1.Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Diabetic Nephropathy by Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Qinyuan ZHANG ; Yanxu CHEN ; Dakai QIN ; Jin PENG ; Zhisheng JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):277-285
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious chronic microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is characterized by gradual and progressive decline of renal function, which eventually leads to glomerular sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and other serious lesions. Although modern medical treatment can partially relieve the symptoms, there are limitations such as single therapeutic effect, low long-term therapeutic effect, and severe side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with a wide effect range, lasting efficacy, and high safety, often exerts unique therapeutic effect in the clinical treatment of DN. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an anti-oxidative stress transcription factor, has received much attention. It can regulate multiple upstream and downstream factors such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and p62, playing a role in cell protection by intervening in different mechanisms. A large number of studies have found that TCM active ingredients and compound prescriptions can inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and ferroptosis or promote autophagy by regulating the signaling pathway composed of Nrf2 and the above-mentioned related factors, thus protecting the kidney function, reducing proteinuria, alleviating kidney fibrosis, and significantly ameliorating DN. This review briefly summarized the structure and function of Nrf2, clarified the regulation mechanism of Nrf2 in DN, focused on the main studies on the intervention of DN by the effective components and compound formulas of TCM through the targeted activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the past five years, and discussed the huge potential of Nrf2 signaling pathway as a target for the treatment of DN. The aim is to provide reference for the development and promotion of new drugs in clinical practice and promote the innovation and development of the treatment methods for DN in the future.
2.AI-integrated IQPD framework of quality prediction and diagnostics in small-sample multi-unit pharmaceutical manufacturing: Advancing from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing.
Kaiyi WANG ; Xinhai CHEN ; Nan LI ; Huimin FENG ; Xiaoyi LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Yanfei WU ; Yufeng GUO ; Shuoshuo XU ; Lu YAO ; Zhaohua ZHANG ; Jun JIA ; Zhishu TANG ; Zhisheng WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4193-4209
The pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in quality digitization for complex multi-stage processes, especially in small-sample systems. Here, an intelligent quality prediction and diagnostic (IQPD) framework was developed and applied to Tong Ren Tang's Niuhuang Qingxin Pills, utilizing four years of data collected from four production units, covering the entire process from raw materials to finished products. In this framework, a novel path-enhanced double ensemble quality prediction model (PeDGAT) is proposed, which combines a graph attention network and path information to encode inter-unit long-range and sequential dependencies. Additionally, the double ensemble strategy enhances model stability in small samples. Compared to global traditional models, PeDGAT achieves state-of-the-art results, with an average improvement of 13.18% and 87.67% in prediction accuracy and stability on three indicators. Additionally, a more in-depth diagnostic model leveraging grey correlation analysis and expert knowledge reduces reliance on large samples, offering a panoramic view of attribute relationships across units and improving process transparency. Finally, the IQPD framework integrates into a Human-Cyber-Physical system, enabling faster decision-making and real-time quality adjustments for Tong Ren Tang's Niuhuang Qingxin Pills, a product with annual sales exceeding 100 million CNY. This facilitates the transition from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing.
3.Effect of hydrogen sulfide on calcification during macrophage phagocytosis of lipids and its mechanisms
Yanwen LIU ; Qian XU ; Kun ZHOU ; Ziyi LI ; Shuiqing LIU ; Jun ZHANG ; Zhong REN ; Zhisheng JIANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(4):317-325
Aim To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macrophage calcification and its underlying mo-lecular mechanisms.Methods Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation,and von Kossa staining and atomic absorption spectroscopy were used for morphological and quantitative analysis of calcium deposition and intracellular calcium content in a mononuclear macrophage calcification model.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin(OPN)at different doses and treatment times of hydrogen sulfide.At the same time,Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of early growth response factor 1(EGR1),endo-plasmic reticulum stress-related markers C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)and glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78).Reactive oxygen species levels were evaluated by fluorescence probe staining,and the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macro-phage calcification was evaluated by combining von Kossa staining and calcium ion fluorescence probe staining.The mo-lecular mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide affecting macrophage calcification were explored by interfering with EGR1 expression and using endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA).Results Compared with oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)group,β-glycerophosphate(β-GP)+40 g/L ox-LDL group showed a significant increase in intracellular lipid accumulation,while hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibited macrophage calcification in a con-centration-and time-dependent manner.Compared with the β-GP+ox LDL group,the most significant effect was observed after incubation with 100 μmol/L NaHS for 4 days.The hydrogen sulfide group showed a 66%decrease in intracellular calcium content(P<0.01),a 71%decrease in intercellular calcium deposition(P<0.01),and a 50%and 48%decrease in OPN mRNA and protein expression,respectively(P<0.05).Hydrogen sulfide treatment upregulated the ex-pression of EGR1 by 21%,while downregulating the expression of CHOP and GRP78 by 58%and 59%,respectively(P<0.01).The endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-PBA could downregulate OPN expression by 73%(P<0.01),while interfering with EGR1 expression completely counteracts the inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide on OPN expression and calcium deposition(P<0.01).Conclusion Hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibits macrophage calcification by upregulating EGR1 expression and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress.
