1.Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis and Its Active Components in Treatment of Tourette Syndrome: A Review
Jiayu WANG ; Pan ZHENG ; Shaoyu LI ; Feng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):337-346
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, clinically characterized primarily by motor and/or vocal tics. Its pathogenesis is associated with hyperactivity of the dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia, and current medical treatments are limited by adverse reactions and unsatisfactory efficacy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TS is classified under categories such as "liver wind" and "convulsions", and is considered to be closely related to liver dysregulation. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used wind-dispelling herb. URCU has a clearly defined origin and a rich chemical composition, with alkaloids as its major active constituents, including rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Its plasma components include multiple prototype alkaloids, which exhibit metabolic differences and phenomena such as enterohepatic circulation. Its brain-entering components possess blood-brain barrier permeability, and their distribution is associated with pharmacological effects. In recent years, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the active components of URCU in the treatment of TS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which URCU and its main active constituents exert therapeutic effects on TS from the following aspects: regulation of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters to improve neurotransmitter system imbalance, neuroprotection and intervention in neuroinflammation-related pathways; antioxidant effects through activation of antioxidant signaling pathways, and immunomodulatory functions influencing immune cells and the gut microbiota. In addition, the clinical application of compound formulas containing URCU in the treatment of TS is summarized, with the aim of providing new perspectives for further research on the pharmacological mechanisms of URCU and the treatment of TS.
2.Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis and Its Active Components in Treatment of Tourette Syndrome: A Review
Jiayu WANG ; Pan ZHENG ; Shaoyu LI ; Feng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):337-346
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, clinically characterized primarily by motor and/or vocal tics. Its pathogenesis is associated with hyperactivity of the dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia, and current medical treatments are limited by adverse reactions and unsatisfactory efficacy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TS is classified under categories such as "liver wind" and "convulsions", and is considered to be closely related to liver dysregulation. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used wind-dispelling herb. URCU has a clearly defined origin and a rich chemical composition, with alkaloids as its major active constituents, including rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Its plasma components include multiple prototype alkaloids, which exhibit metabolic differences and phenomena such as enterohepatic circulation. Its brain-entering components possess blood-brain barrier permeability, and their distribution is associated with pharmacological effects. In recent years, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the active components of URCU in the treatment of TS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which URCU and its main active constituents exert therapeutic effects on TS from the following aspects: regulation of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters to improve neurotransmitter system imbalance, neuroprotection and intervention in neuroinflammation-related pathways; antioxidant effects through activation of antioxidant signaling pathways, and immunomodulatory functions influencing immune cells and the gut microbiota. In addition, the clinical application of compound formulas containing URCU in the treatment of TS is summarized, with the aim of providing new perspectives for further research on the pharmacological mechanisms of URCU and the treatment of TS.
3.Interpretation of advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC)
Bo BAO ; Jiayu LU ; Wen LIU ; Xuxu ZHANG ; Jiahe LI ; Jipeng ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Qiang LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):218-230
The 26th World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) was held in Barcelona during September 6-9, 2025. As the world's largest and most influential academic meeting in the field of lung cancer, this year's congress unveiled long-term follow-up data from several pivotal studies and significant advances in novel therapeutic strategies. In the realm of targeted therapy, a next-generation combination strategy has been established as the new standard of care for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), demonstrating a significant improvement in overall survival. In immunotherapy, novel combination regimens have not only addressed the therapeutic challenge of acquired resistance to EGFR targeted therapies, but also shown clear long-term survival benefits in both the perioperative and locally advanced settings. These findings pave the way for shifting the treatment paradigm to earlier stages for patients with NSCLC. Antibody-drug conjugates have made remarkable strides in this field. They have shown outstanding efficacy in patients with specific resistance mutations and those with brain metastases, and have also demonstrated immense potential in treating patients with HER2-aberrant lung cancer and broader NSCLC populations. This offers new therapeutic options for patients with refractory lung cancer.However, significant challenges remain, including the heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms, the selection of optimal treatment regimens, and management strategies for special populations. Future research should focus on identifying novel precision biomarkers and optimizing therapeutic strategies to ultimately improve clinical outcomes for all patients with lung cancer.
