1.Effect and Mechanism of Modified Sini San on Improving Intestinal Mucosal Barrier of Chronic Stress Rats via Regulating Short-chain Fatty Acid Metabolism and Inhibiting HMGB1/RAGE Signaling Pathway
Youlan KE ; Yingying YUE ; Zicheng WANG ; Yaoxue SHANG ; Xian ZHOU ; Yu CHEN ; Songlin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):31-41
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of modified Sini San in ameliorating intestinal mucosal barrier by observing its effects on short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)/receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathways in chronic stress rats. MethodsThe 50 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,low-dose modified Sini San group (7.34 g·kg-1·d-1),high-dose modified Sini San group (14.68 g·kg-1·d-1),and Fructo-oligosaccharides group (3.15 g·kg-1·d-1),with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group,all other groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress/social isolation to create a chronic stress model for 6 weeks. After 4 weeks of modeling,each treatment group was given corresponding drugs by gavage for 2 weeks while modeling. The control group and model group were given the same volume of physiological saline. The effects of Modified Sini San on behaviors,body weight,Bristol score in feces and fecal moisture content in chronic stress rats were observed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the cecum. The content of SCFAs in the cecal contents of rats were detected by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of HMGB1/RAGE pathway related proteins in cecal tissue. The levels of ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin-1 in the cecal tissue were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the model group,the sucrose preference rate,total distance traveled and the number of grid crossings in the open field test of rats in the low-dose modified Sini San group were obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01),and the immobility time in the open field test and the immobility time in the forced swimming test of rats in the low-dose and high-dose modified Sini San groups were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile,the Bristol score and fecal moisture content of rats in the low and high dose groups of modified Sini San were obviously increased (P<0.05). The low-dose group of modified Sini San had intact mucosal layer structure in the cecal tissue and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells. The content of SCFAs in the cecal contents increased,with a obviously increase in the content of acetic acid,propionic acid,butyric acid,and isovaleric acid (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the expression levels of HMGB1,RAGE,Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65) proteins in cecal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in low-dose group of modified Sini San. Meanwhile,the contents of ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin-1 in the cecal tissue were obviously increased (P<0.01) in low-dose group of modified Sini San. ConclusionModified Sini San can improve the function of intestinal mucosal barrier in chronic stress rats by increasing the content of SCFAs in the intestine and inhibiting the HMGB1/RAGE pathway.
2.Research progress on health effects of triclosan and triclocarban
Jiaqi LIU ; Min HUANG ; Zichen YANG ; Yi WANG ; Ke ZHAO ; Yuhua ZHOU ; Yuanping WANG ; Na WANG ; Hexing WANG ; Qingwu JIANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):251-258
Triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) are widely used synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agents that can enter the human body through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other pathways. More and more studies have found that exposure to TCS and TCC can affect human health, but currently, review reports on the health effects of human exposure to TCS and TCC are limited. Therefore, this study reviewed population studies on the relationship between TCS and TCC exposure and health effects by searching the PubMed database, summarized the associated health outcomes, and elucidated the biological mechanisms. A total of 56 studies were retrieved, among which cross-sectional studies (25 studies, 44.64%) and cohort studies (25 studies, 44.64%) accounted for a relatively large proportion, while case-control studies (6 studies, 10.72%) were relatively few. Studies on TCS exposure (48 studies, 85.71%) were far more prevalent than those on TCC exposure (2 studies, 3.57%). The remaining 6 studies involved both TCS and TCC exposure. The research results revealed that TCS exposure was associated with male and female abnormal reproductive functions, fetal growth restriction, abnormal behavior development in children, obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and immune-related diseases. Although the results of different studies show significant differences, they have indicated that exposure to TCS is a potential risk factor for these health problems. Due to the limited number of studies, the evidence for the relationship between TCC exposure and most of the aforementioned health effects is insufficient. Population studies and in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that exposure to TCS and TCC can interfere with the microbial homeostasis, the endocrine system, oxidative stress and immune function of the body, which are potential mechanisms causing adverse health effects. In the future, large-scale prospective cohort studies, as well as in vivo and in vitro studies, are still needed to further clarify the associations between TCS and TCC exposure and health effects, and to deeply explore its mechanism of action. These efforts will provide references for clarifying the human health hazards of TCS and TCC exposure and formulating targeted prevention and control strategies.
