1.Efficacy Connotation and Mechanisms of Shudi Qiangjin Pills Against Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on "Disease-Syndrome-Formula" Association Network
Zhijian CHEN ; Suya ZHANG ; Longlong DING ; Guixin ZHANG ; Bo LIU ; Baohong MI ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunzhu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):88-99
ObjectiveTo elucidate the efficacy connotation of Shudi Qiangjin pills (SQP) against liver and kidney deficiency in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH) from the perspective of the "disease-syndrome-formula" association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experiment validation. MethodsThe chemical components and the corresponding putative targets of SQP were collected from the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) v2.0, and HERB databases. The SONFH-related genes were identified based on the differential expression profiles of peripheral blood of patients with SONFH compared to the healthy volunteers, and the disease phenotype-related targets were collected from the TCMIP v2.0 database. Then, the interaction network of "SONFH-related genes and candidate targets of SQP" was constructed based on "gene-gene interaction information", and the major network targets were screened by calculating the topological characteristic values of the network followed by the functional mining according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and the SoFDA database. After that, the SONFH rat model was prepared by lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone injection, and 2.5, 5, 7.5 g·kg-1 SQP (once per day, equivalent to 1, 2, and 3 times the clinical equivalent dose, respectively) or 7.3×10-3 g·kg-1 of alendronate sodium (ALS, once per week, equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose) was given for 8 weeks. The effect characteristics of SQP and ALS in the treatment of SONFH were evaluated by micro-computed tomography scanning, hematoxylin and eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining, and a comparative efficacy analysis was conducted with ALS. In addition, SONFH cell models were prepared by dexamethasone stimulation of osteoblasts, and the intervention was carried out with the medicated serum of SQP at the aforementioned three doses. Cell counting kit-8, ALP staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red staining, and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the regulatory effect of SQP on osteoblasts. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins and key factors of the target signaling axis were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. ResultsThe network analysis results demonstrated that the candidate targets of SQP primarily exerted their therapeutic effects through key signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, prolactin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors pathways. These pathways were significantly involved in critical biological processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the regulation of the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby addressing both modern medical symptoms (e.g., delayed skeletal maturation and recurrent fractures) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms (e.g., fatigue, aversion to cold, cold limbs, and pain in the limbs and joints in patients with SONFH characterized by liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. Among these pathways, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway exhibited the highest degree of enrichment. The in vivo experimental results demonstrated that starting from the 4th week after modeling, the modeling group exhibited a significant reduction in body weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). After six weeks of treatment, all dosage groups of SQP showed significantly higher body weights compared to the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in femoral head tissue, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (P<0.01), along with significant increases in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), empty lacunae rate in tissue, and apoptosis rate (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the SQP intervention groups showed significant improvements in BMD, BV/TV and Tb.N (P<0.01), significant reductions in Tb.Sp, empty lacunae rate and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and significant increases in protein levels of OCN and ALP as well as BALP content (P<0.05). The in vitro experimental results revealed that all dosage groups of SQP medicated serum showed no toxic effects on osteoblast. Compared with the normal group, the model group displayed significant suppression of osteoblast proliferation activity, ALP activity, and calcified nodule formation rate (P<0.01), significant decreases in mRNA transcription levels of OCN and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) (P<0.01), significant reductions in protein content of osteopontin (OPN), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ)A1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), PI3K, and phosphorylated (p)-Akt (P<0.01), and a significant increase in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SQP medicated serum intervention groups exhibited significant increases in proliferation activity, ALP activity, calcified nodule formation rate, mRNA transcription levels of OCN and RUNX2, and protein content of OPN, ColⅠA1, Bcl-2, PI3K, and p-Akt (P<0.05), along with a significant decrease in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). ConclusionSQP can effectively reduce the disease severity of SONFH with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and improve bone microstructure, with the therapeutic effects exhibiting a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism may be related to its regulation of key processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the correction of imbalances in the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby promoting osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis. The PI3K/Akt signaling axis is likely one of the key pathways through which this formula exerts its effects.