4.Antiasthmatic effect and mechanism of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair on the respiratory center
Jiayu TIAN ; Tianyi YANG ; Jingen XIE ; Linlin CHEN ; Qian RAO ; Xiong XIAO ; Yongchun HOU ; Wenhong LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):870-876
OBJECTIVE To preliminarily investigate the antiasthmatic effect and mechanism of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair on the respiratory center. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, dexamethasone group (positive control), and Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum 2∶1, 1∶1 and 1∶2 groups. Rats in each group were administered different ratios of the herb pair decoction [all at 18 g (crude drug)/kg], dexamethasone suspension (0.5 mg/kg), or normal saline intragastrically twice daily for seven consecutive days. Forty minutes after the last administration, medicated cerebrospinal fluid was collected to determine the content of effective components entering the brain. One and a half hours after the last administration, the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was located using a stereotaxic apparatus. Histamine phosphate (1 μL) was injected into the NTS region at a constant rate of 1 μL/min using a 10 μL microsyringe to induce excitation of the respiratory center in rats; the blank group was injected with normal saline. The contents of neurotransmitters [nerve growth factor (NGF), substance P (SP), norepinephrine (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and acetylcholine (Ach)] in the medulla oblongata brain tissue were detected. The mRNA expressions of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-fos in the medulla oblongata, as well as the protein expressions of NK-1R, p38 MAPK, and c-fos in the NTS region, were determined. RESULTS The main active components of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair entering the brain were ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and methylephedrine. Compared with blank group, the contents of NGF, SP, NA, 5-HT and Ach, and the relative expression levels of NK-1R, p38 MAPK, and c-fos mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.01). Compared with model group, Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair groups with different ratios significantly reduced the neurotransmitter contents and the relative expression levels of NK-1R, p38 MAPK, and c-fos mRNA and protein ( P <0.01), with the 2∶1 Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair and 1∶1 mass ratios showing relatively better effects. CONCLUSIONS Ephedrae Herba alkaloids are the main active components in affecting the function of the respiratory center. The herb pair groups with a larger proportion of Ephedrae Herba exhibit stronger effects. Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair can reduce the excitability of the respiratory center by down-regulating the expression of the NK-1R/MAPK/c-fos pathway in the NTS and decreasing the abnormal release of neurotransmitters such as NGF and SP.
5.Application of Onlay bone grafts from mandibular lateral oblique line in implant restoration of bone defects in upper anterior teeth
Shencong XU ; Zifei FANG ; Mingyi JI ; Chengrui XU ; Binhong LI ; Jiayu CAO ; Junfeng XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):841-848
BACKGROUND:With the development of oral implantology,implant restoration has gradually become the first choice of restoration after missing teeth,and bone augmentation procedures have led to the expansion of implant indications and the improvement of the success rate of implant restoration.However,the long-term stability of bone height,width and volume after bone augmentation surgery has been one of the clinical difficulties for oral implantologists.OBJECTIVE:To measure and analyze the bone width,height,and volume of different sites in the bone augmentation area at different time points using cone-beam CT and an automatic image alignment program.METHODS:Seventeen patients with severe bone defects in the upper anterior region who underwent Onlay bone block grafting in the external oblique region were recruited from the Department of Stomatology,Zhejiang Tongde Hospital.There were 10 males and 7 females,with a mean age of(45.88±12.47)years.The cone-beam CT scans of the patients' Onlay bone grafts were taken at five time points:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,6 months postoperatively,immediately post implantation,and 6 months post implantation,and then were statistically analyzed for alveolar bone volume,width,and height in the bone augmentation area,as well as for the difference in the alveolar bone volume of the bone incremental area between patients of different sexes and age.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The alveolar bone volume in the bone augmentation area was higher immediately and 6 months after bone grafting than before bone grafting(P<0.05)as well as was higher immediately after bone grafting than 6 months after bone grafting(P<0.05).The alveolar bone height in the bone augmentation area was higher immediately and 6 months after bone grafting than before bone grafting(P<0.05).The horizontal width of the alveolar bone at various sites in the bone augmentation area immediately and 6 months after bone grafting was higher than that before bone grafting(P<0.05).(2)There was no significant difference in the volume of bone graft resorption at various sites in the bone augmentation area between males and females immediately and 6 months after bone grafting(P>0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between age and the change in bone augmentation area volume immediately and 6 months after bone grafting,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)Twenty-five dental implants with completed implant restorations functioned normally,and the survival rate of the implants was 100%.To conclude,Onlay bone graft implant restoration in the upper anterior region can significantly improve insufficient bone with favorable outcomes.However,there is some amount of bone resorption in the bone augmentation area at 6 months after Onlay bone grafting and it is necessary to open up the second surgical area.Clinicians should consider different bone augmentation procedures in accordance with the specific circumstances.