3.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
4.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
5.Prediction of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+T-Cell Expression in Glioblastoma Based on MRI Radiomics
Caiqiang XUE ; Xiaoai KE ; Qing ZHOU ; Ying WEI ; Feng SHI ; Bin ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hong LIU ; Junlin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(10):1085-1091
Purpose To evaluate the value of preoperative MRI-based radiomic models for assessing tumor-infiltrating CD8+T-cell expression in glioblastoma patients,and to identify the most stable and efficient radiomic feature region for predicting prognosis following immunotherapy.Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 150 patients with histopathologically confirmed glioblastoma from Lanzhou University Second Hospital(January 2018 to April 2022).Tumor-infiltrating CD8+T-cell expression was quantitatively assessed using immunohistochemical staining,with patients stratified into CD8-high and CD8-low expression groups based on overall survival.A total of 1 185 radiomic features were extracted from each patient's contrast-enhanced T1C and T2WI images,covering the original tumor region and sequentially expanded peritumoral regions(2.5 mm,5.0 mm,7.5 mm,10.0 mm,12.5 mm,15.0 mm morphological dilation of tumor core+peritumoral area).Feature selection was performed using variance threshold,minimum redundancy maximum relevance,and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator methods.XGBoost classifier was employed to construct clinical,radiomic,and clinical-radiomic multimodal combined prediction models.Diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Results The radiomic model based on tumor expansion of 7.5 mm(tumor+peritumoral region)demonstrated optimal predictive performance.The clinical-radiomic multimodal combined model showed superior predictive capability compared to clinical and radiomic models alone,achieving an area under the curve of 0.991 and accuracy of 99.0%in the training set,and area under the curve of 0.840 with accuracy of 80.0%in the validation set.Conclusion MRI radiomics provides a feasible approach for evaluating tumor-infiltrating CD8+T-cell expression in glioblastoma patients,offering potential for preoperative prognosis prediction.
6.Comparative analysis of social skills and problem behaviors between children and adolescents with ASD and ADHD
Li SONG ; Xiaoru JIANG ; Qin ZHOU ; Zenghe YUE ; Jiaxue LIU ; Ke XU ; Yuxin QIAN ; Nana QIU ; Jing XU ; Xiaoyan KE
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(4):316-322
Objective:To explore the characteristics of social skills and problem behaviors of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as the association with core symptoms.Methods:A total of 409 patients aged 5-18 years old with ASD or ADHD in the outpatient department of Nanjing Brain Hospital from 2023 to 2024, and 344 children and adolescents with typical development(TD) were recruited.All participants were matched in a ratio of 1∶1∶1 (ASD∶ADHD∶TD) according to gender and age, and 97 participants were included in each group for analysis.The Chinese version of the social skills improvement system rating scales(SSIS-RS-C) was used to evaluate social skills and problem behaviors, and autistic child behavior checklist(ABC), childhood autism rating scale(CARS), the Chinese version of the social communication questionnaire(SCQ) and the Chinese version of Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version Ⅳ scale-parent form(SNAP-Ⅳ) were used to evaluate the core symptoms of ASD and ADHD, respectively. SPSS 26.0 software was used to perform variance, Chi-square test, Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results:The social skills score of ASD group was lower than ADHD group ((61.53±24.26) vs (80.89±15.19), P<0.05), while the problem behavior score of ASD group was higher than ADHD group ((38.82±11.92) vs (34.00±12.45), P<0.05). In ASD group, the scores of ABC, CARS and SCQ were negatively correlated with the score of social skills ( r=-0.26--0.55, P<0.05). In ADHD group, the total score and each subscale of SNAP-Ⅳ were positively correlated with the score of problem behavior ( r=0.25-0.65, P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that empathy was a negative influencing factor of ASD ( B=-0.246, OR=0.782, P<0.05), and hyperactivity/inattention was a positive influencing factor of ASD ( B=0.589, OR=1.802, P<0.01), while only hyperactivity/inattention was a positive influencing factor of ADHD( B=0.779, OR=2.180, P<0.01). Conclusion:Children and adolescents with ASD and ADHD both have defects in social skills and problem behaviors, and these defects are associated with the core characteristics of their respective diseases.
