1.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Process Optimization and Health Risk Assessment of Calcined Haematitum Based on QbD Concept
Yue YANG ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Jialiang ZOU ; Guorong MEI ; Yifan SHI ; Lei ZHONG ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Xuelian GAN ; Dewen ZENG ; Xin CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Shilin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):187-196
ObjectiveTo investigate the processing technology of calcined Haematitum based on the concept of quality by design(QbD) and to assess its health risk. MethodsTaking whole iron content, Fe2+ dissolution content and looseness as critical quality attributes(CQAs), and calcination temperature, calcination time, spreading thickness and particle size as critical process parameters(CPPs) determined by the failure mode and effect analysis(FMEA), the processing technology of calcined Haematitum was optimized by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation(AHP-CRITIC) hybrid weighting method. The contents of heavy metals and harmful elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the health risk assessment was carried out by daily exposure(EXP), target hazard quotient(THQ) and lifetime cancer risk(LCR), and the theoretical value of the maximum limit was deduced. ResultsThe optimal processing technology for calcined Haematitum was calcination at 650 ℃, calcination time of 1 h, particle size of 0.2-0.5 cm, spreading thickness of 1 cm, and vinegar quenching for 1 time[Haematitum-vinegar(10:3)]. The contents of 5 heavy metals and harmful elements in 13 batches of calcined Haematitum were all decreased with reductions of up to 5-fold. The cumulative THQ of 2 batches of samples was>1, while the cumulative THQ of all batches of Haematitum was>1. The LCR of As in 1 batches of Haematitum was 1×10-6-1×10-4, and the LCR of the rest was<1×10-6, and the LCRs of calcined Haematitum were all<1×10-6, indicating that the carcinogenic risk of calcined Haematitum was low, but special attention should still be paid to Haematitum medicinal materials. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg were formulated as 1 014, 25, 17, 27, 7 mg·kg-1. ConclusionThe optimized processing technology of calcined Haematitum is stable and feasible, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements are reduced after processing. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg are formulated to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of standards for the limits of harmful elements in Haematitum.
4.Process Optimization and Health Risk Assessment of Calcined Haematitum Based on QbD Concept
Yue YANG ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Jialiang ZOU ; Guorong MEI ; Yifan SHI ; Lei ZHONG ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Xuelian GAN ; Dewen ZENG ; Xin CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Shilin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):187-196
ObjectiveTo investigate the processing technology of calcined Haematitum based on the concept of quality by design(QbD) and to assess its health risk. MethodsTaking whole iron content, Fe2+ dissolution content and looseness as critical quality attributes(CQAs), and calcination temperature, calcination time, spreading thickness and particle size as critical process parameters(CPPs) determined by the failure mode and effect analysis(FMEA), the processing technology of calcined Haematitum was optimized by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation(AHP-CRITIC) hybrid weighting method. The contents of heavy metals and harmful elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the health risk assessment was carried out by daily exposure(EXP), target hazard quotient(THQ) and lifetime cancer risk(LCR), and the theoretical value of the maximum limit was deduced. ResultsThe optimal processing technology for calcined Haematitum was calcination at 650 ℃, calcination time of 1 h, particle size of 0.2-0.5 cm, spreading thickness of 1 cm, and vinegar quenching for 1 time[Haematitum-vinegar(10:3)]. The contents of 5 heavy metals and harmful elements in 13 batches of calcined Haematitum were all decreased with reductions of up to 5-fold. The cumulative THQ of 2 batches of samples was>1, while the cumulative THQ of all batches of Haematitum was>1. The LCR of As in 1 batches of Haematitum was 1×10-6-1×10-4, and the LCR of the rest was<1×10-6, and the LCRs of calcined Haematitum were all<1×10-6, indicating that the carcinogenic risk of calcined Haematitum was low, but special attention should still be paid to Haematitum medicinal materials. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg were formulated as 1 014, 25, 17, 27, 7 mg·kg-1. ConclusionThe optimized processing technology of calcined Haematitum is stable and feasible, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements are reduced after processing. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg are formulated to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of standards for the limits of harmful elements in Haematitum.
5.Association between remnant cholesterol and atherosclerosis plaques in single and multiple vascular territories.
Xuelian LIU ; Kui CHEN ; Yaqin WANG ; Jiangang WANG ; Changfa WANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(5):766-776
OBJECTIVES:
In recent years, the role of remnant cholesterol (RC) in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases has gained increasing attention. However, evidence on the association between RC and subclinical atherosclerosis is limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between RC and atherosclerotic plaques in single and multiple vascular territories.
