1.Quality evaluation of Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula based on multi-component quantification and screening of marker components
Jiahui CHEN ; Qiong LUO ; Lijun WEI ; Yuewu WANG ; Jun LI ; Chengdong LIU ; Jiajia HAO ; Liwen NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):740-745
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula and screen potential marker components that influence the quality of the formula. METHODS The contents of 11 components (calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside, ononin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, baicalin, baicalein, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone Ⅱ A , tanshinone Ⅰ, senkyunolide A, ferulic acid) in the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Using the contents of the aforementioned components as variables, cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were conducted using OriginPro 2024 software and SIMCA 14.1 software; marker components affecting the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula were then screened based on the criteria of variable importance in the projection (VIP) value>1 and P <0.05. The comprehensive evaluation of 20 batches of samples was carried out using the entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) and grey correlation analysis (GCA) methods. RESULTS The contents of the above 11 components were 7.993-72.866, 4.542-31.228, 727.666-1 901.884, 496.846-1 293.279, 1 995.501-6 779.150, 54.500-241.280, 150.302-304.339, 79.698-189.206, 257.118-682.418, 5.498-21.687, 7.524-26.935 μg/g. CA, PCA and OPLS-DA results showed that 20 batches of samples were grouped into 2 categories. Q1, Q3, Q4, Q7-Q9, Q12, Q15, Q16 were grouped into one category, and the rest were grouped into another category; VIP values of ferulic acid, tanshinone Ⅱ A , baicalin, cryptotanshinone, calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside and ononin were all greater than 1 ( P <0.05). Both the entropy weight-TOPSIS and GCA methods showed that the samples ranked in the top 11 according to the euclidean distance and relative correlation degree were Q2, Q5, Q6, Q10, Q11, Q13, Q14, Q17-Q20. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC-MS/MS method is rapid, accurate and highly sens itive. Combined with chemical pattern recognition analysis, entropy weight-TOPSIS and GCA methods, this method can be used to evaluate the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula. Ferulic acid, tanshinone Ⅱ A , baicalin, cryptotanshinone, calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside and ononin may be the marker components that affect the quality of this formula. The overall quality of 11 batches of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula, including Q17, is relatively superior.
2.Evolving Paradigms in IgA Nephropathy Management: from Traditional Risk Stratification to Biomarker-Driven Precision Medicine
Dingding WANG ; Meng YAO ; Xiao LIU ; Qingxian ZHAI ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):317-323
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a major cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. IgAN exhibits marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation, histopathology, and pathogenic mechanisms, contributing to variable treatment responses and prognosisamong patients. Precise risk assessment and individualized intervention are therefore of critical importance. This review systematically traces the evolution of IgAN management from traditional risk stratification toward biomarker-driven precision medicine. We first review the clinical utility and limitations of established risk stratification tools, including the KDIGO guidelines, the Oxford MEST-C classification, and the International IgAN Prediction Tool. We then discuss emerging biomarkers closely linked to disease pathogenesis, including galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies, B cell activating factor (BAFF), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and complement components, as well as the targeted therapies they have informed. In addition, urinary biomarkers and multi-omics approaches show promise for dynamic disease monitoring and individualized risk stratification.
3.Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Immune Cystitis: A Case Report
Jing YU ; Ling LI ; Wenfang CHEN ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):396-402
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors, and their related immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have attracted increasing attention. This study reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a case of immune cystitis in a patient with hepatobiliary tract malignant tumor after treatment with pembrolizumab. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to frequent urination, urgency of urination and dysuria for 1 month. Previous repeated anti-infection treatments were ineffective. Combined with medical history, laboratory tests, imaging findings, cystoscopy and pathological results, the patient was clinically diagnosed with ICIs-associated immune cystitis (Pembrolizumab) ultimately. The patient's symptoms significantly improved after treatment with glucocorticoids. This case reindicates that clinicians need to improve awareness of ICI-related urinary system irAEs. Early identification and timely intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis.
4.Correlation of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children with maternal parenting competence and family rearing environment
FANG Ling, QIAN Duoduo, CHEN Zongfang, WU Qiong, GUO Ningtian, SHEN Jing, ZHAI Jinxia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):522-526
Objective:
To investigate the emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children and the correlations with maternal parenting competence and family rearing environment, so as to provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for the physical and mental health development of preschool children.
