1.TCM Syndrome Distribution Patterns and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Comorbid with Metabolically Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Dingqi LI ; Liang HUANG ; Baixue LI ; Rui ZHAO ; Zhenglong ZHENG ; Yichen PENG ; Yu LIANG ; Caiying HE ; Jingdong CUI ; Zilin XIONG ; Xiyang LIU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):259-270
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) comorbid with metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and analyze their correlation with clinical characteristics and the progression of liver fibrosis. MethodsA cross-sectional study method was employed, and 506 patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD who attended the Hepatology Outpatient Department of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from June 2024 to December 2024 were enrolled. General information, traditional Chinese medicine syndromes information, laboratory indicators, and imaging examination results were collected using case report forms (CRF). Tongue images of patients were acquired using a tongue diagnosis instrument, and tongue feature parameters were extracted using computer image processing technology. Frequency analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis, and other methods were used to explore syndrome categories and distribution patterns. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics among different syndromes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and the progression of liver fibrosis. ResultsThe main traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD were mainly dominated by damp-heat accumulation syndrome, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome, and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, with damp-heat accumulation syndrome accounting for the highest proportion (41.89%). Compared with those without damp-heat accumulation syndrome, patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome had significantly lower tongue proper H value, tongue coating H value, and tongue coating a* value (P<0.05), significantly higher tongue coating b* value (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and glucose (GLU), increased CAP values (P<0.05), a higher proportion of males (P<0.05), and a younger age (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses show that age, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), diabetes, and damp-heat accumulation syndrome are independent risk factors for liver fibrosis (P<0.05), and that damp-heat accumulation syndrome is predominantly distributed in liver fibrosis stage F0-F1. ConclusionDamp-heat accumulation syndrome is a typical syndrome in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD, which is significantly associated with enhanced inflammatory response, metabolic disorders, and early liver fibrosis, and is a key link in disease progression. Clinical attention and early intervention are needed.
2.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
3.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
4.Association between initial hearing screening failure in newborns and combined deafness susceptibili-ty gene screening
Yuanyuan LIU ; Yichen LI ; Hui CHEN
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(4):363-367
Objective To analyze the distribution and characteristics of hearing and deafness susceptibility genes in newborns who failed the initial hearing screening,and to explore the association rules for those referred the re-screening.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted in 12 339 infants who failed the initial hearing screening in Beijing.Data analysis was conducted on the results of genetic screening for deafness susceptibil-ity genes and the results of the hearing re-screening and diagnosis.The Apriori algorithm was utilized to mine strong association rules related to the failure of the hearing re-screening.Results The detection rate of deafness suscepti-bility gene mutations was 7.14%(881/12 339),withGJB2,SLC26A4,GJB3,and MT-RNR1 being the most fre-quently identified genes.The positive predictive values for initial hearing screening and re-screening referred were 15.93%(1 965/12 339)and 17.87%(226/1 265).Association rule mining revealed that newborns who referred the initial hearing screening in both ears and had twins/multiple births,NICU admission,and deafness gene muta-tion detection had relatively increased risks of 4.47%,9.25%,and 16.72%.Newborns with deafness gene muta-tion detection who referred the initial hearing screening in both ears and female newborns had relatively increased risks of 3.99%and 12.60%who referred the hearing re-screening.Conclusion Newborns who fail the initial hear-ing screening have a relatively high detection rate of deafness susceptibility gene mutations.Those who fail initial bi-lateral hearing screening and have detected deafness gene mutations are at a significantly increased risk of failing the hearing rescreening.
5.Drug literacy assessment tools for adults: a scoping review
Shaohua GONG ; Chao SUN ; Jie LIU ; Yin SU ; Yichen JIANG ; Xufeng BAI ; Yu DUAN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2338-2348
Objective:To carry out a systematic review of the development, introduction or validation of drug literacy assessment tools for adults at home and abroad, and to summarize and analyze the characteristics of the assessment tools.Methods:The research framework of the scoping review was used to systematically search 8 Chinese and English databases, such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The search period was from database establishment to October 31, 2023. Studies on adult drug literacy assessment tools were screened and included, tool characteristics were extracted and analyzed, and ultimately the extracts were standardized for reporting.Results:A total of 31 articles that met the criteria were included, of which 26 were on the development and validation of assessment tools, three were on the localization and application of assessment tools, and two were on the revision of assessment tools, covering 33 assessment tools.Conclusions:It is needed to recognize the importance of drug literacy assessment, actively explore the diversity of drug literacy assessment tools, clarify the limitations of existing drug literacy assessment tools, further improve the reliability and validity of existing tools, continue to develop and introduce assessment tools suitable for China's national conditions, so as to increase the accuracy of drug literacy assessment.