METHODS:
This retrospective cross-sectional study used baseline data from participants enrolled between October 2022 and May 2024 in the National Key Research Program "Study on the Prevention and Control System of Risk Factors for Panvascular Diseases". Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to detect plaques in 4 vascular territories: Bilateral carotid arteries, bilateral subclavian arteries, abdominal aorta, and iliac-femoral arteries. RC was calculated as total cholesterol minus the sum of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Participants were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4) according to RC levels. The proportions of participants with ≥2 plaques in a single vascular territory and with plaques in ≥2 vascular territories were compared across RC quartiles. Multivariate ordinal Logistic regression was used to assess the association between RC and the number of plaques in a single vascular territory, as well as the risk of multiple vascular territory involvement. Additionally, the effects of LDL-C/RC concordance on plaque distribution were analyzed.
RESULTS:
A total of 3 539 participants were included, of whom 2 169 (61.29%) were male, with a age of (51.94±9.22) years. From Q1 to Q4, the proportion of participants with ≥2 plaques in a single vascular territory (bilateral carotid, subclavian, abdominal aorta, and iliac-femoral arteries), as well as those with plaques in ≥2 vascular territories, increased progressively. Compared with Q1, both Q3 and Q4 were significantly associated with higher plaque numbers in a single vascular territory (both P<0.05). When treated as a continuous variable, higher RC levels were associated with an increased risk of greater plaque numbers within a single vascular territory (all P<0.05). RC levels were also significantly associated with multiple vascular territory involvement: Compared with Q1, Q4 had a 1.015-fold higher risk [odds ratio (OR)=2.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.669 to 2.433], and each 1 mmol/L increase in RC corresponded to a 0.160-fold increased risk (OR=1.160, 95% CI 1.073 to 1.271). In LDL-C/RC coordination analysis, compared with the low LDL-C/low RC group, the low LDL-C/high RC group was significantly associated with multiple vascular territory involvement (OR=1.576, 95% CI 1.220 to 2.036).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated RC levels are closely associated with atherosclerotic plaques in both single and multiple vascular territories, even among individuals with normal LDL-C, suggesting that RC should be considered in clinical risk assessment and management of atherosclerosis.
Humans
;
Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Cholesterol/blood*
;
Cholesterol, LDL/blood*
;
Aged
;
Cholesterol, HDL/blood*
;
Risk Factors
;
Atherosclerosis
;
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
;
Femoral Artery/diagnostic imaging*
6.Expression of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 Levels in Placenta and Cord Blood of Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia and Its Clinical Significance
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):145-149,155
Objective To explore the expression of long non-coding RNA hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha antisense RNA-1(lncRNA HIF1A-AS1)levels in placenta and cord blood of pregnant women with preeclampsia(PE)and its clinical significance.Methods Fifty pregnant women with PE who underwent cesarean section in Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected as the research subjects,including 24 pregnant women with mild PE and 26 pregnant women with severe PE.During the same period,25 healthy pregnant women who underwent cesarean section at the hospital were selected as the control group.The general data on the admission of all patients were collected.The real-time fluorescence quantitative qRT-PCR method was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in pregnant women's placenta tissue and cord blood.The relationship between lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 level and pregnancy outcome was analyzed.The Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between the relative expression level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 mRNA in placenta tissue and the level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in cord blood.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in placenta and cord blood for severe PE.Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of severe PE.Results Compared with the control group,the level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1(2.76±0.36,1.83±0.29 vs 1.03±0.21)was elevated in the placental tissues of pregnant women with PE in the severe and mild groups(q=29.687,13.456),and the expression level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in the severe group was higher than that in the mild group(q=15.792),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1(4.68±0.58,2.66±0.49 vs 1.06±0.34)was elevated in the cord blood of pregnant women with PE in the severe and mild groups(q=37.942,14.437),and the expression level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in the severe group was higher than that in the mild group(q=20.951),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in placenta and cord blood lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 high expression group was significantly higher than that in lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 low expression group(χ2=7.714,5.773,all P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 mRNA in placenta tissue was positively correlated with the level of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in cord blood(r=0.546,P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in the placenta for the diagnosis of severe PE was 0.788,with a sensitivity and a specificity of 80.80%and 80.00%,respectively.The AUC of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in the cord blood for the diagnosis of severe PE was 0.829,with a sensitivity and a specificity of 80.80%and 88.00%,respectively.Logistic regression analysis showed that 24-hour proteinuria,and placental and cord blood lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 levels were independent risk factors for severe PE(all P<0.05).Conclusion LncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in the placenta and cord blood of PE pregnant women is significantly up-regulated,and it increases with the aggravation of the disease.Placenta and cord blood lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 have a certain diagnostic value for the occurrence of severe PE.Detection of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 has important significance for the early and accurate diagnosis of PE and the prediction of the disease.
