1.Effect of electroacupuncture on hippocampal glycolysis via the regulation of the Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease model mice
Zhaoxie YU ; Yao WANG ; Yanan LI ; Chunfeng LYU ; Junling LI ; Xun ZHANG ; Zhipeng FENG ; Feng SHEN ; Yanchun WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1460-1469
Objective This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease(AD)model mice and its effect on astrocytic glycolytic function,further exploring how EA ameliorates AD-related cognitive impairment.Methods Eighteen APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model,EA,and sham EA groups(n=6)using the random number table method.Six wild-type C57BL/6J mice served as the control group.The EA group received EA stimulation at acupoints"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)(administered every other day,20 min per session,for 4 weeks).The sham EA group received identical needle insertions at the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The control and model groups were only restrained.Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation tests.Hippocampal morphology was observed via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Hippocampal β-amyloid peptide 1-42(Aβ1-42)deposition was detected using immunohistochemistry.HIF-1α protein expression,the p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were measured using Western blotting.Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)activities were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hexokinase(HK)activity and L-lactate content were determined using a colorimetric assay.Co-localization of LDHA with the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence double-labeling combined with Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice exhibited cognitive decline,as shown by prolonged escape latency(P<0.01),reduced number of platform crossings,lower time spent in the target quadrant,and decreased spontaneous alternation accuracy(P<0.01).The hippocampal neurons showed cell body swelling,deeper nuclear staining,enlarged intercellular spaces,and increased average optical density of Aβ1-42(P<0.01).The p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,were elevated(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes was enhanced.Compared to the model group,the EA group of mice showed improved cognitive function.The hippocampal neurons had more intact structures,with a more uniform cell distribution.The average optical density of Aβ1-42 decreased(P<0.01),and the p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,decreased(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels decreased(P<0.05),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes significantly decreased(P<0.01).No significant improvement was observed in any of the indicators in the sham EA group compared with the EA group.Conclusion EA at"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice.The underlying mechanism may involve suppressing the overactivation of the hippocampal Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway,thereby downregulating key glycolytic enzyme activities and reducing abnormal lactate accumulation.Furthermore,the astrocytic glycolytic metabolic pathway may constitute a key therapeutic target for this intervention.
2.Key Quality Attributes and Technical Control Points of Aluminum Foil for Pharmaceutical Packaging in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China
Yanchun RAO ; Wei XIONG ; Junfeng ZUO ; Lei CHEN ; Huizheng FU ; Majian XIONG ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Liang CHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1763-1767
Aluminum foil for pharmaceutical packaging is a material used for solid dosage forms.Guideline 9625 of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(2025 edition),built on the concepts of whole-process quality control and risk management,specifies the quality requirements for aluminum foil.This article analyzed and discussed the critical quality attributes and technical control points of aluminum foil by examining its fundamental characteristics,production processes,and relevant domestic and international standards.This article aimed to provide guidance for stakeholders in understanding and applying the guidelines,thereby enhancing pharmaceutical packaging quality and fostering standardization across the industry.
3.Experience of master degree nursing students and their supervisors in the dual-supervisor system:a qualitative study
Yuxian ZHENG ; Yeling LIU ; Ziyuan JIN ; Yanchun WU ; Manshan SUN ; Kang LIN ; Hongchun LIN ; Mingming CAI ; Hong ZHANG
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(8):73-79
Objective To explore the experiences of master degree nursing students and their supervisors under the dual-supervisor system.Methods A phenomenological research was adopted in this study eighteen master degree nursing students,five principle supervisors and four assistant supervisors from our university were selected through purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews between July and September 2023.Data acquired from the interviews was analysed using Colaizzi's method to summarise and extract the themes.Results Three main themes and eleven sub-themes were extracted,including the collaborative framework of the dual-mentor system(discrepancies in the perception of the dual-mentor system between faculty and students,the selection and matching process for associate mentors,the division of responsibilities and collaborative dynamics between primary and associate mentors,student-centered personalized training strategies,context-specific guidance provided by associate mentors,and the extent to which inter-role communication relies on student initiative),the benefits of the dual-mentor system(encompassing diversified academic and professional guidance,as well as integrated theoretical and practical support)and the expectations held by faculty and students regarding the dual-mentor system(refining institutional design and reinforcing accountability,enhancing the support infrastructure for associate mentors,and improving the tripartite communication mechanism among faculty,students,and associate mentors).Conclusion In nursing postgraduate education,the roles and responsibilities within the dual-mentor system can be more clearly delineated,and inter-mentor collaboration should be further strengthened.It is recommended to enhance tripartite communication among faculty,students,and associate mentors to foster the effective implementation and development of the dual-mentor system.