2.Factors Affecting Survival of 4892 Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Yunnan Province
Ruiqi CAI ; Zhijian YANG ; Yanyan YANG ; Guoyu MA ; Yuying PANG ; Mengjiao ZHANG ; Lei LUO ; Sile LI ; Min ZHAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):274-280
Objective To analyze survival outcomes and influencing factors among patients with colorectal cancer in Yunnan Province. Methods Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 4 892 patients with colorectal cancer. Survival data were obtained through follow-up. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed by applying the log-rank test. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis employed the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates for the entire cohort were 91.90%, 74.40%, 64.40%, and 28.70%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, ethnicity, region, differentiation grade, TNM stage, clinical stage, metastatic status, histological type, and treatment modality (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery) were associated with patient prognosis (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified age (HR=1.250), region (HR=1.262), differentiation grade (HR=0.761), clinical stage (HR=3.128), and treatment modality (chemotherapy, HR=0.644; radiotherapy, HR=1.605; surgery, HR=0.384) as independent factors affecting survival prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (all P<0.001). Conclusion Age, region, clinical stage, and treatment modality are independent factors influencing survival among patients with colorectal cancer in Yunnan Province. In clinical practice, these factors should be integrated to develop individualized prevention and treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes.
3.Study on the construction of a red blood cell rare blood type database and physical repository in the Guangzhou Region
Zhijian LIAO ; Shuangshuang JIA ; Yuan SHAO ; Boquan HUANG ; Chunyan MO ; Jizhi WEN ; Runqing ZHANG ; Xia RONG ; Hong LUO ; Huaqin LIANG ; Yanli JI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):619-628
Objective: To conduct screening for rare blood types within important blood group systems for the Chinese population, such as Rh, Duffy, Kidd, P1Pk, Diego, and MNS, in the Guangzhou region, and to establish a corresponding rare blood type database and physical repository. Methods: The saline medium microplate method was used to screen blood donors with the ccDEE phenotype combined with either Jk(a-) or Jk(b-). The polybrene microplate method was employed to screen for donors with Fy(a-), s(-), Lu(b-), Di(b-), k(-), and p phenotypes. The urea lysis microplate method was applied to screen for the Jk(a-b-) phenotype. A high-resolution melting (HRM) curve method was established for screening some donors with the Di(b-) phenotype. Subsequently, expanded phenotyping of antigens in the Rh, Kidd, MNS, Duffy, P1Pk, Lewis, Kell, and Lutheran blood group systems was performed on identified rare blood type donors using monoclonal antibodies. The test results are entered into the Rare Blood Type Bank Management System of the Guangzhou Blood Center, enabling functions such as confirmation reminders and cryopreservation storage when the donor donates again. Red blood cells of rare blood types are processed into frozen red blood cells for long-term storage. Results: Among voluntary blood donors, 16 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(a-) phenotype were identified (0.221 7%, 16/7 216); 10 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(b-) phenotype (0.138 6%, 10/7 216); 78 cases of the Fy(a-) phenotype (0.169 5%, 78/46 012); 39 cases of the Lu(b-) phenotype (0.138 2%, 39/28 214); 31 cases of the s(-) phenotype (0.081 8%, 31/37 913); 22 cases of the Di(b-) phenotype (0.029 9%, 22/73 691); 30 cases of the Jk(a-b-) phenotype (0.010 1%, 30/298 250); and 1 case of the k(-) phenotype (0.001 3%, 1/77 382), which was further identified as KELnull phenotype (K0). No p phenotype donors were identified (0/88 528). A total of 228 units of frozen red blood cells were prepared. The screening results were compared and analyzed with rare blood type data from other regions. Conclusion: This study, through a combination of different screening methods, significantly improved the efficiency of rare blood type screening while remaining cost-effective. By conducting large-scale screening and performing data informatization processing, a database and physical repository of rare blood types in the Guangzhou region were successfully established. This provides a strong guarantee for the timely supply of blood to patients with difficult-to-match and rare blood types in the region, effectively enhances the level of transfusion safety in the region, and offers a practical paradigm for constructing a comprehensive blood transfusion support system.
