1.Progress on application of thermal analysis in traditional Chinese medicine
Yaqian DUAN ; Ran DUAN ; Meiyu LIN ; Chang LIU ; Juan SU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(10):475-480
Thermal analysis technology has emerged as a pivotal tool for the identification and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) owing to its advantages of high sensitivity and capability for simultaneous multi-parameter detection. The application progress on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in four key areas: authenticity identification of herbal medicines, optimization of processing techniques, evaluation of extract thermal stability, and construction of quality evaluation systems were summarized. Thermal analysis technology enables rapid authentication of medicinal materials by establishing a thermal fingerprint. When integrated with hyphenated techniques (e.g., FTIR and GC-MS), it facilitates in-depth analysis of compositional differences in complex matrices. In Future, the development of thermal analysis databases and multi-technology integration will be expected to further promote the standardization of TCM quality control.
2.Mechanism of Si Junzitang in Treatment of Liver Injury in Rats with Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome Based on Liver and Spleen Correlation
Peng PENG ; Min BAI ; Jin JIN ; Qihui YUAN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Juan DU ; Yongqiang DUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):11-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Si Junzitang in treating liver injury in rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome based on transcriptomics and to experimentally verify its effects. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low-dose Si Junzitang (6 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose Si Junzitang group (12 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose Si Junzitang group (24 g·kg-1·d-1), and natural recovery group, with 10 rats in each group. A composite multifactorial modeling method (forced swimming + intragastric administration of Xiao Chengqitang + irregular diet) was used to establish a spleen Qi deficiency model. After 30 days of continuous intervention, body weight and 3-hour food intake were measured, and macroscopic symptom scores for spleen Qi deficiency syndrome were evaluated. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in each group were detected, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in liver tissue. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the blank, model, and high-dose Si Junzitang groups. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome(KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot were used to detect NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, and the N-terminal domain of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly reduced body weight and 3-hour food intake, significantly increased macroscopic symptom scores, and elevated serum AST and ALT levels (P<0.01), with mild inflammatory liver injury observed histologically. Compared with the model group, Si Junzitang at all doses significantly improved these parameters and alleviated liver injury in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05,P<0.01). RNA-Seq analysis revealed 1 254 DEGs between the blank and model groups, and 842 DEGs between the model and high-dose Si Junzitang groups. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway was activated in liver injury associated with spleen Qi deficiency, suggesting that the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a key target. Results from IF, IHC, and Westernblot showed that compared with the blank group, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01), while these levels were markedly decreased in the high-dose Si Junzitang group (P<0.01). ConclusionSi Junzitang effectively improves mild inflammatory liver injury in rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome in a dose-dependent manner. Its mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, downregulation of the pyroptosis executioner protein GSDMD-N, and reduction of pyroptosis-related inflammatory cytokine release.
3.Research progress on the mechanism of action of rosmarinic acid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Ke CAI ; Sheng-ru HUANG ; Fang-fang GAO ; Xiu-juan PENG ; Sheng GUO ; Feng LIU ; Jin-ao DUAN ; Shu-lan SU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):12-21
With the rapid development of social economy and the continuous improvement of human living standard, the incidence, fatality and recurrence rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing year by year, which seriously affects people's life and health. Conventional therapeutic drugs have limited improvement on the disability rate, so the search for new therapeutic drugs and action targets has become one of the hotspots of current research. In recent years, the therapeutic role of the natural compound rosmarinic acid (RA) in CVD has attracted much attention, which is capable of preventing CVD by modulating multiple signalling pathways and exerting physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, as well as anti-coagulation and endothelial function protection. In this paper, the role of RA in the prevention of CVD is systematically sorted out, and its mechanism of action is summarised and analysed, with a view to providing a scientific basis and important support for the in-depth exploration of the prevention value of RA in CVD and its further development as a prevention drug.
4.Risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Wenyu ZHAO ; Yan FU ; Yajiao DUAN ; Juan TANG ; Jing NI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):580-587
After 50 years of clinical development, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the preferred method for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cholangio-pancreatic duct diseases; however, the major postoperative complications of ERCP, such as pancreatitis, hemorrhage, and perforation, are still a difficult issue faced by clinicians, and postoperative perforation is associated with an extremely high risk of death. Therefore, it is very important to explore the risk factors for perforation after ERCP, make a definite diagnosis of perforation in a timely manner, and formulate precise prevention and treatment measures. By reviewing a large number of articles, this article summarizes the influencing factors for perforation after ERCP and related diagnosis and treatment measures.
5.Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis.
Ruo-Fan XI ; Xin LIU ; Yi WANG ; Han-Zhi LU ; Shao-Jie YUAN ; Dong-Jie GUO ; Jian-Yong ZHU ; Fu-Lun LI ; Yan-Juan DUAN
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):721-732
OBJECTIVE:
Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition with genetic underpinnings, is traditionally managed with cupping therapy. Although used historically, the precise mechanical effects and therapeutic mechanisms of cupping in psoriasis remain largely unexamined. This study aimed to evaluate cupping therapy's efficacy for psoriasis and investigate its role in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism.
METHODS:
Psoriasis was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ). The effects of cupping on psoriatic lesions were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. polymerase chain reaction sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blotting were conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway.
RESULTS:
Cupping therapy significantly reduced inflammation, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed lower expression of inflammatory markers and a shift in T-cell populations. RNA-seq and Western blotting indicated that cupping upregulated Piezo1 and activated the AMPK pathway, improving energy metabolism in psoriatic skin.
CONCLUSION
Cupping therapy reduces epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis, rebalancing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, cupping promotes calcium influx via Piezo1, activates AMPK signaling, and supports metabolic homeostasis, suggesting therapeutic potential for psoriasis. Please cite this article as: Xi RF, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Yuan SJ, Guo DJ, Zhu JY, Li FL, Duan YJ. Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):721-732.