7.Clinical application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of testicular masses
Hui CHEN ; Ruoli LIU ; Xuelian ZHU ; Xuanchen JIN ; Wenya LIN ; Zuoliu XIE
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(14):15-17,30
Objective To explore the clinical application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of testicular masses.Methods A total of 63 patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University with testicular masses from January 2014 to August 2024 were sellected.All patients underwent both conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations.Among them,pathological results were obtained through surgical resection in 55 cases,and 8 non-tumorous patients were diagnosed through clinical follow-up.According to the results,testicular masses were classified into neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.Neoplastic lesions were further divided into benign and malignant masses.The routine ultrasound parameters,serum tumor markers and ultrasound contrast parameters were analyzed.Results In the differential diagnosis between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the testis,there were significant statistical differences in the maximum diameter of the mass,blood flow grade,enhancement time,and enhancement intensity(P<0.05).In the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant testicular masses,significant statistical differences were found in mass location,maximum diameter of the mass,echo characteristics,blood flow grade indicators,enhancement time,and enhancement intensity(P<0.05).Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may have certain reference value in the diagnosis of testicular masses.Hypo-enhancement or non-enhancement,along with slow enhancement,may be manifestations of benign lesions.
8.Establishment and validation of a nomogram for postoperative disease progression in patients with primary liver cancer
Tianchen XU ; Ru JIA ; Ruiqi ZHANG ; Yuling WANG ; Xuelian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(4):247-252
Objective:To establish and validate a nomogram for postoperative disease progression (including recurrence, metastasis, and death) in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC) based on quantitative CT measurements of relevant indicators.Methods:Clinical data of 290 patients with PLC admitted to Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University and Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected, including 177 males and 113 females, aged (60.3±11.9) years. Two hundred and three patients admitted to Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University were used as the training set, and 87 patients admitted to Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University were used as the validation set. The patient's condition of ascites , tumor length, number of lesions, tumor differentiation degree, relevant indicators of quantitative CT detection (including decreased muscle mass and increased intra-abdominal fat area), prognosis and other clinical data were recorded. The influencing factors of postoperative disease progression was analyzed through multiple logistic regression in the training set, and the nomogram model was constructed based on the results of multiple factor analysis. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. The clinical applicability of predictive models was evaluated using the decision curve analysis.Results:The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in maximum tumor diameter ( OR=1.519, 95% CI: 1.251-1.843), multiple lesions ( OR=3.193, 95% CI: 1.493-6.830), low tumor differentiation ( OR=5.604, 95% CI: 2.442-12.863), ascites ( OR=3.321, 95% CI: 1.166-9.463), portal vein tumor thrombus ( OR=3.990, 95% CI: 1.681-9.474), decreased muscle mass ( OR=2.173, 95% CI: 1.051-4.492) and increased intra-abdominal fat area ( OR=2.634, 95% CI: 1.276-5.438) were independent risk factors for postoperative disease progression in patients with PLC (all P<0.05). A nomogram was constructed based on the above variables, and the area under the ROC curve for predicting postoperative disease progression in patients with PLC in the training set and validation set was 0.862 (95% CI: 0.810-0.914) and 0.879 (95% CI: 0.806-0.953), respectively. The calibration curve and ideal curve fit well, indicating that the predicted situation was basically consistent with the actual situation. Decision curve analysis showed that the column chart model had a high clinical net benefit and good clinical prediction effectiveness. Conclusion:The nomogram constructed based on the maximum diameter of the tumor, the number of lesions, the degree of tumor differentiation, ascites, portal vein tumor thrombus, decreased muscle mass, and increased intra-abdominal fat area has good predictive power for postoperative disease progression in patients with PLC.
9.Pain, agitation, and delirium practices in Chinese intensive care units: A national multicenter survey study.
Xiaofeng OU ; Lijie WANG ; Jie YANG ; Pan TAO ; Cunzhen WANG ; Minying CHEN ; Xuan SONG ; Zhiyong LIU ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Man HUANG ; Xiaogan JIANG ; Shusheng LI ; Erzhen CHEN ; Lixia LIU ; Xuelian LIAO ; Yan KANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):3031-3033
10.Advances in the application of gene copy number alteration detection technology in lymphoma
Yu PENG ; Shuang CHEN ; Tingting JIANG ; Can LIN ; Longrong RAN ; Xuelian WU ; Lian LI ; Liangmei LI ; Xinyi TANG ; Yakun ZHANG ; Huiyu XIANG ; Junxi LIU ; Dan JI ; Zailin YANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(15):1860-1866
Lymphoma is a highly heterogeneous malignancy characterized by complex molecular regulatory mechanisms that result in significant differences in aggressiveness and prognosis across its subtypes.Gene copy number alteration(CNA)analysis,an emerging technology,has become a pivotal tool in the precision re-search and management of lymphoma.By detecting DNA deletions,amplifications,and chromosomal copy number changes,CNA analysis addresses the limitations of traditional cytogenetic techniques,enhances the ac-curacy of subtype classification,and aids in evaluating tumor heterogeneity and disease progression.This re-view provides a comprehensive summary of CNA detection methods and their applications in lymphoma,with a focus on recent advancements in the field.It offers a comparative analysis of CNA detection techniques and discusses their role in precision diagnosis,subtype classification,monitoring disease progression,predicting therapeutic resistance,and assessing prognosis.Additionally,the review explores the potential applications of CNA analysis in uncovering molecular regulatory mechanisms,optimizing therapeutic strategies,and impro-ving patient survival outcomes.

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