1.Neuroprotective Effect of Tiaogeng Decoction on Perimenopausal Depression Model Rats via ERβ/MAOA/JNK Signaling Pathway
Lijun ZHU ; Keqian LI ; Shengnan LI ; Lianwei XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):117-129
ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective effects of Tiaoseng decoction on a perimenopausal depression (PMD) rat model and to examine its regulatory influence on the estrogen receptor β (ERβ)/monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, thereby elucidating its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsForty-eight female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a sham group, a model group, a 17β-estradiol (E2) group (2.5 × 10-5 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Tiaoseng decoction groups (9.69, 19.37, 38.74 g·kg-1) by using a random number table method, with eight rats in each group. The PMD model was replicated using ovariectomy (OVX) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and was treated continuously with 17β-E2 and different doses of Tiaoseng decoction for 28 d, once a day. Depressive-like behaviors were assessed using the sucrose preference test, open-field test, and forced swim test. Histopathological changes in the prefrontal cortex were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure serum levels of E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the prefrontal cortex. Mitochondrial ultrastructure of prefrontal cortex neurons was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to analyze the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density protein95 (PSD95), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the prefrontal cortex. Immunofluorescence (IF) was conducted to evaluate the average fluorescence intensity of ERβ and MAOA in the prefrontal cortex. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of key molecules in the ERβ/MAOA/JNK signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group had significantly reduced sugar-water preference index, total distance traveled, average speed, and activity time in the central region in the open field experiment, E2 content, and SOD content (P<0.01) and significantly reduced BDNF, PSD95, SYP, and ERβ expression and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) ratio (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group exhibited severe histopathological damage, disrupted mitochondrial structure, cristae disappearance or fracture, swelling, and deformation in the prefrontal lobe. The immobilization time of forced swimming, TUNEL positivity, LH, FSH, MDA, ROS, MAOA, Caspase-3, p-JNK/JNK, and p-c-Jun/c-Jun were significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Tiaoseng decoction groups and the 17β-E2 group had increased sugar-water preference index, total distance traveled, average speed, and activity time in the central region in the open-field test, E2 content, and SOD content (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated BDNF, PSD95, SYP, and ERβ expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, histopathological damage to the prefrontal lobe was improved to different degrees, and mitochondrial structure was gradually repaired. The immobilization time of forced swimming, TUNEL positivity, LH, FSH, MDA, ROS, MAOA, Caspase-3, p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun were significantly reduced in the low-, medium-, and high-dose Tiaoseng decoction groups and the 17β-E2 group compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTiaoseng decoction has significant neuroprotective effects on PMD model rats, which can alleviate perimenopausal depressive disorder by inhibiting oxidative stress, attenuating neuronal apoptosis, and restore synaptic plasticity via ERβ/MAOA/JNK signaling pathway regulation.
2.A Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy and Safety of Xihuang Pill/Capsule( 西黄丸/胶囊) as an Adjuvant to Radio⁃therapy and Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Malignant Digestive Tract Tumors
Mengyi LI ; Lei ZHANG ; Lijun WANG ; Xing GAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):912-919
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xihuang Pill/Capsule (西黄丸/胶囊, XP/XC) as an adjuvant to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant digestive tract tumors. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in the China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before March 6, 2024, regarding the use of XP/XC in clinical adjuvant treatment of malignant digestive tract tumors. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool. RevMan 5.4 was used to perform a Meta-analysis on 1-year survival rate, 2-year survival rate, clinical efficacy, including objective response rate and disease control rate, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, immune markers (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio), and adverse event rates (incidence of gastrointestinal reactions and bone marrow suppression). ResultsThirteen RCTs involving 962 patients were included, with 527 patients in the experimental group and 435 patients in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the experimental group had better outcomes than the control group in terms of 2-year survival rate [RR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.31, 0.78)], objective response rate [RR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.60, 0.77)], disease control rate [RR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.80, 0.91)], and immune markers CD3+ [MD = -7.99, 95% CI (-9.12, -6.86)], CD4+ [MD = -5.42, 95% CI (-7.11, -3.74)], and CD4+/CD8+ ratio [MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.32, -0.20)] (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in terms of 1-year survival rate [RR = 0.91, 95% CI (0.73, 1.14)], KPS [MD = -3.73, 95% CI (-8.67, 1.21)], CD8+ [MD = -0.53, 95% CI (-1.45, 0.39)], incidence of gastrointestinal reactions [RR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.46, 1.46)], and incidence of bone marrow suppression [RR = 0.93, 95% CI (0.72, 1.20)] (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with radiotherapy/chemotherapy alone, the combination of XP/XC with radiotherapy/chemotherapy can effectively improve clinical efficacy and 2-year survival rate, enhance immune function, and achieve similar adverse event rates as radiotherapy/chemotherapy alone in patients with malignant digestive tract tumors.