Animals
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Psoriasis/chemically induced*
;
Mice
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Cupping Therapy/methods*
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Signal Transduction
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Imiquimod
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Ion Channels/genetics*
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Male
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Mechanotransduction, Cellular
7.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
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Body Mass Index
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China/epidemiology*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
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Aged
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Follow-Up Studies
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Adult
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Mortality
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Cause of Death
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Obesity/mortality*
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Overweight/mortality*
8.Analysis of risk factors and development of a prediction model for acute kidney injury complicated by acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Lu LIU ; Caihua DUAN ; Guosheng XIA ; Juan LIU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2594-2599,2604
Objective To analyze the risk factors for acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)and establish a prediction model.Methods A total of 286 ANVUGIB patients admitted to our hospital from August 2021 to August 2024 were enrolled.Patients were divided into an observation group(with AKI,n=43)and a control group(without AKI,n=243).The influencing factors for AKI in ANVUGIB patients were analyzed,and a nomogram prediction model was con-structed to evaluate its predictive efficacy.Results Among 286 ANVUGIB patients,43 cases(15.03%)de-veloped AKI.Logistic regression analysis showed that platelet count had no significant effect on AKI compli-cation in ANVUGIB(P>0.05).Hemoglobin,albumin,and sodium were independent protective factors for AKI complication(P<0.05),while comorbid coronary heart disease,bleeding volume,blood transfusion,and risk grade were independent risk factors(P<0.05).The nomogram prediction model for AKI complication in ANVUGIB demonstrated good fit in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.ROC curve analysis revealed an AUC of 0.908(95%CI:0.868 to 0.939),with a sensitivity of 83.72%and specificity of 84.77%.The calibration curve showed a Brier score of 0.075 and calibration slope of 0.808,indicating good calibration.Conclusion Comorbid coro-nary heart disease,bleeding volume,blood transfusion,risk grade,hemoglobin,albumin,and sodium are signif-icant influencing factors for AKI complication in ANVUGIB.The nomogram model based on these factors shows favorable predictive performance and serves as a reliable tool for AKI risk stratification in ANVUGIB patients,supporting early clinical intervention decisions.
9.STUDY ON EFFICACY OF COCKROACH CONTROL AND PATHOGENIC BACTERIA INFECTION ON AIRCRAFT
Jin-Hui FAN ; Zhi SHI ; Yan-Min QI ; Jian WU ; Xiao-Long ZHANG ; Wei-Nian PENG ; Hai-Feng WANG ; Yin-Juan DUAN ; Li-Li LI ; Jun-Jie HU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(1):22-26
Objective This study aimed to provide an effective scientific basis for prevention and control of cockroaches on aircrafts by identifying cockroach-carried pathogens,and assess the insecticidal efficacy of gel bait mediated cockroach control on aircrafts,to provide technical guidance for aircraft disinsection.Methods Cassette-trapping was used to trap cockroaches,and the carried pathogens were detected using bacterial cultivation techniques.The gel bait mediated killing rate was calculated after 1,7,and 30 d by field application of gel bait.Results A total of 411 cockroaches were captured,and all were identified as Blattella germanica.26 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the trapped cockroaches.The killing rates of cockroaches were 58.8%-96.3%with 1-30 day application of gel bait.Statistically significant differences were observed in cockroach killing rates on different days(χ2=58.95,P<0.01).Conclusions B.germanica carry a large variety of pathogenic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens and are thus important infectious disease carriers.Gel bait agents have proven to be very effective against cockroaches on aircrafts.
10.The interval of rescue treatment does not affect the efficacy and safety of Helicobacter pylori eradication: A prospective multicenter observational study.
Minjuan LIN ; Junnan HU ; Jing LIU ; Juan WANG ; Zhongxue HAN ; Xiaohong WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHAI ; Yanan YU ; Wenjie YUAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Zhi WANG ; Qingzhou KONG ; Boshen LIN ; Yuming DING ; Meng WAN ; Wenlin ZHANG ; Miao DUAN ; Shuyan ZENG ; Yueyue LI ; Xiuli ZUO ; Yanqing LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1439-1446
BACKGROUND:
The effect of the interval between previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and rescue treatment on therapeutic outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eradication rates and treatment interval durations in H. pylori infections.
METHODS:
This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at six tertiary hospitals in Shandong, China. We recruited patients who were positive for H. pylori infection and required rescue treatment. Demographic information, previous times of eradication therapy, last eradication therapy date, and history of antibiotic use data were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on the rescue treatment interval length: Group A, ≥4 weeks and ≤3 months; Group B, >3 and ≤6 months; Group C, >6 and ≤12 months; and Group D, >12 months. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori . Drug compliance and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare eradication rates between groups.
RESULTS:
A total of 670 patients were enrolled in this study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 88.3% (158/179) in Group A, 89.6% (120/134) in Group B, 89.1% (123/138) in Group C, and 87.7% (192/219) in Group D. The per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 92.9% (156/168) in Group A, 94.5% (120/127) in Group B, 94.5% (121/128) in Group C, and 93.6% (190/203) in Group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the eradication rates between groups in either the ITT ( P = 0.949) or PP analysis ( P = 0.921). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of AEs ( P = 0.934) or drug compliance ( P = 0.849) between groups.
CONCLUSION:
The interval duration of rescue treatment had no significant effect on H. pylori eradication rates or the incidence of AEs.
REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05173493.
Humans
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Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy*
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Helicobacter pylori/pathogenicity*
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Male
;
Female
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Prospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
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Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects*
;
Adult
;
Aged
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Treatment Outcome
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Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

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