7.Analysis of efficacy and safety of sintilimab combined with SOX regimen in adjuvant treatment of stage Ⅲ gastric cancer
Zhou BAIQUAN ; Liu LIN ; Tang YUFAN ; Wen BINGBING ; Sha YING ; Jia JIAJIA ; Yu KE ; Xu SHUMEI ; Fan RUIFANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(17):870-876
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of sintilimab combined with the SOX regimen for adjuvant treatment of stage Ⅲgastric cancer after D2 radical resection and to provide a reference for individualized clinical treatment.Methods:The clinical data of 245 pa-tients with stage III gastric cancer who underwent D2 radical resection at the 940th Hospital of the Joint Support Force of the People's Liber-ation Army from June 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The 180 patients who received only the SOX regimen were desig-nated the control group,and the 65 patients who received sintilimab combined with the SOX regimen were designated the experimental group.The 3-year disease-free survival(DFS)rate,overall survival(OS)rate,and adverse reactions among the two groups and different sub-groups(HER-2 positive,dMMR,CPS≥5)were compared.Results:The 3-year DFS(81.5%vs.59.4%)and OS(84.6%vs.70.6%)rates in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05).Group analysis showed that in patients with CPS≥5,the 3-year DFS(91.5%vs.67.0%)and OS(95.7%vs.71.6%)rates within the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group(both P<0.05).Intra-group analysis within the experimental group showed that the 3-year DFS rate(91.5%vs.55.6%)and OS rate(95.7%vs.55.6%)of patients with CPS≥5 were significantly better than those of patients with CPS<5(both P<0.05).The overall and grade≥3 incidences of liver and kidney function damage,thyroid dysfunction,colitis,pneumonia,and rash in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05),while the differences in other adverse reactions,including leukopenia were not statistic-ally significant(all P>0.05).Conclusions:Sintilimab combined with the SOX regimen can significantly improve 3-year DFS and OS rates in pa-tients with stage Ⅲ gastric cancer after surgery,especially in the CPS≥5 subgroup,with significant benefits and controllable safety.
8.Study on the Quality Evaluation of Astragalus Membranaceus Pieces in Gansu Based on Different Extraction Methods and In-dex Component Determination
Ke ZHOU ; Wentao CAI ; Huimin ZHU ; Liang NI ; Xianlin ZHANG ; Yi YAO ; Shijia LIU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(8):1066-1074
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the content of multiple components in Astragalus membranaceus,compare the content differences of Astragalus membranaceus in different regions and with different extraction methods in Gansu,and e-valuate the quality of Astragalus membranaceus from different origins of Gansu.METHODS Astragalus membranaceus samples from 40 origins in Gansu were collected on site.The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ,Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,Ononin,Form-ononetin and Calycosin was determined by HPLC external standard method,and the quality differences of Astragalus membranaceus from 40 origins of Gansu were analyzed by combining bar graphs and line graphs.RESULTS Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City showed high Astragaloside Ⅳ content in both extraction methods,indicating that the Astragalus membranaceus in these two regions has advantages in Astragaloside Ⅳ as an active component;for Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,although the performance of different regions in different extraction methods was different,in general,Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City and Longnan City showed high content in both extraction methods.Water extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,while alcohol extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Astragalo-side Ⅳ,Calycosin and Ononin.CONCLUSION The content of chemical components of Astragalus membranaceus from different ori-gins is quite different,and the choice of extraction method has a significant effect on the content of active components,while the change trend of different compounds in the two extraction methods is basically the same.The established HPLC multi-component content de-termination method of Astragalus membranaceus is stable and reliable,which can provide a scientific basis for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus medicinal materials.