4.Key Quality Attributes and Technical Control Points of Aluminum Foil for Pharmaceutical Packaging in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China
Yanchun RAO ; Wei XIONG ; Junfeng ZUO ; Lei CHEN ; Huizheng FU ; Majian XIONG ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Liang CHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1763-1767
Aluminum foil for pharmaceutical packaging is a material used for solid dosage forms.Guideline 9625 of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(2025 edition),built on the concepts of whole-process quality control and risk management,specifies the quality requirements for aluminum foil.This article analyzed and discussed the critical quality attributes and technical control points of aluminum foil by examining its fundamental characteristics,production processes,and relevant domestic and international standards.This article aimed to provide guidance for stakeholders in understanding and applying the guidelines,thereby enhancing pharmaceutical packaging quality and fostering standardization across the industry.
5.Typical Practices and Strategy Analysis of Promoting the"Four Sinkings"of Tightly-knit County Medical Communities with Personnel as the Focus
Hongming ZHU ; Yanchun ZHANG ; Jiangmei QIN
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(5):64-69
Objective:To sort out the situation,content and practical experience of the"four sinkings"in the construction of tightly-knit county medical communities,and provide references and basis for the promotion of policies in various regions.Methods:Quantitative description methods were used to analyze the development trends of the number of health technicians and medical services in primary healthcare facilities.Literature research methods were used to analyze policy content.Case analysis methods were used to summarize and analyze the implementation content and support mechanisms of the"four sinkings"in Youxi County of Fujian Province,Dongyang City of Zhejiang Province,Dongtai City of Jiangsu Province and Suixi County of Anhui Province.Results:From 2010-2022,more health technicians and medical services still flew to hospitals,indicating that personnel is an important impact factor for service sinking.The task of personnel and service sinking to the primary healthcare level is still arduous.From 2023 to 2024,China has issued multiple national policies to clarify the content of the"four sinkings",among which personnel sinking is the core,technology sinking is the means,management sinking is the support,and service sinking is the goal.Case analysis result shows that typical regions have established a long-term mechanism to promote the"four sinkings"through talent pool constrution,economic incentives,medical insurance support and informatization construction.Conclusion and Suggestions:It is needed to enhance the understanding of the"four sinkings",and promote them as important policy measures;promote the experience of typical regions,with a focus on the establishment of a long-term mechanism;and strengthen trace study and monitoring and evaluation to ensure the implementation of the"four sinkings".
6.Peri-coronary fat inflammation predicts proximal atherosclerotic plaque formation associated with LAD myocardial bridge
Suyu LI ; Fan ZHOU ; Zhihan XU ; Yanchun CHEN ; Qian CHEN ; Yunyan SU ; Yun FENG ; Haitao ZHU ; Longjiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):604-612
Objective:To investigate the correlation between peri-coronary fat attenuation index (FAI) and plaque formation in patients with myocardial bridge (MB) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and to develop an optimal predictive model to explore the potential application of FAI in the primary prevention of MB related atherosclerosis.Methods:In this retrospective study, prediction models associated with perivascular fat inflammation were developed and validated using both logistic regression and machine learning (ML) algorithm. A training dataset was collected from 253 patients who underwent ≥2 coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with ≥3 months intervals from one tertiary hospital from January 2007 to April 2021 and had baseline CCTA showing no plaques in LAD MB. The median follow-up time was 3.2 years. According to the same criteria, a total of 75 LAD MB patients from four other hospitals were included to form an independent external validation dataset, with a median follow-up time of 1.8 years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and category net reclassification index (NRI) were used to compare the performance of the predictive models.Results:62 patients (24.5%) in the training dataset had proximal plaque formation in LAD MB, while 22 patients (29.3%) in the external validation dataset had plaque formation during the follow-up period. Baseline FAI within the longitudinal distance equal to 30 mm proximal to the MB entrance was an independent predictor ( OR=1.068, P=0.046). According to the model results, ROC curves were plotted. The AUC of Model 1 was 0.822, and the AUCs of Model 2 and 1 were 0.821 and 0.591 in the training dataset. After the DeLong test, the AUC of Model 1 was superior to that of Model 2 ( Z=2.839, P=0.005) and Model 1 ( Z=6.124, P<0.001). These findings were further validated in the external validation dataset, where ML-model 3 yielded the best predictive performance, outperforming the logistic regression-based Model 2 (categorical NRI=0.359, P=0.048; IDI=0.108, P=0.046). Conclusion:FAI measured within the 30 mm proximal to the entrance of MBs due to its prone to plaque development is an independent predictor for atherosclerotic plaque formation. The ML-prediction model based on a decision tree algorithm combines FAI, MB anatomical features, and patient risk factors, which is beneficial for patients undergoing routine CCTA examination to identify inflamed coronary arteries in advance and guide the clinical adoption of more targeted preventive treatment, including anti-inflammatory treatment.
