1.HerbGL: a network propagation and graph regularization-based framework for herb pairs prediction in traditional Chinese medicine
Weixiang Liu ; Qian Yuan ; Junjie Zhang ; Xinliang Sun ; Kongfa Hu ; Tao Yang
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):265-277
Objective:
To address the challenges of systematically identifying herb pairs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we proposed HerbGL, a framework for predicting potential herb pairs that integrates network propagation and graph regularization.
Methods:
Based on the assumption that herbal actions induce subtle perturbations in biological systems, a framework named HerbGL was proposed. Random walk with restart (RWR) was first applied to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to reconstruct herb-specific perturbation effects and generate weighted subnetworks. Then, to quantify affinity between herb pairs, two network-proximity metrics, Closeness and PageRank, were computed from the weighted subnetworks to construct herb-pair affinity matrices. Finally, these matrices, together with known herb pairs (derived from co-occurrence analysis of TCM formulas with a threshold determined from the inflection point of the frequency distribution), were incorporated into a graph regularization model to predict potential herb pairs. Model performance was assessed through baseline comparison, ablation and robustness experiment under different ratios of positive and negative samples, using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), accuracy, and precision as evaluation metrics. Furthermore, the predicted herb pairs were validated through both literature evidence and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses.
Results:
The weighted subnetworks constructed by RWR provided a refined simulation of herb-specific perturbation effects, which formed the basis for subsequent affinity modeling and prediction. Analysis of herb pair co-occurrence frequencies revealed a marked change around 150, which was selected as the threshold to distinguish herb pairs from non-herb pairs. HerbGL exhibited superior predictive performance compared with baseline models (AUROC = 0.970 5, AUPRC = 0.955 5, accuracy = 0.726 6, precision = 0.970 6). Ablation results showed that removing the Closeness and PageRank metrics substantially degraded performance (AUROC = 0.819 1, AUPRC = 0.876 8), confirming their necessity. Robustness evaluation under an imbalanced positive-to-negative sample ratio of 1 : 5 yielded AUROC = 0.969 6 and AUPRC = 0.840 4, indicating stable predictive ability. Moreover, multiple case studies further validated the rationality of the predicted herb pairs, such as Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) and Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) which are recorded in Liangpeng Huiji (《良朋汇集》, Collection of Excellent Recipes) Vol. 3: Fangfeng Shengma Tang (防风升麻汤). Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis of the Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) pair further supported the biological plausibility of their compatibility.
Conclusion
HerbGL offers an effective and biologically informed framework for identifying herb pairs in TCM. Beyond improving herb pair prediction, the framework also provides data support for research on herb compounds and mechanisms, thereby supporting data-driven exploration of TCM compatibility.
2.Effect of mussel-derived antimicrobial peptide-coated modified prosthesis on prevention of early periprosthetic joint infection and regulation of bone transfer
Bo LIU ; WUHUZI·WULAMU ; Guangzhao ZHU ; Xiaobin GUO ; Ziyue SONG ; Xingbu MENG ; Junjie HU ; Xiaogang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):278-287
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.
3.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Gardeniae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yuanjun SHANG ; Bo GENG ; Xin CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Chun LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Junjie HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):225-234
ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) recorded in historical materia medica, this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics, microscopic features, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length, diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF, and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF, and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently, the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method, the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD), and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits, combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits, the wild GF fruits were smaller, exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger, displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF, while the blue-yellow value(b*) of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure, the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals, while the endocarp contained stone cell class round, polygonal or tangential prolongation, undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast, the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals, or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like, with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature, and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF(P<0.01). In category-specific component content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Conversely, the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside, geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF(P<0.01). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits, microstructure, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete, and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.
4.Effect of mussel-derived antimicrobial peptide-coated modified prosthesis on prevention of early periprosthetic joint infection and regulation of bone transfer
Bo LIU ; WUHUZI·WULAMU ; Guangzhao ZHU ; Xiaobin GUO ; Ziyue SONG ; Xingbu MENG ; Junjie HU ; Xiaogang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):278-287
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.
