1.Influence of perceived stress on sleep quality among resident physicians: the chain mediating role of self-control and anxiety emotions
Minghui ZHANG ; Xinmeng ZHANG ; Wenjing YE ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Hongtao SONG ; Gaofeng YAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):165-170
BackgroundResident physicians represent a high-risk group for sleep disorders, exhibiting a significantly higher prevalence of such conditions compared with the general population, which severely impairs their physical and mental health. It is hypothesized that perceived stress negatively impacts sleep quality through psychological mechanisms, such as depleting self-control resources and triggering anxiety. However, this pathway warrants empirical validation. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of self-control and anxiety emotions in the association between perceived stress and sleep quality among resident physicians, and to elucidate the underlying psychological mechanisms, aiming at providing theoretical basis for developing targeted psychological interventions. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2025. First- to third- year resident physicians at a hospital in Fuyang City were recruited as participants (n=372). The Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (CPSS), the Chinese version of the Dual-Mode of Self-Control Scale (DMSC-S), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7) were used for group testing. The model 6 of the Process macro version 4.1 was ultilized to examine the mediating pathway of self-control and anxiety emotions between perceived stress and sleep quality. ResultsA total of 322 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective responsive rate of 86.56%. Among the respondents, 146 (45.34%) reported poor sleep quality. The CPSS score and GAD-7 score of resident physicians were positively correlated with the PSQI score (r=0.727, 0.784, P<0.01), while the DMSC-S score was negatively correlated with the PSQI score (r=-0.615, P<0.01). Perceived stress directly and positively predicted poor sleep quality (B=0.124, P<0.01), with the direct effect accounting for 31.39% of the total effect. Furthermore, perceived stress indirectly affected sleep quality through the independent mediating effects of self-control and anxiety emotions. The indirect effect values of 0.053 (95% CI: 0.019 - 0.091) and 0.192 (95% CI: 0.141 - 0.249), accounting for 13.42% and 48.61% of the total effect, respectively. Perceived stress also impact sleep quality through the serial mediating effect of self-control and anxiety, with the indirect effect value of 0.026 (95% CI: 0.005 - 0.049), accounting for 6.58% of the total effect. ConclusionThe perceived stress of resident physicians can influence sleep quality by impairing self-control, exacerbating anxiety, and through the serial mediation of both factors.
2.Research Progress on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Jiwei ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Xinshan WANG ; Xingzhang YAO ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Zhijun HE ; Tao LIU ; Jianliang LI ; Hui YAO ; Jie AN ; Qiuyue ZHAO ; Xiaotao WEI ; M Rayan GHAZI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):851-861
Flap transplantation is a critical surgical strategy for the reconstruction of tissue defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, and congenital malformations, and its survival rate directly determines surgical efficacy and patient prognosis. Following transplantation, flaps inevitably undergo ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, during which oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and metabolic disturbances are intricately intertwined, ultimately leading to cellular injury and tissue necrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that multiple forms of programmed cell death—including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis—play central roles in flap I/R injury. The extensive crosstalk and molecular interactions among these pathways form a highly complex cell death network. Specifically, apoptosis is mediated by the imbalance of Bcl-2 family proteins and the activation of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease (caspase) cascades; pyroptosis is driven by the NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD axis, resulting in membrane pore formation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); necroptosis is triggered by the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-RIPK3-MLKL signaling complex, leading to membrane rupture; and PANoptosis represents an integrated form of inflammatory cell death that coordinates multiple death pathways. Importantly, these forms of programmed cell death are not independent but are interconnected through extensive signaling crosstalk. Key regulatory molecules, including caspase-8, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), collectively modulate the dynamic balance among these pathways. Therefore, the multidimensional interplay and spatiotemporal dynamics of programmed cell death constitute a fundamental pathological basis of flap I/R injury. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the mechanisms and interactions of various programmed cell death pathways in flap I/R injury, aiming to elucidate the underlying regulatory network. These insights may provide novel theoretical foundations for optimizing flap protection strategies, improving flap survival, and promoting tissue repair.