6.Effect of uric acid level and sugar sweetened beverage intake on elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents in Guangzhou
ZHANG Zehui, JI Jiting, LONG Jiayi, PAN Shun, MO Miaoling, LU Zhiqing, LI Boyuan, CHEN Jiayu, LIU Li
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):878-882
Objective:
To investigate the association between uric acid level and elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents in Guangzhou, so as to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of hypertension in the pediatric population.
Methods:
From March to December 2019, using stratified cluster random sampling, 3 626 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years without elevated blood pressure at baseline were recruited from 6 primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou. Serum uric acid levels were measured at baseline, and divided into four groups ( Q1-Q 4) based on age and sex specific quartiles for analyses. Two waves of follow up were carried out from October 2020 to May 2021 and from October 2021 to May 2022, respectively. Multilevel robust Poisson regression was used to evaluate the association between uric acid level and elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents. The additive interaction between high uric acid level and sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake on elevated blood pressure was assessed by stratification analysis and calculation of the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).
Results:
A total of 1 131 new cases of elevated blood pressure were identified during the two follow ups, with an incidence density of 130.5 cases 1 000 person years. Multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounders such as gender, age and annual family income, compared with those in the uric acid Q 1 level, the risk of elevated blood pressure in individuals in the Q 4 level increased by 25% ( RR=1.25, 95%CI =1.08-1.44), and the risk of elevated systolic blood pressure increased by 20% ( RR=1.20, 95%CI =1.05-1.36) (both P <0.05); no statistical association was observed between uric acid and elevated diastolic blood pressure (all P >0.05). In the stratified analysis, the statistical associations of uric acid Q 4 level with elevated blood pressure ( RR=1.34, 95%CI =1.13-1.58) and elevated systolic blood pressure ( RR=1.33, 95%CI =1.14-1.55) were only observed in the group with SSB intake ≥ 250 mL/week (both P <0.05). The RERI values for the effect of uric acid Q 4 and Q 3 levels with SSB intake ≥ 250 mL/week on elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 0.29 and 0.44 (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
High uric acid level is a risk factor for elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents, with a predominant effect on systolic blood pressure. High uric acid level and SSB intake synergistically promote the increase of blood pressure of children and adolescents.
7.Status quo and related factors of fear of falling in elderly patients with stroke and pre-frailty
Li WANG ; Jiayu WU ; Jing ZHANG ; Canran HUANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):170-174
Objective To investigate the status quo of fear of falling in elderly stroke patients with pre-frailty and analyze its influencing factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey research method was adopted. From January 2021 to January 2025, 305 elderly patients with pre-frailty stage of stroke in the 904th Hospital of the Joint Support Force of the People's Liberation Army were selected using the convenience sampling method. The general data questionnaire, Fried frailty scale, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Berg balance scale and Barthel index were applied for evaluation. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the related factors affecting patients' fear of falling. Results The total score of FES-I was (41.25±11.74) points, and the incidence rate of fear of falling was 75.74% (231/305). Age, recent history of falls, multiple drug use, use of walking aids, pain, balance function, family support level, Barthel index, concurrent underlying diseases and slow walking speed were the influencing factors of FES-I score (all P<0.05). Decreased balance function, low family support level, use of walking aids, slow walking speed, pain and recent history of falls were independent influencing factors (all P<0.05). Conclusion The fear of falling is at a high level in elderly patients with stroke and pre-frailty. Intervention measures should focus on balance function training, rational evaluation of medication, gait and muscle strength training, in order to reduce fear of falling and related risks.
