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.Determination of related substances in esmolol hydrochloride injection by HPLC method
Jun YE ; Chenyu ZHANG ; Haifeng ZHOU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(9):477-482
Objective To determine the related substances in esmolol hydrochloride injection by HPLC method. Methods A Waters XBridge TM C18 (4.6 mm×150 mm,5 µm) column packed with octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel was used, with phosphate buffer (3.0 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate was taken, dissolved in water and diluted to 650 ml)-acetonitrile-methanol (65∶15∶20) as the mobile phase A, and mobile phase A mixed with methanol (65∶35) as the mobile phase B. The related substances in the test sample and those generated after forced degradation were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by the impurity reference standard method, with an injection volume of 20 μl, a column temperature of 30℃, a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and a detection wavelength of 222 nm. Results The separation between esmolol hydrochloride and neighboring impurities as well as between each impurity was greater than 1.5; the impurities showed good linearity in their respective linear ranges (r>0.999). The average recovery of impurity a (Imp-a) was 99.1% with an RSD of 0.56%; the average recovery of impurity b(Imp-b)was 96.0% with an RSD of 0.98%; the average recovery of impurity c (Imp-c) was 100.7% with an RSD of 1.24%; the average recovery of impurity d (Imp-d) was 99.0% with an RSD of 0.12%; the average recovery of impurity e (Imp-e) was 100.7% with an RSD of 0.64%; and the impurity f (Imp-f) average recovery was 101.7% with an RSD of 3.26%; impurity g (Imp-g) average recovery was 99.1% with an RSD of 1.45%. Conclusion This method could evaluate the quality of esmolol hydrochloride injection more accurately than the current standard and could provide data reference for the quality evaluation system.
5.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.
6.Discussion on the Differentiation and Treatment of Migraine and Acupuncture Treatment from"Spleen and Stomach Disorders"
Jiawei FENG ; Yiwen JIANG ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(8):1054-1057
[Objective]To propose syndrome differentiation and treatment approach of acupuncture for migraine based on the relationship between"spleen and stomach disorders"and the etiology and pathogenesis of migraine,providing theoretical and practical references for the clinical management.[Methods]The connotation of"spleen and stomach disorders"and its association with migraine were systematically reviewed.Based on this perspective,treatment strategies and acupuncture prescriptions for migraine were formulated,and supported by a representative clinical case study.[Results]"Spleen and stomach disorders"serves as a critical pathological foundation for migraine.Its pathogenesis can be summarized into four patterns"impaired spleen transport leading to malnourishment of the brain""phlegm-dampness obstructing the orifices and impairing mental clarity""spleen-stomach disharmony causing Qi stagnation"and"spleen deficiency with blood stasis resulting in orifice obstruction".Acupuncture treatment should prioritize regulating spleen-stomach function,supplemented by dredging local meridians and harmonizing Qi and blood.Key acupoints include Zhongwan(CV12),Xiawan(CV10),Qihai(CV6),and Guanyuan(CV4)for reinforcing primordial Qi,consolidating the foundation,and harmonizing Qi and blood;Zusanli(ST36),Shangjuxu(ST37)and Xiajuxu(ST39)for regulating Qi movement and balancing Yin and Yang;Sizhukong(TE23)and Fengchi(GB20)for clearing the head,improving vision,and relieving pain.In the presented case,the patient was diagnosed as dual deficiency of Qi and blood,acupuncture therapy focusing on replenishing Qi,nourishing blood and unblocking collaterals achieved significant clinical efficacy.[Conclusion]"Spleen and stomach disorders"is a pivotal mechanism underlying recurrent migraine.Acupuncture treatment for migraine should emphasize restoring spleen-stomach function,prioritizing the reinforcement of primordial Qi and harmonization of Qi and blood,thereby addressing the root cause to reduce migraine recurrence.
7.Research progress of neuroelectric modulation for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Yichao ZHENG ; Yueyao WU ; Kehan ZHANG ; Haifeng JIN
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(3):250-254
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and adversely affects the quality of life of patients and the healthcare burden on society. Currently, drug therapy alone can achieve clinical remission in some patients, but it cannot break through the ceiling of what can be achieved with current therapies, and new therapeutic options still need to be found. Neuro-immunity-inflammation is closely related to each other, and the potential role of neuroelectric stimulation in modulating inflammatory response has made it a hot spot in the study of IBD treatment. However, the intrinsic mechanism of action is still unexplained and needs to be explored by further studies. This review discusses the role and mechanisms of vagus nerve electrical stimulation, sacral nerve electrical stimulation, tibial nerve electrical stimulation and other neuromodulation methods.