Methods:
In June 2025, 660 preschool children aged 3-6 years old were selected from 10 kindergartens in Hefei, Anqing, and Tongling in Anhui Province by using a stratified cluster random sampling method. A questionnaire survey was conducted among all parents of preschool children using the Parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Child Family Rearing Environment Scale, and the Chinese version of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the related factors of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children. SPSS macro program Process 4.1 and Bootstrap method were used to test the mediating effect of family parenting environment between emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children and maternal parenting competence.
Results:
The detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children was 20.15%. The total scores of family rearing environment and maternal parenting competence were negatively correlated with emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children ( r =-0.45,-0.79), and the total score of family rearing environment was positively correlated with the total score of maternal parenting competence ( r =0.43) (all P <0.01). Multiple linear regression showed that, after controlling whether being only child, parents educational level, registered residence location and other variables, family rearing environment, self efficacy and satisfaction were all negative predictors of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children ( B =-0.07, -0.42, -0.42, all P <0.01). The mediation effect results showed that maternal parenting competence could positively predict the family rearing environment ( B =0.75), while maternal parenting competence and family rearing environment could both negatively predict emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children ( B =-0.49, -0.06 ) (all P <0.05). The Bootstrap sampling method test results showed that the effect value of the indirect effect of maternal parenting competence on emotional and behavioral problems through the family rearing environment was -0.04, and the effect proportion was 8.21 %.
Conclusion
Preschool children with a better family rearing environment and stronger maternal parenting competence are less likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, among which the family rearing environment has a mediating effect.
5.γ-Elemene Impairs Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Breast Cancer Cells by Upregulating GCN5-Mediated PGC-1α Acetylation
Ling TANG ; Mingyan WANG ; Jia LIU ; Qiong YU ; Chen CHEN ; Lihua JIA ; Jiyi XIA
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(1):165-173
Mitochondrial biogenesis represents a promising therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to its essential role in cancer cell metabolism and survival. The natural compound γ-Elemene exhibits potent anti-tumor activity, but its effects on mitochondrial regulation in TNBC remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that γ-Elemene induces dose-dependent cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-468 and HCC1806 TNBC cells while significantly impairing mitochondrial function, as shown by reduced membrane potential, oxidative phosphorylation capacity, and ATP production. γ-Elemene treatment markedly suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis, decreasing mitochondrial DNA content and downregulating key mitochondrial genes and proteins. These effects were associated with reduced expression of the master regulators NRF1 and TFAM, but independent of PGC-1α expression levels.Mechanistically, γ-Elemene upregulated the acetyltransferase GCN5, leading to enhanced PGC-1α acetylation. This upregulation occurs primarily through increased GCN5 transcription. Genetic ablation of GCN5 completely reversed γ-Elemene-induced PGC-1α acetylation and restored mitochondrial biogenesis and cell viability, establishing a critical role for GCN5 in mediating these effects. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby γ-Elemene disrupts mitochondrial function in TNBC through GCN5-mediated PGC-1α acetylation, providing new insights into its anti-cancer properties and potential therapeutic applications against TNBC.