3.Ethical examination of the research and application of artificial intelligence in the field of rehabilitation
Lijun MENG ; Yiting LI ; Yingwei SUN ; Yu WU ; Shicai WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):166-172
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the ethical governance of AI has gained increasing attention. The Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2021, which clarified several principles for the ethical governance of AI. In the field of rehabilitation medicine, the research and application of AI technology have significantly improved patients’ quality of life and survival. However, due to the specificity of the service population in rehabilitation medicine, which is mostly for the sick, injured, disabled, and elderly, a series of complex ethical issues have also arisen. This paper analyzed in detail the ethical issues and challenges encountered in the research and application of AI technology in the field of rehabilitation medicine from various aspects, such as informed consent, security of privacy and data, patients’ physical and mental rehabilitation, compliance regulation, protection of specific groups, and promotion of equity. According to the principles of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and others, response strategies were proposed, including multi-party collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation, improving and refining relevant laws and regulations, strengthening ethical education across society, establishing accountability mechanisms, increasing investment, promoting equity, and other measures, to promote the healthy development of research and application of AI technology in the field of rehabilitation, as well as benefit humanity.
4.Construction of a Disease-Syndrome Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment System for Gastric "Inflammation-Cancer" Transformation Based on Multi-Modal Phenotypic Modeling
Hao LI ; Huiyao ZHANG ; Wei BAI ; Tingting ZHOU ; Guodong HUANG ; Xianjun RAO ; Yang YANG ; Lijun BAI ; Wei WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):458-463
By analyzing the current application of multi-modal data in the diagnosis of gastric "inflammation-cancer" transformation, this study explored the feasibility and strategies for constructing a disease-syndrome integrated diagnosis and treatment system. Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) phenomics, we proposed utilizing multi-modal data from literature research, cross-sectional studies, and cohort follow-ups, combined with artificial intelligence technology, to establish a multi-dimensional diagnostic and treatment index system. This approach aims to uncover the complex pathogenesis and transformation patterns of gastric "inflammation-cancer" progression. Additionally, by dynamically collecting TCM four-diagnostic information and modern medical diagnostic information through a long-term follow-up system, we developed three major modules including information extraction, multi-modal phenotypic modeling, and information output, to make it enable real-world clinical data-driven long-term follow-up and treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis. This system can provide technical support for clinical diagnosis, treatment evaluation, and research, while also offering insights and methods for intelligent TCM diagnosis.
5.Effect of Shenge Bushen Capsules and Its Polysaccharides and Flavonoids on Precocious Puberty in Young Mice
Hong SUN ; Fan LEI ; Chenggong LI ; Shixian HU ; Weihua WANG ; Bin REN ; Juan HAO ; Rui LUO ; Lijun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):95-103
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Shenge Bushen Capsules (SBC) on sexual development in normal 3-week-old mice. MethodsThe experiment consisted of two parts. In the first part, mice were divided into four groups: The control group and the low, medium, and high-dose SBC groups (234.7, 469.4, 938.7 mg·kg-1, respectively). In the second part, mice were divided into four groups: Control group, Pseudostellariae Radix polysaccharide (PRP) group, total flavonoids group, and SBC group, all receiving a dose of 469.4 mg·kg-1. After 7 days of administration, the vaginal opening of female mice and the descent of testes and scrotum in male mice, as well as the ovarian and testicular organ indices, were observed. After 4 weeks of administration, female and male mice were housed together for 2 days, and the pregnancy rate of females was monitored. After delivery, the pregnant female mice continued receiving the treatment for 4 weeks, and the sexual development of their offspring, including vaginal opening, testicular descent, and organ indices of ovaries and testes, was observed. Serum sex hormones were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and growth hormone (GH) proteins in the hypothalamus was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, there was no significant effect on the vaginal opening of female mice or the descent of testes in male mice after 7 days of SBC administration. After 4 weeks of administration, the pregnancy rate in the low-dose group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), but no significant effects were observed in the other groups. The three doses of SBC did not significantly affect the ovarian or testicular organ indices, and there was no significant upregulation in the expression of GnRH or GH in the hypothalamus. The primary component of SBC, Pseudostellariae Radix polysaccharide, significantly reduced the vaginal opening in female mice after 7 days of administration (P<0.05). After 4 weeks, the serum estradiol levels of non-pregnant female mice were decreased (P<0.05), but there was no significant effect on the expression of GnRH or GH proteins in the hypothalamus of either male or female mice. Additionally, there were no significant effects on precocious puberty indicators, such as vaginal opening and testicular descent, in the offspring mice. ConclusionSBC does not significantly promote precocious puberty in young mice, and it does not have any noticeable effects on the pregnancy rate of adult mice or the sexual development of their offspring.