5.Effect of laparoscopic surgery on incarcerated inguinal hernia in children
Zhijian ZHOU ; Donglai HU ; Xuan FANG ; Baoyuan JIN ; Rui XIANG ; Junjie CHEN ; Xiaodong GUO
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(26):21-23,40
Objective To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic surgery on incarcerated inguinal hernia(IIH)in children.Methods A total of 81 IIH children treated at Jinhua Maternal & Child Health Hospital from September 2018 to December 2023 were selected as subjects.The children were divided into laparoscopic surgery group(n=45)and open surgery group(n=36).Comparative analysis was conducted on admission age,gender,duration of incarceration,surgical timing,intraoperative hernia contents,and postoperative complications between two groups.Results Operative duration,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative bowel function recovery time,number of occult hernias,and hospitalization duration in laparoscopic surgery group were statistically better than those in open surgery group(P<0.05).There were fewer postoperative complications in laparoscopic group compared to open surgery group,there was significant difference between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with traditional open surgery,laparoscopic surgery for IIH in children has the advantages of less trauma,shorter operation time and hospitalization time,and less intraoperative bleeding.
6.Gamified interventions for physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors:a scoping review
Junjie HUA ; Yanyan LIU ; Xiyi WANG ; Wenjing DING ; Sicong YU ; Yun HU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1270-1277
Objective To conduct a scoping review of studies related to gamified physical activity interventions for pediatric cancer patients,and to extract the gamification elements and application effects within physical activity intervention programs.Methods A computer-assisted search was conducted in CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP Database,China Biology Medicine disc,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science for studies on gamified physical activity interventions in pediatric cancer patients,with a search period from database inception to December 31,2023.The included literature was screened,summarized,and analyzed.Results A total of 18 articles were included,including 9 randomized controlled trials,4 quasi-experimental studies,and 5 mixed-method studies.The gamified intervention programs for physical activity in children with cancer integrated 7 gamification elements,including goal setting,capacity to overcome challenges,providing feedback on performance,reinforcement,progress monitoring,social connectivity,and fun and playfulness.The types of physical activity in the intervention programs included aerobic exercise,balance training,strength training,endurance training,etc.The intensity of the activities was mainly low to moderate;the duration was mostly 30~60 minutes per session;the intervention duration ranged from 5 weeks to 1 year.Numerous research findings indicate that gamified physical activity interventions for children with cancer can help improve physical function,quality of life,and fatigue levels.However,there is signi-ficant controversy regarding their impact on improving physical activity levels.Conclusion The gamified inter-vention for physical activity in children with cancer was safe and feasible.It is recommended that in the future,personalized and phased gamified intervention programs should be developed to evaluate the intervention effects.
7.Effect of laparoscopic surgery on incarcerated inguinal hernia in children
Zhijian ZHOU ; Donglai HU ; Xuan FANG ; Baoyuan JIN ; Rui XIANG ; Junjie CHEN ; Xiaodong GUO
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(26):21-23,40
Objective To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic surgery on incarcerated inguinal hernia(IIH)in children.Methods A total of 81 IIH children treated at Jinhua Maternal & Child Health Hospital from September 2018 to December 2023 were selected as subjects.The children were divided into laparoscopic surgery group(n=45)and open surgery group(n=36).Comparative analysis was conducted on admission age,gender,duration of incarceration,surgical timing,intraoperative hernia contents,and postoperative complications between two groups.Results Operative duration,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative bowel function recovery time,number of occult hernias,and hospitalization duration in laparoscopic surgery group were statistically better than those in open surgery group(P<0.05).There were fewer postoperative complications in laparoscopic group compared to open surgery group,there was significant difference between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with traditional open surgery,laparoscopic surgery for IIH in children has the advantages of less trauma,shorter operation time and hospitalization time,and less intraoperative bleeding.
8.Observation on clinical efficacy and safety of single-port laparoscopic assisted testicular fixation for pediatric inguinal cryptorchidism
Zhijian ZHOU ; Donglai HU ; Junjie CHEN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(29):1-4
Objective To discuss the application value of single-port laparoscopy assisted testicular fixation in treating pediatric inguinal cryptorchidism.Methods A total of 128 children with inguinal cryptorchidism admitted to Jinhua Maternal and Child Health Hospital from June 2024 to March 2025 were enrolled in this study.Using a randomized digital table method,the children were divided into observation group(n=64)and control group(n=64).The observation group underwent single-port laparoscopy assisted testicular fixation surgery,while control group received conventional three-port laparoscopy surgery.Intraoperative blood loss,surgical duration,hospitalization time,hospitalization costs,and incision length,differences in inflammatory markers,pain stress indicators,sex hormone levels,and complications were compared between two groups.Results Compared to control group,the surgical duration and postoperative hospitalization time were shorter in observation group,intraoperative blood loss was lower in observation group,incision length was shorter in observation group,hospitalization costs was higher in observation group,and vancouver scar scale scores was lower in observation group(P<0.05).One day postoperatively,interleukin-6,superimposed C-reactive protein,and prostaglandin E2 were increased compared to pre-treatment levels in both groups.The reduction in observation group was more significant than that in control group(P<0.05).One day postoperatively,levels of neuropeptide Y,nerve growth factor,and substance P were decreased in both groups.The increase in observation group was more pronounced than that in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Single-port laparoscopy is used for pediatric inguinal cryptorchidism with the advantages of minimally invasive,safety and fast recovery.It can effectively reduce postoperative inflammation and pain response,and does not affect sex hormone level and testicular development,with high clinical application value.