3.Mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pill promoting tendon-bone healing by regulating cell crosstalk through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Peng ZHANG ; Honglüe TAN ; Xiaotao SHI ; Xiao WANG ; Peizhao WANG ; Yanhao YUAN ; Renkun ZHAO ; Guorui CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1722-1727
OBJECTIVE To explore the mecha nism by which Liuwei dihuang pill promotes tendon-bone healing by regulating the interaction between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages through Wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS BMSCs were co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of 1∶4 and divided into control group, 10% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, Wnt/ β -catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) group, and 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group. After 48 hours of cell co-culture and 14 days of osteogenic induction, the CD86 and CD206 positive cell rates in macrophages, the proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area in BMSCs, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and oncostatin M (OSM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), OSM, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), β -catenin in cells were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between LRP5 and β -catenin protein expression with OCN, RUNX2, OSM protein expression, and CD206 positive cell rate, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the CD86 positive cell rates in the 10% drug-containing serum group and the 20% drug-containing serum group were significantly reduced, while the CD206 positive cell rate, proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area, OCN level, OSM level, ALP activity, and mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, LRP5, β -catenin were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the 20% drug-containing serum group, the changes in the above indicators in the 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). The protein expression of LRP5 and β -catenin was positively correlated with the pro tein expression of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, and CD206 positive cell rate. CONCLUSIONS Liuwei dihuang pill can activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway, induce M2 polarization of macrophages and secretion of OSM, promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of BMSCs, and synergistically promote tendon-bone healing.
4.Mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pill promoting tendon-bone healing by regulating cell crosstalk through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Peng ZHANG ; Honglüe TAN ; Xiaotao SHI ; Xiao WANG ; Peizhao WANG ; Yanhao YUAN ; Renkun ZHAO ; Guorui CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1722-1727
OBJECTIVE To explore the mecha nism by which Liuwei dihuang pill promotes tendon-bone healing by regulating the interaction between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages through Wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS BMSCs were co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of 1∶4 and divided into control group, 10% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, Wnt/ β -catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) group, and 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group. After 48 hours of cell co-culture and 14 days of osteogenic induction, the CD86 and CD206 positive cell rates in macrophages, the proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area in BMSCs, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and oncostatin M (OSM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), OSM, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), β -catenin in cells were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between LRP5 and β -catenin protein expression with OCN, RUNX2, OSM protein expression, and CD206 positive cell rate, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the CD86 positive cell rates in the 10% drug-containing serum group and the 20% drug-containing serum group were significantly reduced, while the CD206 positive cell rate, proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area, OCN level, OSM level, ALP activity, and mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, LRP5, β -catenin were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the 20% drug-containing serum group, the changes in the above indicators in the 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). The protein expression of LRP5 and β -catenin was positively correlated with the pro tein expression of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, and CD206 positive cell rate. CONCLUSIONS Liuwei dihuang pill can activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway, induce M2 polarization of macrophages and secretion of OSM, promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of BMSCs, and synergistically promote tendon-bone healing.
5.Development and validation of the rapid health aging assessment scale for the Chinese population
Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Wunong CHEN ; Jianhua YE ; Xiaotao ZHOU ; Yong WANG ; Siqi LI ; Qi ZHANG ; Wanying ZHAO ; Jiayi SONG ; Chun WANG ; Yan LIU ; Min XIA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1078-1083
Objective:To develop a rapid assessment scale for healthy aging suitable for the Chinese population.Methods:Based on existing healthy aging assessment scales, national standards, and expert consensus, an initial Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale was drafted through two rounds of expert consultation. A pre-survey was conducted with 3 220 subjects recruited from Guangzhou between July 2023 and July 2024. Items were screened through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis to form the final scale. Reliability and validity of the final scale were validated across five cities: Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Baoding, and Chuxiong.Results:The initial version comprised 36 items, while the finalized scale contained 18 items across three dimensions: metabolic health, mental health, and cognitive health. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.81 across all study sites. The Spearman-Brown coefficient varied between 0.91-0.96, Cronbach′s α between 0.77-0.83, comparative fit index (CFI) between 0.90-0.98, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) between 0.90-0.99, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) between 0.03-0.09. For the three dimensions, reliability and validity metrics demonstrated consistency: Spearman-Brown coefficients 0.87-0.99, Cronbach′s α 0.77-0.83, CFI 0.90-0.98, GFI 0.90-0.99, and RMSEA 0.03-0.09 across four regions.Conclusion:The developed Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale for the Chinese population exhibits robust reliability and validity.