6.Analysis of the impact of high progesterone ovulation induction protocols on embryo euploidy rates and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients
Minjie WANG ; Yongjing ZHANG ; Jin QIAN ; Chao WANG ; Yuping XU ; Tianjuan WANG ; Dawei CHEN ; Yan HAO ; Qiong XING
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):923-930
ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol on embryo euploidy rate and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients. MethodsWomen who underwent Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles were selected as study participants (a total of 656 cycles and 3 081 blastocysts). Participants were divided into two age groups (≤35 years and >35 years) and further stratified by ovarian stimulation protocol: the Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) group (n=48 and 60, respectively), the Luteal Phase Long Protocol (LP) group (n=160 and 57, respectively), and the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol (AP) group (n=220 and 111, respectively). Baseline characteristics, ovarian stimulation outcomes, and embryo development parameters were compared among the three protocols within each age group. Additionally, clinical pregnancy outcomes of the first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle were compared. The primary outcome measure was the embryo euploidy rate. Results① In the ≤35 years age group, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) levels were significantly higher in the PPOS group compared to the LP and AP groups, and the bFSH/bLH ratio was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in the AP group (P < 0.05). In the >35 years age group, bFSH levels in both the PPOS and AP groups were significantly higher than in the LP group (P < 0.05).② In the ≤35 years group, there were no significant differences in the rates of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, 2-pronuclei (2 PN) zygotes, cleavage, 2 PN cleavage, blastocyst formation, high-quality embryos, or embryo euploidy between the PPOS group and either the LP or AP groups. However, the PPOS group showed significantly lower values for the following parameters compared to the other two groups: total oocytes retrieved, number of MII oocytes, number of 2 PN zygotes, number of cleaved embryos, number of 2 PN cleaved embryos, number of blastocysts formed, number of high-quality embryos, number of high-grade blastocysts, number of transferable embryos, number of cryopreserved embryos, number of biopsied blastocysts, number of euploid embryos, and the rate of obtaining at least one euploid embryo. In the >35 years group, no significant differences were observed among the PPOS, LP, and AP groups in the rates of MII oocytes, 2 PN cleavage, blastocyst formation, or in the number of euploid embryos, euploidy rate, and the rate of obtaining at least one euploid embryo. However, the PPOS group had significantly lower numbers of total oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, 2 PN zygotes, cleaved embryos, 2 PN cleaved embryos, blastocysts formed, transferable embryos, and cryopreserved embryos compared to the LP group (P<0.05). The high-quality embryo rate was significantly lower in the PPOS group than in the AP group (P<0.05). The numbers of high-quality embryos, high-grade blastocysts, and biopsied blastocysts were significantly lower in the PPOS group than in both the LP and AP groups (P<0.05). Notably, the 2 PN fertilization rate was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in the AP group, and the cleavage rate was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in both the LP and AP groups (P<0.05).③ No significant differences were found among the three groups in the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, early miscarriage rate, and late miscarriage rate following the first FET cycle. ConclusionCompared to the other two protocols, the PPOS protocol does not significantly affect embryo euploidy or clinical pregnancy rates. However, in freeze-all cycles with PGT-A, the PPOS protocol does not reduce the rate of chromosomally normal embryos but may decrease the total number of available embryos. It may not be the optimal choice for younger women, but it can be considered as a viable option for women of advanced maternal age.
8.Clinical application effect of an innovative adjustable butterfly needle puncture protection kit for TIVAP
Qiong LIU ; Haodong CHEN ; Xiaofang DING ; Wanghui LUO ; Shihui TANG ; Susu GONG ; Nuo XU ; Yan CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(7):1481-1488
Background and Aims:Totally implantable venous access ports(TIVAP)are widely used in patients requiring long-term intravenous therapy.Traditional butterfly needle puncture fixation methods have limitations,including low success rates,increased pain,and risk of needle-stick injury.This study aimed to design an adjustable puncture protection kit for butterfly needles and evaluate its clinical utility using a simulated device.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 patients implanted with upper arm ports in the Hematology Department of Xiangya Hospital,Central South University,from January to December 2024.The patients were divided into a study group and a control group,with 35 cases in each,using a randomized block design.The study group underwent puncture with the simulated adjustable protection kit,while the control group used the traditional finger fixation method.Outcomes compared included first-attempt success rate,vertical puncture rate,pain score,puncture time,and complication rate.Results:The baseline characteristics of the two groups were balanced.The study group had significantly higher first-attempt puncture success rate and vertical puncture rate than the control group(94.3%vs.77.1%;91.4%vs.57.1%,both P<0.05).In the experimental group compared with the control group,pain scores were lower(1.80±1.13 vs.2.94±1.33,P<0.05),and puncture time was shorter[(31.31±9.05)s vs.(41.80±23.97)s,P<0.05].There was no significant difference in the incidence of puncture-related complications between the two groups(2.9%vs.14.3%,P>0.05).Conclusion:The simulated adjustable butterfly needle puncture protection kit effectively improves puncture success,enhances efficiency,reduces patient pain,and demonstrates good clinical safety.This innovative design provides a promising solution for reducing needle-stick injury risks and optimizing port puncture procedures,although larger,multicenter,and long-term studies are warranted.
