/L PP9 treatment on cell colony formation activity, apoptosis rate, as well as the protein expressions of Fas, FasL, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved caspase-3. Additionally, Fas inhibitor KR- 33493 was introduced to investigate the underlying mechanism of PP9’s anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity. Using HepG2 cell tumor-bearing nude mice model as the object, and 5-fluorouracil (20 mg/kg) as the positive control, the effects of 10 mg/kg PP9 on tumor volume, tumor mass, and the protein expressions of the nuclear proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 in tumor-bearing nude mice were investigated. RESULTS Compared with the control group, 2, 4 μmol/L PP9 significantly decreased the number of clones and the clone formation rate of cells, but significantly increased the apoptosis rate, the protein expressions of Fas, FasL, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, the combination of Fas inhibitor KR-33493 could significantly reverse the effect of PP9 on the up-regulation of proteins related to the Fas/FasL signaling pathway (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the tumor volume (on day 27), mass and protein expression of Ki- 67 in nude mice of the PP9 group were significantly decreased, while the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 was significantly increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS PP9 can induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells by activating the Fas/FasL signaling pathway. Meanwhile, PP9 can also effectively inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors in nude mice.
10.Association of participation in non-sports extracurricular tutoring classes with screening myopia and axial length among primary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(11):1544-1548
Objective:
To analyze the association of participation in non-sports extracurricular tutoring classes with the prevalence of screening myopia, axial length (AL) and axial length to corneal radius ratio (AL/CR) among primary school students, so as to provide evidences for formulating myopia prevention and control policies.
Methods:
In December 2024, combination of convenience and cluster sampling method was used to select 2 273 students from two primary schools in Hefei City, Anhui Province. Ophthalmic examinations and questionnaire surveys were conducted to obtain information on myopia, AL, AL/CR and participation in various types of extracurricular tutoring. A binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between non-sports tutoring and screening myopia, and multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between non-sports tutoring and AL and AL/CR.
Results:
Among the surveyed students, the participation rate in non-sports extracurricular tutoring classes was 64.9% , and the overall prevalence of screening myopia was 39.1%. The average AL and AL/CR were (23.60± 1.01 ) mm and (3.00±0.12), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that students who attended non-sports, music, or academic tutoring classes for ≥2 h per week had higher risks of screening myopia and greater AL/CR values than non-participants (screening myopia: OR =1.38, 1.82, 1.55; AL/CR: β =0.01, 0.03, 0.03; all P <0.05). After adjusting for sex, grade, and participation in sports tutoring, multivariate analysis indicated that participation in non-sports and musical instrument tutoring classes for ≥2 h per week remained significantly associated with higher risks of screening myopia ( OR =1.26, 1.49, both P <0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that participation in musical instrument tutoring for ≥2 h per week was positively correlated with AL ( β=0.14, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Participation in non-sports extracurricular tutoring is common among primary school students. Attending non-sports tutoring classes for ≥2 h per week increases the risk of screening myopia.


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