1.Mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules regulating NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway on antidepressant effect in rats
Shuang MENG ; Jie ZHAO ; Xinxin WANG ; Dandan TAN ; Xiaorong ZHOU ; Huimin SUN ; Xiaojuan MA ; Zhenyu FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1440-1446
OBJECTIVE To explore the antidepressant mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules (WYJYG) via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)/Caspase-1 pathway. METHODS A rat model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with single-housing for 42 consecutive days.The experiment set up blank group, model group, MCC950 (NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor) group (10 mg/kg), fluoxetine group (positive control,2.08 mg/kg),low-dose WYJYG(3.78 g/kg) and high-dose WYJYG group (7.56 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group. From the 22nd day of the experiment, rats in the fluoxetine group, low-dose and high-dose WYJYG groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Rats in the MCC950 group were intraperitoneally injected with MCC950 at the corresponding concentration and intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water. Rats in the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage and an equal volume of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. All interventions were performed once a day for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were conducted once a week. After the last administration, the contents of ASC, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in hippocampal tissues were detected. The protein expressions of NLRP3, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein were determined, and neuronal apoptosis was observed. RESULTS After the last administration, compared with the model group, the open-field activity time was significantly prolonged ( P <0.05), and the latency to feed in a novel environment was significantly shortened ( P <0.05) in rats of the high-dose WYJYG group. In hippocampal tissue, the contents of ASC, Iba1, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and CD68, and the positive rate of neuronal apoptosis were all significantly decreased/downregulated ( P <0.05). Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly upregulated ( P <0.05), and the density of neuronal apoptosis-positive cells was significantly reduced ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS WYJYG play on antidepressant role by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway, reducing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, and inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis.
2.Construction of a COPD risk prediction model based on machine learning and the COPD-SQ questionnaire
Lin CHEN ; Luna ZHAO ; Yue ZHOU ; Panpan WANG ; Jingkun LI ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHANG ; Chao WU ; Dong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1261-1268
ObjectiveTo construct and evaluate various machine learning models for predicting the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in individuals, thereby providing data support for early screening and intervention. MethodsA total of 823 subjects were selected for this study, comprising 142 individuals in the high-risk group for COPD and 681 individuals in the low-risk group. Data collected included demographic characteristics, smoking history, symptoms (such as cough and shortness of breath), and scores from the Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening questionnaire. Four machine learning algorithms—Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and XGBoost—were utilized to construct risk prediction models. The performance of these models was assessed using 5-fold cross-validation, with evaluation metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and average precision (AP). Furthermore, a feature importance analysis was performed. ResultsThe Logistic Regression model exhibited superior performance, achieving an AUC of 0.982 and an AP of 0.939. This was closely followed by the Random Forest model, which recorded an AUC of 0.975 and an AP of 0.890. Feature importance analysis revealed that smoking history, symptoms of shortness of breath, and body weight were significant predictors. All models demonstrated robust performance in identifying low-risk populations; however, variations were observed in their efficacy in identifying high-risk populations. ConclusionMachine learning models have proven effective in identifying individuals at high risk for COPD. Among these, the Logistic regression model exhibits the best overall performance, efficiently identifying high-risk populations and serving as a valuable clinical auxiliary screening tool. Various models, each with distinct performance characteristics, are suited to different clinical screening scenarios, thereby offering targeted decision-making support for the establishment of a hierarchical and intelligent COPD screening pathway.