9.Research on the Application of TaqMan-MGB Probe Method in Detecting MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms
Hong-xuan LIANG ; Liang-hui CHEN ; Xuan-yi ZHENG ; Qiong-lu HUANG ; Kang ZHANG ; Qiu-ping YE ; Ya-qun LIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(16):2598-2607
Objective:To establish a TaqMan-MGB probe-based method for detecting the polymorphic loci C677T and A1298C of the MTHFR gene.Methods:Specific primers and TaqMan-MGB probes targeting the C677T and A1298C polymorphic loci of the MTHFR gene were designed and optimized based on the gene sequence information.A real-time quantitative PCR detection system was established.Gradient dilution experiments were conducted to determine the limit of detection,and reproducibility experiments were performed to evaluate detection consistency.Specificity was validated using wild-type and mutant plasmid templates.The method was applied to detect 56 clinical samples,and its accuracy and practicality were assessed through comparison with traditional Sanger sequencing.Results:The TaqMan-MGB probe method demonstrated high specificity for detecting the C677T and A1298C loci,with no cross-reactivity between wild-type and mutant probes,enabling accurate genotype differentiation.Sensitivity experiments revealed detection limits of 1.13 × 103 copies/μL for C677T and 8.39 × 101 copies/μL for A1298C.Reproducibility experiments showed coefficients of variation below 1%,indicating stable and reliable results.Among the 56 clinical samples,the overall detection rate for the C677T locus was 86.99%,and for the A1298C locus,it was 97.92%.The TaqMan-MGB method exhibited good concordance with Sanger sequencing results.Conclusion:The TaqMan-MGB method exhibits high specificity,sensitivity,and excellent reproducibility in detecting the polymorphic loci C677T and A1298C of the MTHFR gene,making it suitable for rapid detection in large-scale clinical samples.This method provides an effective molecular diagnostic tool for the early diagnosis and prevention of folate-related diseases.
10.Baicalein inhibits proliferation,migration and invasion of human pancre-atic cancer Aspc-1 and Bxpc-3 cells via AKT/β-catenin signaling pathway
Xiaoliang CHEN ; Qiong WANG ; Lin TANG ; Lili YIN ; Jinsheng YU ; Yun-feng BAI ; Yi QIN ; Feng FENG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(9):1738-1747
AIM:To investigate the antitumor activity and targets of baicalein(Bai)in pancreatic cancer using network pharmacology combined with in vitro and in vivo experiments.METHODS:The targets of Bai and pancreatic can-cer were analyzed via multi-data screening.A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING,and core targets were identified via Cytoscape.Functional enrichment was analyzed by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Ency-clopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Antitumor effects of Bai were assessed in pancreatic cancer cells Aspc-1 and Bxpc-3 using MTT and colony formation assays for proliferation,flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle analysis,and Transwell assays for migration and invasion.A xenograft tumor model was established to evaluate tumor proliferation,im-munohistochemistry was performed to detect the protein expression of AKT in tumor tissues,and Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of AKT,β-catenin,N-cadherin and Slug.RESULTS:A total of 108 overlapping targets were identified between Bai and pancreatic cancer.Among these,7 core targets were recognized,including proto-onco-gene tyrosine-protein kinase Src,heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1(HSP90AA1),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),tumor protein p53(TP53),epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),AKT1,and mitogen-activated protein ki-nase 3(MAPK3).The GO analysis revealed significant enrichment in oxidative stress response,protein phosphorylation,and serine/threonine kinase activity.The KEGG analysis primarily enriched the PI3K/AKT,MAPK and Ras signaling pathways.The MTT and colony formation assays showed that Bai inhibited the viability of Aspc-1 and Bxpc-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner(72 h IC50 values were 73.6 μmol/L and 83.4 μmol/L,respectively)and reduced cell colony for-mation(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Flow cytometry confirmed that Bai induced apoptosis of Aspc-1 and Bxpc-3 cells(P<0.01)and blocked the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Transwell experiments indicated that Bai inhibited the migration and invasion of Aspc-1 and Bxpc-3 cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In vivo,Bai significantly inhibited the growth of Aspc-1 cell xenograft tumors(P<0.01).Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant reduction in AKT expression in tu-mor tissues(P<0.01),and Western blot showed decreased expression of AKT,β-catenin,N-cadherin and Slug in both Aspc-1 and Bxpc-3 cells(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Baicalein inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,potentially through down-regulation of AKT,β-catenin,N-cadherin,and Slug expression.


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