4.Environmental exposure to cardiovascular damage:pathogenesis and research pro-gress on microplastics
Siyao NI ; Sheng LIU ; Chenyang WANG ; Kexin YANG ; Ludan BI ; Zhijian YUE ; Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(9):823-828
Plastics are widely used in all areas of human life,providing convenience while also causing serious en-vironmental pollution problems.Microplastic pollution is one of its derivative problems.Microplastics are plastic parti-cles with a diameter of less than 5 mm.They are currently widely present in the environment,so humans are at considera-ble risk of exposure to microplastics.Humans are mainly exposed to microplastics through the respiratory tract,digestive tract and skin.When exposed to a large number of microplastics,some of them will enter the body and be transported throughout the body via the bloodstream,accumulating in multiple tissues and organs.A significant amount of microplas-tics has also been detected in the cardiovascular system.This paper systematically describes human exposure to and dam-age by microplastics,highlighting the distribution and pathological damage of microplastics in the cardiovascular system.The pathological mechanisms of cardiovascular damage caused by microplastics are analyzed,and relevant clinical research progress is followed.This paper aims to evaluate the pathological risk of microplastics from the perspective of cardiovascu-lar damage,and provide a basis for disease prevention and scientific prevention and control of microplastic pollution.
5.The impact of high-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive mechanical ventilation in elderly patients experi-encing acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with mild to moderate hypercapnia
Li AN ; Xiaomiao XIONG ; Minsheng LI ; Wei JIANG ; Yanxin LIU ; Zhijian ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1332-1338
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy(HFNC)versus non-invasive positive pressure ventilation(NPPV)in elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)accompanied by mild to moderate hypercapnia.Methods The study included 92 AECOPD patients with hypercapnia treated at the second medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from August 2021,to October 2023,with 49 in the NPPV group and 43 in the HFNC group.The two groups were compared in terms of 28-day intubation rate,90-day mortality,and arterial blood gases.Results The NPPV group showed a significantly higher 28-day intubation rate compared to the HFNC group(28.57%vs.11.63%,P<0.05),but no significant differences in the 90-day mortality rate(36.73%vs.23.26%,P>0.05).The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that the HFNC group had a significantly lower 28-day intubation rate compared to the NPPV group(Log-Rank test:χ2=4.257,P=0.039),but no significant difference in 90-day mortality rate(Log-Rank test:χ2=2.596,P=0.107).A Cox proportional hazards model,which incorporated APACHE Ⅱ score and baseline PaCO2,demonstrated that the risk of 28-day intubation in the HFNC group was reduced by 69%as compared to the NPPV group(HR=0.31,95%CI:0.10~0.93,P=0.037),but the risk of 90-day mortality did not show a significant decrease(HR=0.61,95%CI:0.27~1.37,P=0.232).PaCO2 in both groups decreased gradually and pH increased simultaneously.PaCO2,pH,and PaO2 at 2h and 48h against the baseline values did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion In elderly AECOPD patients with mild-to-moderate hypercapnia,HFNC reduces intubation rates compared to NPPV,without increasing mortality,and shows similar improvements in arterial blood gas indicators,making it a suitable respiratory support option.