9.GLP-1RA induces time-dependent depression-like behaviors through neurotransmitter imbalance
Lian LIU ; Ke XU ; Mintian ZHOU ; Jia LIU ; Feifei LIN ; Fang FANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(8):664-671
Objective:This study aimed to investigate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RAs) on the emotional behaviors in wild-type mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods:The study consisted of two parts.(1) Drug effect evaluation: C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to saline, semaglutide, or liraglutide groups. After 4 weeks of continuous subcutaneous administration, anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated by the open field tests and elevated plus maze, and depression-like behaviors were assessed by the forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Neurotransmitter levels, including NE, DA, 5-HT, GABA, and glutamate, were measured in target brain regions using LC-MS/MS. Hypothalamic activation subregions were identified by c-fos immunohistochemistry.(2) Time-course analysis: Mice received short-term administration(2 weeks), long-term administration(4 weeks), or drug withdrawal(assessed 4 weeks post-withdrawal). Behavioral performance, hypothalamic neurotransmitter levels, and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone were measured.Results:Compared with the saline group, both GLP-1RAs significantly prolonged immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Multiple brain regions exhibited neurotransmitter abnormalities, including marked reductions in hypothalamic norepinephrine, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid levels. Both GLP-1RAs significantly increased c-fos positive cell counts in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Time-course analysis revealed that short-term administration did not induce depressive phenotypes, whereas long-term administration led to depression-like behaviors, which recovered after drug withdrawal. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone levels were elevated even after short-term treatment and remained high after drug withdrawal, while hypothalamic neurotransmitter abnormalities normalized upon withdrawal.Conclusion:GLP-1RAs induce depression-like behaviors in a time-dependent manner, with neurotransmitter imbalance and persistent hyperactivation of the HPA axis likely contributing to the pathophysiological mechanism.
10.Research Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Menstrual Migraine
Juan-juan AI ; Li ZHOU ; Zi-han LIU ; Ying CHEN ; Xu-ran ZHANG ; Ke-gang CAO
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(14):2391-2400
Menstrual migraine is a specific subtype of migraine unique to women,closely related to the menstrual cycle,characterized by periodic and intractable headaches,often accompanied by nausea,vomiting or photophobia and phonophobia,which seriously affects life and has a high degree of disability.Its pathogenesis is complex,involving multi-dimensional regulation such as estrogen fluctuations,neurovascular responses and genetic and environmental factors,but the specific mechanism has not been fully clarified.In recent years,with the increasing social attention to women's health,the clinical research demand for menstrual migraine has become increasingly urgent.Currently,modern medicine can alleviate symptoms through acute drug intervention(such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,triptans)and preventive treatment(such as beta-blockers,CGRP antagonists),but there are problems such as drug dependence and insufficient individualization.Traditional Chinese medicine,based on the"holistic concept"and"syndrome differentiation and treatment"theory,regulates the balance of qi,blood,yin and yang through therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture,showing unique advantages in improving symptoms and preventing recurrence.The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine can optimize the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects through synergistic effects,but the full-cycle prevention and treatment strategy still needs further exploration.This article systematically reviews the pathogenesis and research progress of treatment of menstrual migraine in traditional Chinese and Western medicine,emphasizes the interaction between hormone fluctuations and neurovascular responses,and proposes an individualized intervention plan based on the menstrual cycle,providing new ideas for clinical practice and reference directions for future research.

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