1.Correlation between differences in starch gelatinization, water distribution, and terpenoid content during steaming process of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers by multivariate statistical analysis.
Yan LIANG ; Meng-Na YANG ; Xiao-Li QIN ; Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Zhong-Nan SU ; Hou-Kang CAO ; Ke-Feng ZHANG ; Ming-Wei WANG ; Bo LI ; Shuo LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2684-2694
To elucidate the mechanism by which steaming affects the quality of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers, methods such as LSCM, RVA, dual-wavelength spectrophotometry, LF-NMR, and LC-MS were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively detect changes in starch gelatinization characteristics, water distribution, and material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers under different steaming durations. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the correlation between differences in gelatinization parameters, water distribution, and terpenoid material composition was investigated. The results indicate that steaming affects both starch gelatinization and water distribution in C. kwangsiensis. During the steaming process, transformations occur between amylose and amylopectin, as well as between semi-bound water and free water. After 60 min of steaming, starch gelatinization and water distribution reached an equilibrium state. The content of amylopectin, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, and parameters such as gelatinization temperature, viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value were significantly correlated(P≤0.05). Additionally, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio was significantly correlated with total free water and total water content(P≤0.05). Steaming induced differences in the material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers. Clustering of primary metabolites in the OPLS-DA model was distinct, while secondary metabolites were classified into 9 clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. Differential terpenoid metabolites such as(-)-α-curcumene were significantly correlated with zerumbone, retinal, and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Curcumenol was significantly correlated with isoalantolactone and ursolic acid(P<0.05), while all-trans-retinoic acid was significantly correlated with both zerumbone and retinal(P<0.05). Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a significant correlation with retinal and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Amylose was extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and α-tocotrienol(P<0.05). Amylopectin was significantly correlated with zerumbone(P<0.05) and extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid(P<0.01). The results provide scientific evidence for elucidating the mechanism of quality formation of steamed C. kwangsiensis root tubers as a medicinal material.
Curcuma/chemistry*
;
Starch/chemistry*
;
Multivariate Analysis
;
Water/chemistry*
;
Terpenes/analysis*
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Plant Tubers/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
2.Perioperative management of direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients and West China Hospital experiences.
Yu FENG ; Donglin ZHANG ; Faqing LIANG ; Guilin LUO ; Zhenggui DU
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(10):1356-1362
OBJECTIVE:
To optimize the perioperative management experiences for breast cancer patients undergoing direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction, and provide reference for clinical practice.
METHODS:
A comprehensive review of recent domestic and international literature was conducted to systematically summarize the key points of perioperative management for direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction, including preoperative health education, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative management measures, along with an introduction to the clinical experiences of West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
RESULTS:
Standardized perioperative management can effectively reduce the incidence of complications and achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes and quality of life after operation. Preoperative management includes proactive health education to alleviate patients' anxiety and improve treatment compliance, as well as comprehensive assessment by surgeons of the patient's physical condition and reconstructive expectations to select the most appropriate implant. Intraoperative management consists of strict aseptic technique, minimizing implant exposure, preserving blood supply to the nipple-areola complex (e.g., by using minimally invasive techniques or indocyanine green angiography, etc), and meticulous hemostasis. Postoperative management encompasses multimodal analgesia, individualized drain management (such as early removal or retaining a small amount of fluid to optimize contour), infection prevention and control (including topical and systemic antibiotics, ultrasound-guided minimally invasive drainage), guidance on rehabilitation exercises (early activity restriction followed by gradual recovery), and regular follow-up to evaluate aesthetic results and monitor for complications.
CONCLUSION
Establishing a standardized, multidisciplinary perioperative management framework markedly enhances surgical safety and patient satisfaction, thereby providing a replicable benchmark for direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction across diverse clinical settings.
Humans
;
Female
;
Breast Neoplasms/surgery*
;
China
;
Perioperative Care/methods*
;
Breast Implants
;
Mammaplasty/methods*
;
Breast Implantation/methods*
;
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
;
Quality of Life
;
Mastectomy
3.Research progress on the effect and mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Min ZHANG ; Nini ZHANG ; Guilin HUANG ; Zhuangzhuang LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yuqi WU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(11):1025-1033
The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a high-molecular-weight protein complex in the cytoplasm, is composed of three core components: the sensor protein NLRP3, the adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC) and the effector protein caspase-1. It plays a critical role in regulating host immune and inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome has increasingly become a focal point in tumor molecular biology field. A growing body of evidence indicates that the increased expression and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is closely associated with the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). It may promote tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, and other biological behaviors through various regulatory mechanisms while influencing tumor immune evasion and therapy resistance, which holds promise as a prognostic biomarker for patients. This review explores the current effect and mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its signaling pathways in head and neck cancer, providing insights into clinical targeted drug development and molecular immunotherapy.