6.The characteristics in risky decision-making feedback of depressed patients with suicidal ideation: an ERP study
Ciqing BAO ; Qiaoyang ZHANG ; Haowen ZOU ; Chen HE ; Rui YAN ; Qing LU ; Zhijian YAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):405-411
Objective:To explore behavioral and electrophysiological differences in risky decision-making between depressed patients with and without suicidal ideation.Methods:A total of 61 patients with first-episode untreated depression were enrolled in the depression clinic of Nanjing Brain Hospital from September 2023 to January 2024, which were divided into the suicidal ideation group( n=32) and the non-suicidal ideation group ( n=29).At the same time, healthy controls matched with sex, age and years of education were recruited from the community( n=36).The event-related potentials (ERP) of the participants were detected, and the amplitude and latency of feedback related negative waves (FRN) and P300 during the feedback phase under Iowa gambling task (IGT) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software.The inter-and intra-group differences of ERP indexes were compared using two-way ANOVA, and Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between ERP indexes and scores of the Beck scale for suicidal ideation. Results:(1)Compared with healthy controls, depressed patients with and without suicidal ideation had both lower net scores in IGT (both P<0.05).(2)When comparing the mean FRN amplitude under different feedback types among the three groups, the main effect of feedback type ( F=8.799, P=0.004), the main effect of group ( F=6.396, P=0.002) and the interaction effect ( F=4.200, P=0.018)were all significant. Under gain feedback conditions, the mean FRN amplitude was lower in both depressed groups compared with healthy controls (both P<0.05). (3)The comparison of the mean P300 amplitude under different feedback types among the three groups showed that the main effect of group ( F=15.719, P<0.001) and the main effect of feedback type ( F=15.949, P=0.001) were both significant, while the interaction effect between group and feedback type was not significant ( F=1.573, P=0.213). The group with suicidal ideation ((0.85±0.21) μV) had a smaller amplitude than both the non-suicidal ideation group ((1.61±0.22) μV) and healthy controls ((2.46±0.20) μV) (both P<0.05). (4)In depressed patients, P300 mean amplitude under both loss and gain feedback conditions were both negatively correlated with suicidal ideation (loss: r=-0.435, P=0.001; gain: r=-0.318, P=0.013). Conclusion:Depressed patients with and without suicidal ideation both exhibit impaired risk decision-making. The decrease of P300 mean amplitude is more significant in depressed patients with suicidal ideation than those without suicidal ideation.P300 mean amplitude may serve as an electrophysiological marker to differentiate depressed patients with suicidal ideation and those without suicidal ideation.
7.Environmental exposure to cardiovascular damage:pathogenesis and research pro-gress on microplastics
Siyao NI ; Sheng LIU ; Chenyang WANG ; Kexin YANG ; Ludan BI ; Zhijian YUE ; Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(9):823-828
Plastics are widely used in all areas of human life,providing convenience while also causing serious en-vironmental pollution problems.Microplastic pollution is one of its derivative problems.Microplastics are plastic parti-cles with a diameter of less than 5 mm.They are currently widely present in the environment,so humans are at considera-ble risk of exposure to microplastics.Humans are mainly exposed to microplastics through the respiratory tract,digestive tract and skin.When exposed to a large number of microplastics,some of them will enter the body and be transported throughout the body via the bloodstream,accumulating in multiple tissues and organs.A significant amount of microplas-tics has also been detected in the cardiovascular system.This paper systematically describes human exposure to and dam-age by microplastics,highlighting the distribution and pathological damage of microplastics in the cardiovascular system.The pathological mechanisms of cardiovascular damage caused by microplastics are analyzed,and relevant clinical research progress is followed.This paper aims to evaluate the pathological risk of microplastics from the perspective of cardiovascu-lar damage,and provide a basis for disease prevention and scientific prevention and control of microplastic pollution.
8.The characteristics in risky decision-making feedback of depressed patients with suicidal ideation: an ERP study
Ciqing BAO ; Qiaoyang ZHANG ; Haowen ZOU ; Chen HE ; Rui YAN ; Qing LU ; Zhijian YAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):405-411
Objective:To explore behavioral and electrophysiological differences in risky decision-making between depressed patients with and without suicidal ideation.Methods:A total of 61 patients with first-episode untreated depression were enrolled in the depression clinic of Nanjing Brain Hospital from September 2023 to January 2024, which were divided into the suicidal ideation group( n=32) and the non-suicidal ideation group ( n=29).At the same time, healthy controls matched with sex, age and years of education were recruited from the community( n=36).The event-related potentials (ERP) of the participants were detected, and the amplitude and latency of feedback related negative waves (FRN) and P300 during the feedback phase under Iowa gambling task (IGT) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software.The inter-and intra-group differences of ERP indexes were compared using two-way ANOVA, and Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between ERP indexes and scores of the Beck scale for suicidal ideation. Results:(1)Compared with healthy controls, depressed patients with and without suicidal ideation had both lower net scores in IGT (both P<0.05).(2)When comparing the mean FRN amplitude under different feedback types among the three groups, the main effect of feedback type ( F=8.799, P=0.004), the main effect of group ( F=6.396, P=0.002) and the interaction effect ( F=4.200, P=0.018)were all significant. Under gain feedback conditions, the mean FRN amplitude was lower in both depressed groups compared with healthy controls (both P<0.05). (3)The comparison of the mean P300 amplitude under different feedback types among the three groups showed that the main effect of group ( F=15.719, P<0.001) and the main effect of feedback type ( F=15.949, P=0.001) were both significant, while the interaction effect between group and feedback type was not significant ( F=1.573, P=0.213). The group with suicidal ideation ((0.85±0.21) μV) had a smaller amplitude than both the non-suicidal ideation group ((1.61±0.22) μV) and healthy controls ((2.46±0.20) μV) (both P<0.05). (4)In depressed patients, P300 mean amplitude under both loss and gain feedback conditions were both negatively correlated with suicidal ideation (loss: r=-0.435, P=0.001; gain: r=-0.318, P=0.013). Conclusion:Depressed patients with and without suicidal ideation both exhibit impaired risk decision-making. The decrease of P300 mean amplitude is more significant in depressed patients with suicidal ideation than those without suicidal ideation.P300 mean amplitude may serve as an electrophysiological marker to differentiate depressed patients with suicidal ideation and those without suicidal ideation.