8.Efficacy and safety of different classes of antibacterial agents for hospitalized adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia:a network meta-analysis
Tianqi LIU ; Ruixue LI ; Zinan ZHAO ; Wenfeng XU ; Zi LIANG ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Ting LI ; Pengfei JIN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2442-2448
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of different classes of antibacterial agents in hospitalized adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).METHODS PubMed, Embase,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CNKI,and Wanfang data were searched from inception to January 1,2026,to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated different classes of antibacterial agents in hospitalized adults with CAP.After screening the literature, extracting the data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, a network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0.RESULTS A total of 25 studies were included,involving 7 863 patients. In terms of efficacy,compared with carbapenems,penicillins,cephalosporins,macrolides,and pleuromutilins were associated with significantly higher treatment failure rates ( P <0.05),carbapenems and traditional tetracyclines were ranked as the top two by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve area (SUCRA). No statistically significant differences were observed in mortality among the interventions ( P >0.05),carbapenems and other quinolones were ranked as the top two by SUCRA. In terms of safety,no statistically significant differences were observed among the interventions in the incidence of adverse events or discontinuation rates ( P >0.05);traditional tetracyclines and novel tetracyclines were ranked as the top two by SUCRA for the incidence of adverse events,while novel tetracyclines and pleuromutilins were ranked as the top two by SUCRA for discontinuation rates.CONCLUSIONS Carbapenems significantly reduced the treatment failure rate in hospitalized adults with CAP. The safety profiles of all antibacterial agents were comparable, with novel tetracyclines showing a more favorable safety profile.
9.Application of Onlay bone grafts from mandibular lateral oblique line in implant restoration of bone defects in upper anterior teeth
Shencong XU ; Zifei FANG ; Mingyi JI ; Chengrui XU ; Binhong LI ; Jiayu CAO ; Junfeng XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):841-848
BACKGROUND:With the development of oral implantology,implant restoration has gradually become the first choice of restoration after missing teeth,and bone augmentation procedures have led to the expansion of implant indications and the improvement of the success rate of implant restoration.However,the long-term stability of bone height,width and volume after bone augmentation surgery has been one of the clinical difficulties for oral implantologists.OBJECTIVE:To measure and analyze the bone width,height,and volume of different sites in the bone augmentation area at different time points using cone-beam CT and an automatic image alignment program.METHODS:Seventeen patients with severe bone defects in the upper anterior region who underwent Onlay bone block grafting in the external oblique region were recruited from the Department of Stomatology,Zhejiang Tongde Hospital.There were 10 males and 7 females,with a mean age of(45.88±12.47)years.The cone-beam CT scans of the patients' Onlay bone grafts were taken at five time points:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,6 months postoperatively,immediately post implantation,and 6 months post implantation,and then were statistically analyzed for alveolar bone volume,width,and height in the bone augmentation area,as well as for the difference in the alveolar bone volume of the bone incremental area between patients of different sexes and age.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The alveolar bone volume in the bone augmentation area was higher immediately and 6 months after bone grafting than before bone grafting(P<0.05)as well as was higher immediately after bone grafting than 6 months after bone grafting(P<0.05).The alveolar bone height in the bone augmentation area was higher immediately and 6 months after bone grafting than before bone grafting(P<0.05).The horizontal width of the alveolar bone at various sites in the bone augmentation area immediately and 6 months after bone grafting was higher than that before bone grafting(P<0.05).(2)There was no significant difference in the volume of bone graft resorption at various sites in the bone augmentation area between males and females immediately and 6 months after bone grafting(P>0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between age and the change in bone augmentation area volume immediately and 6 months after bone grafting,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)Twenty-five dental implants with completed implant restorations functioned normally,and the survival rate of the implants was 100%.To conclude,Onlay bone graft implant restoration in the upper anterior region can significantly improve insufficient bone with favorable outcomes.However,there is some amount of bone resorption in the bone augmentation area at 6 months after Onlay bone grafting and it is necessary to open up the second surgical area.Clinicians should consider different bone augmentation procedures in accordance with the specific circumstances.