Humans
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/metabolism*
;
Tumor Microenvironment
;
Signal Transduction
;
Animals
4.Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Lipid Peroxidation-Mediated Carbonyl Stress in Uranium-Intoxicated Kidney Cells via Nrf2/ARE Signaling.
Jia Lin LIU ; Min WANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Ji Fang ZHENG ; Xi Xiu JIANG ; Qiao Ni HU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):484-500
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of H 2S against lipid peroxidation-mediated carbonyl stress in the uranium-treated NRK-52E cells.
METHODS:
Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. Reagent kits were used to detect carbonyl stress markers malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and protein carbonylation. Aldehyde-protein adduct formation and alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, aldo-keto reductase, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) expression were determined using western blotting or real-time PCR. Sulforaphane (SFP) was used to activate Nrf2. RNA interference was used to inhibit CBS expression.
RESULTS:
GYY4137 (an H 2S donor) pretreatment significantly reversed the uranium-induced increase in carbonyl stress markers and aldehyde-protein adducts. GYY4137 effectively restored the uranium-decreased Nrf2 expression, nuclear translocation, and ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic Nrf2, accompanied by a reversal of the uranium-decreased expression of CBS and aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes. The application of CBS siRNA efficiently abrogated the SFP-enhanced effects on the expression of CBS, Nrf2 activation, nuclear translocation, and ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic Nrf2 and concomitantly reversed the SFP-enhanced effects of the uranium-induced mRNA expression of aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes. Simultaneously, CBS siRNA reversed the SFP-mediated alleviation of the uranium-induced increase in reactive aldehyde levels, apoptosis rates, and uranium-induced cell viability.
CONCLUSION
H 2S induces Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation, which modulates the expression of aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes and the CBS/H 2S axis. Simultaneously, the Nrf2-controlled CBS/H 2S axis may at least partially promote Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation. These events form a cycle-regulating mode through which H 2S attenuates the carbonyl stress-mediated NRK-52E cytotoxicity triggered by uranium.
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Hydrogen Sulfide/pharmacology*
;
Rats
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects*
;
Cell Line
;
Uranium/toxicity*
;
Antioxidant Response Elements
;
Kidney/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
5.Diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography angiography in evaluating parameters of foveal avascular zone in early diabetic retinopathy
Shaojie ZENG ; Huailin XIE ; Yunyun ZHANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(9):1471-1475
AIM: To analyze the diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in evaluating the parameters of foveal avascular zone(FAZ)in early diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 209 cases(209 eyes)of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with DR admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to December 2022 were selected as DR group. The DR group was divided into three groups, with 115 cases(115 eyes)in mild group, 54 cases(54 eyes)in moderate group, and 40 cases(40 eyes)in severe group according to stage. Another 100 cases(100 eyes)of T2DM patients without DR were selected as No-DR group, and 70 cases(70 eyes)of healthy people were selected as control group for physical examination at the same time, all of whom underwent OCTA examination. The DR group was enrolled according to the disease degree, one eye was randomly taken for the study if the degree in both eyes was the same, while the control group and the No-DR group were randomly selected for one eye to be included in the study. The perimeter of the foveal avascular area(PERIM), FAZ transverse diameter, FAZ vertical diameter, FAZ area, macular fovea retinal thickness(MFRT), acircularity index(AI), full layer retinal blood flow density within a range of 300 μm around the FAZ(FD-300), and changes in FAZ vascular density(VD)levels among different groups of subjects were compared. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between general data and FAZ related indicators, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of macular FAZ indicators for DR.RESULTS: The levels of FBG, MFRT, FAZ area, and PERIM in patients with mild, moderate, and severe DR were significantly higher than those in the No-DR group and the control group, while the levels of AI and VD were significantly lower than those in the No-DR group(all P<0.05); patients in the No-DR group, mild DR group, moderate DR group, and severe DR group had significantly higher cystatin C, FAZ transverse diameter, and FAZ vertical diameter than the control group, while FD-300 vascular density was significantly lower than the control group(all P<0.05); the MFRT was positively correlated with age(r=0.295, P=0.001); The AI and VD was negatively correlated with age(r=-0.296, -0.235, all P<0.05); the area under the curve(AUC)of MFRT, FAZ area, PERIM, AI, and VD for the diagnosis of DR were 0.745, 0.738, 0.696, 0.792, and 0.847, respectively.CONCLUSION:The structure and microcirculation of FAZ can be changed in DM patients, and the related parameters of FAZ have certain value in the diagnosis of early DR.