3.Evaluation of Three Atypical Pathogen Detection Methods for Clinical Diagnosis of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults
Qianqian ZHOU ; Jianyu ZHAO ; Mei WANG ; Xinxin LU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(4):194-198,213
Objective To evaluate the clinical value of multiplex polymerase chain reaction(mPCR),serum IgM and urinary Legionella pneumophila antigen detection in the diagnosis and treatment of adult community-acquired pneumonia(CAP)for Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP),Chlamydia pneumoniae(CP)and Legionella pneumophila(LP).Methods A total of 275 inpatients diagnosed with CAP from October 2018 to January 2022 in Beijing Tongren Hospital were selected as the study objects.275 lower respiratory tract samples,195 serum samples and 50 urine samples were collected for sanger sequencing,mPCR,serum IgM and urinary LP antigen test,respectively.With the result of sanger sequencing as the reference standard,the clinical application value of the three detection methods was evaluated.Results The infection rate of atypical pathogens in adult patients with CAP was 26.5%(73/275).The infection rates of MP,CP and LP were 21.8%(60/275),2.2%(6/275)and 2.5%(7/275),respectively.The sensitivity of mPCR,serum IgM and urinary LP antigen test were 100%(72/72),31.0%(18/58),100%(7/7),and the specificity were 99.5%(202/203),76.6%(105/137),100%(43/43),respectively.The sensitivity of serum IgM was significantly decreased in patients with time≤7 days compared to patients with time>7 days from onset to sampling(41.9%vs 14.3%),the difference was statistically significant(χ2=5.483,P<0.05).The proportion of false negative for serum IgM was the highest in 25~<41 years old(57.5%),and the difference was statistically significant among all age groups(χ2=25.069,P<0.001).The proportion of false positive for serum IgM was the highest among 41~<66 years old(37.5%),and there was no significant difference among all age groups(χ2=6.404,P=0.171).The IgM cross-reactivity rate of the three atypical pathogens was 33.3%(13/39).Conclusion Serum IgM is not suitable for the diagnosis of atypical pathogen infection in adults alone,mPCR and urinary LP antigen test have obvious advantages in the early diagnosis of CAP in adults.
4.Effects of different cultivation methods and harvest periods on growth traits and medicinal quality of Dendrobium officinale
Xinxin CUI ; Jing ZHANG ; Ting ZHAO ; Fengbo LIU ; Yuan ZHANG ; Shengli WEI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):1011-1023
Objective To investigate the effects of different cultivation method and harvest periods on chromatic characteristics and the primary bioactive components of Dendrobium officinale.Methods Fifteen batches of three-year-old Dendrobium officinale were categorized into five cultivation groups:DP-ZP,YB-ZP,HS-ZP,SP-ZP,and ZJ-ZP,with three batches per group.Thirty-six batches of Dendrobium officinale samples were categorized into twelve harvest groups according to different harvest periods and growth years:the T1 to T6 groups were three-year-old samples,and the F1 to F6 groups were four-year-old samples.Chromaticity values of Dendrobium officinale under different cultivation methods and harvest periods were measured using colorimetry.Polysaccharide content under different cultivation method and harvest periods was quantified via ultraviolet spectrophotometry.Mannose,glucose,flavonoids,and phenolic acids(rutin,quercetin,naringenin,and syringic acid)were analyzed in each group under different cultivation methods and harvest periods using HPLC.The total amount of mannose and glucose,the peak area ratio of mannose to glucose,and the total amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids were calculated.The entropy weight-TOPSIS method was applied to assign objective weights to indicators,followed by the calculation of relative closeness(C)for comprehensive quality assessment of medicinal materials.Results Under different cultivation methods,compared with the DP-ZP group,the b? value of the ZJ-ZP and YB-ZP groups decreased,whereas that of the SP-ZP group increased.The L? value and polysaccharide,syringic acid,naringenin,and quercetin contents decreased,whereas the a? value increased in the YB-ZP,SP-ZP,HS-ZP,and ZJ-ZP groups.The mannose contents decreased in the HS-ZP and SP-ZP groups and increased in the ZJ-ZP group(P<0.05).The glucose content in the ZJ-ZP and SP-ZP groups decreased,the peak area ratio of mannose to glucose increased(P<0.05).Compared with the SP-ZP group,the mannose and glucose contents and the total amount of mannose and glucose were significantly increased,and the peak area ratio of mannose to glucose was decreased in the DP-ZP,YB-ZP,HS-ZP,and ZJ-ZP groups(P<0.01).Compared with the ZJ-ZP group,the rutin contents and the total amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids were decreased in the SP-ZP,HS-ZP,DP-ZP,and YB-ZP groups(P<0.05).Compared with the T3 group,the L? value of the T1,T2,T5,and T6 groups decreased,whereas the b? value increased.The a? value and the peak area ratio of mannose to glucose increased in the T1,T2,and T4 to T6 groups,whereas the polysaccharide and glucose contents and the total amount of mannose and glucose decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the T5 group,the mannose content in the T1 to T4 and T6 groups decreased,whereas the rutin content increased in the T1 to T4 groups(P<0.05).Compared with the T6 group,the syringic acid and quercetin contents increased in the T1 to T5 groups,and the total amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids increased in the T1 to T4 group(P<0.05).Compared with the F1 group,the syringic acid content in the F2 to F6 group increased,the quercetin content decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the F2 group,the glucose and rutin content and the total amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids decreased in the F1 and F3 to F6 groups(P<0.01).Compared with the F3 group,the L? value decreased,the b? value increased,mannose content and the total amount of mannose and glucose decreased in the F1,F2,and F4 to F6 groups.Polysaccharide content in the F1 and F4 to F6 groups decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the F6 group,the peak area ratio of mannose to glucose was significantly decreased in the F1 to F4 groups(P<0.01).Entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis showed that the C of chromatic characteristics and primary bioactive components in DP-ZP(C=0.661 1)and F5(C=0.538 9)groups were the highest.Conclusion Dendrobium officinale cultivated under greenhouse conditions and four-year-old Dendrobium officinale harvested in February exhibit optimal overall quality.These findings provide an experimental basis for the selection of cultivation method and the optimal harvest period of high-quality Dendrobium officinale.