4.Identification of Taste Critical Quality Attribute and Formulation Optimization of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid Based on the Combination of Electronic Tongue and Real Human Senses
Xingyue HUAN ; Zhisheng WU ; Ying LU ; Haiyang LI ; Shuoshuo XU ; Han HE ; Qiatong XIE ; Nan LI ; Jun JIA ; Lu YAO ; Run ZHANG ; Jiafu CHEN ; Xingxing DAI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3213-3223
Objective To identify the taste critical quality attribute and design and optimize the flavor-correcting formulation of the traditional Chinese medicine oral preparation Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid,in order to improve its taste and enhance patient medication adherence.Methods The taste assignment method was employed to identify the taste critical quality attribute of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid.Based on human sensory evaluation and the standardized Euclidean distance in electronic tongue analysis,suitable types of corrigent were determined.Subsequently,under constraints such as maximum allowable dosage,solubility,and sweetness,the optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with electronic tongue and human sensory evaluation results.The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(Ethics Approval Number 2020BZYLL0609).Results The quantitative score for bitter taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid accounted for 30.36%,confirming bitterness as the taste critical quality attribute requiring attention.The optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined to be 120 mg·mL?1 erythritol,12 mg·mL?1 acesulfame potassium,and 2.4 mg·mL?1 stevioside.This formulation achieved an 11.75-point improvement in sensory evaluation scores compared to the original commercially available oral liquid.Conclusion This study successfully improved the taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid and established a comprehensive strategy for flavor-correcting formulation optimization,including a method for identifying taste critical quality attribute.This strategy provides a referential paradigm for palatability enhancement of similar traditional Chinese medicine oral preparations,laying a crucial technical foundation for elevating the clinical value of Chinese herbal medicines and promoting the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).
5.Graduate destination and employment status of Chinese medical master's graduates: an analysis based on 2023 national survey
Jingrui LI ; Peiyao SHI ; Jinzhong JIA ; Wei JIANG ; Zhisheng LIANG ; Mengting ZHANG ; Zhiqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):788-794
Objective:To understand the graduation destination of newly graduated medical master's students in China and analyze their employment status.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted on 15 942 medical master's students who graduated in 2023. Descriptive analysis, χ2 test, and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test were used to understand the current situation and differences in the graduation destinations, employment units, job positions, and starting salaries of different types of medical master's graduates. Results:The employment rate of medical master's graduates was 58.21% (9 280/15 942). In terms of graduation destinations, male graduates, professional degree holders, graduates from non-"Double First-Class" universities, and nursing majors had a high proportion of confirmed employment units. Male graduates, academic degree holders, graduates from "Double First-Class" universities, and basic medical science majors had a high proportion pursuing further studies domestically. In terms of employment, the highest proportion of medical master's graduates worked in hospitals (84.92%, 6 495/7 648) and the lowest proportion worked in primary-level medical and healthcare institutions (1.02%, 78/7 648). The majority (78.07%, 5 971/7 648) held professional technical positions. Starting salaries were relatively low and ranged between 3 001 and 5 000 yuan/month, accounting for 30.99% (2 370/7 648).Conclusions:The employment rate of medical master's graduates is low, with concentrated employment units and job positions, and there is a lack of talents in primary medical institutions. Colleges and universities and education management departments should adopt policy-driven approaches to support key demographic groups and encourage employment in primary healthcare. Training programs should be timely adjusted in response to market demands and focus on cultivating the comprehensive quality and job competence of medical master's graduates. Additionally, student-centered approaches should be used to strengthen the employment guidance and career planning services.