6.Dosimetric comparison of 4 different volumetric modulated arc therapy plans for hippocampal-sparing prophylactic cranial irradiation
Meijiao WANG ; Jiacheng LIU ; Kaining YAO ; Yichen PU ; Jian GONG ; Fan JIANG ; Yi DU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):853-862
Objective To quantitatively compare the dosimetric differences among 4 volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)plans by analyzing the number of arcs and collimator angle settings,aiming to establish a standardized planning template for hippocampal-sparing prophylactic cranial irradiation(HS-PCI)in clinic and improve both planning quality and clinical efficiency.Methods Twenty HS-PCI patients were enrolled,with 4 VMAT plans(V2c,V2p,V3,and V4)for each patient.The differences in target dose,organs-at-risk dose,and monitor units were compared.Results V4 plan had the highest PTV D98%and V95%,and the differences of PTV D98%in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,and PTV V95%in V2c vs V4 were statistically significant(P<0.05).Meanwhile,V4 plan had the lowest PTV Dmax and Dmin doses.Specifically,statistically significant differences were observed in PTV Dmax in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,V4 vs V3,as well as PTV Dmin in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V3,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V4(P<0.05).The PTV Dmean was the highest in V2p plan,with statistically significant differences observed in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V3,and V3 vs V4(P<0.05).The highest PTV D2%dose was observed in V2p plan,and the differences in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V3,V3 vs V4 were statistically significant(P<0.05).The homogeneity index and conformity index were close in 4 plans(P=0.946,P=0.380).V4 plan had the lowest Dmax,Dmean,and Dmin of the hippocampus,with significant differences in hippocampal Dmax in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,hippocampal Dmean in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,V3 vs V2c,and hippocampal Dmin in V2c vs V2p/V3/V4,and V4 vs V2p(P<0.05).V3 plan had the lowest Dmax for bilateral lenses,and V4 plan showed the lowest Dmax for lenses with a 3 mm expansion,with significant differences between V2c and V2p/V3/V4(P<0.05).V4 plan had the lowest dose for the right optic nerve,with significant differences in V4 vs V2p,and V4 vs V3(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed for the left optic nerve and optic chiasm.The monitor units in V2p plan was the lowest.Conclusion When differences in organs-at-risk doses and plan quality parameters are insignificant,V2p plan is recommended as it can ensure treatment quality while reducing delivery time.
7.Analysis of lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis
Qi YANG ; Na PU ; Yichen DUAN ; Kun GAO ; Jing ZHOU ; Bo YE ; Gang LI ; Lu KE ; Yuxiu LIU ; Zhihui TONG ; Weiqin LI ; Baiqiang LI
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2025;25(1):44-49
Objective:To investigate lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) patients.Methods:Clinical data of 495 HTG-AP patients admitted from June 2018 to June 2020 in the center for severe acute pancreatitis of Eastern Theater General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Whole-exome sequencing and mutation verification were performed by next-generation sequencing technology and Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of gene mutation was analyzed by population mutation ratio, pathogenicity prediction software, conservation scoring software, protein structure prediction, and in vitro experiments. Results:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, namely LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, were 14.81%, 55.78%, 43.61%, 1.62%, and 0.61%, respectively. Among them, 44 heterozygous mutations in LPL gene were detected including 36 missense mutations, 5 nonsense mutations and 3 frameshift mutations, which were all rarely carried in single patient. Six HTG-AP patients carried the LPL gene heterozygous mutation c.835C>G (p.Leu279Val). The mean level of serum triglyceride at the onset of HTG-AP was 27.4 mmol/L. All of them had a history of recurrent HTG-AP, and most of them had severe acute pancreatitis. The serum LPL concentration and activity were lower than the normal level. The pathogenicity analysis results suggested that the LPL p.Leu279Val was a rare, highly possible pathogenic and highly conserved gene mutation. The in vitro results showed that the LPL p.Leu279Val could significantly reduce the synthesis and secretion ability of LPL as well as its enzymatic activity. Conclusions:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, including LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, are relatively high in the HTG-AP patients. The LPL p.Leu279Val is a rare and highly possible pathogenic gene mutation, which may lead to recurrent episodes of HTG-AP.
8.Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses
Junmin ZHU ; Junjie WANG ; Jianming YUE ; Yixin SUN ; Yichen LIU ; Lei WANG ; Lin LIN ; Jie LI ; Jinlan ZHAO ; Xuehua TU ; Ningying DING ; Jianrong HU ; Chunmei HE ; Leilei TIAN ; Hongtao TANG ; Jiasheng ZHAO ; Cheng CHEN ; Yongxiang SONG ; Yunwei TIAN ; Yong XIAO ; Kaidi LI ; Lin MA ; Yun WANG ; Longqi CHEN ; Dong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(11):1603-1609
Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.
10.Natural product virtual-interact-phenotypic target characterization: A novel approach demonstrated with Salvia miltiorrhiza extract.
Rui XU ; Hengyuan YU ; Yichen WANG ; Boyu LI ; Yong CHEN ; Xuesong LIU ; Tengfei XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101101-101101
Natural products (NPs) have historically been a fundamental source for drug discovery. Yet the complex nature of NPs presents substantial challenges in pinpointing bioactive constituents, and corresponding targets. In the present study, an innovative natural product virtual screening-interaction-phenotype (NP-VIP) strategy that integrates virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics to identify and validate the bioactive targets of NPs. This approach reduces false positive results and enhances the efficiency of target identification. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), a herb with recognized therapeutic potential against ischemic stroke (IS), was used to illustrate the workflow. Utilizing virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics, potential therapeutic targets for SM in the IS treatment were identified, totaling 29, 100, and 78, respectively. Further analysis via the NP-VIP strategy highlighted five high-confidence targets, including poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), amyloid precursor protein (APP), glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), and glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67). These targets were subsequently validated and found to play critical roles in the neuroprotective effects of SM. The study not only underscores the importance of SM in treating IS but also sets a precedent for NP research, proposing a comprehensive approach that could be adapted for broader pharmacological explorations.

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