5.A qualitative study on the training needs of general practitioners in community health centers for health care of older patients
Xinxin ZHAO ; Hao WANG ; Hua JIANG ; Yanbo WANG ; Zhijuan QI ; Jialin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(7):817-822
Objective:To investigate the training needs of general practitioners in community health center in health care and management of older patients for developing a curriculum for the Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) project accordingly.Methods:This was a qualitative study. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 community health center general practitioners (GPs) using focus groups between March 2024 and April 2024. The interview data were collated using Nvivo12 software and coded using thematic analysis. The focus of the interviews was on the challenges GPs face in health care of older people in the community and relevant training needs.Results:Three male and 17 female GPs took part in the interviews. The interviews showed that GPs in comminity health service centers faced multiple challenges in the helth management of older patients, including implementation of holistic treatment plans, time-consuming comprehensive patient assessment, lack of standardized medication selection, unclear referral processes and difficulties in establishing a trusting doctor-patient relationship. The study suggested that the design and development of training programs should encompass eight core components: differentiated end-of-life care for patients, nutritional advice, positive psychological intervention, software data-based health assessment, systematic geriatric medicine, updated clinical research findings, medication selection and treatment guidelines, and insulin resistance management.Conclusion:Through qualitative investigation, this study explored the challenges faced by general practitioners in providing health care for older patients and relevant training needs, which provids evidence for designing and developing corresponding curricula for ECHO projects.
6.Association between abdominal fat parameters derived from quantitative CT and coronary artery calcification in middle-aged and elderly adults
Yaqing LI ; Li LI ; Xinxin JIANG ; Wenqi BAI ; Mengyao WANG ; Yanan ZHAO ; Weijun QIAN
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(9):1136-1142
Objective:To investigate the association between abdominal fat-related indicators derived from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in middle-aged and elderly individuals, as well as the diagnostic value of these indicators.Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled middle-aged and elderly participants who underwent health check-ups at Kaifeng Central Hospital between January and December 2024. Participants were divided into a CAC group and a non-CAC group based on the presence or absence of CAC. The CAC group was then stratified into mild, moderate, and severe subgroups according to CAC severity. General clinical data were collected for all participants. All subjects underwent one-stop QCT scanning of the chest and abdomen. An automated abdominal fat analysis system was used to identify fat distribution regions. If accurate identification was not possible, a semi-automated segmentation algorithm combined with manual correction was applied instead. Two physicians performed the measurements independently, and inter-observer consistency was assessed. The average values were calculated to obtain visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). The ratio of visceral fat area to subcutaneous fat area (VFA/SFA) was also computed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with CAC in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of these indicators for CAC. DeLong′s test was used to compare the differences in the area under the curve ( AUC). Results:A total of 252 middle-aged and elderly individuals were included, with a median age of 61 (interquartile rang: 59, 69) years. Of these individuals, 188(74.6%) were males. Among them, 172 were classified into the CAC group and 80 into the non-CAC group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that VFA, VFA/SFA ratio, age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and hypertension were independently associated with CAC in middle-aged and elderly individuals (all P<0.05). The mild, moderate, and severe CAC subgroups comprised 78, 51, and 43 participants, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that VFA and VFA/SFA increased with CAC severity, and there were statistically significant differences between the subgroups (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUCs of VFA and VFA/SFA for diagnosing CAC were 0.841 and 0.810, respectively, with no significant difference between them ( P>0.05). The optimal cutoff values were 177.45 cm2 for VFA (sensitivity: 83.1%, specificity: 72.5%) and 1.592 for VFA/SFA (sensitivity: 65.7%, specificity: 83.7%). For the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe CAC, the AUCs of VFA and VFA/SFA were 0.765 and 0.761, respectively ( P>0.05 for comparison), with cutoff values of 231.75 cm2 (sensitivity: 61.7%, specificity: 83.3%) and 1.962 (sensitivity: 64.9%, specificity: 80.8%). Conclusion:Abdominal VFA and VFA/SFA derived from QCT are independently associated with the presence of CAC in middle-aged and elderly individuals, demonstrating good diagnostic performance for both overall CAC and moderate-to-severe CAC.