9.The microstate characteristics of electroencephalogram in first-episode drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder
Wubin CHEN ; Ciqing BAO ; Qiaoyang ZHANG ; Haowen ZOU ; Rui YAN ; Qing LU ; Zhijian YAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(9):798-803
Objective:To analyze the characteristics of electroencephalogram microstate parameters in first-episode drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), so as to provide electrophysiological evidence for the pathogenesis and early diagnosis of MDD.Methods:Eighty-four first-episode, drug-naive outpatients diagnosed with MDD(MDD group) and 82 healthy controls(healthy group) participated in this study. Resting-state EEG data (5-6 min, with eyes closed) were recorded for all participants. Data preprocessing and microstate analysis were performed using MATLAB and EEGLAB software. Temporal parameters of resting-state brain network microstates were compared using SPSS 26.0.Results:This study identified four typical microstates: Class A microstate(auditory network), Class B microstate(visual network), Class C microstate(salient network), and Class D microstate(attention and control network). The coverage rate (0.16±0.06, 0.21±0.06), duration (67.72±7.07, 72.28±8.59), and incidence rate (2.38±0.68, 2.82±0.67) of microstate A in MDD group were significantly lower than those in healthy group ( F=22.115, 13.368, 18.779, all P<0.001), while the above indexes of microstate B in MDD group were significantly higher than those in healthy group(coverage rate: 0.24±0.07 vs 0.18±0.06, duration: 76.35±11.28 vs 69.46±8.52, incidence rat: 3.16±0.52 vs 2.52±0.57) ( F=41.287, 18.999, 52.245, all P<0.001). Additionally, the microstate D in MDD group showed significantly lower coverage rate(0.33±0.08, 0.36±0.08) and duration (89.66±15.38, 95.46±16.79)compared with healthy group( F=3.932, 4.215, both P<0.05). Notably, significant differences were observed in the transition probabilities between the following microstates: A→B, A→D, B→A, C→A, C→B, D→A and D→B (all P<0.05). Conclusion:First-episode drug-naive depressive patients are characterized by alterations in microstate A, microstate B, and microstate D, which may be the potential pathogenesis of MDD and may serve as electrophysiological indicators for early diagnosis of MDD.
10.Role of respiratory microbiota in the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer
Wenbo DONG ; Haoyang YU ; Yifan ZHU ; Zhijian ZHANG ; Wenyang LI ; Delei KONG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(1):82-86
Microbiota can be recognized by the human immune system,trigger specific immune responses,and play a significant role in the onset and progression of diseases through intricate regulatory mechanisms.The tumor microenvironment comprises the peritumoral extracellular matrix,immune cells,tumor-associated fibroblasts,and endothelial cells,among others.In this context,the tumor immune microenvironment,characterized by immune cells,significantly influences cancer progression and treatment.Notably,the tumor immune microenvironment is closely associated with the tumor microbiota.The presence of respiratory microbiota is correlated with the typing and staging of non-small cell lung cancer.This study investigated the mechanisms by which respiratory microbiota affect innate and adaptive immune cells within the tumor immune microenvironment and explored the role of respiratory microbiota in the immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer.The aim was to identify potential biomarkers that could enhance the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

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