6.Osteoprotective Effect and Mechanisms of Taxillus chinensis from Different Hosts on Ovariectomized Osteoporotic Rats
Di WEI ; Weiqi ZHANG ; Qiong MO ; Shaoxuan WEI ; Wenhui QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):112-120
ObjectiveTo compare the effects of Taxillus chinensis from different hosts with different meridian affinity on bone microstructure and bone metabolism in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, and investigate its mechanism of action. MethodEighty-eight specific-pathogen-free (SPF)-grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly divided into 11 groups: sham-operated group, model group, low-, medium- and high-dose groups of T. chinensis from Morus alba (2.5, 5, and 10 g·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose groups of T. chinensis from Cinnamomum cassia (2.5, 5, and 10 g·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose groups of T. chinensis from C. burmannii (2.5, 5, and 10 g·kg-1). After 12 weeks of drug intervention, the rats were examined for proximal femur bone density and bone microstructure using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Histopathological changes in rat femur were observed by the hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE). Contents of serum estradiol (E2), bone Gla protein (BGP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) and pre-collagen type Ⅰ amino-terminal protopeptide (PINP) were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), Smad1, Smad9 and recombinant runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in rat humerus. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of BMP-2, p-Smad1/5/9 and Runx2 in rat humerus. ResultCompared with that in the sham-operated group, the femur microstructure of rats in the model group was significantly disrupted, with significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) value, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) (P<0.01), and significant increases in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and structure model index (SMI) (P<0.01). The serum levels of BGP, BALP, TRACP-5b and PINP were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and E2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of BMP-2, Smad1, Smad9, and Runx2 were significantly decreased in rat humerus (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of BMP-2, p-Smad1/5/9, and Runx2 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the administration groups of T. chinensis from different hosts all elevated the BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, and SMI levels in the femur, improved bone microstructure, increased serum E2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of serum BGP, BALP, TRACP-5b, and PINP, upregulated the mRNA expression of BMP-2, Smad1, and Runx2 and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of Smad9 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated the protein expressions levels of BMP-2, p-Smad1/5/9, and Runx2 (P<0.01). The best effect was observed in the group of T. chinensis from C. cassia. ConclusionT. chinensis from different hosts improved osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats, with the group of T. chinensis from C. cassia being the most potent among the administered groups, and its treatment of osteoporosis may regulate the balance of bone conversion by regulating BMP/Smad signaling pathway.
7.Characteristics of the chloroplast genome of Camellia insularis.
Jin ZHANG ; Yongbiao DENG ; Bo ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2024;40(1):280-291
In this study, the chloroplast genome of Camellia insularis Orel & Curry was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the chloroplast genome of C. insularis was 156 882 bp in length with a typical tetrad structure, encoding 132 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Codon preference analysis revealed that the highest number of codons coded for leucine, with a high A/U preference in the third codon position. Additionally, 67 simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci were identified, with a preference for A and T bases. The inverted repeat (IR) boundary regions of the chloroplast genome of C. insularis were relatively conserved, except for a few variable regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. insularis was most closely related to C. fascicularis. Yellow camellia is a valuable material for genetic engineering breeding. This study provides fundamental genetic information on chloroplast engineering and offers valuable resources for conducting in-depth research on the evolution, species identification, and genomic breeding of yellow Camellia.