6.Summary of the best evidence for volume management in patients with continuous renal replacement therapy
Fang WANG ; Zhisheng ZHANG ; Anliu NIE ; Shaona LIAO ; Xiangfen SU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(33):2592-2599
Objective:To summarize the best evidence of volume management in patients with continuous renal replacement therapy, and to provid reference for clinical nursing practice.Methods:Comprehensive search clinical decisions, guidelines, expert consensus, group standards, systematic review and original study on volume management of patients with continuous renal replacement therapy in UpToDate, Cochrane Library, BMJ Best Practice, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Guideline International Network, Registered Nurses 'Association of Ontario, French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, International Society of Nephrology, Yimaitong, Chinese Nursing Association, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and other databases. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to April 6, 2024. Literature quality evaluation were conducted independently by researchers who had learned evidence-based nursing research, and the evidence was extracted and integrated.Results:A total of 17 articles were included, comprising 3 clinical decision-making studies, 2 guidelines, 9 expert consensus documents, 1 systematic review, 1 group standard, and 1 randomized controlled trial, and 31 pieces of evidence were summarized from six dimensions: team management, capacity assessment, capacity management objectives, process monitoring, capacity management measures and management of volume related complications.Conclusions:This study summarized the best evidence for the volume management of patients with continuous renal replacement therapy, and provided scientific and standardized basis for the guidance of volume management for clinical medical staff, suggesting that medical staff should selectively apply the best evidence according to the actual clinical situation.
7.Effect of hydrogen sulfide on calcification during macrophage phagocytosis of lipids and its mechanisms
Yanwen LIU ; Qian XU ; Kun ZHOU ; Ziyi LI ; Shuiqing LIU ; Jun ZHANG ; Zhong REN ; Zhisheng JIANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(4):317-325
Aim To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macrophage calcification and its underlying mo-lecular mechanisms.Methods Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation,and von Kossa staining and atomic absorption spectroscopy were used for morphological and quantitative analysis of calcium deposition and intracellular calcium content in a mononuclear macrophage calcification model.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin(OPN)at different doses and treatment times of hydrogen sulfide.At the same time,Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of early growth response factor 1(EGR1),endo-plasmic reticulum stress-related markers C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)and glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78).Reactive oxygen species levels were evaluated by fluorescence probe staining,and the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macro-phage calcification was evaluated by combining von Kossa staining and calcium ion fluorescence probe staining.The mo-lecular mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide affecting macrophage calcification were explored by interfering with EGR1 expression and using endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA).Results Compared with oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)group,β-glycerophosphate(β-GP)+40 g/L ox-LDL group showed a significant increase in intracellular lipid accumulation,while hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibited macrophage calcification in a con-centration-and time-dependent manner.Compared with the β-GP+ox LDL group,the most significant effect was observed after incubation with 100 μmol/L NaHS for 4 days.The hydrogen sulfide group showed a 66%decrease in intracellular calcium content(P<0.01),a 71%decrease in intercellular calcium deposition(P<0.01),and a 50%and 48%decrease in OPN mRNA and protein expression,respectively(P<0.05).Hydrogen sulfide treatment upregulated the ex-pression of EGR1 by 21%,while downregulating the expression of CHOP and GRP78 by 58%and 59%,respectively(P<0.01).The endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-PBA could downregulate OPN expression by 73%(P<0.01),while interfering with EGR1 expression completely counteracts the inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide on OPN expression and calcium deposition(P<0.01).Conclusion Hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibits macrophage calcification by upregulating EGR1 expression and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress.