6.Clinical and Immunological Characteristics of Elderly Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Zhengfang LI ; Chanyuan WU ; Mengsi MA ; Tingting LI ; Xue WU ; Xinyan MENG ; Sha ZHANG ; Lijun WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):59-64
To investigate the clinical features and peripheral blood immune cell subsets ofelderly (≥60 years old) onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) patients. The patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from March 2023 to December 2023 were selected as the study objects. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, extra-articular manifestations and laboratory examination results of the patients were collected. The patients were divided into EORA group and young adult (< 60 years old)onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA) group, and the clinical features and peripheral blood immunological indexes of the two groups were compared. A total of 187 RA patients with an average age of (62.1±12.0) years were enrolled, including 89 patients in the EORA group and 98 patients in the YORA group. Compared with YORA group, EORA group had a higher proportion of male patients(39.3% Compared with YORA, EORA has higher male proportion, joint disease degree and disease activity. EORA is prone to interstitial lung disease, anemia and high inflammation, and the level of peripheral blood NK cells is higher.
7.Influencing factors for meropenem-related liver injury and their predictive value
Yan HE ; Hongqin KE ; Hongliang LI ; Jianyong ZHU ; Lijun ZHAO ; Huibin YU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):506-512
ObjectiveTo analyze the factors influencing meropenem-related liver injury (MRLI) and to explore their clinical predictive value. MethodsA retrospective case-control study was conducted, and the Chinese Hospital Pharmacovigilance System (CHPS) was used to establish a retrieval scheme. A total of 1 625 hospitalized cases using meropenem from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected. Patients were divided into case group (n=62) and control group (n=1 563) based on the presence or absence of liver injury. Clinical data and laboratory indicators from both groups were collected and analyzed. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between the two groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data not conforming to a normal distribution. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between the two groups. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors for MRLI. A Logistic regression equation was established, and the predictive value of these factors was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. ResultsThe results of univariate analysis indicated that the rates of male patients, hypoproteinemia, shock, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, sepsis, and liver, gallbladder, and cardiovascular diseases, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CREA), and procalcitonin (PCT), and the number of hospitalization days were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05), and that the platelet levels in the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR]=2.080, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.050 — 4.123, P=0.036), admission to the ICU (OR=8.207, 95%CI: 4.094 — 16.453, P<0.001), comorbidity with gallbladder disease (OR=8.240, 95%CI: 3.605 — 18.832, P<0.001), ALP (OR=1.012, 95%CI: 1.004 — 1.019, P=0.004), GGT (OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.005 — 1.015, P<0.001), and PLT (OR=0.997, 95%CI: 0.994 — 0.999, P=0.020) were the influential factors for MRLI. The areas under the ROC curve of ALP, GGT, and PLT were 0.589, 0.637, and 0.595, respectively, and the AUC of them combined was 0.837. ConclusionMale sex, ICU admission, comorbidity with gallbladder disease, increased ALP, increased GGT, and decreased PLT were influencing factors for MRLI, and a combination of factors has a better predictive value for the occurrence of MRLI.
8.Distribution characteristics of bacterial communities in central air-conditioning ventilation systems of a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai based on 16S rRNA sequencing
Jun NI ; Haiyun ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Lijun ZHANG ; Yongping LIU ; Xiaojing LI ; Yiming ZHENG ; Liping ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):732-739
Background A diverse cohort of patients and susceptible individuals congregate in healthcare facilities, where exposure to pathogenic microorganisms associated with respiratory infectious diseases constitutes a significant risk factor for cross-infection. Central air-conditioning ventilation systems improve some indoor environment indicators while exacerbating the risk of transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of microbial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems of hospitals, providing a scientific basis for the selection of microbial indicators in hygiene standards for hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems and for hospital risk early warning systems. Methods In October 2023, two central air-conditioning ventilation systems were selected from a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai: one was an all-air air-conditioning system serving the waiting area on the ground floor, and the other was a fan coil plus fresh air system serving the outpatient area on the third floor. Samples from four different components of the ventilation systems—air outlets, filters, surface coolers, and condensate trays—were collected for high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze bacterial communities. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analyses were performed to investigate the microbial community composition and diversity characteristics of the hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems. Functional analysis was conducted to determine the relative abundance of bacterial functions in these systems.Results A total of 528 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, encompassing 20 bacterial phyla, 37 classes, 79 orders, 123 families, and 240 genera. The analysis revealed that the bacterial community was predominantly composed of Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadates, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness and diversity were highest in the condensate trays, while no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the bacterial community composition among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers. The functional analysis showed that the bacterial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems primarily exhibited chemoheterotrophic, oxidative energy-dependent heterotrophic, and ureolytic functional characteristics. Conclusion The dominance of Proteobacteria suggests that this phylum exhibits strong adaptability in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems, possibly related to its ability to survive and reproduce under varying environmental conditions. The diversity analysis indicates that the condensate tray is a critical area for bacterial proliferation in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems. The similarity in environmental conditions among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers result in similar bacterial community structures. The functional analysis reveals that the bacterial communities possess robust energy conversion and metabolic capabilities, potentially contributing to processes such as organic matter decomposition and nitrogen cycling within the central air-conditioning ventilation systems.