8.Evaluation of the efficacy of corticosteroids in male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Jialu XU ; Qinrong HUANG ; Hongliang HUO ; Yuting ZHANG ; Xiaoyan SHEN ; Liang TAO ; Xujun CAO ; Qin GU ; Nong XIAO ; Haifeng LI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(8):885-890
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroids in male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and provide evidence for the rational clinical use of medication.Methods:This was a multicenter medical record series study which conducted from January 15 th to March 14 th, 2025. A total of 53 male children with DMD admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation of Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Children′s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and Affiliated Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from 2020 to 2024 were enrolled. Clinical data, corticosteroid usage, and the follow-up data were collected. The North star ambulatory assessment (NSAA) was used as the primary efficacy indicator. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) exchangeable working matrices were used for longitudinal analysis, and the least squares mean were used to compare the change trend of the efficacy evaluation index across different medication durations. Results:The age at the initiation of corticosteroid treatment was (6.3±1.9) years. The follow-up duration was 1.2 (0.9, 2.2) years. After treatment, the raw scores and linear scores of NSAA were both significantly higher than those before treatment ((22±7) vs. (19±5) points, (60±16) vs. (53±8) points; t=3.98, 3.69; both P<0.001). The 10 meter running time and time rising from floor were both shorter than those before treatment (6 (4, 8) vs. 7 (6, 9) s, 5 (3, 6) vs. 6 (5, 9) s; Z=2.62, 3.47; both P<0.01). GEE model analysis revealed all nonlinear correlation between motor function (NSAA linear score, 10-meter running velocity, and rising from floor velocity) and the duration of corticosteroid treatment (all P<0.05). Least squares mean comparison all showed that the medication effect first increased and then decreased with duration, reaching the peak at 1.1-2.0 years after treatment (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Corticosteroids can improve the motor function in male children with DMD, with the maximum treatment effect occurring 1 to 2 years after the initiation of treatment. It is necessary to comprehensively leverage time-varying efficacy of corticosteroids to optimize individualized treatment regimens for maximal motor function benefits in children with DMD.
9.Ulnar artery perforator flap carrying multiple perforators in reconstruction of hand defects: 13 cases report
Hao LU ; Xingxing SUO ; Haifeng SHI ; Zhihai ZHANG ; Mingyu XUE ; Xiao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(1):39-44
Objective:To investigate the curative effects of the ulnar artery perforator flap carrying 2 and more perforators of same source artery on reconstruction of defects in hand.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted on 13 patients with hand injuries combined with bone or tendon exposure and met the inclusion criteria of the study were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi NO.9 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University between April 2022 and September 2023. The patients were 8 males and 5 females with a mean age of 45.7 (25-67) years. Seven hand injuries were caused by mechanical crushing, 2 by hot crushing and 4 by machine strangulation. After debridement, the sizes of defect were found at 5.4 cm×5.1 cm to 8.2 cm×7.5 cm. Dopplor ultrasound was applied to locate the perforators before surgery. Perforator flaps carrying cutaneous branches of ulnar artery proximal to the wrist were designed for reconstruction of the defects in hand. The flaps were 6.0 cm×5.5 cm-8.5 cm×8.0 cm in size. Donor sites were covered by the ulnar artery perforator flaps sized 5.3 cm×2.7 cm-8.2 cm×4.0 cm and carryied 2 and more perforators of the same source artery. During harvest of the flaps, the number and calibre of perforators carried by flap, the calibre of the main trunk of the superior carpal branch of the ulnar artery and the length of its pedicle were recorded. A total of 35 perforators with 0.35-0.95 mm in calibre carried by 13 perforator flaps of ulnar artery were successfully retained. Five of the 13 flaps carried the perforators with a calibre smaller than 0.50 mm. Overall, there were 7 flaps with 2 perforators per flap, 4 with 3 perforators per flap, 1 with 4 perforators and 1 with 5 perforators. The cutaneous branch of ulnar artery in a caliber of 0.75-1.35 mm and proximal to the wrist was dissected as the vascular pedicle with 30.0-45.0 mm in length. All patients were included in the schedueled postoperative at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flaps, and the occurrence of complication.Results:All flaps survived and the wounds healed at first intention without vascular compromises, wound dehiscence or obvious swelling. All patients received 8 - 20 months of follow-up, with 15 months in average. Flaps presented good appearance and colour, with soft texture and without bloating. TPD of the first flap was 8-18 mm, with an average of 10.5 mm±0.5 mm and that of the second or relay flap was 7-15 mm, with an average of 9.5 mm±0.5 mm. According to British Medical Research Council (BMRC) system, the sensory evaluation of the recipient sites achieved S 4 in 5 flaps, S 3 in 9 flaps and S 2 in 12 flaps. Conclusion:The ulnar artery perforator flap with 2 and more perforators of the same source artery has sufficient and reliable blood supply and is effective in reconstruction of hand defects.
10.Morphological characteristics of the cribriform plate-cervical trunk lymphatic pathway: exploration of the mechanism of clinical improvement in patients with Alzheimer's disease by cervical deep lymphatic vessel/lymph node-vein anastomosis
Weiren PAN ; Zhian LIU ; Chuanxiang MA ; Haifeng ZHANG ; Yao LI ; Qiaoying MA ; Qiong WU ; Fanqiang ZENG
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(3):264-267
There are difficulties in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in medical community. Since the surgery of cervical deep lymphatic vessel/lymphatic node-vein anastomosis (LVA/LnVA) has made clinical improvement in patients with AD, it offers a surgical option to treat AD. Especially improvements in cognitive impairment. However the mechanism in treatment of AD is not yet made clear. This article preliminarily explores the mechanism in improvement of some symptoms in patients with AD through cervical deep LVA/LnVA on the basis of morphological characteristics of the cribriform plate-cervical lymphatic pathway.

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