8.Identification of Taste Critical Quality Attribute and Formulation Optimization of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid Based on the Combination of Electronic Tongue and Real Human Senses
Xingyue HUAN ; Zhisheng WU ; Ying LU ; Haiyang LI ; Shuoshuo XU ; Han HE ; Qiatong XIE ; Nan LI ; Jun JIA ; Lu YAO ; Run ZHANG ; Jiafu CHEN ; Xingxing DAI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3213-3223
Objective To identify the taste critical quality attribute and design and optimize the flavor-correcting formulation of the traditional Chinese medicine oral preparation Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid,in order to improve its taste and enhance patient medication adherence.Methods The taste assignment method was employed to identify the taste critical quality attribute of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid.Based on human sensory evaluation and the standardized Euclidean distance in electronic tongue analysis,suitable types of corrigent were determined.Subsequently,under constraints such as maximum allowable dosage,solubility,and sweetness,the optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with electronic tongue and human sensory evaluation results.The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(Ethics Approval Number 2020BZYLL0609).Results The quantitative score for bitter taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid accounted for 30.36%,confirming bitterness as the taste critical quality attribute requiring attention.The optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined to be 120 mg·mL?1 erythritol,12 mg·mL?1 acesulfame potassium,and 2.4 mg·mL?1 stevioside.This formulation achieved an 11.75-point improvement in sensory evaluation scores compared to the original commercially available oral liquid.Conclusion This study successfully improved the taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid and established a comprehensive strategy for flavor-correcting formulation optimization,including a method for identifying taste critical quality attribute.This strategy provides a referential paradigm for palatability enhancement of similar traditional Chinese medicine oral preparations,laying a crucial technical foundation for elevating the clinical value of Chinese herbal medicines and promoting the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).
9.Graduate destination and employment status of Chinese medical master's graduates: an analysis based on 2023 national survey
Jingrui LI ; Peiyao SHI ; Jinzhong JIA ; Wei JIANG ; Zhisheng LIANG ; Mengting ZHANG ; Zhiqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):788-794
Objective:To understand the graduation destination of newly graduated medical master's students in China and analyze their employment status.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted on 15 942 medical master's students who graduated in 2023. Descriptive analysis, χ2 test, and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test were used to understand the current situation and differences in the graduation destinations, employment units, job positions, and starting salaries of different types of medical master's graduates. Results:The employment rate of medical master's graduates was 58.21% (9 280/15 942). In terms of graduation destinations, male graduates, professional degree holders, graduates from non-"Double First-Class" universities, and nursing majors had a high proportion of confirmed employment units. Male graduates, academic degree holders, graduates from "Double First-Class" universities, and basic medical science majors had a high proportion pursuing further studies domestically. In terms of employment, the highest proportion of medical master's graduates worked in hospitals (84.92%, 6 495/7 648) and the lowest proportion worked in primary-level medical and healthcare institutions (1.02%, 78/7 648). The majority (78.07%, 5 971/7 648) held professional technical positions. Starting salaries were relatively low and ranged between 3 001 and 5 000 yuan/month, accounting for 30.99% (2 370/7 648).Conclusions:The employment rate of medical master's graduates is low, with concentrated employment units and job positions, and there is a lack of talents in primary medical institutions. Colleges and universities and education management departments should adopt policy-driven approaches to support key demographic groups and encourage employment in primary healthcare. Training programs should be timely adjusted in response to market demands and focus on cultivating the comprehensive quality and job competence of medical master's graduates. Additionally, student-centered approaches should be used to strengthen the employment guidance and career planning services.
10.Summary of the best evidence for volume management in patients with continuous renal replacement therapy
Fang WANG ; Zhisheng ZHANG ; Anliu NIE ; Shaona LIAO ; Xiangfen SU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(33):2592-2599
Objective:To summarize the best evidence of volume management in patients with continuous renal replacement therapy, and to provid reference for clinical nursing practice.Methods:Comprehensive search clinical decisions, guidelines, expert consensus, group standards, systematic review and original study on volume management of patients with continuous renal replacement therapy in UpToDate, Cochrane Library, BMJ Best Practice, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Guideline International Network, Registered Nurses 'Association of Ontario, French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, International Society of Nephrology, Yimaitong, Chinese Nursing Association, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and other databases. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to April 6, 2024. Literature quality evaluation were conducted independently by researchers who had learned evidence-based nursing research, and the evidence was extracted and integrated.Results:A total of 17 articles were included, comprising 3 clinical decision-making studies, 2 guidelines, 9 expert consensus documents, 1 systematic review, 1 group standard, and 1 randomized controlled trial, and 31 pieces of evidence were summarized from six dimensions: team management, capacity assessment, capacity management objectives, process monitoring, capacity management measures and management of volume related complications.Conclusions:This study summarized the best evidence for the volume management of patients with continuous renal replacement therapy, and provided scientific and standardized basis for the guidance of volume management for clinical medical staff, suggesting that medical staff should selectively apply the best evidence according to the actual clinical situation.

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