6.Melatonin synthase regulates osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by modulating mitochondrial functions
Jiujiu ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Chen JIAO ; Xiaotao HE ; Xuan LI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):461-467
Objective:To investigate the effects of Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase(AANAT)and acetylserotonin O-methyltrans-ferase(ASMT)on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs)and the related regulatory mechanisms.Methods:PDLSCs were isolated and cultured from freshly extracted healthy teeth,and transfected with si-AANAT,si-ASMT and negative control(si-NC),respectively.The silencing efficiency on AANAT and ASMT genes and the expression level of osteogenic differentiation related genes of PDLSCs were detected by RT-qPCR.Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)production was measured by flow cytometry and fluorescent probe MitoSOX.The relative content of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)was detected by RT-qPCR,the content of ATP was detected by ATP kit,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)was measured by JC-1 fluores-cent staining.Results:After transfection of PDLSCs with si-AANAT and si-ASMT,AANAT and ASMT genes in PDLSCs were effec-tively silenced.Suppression of AANAT and ASMT in PDLSCs significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of OCN,RUNX2 and COL-1.After silencing the expression of AANAT and ASMT,the mtROS production of PDLSCs increased,while the mtDNA,intracellular ATP content and MMP levels decreased significantly.Conclusion:AANAT and ASMT affect the osteogenic differentia-tion potential of PDLSCs possibly via regulating the mitochondrial function.
7.Mechanism of nitidine chloride against Talaromyces marneffei,determined through network pharmacology
Meng ZHANG ; Wudi WEI ; Baili ZHAN ; Xiaotao HE ; Xiaoting XIE ; Junjun JIANG ; Li YE ; Hao LIANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(7):675-681
This study was aimed at exploring the mechanism underlying the effects of nitidine chloride against Talaromyces marnef-fei through network pharmacology analysis.We collected NC and TM action targets from various databases;constructed a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network by using common drug and disease targets;and performed KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analy-ses.In vitro cellular experiments were conducted to test the antibacterial ability of NC at various concentrations,qPCR was used to de-tect the mRNA expression of genes in the target pathway,and WB was used to examine the expression of proteins associated with tar-get signaling pathways in cells.We identified 153 target genes for NC and 2 095 target genes for TM,among which 23 targets over-lapped.By integrating the PPI network with KEGG enrichment analysis,we selected key target genes in the MAPK signaling pathway,such as FLT1,FLT3,CD38,and PRF1.The CFU results indicated that NC had favorable antibacterial capability.Moreover,qPCR demonstrated that NC downregulated the mRNA expression of FLT1,FLT3,and RPS6KA3,and upregulated the mRNA expression of MAP3K8.WB findings indicated that NC downregulated the expression of RSK2,VEGF,and FLT3 proteins,and upregulated the ex-pression of MAP3K8 protein.NC may exert its anti-TM effects by downregulating the expression of RSK2,VEGF,and FLT3 proteins,thereby inhibiting MAPK pathway activation.The potential targets and signaling pathways underlying NC's anti-TM action may pro-vide new insights to guide the clinical application of NC.
8.Multiple Organ Failure Caused by Sodium Valproate:A Case Report
Baoping XU ; Huaiwen PENG ; Xiantao ZHANG ; Xiaotao WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):134-138
The patient,male,42 years old,was given 1.5 mg·kg-1·h-1 sodium valproate via intravenous infusion due to epilepsy,resulting in multiple organ failure.The diagnosis and treatment process of the patient was retrospectively analyzed.The relevance evaluation was carried out using Naranjo's ADR evaluation probability scale,and the relevant literatures were reviewed to provide a reference for the clinical safety of sodium valproate.
9.Study on the Dose-Effect Relationship of Ginger-Partitioned Moxibustion in Treating Fecal Incontinence in Patients with Mild to Moderate Active Crohn's Disease
Ying LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Jie KONG ; Yueyue GUO ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Rui XU ; Huan XU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(12):1742-1750
OBJECTIVE To investigate the time-effect relationship of ginger-partitioned moxibustion in treating fecal inconti-nence in patients with mild to moderate active Crohn's disease so as to optimize moxibustion duration and provide a basis for clinical application.METHODS A total of 128 patients with Crohn's disease complicated by fecal incontinence who met the inclusion crite-ria were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into a control group and three experimental groups(experimental group Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ)of 32 patients each using a stratified random method(with 1 dropout in experimental group Ⅰ).Patients in the control group received routine anti-tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody(adalimumab)treatment,while patients in the experimental groups received ginger moxibustion therapy in addition to the treatment provided to the control group.Among them,experimental groupⅠ received treatment for 20 minutes,experimental group Ⅱ for 40 minutes,and experimental group Ⅲ for 60 minutes.The course of treatment for all four groups was 3 months.Changes in TCM syndrome scores were compared before and after treatment in the four groups to assess clinical efficacy.The cleveland clinic incontinence score(CCIS)was used to assess the severity of fecal incontinence,the Crohn's disease activity index(CDAI)was used to assess the degree of disease activity,and the inflammatory bowel disease ques-tionnaire(IBDQ)was used to evaluate the quality of life.Anal pressure index and peripheral blood CRP and ESR levels were mea-sured,and the relationship between moxibustion time and effect was analyzed.RESULTS After 3 months of treatment,the total TCM syndrome scores of all four groups improved to varying degrees(P<0.05,P<0.01).The total scores of groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ were supe-rior to those of the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while group Ⅱ had the lowest total TCM syndrome score.Group Ⅱ had the high-est overall clinical effective rate,significantly better than both the control and group Ⅰ(P<0.05,P<0.01).CCIS scores,IBDQ scores and total scores,and peripheral blood ESR levels were significantly reduced in all four groups(P<0.01),with group Ⅱ having the low-est score,lower than both the control and group Ⅰ(P<0.05,P<0.01).CRP levels were significantly reduced in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ(P<0.05,P<0.01),both lower than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),with group Ⅱ lower than group Ⅰ(P<0.01).Intestinal symptom scores in the IBDQ of groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in the control group and group Ⅰ(P<0.05,P<0.01).The maximum resting pressure of the anal canal,rectal defecation threshold,and maximum tolerance capacity all increased significantly in the four groups(P<0.05,P<0.01),but there were no significant differences among the groups(P>0.05).During the treatment,two cases of mild skin redness occurred in group Ⅲ,which resolved after treatment,with no serious adverse reactions.CONCLUSION Ginger moxibustion in the treatment of Crohn's disease complicated by fecal incontinence exhibits a time-effect relationship,with 40 minutes as the optimal duration.It can effectively improve symptoms,control inflammation,enhance quality of life,and has good safety.
10.Research on the role and mechanism of mitochondrial targeting peptide SS-31 in inflammation-in-duced senescence and pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells
Xin PENG ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Tong ZHANG ; Guang YANG ; Xiaotao WU ; Yanzheng GAO
Chinese Journal of Spine and Spinal Cord 2025;35(4):399-407
Objectives:To investigate the effect and mechanism of mitochondrial targeting peptide SS-31 on senescence and pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus(NP)cells induced by inflammation.Methods:NP cells were isolated and cultured in vitro from 6-week-old male SD rats,and were divided into control group,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group,and LPS+SS-31 group;And the control group of cells received no treatment,LPS group of cells were treated with 100μg/mL LPS for 24h,and LPS+SS-31 group of cells were pre-treated with SS-31 30min before LPS intervention.The levels of cellular senescence and pyroptosis were assessed in each group using β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining and westem blot(WB)assay;Transmission electron mi-croscopy and oxygen consumption rate(OCR)assay were used to analyze the mitochondrial function of NP cells in each group;The expressions of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB-p65(p-NF-κB-p65),cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS),and interferon stimulating gene(STING)in each group were detected by WB and im-munofluorescence;Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining and WB assay were performed to analyze the effects of in vivo injection of SS-31 on intervertebral disc degeneration,senescence,and pyroptosis.Results:The positive SA-β-Gal staining of NP cells,expression of senescence marker pro-teins(p53,p21),and pyroptosis-related molecules(NLRP3,Caspase-1 p20)were significantly lower in the LPS+SS-31 group compared with the LPS group(P<0.05);Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)showed that the mitochondrial swelling of NP cells was round,the matrix was translucent,and the interstitial lumen of the mitochondrial cristae was dilated in the LPS group,while the mitochondrial swelling was subsided,and the morphology of mitochondria tended to be normalized in the LPS+SS-31 group.Meanwhile,the maximum respi-ration level of NP cells was significantly enhanced in the LPS+SS-31 group compared with the LPS group(P<0.05).The results of WB and immunofluorescence showed that LPS significantly up-regulated the expression of p-NF-κB-p65,cGAS,and STING(P<0.05),while SS-31 pretreatment significantly inhibited the expression of p-NF-κB-p65,cGAS and STING in NP cells induced by LPS(P<0.05).Finally,in vivo experiments con-firmed that local injection of SS-31 reduced the senescence and pyroptosis of NP cells,and alleviated the degeneration of intervertebral disc induced by annulus fibropuncture.Conclusions:SS-31 alleviates inflamma-tion-induced senescence and pyroptosis of NP cells,which is related to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway and cGAS/STING signaling pathway.

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