10.Characteristics of adrenal lesions in unilateral primary aldosteronism: a prospective study
Wei ZHANG ; Yi YANG ; Junlong LI ; Jiayu LI ; Yao ZHANG ; Youlin KUANG ; Weiyang HE ; Linqiang MA ; Ying SONG ; Jinbo HU ; Shumin YANG ; Qifu LI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(7):537-543
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of adrenal lesions in unilateral primary aldosteronism.Methods:This is a prospective study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral primary aldosteronism at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from December 2023 to November 2024 were included. Inclusion criteria:① Age is 18 to 80 years old;② The laboratory test indicators are in line with the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism;③ The auxiliary examination proved that only one side was involved;④ Patient undergo unilateral total adrenalectomy. The exclusion criteria are as follows:① Complete biochemical remission was not achieved during the 1-6 month follow-up after the surgery;② Postoperative loss to follow-up;③ No surgical specimens were received or the surgical specimens were incomplete,making continuous sectioning impossible. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited,and their clinical and biochemical data were recorded. The number of adrenal nodules visible on CT scans and the number of macroscopically visible nodules in the postoperative adrenal gross specimens were documented. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 immunohistochemical staining were performed on the adrenal tissues after the operation. The number of nodules visible under the light microscope and the number of CYP11B2-positive nodules were recorded.Results:A total of 114 cases were included in this study. The age of the patients was(49.86 ± 9.80)years,the body mass index was(25.49 ± 3.40)kg/m2,the preoperative aldosterone level was 352(2012,556)pg/ml,and the direct renin concentration was 1.63(0.50,4.56)μIU/ml. The aldosterone/renin ratio was 224.9(57.1,641.6)(aldosterone concentration unit was pg/ml,renin concentration unit was μIU/ml),the minimum blood potassium concentration was 2.87(2.50,3.40)mmol/L,and the systolic blood pressure was(144.5 ± 19.5)mmHg. Among the 114 patients,105 had adrenal nodules detected by preoperative CT,of whom 2(1.75%)had multiple nodules. Postoperative gross adrenal specimen evaluation and CYP11B2 immunohistochemical staining revealed that 90 out of 114 cases were solitary nodules,2 cases had no nodules,and 22 cases(19.30%)had multiple nodules detected(17 cases had 2 nodules and 5 cases had 3 nodules). Among them,12 cases(10.53%)presented as grossly visible multinodular lesions,while 10 cases(8.77%)appeared as solitary nodules macroscopically but demonstrated multinodular patterns on immunohistochemical staining. CYP11B2 staining showed that among the 22 patients with multiple nodules,13 had multiple CYP11B2-positive nodules,while the remaining had only one positive nodule. Among the 22 patients with multiple nodules,preoperative CT showed single nodules in 19 cases,hyperplasia in 1 case,and multiple nodules in 2 cases(9.09%). Among the 12 patients with grossly visible multinodular lesions,preoperative CT showed single nodules in 9 cases,hyperplasia in 1 case,and multiple nodules in 2 cases(16.67%).Conclusions:Multiple adrenal nodules associated with unilateral primary aldosteronism are relatively common,and are often not detected by preoperative CT examination. Partial adrenalectomy based solely on CT-visible nodules may fail to achieve complete remission of primary aldosteronism. This study provides evidence supporting total adrenalectomy as the preferred surgical approach for unilateral primary aldosteronism.


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