7.Effect of electroacupuncture on hippocampal glycolysis via the regulation of the Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease model mice
Zhaoxie YU ; Yao WANG ; Yanan LI ; Chunfeng LYU ; Junling LI ; Xun ZHANG ; Zhipeng FENG ; Feng SHEN ; Yanchun WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1460-1469
Objective This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease(AD)model mice and its effect on astrocytic glycolytic function,further exploring how EA ameliorates AD-related cognitive impairment.Methods Eighteen APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model,EA,and sham EA groups(n=6)using the random number table method.Six wild-type C57BL/6J mice served as the control group.The EA group received EA stimulation at acupoints"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)(administered every other day,20 min per session,for 4 weeks).The sham EA group received identical needle insertions at the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The control and model groups were only restrained.Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation tests.Hippocampal morphology was observed via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Hippocampal β-amyloid peptide 1-42(Aβ1-42)deposition was detected using immunohistochemistry.HIF-1α protein expression,the p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were measured using Western blotting.Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)activities were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hexokinase(HK)activity and L-lactate content were determined using a colorimetric assay.Co-localization of LDHA with the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence double-labeling combined with Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice exhibited cognitive decline,as shown by prolonged escape latency(P<0.01),reduced number of platform crossings,lower time spent in the target quadrant,and decreased spontaneous alternation accuracy(P<0.01).The hippocampal neurons showed cell body swelling,deeper nuclear staining,enlarged intercellular spaces,and increased average optical density of Aβ1-42(P<0.01).The p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,were elevated(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes was enhanced.Compared to the model group,the EA group of mice showed improved cognitive function.The hippocampal neurons had more intact structures,with a more uniform cell distribution.The average optical density of Aβ1-42 decreased(P<0.01),and the p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,decreased(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels decreased(P<0.05),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes significantly decreased(P<0.01).No significant improvement was observed in any of the indicators in the sham EA group compared with the EA group.Conclusion EA at"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice.The underlying mechanism may involve suppressing the overactivation of the hippocampal Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway,thereby downregulating key glycolytic enzyme activities and reducing abnormal lactate accumulation.Furthermore,the astrocytic glycolytic metabolic pathway may constitute a key therapeutic target for this intervention.
8.Development and reliability and validity test of the ICU-acquired Swallowing Disorders Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire for Nurses
Peitao LI ; Yuxuan LI ; Yanchun SHANG ; Heli ZHANG ; Bo QIAO ; Baohua LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(14):1883-1889
Objective:To develop an ICU-acquired Swallowing Disorders Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire for Nurses and to test its reliability and validity.Methods:The initial questionnaire was constructed through literature review, group discussion, Delphi expert consultation, and pilot-testing based on the theory of knowledge, attitude and practice. Convenience sampling was used to select 301 ICU nurses from Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Beijing City, Yantai City, Wuhan City, and Xi'an City from January to February 2024 to examine the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.Results:The ICU-acquired Swallowing Disorders Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire for Nurses consisted of three dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and practice with a total of 52 items. In the two rounds of consultation, the expert authority coefficients were all 0.871, and Kendall's harmony coefficient was 0.186 and 0.161, respectively ( P<0.01) . Exploratory factor analysis extracted three common factors with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 74.989%. The split-half reliability of the questionnaire was 0.835, and the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.979, and the Cronbach's α coefficients for knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions were 0.976, 0.989, and 0.972, respectively. The content validity index at the questionnaire level was 0.996, and the content validity index at the item level was 0.800 to 1.000. Conclusions:The ICU-acquired Swallowing Disorders Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire for Nurses has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses towards ICU acquired dysphagia.