9.DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma: analysis of five cases
Zejun DUAN ; Jing FENG ; Junping ZHANG ; Changxiang YAN ; Fangjun LIU ; Zhong MA ; Lei XIANG ; Zejuan HU ; Junjie YANG ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(6):632-639
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma.Methods:Five cases of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma at Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China during May 2013 to November 2024 were collected. The clinical and imaging data were retrieved. Histological evaluation, immunohistochemical staining and next generation sequencing were performed. Additionally, a literature review was conducted.Results:All five DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas were located in the supratentorial region, with one case involving the basal ganglia. There were two males and three females. The median age at diagnosis was 25 (14.0, 30.5) years. Morphologically, they were characterized by high-grade spindle cell sarcoma, with brisk mitotic activity and cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules. Myxoid degeneration, necrosis, and invasion into surrounding brain tissue were observed in some cases. The tumor cells showed diffuse staining of vimentin and variable expression of myogenic marker (desmin), with or without focal MyoD1 and/or Myogenin expression. Four tumors exhibited diffuse, strong expression of TLE1 and p53, while only three tumors showed loss of ATRX (nuclear) expression. Two cases showed mosaic loss of H3K27me3 expression in neoplastic cells. The Ki-67 proliferation index was high (40%-80%). Various neuronal markers, such as synaptophysin, NF, SOX2 and MAP2, were expressed in all tumor samples. Genetically, all tumors samples harbored biallelic abnormalities of DICER1. One was a hotspot missense mutation in the RNase Ⅲb domain within exon 25 on one allele (p.E1813 or p.D1810), while the other allele had mutations including a germline mutation in one case, a somatic mutation in two cases, and a copy number deletion in two cases. In addition, these sarcomas showed alterations in TP53 (4/5), ATRX (3/5), and the genes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (3/5). Finally, all five cases were diagnosed as DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma. All patients underwent craniotomy that led to complete tumor resection. Three patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with progression-free survival time of 28, 48, and 50 months, respectively. Patient 2 succumbed to the tumor after 3 months post-surgery due to rapid progression and tumor dissemination. Patient 5 was lost to follow-up 3 months after the surgery.Conclusions:DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma is a newly defined tumor entity in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, and commonly occurs in children and young adults. High-grade malignant spindle cells are their typical morphological feature. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic globules and myogenic differentiation can help establish the diagnosis. This study suggests that DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas exhibit immunophenotypic neuronal differentiation. Rendering the diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma largely relies on detecting DICER1 pathogenic alterations or DNA methylation profiling.
10.Hematopoietic stem cell and kidney transplantation from the same donor in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and literature review
Yan YIN ; Zilin QUAN ; Li SONG ; Zhonglin FENG ; Dongmei CUI ; Liyan ZHAO ; Yuhang HU ; Qinghua ZHOU ; Xiaoli KANG ; Junjie LIAO ; Qizhen LIANG ; Suijin WU ; Hongmei WU ; Shuangxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):691-695
The paper reports a 32-year-old female acute myeloid leukemia patient who developed graft-versus-host disease after paternal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which subsequently led to renal thrombotic microangiopathy. She subsequently required a kidney transplant from the same donor 5 years later due to renal failure. Considering that both the bone marrow and kidney were from the same donor and the recovery of renal function was favorable, immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued after a short course of anti-rejection treatment, with maintained stable kidney function. This case suggests that under the condition of high chimerism, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and kidney transplantation from the same donor can achieve immune tolerance, potentially improving solid organ transplantation success rate. The findings provide a novel therapeutic approach for solid organ transplantation following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

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