7.Study on multi-parametric texture analysis for quantifying brain magnetic susceptibility in patients with Parkinson's disease
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(1):69-78
Objective·To quantify brain iron content in Parkinson's disease(PD)patients by using quantitative susceptibility mapping(QSM)based on phase linearity fitting.Combined with texture analysis methods,the magnetic susceptibility distribution characteristics of gray matter nuclei in PD patients were quantitatively analyzed with multiple parameters and dimensions,and the sensitivity of texture features was evaluated with clinical scoring.Methods·Quantitative susceptibility images from 20 PD patients and 20 healthy controls(HC)were analyzed retrospectively.Regions of interest in basal ganglia were manually segmented,followed by three-dimensional texture analysis by using gray-level run-length matrix(GLRLM).One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was performed to compare differences between the two groups,and the bilateral Pearson linear correlation coefficient(r)was calculated to evaluate the correlation between texture parameters and UPDRS-Ⅲ clinical scores.Results·The analysis of texture feature parameters showed that there were significant differences between the PD and HC groups in the gray matter nuclei.Among all the texture feature parameters of GLRLM,LngREnch showed significant differences between the PD group and the HC group in the five gray matter nuclei measured.The average magnetic susceptibility of gray matter nuclei and GLRLM texture parameters were sensitive in distinguishing PD from HC(AUC>0.5).The AUC values of RLNonUni,LngREnch,ShrtREmp,and Fraction were higher than that of the average magnetization susceptibiliyt.The correlation analysis showed that RLNonUni and GLevNonU in the caudate nucleus(CN),as well as GLevNonU in the red nucleus(RN),were significantly correlated with UPDRS-Ⅲ scores,while no significant clinical correlations were found for the remaining parameters.Conclusion·Compared to the mean magnetic susceptibility values,GLRLM texture parameters provide better differentiation between the PD and HC groups.Multiparameter texture analysis offers a novel approach to QSM-based quantitative assessment of brain iron content,which can provide additional multidimensional quantitative information for the non-invasive diagnosis of PD.
8.Establishment and optimization of combined model of influenza and wind-heat syndrome in mice
Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Miao XIE ; Qishuai HU ; Xinxin FENG ; Yutao WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Yanli LIANG ; Linyang CHEN ; Zifeng YANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1105-1115
Objective To establish a mouse model of H1N1 influenza wind-heat syndrome by combining climate intervention with influenza virus nasal drops.Methods Seventy-two BALB/c mice were divided randomly into nine groups:a Control group,wind-heat(FR)groups(FR-3Day,FR-5Day),and Model groups(1LD-3Day,2LD-3Day,3LD-3Day,1LD-5Day,2LD-5Day,2LD-5Day,3LD-5Day)(n=8 mice per group).Mice in the Control group were housed in a normal environment,while mice in the FR and Model groups were kept in wind-heat conditions for 7 d.Mice in the Model groups received nasal PR8 influenza virus infection on the 8th day,and mice in the Control and FR heat groups received equal amounts of physiological saline nasal drops.After virus challenge,each group was housed in a normal environment and samples were taken on days 3 and 5.The appearance of the mice was observed and recorded and the lung index,routine blood parameters,lung tissue pathology,serum interleukin(IL)-6 levels,and virus titers were detected in each group based on their behavioral status,stools,and body temperature.Results After 7 d of wind-heat intervention,mice in the FR groups showed no significant abnormalities in terms of appearance,stools,body temperature,routine blood parameters,or lung tissue pathology compared with the Control group.The appearance,lung index,red blood cell count,hemoglobin,hematocrit,pathological result,and body temperature in the Model groups worsened progressively with increasing time and toxin dosage,while the neutrophil percentage,lymphocyte percentage,virus titer,and serum IL-6 levels peaked on day 3 after viral attack,for the same viral dose,and then decreased slightly on day 5.Conclusions PR8 nasal drops and 7 d of wind-heat climate intervention can be used to establish a mouse model of influenza wind-heat syndrome.
9.Trends of Incidence and Age at Onset of Leukemia in Jiangsu Cancer Registration Areas from 2009 to 2019
Haiyan LU ; Xinxin DONG ; Xingxing ZHU ; Dekun ZHANG ; Yuxue YANG ; Xiaolan ZHAO ; Renqiang HAN ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Ran TAO ; Weigang MIAO ; Pengfei LUO
China Cancer 2025;34(2):125-131
[Purpose]To analyze the trends of incidence and age at onset of leukemia in Jiangsu cancer registration areas from 2009 to 2019.[Methods]The continuous monitoring data of leukemia from 2009 to 2019 were collected from 16 cancer registries in Jiangsu Province.All datasets were checked and evaluated based on data quality control criteria and were included in the analysis.Crude incidence rate(CIR),age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC),the average annual percentage change(AAPC),the standardized average age at onset,the changes in the age structure of incidence and the changes in the birth cohort by year were calculated.[Results]The incidence rate of leukemia significantly increased from 5.22/105 in 2009 to 7.88/105 in 2019,with a significant upward trend(for CIR,AAPC=4.95%,95%CI:3.82%~6.09%;for ASIRC,AAPC=2.97%,95%CI:1.52%~4.43%).The incidence rates were in-creased in all age groups and increased with the birth cohort by years.There was a tendency of backward shift for the age composition of the population,with the increasing of composition for those over 60 years old.The mean age at onset increased from 48.62 years old in 2009 to 57.96 years old in 2019,with a backward shift in the mean age(β=0.773,P<0.001),and the mean age at onset increased with the year only in rural areas after standardization(β=0.428,P=0.017).[Conclusion]Leukemia incidence rate in Jiangsu Province increased from 2009 to 2019,and the age at onset has shifted backwards.It's important to strengthen the early prevention and control of leukemia.
10.Distribution characteristics of current patients with Kashin-Beck disease in Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Haijun WANG ; Shuyan WU ; Jinming LIU ; Zhongmin LIU ; Peng DU ; Jinguang GUO ; Zhanfeng ZHAO ; Mingming WANG ; Guangyu YU ; Xinxin CUI ; Jianping AO ; Baolong LIU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(9):737-740
Objective:To study the distribution characteristics of current patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner (referred to as Morin Banner), and provide suggestions for service management.Methods:Information of KBD current patients in Morin Banner was collected from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 using the "KBD Current Patient Survey System" provided by the Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A descriptive study method was used to analyze the basic information and clinical data of current patients.Results:As of June 30, 2024, a total of 6 223 KBD current patients were reported in Morin Banner, and the patients were distributed in 15 townships (towns). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different townships (towns, χ 2 = 3 069.01, P < 0.001). The minimum age of the KBD current patients was 27 years old, and the maximum was 98 years old, mainly concentrated in the age range of 45 - 74 years old, accounting for 95.7% (5 954/6 223). There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different age groups (χ 2 = 5 912.76, P < 0.001). The male to female ratio was 1.00∶1.14 (2 910 ∶ 3 313), and there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence rate of KBD between genders(χ 2 = 44.38, P < 0.001). The KBD current patients mainly had a primary school education, married, and farmers, accounting for 59.2% (3 685/6 223), 89.8% (5 590/6 223), 93.2% (5 802/6 223), respectively; and the clinical grading of patients is mainly degree Ⅰ. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of limb disability among patients with different clinical grades (χ 2 = 64.26, P < 0.001). The rate of limb disability in males was higher than that in females (χ 2 = 10.36, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The KBD current patients in Morin Banner are distributed in various township (town), with middle-aged and elderly famers being the main ones. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring of KBD, and pay attention to personalized treatment and management of KBD current patients.

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