9.Application effect of a non-contact sleep monitoring mattress based on body movement characteristics during sleep
Yanchun ZHANG ; Yan LIU ; Rui WANG ; Feilong WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Fei LI ; Tunan CHEN ; Jishu XIAN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(4):326-334
Objective To verify the accuracy of a Non-Contact Sleep Monitoring Mattress(NCSMM)based on body movement during sleep in assessing sleep quality of patients before neurosurgery in order to provide a more portable and efficient assessment tool for clinical staff.Methods A single-arm trial was conducted on 114 inpatients admitted in our department selected with convenience sampling.Sleep quality data of 1 night were collected through 5 sleep quality assessment tools,including NCSMM,polysomnography(PSG),Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System(PROMIS)Sleep Disturbance scale,Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale(RCSQ),and a wearable device(smart watch for body movements and sleep quality monitoring).The sleep efficiency(≤85%)obtained by PSG was used as the diagnostic standard for sleep disorders.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and Youden index were calculated for the other 4 tools to evaluate and compare their diagnostic effectiveness.Results The AUC value for NCSMM,PROMIS,RCSQ and smart watch was 0.788(95%CI:0.687~0.888,P<0.001),0.664(95%CI:0.543~0.784,P=0.02),0.723(95%CI:0.600~0.846,P=0.001)and 0.750(95%CI:0.654~0.846,P<0.001),respectively.The diagnostic accuracy rate was 0.774,0.559,0.742 and 0.602,with corresponding Youden index value of 0.488,0.321,0.456,and 0.459.NCSMM demonstrated the best AUC value,sensitivity and Youden index when compared with the other 3 tools.Conclusion NCSMM shows high accuracy in assessing sleep quality in pre-neurosurgery inpatients,and it is a viable portable and efficient assessment tool in clinical practice.
10.Peri-coronary fat inflammation predicts proximal atherosclerotic plaque formation associated with LAD myocardial bridge
Suyu LI ; Fan ZHOU ; Zhihan XU ; Yanchun CHEN ; Qian CHEN ; Yunyan SU ; Yun FENG ; Haitao ZHU ; Longjiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):604-612
Objective:To investigate the correlation between peri-coronary fat attenuation index (FAI) and plaque formation in patients with myocardial bridge (MB) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and to develop an optimal predictive model to explore the potential application of FAI in the primary prevention of MB related atherosclerosis.Methods:In this retrospective study, prediction models associated with perivascular fat inflammation were developed and validated using both logistic regression and machine learning (ML) algorithm. A training dataset was collected from 253 patients who underwent ≥2 coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with ≥3 months intervals from one tertiary hospital from January 2007 to April 2021 and had baseline CCTA showing no plaques in LAD MB. The median follow-up time was 3.2 years. According to the same criteria, a total of 75 LAD MB patients from four other hospitals were included to form an independent external validation dataset, with a median follow-up time of 1.8 years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and category net reclassification index (NRI) were used to compare the performance of the predictive models.Results:62 patients (24.5%) in the training dataset had proximal plaque formation in LAD MB, while 22 patients (29.3%) in the external validation dataset had plaque formation during the follow-up period. Baseline FAI within the longitudinal distance equal to 30 mm proximal to the MB entrance was an independent predictor ( OR=1.068, P=0.046). According to the model results, ROC curves were plotted. The AUC of Model 1 was 0.822, and the AUCs of Model 2 and 1 were 0.821 and 0.591 in the training dataset. After the DeLong test, the AUC of Model 1 was superior to that of Model 2 ( Z=2.839, P=0.005) and Model 1 ( Z=6.124, P<0.001). These findings were further validated in the external validation dataset, where ML-model 3 yielded the best predictive performance, outperforming the logistic regression-based Model 2 (categorical NRI=0.359, P=0.048; IDI=0.108, P=0.046). Conclusion:FAI measured within the 30 mm proximal to the entrance of MBs due to its prone to plaque development is an independent predictor for atherosclerotic plaque formation. The ML-prediction model based on a decision tree algorithm combines FAI, MB anatomical features, and patient risk factors, which is beneficial for patients undergoing routine CCTA examination to identify inflamed coronary arteries in advance and guide the clinical adoption of more targeted preventive treatment, including anti-inflammatory treatment.

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