9.Change of forced vital capacity to weight index and future trend forecasting among Chinese Han students aged 7-18 during 2000-2019
ZHOU Yun, ZHANG Siying, ZHONG Yumei, TANG Lijun, LI Wenge, WU Xiulong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1312-1317
Objective:
To explore the long term trend of forced vital capacity to weight index (FWI) among Chinese Han students aged 7-18 from 2000 to 2019, and to predict its changes over the next decade, so as to provide scientific evidences for targeted health interventions and school health policies.
Methods:
Based on the data of the five Chinese National Surveys on Students Constitution and Health conducted from 2000 to 2019, a total of 216 500, 233 565, 215 267, 214 256 and 212 632 Han students aged 7-18 were included, respectively. The long term trend of FWI among students was analyzed, and the GM (1,1) grey model was used to predict FWI changes over the next decade. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, age, and urban-rural residence.
Results:
The FWI levels of Chinese Han students aged 7-18 were (55.30±11.47)(47.43±11.92)(48.11±12.46)(48.75±12.81)(50.93±13.11)mL/kg in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2019, respectively. The FWI of Chinese Han students showed a decreasing then increasing trend from 2000 to 2019, reaching the lowest point of approximately 47.03 mL/kg around 2006, and was projected to recover to 52.88 mL/kg by 2029. Boys had higher FWI for each year and the total level than girls from 2000 to 2019( t =72.58-304.66), and the decline between 2000 and 2005 was smaller in boys (13.1%) than in girls (15.4%). However, the gender gap gradually narrowed and was projected to reduce to 5.36 mL/kg by 2029. FWI increased with age, with the largest difference observed in 2014 between the 7-9 and 16-18 age groups (8.62 mL/kg). Before 2014, urban boys had slightly lower FWI than rural boys; the gap narrowed thereafter, and their FWI levels were expected to become similar by 2029. Urban girls generally had higher FWI than rural girls, and the urban-rural gap showed an increasing trend. By 2029, the largest difference was projected to occur in the 13-15 age group, reaching 7.74 mL/kg.
Conclusions
The FWI of Chinese Han students showed a trend of initial decline followed by a gradual increase from 2000 to 2019, with notable differences across sex, age, and urban-rural residence. Greater attention should be paid to the respiratory health of rural girls, and effective measures should be taken to reduce urban-rural disparities.
10.Mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-management behaviors on depressive symptoms and glycemic control among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
LU Lijun ; YUAN Lei ; LI Dianjiang ; LU Kun ; ZHU Yixuan ; WANG Zhiyong ; LIU Sijun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):455-459
Objective:
To analyze the mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-management behaviors on the relationship between depression symptoms and glycemic control among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), so as to provide references for optimizing health management of elderly T2DM patients.
Methods:
T2DM patients aged ≥60 years from 8 community health service centers in Nanjing City were selected using a convenience sampling method. Basic information such as gender and age was collected through questionnaires. Depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale, respectively. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured to evaluate glycemic control. A mediating effect model was constructed to analyze the mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-management behaviors on the relationship between depressive symptoms and glycemic control.
Results:
A total of 567 elderly T2DM patients were included, with a median age of 70.00 (interquartile range, 7.50) years. There were 248 males (43.74%) and 319 females (56.26%). The median scores of self-efficacy, self-management behaviors, depressive symptoms, and HbA1c were 3.89 (interquartile range, 0.78), 4.45 (interquartile range, 1.55), 4.00 (interquartile range, 6.00), and 6.80% (interquartile range, 1.40%), respectively. The mediating effect analysis showed that depressive symptoms indirectly affected glycemic control among elderly T2DM patients through the independent mediating effects of self-efficacy (β=0.028, 95%CI: 0.016-0.043) and self-management behaviors (β=0.009, 95%CI: 0.003-0.016), as well as the chain mediating effect of both (β=0.025, 95%CI: 0.017-0.035). The mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-management behaviors accounted for 36.66% and 11.35% of the total effect, respectively, while the chain mediating effect accounted for 32.15% of the total effect.
Conclusion
Self-efficacy and self-management behaviors play mediating roles in the relationship between depressive symptoms and glycemic control among elderly T2DM patients.


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