Genome, Chloroplast/genetics*
;
Phylogeny
;
Plant Breeding
;
Camellia/genetics*
;
Chloroplasts/genetics*
8.Associations of genetic variants in GLP-1R with blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions
Mingke CHANG ; Chao CHU ; Mingfei DU ; Hao JIA ; Yue SUN ; Guilin HU ; Xi ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Wenjing LUO ; Yu YAN ; Ziyue MAN ; Yang WANG ; Jianjun MU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):212-218
【Objective】 To investigate the association between genetic variations in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) gene and BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 A total of 514 subjects from 124 families were recruited in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, in 2004, resulting in the establishment of a "salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort" . The subjects followed a dietary regimen which involved a normal diet for 3 days, a low-salt diet for 7 days, a high-salt diet for 7 days, and a high-salt potassium-supplemented diet for 7 days. BP measurement was conducted at different intervention periods, and peripheral blood samples were collected. Additionally, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GLP-1R gene were genotyped using the MassARRAY detection platform. 【Results】 The GLP-1R gene SNP rs9462472 exhibited a significant association with systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure response to high-salt intervention. Similarly, SNP rs2268637 showed a significant association with systolic BP response to high-salt intervention. Furthermore, SNP rs2268637 was significantly associated with systolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. 【Conclusion】 Our findings indicate a significant association of genetic variations in the GLP-1R gene with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. This suggests that the GLP-1R gene plays a role in the regulation of BP salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.
9.Pharmaceutical service in a case of fat embolism syndrome following postoperative fracture
Leijiao ZHANG ; Pingping WANG ; Qinqin YAN ; Haiyu HUANG ; Guoxi HUANG ; Xue WU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(22):2822-2827
OBJECTIVE To analyze the pharmaceutical service process in a fracture patient complicated by fat embolism syndrome (FES) following postoperative fracture, aiming to provide a reference for clinical treatment and pharmaceutical service for similar patients. METHODS Clinical pharmacist participated in the entire treatment process of a patient with FES following postoperative fracture. Based on the patient’s clinical manifestations and test results, literature was reviewed to assist clinical physicians in formulating the therapeutic regimen of glucocorticoids. For the drug-related adverse reactions of renal function impairment and reduced platelet count that occurred during the treatment, suspicious drugs were analyzed and disposed of accordingly. RESULTS The clinical pharmacist recommended Hydrocortisone sodium succinate for injection (100 mg, q8 h, ivgtt, for about one week followed by a gradual dose reduction) for treating FES. The Vancomycin hydrochloride for injection used in this case was assessed as “very probably” associated with the adverse drug reactions of renal function impairment and thrombocytopenia. The clinical physician adopted the pharmacist’s medication recommendations, and the patient’s condition stabilized after treatment, with improvement in adverse reactions, and was discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS The use of glucocorticoids in treating FES has a definite therapeutic efficacy. Clinical pharmacists should individualize the medication plan based on the patient’s pathological state and distinguish it from postoperative sepsis. Meanwhile, drug-induced adverse reactions in the kidney and blood system should be closely monitored.
10.A cross lagged analysis of the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors and school connectedness among junior high school students
XU Tao, ZHOU Xianwei, ZHANG Tiancheng, YANG Xuejing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(11):1565-1569
Objective:
To explore the causal relationship between adolescent school connectedness and the co-occurrence with health risk behaviors among junior high school students, so as to provide the reference for reducing the occurrence of adolescents health risk behaviors among junior high school students.
Methods:
A total of 924 students from two junior high schools in Jishou City were selected by the convenience sampling and cluster sampling methods, and two follow up surveys were conducted at 6 month intervals in April (T1) and October (T2) of 2023 using the Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Questionnaire and the School Connection Scale. The scores of the co-occurrence of school connectedness and health risk behaviors among junior high school students were compared by different survey periods and genders using the t-test, and cross lagged analyses were performed using Mplus 8.3 software.
Results:
School connectedness scores among junior high school students in T1 and T2 surveys were (38.86±7.46) (37.87± 7.71 ) and co-occurrence of health risk behaviors scores were (1.64±0.68) (1.83±0.53), respectively, and the differences between the scores of the 2 surveys were statistically significant ( t=4.24, -4.14, P <0.05). The correlation between school connectedness and co-occurrence of health risk behaviors were statistically significant in both surveys ( r =-0.46 to -0.33, P <0.05). Cross lagged analyses showed that school connectedness in T1 negatively predicted the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors in T2 ( β =-0.08), and the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors in T1 negatively predicted the school connectedness in T2 ( β =-0.15) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is a longitudinal causal relationship between school connectedness and co-occurrence of health risk behaviors among junior high school students. School connectedness should be improved through various ways to reduce the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail