1.Identification of Chemical Constituents of Painong Powder and Constituents Absorbed into Blood by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS
Han SUN ; Hongsu ZHAO ; Zihua XUAN ; Jinwei QIAO ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Manqin YANG ; Shuangying GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):256-263
ObjectiveTo study the chemical constituents of Painong powder and the constituents absorbed into blood after oral administration to rats by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was employed for mass spectrometry data acquisition. The chemical constituents of Painong Powder and the constituents absorbed into blood were characterized and identified via Xcalibur 4.2 and Compound Discoverer v3.3.1 (CD) based on retention time, accurate molecular weights, secondary fragmentation ions, and comparison with reference standards and literature reports. ResultsA total of 176 chemical compounds, including 56 flavonoids, 42 triterpenoid saponins, 23 monoterpenes, 7 coumarins, 5 tannins, and other 43 compounds were identified from Painong powder. 49 components were identified in the rat plasma after oral administration of Painong powder, including 33 prototype constituents and 16 metabolites. The major metabolic pathways included hydrolysis in phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions, as well as methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation in phase Ⅱ metabolic reaction. ConclusionThe method comprehensively identified the chemical constituents of Painong powder both in vitro and in vivo, and may provide a reference for the study of quality control and clinical applications.
2.Prediction of Postoperative Hypokalemia in Patients with Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis undergoing Standard Carotid Endarterectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Suiyuan HU ; Xuan LAI ; Yunfeng HAN
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research 2026;30(1):18-27
Background:
Postoperative hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disturbance associated with adverse outcomes, particularly in older adults. This study aimed to identify risk factors and develop predictive models for hypokalemia within 24 hours after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for severe carotid artery stenosis, a condition that primarily affects older patient populations.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 1,076 CEA patients (October 2021 to May 2023) was analyzed. Risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A predictive nomogram was developed and internally validated via bootstrapping. Machine learning models (Random Forest and XGBoost) were developed and interpreted using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients aged ≥70 years and by comparing postoperative potassium levels >4.0 mmol/L versus 3.5–4.0 mmol/L.
Results:
The cohort had a median age of 65 years. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative potassium (odds ratio [OR]=0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.72), hemoglobin (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.88), BMI (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.88), and postoperative visual analogue scale score (OR=1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.51) as independent predictors. Frailty showed borderline significance (OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.00–2.44, p=0.05). The nomogram achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.710, demonstrating good discrimination and calibration. Machine learning models similarly performed well (AUC 0.707–0.709).
Conclusion
We developed a validated tool to predict postoperative hypokalemia after CEA. The model highlights that in addition to biochemical and surgical factors, geriatric syndromes like frailty and nutritional status are pivotal risk determinants. This facilitates early, individualized management, including tailored potassium supplementation, nutritional support, and pain control, especially for vulnerable older adults, to mitigate complications and promote recovery.
3.Clinical study on the effect of brain-computer interface robot combined with task-oriented training on hand dysfunction after stroke
Han QIN ; Yongmei ZHU ; Qianhui TIAN ; Tianning ZHANG ; Shiwei XU ; Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Heng ZHANG ; Xuan SUN ; Hui ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(9):612-621
Objective To observe the impact of brain-computer interface(BCI)robot combined with task-oriented training(TOT)on hand function and activities of daily living in stroke patients.Methods A total of 40 patients with subacute stroke who were hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Anhui No.2 Province People's Hospital from December 2022 to December 2024 were prospectively and consecutively included in this study.The stroke patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group using the random number table method,with 20 cases in each group.Baseline data were collected from all patients,including gender,age,personal history(smoking,drinking),past medical history(hypertension,diabetes),stroke type(hemorrhagic stroke,ischemic stroke),hemiplegia side(left,right),disease course,stroke location(basal ganglia,internal capsule),and admission assessment indicators(including kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaire[KVIQ-20]score,mini-mental state examination[MMSE]score and National Institutes of Health stroke scale[NIHSS]score).Both groups of patients received conventional rehabilitation training and TOT.The experimental group then underwent BCI robot training combined with TOT on this basis.Both groups received treatments for 4 weeks,and the upper limb and hand functions of all patients were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity function assessment scale(FMA-UE),the wrist-hand part of the FMA-UE scale(FMA-WH),the Wolf motor function test(WMFT),and the modified Ashworth scale(MAS)before and after the treatment;the hand function related part(feeding[10 score],bathing[5 score],dressing[10 score],grooming[5 score],and toilet using[10 score])of modified Barthel index(MBI)was used to assess the patients'hand dexterity to perform daily activities.Results(1)No statistically significant differences were found in the baseline data between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05).(2)Before treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI in the experimental group were(18.75±7.38),(2.95±1.54),(26.90±8.69),(1.10±0.66),and(15.45±1.82)respectively,while those in the control group were(15.90±5.39),(2.25±1.12),(24.15±6.78),(1.25±0.60),and(15.65±3.12)respectively.There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI between the two groups before treatment(all P>0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI in the experimental group were(27.10±7.76),(5.75±2.97),(40.85±10.19),(0.73±0.57),and(21.15±2.66)respectively,while those in the control group were(21.25±5.29),(4.00±1.49),(31.85±7.60),(0.73±0.64),and(17.40±3.14)respectively.The time main effects(Ftime values were 925.061,138.138,624.635 and 405.986 respectively,all P<0.01),group main effects(Fgroup values were 4.460,4.562,5.011 and 4.411 respectively,all P<0.05),and the interaction effects of time and group(Ftime×group values were 44.358,7.356,52.506 and 114.128 respectively,all P<0.05)of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT and hand function related score of MBI scores were all significant.The time main effect of MAS scores was significant(Ftime value was 59.478,P<0.01),while the group main effect(Fgroup value was 0.162,P>0.05),the interaction effects of time and group(Ftime×group value was 1.652,P>0.05)were not significant.Conclusion The combined task-oriented training with BCI robots can improve the upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients,enhance their ability to perform daily activities,and the effect is superior to that of single task-oriented training.
4.Anatomical features and clinical significance of the pelvic segment of the obturator artery
Li-na REN ; Xiu-ning XUAN ; Jian-yue REN ; Xue-hui ZHANG ; Pu-yi WANG ; Shu-xuan LI ; Jing LI ; Zhe XING ; Jing-han DU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):868-871
Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.
5.Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Macrophage-Ferroptosis-Related Genes
Yu-yao WANG ; Yuan-ping LIU ; Rui-xuan WANG ; Xuan-he CHANG ; Han-qing FEI ; Huan WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(16):2585-2597
Objective:This study aimed to integrate RNA-seq data to identify key genes associated with macrophage-ferroptosis and develop a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:We retrieved a dataset from the GEO database containing transcriptome data and clinical information for 163 samples.Macrophage-related genes were identified using WGCNA and immune infiltration analyses.Ferroptosis-related genes from the FerrDbV2 database were intersected with differentially expressed genes to obtain significant macrophage-ferroptosis-related genes.Hub genes were screened via protein interaction network construction,and key genes were identified using four machine learning algorithms.These genes exhibited significant expression differences between cancer and normal tissues and were closely linked to patient prognosis.ROC curve and KM survival analyses were performed,and expression levels were validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Results:Four key genes RRM2,KIF20A,PCK2,and PDK4 were identified and evaluated.RRM2 and KIF20A demonstrated high importance in classification prediction models and reliable performance in ROC and KM analyses(AUC>0.9,P<0.05).These genes regulate cancer cell proliferation/survival and macrophage polarization/function,influencing the tumor microenvironment and HCC progression.Conclusion:RRM2 and KIF20A regulate cancer cell proliferation and survival,modulate macrophage polarization and function,and influence the immune response in the tumor microenvironment.They can serve as prognostic biomarkers and potential immunotherapy targets for hepatocellular carcinoma.
6.Effects of Aqueous Extract of Corn Silk Combined with Training on Exercise Function and Glycolipid Metabolism in Mice with Metabolic Syndrome
Yi-lin LIU ; Zi-ling SONG ; Ting ZHOU ; Ji-ping CHEN ; Zi-han LIN ; Yu-xuan ZHANG ; Ji-qiang ZENG ; Shan-rong ZHANG ; Zhi-peng WU ; Chen LU ; Ying ZHU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2411-2420
Objective:To investigate the effects of combination therapy with aqueous extract of corn silk(CS)and training on exercise capacity and glycolipid metabolism in mice with metabolic syndrome(MS).Methods:In this study,db/db mice were used as the animal model of MS.The mice were administered aqueous extract of CS via gavage and subjected to different intensities of training for 12 weeks(3 months).The specific experimental design was as follows:24 db/db mice were randomly divided into four groups on average:negative control group(NC),aqueous extract of CS group(CS),aqueous extract of CS+moderate-intensity training group(CS+MT),and CS aqueous extract of CS+high-intensity training group(CS+HT).The maximum running speed,forelimb grip strength,body weight and fasting blood glucose of mice were measured before and after treatment.After the intervention,oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)and insulin tolerance test(ITT)were conducted to assess glucose metabolism,while serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels were measured to evaluate lipid metabolism.Results:After 3 months of intervention,there were significant differences in the maximum running speed and forelimb grip strength among the four groups(P<0.05).The maximum running speed and forelimb grip strength of CS group,CS+MT group and CS+HT group were higher than those of NC group(P<0.05).The CS+MT group exhibited higher forelimb grip strength,and the CS+HT group showed higher maximum running speed and forelimb grip strength compared to the CS group(P<0.05),while no significant difference was found between the CS+MT and CS+HT groups(P>0.05).Significant differences in body weight were observed among the four groups after 3 months of intervention(P<0.05).Specifically,the CS+MT and CS+HT groups exhibited significantly lower body weight compared to both the NC and CS groups(P<0.05),with the CS+MT group having the lowest body weight(P<0.05).Fasting blood glucose levels also differed significantly among the groups after 2 and 3 months of intervention(P<0.05).The CS,CS+MT,and CS+HT groups had lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to the NC group(P<0.05),with the CS+MT and CS+HT groups showing the lowest levels(P<0.05).No significant difference was found between the CS+MT and CS+HT groups(P>0.05).After 3 months of intervention,significant differences in the area under the curve(AUC)of OGTT and ITT were observed among the four groups(P<0.05).The AUC of OGTT and ITT were significantly lower in the CS,CS+MT,and CS+HT groups compared to the NC group(P<0.05).The CS+MT and CS+HT groups exhibited the lowest AUC values for both OGTT and ITT(P<0.05),with the CS+MT group showing the lowest AUC for OGTT(P<0.05).Significant differences in serum lipid levels were observed among the four groups after 3 months of intervention(P<0.05).TG,TC,and LDL-C levels were significantly lower,while HDL-C levels were higher in the CS,CS+MT,and CS+HT groups compared to the NC group(P<0.05).The CS+MT group had the lowest TG levels and the highest HDL-C levels compared to the CS+HT group(P<0.05),with no significant differences in TC and LDL-C levels between these two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Aqueous extract of CS combined with different intensity training can significantly improve the exercise capacity and glycolipid metabolism of MS mice and reduce body weight,especially CS combined with MT treatment is more effective in improving lipid metabolism.In addition,when combined with HT,aqueous extract of CS can also play an auxiliary role in reducing the side effects of high-intensity exercise and improving the therapeutic effect.
7.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
8.Mechanism of action of long non-coding RNA AC087388.1 targeting PABPC1 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Han ZHONG ; Yan-lei GE ; Jun-qing GAN ; Ye JIN ; Xuan ZHENG ; Zi-qing LIU ; Guo-gui SUN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):926-935
Aim To explore the roles and mechanisms of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)AC087388.1 and poly(A)binding protein cytoplasmic 1(PABPC1)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Meth-ods The expression level of AC087388.1 in ESCC tissues and cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments and its clinical relevance was analyzed.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),clone formation,scratch and Transwell inva-sion assays were used to detect the effects of knock-down of AC087388.1 on the cell viability,prolifera-tion,migratory,and invasion of ESCC cells respectively ability,and sub-localization in cells.RNA pull down and Western blot experiments were employed to verify the interaction between AC087388.1 and PABPC1 in ESCC cells.Salvage experiments were performed to detect the effect of AC087388.1 targeting PABPC1 on ESCC cells.Results AC087388.1 was highly ex-pressed in ESCC tissues and cells and positively corre-lated with clinical stage of ESCC patients,mainly local-ized in cytoplasm.Knockdown AC087388.1 inhibited ESCC cell viability,proliferation,migration and inva-sionability.PABPC1 was selected from the results of RNA Pull Down-MS experiments for subsequent experi-ments,and AC087388.1 was verified to bind to PAB-PC1 by RNA Pull Down and Western blot experiments.Overexpression of AC087388.1 was verified by rescue experiment to reverse the effects of knockdown of PAB-PC1 on ESCC cell viability,proliferation,migration and invasion.Conclusions High expression of AC087388.1 correlates with clinical stage and may be a risk factor for ESCC progression.AC087388.1 pro-motes the cell viability,proliferation,migration and in-vasive ability of ESCC cells by targeting PABPC1,which may be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.
9.Research on expression significance and oncogenic mechanism of UGP2 in breast cancer
Zi-lin ZHENG ; Xiao-jun ZHANG ; Jian-jun HAN ; Xin-yi LIANG ; Xuan-chi GUO ; Xiang-hui MEI ; Jian-chao HE
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(3):196-202
Objective:This study aims to investigate the expression of uridine diphosphate-glucose[]pyrophos-phorylase 2(UGP2)in breast cancer(BC)tissues and its oncogenic mechanism,assessing its potential value as a diag-nostic and prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.Methods:(1)Online database analysis was conducted to assess UGP2 mRNA and protein expression levels in breast cancer and explore their correlation with clinical characteristics.Im-munohistochemistry(IHC)was used to verify UGP2 expression in human breast cancer tumor tissues and evaluate its relationship with clinicopathological features.(2)Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and COX regression models were used to analyze the impact of UGP2 expression on breast cancer patient prognosis.(3)Bioinformatics methods were em-ployed to investigate the correlation between UGP2 and tumor immune cell infiltration,and to predict the biological func-tions and associated signaling pathways of UGP2 in breast cancer.Results:(1)The mRNA and protein expression levels of UGP2 were upregulated in breast cancer tissues(both P<0.05),and were negatively correlated with ER-positive and PR-positive status(OR<1,P<0.05),while positively correlated with Ki-67 levels and the triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)subtype(OR>1,P<0.05).(2)Elevated expression levels of UGP2 were associated with poorer survival rates in breast cancer patients(both P<0.05)and were identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor for breast cancer(HR=1.40,P<0.05).(3)Functional analysis results suggested that UGP2 may promote tumor progression by regulating metabolism,hormone signaling,and the immune microenvironment.Additionally,UGP2 expression was negatively cor-related with NK cell activation status and positively correlated with the inhibitory state.Conclusion:UGP2 expression is elevated in breast cancer tissues and is closely associated with poor patient prognosis.It may promote cancer pro-gression through mechanisms such as metabolic reprogramming and immune suppression.UGP2 shows promise as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer,providing a basis for personalized treatment.
10.Research of Achyranthoside Ⅰ inhibiting pyroptosis in chondrocytes based on the NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling axis
Ze-xuan LIU ; Yi-yan HAN ; Xue-feng GUAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Jian-yu DAI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):198-202
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Achyranthoside Ⅰ inhibits pyroptosis in chondrocytes through the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)/NOD receptor protein structure domain related proteins 3(NLRP3)/cystine containing aspartate specific proteins-1(caspase-1)signaling pathway.Methods Primary mouse chondrocytes were divided into blank group(phosphate buffered solution with the same volume),model group[10 ng·mL-1 interleukin-1β(IL-1 β)],control group(10 ng·mL-1 IL-1β+20 μmol·L-1 celecoxib)and experimental group(10 ng·mL-1 IL-1β+3 μg·mL-1 Achyranthoside Ⅰ).After 24 hours of intervention,the cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit 8,the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),IL-1 and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,the protein expression levels of NF-κB p65,NLRP3 and caspase-1 were detected by Western Blot.Results The apoptosis rates in experimental,control,model and blank groups were(13.34±0.61)%,(15.64±1.01)%,(21.81±1.10)%and 0;the SOD levels were(147.03±16.49),(130.09±7.33),(122.03±10.71)and(164.40±22.74)nU·mL-1;the MDA levels were(6.43±0.71),(7.63±1.01),(8.89±1.84)and(5.69±0.81)nmol·L-1;the IL-1 levels were(338.69±40.95),(361.78±32.15),(391.44±30.59)and(289.23±25.19)pg·mL-1;the IL-6 levels were(89.96±8.81),(101.10±11.59),(120.39±14.71)and(60.29±6.03)pg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of NF-κB p65 were 0.68±0.05,0.97±0.05,1.26±0.05 and 0.57±0.05;the relative expression levels of NLRP3 were 0.71±0.08,1.02±0.10,1.50±0.06 and 0.31±0.05;the relative expression levels of caspase-1 were 0.70±0.07,1.29±0.08,1.66±0.07 and 0.51±0.07,respectively.Compared with the model group,the differences of above indexes were statistically significant in the experimental group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Achyranthoside Ⅰ can improve the oxidative stress status induced by IL-1 β in chondrocytes,reduce the expression of proteins related to the NF-κB signaling pathway,and thereby decrease the occurrence of caspase-1 dependent pyroptosis,providing a protective effect on chondrocytes.

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